Youngjin Son: Embracing flexibility and career growth with The NUS MBA
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Youngjin Son
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Changing careers after years in a particular industry might seem daunting for many of us. But it’s possible, as our alumni Son Youngjin (Class of 2023) from South Korea, shows. With a background in manufacturing sales, Youngjin tapped into the NUS MBA’s flexibility and diverse opportunities to make a successful career shift. She transitioned into tech business development in Singapore, all while balancing her studies and professional growth. We highlight alumni who have successfully transitioned their careers while pursuing their MBA with NUS. Let’s find out more about Youngjin!
A career shift made possible by part-time studies
Youngjin’s professional journey began in South Korea, where she worked in sales for a manufacturing firm producing solar modules and energy-saving systems. Realising that career prospects in the manufacturing industry were limited in Singapore, she decided to pursue an NUS MBA to enter a new sector.
Her goal was to enter Singapore’s tech industry despite not having prior experience in the field. The NUS MBA proved the perfect platform for this change, offering her networking opportunities with companies like Microsoft and access to the Technology Student Club. Courses such as digital transformation, featuring real-life business cases, helped her build the skills needed for her transition. “Through these, I was able to land a job as a technology salesperson at ServiceNow APAC in Singapore a year after I started the NUS MBA full-time course,” she explains.
Once Youngjin secured her role, she took advantage of The NUS MBA program’s flexibility, seamlessly transitioning from full-time to part-time studies. This switch allowed her to manage her new job during the day while attending classes on weekday evenings and weekends, maintaining her academic momentum without disrupting her professional development.
Indeed, this arrangement meant she could dive deep into the academic aspects of her MBA. For her, the learning was extremely rich, particularly in courses like managerial operations and analysis led by Professor Joel Goh. She describes the teaching method as eye-opening, which involves deep dives into business cases and interactive discussions. “The course allowed me to look at the case from perspectives that I never thought I had, thanks to the insights from my classmates,” she shares.
The practical knowledge she gained in these sessions equipped her with the tools to understand complex business processes and identify solutions—skills she uses daily in her current role. Her ability to translate classroom learning into workplace solutions has significantly influenced her success.
The various experiences—from classes to international case competitions—also helped Youngjin build the strategic mindset necessary for her new role. She highlights the importance of studying industry cases and discussing them with peers from diverse professional backgrounds.
“The tech industry offers so many different pools of customers,” she explains. “Previously, my counterparts were construction companies for solar modules and energy systems. But now, at ServiceNow, I work with IT, security, and customer service teams across various industries.” This broad exposure, facilitated by the NUS MBA’s comprehensive curriculum and practical projects, enabled Youngjin to adapt effectively to new industry dynamics and customer needs.
Gaining practical experience through internships
Apart from academia, the experience with internships was crucial to her development. The program’s structure enabled students to begin internships from the winter break after their first semester, offering a hands-on way to explore new career paths.
Youngjin notes, “Even if you try that new job and you don’t like it, there are always things you can learn from it.” She valued the opportunity to experiment with different roles as someone who prefers to try things firsthand. She interned at a sustainability consulting firm during her MBA, allowing her to test her interest in the sector without a long-term commitment. Although the internship did not lead to a full-time position, she reflects that the experience equipped her with valuable research methodologies and data analysis skills, which she now applies in her technology sales role.
Finding her way in a new job market with NUS career support
BIZCareers (NUS Business School’s Career Development Office) played a crucial role in Youngjin’s transition to the Singapore job market, which was entirely new territory for her. Having spent her entire life in South Korea, she was unfamiliar with the local job search process, including writing resumes and preparing for interviews in English.
Connecting with a career advisor early in her MBA, she received guidance on adapting her skills and experiences to the Singapore market. “My career advisor was beneficial in determining my career direction,” Youngjin says. The advisor provided tailored advice on positioning herself based on the job market’s demands and her background, guiding her through multiple career pivots—manufacturing sales, sustainability consulting, and IT sales. Although the process was challenging, it helped her discover new areas where she could excel, eventually leading to her current role at ServiceNow.
How to find balance: work, studies, and building a global network
Balancing her new professional responsibilities with her academic pursuits was challenging for Youngjin, especially when adjusting to a new industry. Despite the demanding schedule, she made the most of the experience by maintaining a positive outlook and embracing the process. “Sometimes I was physically and mentally exhausted, but I tried to enjoy the process as much as possible,” she reflects.
Her favourite memories include travelling to Malaysia and Indonesia with her cohort during breaks and spending weekends with classmates after classes. For Youngjin, The NUS MBA was also a chance to build lasting relationships and create a support system in Singapore. “My cohorts have become my support system here in Singapore, and it’s also precious to have friends outside of Singapore that I can visit anytime,” she says.
Even though she entered the program with only three years of professional experience, Youngjin found the university environment rejuvenating. “I love the atmosphere that only universities can have. If you’re attending the MBA now, I hope you don’t get too stressed out and try to enjoy the moment,” she advises.
Youngjin’s journey is undoubtedly inspiring. The NUS MBA’s flexibility and resources supported professionals like her in pursuing new career paths, gaining essential skills, and building an international network. For those looking to change careers, the program offers a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities so you can grow personally and professionally. So, let Youngjin’s story be a sign for you to take the first step!
