Gearing up with enhanced qualifications in the new economy

As the nation collectively navigates unchartered waters as a result of COVID-19, many Singaporeans have found themselves at the crossroads in terms of their career and life choices.

Indeed, the black swan event may give rise to a new economic landscape – almost overnight, the environment and ways in which business is conducted have changed drastically. As Singaporeans move to embrace new norms, many are exploring ways to make productive and practical improvements for themselves. Among the opportunities available, the option of obtaining higher qualifications may be one of them.

As much as making the choice to further one’s studies is important, picking the most suitable pathway is equally crucial. As the global economy experiences rapid transformation, specialised education in areas such as emerging technologies and future management trends are giving graduates in these fields a head-start.

This then begs the question: Which avenues should one seek to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive job market?

SHAPING TOMORROW’S GLOBAL PROFESSIONALS

UCD provides opportunities for students to hone their ability to exercise global thinking.

Programmes that cultivate future-ready graduates, such as University College Dublin’s (UCD) Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) degree offered by Kaplan Singapore, are emerging as strong contenders in their arena. Ranked among the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide with over 12,000 alumni, UCD is an example of an institution that grooms talent for today and tomorrow’s workplaces.

For alumna Chevonne Ang (class of 2018), making the decision to take up a degree at UCD via Kaplan has broadened her horizons both personally and professionally.

“Drawing a link between what I have experienced in my career and what I have learnt in the programme has allowed me to gain a more complete, well-rounded professional perspective,” said the 41-year-old senior officer working in one of Singapore's statutory board. 

“Being in a mixed group of students from all walks of life has also given me greater exposure and challenged me to learn outside my comfort zone,” she added.

With students from myriad backgrounds and in different stages in life, UCD shines in delivering inclusive education for all. It offers students an international experience that plays a role in building a bridge to the future workforce. The concept of an international education extends beyond just traditional student exchange programmes; top universities also provide students with unique opportunities for global learning through partnerships with other global educators.

THE UCD DIFFERENCE

A well-rounded programme structure gives rise to a holistic education for UCD students. 

“UCD’s focus is not only on providing top-class education, but also the skills necessary to succeed in the professional labour market,” said Mr Matt Glowatz, assistant professor and academic coordinator for international students and academic director of the BBS part-time programme at UCD.

“UCD offers an excellent and highly rewarding learning environment supporting our students to develop invaluable, business-relevant and employable skills. Our holistic approach enables students to engage with local industries, analyse Singapore-based case studies and apply theoretical knowledge through online business simulations in class,” he added.

With employability being a foremost concern for many aspiring professionals, UCD’s internationally-recognised qualifications set it apart. Testimony to the quality of the programme, the UCD College of Business is one of an elite group of business schools worldwide to hold the Triple-Crown accreditation from the three centres of business and academic excellence – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (United States), the Association of MBAs (United Kingdom) and the EFMD Quality Improvement System (Europe Union).

While students can expect to complete the BBS programme in 18 months with direct honours, the university offers flexible learning options where individuals can opt for full-time or part-time study arrangements. The programme grants access to nine pathways, each with a unique business specialisation ranging from Digital Business, Management to Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Kaplan caters to students from varying financial backgrounds by offering flexible payment options, such as a 0-per-cent instalment scheme. The institution has also adapted to facilitate sustained learning for students with minimal disruption amidst changing times; online learning is currently available due to COVID-19. Once the situation improves, classroom delivery will be reinstated in full.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Obtaining higher qualifications can help one meet the demands of the new economy. 

According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Singapore will enter into recession this year. There is significant uncertainty over its severity and duration at this point. While job losses and wage cuts loom on the horizon, there are ways to remain proactive and productive – workers have been encouraged to leverage the current downtime to upskill and enhance their employability.

As society continues to evolve, so too will the demands of the business world. The emergence of new trends in the future of work will call for workers to move with greater agility to meet the changing tides when the economy recovers.

As such, UCD is adopting a proactive approach by continuously analysing the local market while working closely with partners, alumni and a vast range of different industry sectors to stay abreast of the highly dynamic Singaporean labour market. For instance, the institution recently introduced the Digital Business core module for all undergraduate students designed to meet demands in an increasingly digital-centred economy. As part of the module, students will study opportunities and challenges posed by current and emerging topics, such as digital strategy, digital marketing and social media.

The ultimate goal for UCD is clear – to ensure that its students enjoy business-relevant education that support their endeavours to succeed in business careers.

To give your career a boost, find out more about UCD’s Bachelor of Business Studies degree at study.kaplan.com.sg/ucd/#programme-enquiry for the enrolment closing on May 30, or for the next intake coming up in October 2020.