In our next edition of the Graduate Series, we had the chance to meet the SMU-SPH Valedictorian of the Class of 2019, Eugene Tan, and learn more about his SMU journey as he navigated the narrows of life in SMU. Eugene has a keen passion in investments and consulting, both in the private and public markets. He has had stints as a Summer Investment Analysts at Golden Gate Ventures, SEGNEL Ventures and 1823 Ventures. Take a quick peek at his LinkedIn profile and you will find that Eugene has achieved many things while managing to constantly give back to the SMU community. He was a mentor in the 1st Circle of The Mentoring Circle and was also the Head of the School of Accountancy Peer Tutors programme.
What was life like for you as an SMU undergraduate?
Looking back, I can sum up my SMU journey as one that was exciting and enlightening! Each year was refreshing and exciting for me, with new experiences from new CCAs, overseas community service projects, or simply just from meeting new people.
On top of that, I’ve always been a huge fan of the interactive pedagogy we have in the SMU classrooms. The seminar-style learning allowed both the professor and students to bounce ideas off each other. This two-way engagement was what made classes far more interesting and insightful for me. That said, the journey was challenging at times, but it revealed to me how I could further improve areas in my life to develop myself holistically and better prepare myself for the future.
Tell us about your special moments in SMU!
The best time for me would be my overseas exchange programme where I had the opportunity to study at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton Business School). I saw this as a great opportunity to learn more about the finance industry and I wanted to make the most of this experience. Through the rigour of school, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of the finance industry in the United States and I took away many key lessons that I believe will be useful at my workplace. Besides the academic rigour, I was also able to have loads of fun travelling around the United States, particularly to Yosemite! It was a good break for me amidst the semester and I thoroughly enjoyed the breath-taking sights.
What were your feelings as you were about to graduate, and when you had graduated?
I was looking forward to commencing a new phase in my life – work. During my final year, I was eager to begin applying what I had learnt during my time as an undergraduate. Moreover, my internship experiences further inspired me to go out there, start working and learn even more.
Having graduated, I do miss some of the moments in SMU, but at the same time, I feel confident heading into the workforce after being equipped with the necessary foundational skills developed in my time in school.
How did it feel to be the recipient of the SMU-SPH Valedictorian?
To be frank, it felt surreal. However, it also became clear to me that it was because of the help and support I received from my professors, friends and family over the past four years that allowed me to achieve what I had today. This award looks beyond pure academic achievement and takes into account the candidate’s contribution to the school and to the wider community. These were some of the goals that I had set for myself at the start of my university education four years ago, and I am truly deeply humbled and thankful to be selected for this award.
How did you find your calling as an Associate Consultant at Bain & Company?
Throughout the first three years of my university life, I never once thought that I would end up working in a management consulting company. I was passionate about Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital; I centered my internships and learning in these areas, being fully confident that I would eventually look for roles in those areas. However, life had other plans for me, and I stumbled upon Management Consulting and began casing with my friends in Y4S1. Doors were eventually opened, and I managed to find a spot at Bain & Company (somehow). I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to work here!
Was it difficult changing career interests in your last year in SMU?
Of course, it was! In spite of that, I had good friends who were interested in Consulting and we were able to case together. I learnt a lot from them during the process of casing together and that helped me to prepare adequately for the interviews!
What attracted me to Management Consulting was how challenging, yet enriching the experience was. I wanted a field where I would be constantly learning and gaining new skills – and Consulting provided all of these benefits.
It was definitely difficult to enter the Consulting industry with practically no background in it. My friends taught me well and I was able to pick up skills along the way because of them. Furthermore, consulting skills overlap with a lot of basic skills that one acquires from other internships too – such as being analytical, entrepreneurial and logical. Thus, it wasn’t totally foreign to me! Till this day, I still greatly appreciate the experiences I’ve gained while I was still interested in venture capital and entrepreneurship!
What’s a typical day at work like?
A day at work can be characterized as intense but fulfilling. I feel engaged each day as I go to work as I’m often given different work streams that allow me to pick up a range of skill sets. That said, the days can be long and challenging – but that’s part and parcel of the training to build up greater capacity and resilience for work, which I appreciate as well.
The exciting part about being a Consultant is that I’m always working on new industries and work streams. It’s never boring. In fact, no two days are the same at work!
On the topic of mentoring, were there lightbulb moments when you were being mentored/mentored others?
Starting off as a freshman in SMU, I had many uncertainties and doubts with regards to the curriculum and modules I was required to clear. However, I was fortunate to have a mentor who constantly looked out for me and helped me with my module planning. This same mentor went on to be someone whom I could bounce ideas off and discuss other bigger decisions like internships, jobs, CCAs and OCSPs with, which I benefitted greatly from.
As a mentor, I’ve observed that the most rewarding moments are when you see the positive impacts of your actions on your mentee. These actions may not necessarily be big and life-changing ones, but if they stem from a heart that cares for and genuinely seeks to help, it goes a long way in impacting your mentee. The impacts may sometimes come in the form of successes in their lives, be it securing good internships and jobs or just making good day-to-day decisions on school-related matters.
Describe mentoring in one sentence.
Mentoring requires having a genuine heart of care and concern to run alongside someone as a friend yet having the expertise and knowledge to also serve as a more experienced adviser to offer valuable input.
Concluding Remarks
Advice to undergraduates:
Set your goals – Take a step back from the daily rigor of school and think about what you would like to achieve during your time at SMU! It is easier to work towards your goals when you are clear about what you want. It could be building a technical skill set or character building, both of which are useful as you transition to the work force.
Learn to take setbacks well – Look at them as opportunities for growth and work hard at improving yourself! There will be many setbacks both in school and at work in the future; your response to these situations will determine how much you learn and grow from them.
Have fun – Take time to do what you love (in moderation)! Doing what you love from time to time makes you happier and improves your mental state of being, which subsequently drives productivity as well!
Lastly, enjoy your time and freedom in University!
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