A new work-study elective, which matches SMU students with family offices for internships, has attracted considerable attention, reflecting the increasing appeal of wealth management as a career path for recent graduates. A surge in single family offices in Singapore has caught the attention of not just industry insiders, but also students like Justin Lew, who are interested in a career in wealth management. Singapore has solidified its position as a wealth management hub and demand for family offices is on the rise. ‘That’s what sparked the interest for many of us within my batch,’ said SMU student Justin, referring to the mushrooming single family offices in the city-state. He said amid the broader finance world, there is a growing emphasis on wealth management and feels there are plenty of opportunities to explore in this space. This curiosity led Justin, along with SMU student Simin Swee and eight others, to participate in a work-study elective offered by SMU, providing a four-month internship opportunity with family offices and family advisory firms. BDO Singapore, along with firms like Kamet Capital Partners, IAM Asia Capital, and Lombard Odier, partnered with SMU for this elective. Family offices, typically staffed by senior professionals, can benefit from motivated, adaptable, and responsible student interns to support the lean operating team too, said SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) and Academic Director of SMU’s Business Families Institute Kenneth Goh.
