Navigating Career and Personal Growth with the NUS Part-Time MBA
Our latest series aims to provide insight into the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) part-time MBA programme by sharing the experiences of our alumni. These accounts offer a glimpse into how the programme accommodates the diverse needs of our candidates, supporting their journey towards achieving their professional and personal goals.
Alumni Spotlight: Amit Jain
If you’re at a career crossroads and seeking advancement but unsure of which path to take, Amit Jain’s story could provide valuable insight. Amit, who currently serves as the Head of Data Analytics & Business Intelligence at Keppel Corporation Limited, graduated from the NUS MBA Class of 2023. His journey showcases more than just academic excellence in Civil Engineering.
During his time in the NUS part-time MBA programme, he was recognised as the top student for the Marketing specialisation, found time to foster a data-driven culture at his organisation, and broadened his professional horizons with a 10-month assignment in China. Amit’s experience illustrates how the NUS MBA programme can propel professional growth and personal fulfilment. In our conversation with him, we delve into his journey and uncover the lessons he’s acquired along the way.
Balancing Work, Studies, and Family Life
Starting our discussion with a frequently asked question about juggling work and studies, Amit shares how the NUS MBA programme facilitated a seamless balance between his professional and personal life. With a touch of humour, he quips, “I always joke with my friends that one of my key achievements has been the fact that I never gave my wife a chance to complain that I don’t give her enough time during the entire tenure of my MBA programme.” This equilibrium was achieved through the programme’s flexible scheduling, offering evening and weekend classes that aligned perfectly with his family and work commitments.
Amit underscores the inclusivity of The NUS MBA, highlighting that the programme treats part-time and full-time students equally in terms of curriculum and elective modules. This inclusive approach fosters a diverse learning environment without requiring individuals to sacrifice other responsibilities and enrol in a full-time MBA programme. Furthermore, the emphasis on experiential learning and real-world projects allowed Amit to apply his professional experience while identifying and enhancing areas for growth.
Reflecting upon an impactful five-day Services Marketing course led by Vice Dean Prof Jochen Wirtz, Amit notes how it enabled him to directly apply MBA insights to workplace challenges, bridging theory with practical solutions. He highlights a group project on Customer Loyalty, which addressed real-world scenarios, including a case from his own company. “This enabled me to apply my MBA knowledge to solve my work problems,” Amit noted. This integration of MBA knowledge with professional duties was facilitated by the course’s structure, allowing him to efficiently balance intensive study with work and family commitments. His strategic approach, such as taking three days off work to attend the course, exemplifies how the programme’s flexibility enables individuals to successfully manage work, studies, and family life simultaneously.
Maximising Career Advancement Through Strategic Learning
Similarly, Amit advises prospective students to thoughtfully align their learning with their career aspirations, a strategy that significantly propelled his professional journey. He emphasizes the value of translating theoretical knowledge into practical applications, stating, “By directly applying classroom lessons to workplace solutions, I not only enhanced my skill set but also saw a tangible impact on my career progression.”
Amit’s systematic approach to his MBA experience, strategically selecting courses to expand his knowledge and enhance his proficiency in data analytics and business intelligence, proved instrumental in his growth. “I didn’t just attend classes; I chose each module with an eye on how it would benefit my career immediately and in the long run,” he reflects. This deliberate engagement with the curriculum enabled Amit to seamlessly connect academic learning with real-world industry demands. Furthermore, he shares strategies for optimising learning within the MBA programme. “Before each module, I would write down what I hoped to learn from the lectures and the projects,” he explains. This proactive approach diversified his learning experiences. For example, he alternated roles in projects, sometimes taking the lead and other times focusing on research or managing presentations. During classes, he consistently sat in the front row, making sure he was always engaged and actively contributing to discussions.
Reflecting on the MBA’s Impact
After hearing Amit’s insights, we were curious about the tangible impact of the NUS part-time MBA on his life and career. He spoke candidly about the direct benefits he gained from the programme, noting, “After finishing my MBA, I improved in my job and grew both personally and professionally.” Amit highlighted significant improvements such as a salary increase and accelerated career progression.
We found Amit’s perspective on a less commonly discussed aspect of MBA success intriguing. He explained, “Usually, people measure impact if a person changes job post-MBA and gets a nice paycheck bump. However, I stayed within the same organisation, and thanks to the MBA, my roles and responsibilities significantly increased.” For him, the programme’s benefits surpassed mere financial gains. “The programme deepened my understanding of business strategies, making me more attuned to the decision-making processes within my organisation,” Amit shared. This heightened awareness boosted his confidence.
Understanding the variables better has boosted my confidence, enabling me to propose and defend ideas effectively to senior stakeholders, which has earned me substantial credibility in the organisation.
Amit also discussed his leadership development, emphasizing the practical application of his MBA learnings. “As a leader, I’ve become more assertive and effective, applying the MBA learnings to practical scenarios,” he noted. His leadership growth was evident in his team’s expansion, which tripled in size and extended its scope to include international projects. “During the course of the programme, my team size tripled, including managing teams overseas, reflecting the trust and responsibility vested in me.” This expansion underscores his enhanced leadership capabilities and the clear impact of the MBA on his career trajectory.
In conclusion, Amit’s journey through the NUS part-time MBA exemplifies a harmonious balance between ambition and life’s other priorities. The programme seamlessly integrates into both work and family commitments, allowing participants to apply their learnings and explore new interests.
Spark your transformation today. Join the NUS MBA August 2024 Intake by submitting your application by 9 May 2024.
