1920T2 NewYorkCity/Participant Information/Jolene Teah

About Jolene

SMU email: Jolene.teah.2018@sis.smu.edu.sg
Facebook: Jolene Teah
LinkedIn: Jolene Teah
Academic Year: 2019, Year 2
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Information Systems)
Majors: Business Analytics & Cybersecurity
Applying for Subsidy: Yes

Why TSM New York City

What makes you want to join TSM

Technopreneurship is the new breed of entrepreneurship. I am intrigued by how companies are able to transform industries by harnessing the heft and capability of technology and commercializing new ideas. Getting exposure to the entrepreneurship scene by immersing myself in the city is truly the best way to gain a better understanding of the eco-system leading to start-ups. To be able to interact with successful people in the field is really a phenomenal experience, allowing me to gain insights on what it takes to be a successful technopreneur.

As a budding entrepreneur with a passion for new technology and innovative ideas, I am excited to see how technopreneurs worldwide are pushing the frontiers of innovation. I am certain this opportunity will propel me closer towards my goal, launching a tech start-up. Bonding with like-minded peers who share common aspirations on the other side of the world is also quite refreshing!

Why pick New York City?

Renowned for its vibrant and diverse tech start-up scene, I am inspired by the seemingly limitless opportunity and energy of the city, the places and the people. People are known to be open and hungry for new ideas and concepts. A key aspect of Why New York would be the city's deep root in diverse industries. I aspire to see how all these different industries can uniquely fit in the New York culture and see they have made entrepreneurship is accessible to anyone from any background. Being able to witness how the New York culture thrives in technopreneurship while maintaining a relatively healthy gender balance would be a dream come true for me.

Starting a Business

What types of business interest you?
Having been exposed to technology at a young age and given the opportunity to pursue my passion is not a privilege I take lightly. However, girls in many countries still lag behind boys in terms of access to and use of information and communication technologies. As a result, women are vastly underrepresented in STEM jobs and this gender imbalance needs to be addressed. I aspire to launch a startup focusing on empowering women, supporting them with the access and community they need to succeed in tech.

What plan do you have in starting a business?
To learn more from veterans in the field, I stepped out of my comfort zone to join The Mentoring Circle. Speaking to seniors and mentors gave me great insights into the start-up scene while building relationships and networks. Knowing how essential practical industry-related experience is, I also signed up for GII Summer Internship to gain greater exposure by interning at firms in San Francisco or China. In my free time, I also actively research on my target audience and the market. I also constantly remind myself to not be afraid of failures and always be willing to take risks. To aim high and dream big, maintaining an entrepreneur mindset.

Past Experiences

Past Work Experience
2018-2019 Interned at start-up, Japasvc
2018 Customer Service Agent at Singapore Powers
2017 Worked at start-up, The Daily Cut

SMU Activities
Microsoft Ai for Good Hackathon - represented HelloHolo
The Mentoring Circle - Mentee
SMU Windsurfing - Level 1 Certification Course
Organizing Committee Metamorphosis Camp
Organizing Committee Sports Camp
Project Beyond Border 8
SMUX Winter Trekking Expedition to Nepal's Annapurna Base Camp (broke my personal record - 6 days of no shower :-))

What keeps you ticking

The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. —William James

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