After some detours, Kaplan Singapore student­ finally settles on dream course

Neha

HER parents wanted her to get a UK university degree in Singapore, and Miss Neha Haresh Sewhani, 20, found it at Kaplan Singapore.

The Indian national enrolled in Kaplan Singapore in January this year and initially completed an eight-month-long Diploma in Commerce (General Studies) programme. She is now pursuing the 18-month-long Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Management with Marketing awarded by Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL).

Miss Neha, who will graduate in June next year, said: “After I completed my O levels at CHIJ Katong Convent in 2009, everyone was frantically looking around for admission to the polytechnics or junior colleges. My childhood friend Azmina Mohideen had completed her O levels with me, and then enrolled into Overseas Family School.

“I decided to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme as a substitute for my A levels/polytechnic studies too.”

After they completed their IB programme in 2012, most of Miss Neha’s friends left for universities in the US and UK.

“But my parents and I had decided I would stay back to complete my university education at a private institution in Singapore. But after a month in the course, I felt disheartened and realised I had made the wrong decision.

I discussed with my parents on this issue, explored with them the different areas of degree specialisations and which institution would best suit my needs.

“After I developed an interest in marketing, I decided to look at the various private institutions in which I could ­ fit my desires with the course offerings. Through his research, my father came across a newspaper article for Kaplan Singapore and asked me to look into it,” said Miss Neha.

Miss Neha liked Kaplan Singapore’s central location and proximity to her previous secondary school. She was also impressed by its ambience and layout of the classrooms.

Miss Neha also found similarities between the teaching styles at Kaplan Singapore and the Overseas Family School.

“Both institutions prefer to have small classes so students receive more personal attention and can focus better. Both institutions have really passionate and dedicated lecturers, which allowed me to grow as a person in many ways.

“The lecturers at Kaplan Singapore not only taught me about commercial law and management, but also shared insights into life with me.

“In my opinion, it is crucial to make the right decisions in life and for my situation, studying at Kaplan Singapore was one of them. For now, my dream would be to obtain first class honours under my degree dual specialisation.”

O-level student Jamie Chua Pei Shan, 16, wondered if there were any Maths-related courses in Miss Neha’s specialisation, to which she replied in the affirmative.

Jamie: How are the lecturers at Kaplan Singapore?

Neha: They are amazing! They are able to transfer their knowledge so effectively that students can put away their handphones and listen intently to them.

Jamie: How do you manage your time during your studies?

Neha: It is important to set goals and expectations, as well as a to-do list to help you stay focused.

Jamie: How are the marks allocated in your course?

Neha: In the diploma courses, exams comprise 60 to 70 per cent of the marks, quizzes comprise 10 to 15 per cent and assignments comprise the rest.

 

At A Glance

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Management with Marketing is awarded by Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. The programme provides a solid grounding in the theories and practice and preparing students for a successful career in the ­field of management. Students will explore key areas of management, ranging from accounting and business statistics, to marketing management, consumer behaviour, marketing research and e-commerce. Students will get a quality management degree from a member of the University of London group of colleges.

“If becoming a manager is your goal, Kaplan Singapore is the exclusive partner of the renowned Royal Holloway, part of the University of London, for the delivery of its management programmes. These programmes are globally recognised and offer a comprehensive management and business education. There is also the opportunity to pursue a dual specialisation degree in either Management and Accounting, Management and International Business or Management and Marketing. Given that it is an 18-month programme, students can look forward to graduating and joining the workforce sooner than most of their peers.”

 

 

rhys

Mr Rhys Johnson
Vice President for Teaching, Learning & Student Support, Kaplan Singapore



Source: The New Paper GO Guide, 13 January 2014 © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission. Click to view PDF