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Unpacking your CV
After graduating from junior college back in Singapore, I had to serve two
years with the army where I was promoted to the rank of platoon sergeant
and was directly responsible for leading 27 men. After which, I attend the
University of Manchester to read PPE. I chose to study PPE because I was
really keen to have a firm grounding in all three disciplines and how they play
off each other. Additionally, I felt that such a multidisciplinary degree can
equip me with a better understanding of the way industries work and react to
changes and serve me well in the future especially in industries which require
multi-faceted thinking such as consultancy and real estate. My interest in the
gradual integration of disciplines led me to the topic of my dissertation
altruisim and economics which was a paper which argued for the use of
moral enquiry in economics. In it, I explored the implications of using
neoclassical economic theory to analyse the impacts of monetary incentives
in altruistic markets. In particular, it discusses how monetary incentives can
exacerbate the undersupply of altruistic goods and diminishing their quality.
To counteract the inadequacies of neoclassical theory in policy evaluation
within altruistic markets, an augmented utility function is proposed. Finally,
this paper emphasises that the augmented utility function should be
supplemented with moral enquiry in order to assess the moral worth of goods
which is an important determinant in the augmented function.
I think theres a thread that links all the internships I have done, and its an
interest in property. In 2014, I worked at Wee Hur Holdings, a property
developer in Singapore. During that period, I completed valuation reports on a
parcel of land located along Meyappa Chettiar Road in Singapore for a
residential development. Conducted handover/takeover checks for the
companys industrial development Premier @ Kaki Bukit (2 blocks of 8/9storey multiple-user). In addition, I managed to convince my direct superior to
allow me to join him on a trip to Manila and paid out of my pocket for the trip.
I assisted in resolving the legal issues of the companys overseas
development venture in Manila by attending and participating in meetings
with the legal team overseeing the case.
After my final exams ended in June 2015, I immediately started my internship
with Heron International. Attended several project meetings with the main
contractor for 66 Chiltern Place. Involved with the site inspections for the
Riverwalk residential development. Participated in the evaluation of potential
implications of apartment resale when the project is not fully sold. (Middle
eastern fund bought 13 units but wanted to sell it off before development was
completed which conflicted with the firms interest as there were unsold
units). Upon my graduation, I returned to Wee Hur Holdings as there was a
huge opportunity for me, it had new developments in Brisbane and I was
really eager to be part of it. Completed feasibility studies for an industrial
For the most part I really enjoyed my time there but I feel that I could have
learnt more if my permanent job is at a place where the scope and scale of
real estate investments are larger. Thats why I am very keen to work for
Morgan Stanley where the team handles and assesses a large scope and
scale of real estate both direct and indirect to cater to the risk preferences of
clients. I really enjoyed the job, but I felt at Heron international where they
were only working exclusively on high end residential apartments, the scope
was slightly narrower.
While studying in Manchester, I had noticed that the rental yield of 7-8%
there was significantly greater than that of Singapore, which hovered around
3-4%. I felt that this was both a good opportunity to let and capture some
capital growth especially since the UK economy was rebounding strongly.
Eventually, I convinced my father to sanction the purchase.
I was asked to do a write up for the company and its industrial project for its
marketing website. I was warned that it will be tough to get it approved by
the chairman of the company. So while I was waiting to see if it will be
approved, I also wrote my plan B which incorporated additional details should
the chairman prefers a lengthier version. Indeed, the chairman felt that I did
not include the sufficient number of the companys achievements on the
company write up so I was able to roll out my plan B very quickly.
What have you learnt from your studies that will help you in this
job?
While Mphil REF has equipped me with the practical knowledge required to
start a career in real estate investment with modules like financial modelling
and the fundamentals of real estate finance. I can see how a PPE degree may
not seem like exactly the right qualification. However, I believe the function of
the degree is really to teach you how to think, how to organise your own
learning independently and how to manage your time so you can end up with
a good degree while being involved with club competitions. I believe that PPE
has enabled me to make my own connections between the three disciplines
and the further specialisation in REF will enable me to cope with the rigours of
the working world especially when real estate investment requires
multidisciplinary analysis of macroeconomic and political trends which
extends beyond quantitative and financial analysis. Additionally, I was able to
balance my workload with my volleyball commitment which saw me train up
to 4 times a week when competition is nearing.
