Peer Power: Growing Together Through Mentorship

At NTU’s College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS), mentorship is more than advice – it is community in action. Now in its second run, Catalyst@iLab is the flagship peer-mentoring initiative under CCDS Innovation Lab(iLab). It continues to nurture a culture where students learn, grow, and support one another through empathy, shared experience, and encouragement. 

Run by students for students, the programme bridges cohorts of CCDS undergraduates, pairing juniors with seniors who help them navigate university life, internships, and career goals. What began as an idea to provide sustained peer support beyond Year 1 has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of learning and giving back. 

Building Connections that Last 

Each academic cycle begins with a kick-off event, followed by monthly mentor-sharing sessions that cover topics such as technical interviews, project building, and time management. Beyond these structured sessions, participants are encouraged to connect organically through an “Own-Time-Own-Target” (OTOT) approach, which allows mentorship to develop naturally according to shared interests and goals. 

Mentors and mentees come from diverse specialisations – data science, AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering – ensuring that each participant gains a well-rounded view of the field and of life as a computing professional.  

From Guidance to Growth  

For Jason Ho Shang Ji, a former mentee, joining Catalyst@iLab during his second year proved to be a turning point. Although he was doing well academically, he often felt unprepared for the practical side of the industry. “I had a good GPA but struggled with trying to find an internship and learning what is truly needed to become a software engineer beyond academics,” he recalled. 

That changed after meeting his mentor, Ng Yong Jie, who had once faced similar challenges. Through their regular discussions, Jason learned about professional tools, project workflows, and internship preparation. Yong Jie also reviewed his résumé and gave detailed feedback on how to make it stand out to employers. “He even advised me when I had to choose between several internship offers,” Jason said. “He would ask his friends about the companies and help me decide which one would benefit me most.” 

The experience not only improved his technical readiness but also gave him the reassurance he needed. “He always reminded me that everything would work out and that I could reach out anytime for advice,” Jason added. Inspired by his mentor’s example, he now encourages others to be proactive: “Mentors should check in with their mentees regularly, and mentees shouldn’t hesitate to reach out or join activities that help expand their network.” 

Finding inspiration in community 

Tan Zi Xuan, a returning mentee, first joined Catalyst@iLab last year and returned this year after finding the experience deeply rewarding. “I got to meet many seniors who were so generous with their time and knowledge, which inspired me a lot,” she shared. “This supportive environment motivated me to join again, as it’s another chance to learn and grow.” 

Her mentor, Jonathan, played a key role in helping her navigate NTU’s GEM Explorer programme. “When I struggled with my first application and course mapping, he shared his own experience and guided me through the process,” Zi Xuan said. “His advice also helped me reflect on my own career goals more clearly.” 

What stood out most for her, however, was the sense of community. “Networking used to intimidate me, but Catalyst@iLab feels like a safe space to grow,” she said. “It’s building a culture of encouragement and openness where students push one another to do better.” 

Learning From Each Other 

For Lee Ze Quan Joshua, joining Catalyst@iLab as a mentee was an intentional decision to gain clarity about his academic and career journey. “I’m still relatively inexperienced in the computer-science industry and wanted guidance navigating it,” he explained. “Learning from seniors who have gone through similar paths gives me confidence in planning my own journey.” 

Joshua has already found value in the mentorship’s practical approach. His mentor has helped him think strategically about internships, project selection, and module planning. “I try to stay open to feedback and take initiative in discussions,” he said. “I think Catalyst@iLab can foster a culture of knowledge-sharing that benefits both mentees and mentors.” 

Paying it Forward 

For Neo Zhi Xuan, serving as a mentor was both a personal milestone and a way to give back. “I struggled a lot during my undergraduate years to find good work experiences,” he reflected. “After being fortunate enough to land some interesting ones, I wanted to help others avoid the same struggles.” 

Mentorship, he found, was a two-way learning experience. “Through mentoring, I learn just as much as I teach,” Neo said. “It helps me grow as a communicator and a leader.” He often shares both his successes and his setbacks, along with practical interview tips that helped him in his own career journey. His hope is that Catalyst@iLab continues to inspire students to take initiative, explore beyond the curriculum, and approach the industry with curiosity and purpose. 

A Community That Grows Together 

As Catalyst@iLab enters its second year, the CCDS iLab team envisions the programme evolving into a self-sustaining mentorship network where each generation of mentees becomes the next wave of mentors. 

With every story shared and every connection made, Catalyst@iLab continues to embody the CCDS ethos of community that grows stronger together.