Vera Jin
Nationality: Singapore
Current Job: Senior Advisor to the Board of Sopra Steria Asia, Singapore
Graduation: Faculty of Engineering, Year 2000
Undergraduate: Hohai University, China
"Quote from Nike's tagline: JUST DO IT!"
In retrospect, would you still have chosen to do a PhD? Why?
Of course! Pursuing my PhD afforded me the opportunity to dive into my favourite areas of research and apply my acquired knowledge to humanity’s benefit. I built up critical analytics and independent research skills during the PhD days.
On hindsight, would you still have chosen NUS to do your PhD?
NUS is an international renowned university. Being a PhD student, it opened doors to me for cross-disciplinary research, and I received funding for international exposure.
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research topic for your PhD?
Yes, I’d chose the same subjects. My Master’s Degree was in Operational Research and it was my passion that drove me towards Applied Artificial Intelligence in the late 90s. I had 3 months of sleepless nights submerged in papers before my Eureka moment. That experience benefited me for life – determination and perseverance are key!
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research supervisor for your PhD?
My supervisor guided me on both Academic and Career choices.
How did your experiences as a graduate student shape and guide you in your current career?
I was grateful to the research program and the co-support from my professors; my research topic was appreciated and indeed has been deployed in Singapore’s road management system since 2002. The analytical, research and presentation skills I gained during the PhD program benefited me later during my professional career.
Suggest 2 or 3 things that graduate students should do to prepare for their professional careers?
1. Know the subject domain, industry trend, and have a vision
2. Know the professional people in the domain and seek their advices
3. Know self’s strength and choose one you have passion with
What advice would you give someone considering doing his/her PhD at NUS?
1. Maximise the years on campus to mingle with students across different colleges
2. Let early internship experience guide one on industrial trends
3. Enjoy the campus life
Any other words of wisdom to share?
Quote from Nike’s tagline: JUST DO IT!