Financial times and estate gazette. Increase in stamp duty for luxurious
houses might lead to a slowing down of the residential market, increase in
interest rates, emerging markets, commodities, how chinas slow down might
affect the world.
Responsibility
Decision making
You realise you don't have enough time to complete a task, what
do you do?
Tell me about a time you made an error
Describe a time when you had to make a rapid decision under
pressure
What is the most difficult decision you have had to make recently?
One of the difficult decisions I have to make was to make a really unpopular
one. I had to say no to the volleyball team although they were really
enthusiastic to participate in a competition in York. We were really running on
very little funds and I decided the best thing was to make it known quickly
before they continue to inflate their hopes. I was direct about it letting the
treasurer tell them about our current situation and how the competition will
cost us in terms of travel and accommodation since it would end late and we
were unable to claim from the university. The next task was to remotivate the
team by signing them up for another competition in leeds where the cost was
lower and the university was willing to subsidise.
My leadership skills has been exhibited during my stint in army and as team
manager with the volleyball team. I used attention to detail during my
internships when I was given the task to complete the handover/takeover
checks at the industrial project kaki project and when I had to compare the
tender submissions of the final 2 construction companies at the Brisbane
project.
Communication skills
One of my biggest achievements was getting the best out of people and
knowing I have built a great team/platoon during army. Back then, I was
tasked to be in charge of 27 men, all of whom came from different social
backgrounds and were more experienced than me. They were all pretty
demotivated and viewed army as a time in their life they wish they could get
over with as little pain as possible. Naturally, it was really tough to motivate
them and mould them into an efficient team which will heed my instructions
and commands especially when I was fresh out of command school. Initially,
there was a lot of friction and tension and I struggled to carry out my orders
since I could not disseminate it to my platoon. First, I tried to convince them I
am in this with them and went to trek with them in jungles during missions
when I could have stayed back in my vehicle. Next, I made sure I took care of
their welfare by buying them a meal when we had a good mission, sharing my
better rations with them when they were given bad ones. Finally, I made sure
their welfare is compromised and even stood up for them to a superior when
they were allocated significantly more work unfairly. I have to be careful to
know their duties and not let them step over me, I made sure I was critical
when they did not perform but at the same time, I always took time to explain
why I criticised them after. Have to maintain standards and not alienate them.
In the end, very few people fell out, and we were nominated the best
I am very used to working within tight report structures in the army. Give me
a clear brief and a deadline and I will make sure I get the job done within the
stipulated deadline. I will give progress updates if required but I would not
need to keep asking for advice. For example,
What kind of people do you like to work with? What kind of people
do you least prefer to work with?
I like being around people who are positive and look as if they are passionate
about what they are doing and think about how they can improve the way
they do things. I am afraid I am rather less energised with people who dont
see, to care about what they do as long as they can leave by 5 at the end of
the day.
I would like to talk about the strengths relevant to this job. I think I am
unusual in that I have previously done a multidisciplinary social sciences
degree which has endowed me with the ability to write succinctly and analyse
issues in a different way by drawing connections from other areas. At the
same time, I am currently specialising in real estate finance which is
extremely niche. I believe this complements the skills required to work within
the real estate because it is such a multidisciplinary industry.
Second, I think I am good at handling multiple tasks at the same time and
excelling in them. Back at university, I had 4 training sessions a week and
continued excelling in my studies. Additionally, I am responsible and go out of
the way to make sure I complete any tasks allocated to me. For example, I
broke my ankle during my second year mid-way during the season. Instead of
stepping down as the team manager since I could no longer played, I stayed
on to continue managing the team from the side-lines. It was painful at times
being unable to play on court, however, I recognise that the team would have
no adequate replacement if I left halfway throughout the season and that
would have been hugely irresponsible.
The interviewer wants to know how effective you are at articulating your
recommendations and in defending your opinions. This is an important part of
being an investment professional. A great way to answer this question is to
state whom you were trying to convince and why they opposed your point of
view. Then highlight how you overcame this. For example: I supported my
analysis by outlining the potential risks... Finish your example with
measurable and tangible results.
Why are you interested in the buyside and not the sell side?
Refer to closer interaction with portfolio managers, more input into the
investment decisions and dedicated focus on performing investment analysis
instead of marketing and writing investment reports.
