Topping up your qualificationsMDIS in the News

Shao Wentian is hoping to advance her career with a top-up degree from MDIS

Choosing between a career and higher qualifications can be tough for many polytechnic graduates.

Ms Shao Wentian, 25, combined both options by enrolling at the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS).

HER TOP CHOICE

An assistant property manager with Eastern Holdings, Ms Shao graduated from Temasek Polytechnic in 2014 with a Diploma in Green Building and Sustainability. To improve her career prospects, she decided to further her studies at MDIS.

She said: "MDIS has a long history and a good reputation in private education. The programmes offered were relevant and what I wanted to study.

"I also like the campus and the facilities. In addition, MDIS provides a conducive environment for learning and has a convenient location."

ENHANCING HER BUSINESS AND MARKETING KNOWLEDGE

Last October, Ms Shao enrolled in the part-time Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business and Marketing (Top-up), awarded by the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom.

The top-up degree programme is intended for polytechnic graduates holding relevant diplomas. They would be able to enter the programme's final year and complete their degree in 12 months (part-time). Full-time students can complete the degree in nine months.

This degree programme equips students with a better understanding of organisations, the external environment in which they operate and how they are managed. It also helps develop and maintain their awareness and understanding of business in a regional, national and international context.

STRONG INDUSTRY RELEVANCE

The entire programme comprises six modules. A majority of the modules are assessed by coursework only.

To ensure she stays on top of her studies, Ms Shao spends weekends revising lecture notes or preparing for assignments and examinations. Still, she is pleased that she can put what she's learnt into practice.

She said: "The content is comprehensive and useful. My favourite subject is Managing Projects, which is relevant to my current job. Being able to apply what I've learnt in the classroom to my work is very valuable to me."

Ms Shao, who expects to graduate in October, credits her MDIS education for teaching her essential life skills. "I can better manage my time, having had to juggle work and studies. I've also acquired new knowledge and made new friends," she said.