Graduate Studies Blog

MSC MARKETING SCIENCE

Graduate life at Nanyang Business School

Four months ago, I was waiting eagerly for emails from the universities I had applied to. Little did I know I’d be homebound for 3 months – no get-togethers with friends, no work to look forward to. COVID-19 affected the plans of so many people, including myself. Students like me were filled with worry about our future. However, all of that changed on a warm spring afternoon when I received the admissions offer to the MSc Marketing Science from the Nanyang Business School (NBS) – my dream school!

Photo taken by Jiayi

The NBS Marketing Science programme brings with it many surprises and never ceases to amaze me. There are 39 of us from diverse backgrounds and from countries such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and of course Singapore. Close to of us have had working experience prior to joining the programme. Many have also studied overseas or have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from places such as the US, UK, Australia, and the Netherlands. This diversity has exposed me to different ways of thinking and learning.

A group photo taken during a city tour of us visiting Singapore’s Central Business District

I am continually amazed by how this programme has changed me:

1. Inspired to achieve more

I now have a new understanding of and appreciation for the meaning of success and how to obtain it. Inspired by the passion and determination that my classmates have for the class, I have come to realise that continuous learning is one key way to keep pace with them. My classmates are still interested to learn even though their school-going days are well past them. Despite their working experience, they are always keen to hone their skills and knowledge.

As I spent my time reading and interacting with my classmates, I started to develop a better understanding of myself. I started seeing my future and the steps I must take to achieve my goals.

[View from my Balcony. I love to stay here and enjoy the gifts of nature]

2. Learning from my peers

Through the course, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to learn from my classmates. For example, I found one of my classmates, Daniel, is a wonderful storyteller. Every time he speaks or presents, he never fails to capture my attention through his engaging stories and presentation. I aspire to be as good a storyteller as him one day.

Daniel with Ethnography Textbook

Marvin, another classmate of mine, is highly analytical. His ability to synthesize and make sense of any information is remarkable. Daniel and Marvin are just two examples of classmates from whom I have benefitted significantly. Though I’m only a few months into the programme, I feel that every classmate of mine contributes to my learning in different ways. This is something I greatly appreciate and value from the programme.

Marvin with the Iconic Merlion

3. Friendship and cross-cultural communication

Even though our class comprises classmates from different nationalities, one thing that binds us is our shared passion for marketing. Our class is also an amiable bunch. I can feel the kindness from every student I’ve met from the programme and NBS. One of my closest friends is Pare from Thailand. I enjoy our conversations as we are both open-minded and always find ourselves sharing our culture and stories from our respective countries.

Photo taken with Pare in our Ethnography course

Another reason why NBS is great is that every faculty, career coach, and alumni are approachable and forthcoming. I’ve never been turned down by any of them, and they are always willing to lend a listening ear and assist me in my difficulties.

No matter how hard COVID-19 has affected the world and the job market, I believe NTU or NBS will support me to pursue my dream, and with that, I know the world is mine to conquer.

Interested to find out how the Nanyang Business School can prepare you for your learning journey. Arrange a 1-to-1 chat with us.