Make the Shift
Start your career move on the right track
Changing your career might seem daunting, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences. Because, we believe that everyone has something unique to offer. That’s why we’ve brought together various Agents of Life, who have made the shift, to share their story.
From those who’ve served in the military to those from the finance industry, they’re here to answer your questions and give you insights on how their old skills have helped them learn new tricks.
Yeoh Cheng Huann
Former Naval Officer
Now a Great Eastern Agent of Life
What motivated you to make the shift?
“I was getting married and was looking for something that will give me the flexibility of time to be with my family, and the opportunity to continue working with people on a personal level.”
How has your past vocation as a Naval Officer helped you in your current career at Great Eastern?
“Leadership, critical thinking and communications skills. It gave me the ability to connect with people on a personal level, and to address and lead a group of people to achieve an objective.”
Why be an Agent of Life at Great Eastern?
“As an Agent of Life, we get a chance to talk to people about their dreams and concerns – topics that probably don’t come up in a typical conversation. It’s a privilege to be able to cry and laugh with our clients. And at Great Eastern, the leadership, training, communications and network will give you a very good grounding in this career.”
Naomi Chua
Former Cabin Crew
Now a Great Eastern Agent of Life
What motivated you to make the shift?
“Aside from the career advancement opportunities and rewarding benefits, I desired to make an impact and wanted some autonomy in my career.”
How has your past vocation as a Cabin Crew member helped you in your current career at Great Eastern?
“I learnt so many people skills that are useful to my work today. These skills have helped me manage clients, and be able to delight and engage people from all walks of life.”
What’s your favourite thing about being an Agent of Life?
“Being able to protect and take care of my dad. At first, he was unsure about my decision to join the insurance industry. But in my 5th year, he eventually purchased his first life policy with his very first financial consultant – me!”
Reena Guo
Former Finance Professional
Now a Great Eastern Agent of Life
What motivated you to make the shift?
“I wanted to shape my own business and be in control of my time, income and career progression.”
How has your past vocation as a Finance Professional helped you in your current career at Great Eastern?
“I was able to carry over useful skills and insights, like client relationship management abilities and financial product knowledge. These things gave me the confidence to serve my clients.”
Why be an Agent of Life at Great Eastern?
“How often in life does one get to represent a company that is well known to Singaporeans of all ages? More than half the battle is won for us when the company’s history and credentials speak for themselves. Aren’t we lucky!”
Dan Loi
Former Air Force Safety Officer
Now a Great Eastern Agent of Life
What motivated you to make the shift?
“Other than looking for a challenge and better advancement prospects, I wanted a long-term career when I can be happy with what I was doing and have a better work-life balance.”
How has your past vocation as a Air Force Safety Officer helped you in your current career with Great Eastern?
“As a previous training and safety officer, I learnt how to communicate and manage trainees and team members effectively. I was also able to listen and communicate with clients well and cater my planning according to their needs.”
What’s your favourite thing about being an Agent of Life?
“I get to meet people from all walks of life and I do not only have the opportunity to share about the importance of financial planning, but also the chance to learn new life skills from my clients.”
Ong Pei Yi
Former Cabin Crew
Now a Great Eastern Agent of Life
What motivated you to make the shift?
“My mother. I’ve come to realise that my mother is not getting any younger and thus, I wanted a job that’s on the ground so that I can be with her whenever she needs me. I also wanted her to be able to retire and enjoy her retirement without having to worry about the finances at home.”
How has your past vocation as a Cabin Crew member helped you in your current career with Great Eastern?
“Like what our national carrier is known for, I’ve definitely brought over my quality of service. It has also taught me how to be empathetic and to always listen to others first. This always reminds me to understand my client’s needs before recommending a plan.”
Why be an Agent of Life at Great Eastern?
Great Eastern is like the “face” of Singapore’s insurance industry. When one talks about the insurance industry, the Great Eastern name will surface. This makes me feel unique and proud being a Great Eastern Financial Consultant!”
Cynthia Toh
Former Financial Auditor
Now a Great Eastern Agent of Life
What motivated you to make the shift?
“I wanted to carve out my own value in the marketplace and define it on my own terms.”
How has your past vocation as a Financial Auditor helped you in your current career with Great Eastern?
“The interpersonal and negotiation skills that I picked up gave me an advantage in securing the best underwriting terms for my clients, and appealing for better outcomes in my clients’ claims settlements.”
Why be an Agent of Life at Great Eastern?
“I am proud to be a part of a trusted local brand that has been around for 112 years in Singapore, and is the only insurer in Singapore that is backed by a bank – the strongest in the world at that! This strategic relationship with a bank allows us to have strong initiatives and partnerships that’ll benefit our clients too!”