Page 28 - Scholarship Guide Feb 2020

26 MELANIE TEO

What made you decide to How have you been able to use
choose your course in your what you learned in school for
university? your job?
Despite being a science student during my My studies have enabled me to think critically
days in Junior College, my diverse curriculum and respond rapidly to most situations here. I
allowed me to gain access to many books am also able to articulate my thoughts with
and articles on governance and policy- greater logic and clarity as we were often
making. Through this, I developed a strong given opportunities to be involved actively in
academic interest in these topics and decided healthy debates.
to pursue a career that involves policy-
making. I therefore pursued my degree in
Political Science. These skills are particularly useful during
work discussions as they equipped me with
the willingness and confi dence to stand up
Have your views/expectations and express CAAS’ position, so as to better CAAS Overseas Undergraduate
changed once you stepped out achieve our intended objectives. It has also Scholarship
Melanie Teo
into the working world? been useful in problem solving, considering
the fast-pace and dynamic nature of the
The aviation industry has exceeded my aviation sector. Age
expectations. The work is even more 24
interesting than I thought. CAAS has allowed What kinds of career and
me to gain a diverse range of experiences Attained
including opportunities to go behind the personal development Masters of Arts in Political Science,
scenes, observe 'live' airport operations, opportunities does the Columbia University
explore the latest technological capabilities organization provide its
for airside processes, and plan large-scale Now
showcases and networking events for our scholars? Deputy Manager
industry. CAAS provides its scholars with opportunities (Aviation Development – Apron & Cargo),
to learn about every aspect of the Aviation Industry
How are you enjoying your organisation’s operations. From
time at the company? National Junior College
It has been good! I have learned a lot from Internal job rotations are available every 2
my colleagues, supervisors, and industry years for us to gain exposure and understand
CAAS’ role in the different areas of work.
partners about the aviation industry and There are also opportunities to be seconded
how it ticks. Yet, I know this is only the tip
of the iceberg and there is so much more that to other aviation or transport-related
the sector can teach me. I have also met new organisations to allow us to gain extensive
people throughout the course of my work job experiences and a broader perspective.
There are always opportunities to participate
whom I am glad to call my friends today.
in or lead events and projects. We can even
go beyond the shore of Singapore to learn and
What are the most challenging exchange experience and best practices with
responsibilities you have and international counterparts.
how do you cope with them?
I think the most challenging responsibility Did you always intend to have
is working with different industry partners a study abroad experience and
and maintaining a balance between different what was it like?
stakeholders’ varied interests to ensure that
collective benefi ts are achieved for the whole Yes. I always intended to study abroad due to
industry. the nature of the academic discipline I wanted
to pursue for my undergraduate studies, i.e.
Political Science . I wanted to be able to learn
from the experts in renowned institutions.

Studying abroad was a great experience. I
found it very eye-opening. It exposed me
to different educational systems, cultures,
people, and I managed to have many enriching
life experiences in the process.