It was very challenging to study and work at the same time. Murdoch University offers students the flexibility to plan their study schedules. I can choose the number of modules to study for each trimester according to my work schedule.

In preparation to set up my dream café, I decided to pursue a Double Major Degree in Finance and Management. The latter equips me with the essential business skills and knowledge to set up my café by providing me the skill sets to analyse data, improve financial decisions and provide excellent customer service to my future patrons.

After my O-Levels, I joined Kaplan to study for my Diploma in Banking and Finance. Upon completing it, my passion for the industry grew further. Hence, I decided to embark on my Degree programme to secure a better future and career prospects.

I chose Murdoch University because I could gain an internationally-recognised qualification. Many of my friends had recommended Murdoch as it is a reputable university. To my understanding, the Degree from Murdoch University is also well-recognised in the banking industry.

To stay relevant and employable, I furthered my studies with Murdoch’s Double Major Degree. I am now an Investigation Analyst with a global bank. The modules taught were practical and enhanced my work performance.

In particular, the modules Treasury Management and Derivative Securities have strengthened my understanding of the various types of financial systems and securities that clients use. As such, I am now able to review banking transactions with way more confidence than before.

-Murdoch University Graduate (2018), Top 2 % Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence Awards 2018 Recipient

Convinced by the stories shared by my colleagues who were studying part-time at Murdoch University, I decided to pursue my Double Major Degree there. In order to enjoy the best of both worlds, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Banking Degree programme to marry my personal and professional interests.

My Degree enabled me to rise through the ranks quickly. I was promoted to senior operation officer and took on new challenges that require me to think fast on my feet, such as managing commercial banking customers and supervising daily bank operations.

The modules taught at Murdoch University are well-structured with excellent content coverage, enabling professional bodies like CPA Australia and ACCA to grant students exemptions from papers at the foundational level.

One such module is Technology and Accounting Processes, which teaches us how to use the QuickBooks accounting software. Gaining hands-on exposure to industry-relevant practices has benefitted me in my understanding of the computerised accounting process.

From property management to training and credit management, Benjamin Koh recently made a bold career switch and saw the need to acquire new knowledge. Halfway through the University of Essex Accounting and Finance programme, he embarked on a new role as the Head of Business Development at a regional distributor for spices.

“I took up this programme because it covers exactly what I need to hone my skillsets in understanding regional markets and company financials. Though I’m only mid-way through the Degree programme, the modules have been useful and highly applicable to my job daily,” said Benjamin.

While juggling between work and studies is no mean feat, Benjamin has been managing well. He shared, “Having a focused mindset is important. A strong motivation to learn so I can perform better at work keeps me going.”

Drawn by the possibility of obtaining several exemptions for ACCA papers* and relevance of the programme syllabus, Vina Xu decided to embark on an Accounting and Finance Degree with University of Essex.

Currently an Accountant with an established local accounting firm, Vina has found her learning journey to be enjoyable thus far. “This double specialisation programme provides holistic knowledge of both accounting and finance that’ll be useful for my future career,” said Vina.

With about 3 more months to go before completion of her studies, Vina recounted her experience in managing work and studies. She shared, “I spent a fair bit of my weekends and public holidays catching up on my revision. Thankfully, the programme schedule is flexible and designed to suit working professionals. This makes my balancing act easier.”

To make my parents proud, I aspire to follow them in having a career in the financial sector. I knew my chance had come when Kaplan awarded me a scholarship to pursue a Banking and Financial Degree with the University of Essex. Prior to that, the Diploma in Commerce (Finance and Banking) had already built up my fundamental skills and prepared me well for University studies. All this has been made possible under the close guidance of the lecturers. Not forgetting the friends I made in class, we often encouraged and motivated each other during the journey.