Amanda Lim
Media Producer

Can you describe a moment in your first job when you felt out of your depth?

The first time I really felt out of my depth was when I landed my first freelance producer gig. I was only 21 and had never officially been a producer. I had mainly done production management and wardrobe, so when another producer recommended me to a director, I remember thinking, “Wait... are you sure you’ve got the right person?” Then reality hit. Suddenly, clients were asking me about creative suggestions, budgets and logistics, and I was thinking, “Oh my gosh, I don’t know. Am I confident enough to advise them? Am I even correct?”

Looking back, what helped you work through that feeling?

Being honest whenever I didn’t know something helped. I’d rather ask questions, learn from someone who had done it before and do the job properly. I also try to overprepare for meetings and shoots because it gives me confidence. I’ve also never really believed in “fake it till you make it”. I think it’s more about believing in the version of yourself you’re growing into. My motto since then has been, “Go at your own pace,” because everyone has a different timeline.

Aloysius Neo
Quality Assurance Specialist

Can you describe a moment in your first job when you felt out of your depth?

One of the biggest moments I remember was starting my first full-time job while pursuing my degree part-time. It was a steep learning curve, as I was adapting to the expectations and responsibilities of the workplace while juggling assignments, projects and exams. Being surrounded by experienced colleagues made me question whether I was doing enough or learning quickly enough, especially while trying to balance two demanding commitments at once.

Looking back, what helped you work through that feeling?

One lesson that has stayed with me is that no one expects you to know everything at the start. What matters more is your willingness to learn, your curiosity and your professionalism. Seeking feedback, finding mentors and building a supportive network can make a significant difference when dealing with self-doubt. Feeling like you don’t have all the answers doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It often means you’re challenging yourself and growing.

Danny Nazareth
Copywriter

Can you describe a moment in your first job when you felt out of your depth?

My first job was my first real taste of the working world, without the safety net of family or friends. It was a completely new professional environment, and it took me some time to adapt. One task I found particularly tough was creating a deck for a client presentation, as PowerPoint wasn’t my forte. My seniors gave me advice, but I struggled with it throughout the night. Despite my efforts, the whole thing turned out to be a disaster.

Looking back, what helped you work through that feeling?

I think I could have been much more upfront about how limited my deck-making skills were and asked for more assistance, given its importance and the fact that it was my first time. What held me back was being a junior who was afraid of being judged, as well as my introverted nature. As my career progressed, I’ve learnt to be more upfront about asking for help and saying no, which I believe are two traits everyone should possess. In fact, I have half a mind to make a deck stating their importance!

Dorcas Ng
Learning and Leadership Development Executive

Can you describe a moment in your first job when you felt out of your depth?

I was tasked with organising a refreshed leadership development programme for newly promoted people managers. It was the biggest project I had been trusted with, and I was anxious about whether I was doing it right. I remember feeling particularly out of place during a meeting with our Assistant Chief Executive, where we presented our first draft for feedback. My mentor, who had far more experience than me, handled the conversation fluently and confidently. I remember thinking, “Wow, I wish I could do that” and “I feel so useless here.”

Looking back, what helped you work through that feeling?

I’m deeply grateful that my mentor was firm yet nurturing, correcting me when I fell short and explaining why. I’m learning that impostor syndrome is difficult and uncomfortable, so I might as well use it to my advantage. Instead of letting anxiety creep in, I use it as a signal to dig deeper and prepare better, so I can handle similar situations with greater confidence. What still helps me is reminding myself that everything new will be scary and that no one does something new well the first time.

Benjamin Soon
Technology Consultant

Can you describe a moment in your first job when you felt out of your depth?

During a client workshop, my colleague had to pull out suddenly and was unable to run the workshop. Instead of cancelling the session and rescheduling, I decided to lead it even though the topic was not one I was familiar with. In that moment, I was extremely anxious and afraid of saying something wrongly in front of the client. However, I decided to go ahead due to the tight timelines my team was working with.

Looking back, what helped you work through that feeling?

I composed myself and focused on going through the workshop topics calmly and professionally, and was able to get what was required from the client. This experience taught me to be adaptable when unforeseen scenarios crop up and to always keep calm. In my industry, changes in plans and demands from clients happen often, requiring me to problem-solve on the go. Keeping a level head will always be something I can fall back on to carry me through tough situations.

Quek Wen Xin
Creative Operations Executive

Can you describe a moment in your first job when you felt out of your depth?

I once had to handle a brand partnership with AMEX Platinum. It was going to be a collaboration gift set comprising one of our best-selling products and a travel pouch, both to be designed exclusively for AMEX Platinum and its members. Coming from a background in architecture, I knew nothing about product design or visual merchandising, so I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off, especially for a major client. Thoughts like ‘Am I doing this right?’ often got to me.

Looking back, what helped you work through that feeling?

I would remind myself that it’s no big deal. Even if this project didn’t turn out well, there would always be a next project to work on. The design would most likely still be pretty, just not perfect. Nothing really matters as much as it seems in our heads. Sometimes we get so absorbed in our thoughts we forget that life moves on without us. So if the world is going to keep rolling anyway, I would like to stumble more and get up every time.