How I charted my career using knowledge, adaptability and a passion for economics

Background 

Growing up in China, I witnessed rapid economic growth, lived through the 2003 SARS outbreak, and experienced the 2008 global financial crisis. These events sparked my deep curiosity about the economic principles that drive societal progress. My parents, who have extensive experience and significant success in the business world, further influenced my interest. However, their limited understanding of economic development led them to miss many opportunities for advancement. This realisation highlighted the importance of economics in explaining how societies function and identifying growth opportunities.

Academic journey 

During my university years studying at the Singapore Institute of Management, I delved deep into the economics and finance fields. The University of London programme equipped me with the knowledge and skills to analyse market trends and forecast the future of the social economy. This foundation deepened my understanding of various social phenomena and proved invaluable in my analytical work within the shipping industry. My undergraduate studies ignited a profound interest in economics, motivating me to pursue a master’s to explore this field further. 

Much of my academic journey was conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required me to adapt to independent study while managing various distractions. This experience honed my self-directed learning skills and strengthened a sense of accountability. I was fortunate to receive support from friends and professors, especially Jia Jin, Seng Zhan, and Jin Yuan, whose companionship has made a lasting impact. 

I am immensely grateful to Dr Wong Wan Hoong, who played a crucial role in my academic development. Despite our limited physical contact during the pandemic, Dr Wong responded promptly and patiently to my inquiries. He provided invaluable guidance on pursuing a master’s, motivating me in my studies and various aspects of life. Dr Wong’s influence has been instrumental in my journey, for which I am truly thankful. 

Career journey and inspirations 

After graduating from SIM in 2022, I became an analyst at ZIM, a container shipping company in China. I was attracted to the remarkable resilience of the shipping sector during the pandemic. While numerous industries faced hardships, shipping not only survived but thrived. Working at ZIM broadened my perspectives and deepened my understanding of global trade dynamics, revealing the complex interplay of supply and demand that drives the world economy. My academic background in economics equipped me with the analytical tools to understand economic operations, allowing me to forecast market trends by examining market signals, including government policies. 

In the first half of 2024, the shipping market underwent significant changes, with ocean freight rates rising sharply. Despite robust demand and container shortage, major shipping companies increased their investments in new ships, leading to a surge in transportation capacity that exceeded market demand the world over. Interestingly, freight rates continued to climb even as the government implemented measures to control them. This situation made me realise that my knowledge was insufficient for accurately understanding market trends, prompting me to leave my full-time job after two years to pursue a master's in economics in UK. 

Advice and reflections

As a fellow young adult to another, my advice would be to avoid limiting your career plans and stay open to opportunities. Your future jobs may not always align with your undergraduate field, but the knowledge you gained during your studies remains relevant. For instance, although I initially envisioned a career in banking or financial institutions, I found that knowledge of economics acquired in my SIM-University of London programme was essential for my analytical work in shipping. Seemingly unrelated at first glance, shipping and economics are closely intertwined. 

In your free time, consider attending vocational lectures offered by educational institutions such as SIM or LSE. These sessions can significantly expand your perspectives on potential career paths and provide valuable insights into different industries. Additionally, exploring internships in your chosen field of interest provides a first-hand insight into the nature of work, the company’s organisational structure, and potential career paths. Most importantly, these experiences help determine whether you are well-suited for a particular industry and if it genuinely captivates your interest.

I pursued a bachelor’s in Economics and Finance due to my lifelong passion for the subject. What about you?