Next Step Connections is an organization on a mission to connect students and young professionals with transformative international experiences across Asia. The company does this by facilitating a wide range of programs, including internships, study tours and professional development opportunities across the region, empowering individuals by immersing them in diverse cultural environments and equipping them with the skills needed to excel in a globalized and ever-changing world and workforce.

Ethan Nguyen, a second-year Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics student at the University of Queensland, Australia, decided to embark on a journey with Next Step Connections. He shared his experience with us, highlighting how the organization was essential in facilitating his process for this once-in-a-lifetime academic opportunity. 

“I was born and raised in Australia and have always wanted to explore the world whether it be for work, study, or just a fun holiday,” shared Ethan. “I have many hobbies and interests, including fitness, sports, and chess, just to name a few. Overall, I’m a young keen learner who is always down to have fun.”  

His enthusiasm for new experiences led him to discover Next Step Connections through his university, which ultimately guided him to an internship opportunity in Singapore. “Actually, I found out about Next Step Connections through the online university portal when I was looking at how to advance my career, and that’s when I found out about the internship opportunities that were offered,” he explained.

Ethan was drawn to Singapore’s reputation for enterprise and its cultural vibrancy. “I decided to choose Singapore as I believed that its strength as a financial hub and the beautiful city itself would not only be helpful for my working experience but also be fun to explore and enjoy on my days off,” he said. 

Next Step Connections support helped Ethan prepare for his trip, leaving him to focus on skills he’d need to make the most of the experience. “In terms of preparing for the work itself, I made sure to brush up on any skills that I thought may be relevant as I wanted to be as prepared as possible to learn new things and improve on the things I already learned beforehand.”

Ethan’s focus and professional goals in the finance industry made Singapore especially relevant for his studies due to the city-state’s growing rank as a top financial center for Asia and the world. “My area of focus was finance for this program,” Ethan shares. “However, there were also opportunities to look into the entrepreneurship and tech spaces throughout the various conferences I attended as a part of my experience.”

Ethan’s daily routine during the program was a blend of professional development and cultural exploration. “A typical day generally saw me coming into the office at 9 a.m., with my work mainly focusing on attending meetings, observing my seniors in how they operate in the workspace, and assisting in many analyst jobs including developing spreadsheets, investment memos, and discussing investment opportunities for various startups,” he detailed. 

But it wasn’t all work and no play. His evenings were spent exploring Singapore’s community and attractions. “I would typically end the day around 4-5 p.m. and enjoy my nights exploring shopping malls, hawker centers, and famous landmarks, all before returning home and relaxing before the next big day,” he said.

One standout experience for Ethan was attending the ORY US-APAC Conference, which focused on connecting financial market experts and companies from Asia and the US. “[It] was probably the highlight of my working experience, as I was able to attend a large conference filled with professionals that I aspire to be like in the future,” he shared. The conference offered him valuable insights into the relationships between the US and APAC markets and balanced professional engagement with some relaxation—a fun beach party. That helped underscore for Ethan the importance of a healthy work-life balance. “This particular event stood out to me due to the novelty of attending such a large, professional event that also had a more relaxing event the following night, showing that both work and fun can be balanced even at the higher levels of professional work,” he said.

“Personally, this journey has allowed me to reflect and experience other perspectives around the world. Having the experience to leave home and live by myself in a foreign country has really allowed me to appreciate life itself,” he reflected. 

“The hospitality of Singaporeans made me feel very welcome and the service at all these locations was more than excellent. If there’s anything to note about the culture, it’s the wonderful level of respect, kindness, and inclusiveness that Singaporeans live with each and every day,” Ethan noted.

The Next Step Connections program ultimately has fueled Ethan’s passion for finance and inspired him to pursue his career goals with even more vigor. “The program has only increased my desire to pursue a career in finance, as I’ve seen the intricacies and behind-the-scenes work that the field has to offer. I believe this has inspired me to work harder, knowing that my career aspirations are closer than ever,” he shared. “I believe my next steps include continuing to perform at university while considering other external opportunities such as competitions or work experience to further my career and continue my academic success,” he stated.

“Next Step Connections is committed to creating opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones and experience firsthand the dynamics of international business and diverse cultures,” said Next Step Connection’s founder Jerome Le Carrou. “These programs are designed to prepare students for the globalized workforce, equipping them with the necessary skills and insights to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”

Ethan’s advice to other students considering a program with Next Step Connections is to immerse themselves fully in the experience. 

“My advice would be to make the most out of your time in whatever city you decide to travel to, through exploring and experiencing the culture and wonderful landmarks your destination has to offer,” he advised. “Learning on the job is also important, so make sure to learn as much as possible, and when you’re done with work, enjoy the beautiful city and have fun! The less time you spend at home, the more you’ll learn and the more fun you’ll have exploring.”

Ethan also found the supportive staff at Next Step Connections to be a highlight in making his experience memorable. “The staff at Next Step Connections are the best! So don’t be afraid to text them whenever you have any questions or concerns or if you ever feel lonely or need help,” he emphasized.

“The key individuals who brought this program to life were, of course, the staff at Next Step Connections, and my mentor/boss, Jayren. The staff – Aaron, Maricar, Ria, Jee, and Xena – were all amazing people who helped me throughout the matching process and for all things technical,” he said. “Special shoutout to Basril, who took me on a tour around Singapore with his extensive knowledge and insights. He was a great person and seemed to genuinely enjoy his work which made it even more enjoyable for me as I knew I was in safe hands.”