MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS

Transforming Careers: NTU’s MSc Business Analytics Empowers Former Flight Attendant to Excel in Business Analytics

Even as the pandemic grounded Fenny Tsai’s high-flying role as a flight attendant at Singapore Airlines, it marked the start of a new journey – into business analytics.

“When I joined Singapore Airlines in 2017, I knew it wasn’t a long-term career option for me,” Fenny recalls. “But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 outbreak that I seriously reflected on my prospects and started considering my next steps in future pandemics.”

The pandemic has sparked a wave of career change, as workers who suffered disruptions were compelled to re-evaluate their goals.

Determined to future-proof her career, Fenny felt that a data and business analytics career would be an excellent fit.

“Possessing technical skill sets such as data analysis, programming, and SQL would make me an invaluable asset in any organisation,” she explains.

Business analytics wasn’t entirely new for Fenny. Having majored in Management Information Systems as an undergraduate, she already had a strong foundation in working with data. Meanwhile, her stint as cabin crew had equipped her with excellent communication and problem-solving experience – skills which any good business analyst needs to bridge the gap between IT and business stakeholders.

A master’s degree in business analytics, she decided, would help her to harness these skill sets and open the door to a career change. She took a leap of faith and signed up for a Specialised Master’s in Business Analytics from Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore.

Taking flight: From flight attendant to full-time student

After more than five years of building a career, returning to school as a full-time student can be daunting. However, Fenny was determined not to let fear hold her back.

“Stepping out of my comfort zone was challenging. But it’s important to trust your instincts,” she emphasises. “While there may be people who discourage you from your plans, you need to have confidence in your decision and stay focused on your goals.”

For Fenny, choosing the right programme was crucial. It had to have a strong reputation for technological innovation, while ideally providing industry experience that would ease her career shift. The MSc Business Analytics (MSBA) programme offered by NTU’s Nanyang Business School (NBS) ticked both these boxes.

“NTU is the first institution that comes to my mind when discussing technology,” says Fenny. “It’s one of Asia’s top universities, and the Nanyang Business School is renowned in technology and business.”

What sealed her choice of NBS’s MSBA programme was its inclusion of a practicum – a three-month internship arranged for students in their third trimester. “Many students pursue the MSBA programme to change their career path,” she explains. “The practicum provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and get on track towards our desired career.”

An enriching learning environment

Given their role in drawing out data insights to advise business operations, business analysts must master various technical skills: statistics, programming, data visualisation, and more. It’s no surprise that six months into the MSBA programme, Fenny describes her experience as “intense” but “incredibly enriching”.

“Not only have I refreshed my existing knowledge in data management, but I’ve also acquired new skills in many areas – from programming to machine learning,” she shares. “The programme offers a flexible schedule, allowing me to plan my study time and continually learn new things.”

Beyond hard skills, Fenny also appreciates how the programme provides rich opportunities to hone her soft skills. To be successful, business analysts don’t just need to crunch data – they must also engage with business leaders and articulate clear, compelling solutions to business problems. Her time in the MSBA programme, Fenny says, has sharpened her communication and collaboration skills. 

“We’ve had many group projects throughout the course, and this trained us to communicate and work effectively as a team,” she recalls. “It’s also allowed me to learn from students of diverse backgrounds, including India, China, and Singapore. Gaining different perspectives on problems has allowed me to develop more creative solutions.”

Opportunities for collaborative learning abound even during class time. Some of Fenny’s most memorable experiences have come from the basic and advanced programming modules, thanks to their refreshing emphasis on active class participation. 

“Mr Koh Choon Chye encouraged students to share their ideas to help boost others’ understanding,” she says. “I believe that after I graduate, I’ll truly miss this school experience!”

Gaining real-world experience in the industry

Having reached her third trimester in the programme, Fenny eagerly awaits her data analytics practicum. This work placement prepares students to apply their skills from classroom to workplace, enabling them to gain an edge for a career in business analytics.

“The practicum is invaluable for students like me who are looking to transition into a new industry,” she explains. “The hands-on experience and real-world exposure will provide a foundation for my future career and help me adapt smoothly to a new role.” 

Fenny will be a data analyst with CapitaLand Group for the next three months. She secured this coveted role with much practice and preparation under the guidance of NBS’ Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO).

“GSCDO was instrumental in helping me prepare for my job search,” she recalls. “They supported revising my resume and cover letter to help me make a strong impact as a candidate.”

Practice was key to acing her interview as well. “With the help of GSCDO, I honed my interview skills and learnt how to answer expected questions with confidence,” she shares. “This experience has given me a better understanding of what to expect in the interview process and has built my confidence for my future career.” 

Achieving career change with the MSc Business Analytics degree

Career pivots can seem risky, but Fenny believes her daring journey has been well worth the uncertainty. “It’s never too late to learn and expand your knowledge,” she advises. “To anyone contemplating a career switch, I’d like to say: ‘Don’t be afraid, just go for it!’ Take that leap of faith, and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way.”

She also advises potential MSBA students to ask for the help they need. “If you have questions or uncertainties, don’t hesitate to ask for help. By seeking guidance, you can gain the support and resources you need to succeed in your new journey.”

The MSBA programme has provided her with robust support throughout her journey, and she foresees that it will continue to propel her career post-graduation. “Having an MSBA degree from NBS will enhance my chances of securing job opportunities, both locally and globally,” she says. “NBS’s strong alumni network and industry connections can also be valuable in helping me achieve my career aspirations.”

Blaze new paths in your career with a Specialised Master’s in Business Analytics. This interdisciplinary programme equips students with hands-on experience in the dynamic world of data analytics, preparing them to be future-ready in modern organisation.

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