Student Stories

In 2021, I undertook one of the biggest decisions of my life and resigned from my role as a successful General Insurance Specialist to pursue a full-time Media and Communications Diploma. Naturally, my decision shocked many of my peers & clients who questioned (and doubted) my so-called ‘reckless’ action in abandoning my hard work and walking away from a successful career.

Despite successes in my career, I felt somewhat inadequate. I placed emphasis on building my career at the expense of my academic qualifications.

I decided on a full-time course as it enables me to fully immerse myself and focus on my studies without any disruptions from my work. In my career, I devoted a large portion of my time to building the business from ground up. Six years on, it was time to move on to a bigger challenge – to fulfil and actualise my dream of attaining a degree before my 60th birthday.

I came to know about PSB Academy through the web, as I was shortlisting the available options to pursue my academic studies. Eventually, I opted for PSB Academy as it offers a diverse range of programmes, including business, engineering, computer science, and more – above all, media and communications. In addition, it has partnerships with several well-known universities and educational institutions around the world, and its programmes are designed to help students gain practical skills with real-world experience. PSB Academy is a great alternative to other learning institutions for several reasons as listed above. Overall, PSB Academy can be a good choice for students who are looking for a reputable institution offering flexible, practical skills and support for futureproofing one’s career.

PSB Academy’s Diploma curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen field of study – with an emphasis on real-life practical skills and real-world applications. The curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments. Additionally, PSB Academy’s Diploma programmes often incorporate hands-on learning experiences and industry placements allowing me to apply the acquired knowledge in real-world settings and develop valuable skills and experience that can further enhance my employability.

I decided to pursue a diploma followed by a degree in media and communications in view of the tangible benefits in a personal and professional capacity. To gain a deeper understanding of how media plays a critical role in influencing our opinions and beliefs, how media influences our lives, and how it can be used to promote positive social change in a media-driven society.
My decision to progress from a diploma to a degree with Coventry University (CU) at PSB Academy was largely influenced by these factors – CU’s reputation, enhancing my career prospects with a degree and the affordability of pursuing a degree with PSB Academy as compared to studying in the UK due to the lower tuition fees and living expenses.

As a mature student, returning to education can feel intimidating – fortunately, many programmes offer support and resources specifically for mature students. In PSB Academy, there are individuals and departments offering support and advice – making learning less daunting.

I assimilated well with the other (younger) students in my cohort. In my previous capacity, I worked alongside highly charged younger colleagues who constantly stimulated my intellect. With my decades of work experience, I was able to tap into my real-life learnings & integrate them into my modules. This came in handy in my Group Coursework with younger team members from different nationalities – thus creating a win-win situation. Looking back, it dawned upon me that my years of working in my professional life (actually) prepared me for my academic journey.

Two lecturers who inspired my learning in my academic journey through constant engagements and robust exchanges were Aaron Rao Anand Rao (Mass Communications, Business Ethics) and Lim Kok Guan (Marketing Communications). The former for his constant thought-provoking and attention-grabbing deliveries which made me rethink my approaches in my real-life business engagements. And the latter for breaking down the complexities into bite sizes, making learning less daunting and for easier assimilation.

I aspire to be a Corporate Relations Specialist with a learning institution or the financial sector – where I can showcase my new skillset in writing press releases, pitching stories to the media, and developing social media strategies. Given my vast experience in the corporate sector, I am confident I will be an asset to any organisation with my newfound knowledge.

Overall, I believe that lifelong learning is a critical component of personal and professional growth and is essential for success in today’s constantly changing world.
Never stop learning, no matter your age. Our brain enjoys a good challenge (and stimulation) occasionally and that was what I did to mine.

A good education is one of the best investments one can make for your future. In addition to helping, you stay competitive in the job market, it can broaden your horizons and improve your overall well-being.

I am a living real-life example of a Generation X mature student who pursued the route of a lifelong learning journey with no regrets whatsoever and lived to tell the tale.

Face your fears and pursue your studies. Don’t let fear hold you back. Go for it. Just do it.