1718T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/ClaraChong
| HOME | | COURSE | | ITINERARY | | ROLE | | TEAM | | ORGANIZATION | | REFLECTION |
Contents
About Clara
SMU email: clara.chong.2014@socsc.smu.edu.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarageous
Academic Year: Year 4
Degree: Social Sciences (Psychology)
2nd Major: Corporate Communications
Applying for Subsidy & Interested in Internship: Definitely yes!
Right place, Right time: I am an aspiring tech entrepreneur and I was already planning to go Silicon Valley for my grad trip to check the scene & build networks when this opportunity presented itself so I'm very excited :")!
Currently: Interning as a UI Designer & Research at a Tech Startup + Doing a Psychology Thesis on the Culture of Busyness + being a regular student + a Teaching Assistant for my Professor for 2 years now + Leading a Cell Group in church for 5 years now + on track to graduate with first-class honours
I just came back from a 6.5 months exchange in California actually! <3 Click claraforniadreamin' to see my adventures (:
Why TSM Silicon Valley?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
For the longest time, I've known that being an entrepreneur was a career path that I'll eventually take. Many factors contribute to this:
1. My dad is a successful entrepreneur in China and my role model in terms of my career aspirations.
2. I am currently enjoying my internship at a tech company very much. My role involves conceptualising and designing digital user manuals for app users and improving user experience for existing clients.
3. I like that the tech industry is always evolving at a fast pace because as a wise senior once told me, "the tech industry is a constantly changing landscape and you can jump in at any point and pick up from there and possible make a difference."
4. Literally, this opportunity dropped at a point in my life that couldn't have been more timely because I was already planning to go and I think that I'll learn a lot from TSM SV in terms of exposure and the collaborations between SMU students compared to going there by myself.
- Why pick Silicon Valley?
My *really far and ideal* future goal is to migrate to California, possibly Silicon Valley to start my company there. In the near future, I intend to take a MBA or a specialised Tech grad programme (hopefully at Stanford) or any of the colleges in California. Furthermore, I've been doing my research about incubator programs in SV and i intend to apply for some in the future. Basically, the question to ask is, why not pick Silicon Valley? ;P To me, it is the perfect place to learn about the tech industry (:
- Ideal Role in the Trip
I'll love to be the Silicon Valley Companies Co-ordinator because I have a strong interest in understanding and liaising with these companies who could potentially be my employers. :) My love for meeting new people and making new meaningful connections tells me that I'll be perfect for this role :)
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
Currently, my specific interests are in the Media and Comms Tech industry - businesses that transforms social interaction using technology.
Nonetheless, I am generally interested in companies that want to make an impact on the world via technology.
- What plan do you have in starting a business?
I have a close friend who is a developer and doing the NUS NOC Programme in Israel. We are thinking of taking the next year to develop our business ideas (we have a few ideas for the travel and comms industry) before pitching them to VCs in the future.
I could also see myself working for more tech companies first and then starting my own company when I have more experience in the tech industry. However, my friend and I eventually would like to start our own tech company together.
Past Experiences (optional)
- President of Uni-Y SMU 2016
- Awards won: SMU Excellence in Student Life Gold Award (Individual) 2017, SMU Excellence in Student Life Gold Award (Club) 2017, YMCA-Lim Kim San Volunteer Excellence Award 2017
- SMU Social Science Dean’s List 2016
- Vocalist in SMU M.I.C (Aug 2014 - Dec 2016)
- Psychology Research Assistant 2016
- Media & Communications Intern at YMCA Singapore (May - Aug 2015)
- Transaction Specialist at Microsoft-Arvato (Jan - Apr 2014)
What keeps you ticking?
- Knowing that we can always care more and do more to make a difference in the world
- I love to sing, have been singing since 3 and in choir for a long time so I love exploring new genres of music too
- Loving others and Loving God :)
