Crystal Ren
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Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Crystal graduated with a degree in BA Economics and is now the Managing Director for Perha in Singapore. Among many other things, Crystal also has a podcast– @Asianrebel club – which is a community platform for high-achieving Asians breaking free from external validation to redefine success on their own terms.
🎧You can find Crystal’s podcast, Asian Rebel Club at @asianrebelclub.
How did your work term through AWE shape your understanding of the real-world application of your degree?
Through AWE, I had the opportunity to intern with Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets as a Commodity Analyst on their trading floor in Calgary. Every morning, I prepared market updates on commodities—directly applying the theories and frameworks I learned in my Economics degree.
The role required strong technical skills like proficiency in Bloomberg, Excel and VBA, but it also helped me sharpen softer skills—market research, business writing and communication across teams. I gained an intimate, real-world understanding of how trading floors operate and how roles in sales, trading and deal origination come together.
It wasn’t easy but it built in me a level of resilience, work ethic, and professionalism that I still carry today. These qualities have helped me become a sharper decision-maker and a more grounded entrepreneur.
How has having an Arts degree allowed you to advance your career to where it is today?
Majoring in Economics, minoring in Psychology, and earning a Certificate in Finance, I had the rare opportunity to explore both the rational and emotional dimensions of decision-making. My Arts background gave me a deep curiosity about how humans function—both individually and collectively. Unlike more rigid disciplines, an Arts degree gave me a flexible and expansive lens through which to view the world.
What advice would you provide to students who are considering joining AWE today?
The AWE program is an incredible opportunity to move beyond textbooks and step into the real world while still having the safety net of university support.
It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of a career, especially when it looks shiny on paper. But AWE gives you a chance to test whether the actual day-to-day life of that career aligns with who you are and what you value.
Think of it as a low-risk, high-growth experiment. You get to explore:
What kind of work energizes or drains you
The type of colleagues and culture you thrive in
What kind of leadership you respond well to
And most importantly, who you want to become in the world beyond graduation
It’s not just about figuring out what job you want. It’s about discovering how you want to live, grow and contribute meaningfully to the world.
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