Breaking the ice with the big boss
Got a minute with the CEO during your internship? Make it count with these tips from NTU insiders – and leave a lasting impression
by Dr Daphne Ng
1. MENTION YOUR UNIQUE SELLING POINTS DURING YOUR INTRO
Know what makes you stand out from your peers, in terms of who you are and what you do. Convey this to make a memorable impression, says Zu Han. If a project that aligns with your strengths comes along, the CEO might recall your conversation and assign you to it, which will add to your portfolio. If you’re shy around strangers, rehearse your lines beforehand.
Example: “Hello, I am Zu Han. I am an NTU undergrad and intern. I’ve lived in Malaysia, China and Singapore, and love storytelling and deriving insights from data. Nice to meet you!”
Final-year communication student Shum Zu Han has interned at leading advertising, edtech and telecoms agencies.
2. FIND COMMON GROUND TO BUILD A CONNECTION
See the CEO and other senior management as fellow human beings, rather than unapproachable figures, advises Leena. Show genuine interest in them from the start, perhaps by learning about their interests through conversations with colleagues. These insights can help you connect on a personal level.
For instance, if you find yourself in the elevator with the CEO, you could start a conversation about shared hobbies or interests while keeping it professional. Casual conversations like these can make the workplace friendlier and reduce stress.
Tip: “If the CEO collects travel souvenirs, share an interesting anecdote from your own adventures overseas at an appropriate moment, such as during an office party or after a meeting has wrapped up.”
Leena Gan is a final-year communication undergrad with several marketing internships in local and overseas startups under her belt.
3. SHOW CURIOSITY AND INTEREST IN THE ORGANISATION AND INDUSTRY
If you can see yourself working in the organisation in the future, here’s another way to make the best use of a brief interaction, say, while washing hands or waiting in line. Zheng Xun’s advice is to casually ask about the industry and company’s plans for the future. You’ll get a better understanding of the company’s mission and industry trends, and also demonstrate that you are proactive about your career.
Example: “I’m deeply interested in the company’s work, such as using artificial intelligence (AI) to transcribe music into notes. I’m particularly passionate about using AI in music, having done several similar projects myself. Could you share your thoughts on where the field is headed and the key challenges you foresee for the company?”
Ng Zheng Xun is an audio machine learning researcher at a public agency. The recent computer science grad interned with Ernst & Young and did his final-year project in South Korea.
4. CONGRATULATE THE CEO ON A RECENT ACHIEVEMENT
Everyone likes to be appreciated for their successes and the CEO is no exception. Starting the conversation with a sincere compliment can enhance rapport with the person, says Theresa. Stay up to date with the latest company news by reading the CEO’s internal messages, social media posts and industry news sites to sieve out nuggets of information for conversation starters.
Example: "I just learnt that your organisation has been ranked among TIME’s World’s Best Companies. Congratulations! This is a testament to your leadership. What’s your secret to success?”
Career coach Theresa Ong helps students from the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology with their job search.
5. SLIP IN YOUR SPECIAL TALENT AND LEND A HAND
Use that 60-second window with the CEO to highlight your abilities and propose concrete ways you can contribute, says Angeline. By articulating how your skills match the organisation’s needs, you position yourself as a valuable resource, opening the door to potential opportunities.
Example: "I am a third-year filmmaking undergrad, and I absolutely love video production. I’ve even entered my work in global competitions and won. If you ever need help editing corporate videos, I’d be happy to pitch in and support your company’s branding efforts.”
Angeline Sim is a career coach at the School of Art, Design & Media and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Information.
This story was published in the Mar-Apr 2025 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
