Class of 2024: Phoebe Ng

Securing a highly-competitive placement at Samsung Electronics UK was a truly rewarding experience for Phoebe Ng, and one she will never forget.

She was one of only 62 students nationwide to be selected from a pool of over 6,700 applicants to play a key role in the Mobile Experience (MX) team as a Smartphone Product Management Associate.

“My placement was an invaluable experience,” said Phoebe. “I gained a comprehensive understanding of the mobile industry, developed my analytical and strategic skills and honed my communication abilities. However, the most rewarding aspect was the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects and make a positive impact within a global company like Samsung.”

Phoebe, who studied BSc Economics, made the most of her time at Essex by grasping many of the incredible academic opportunities and experiences available to her to help her thrive.

She won the Outstanding Achievement Award at Bright Network's DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) event and was identified as one of 80 High Potential Leadership Scholars by IESE Business School in Madrid, Spain. She was also selected to attend the prestigious NATO Youth Summit 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden.

As such a high-achieving student, Phoebe also became a Peer-Assisted Learning mentor in the Department of Economics, where she led small group study sessions for first-year students enrolled in introductory economics courses.

“It was such a rewarding and enriching experience that allowed me to give back to the Essex community whilst also enhancing my own understanding and appreciation of economics,” said Phoebe. “It was incredibly fulfilling to see the ‘light bulb moments’ when students grasped a difficult concept after our discussions. Helping them overcome challenges and build their confidence in the subject was immensely rewarding.”

Phoebe, who is from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, said she chose to study at Essex because of its “vibrant and diverse campus community” which she knew “would create a rich learning environment filled with different perspectives”.

"The campus fostered a strong sense of community, which was especially important during my first year as it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. The dedication Essex demonstrated towards ensuring a positive student experience, even during online learning due to COVID, truly impressed me. Their commitment to student well-being despite the challenges is a testament to the university's values,” she added. 

Adjusting to life away from home was definitely a challenge at the start of her time at Essex, where she missed the familiar comforts of family and friends. However, Essex's supportive environment helped her develop a sense of independence and adaptability and she learnt how to navigate new situations and embrace the challenges of living in a different culture.

She has many happy memories of her time at Essex - from making a great group of friends to being taught by professors who are passionate about their fields and being supported by a dedicated careers team.

“Essex fosters a supportive and empowering environment. You'll receive guidance and encouragement throughout your academic journey, helping you reach your full potential,” she added.

Eager to delve deeper into understanding the intersection of economics and human behaviour, Phoebe will be starting an MSc Psychology of Economic Life program at the London School of Economics (LSE) in September.