TOMOKI TENG
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (2025)
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AND MAIN RESPONSIBILITES
I am currently a Management Associate in NCS’s Global Management Associate Programme (GMAP), where I rotate within NCS NEXT – the company’s digital, data and cloud business – under the Data and AI practice. This two-year, two rotation track places me in cross-functional teams delivering next-generation digital solutions. This allows me to sharpen both technical and leadership skills, from data science and MLOps to product thinking and stakeholder management.
In my current rotation, I work as a Data Scientist supporting external client projects by turning AI concepts into secure, production-grade services. I contribute to a document intelligence workstream from dataset preparation, model development to error analysis. Beyond delivery, I emcee and plan key corporate events and represent the company in external-facing engagements– experiences that have helped me grow holistically.
HOW LONG DID YOU TAKE TO SECURE THE JOB?
I began my job search in May 2024, during the tail end of my third year and received offers by February 2025. Starting early gave me room to experiment and learn – both about how to present myself and how to evaluate whether a company was a good fit. This was especially useful as each interview became an opportunity for reflection.
Over time, I learnt how to sharpen my storytelling, better understand what different employers valued and refined my criteria for the kind of team and environment I wanted to grow in. Asking thoughtful questions at the end of interviews often gave me deeper insights into a company’s direction and culture which helped me identify which opportunities truly aligned with my goals.
WHAT WAS THE JOB APPLICATION PROCESS LIKE?
The process was multi-staged, starting with online assessments and digital interviews that tested general aptitude and communication, as well as On-Demand Video Interview (ODVI), which consisted of short video submissions where I answered pre-recorded questions.
These were followed by more interactive rounds at the assessment centre that assessed collaboration, problem solving skills and cultural fit. I found my past experiences in hackathons, particularly in ideation and solution design helpful as they enabled me to approach problems systematically and collaborate effectively with others. These moments built my resilience and gave me the clarity to speak from experience rather than from a script.
WHAT WERE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACED WHEN LOOKING FOR A JOB AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
One major challenge was getting past the initial screening phase, especially since many companies use automated systems to shortlist applicants. Even if I was confident in my abilities, I could not be sure if it would be read by a human.
To tackle this, I made sure my resume was simple and well formatted to be optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). I reviewed each job description carefully to highlight projects and skills relevant to the job appropriately. Most importantly, I focused on showcasing measurable impact in my past work – using metrics, action verbs and specific project outcomes.
Another challenge was the lack of feedback at times. To manage this, I maintained a spreadsheet to track application deadlines, role requirements and follow-up notes. This helped me stay consistent and timely in my responses throughout the job search process.
WHAT ARE SOME STRATEGIES THAT YOU USED TO LAND YOURSELF IN THIS POSITION?
Tailoring each application was key. I avoided using a one-size fits-all resume and cover letter. Instead, I highlighted different experiences or projects based on role’s focus – whether technical skills, leadership potential or domain knowledge.
I also made the most of the career resources provided by the university. Attending physical career fairs gave me a chance to ask detailed questions, engage in meaningful conversations and get a feel for different company cultures. These face-to-face moments often left a stronger impression than digital applications.
Working with my career coach was another turning point. Through resume reviews and mock interviews, I gained practical and actionable feedback from response structures to highlighting my key skills. I also attended CAO workshops on personal branding, interview skills and resume writing, which helped me present myself more authentically.
SHARE TIPS AND ADVICE WITH STUDENTS WHO WILL BE LOOKING FOR JOBS OR INTERNSHIPS.
Firstly, starting your job or internship search early can significantly boost your confidence and give you time to grow into the process. Early applications help you to identify gaps and gain familiarity with different formats and expectations. Treat each experience as a learning opportunity and take time to understand the company culture during the interview.
A key strategy is to identify areas for improvement and actively work on them. For example, if your resume is not getting traction, get a second opinion, such as booking a resume critique with your school’s career coach. If you are overwhelmed by applications, set up a simple system to track them. If interviews are the issue, attend practice sessions or record yourself to see how you come across.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions during interviews, at networking events or career fairs. It shows initiative and clarity. Stay adaptable, resilient and keep learning because growth does not stop after graduation.