Noel Lim, a Senior Manager, is in his 5th year with Great Eastern Life. Today, Noel plays a mentoring role in leading his team of Financial Representatives. Noel defines his team as trusted professionals who aim to assist their clients to achieve financial security through providing unique solutions. In doing so, making a difference in their client’s lives. This is a rare opportunity for someone at the age of 27.
What excites you about your role?
Becoming a manager within five years is an achievement and responsibility. I have been given the opportunity to become an aspiring figure to my own team. To be in a position to grow and develop people to reach their desired profession and personal goals is the most fulfilling part. This is a new found satisfaction that I have come to enjoy being a manager.
What challenges have you overcome in this regard then?
Having to manage and lead a team of five individuals with different characters and personalities is challenging. However, I have the support of my mentor whom I turn to for advice. During my free time, I always find time to read up on articles and books written by well-known successful leaders to equip myself with the management skills, learn form the best and find out what best suits me.
![Noel Lim Yi Da](../../img/poly/01ge/candidate-1.jpg)
Noel Lim Yi Da
Senior Manager
Diploma in Business and
Information Technology
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Debunk a misconception and share something interesting we may not know about your role.
Firstly, people generally perceive that
being a manager is an easy task. I struggled
at the beginning. It was challenging
to juggle between meeting my clients
and grooming my team to become next
line managers.
Secondly, people also think that being
promoted to a Manager would mean that
time has to be sacrificed and there would
be a drop in personal sales. For my case,
I make a conscious effort to prioritise my
day-to-day activities in order to make the
best out of my daily schedule, ensuring
maximum productivity. As a result, not
only did I hit my personal goals, my
business expanded too!
Why is your job meaningful?
I find my job really fulfilling knowing that I play such a big part in others’ life. I have the ability to share my financial knowledge with people around me and by doing so, I make a difference in the lives of others in helping them to make the right step towards financial freedom, resulting in them addressing their needs and securing a better future.
What advice do you have for polytechnic graduates who wish to join this career?
I began my career with Great Eastern right
after graduation and it is the best decision I
have ever made! Being a Financial Planner
is about helping others around you to
attain financial freedom, grow their funds
towards retirements needs and share your
knowledge of financial planning! Take a
leap of faith and you will realise that you
are capable of soaring like an eagle!
A Bright Future for Bright Minds
Though she may be young, 23-year-old Geraldine Er found success in Great Eastern as a Senior Financial Planner, thanks to strong mentorship, a dynamic work environment, and limitless growth opportunities.
What motivated you to join Great Eastern?
Great Eastern has a reputable track record of 110 great years in the financial industry. I am thankful to have met my mentor who provided me with guidance into my first job in the finance sector and she has also become my role model. Under her mentorship, I have overcome many day-to-day obstacles faced especially in the first year of my career.
![Geraldine Er Dai Rong](../../img/poly/01ge/candidate-2.jpg)
Geraldine Er Dai Rong
Senior Financial Planner
Diploma in Accountancy
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Share some of the challenges that you mentioned you have overcome.
My biggest challenge when I first started as a Financial Planner was the fear of not having clients. Over the initial months, I soon realised that the fear was self-created. This was a worry rather than a challenge. I overcame this ‘challenge’ by convincing myself that I have the confidence to build my own base of clients through constant networking. The other challenge I faced was the inability to build rapport with matured clients due to our age gap. With time and experience, I find myself better equipped with the right skills such as adjusting my tone and language accordingly to the clients I meet. Now, I could also understand their financial needs and relate to them as my client base grows.
Debunk a misconception and share something interesting we do not know!
The biggest misconception is that getting calls from an insurance agent mean receiving highly pressured sale pitches. You would also be surprised – people need insurance policies more than you need the sale!
Tell us about the progression and development opportunities at Great Eastern.
Great Eastern prioritises career progression and gives us added incentives to assume higher roles and more responsibilities. It is a dynamic company that recognises effort and hard work. Professional development opportunities are also readily available through both formal courses and informal opportunities. I believe that in Great Eastern, we are constantly moving forward, together as one.
What advice do you have for polytechnic graduates who wish to join this career?
Those who wish to join us as Financial Planners must possess a positive work attitude and never be afraid to learn and ask for help. This is the industry where you can grow beyond, achieve work-life balance, and establish great management skills through a series of learning and development initiatives that Great Eastern offers!