Northumbria University Graduate (2021)

I was driven to pursue an MBA as I felt stagnant in terms of my level of knowledge and desired a breakthrough in terms of my professional network. The in-depth and stringent MBA programme broadened my knowledge in managing the business with a practical approach, allowing us to apply knowledge learned through the assignments.

Networking is the best part about taking up an MBA. In my cohort, there was a surgeon from a public hospital and there were many students in senior positions in large companies from various fields. This helped me to grow my connections.

My advice to those who are thinking of taking up an MBA is: Don’t think, just do. Taking up an MBA is not just a career-propelling act, but has taught me to prioritise the things I do daily while advancing my knowledge and challenging what I thought I knew, having managed a business for a decade. Furthermore, have an open mind and practice good time management while learning, re-learning and challenging yourself to greater heights.

With a growing percentage of the population holding at least a Bachelor’s Degree, it is imperative to have an MBA to stand out among your peers. From middle management executives to busy business owners like myself, taking the time and effort to achieve an MBA qualification will bring you a new skill set and mindset. Because Kaplan offers a manageable timetable for the programme, it is not difficult, speaking as a married man with three kids, similar to many peers in my class.

Northumbria University Graduate (2021)

What drove me to pursue my MBA was the desire to gain new knowledge and learnings that are relevant to what I do in my current job.

The modules covered were very relevant and were the most beneficial part of the programme to me, and they helped me gain the knowledge necessary to lead my business. The programme allowed me to apply what I had learned in real work situations, such as in managing people, financial management and strategy planning.

For example, in the Strategic Marketing module, the various theories and models related to branding helped me to review and apply my internal and external brand positioning in my business. In the module, Managing in the Digital Economy, I learned to relate strategic issues such as technology adoption, digital marketing platforms and more, and consider how these could be broadly applied across business lines.

Furthermore, there was the opportunity to learn through group discussions and research work. As part of my assignment in the Leader Identity and Leadership module, I had the opportunity to interview a leader to understand his challenges and analyse his leadership style. Through this, I could reflect on my own leadership style.

My advice to those thinking of pursuing an MBA is to be mentally prepared that the end goal is not just the certificate, but the opportunity to expand one’s learnings and business knowledge through classes, study groups and research. Networking is certainly the best part about taking up an MBA programme. I had a regular study group where we met up regularly to catch up about work, apart from discussing assignments.

In my opinion, those who aspire to grow into a leadership role should take up this MBA programme.

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

Going through this course has provided me with the theoretical knowledge from an academic perspective, allowing me to combine my practical experience with the strength of the academic knowledge in my decision making. I am able to apply my Postgraduate Degree knowledge to what I do now, and it has definitely helped me to plan my business growth strategies for the future.

For example, modules such as Business, Society and Environment gave me more knowledge in my consulting work with clients, such as how the trending subject presently is Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG). Furthermore, the Leading an Engaged Enterprise module provided me with a deeper understanding of how to motivate and manage my staff better.

Networking was the best part about taking up an MBA. Through this course, I got to meet managers and other business owners to share ideas and knowledge with each other.

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

I have found that a Postgraduate Degree does not just open up job opportunities for me in my area of study. In fact, it will facilitate my career transition to more senior management positions and leadership roles.

The Postgraduate programme helped me to improve my research, writing and analysis skills. As a result, I have become a better problem solver who can tackle complex projects with more ease. The programme also prepared me for a life of constant learning. As a graduate student, I connected with professionals who are successful in their careers. That has provided me with real-world knowledge through a valuable network of professionals. Furthermore, I achieved a promotion after graduating with my Postgraduate Degree and was offered a change to my job scope in Marketing.

I have never second guessed my choice to study a Postgraduate Degree with Murdoch University at Kaplan in Singapore. I really liked the course structure, and the quality of some of Kaplan’s lecturers was a highlight of my University experience. I also love how students have access to various courses through the very user-friendly online learning portal, where I could find daily lectures, assignments, task details, tutorials and listen to online recordings whenever I need to.

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

I had moved to a new role that provided me with a wider scope of work, exposure and visibility that included global and regional responsibilities, compared to my previous role with responsibilities confined to Singapore.

The programme taught me to think critically, and challenge existing ideas and implement new ones to do my job better. The programme helped me to understand the job function and make new suggestions to improve operations.

As for which aspects of the programme I liked the most, that would be the lecturers, classmates and subjects. The modules were brought to life by having good lecturers.

I had learned to juggle work and studies since pursuing the Murdoch Bachelor of Business Degree programme. The flexibility of the timetable helped me to manage schoolwork, assignments and complete tutorials. Thanks to the great experience in the Bachelor’s Degree programme, I continued on to pursue the MBA with Kaplan as well, knowing very well that the timetable and time management were within my control.

The demands of the MBA programme were tougher, but I managed to do well, with good teammates and lecturers who sincerely cared about education, learning and development.

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

I was driven to pursue a Postgraduate Degree for personal development. It has helped me to reassess my thought process and develop a more critical approach to problem solving. The programme has worked very effectively towards making me a more disciplined future business leader, as it gave me perspective and helped me equip myself with better instincts.

By studying for a Postgraduate Degree, I have developed skills such as business management and entrepreneurship, business strategy and leadership management, time management, research, presentation and writing. The programme has helped me to work within a team and consider different perspectives.

Working and studying at the same time can be really challenging, but the outcome is fulfilling. I would advise those thinking of taking up a Postgraduate Degree to be mentally prepared, determined and enjoy the learning process.

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

I was driven to pursue a Postgraduate Degree as I wanted the value-add from learning relevant skills and knowledge. After researching, I decided to pursue my MBA with Murdoch University as it was the best choice for me. The MBA Degree has, without a doubt, given me an edge over my colleagues.

The course has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed for my role and led to me become more recognised by employers due to my qualifications. I am able to apply the knowledge and skills to my job. They include Business Finance, which is highly related to my role in calculating and deriving investment tool returns, as well as Global Business in the Asian Century, which has helped me to get along with colleagues from different backgrounds.

I like how the programme encourages students to work and communicate together in setting up project assignments. This was one of the best takeaways from the programme for me, as I made good friends, and we learn from and help one another even after graduation.

After achieving my Postgraduate Degree, I secured career advancement in UBS, a top-tier investment bank, to work in the front office as an Execution Trader, and then moved on to J.P. Morgan in a Credit Risk Management role. I had also received job offers from other banks.

Investing in yourself by securing an MBA Degree to remain competitive and relevant is the best investment in this era!

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

The initial motivation to pursue a Postgraduate Degree was based on a personal challenge to better myself academically. But upon completing my programme, I have found myself constantly applying what I had learnt in my daily work, especially in managing the company.

The programme was challenging at first, but with work-from-home (WFH) being the default mode of working at my company and classes transitioning online, I saved a lot of time on commuting and juggled work and studies better. In addition, the support from my colleagues, clients, family and friends enabled me to manage my work and studies concurrently.

My advice to those who are thinking of taking up a Postgraduate Degree is, do not let your age put you off the idea. For those who have not been to school for a long time, the initial adjustments as a student may be a little uncomfortable, but with determination and tenacity, nothing is impossible.