Transition from Science to Commerce
Hello Reader,
I would like to share my academic journey at Curtin Singapore, where I pursued a degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Marketing.
This period was marked by significant learning experiences, personal growth, and the opportunity to explore a global perspective on education. Here’s an overview of my time at Curtin Singapore, including key highlights and challenges.
National Service and Continuing Education
Before starting my undergraduate program, I served my National Service. During this time, I took the initiative to pursue online courses on topics such as a mini-MBA diploma, agile methodologies, lean management, and others still pending completion. This self-driven learning helped me build a strong foundation and prepared me for the academic challenges ahead.
Choosing Curtin Singapore
Despite recognizing the perspective that local universities offered more recognition and exposure, I chose Curtin Singapore for its western educational approach, which I believed would foster better critical and analytical thinking. I was also looking forward to experiencing university life akin to what is often depicted in movies.
Semester Exchange in Perth
To broaden my horizons, I opted for a semester exchange at Curtin University in Perth. The four-month exchange period exposed me to a different cultural environment, allowing me to experience living alone and adapting to a new setting away from my family. This experience was invaluable in developing my independence and cross-cultural understanding.
Intensive Study and Internship Focus
During my course of study, I overloaded three trimesters to ensure that my last trimester was dedicated to focusing on the business internship module. This intensive study plan required careful time management and a strong commitment to my academic goals.
While it may sound daunting, consistent and structured efforts will allow you to cope well instead of drowning in work! Planning and focusing on what was needed to be done, I had the capacity to visit Margaret river for a short breather in Australia, and catch up with friends and families here in Singapore!
Diverse Cultural Environment
Curtin Singapore's student body consists of many international students, highlighting the importance of adapting to different working cultures. While challenges related to cultural differences, deadlines, and quality of work were evident, these experiences taught me the importance of clear documentation and early communication to lay out expectations and guidelines.
Practical Application and Feedback
Utilizing what I learned in class, I observed the school's operations and documented feedback and highlights for review. This exercise allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, providing practical insights into operational efficiency, supported by some of the management team.
Mentorship Program
In my last trimester, I was selected for a mentorship program where I was introduced to an experienced mentor. This opportunity allowed me to gain deeper insights into the industry and realign my career direction based on my mentor's valuable advice.
Key Highlights
Western Educational Approach: Choosing Curtin Singapore for its critical and analytical thinking focus.
Semester Exchange: Experiencing a new cultural environment and living independently during my exchange in Perth.
Intensive Study: Successfully managing three overloaded trimester schedules to focus on my business internship module.
Mentorship Program: Being selected for a mentorship program and gaining valuable industry insights.
Challenges Faced
Cultural Adaptation: Adapting to the diverse cultural environment and different working styles of fellow students.
Managing Deadlines: Balancing intensive coursework and meeting tight deadlines while maintaining quality work.
Clear Communication: Learning the importance of early communication and clear documentation to manage expectations and guidelines effectively.
Group work is an unavoidable element in education. With students having different background and working styles, it is important to adapt and identify how to navigate about finding the right balance in creating a synergistic and motivated team.
Reflection and Takeaways
My time at Curtin Singapore was transformative, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of logistics, supply chain management, and marketing. The challenges I faced, particularly in adapting to cultural differences and managing deadlines, were instrumental in developing my problem-solving and communication skills. The mentorship program was a highlight, offering guidance and clarity for my future career path.
I hope this insight into my experience at Curtin Singapore inspires you to value the importance of a global perspective in education and the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth. Stay tuned for more stories and experiences from my journey.
Thank you for reading!
good read