1415T1g1 Silicon Vallley/Participant Information/Aaron Mak

About Aaron

Academic Year: 2
Degree: Business Administration
Interests: Guitar, scuba diving, reading, developing websites, investing, (developing interest in drawing).
CCA: Assistant Director of Internal Affairs for Conjunct Consulting
One random fact: I was in the TAF club.
Something that pisses me off on the news: Opinions by ‘experts’.
Something that pisses me off online: Selfies with unrelated captions.

Find me here:
Facebook, Twitter, Blog (Try not to be too harsh, I just started writing.)

Why TSM Silicon Valley?

What motivates you to join TSM?

TSM will give me a better understanding of what it takes to run a successful startup. Having co-founded one before, and failed, this TSM presents a huge opportunity to learn and also share my past experiences with those going for the trip.

Why pick Silicon Valley?

Having been to Silicon Valley for the Lean Startup Conference once, I've never visited another place in the world where everyone is so crazy about creating companies that could potentially change the world. I love the people, the food and the culture of the place. This might be partly influenced by my uncle who lives near the Apple HQ and works in Apple :p

Ideal role in the trip

Designer/Itinerary Planner

Internship Opportunities

What types of internship opportunities interest you?

I'd like to intern in a company that has a great company culture and strong core values. Preferably a startup that is involved in the education industry.

Any ideal firms (based in Silicon Valley) that you wish to join?

AltSchool, Remind, Motion Math Games (Google and Apple would be ideal, but I'm sure my chances would be extremely slim.)

Starting a business

What types of business interest you?

I like businesses which exist for a reason. I'm particularly interested in the education sector as I believe that there's much more that can be done to improve the way we are being taught right now.

What plan do you have in starting a business?

I'm starting side projects that won't take up a lot of time right now because of CCA commitments, among other things. Probably a web based app that does not need much maintenance. Either something that assists teachers or teaches something. I will likely only be able to transit to full time running a business after graduating, but who knows?

Past Experiences

Describe your past experience (entrepreneurship, or works in start ups, etc)

I co-founded a startup, Jumpthecut, which won the SMUIA. I was in charge of product development, finance and administration. I worked on it for close to a year before I left due to personal reasons.