He needed more business knowledge to perform better in his management role.

Mr Jonathan Goh, 36, graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering 14 years ago.

He then joined KS Distribution, a company dealing in oil and natural gas.

Mr Goh, who is married, said: “After working in sales for 12 years, I was promoted to a management position. I decided to obtain a business administration qualification as it would help in my sales and management roles.”

His company’s human resource department shortlisted several programmes for his consideration; one of which was the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Administration (Top up) programme awarded by Birmingham City University (BCU), UK, offered by Kaplan in Singapore.

Students in the year-long top-up direct honours programme have to complete seven modules including Business Operations and Systems, Relationship Marketing and International Marketing.

Case studies and project-based assignments are used to explore realworld scenarios.

Mr Goh said: “I pursued the BCU programme as the curriculum was intriguing. The central location of the Kaplan Campus was convenient and the flexible lecture schedules allowed me to accommodate and shuffle between family, work and school.”

He was glad that classes were on weekdays as his weekends were free for his family.

Mr Goh added: “The pace of the programme was well spaced out.”

“The topics and lecture discussions were brought about from real-life experiences from students and lecturers. This helped in the practicality and realistic application to my work life.”

It was initially difficult for Mr Goh to be a part-time student. He said: “I was one of the more mature students in our class. But despite our tough schedule, we worked together, forged friendships and built networking opportunities.

“It was difficult to study again after working for several years, but it is rewarding. Learning is something nobody can take away from you.”

Mr Goh, who completed his studies in September last year but graduates this year, was grateful for his wife’s support during his studies.

He said: “Without family support, it is hard to succeed. If you decide to pursue further education, bite the bullet and persevere, no matter how difficult things become.”

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Article by Arul John
Source: The New Paper© Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction.