From white coat to business suit

SINGAPORE - She was always strong in her science subjects in secondary school.

So Miss Michelle Ng decided that the best path for her after O levels was to pursue a Diploma in Chemical Process Technology at Singapore Polytechnic.

But she discovered new things about herself while taking the three-year polytechnic course that would lead her to a different path.

The 24-year-old found more joy in being part of a fast-paced environment.

She also discovered her flair for working with people.

So, following her graduation, Miss Ng jumped on an opportunity to work for Changi Airport Group – where is she now part of a team that manages projects for the aviation giant.

The polytechnic graduate also decided to concurrently read a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business Studies with Banking and Finance at PSB Academy.

Her degree programme, offered by Loughborough University, UK, inculcates relevant knowledge and skills and it increases her chance for promotion.

Miss Ng said: “The Bachelor of Science programme offered by Loughborough University offers modules that are relevant to my scope of work.

“For example, I study subjects such as International Marketing and Operations and Project Management – areas that are useful for my job.”

The part-time programme lasts for three years and is divided into three semesters per year.

Applicants with a business-related diploma from a local polytechnic are exempted from the first year of the programme.

Students take two subjects in each semester, and they can choose either the Banking and Finance or Business Studies option in their second year.

Miss Ng, who enrolled in PSB Academy in 2011 and took the Banking and Finance route, said: “When I was approaching my second year of studies with Loughborough University, they offered a technical specialisation in Banking and Finance as an option to general Business Studies.

“After much consideration, I chose to specialise in ‘B&F’ to enhance my understanding of the business world, widen my scope of knowledge and options for my future.”

Miss Ng said that her polytechnic lecturers recommended PSB Academy when she approached them for advice on furthering her studies.

After doing more research, she also found that the institution has a good reputation among its students.

“I have plans to further my education by enrolling in a Master’s Degree with PSB Academy probably after gaining a few more years of working experience. The system here is good and our lecturers, who are also industry practitioners, are able to relate to us about real-life working society,” she said.

Miss Ng paid tribute to her friends and family for giving her support when she was deciding whether to take her current course.

She singled out her parents for their patience and understanding.

She added: “Although my parents never pressured me to further my studies, I’ve always wanted to excel and better myself in order to open up more opportunities.

“I would say that they have always provided me with 100 per cent moral support as they have never failed to stand by me during tough times.”

The PSB Academy student remains realistic about the future.

She is aware that the road ahead will be bumpy – but she remains undaunted by the mammoth task of achieving success in an industry unfamiliar to her.

She knows that her friends and family will always be a source of strength for her, and she is quietly confident of doing well.

“I always believe that the biggest challenge for everyone is to overcome their fears. Sometimes when I need mental support, I go to my mother and sister who will lend me a listening ear.

“I also have many friends, many of whom are businessmen and working adults who can share with me their experiences.

“I then apply what they share with me to my own situation. In this way, I keep improving,” she said.

WHY THIS COURSE

THE Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business Studies with Banking and Finance is offered by Loughbourough University, UK.

The programme is distinctive in combining the elements of business management studies with banking and finance theory. It will develop the students’ understanding of the institutions, instruments and markets of the financial services sector and prepares students for a career in the banking and finance industry, as well as in general management.

"Loughborough University and PSB Academy are committed to helping our students stand out in the increasingly competitive graduate job market and many of our graduates go on to enjoy rewarding careers with major organisations.

Besides academic rigour, this high quality programme also develop skills valued by employers including independent learning and research, analytical skills, group work, presentation skills, project work, and numeracy. The Times’ 2013 Good University Guide saw Loughborough ranked 4th for Accounting & Finance and 6th for Business Studies." - Dr Susie Khoo, Dean and Senior Vice-President, PSB Academy

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