If there’s one thing I’d tell my younger self, the one who blew her first few trades and kept Googling for answers, it’s this: Get a mentor earlier.
My investment journey turned serious when I signed up for a national trading competition during my final year as a finance student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). I was just another finance student who wasn’t sure where this path would take me, but I was determined to give it my all.
To be honest, I’d joined two other competitions before and didn’t even rank in the top three. But instead of giving up, I decided to try again. This time, I dedicated myself fully, studying hard, taking courses, and practicing strategies, while others enjoyed their holidays. My goal was clear: to do well and make my university proud.
What I didn’t expect was that ranking #1 in that competition would be the domino that set off a chain reaction, changing every part of my life for the better.
But that was not without ups and downs first.
From bust to wins
In my first year of trading, I blew several accounts because I didn’t know how to manage my emotions or my risk. It wasn’t just about learning technical strategies. I had to unlearn bad habits and rewire how I thought. That meant investing in courses, learning from mentors, and admitting I didn’t have it all figured out.
But the setback made me want to try harder and not give up! As I started meeting fellow like-minded friends in the circle, I grew a newfound interest in wanting to help others to not face the same trading difficulties and problems as well as learn from others who had tips to share.
The turning point was when I won the national trading competition and student clubs in NTU started inviting me to give talks and teach trading to their members.
I quickly realised I enjoyed simplifying the complexities of trading for others. Since I had already been teaching personal finance to kids in primary and secondary schools, transitioning to teaching adults about trading felt like a natural next step.
A new career I didn't expect
One by one, small doors opened. I joined Asia Professional Speakers Singapore and later became a committee member at the Association of Professional Trainers Singapore. I started refining how I taught, how I spoke. And eventually, people began asking if they could learn from me online, in their own time. That’s how I ended up posting on social media.
These lessons came from mistakes, some costly, some humbling, but all necessary. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.
It still amazes me how one competition became the catalyst for an entire new career path. I went from a student with no expectations to someone who now teaches others how to trade, invest, and take control of their finances.
If I hadn’t joined that contest, who knows where I’d be?
Sometimes, the moment that changes your life doesn’t feel life-changing at all, until it does.
This article is part of TSS Confessions, a weekly column where we delve into personal finance topics that are unscripted and genuine real accounts from people.
Karen Foo is a trader, educator, and content creator who helps beginners navigate the world of trading and personal finance. Through her content, she breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable insights. You can follow her on her website, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok here.
