A graduate from the Institute of Technical Education, Ms Georgiana Lim, 26, was given the chance to further her studies by her employer, Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages, in 2015.
“I was fearful and doubtful of my ability to do well and cope with both school and work. But I was also excited as it was a good opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge and pursue my education,” she said.
With her company sponsoring her studies, and the support of her family and friends, Ms Lim enrolled in Kaplan’s full-time Diploma in Commerce (General Studies), awarded by Kaplan Higher Education Institute, while continuing to work.
“Kaplan suited me the most as it allowed me to fulfill my career aspiration and complete my diploma in a shorter time compared to other institutions.”
Students in this full-time programme, which consists of eight subjects, can complete their diploma in just eight months. Classes are held on weekdays in three-hour sessions, which allowed Ms Lim to study and work full-time.
To her delight, Ms Lim also found her classes at Kaplan helpful and engaging.
She said: “My best experiences were the rich discussions between my lecturers and classmates. Instead of mere didactic teaching, lessons were interesting, and the lecturers made the effort to use new learning methods to engage us.”
Ms Lim received her diploma last year. Her upgrading effort paid off as she was given a more challenging role at work. Once a sales administrator, she is now a business planning officer.
“I emerged a more confident person. The diploma programme equipped me with the necessary skills to better contribute to my company’s operations. Besides imparting knowledge, the lecturers shared their experiences too. When faced with challenges at work, I remember what my lecturers have shared and am able to respond to the situation accordingly,” said Ms Lim.
Ms Lim enjoyed her experience studying at Kaplan so much that she was motivated to continue onward to her degree.
Last October, she enrolled in Kaplan’s part-time Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) in Management, awarded by the University College Dublin (UCD). She expects to graduate in April next year.
“The diploma programme was useful in creating a strong foundation for my learning,” she said.
“I am confident that the degree programme will further develop my knowledge and skills. Moreover, Kaplan’s university partners are prestigious, renowned institutes from around the world. Thus, I was assured of a quality degree even before I decided on a specific programme.”
UCD was recommended by her friends as its certificate is internationally recognised and known to confer an advantage in the workforce, according to Ms Lim.
She said: “I hope the degree programme will not only deepen my knowledge of business, but will also be practical and applicable. I hope to be equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will make me a valuable team player in my company.”
Article by Nicolette Ong, Melody Tan
Source: TODAY© Mediacorp Press Limited. Permission required for reproduction.