Nicholas Ting - TeamSG Water Polo Player

Nicholas Ting, TeamSG Athlete (Water Polo)

With just 2.5 years under his belt, Nicholas Ting, the resilient goalkeeper for the Singapore Men’s National Water Polo Team, has already made a significant impact on the team. His journey, marked by dedication and hard work, has seen him compete in prestigious tournaments like the Asian Championships and World University Championships. Nicholas’s focus has always been on consistent participation, personal improvement, and contributing to the team’s success. Now a member of Team A, Nicholas aspires to push Team Singapore to new heights on the international water polo stage while excelling in his professional career.

Balancing a demanding training schedule with career aspirations is no easy feat. Nicholas trains every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with two sessions each Saturday and Sunday. This intense schedule often leaves little room for recovery, let alone a full-time job. Finding a company that not only understands these commitments but also aligns with his career goals has been a significant challenge for Nicholas. However, Nicholas’s determination and strategic approach to his career have led him to opportunities that accommodate his athletic and professional pursuits.

Nicholas first learned about the spexCareer Programme Office through an email invitation to a networking session designed to connect national athletes with potential employers. Curious, he attended the session alongside a teammate, and that decision changed the course of his career. Through spexCareer team, Nicholas has secured internships at some of Singapore’s leading companies, including KPMG and DBS. The programme played an instrumental role in connecting him with organisations that value the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that athletes bring to the workplace.

During his internship at KPMG as a Digital Trust Intern, Nicholas had the opportunity to significantly enhance his expertise in digital security and compliance. He was actively involved in transformative business projects and industry applications, gaining invaluable insights into real-world challenges. One of his achievements was leading a team of interns to victory in an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) case challenge. Under his leadership, the team crafted innovative strategies that focused on boosting sustainability, creating jobs and improving key performance metrics, showcasing the firm's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering impactful solutions. At DBS, Nicholas took on the role of a Risk Analytics Intern, where he developed climate scenario analyses for regulatory reporting and spearheaded research initiatives. His ability to juggle these demanding roles with his rigorous training schedule is a testament to his exceptional time management and commitment. 

Currently, Nicholas is interning at ByteDance as a Risk Insights Analyst, where he analyses trends in advertising content and provides data-driven insights to optimize content strategies. Each of these roles has pushed Nicholas’s abilities, setting him up for success in both his athletic and professional endeavours.

Both KPMG and DBS were incredibly supportive of Nicholas’s sporting commitments. They offered flexible work hours, and remote work options, and even supported his participation in overseas training trips and competitions. When Nicholas needed to be away for training or competitions, the KPMG team would offer flexible workhours and remote working options, ensuring seamless coverage during his absence. This level of understanding and accommodation allowed Nicholas to give his hundred percent to both his training and his work, without compromising on either front.

To fellow athletes navigating the job market, Nicholas advises being upfront about your sporting commitments. Seek out companies that recognize the unique skills you’ve developed through sports—discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management. The spexCareer programme can be invaluable in bridging the gap between athletic and professional careers.

Looking ahead, Nicholas continues to rely on the spexCareer team for support as he prepares for life beyond sports. The Athlete365 Career+ Workshops and networking sessions have been particularly beneficial in helping him navigate the transition from athlete to professional.

As Nicholas continues to guard the net for Singapore, he also stands as a beacon of resilience and determination for athletes striving to balance their sporting and professional aspirations. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, both in the pool and the workplace.