Talk:1718T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Applicant

1. About Kaelyn

This is me!

• SMU email: yyzhuo.2016@business.smu.edu.sg
• Facebook: Yunying Kaelyn
• Academic Year: Year 2
• Degree: Business Management (Operations Management)
• 2nd Major: Analytics
• One random fact: I have a roommate from Bulgaria!
• Applying for Subsidy: Yes
• Positions Held:

1. SMU 14th SMU International Connections Executive Committee, SMU 6th International Connections Management Committee (2017-2018)
2. Events Director of SMarketing (2017-2018)
3. Operation Director for Global Village, SMU International Connections Signature Event (2017)
4. Member of Devera (2016 – 2017)

2. Why TSM Silicon Valley

What motivates me to join this study mission?

• First and foremost, after I have discovered my passion for entrepreneurship and IT in JC, I always aspire to go to Silicon Valley. As compared to NUS, we do not have Overseas Colleges to Stanford University and thus I thought I could not have any chance to visit Silicon Valley in my university days in SMU. Guess what, TSM opportunity came and I had not hesitated at all to sign up for this!
• Next, I am very curious to find out more about the role of analytics in the general tech scene in Silicon Valley. Various giant start-ups worldwide have heavily invested in analytics which is an extremely powerful role to scale up any business.
• Thirdly, I am interested to find out more about the behind-the-scenes for companies in Silicon Valley. This could widen my perspective in tech industry and allow me to gain valuable lessons in start-ups.

Why pick Silicon Valley?

As the start-up heaven, Silicon Valley is the perfect place for me to learn about the everyday life of entrepreneurs. This could provide me the chance to talk to investors, directors and employees in various well-known companies!

Ideal Role

1. Organizing Company Visits
2. Hotel Info/Room assignment & attendance/Insurance
3. Treasurer

3. Starting a Business

What types of business interest you?

1. Health & Fitness
2. Nutrition
3. Analytics

What plan do you have in starting a business?

Currently, I have plans to start my business in the nutrition and fitness sector. I am still improving on my business plan and looking forward to pitch to potential investors.

4. Past Experiences

Analytics

• I have learnt to use Tableau and SAS Enterprise Guide in my modules. Beyond classroom setting, I am currently learning python with my Year 1 freshies and advanced analytics skills on Tableau and SQL online!

Entrepreneurship

• Previously, I started a short-term ecommerce project in cosmetics before university. Through the ecommerce project, I have sourced various suppliers for the cosmetics and looked for shipping methods on my own. Within one month, I manage to hit a high revenue of $5000.
• I have attended various workshops under Real Business and Devera. This allows me to gain exposure in entrepreneurship!
• As the Business Development intern at honestbee, I was exposed to the rapid working pace at the online concierge and delivery service company. Within 3 months of internship, I managed to close more than 110 partnerships. Throughout the internship, I learnt to pitch my business ideas, communicate well with clients and eventually achieve the long-term business interests of honestbee. I definitely enjoy working in any start-ups like Honestbee!

Honours and Awards

• Shirin Fozdar Scholarship, 2017
• Dean’s List, 2016/2017
• Second Runner-Up, Youth Innovation Challenge 2015

4. What keeps you ticking?

• Learning new things everyday!
• Meeting people from very diverse backgrounds!