I rarely get angry, but I can get frustrated when we outsource tasks out to
people and they let us down badly without a valid excuse. I believe it is
important to ensure there is a good system in place in terms of progress
reports and back-up solutions to ensure that such things are minimised.
I make sure that other members of the team get on with each other and
usually builds on peoples ideas.
I have done jobs where I have worked alone out in the field and others where I
have enjoyed having people around me. It all depends what the best way is of
getting the job done. But in teams, more efficient in generating ideas and
executing tasks.
Tell me about a time when you failed to get on with your work
colleagues.
When I left the army, I found temporary work as a relief teacher and was in
charge of the volleyball team of the school as well. I had problems from the
start because the actual teacher in charge was not concerned with the teams
progress and rarely made it a point to come down to speak to the boys. I
spoke to her about it. Unfortunately, she was not very receptive about it and
we did not really speak afterwards.
Return to the gym again and lift the same volume I did before. Play volleyball.
I am currently attending physio every week right now and gradually loading
my right wrist. Eventually I am working towards being able to carry weights
without the wrist splint. Add 2.5kg per week until I hit my previous levels.
Assertiveness
Leadership skills
I chose to study PPE because I was really keen to have a firm grounding in all
three disciplines and how they play off each other. Additionally, I felt that
such a multidisciplinary degree can equip me with a better understanding of
the way industries work and react to changes and serve me well in the future
especially in industries which require multi-faceted thinking such as
consultancy and real estate. My interest in the gradual integration of
disciplines led me to the topic of my dissertation altruisim and economics
which was a paper which argued for the use of moral enquiry in economics.
You might wonder what a PPE graduate is doing in a real estate finance
program and have been interning at property development firms. Well, in my
studies and in every property development internship I have done the big
theme for me has been about digging through information from multiple
discipline and working out how each discipline will affect the other and what it
spells for the company and the property industry. This is something I enjoy
from my dissertation which was about combining moral inquiry with
neoclassical theory. Real estate investment is the sector which offers me the
opportunity to work in this manner and embrace this particular challenge I
enjoy.
Interest began when I was young.
Unique and fundamental asset class, oldest so it is not going anywhere.
Tangible impacts.
Variety. Real estate requires you to be out and about, not like bonds.
Political impact on investment opportunities (power of town councils and its
immense impact on timing):
Labour (less power to developer) - We will unblock the supply of new homes
by giving local authorities "use it or lose it" powers over developers who
hoard land that has planning permission so that they can sell it on for a
bigger profit, instead of building on it now.
We will tackle empty homes by giving councils more power to charge higher
rates of council tax on empty properties, and ensure new homes are
advertised in the UK first, not overseas.
Conservatives - Government policy has focused on boosting demand rather
than supply, subsidising first-time buyers with policies such as right to buy
help to buy and rent to own. In last weeks Budget, George Osborne
recognised the need for measures to help build homes. But the chancellor is
still doing too little to boost supply while one new policy a sharp reduction
in the rents charged by Britains social landlords may worsen the problem.
The chancellor deserves credit for loosening the UKs rigid planning
Where would you like to be in five years? What do you think you
will be doing?
I believe in making plans for the future and that plans are made to be
changed. In the current climate, very few of us will know what the world will
look like in five years time. I have no idea how the dynamics of real estate
investment will change. For example how it changed from direct investment
to more liquidity in the form of indirect investment. Or if technology or
platforms (quant) will render my position obsolete in the future. At this point, I
hope to still be with Morgan Stanley with the real estate division, in a position
of increased responsibility where I will be able to continue my professional
growth and make an ongoing contribution to the organisations success. And
perhaps, go back to my alma mater on networking events and convince
students to join the division!
Not only do I have the technical understanding of the software itself but I
have the communication skills to show staff and customers how to get the
best out of it. I think you will find someone with my technical skills fairly
easily, but you might find it harder to get someone who is capable
Commercial awareness
Naturally, I would like to find out a lot more about what you are looking for
and tell you about where my experience would be a good fit. Would you like
me to talk you through my recent job history?
You add instruments for diversification which are not well correlated with each
other so they reduce risk overall.
Have you read any article in the press or online that caught your
attention recently?
Finishing Line