Jessica's journey only just beginning

Graduations | Singapore

A life-changing trip to India has been the catalyst for young Singapore worker and student Jessica Lim to reach her highest potential.

Jessica has been completing two University of Adelaide Masters' courses while working full-time, and graduated in one (the Master of Business Administration, or MBA) at the recent ceremony at the Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre.

Currently an Accounting Manager with major multinational chemical company Degussa Construction Chemicals, Jessica is also on track to graduate with her Master of Applied Finance (or MAF) from the University of Adelaide in December this year.

Born and raised in Malaysia, Jessica said after completing her undergraduate accounting degree at the Sydney University of Technology in 2000, she took a break of five months and worked in India as a social volunteer.

"The trip to India changed my life entirely," Jessica said. "I worked as a relief team member helping the earthquake victims in Gujarat, and I also travelled to other cities like Bombay and Madras where I helped the poor and sick in the slums. I came back with a new perspective on life and was more certain about what I wanted to do and achieve in my life and career."

Jessica then came to Singapore and worked at KPMG Singapore for three years. After marrying, she took up her position with Degussa, a German company recognised as one of the global market leader in speciality chemicals.

She said her MBA and MAF help her in her current position, particularly in areas such as presentation, writing, teamwork and interpersonal skills - but more importantly, she says the journey associated with completing the programs is helping her to reach her highest individual potential.

"My overall goal is to get the most out of my life, and to have the biggest impact I can," she said. "For me, the journey in achieving success is more valuable than the success itself, because it is the journey that teaches me discipline, builds my character and through the MBA and MAF programs I am able to get to know different people from different industries and walks of life."

Story by Ben Osborne