Paul Lim - TeamSG Jiu-Jitsu Exponent

Paul Lim, Team Singapore Athlete (Jiu-Jitsu)

SEA Games 2019 Bronze medallist and Singapore National Championship 2025 Gold medallist in Jiu-Jitsu, Paul Lim embodies discipline, focus and leadership in his sport. However, Paul struggled to find internship opportunities, as many employers expected strict adherence to office hours, offering little accommodation for athletes’ training schedules. Through the spexCareer Programme Office, Paul successfully secured his final year internship with Quest Ventures, an athlete-friendly company.

At Quest Ventures, Paul applied his athletic mindset to the business world, engaging with senior executives and founders of portfolio companies, to evaluate potential investment opportunities. This hands-on exposure to venture capital deepened his understanding of the startup ecosystem and investment decision-making processes. Paul’s internship at Quest Ventures fostered his growth both professionally and athletically:

1.      Mastering a disciplined routine of balancing rigorous training schedules with work commitments

2.      Enhancing professionalism and executive presence in business environments

3.      Gaining practical experience in financial modelling and investment analysis

4.      Honing communication skills through regular interactions with founders and investors

Quest Ventures takes an outcome-driven approach, focusing on results rather than hours clocked. This flexibility enables Paul to train both before and after work, successfully balancing his sporting and professional commitments.

Managing Partner, James Tan explains “This setup reflects our results-oriented culture and offers flexibility while maintaining clear standards of performance and accountability. This structure has enabled not just Paul, but all our past and present hires under the spexCareer programme to thrive in both their professional and athletic pursuits. It allows them to manage their training schedules while continuing to meet business goals effectively. With mutual trust and clear deliverables, we ensure that both sides are supported without compromise.”

The support from the spexCareer team, particularly those workshops on resume building, interview preparation, and business networking, significantly enhanced his job search experience. These programmes helped him develop skills beyond athletic training, bridging the gap between sports and the professional world. This comprehensive support equips athletes with the tools needed for a smooth transition into the workforce.

Paul believes it is possible to balance both sporting and professional aspirations if one finds the right environment.  He encourages fellow athletes to “Look for roles and organizations that value outcomes and provide flexibility. Most importantly, choose a job and a sport that you genuinely enjoy—this makes the journey sustainable and fulfilling. The spexCareer programme offers valuable resources and support to help athletes navigate this balance successfully.”