Page 73 - Scholarship Guide Feb 2020

JOLYN TAN 71

What do you think set you is properly reclaimed and that storm water identity and pride as a Singaporean. It was
does not cause any fl ooding. This translates
apart from the rest of the into always thinking of how any operations also through living overseas that I got to better
appreciate the effi ciency and cleanliness in
candidates applying for a or incidents can have impact to the water Singapore.
scholarship? system, both upstream and downstream. The
reservoirs, waterworks, service reservoirs,
I think that the NEW internship allowed sewers are all intricately linked to each other in
the organisation to get to know me better our water loop. The work we do here at PUB
(through the assessment of my supervisors), ensures that our system resilience is constantly
which would have given me an advantage examined and improved by rethinking work
over applicants who went through the usual processes. Of course, any sudden changes to
selection rounds. In the same vein, the 6 weeks operations or incidents can lead to high stress
also gave me a deeper understanding of PUB’s situations, where information needs to be
operations, which would have aided in my gathered from various parties while swiftly
responses during the selection interview. coordinating response plans. I have learnt
from my experience thus far that it is pertinent
Nonetheless, I think that it is not so much to remain calm and objective even during
about “standing out”, but rather being a good these stressful time, so as to best manage the
fi t for the company. Being genuine and sincere situation. It also helps tremendously to have
helps the organisation assess accurately the fi t colleagues who are able to guide me during
between the applicant and the organisation, these situations. After everything has been
which will benefi t both parties in the long resolved, there is a great sense of fulfi lment
term. Be clear about what your strengths are, for working things out. National Environment & Water
how you can contribute to the organisation,
then let the organisation decide if that is what (NEW) Scholarship
Jolyn Tan
they require. What kinds of career and
personal development Age
How are you enjoying your opportunities does the 24
time at the company? organization provide its staff?
My time at the Joint Operations Department As earlier mentioned, the various internships I Attained
so far has been very fulfi lling and enjoyable. did during as an undergraduate at PUB helped Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical
The past 6 months have been a steep learning me to learn more in depth the work at different Engineering),
curve, but I am glad that I get to work with departments. At the same time, through PUB, NUS
what fi rst piqued the interest of my 19 year I had the opportunity to attend Singapore Now
old self – the entire water system. As the Joint International Water Week in 2018. It was an
Operations Manager at the Joint Operations eye-opening experience, seeing global leaders Engineer, Joint Operations Department
Centre (JOC), my role is to optimise and come together to discuss water issues, as well
oversee cross-cutting operations at a system as learning about advanced water technology From
level. Along with my colleagues from the used abroad. PUB also places emphasis on Hwa Chong Institution
other operation cells in the JOC, I manage and continual learning. The establishment of
oversee all water-related issues in Singapore the Singapore Water Academy provides a
– from pipe leaks and fl oods, to sewer chokes, platform for her employees to learn more and
as well as planning for water supply. Dealing upgrade one’s skills. There are also chances for
with operations also means that work is internal job rotations, such that employees
dynamic and fast-paced, so the work every can be exposed to different aspects of the
day is different. The complexity of our water water system.
system also means that there is always more
to learn, keeping me constantly engaged at Did you always intend to have
work. I am very thankful that my colleagues
have been very patient in answering my a study abroad experience and
questions, sharing their wealth of experience what was it like?
with me.
Yes, while I wanted to study locally, I also
knew that I wanted to have a taste of studying
What are the most challenging abroad. I had the opportunity to take part
responsibilities you have and in a year-long exchange at Imperial College
how do you cope with them? London. This exchange allowed me to “see the
world” (literally and metaphorically) – to visit
Undoubtedly, the most challenging sites which I learned about from textbooks
responsibility of my job is ensuring that or documentaries, as well as to learn about
Singapore will always have good water to other cultures. Living in a city as cosmopolitan
drink and use 24/7, 365 days a year. At the as London helped me to better appreciate
same time, it is necessary to ensure used water and accept diversity, while strengthening my