2324T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Rachel Lim

About Rachel

SMU email: rachel.lim.2020@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljoeelim/
Academic Year: Year 4 (2020)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Major in Digitalisation and Cloud Solutions & Business Analytics)

Why Virtual TSM?

• What motivates you to join TSM?

As a final year student, I hope to create an experience that is hard to come by and meaningful friendships. Being a student has provided me valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, organization and communication. However, I realized students like myself are comfortable in a lower-context environment where professors provide us specific instructions. TSM will provide a valuable opportunity for me to learn from seniors on how they embrace the enterprising spirit and their journey to find their calling. I aspire to do the school proud by navigating uncertainties with grit as I embark on my career and discover my calling.

• Where would you like to visit?

Silicon Valley: Google, Netflix, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Zoom, Agrihood

Starting a business

• What types of business interest you?

I am interested in business with technology that provide value to users and continues to strive for social good. For example, I recently read about the project who achieved first in the Huawei Tech Contest. The project involved building a smart traffic light that gives seniors and people with disabilities more time to cross the road safely. Although this solution is at an early stage and not a full-bloom business, their motivation to use technology to serve the vulnerable group was commendable. I hope to be in a business with technology that uplifts people's lives.

• What plans do you have in starting a business?

Recently, my friend resigned from her corporate job and embarked on a breathwork course overseas to be certified as a freelance instructor. She had to rely on close contacts to start a small class in Singapore. This inspired me to envision a business that serves as a platform to connect budding freelancers and entrepreneurs with potential customers. Another idea I had in mind was to start a yoga business that provides a safe space for people to relieve stress. Unlike other yoga business, I hope to use technology to set up a community space for people to share their stories and forge friendships through shared experience in yoga.

Past Experiences (optional)

Internships:

• Accenture - Role: Analytics Practitioner Intern under Strategy and Consulting Years May '23 - Aug '23
• Kydon Group - Role: Product Management Intern Years May '22 - Jul '22

CCA:

• SMU Ballare