Esther joined GIC two years ago through the GIC Professionals Programme (GPP) and has since rotated through several teams within Global Investment Services (GIS). She was previously part of the Strategic Partnerships and Solutions team, which worked to bring a consistent approach and oversight to the various outsourcing initiatives across the department. More recently, she moved into the Deal Management team, which supports the deal team through the execution and closing process. Her role involves coordinating across different stakeholders and helping to ensure that the necessary processes and documentation are aligned, so that deals progress smoothly and efficiently.
Outside of work, Esther prioritises staying active through workout classes and has recently picked up tennis. She also enjoys exploring new places and food spots and finds joy in capturing and curating those moments through photography.
What inspired you to join GIC?
My impression of GIC was always that of a highly respected organisation with incredible intellectual rigour. I often heard people in the industry, including past internship managers and mentors, speak very highly of those who came from GIC, which shaped my view of the firm. My interest deepened when I took part in the Women-in-GIC (WING) immersion programme during my university days. The sharing sessions from mentors and women leaders gave me a glimpse into the organisation’s culture of excellence, and I came away both in awe and inspired, which only reinforced my desire to join.
Since joining, my perception has evolved and deepened. While I expected a high level of professionalism, I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable and supportive people are day to day. There is also a strong emphasis on continuous learning and thoughtful dialogue, which has made the experience even more rewarding.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I have gotten into a routine of grabbing coffee first thing in the morning and then catching up on emails. From there, the day can be quite dynamic. I split my time between supporting live transactions and working on projects or initiatives aimed at improving processes and making execution smoother.
What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most is the combination of people, learning, and exposure. I have found people here genuinely willing to guide, which really accelerates the learning. On top of that, the exposure to cross-functional work and different stakeholders means there is always something new to pick up.
How would you describe your learning and development at GIC?
The GPP offered a structured and thoughtfully curated learning experience, with workshops designed to hone both technical and broader skill sets. My managers and colleagues were also very intentional about sharing context and bringing me into discussions, which made the learning practical and relevant.
What skills or knowledge have you developed while working at GIC?
Stakeholder communication and management is a skill I have actively strengthened, and continue to build on, throughout my time here. Working across multiple teams with differing priorities has made me far more intentional about how I communicate, align expectations, and tailor my message to different stakeholders.
What are some highlights in your career thus far?
One project I was given the opportunity to take full ownership of involved enhancing a dashboard my team relied on, with the goal of improving its analytical output and better reflecting our evolving requirements. I worked on refining the structure and alignment to reduce manual adjustments, improve visibility, and enable the team to access the information we needed more efficiently.
What you should know before joining GIC
Stay curious, be open to feedback, and be willing to adapt. GIC is filled with learning opportunities, and this mindset is just the starter pack to unlock them. For me, what keeps me going is the fact that no two days are the same and the work is constantly evolving. I also draw a great deal of motivation from the people around me and the supportive culture.