Yacob Chaly enrolled in an MSc in Business Analytics before landing an internship and successfully turning it into a full-time role. Find out how
Being an engineering graduate with a wealth of experience from EY, one of the esteemed 'Big Four' accounting and professional services firms, you might naturally question why Yacob Chaly decided to pursue a master's degree.
Hailing from Kerala, South India, with a keen interest in technology, Yacob directed his bachelor’s degree toward the tech field and carved out a career in data and analytics consulting at EY after graduation.
Although he had developed a passion for data analytics over five years, he decided that it was necessary to expand his scope and learn how to apply his skills towards business decisions.
“I realised that in order to grow in my career and become a subject matter leader in data analytics, I needed a bigger picture of the data ecosystem,” he says.
Yacob decided to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics to seize the opportunity to boost his career.
Why the NBS MSc in Business Analytics?
When deciding where to study his MSc, Yacob was drawn to Singapore as a key business hub within Asia, and a country that was not too far from home.
“Singapore is a regional hub and so you have the brightest minds in APAC over here,” he explains.
Searching for a suitable degree, he discovered the MSc in Business Analytics at Nanyang Business School, a program that blended technical learning in areas such as advanced programming and machine learning, with broader business modules.
Yacob was intrigued by the program’s diverse practical opportunities, which included participating in data-led business simulators and projects, and embarking on an internship.
He successfully applied for the program, and was impressed by this emphasis on applied learning right from the beginning of the course.
“I liked the fact that most of the modules had an individual or group project, and these were based on real-life data,” he says. “The course was focused more on the application of concepts.
“Professors were also very helpful, they would drive interactions and encourage you to ask questions,” he adds.
With a broad curriculum ranging from analytics strategy to data visualization and cyber security, the NBS MSc in Business Analytics helped Yacob obtain his goal of expanding his data expertise.
“It helped me grow horizontally and equipped me with concepts of data science and business, because I already knew the database side of things.”
How can business school develop your experience?
Beyond his modular learning, Yacob’s journey through the NBS MSc in Business Analytics involved a range of eye-opening experiences that helped enhance his development.
Having left India to live and study in a new country, the immersion in a new culture required some adjustment during the early stages of the year-long program.
“Considering the fact that I’d never moved out of Kerala, it actually did open my eyes,” he says. “In the first few weeks, I realized that people here have dinner at 6pm, and back home we have dinner at 8pm—it’s all kind of a cultural shock.”
Being part of a cohort composed of 90% international students and a near 50% gender split, the diverse classroom meant Yacob could enhance his cultural understanding while working closely alongside his fellow students.
“When you’re working in groups and you are on campus, you meet a lot of people from across the world, so it helps you to network,” he says. “You also learn about different cultures because they become your friends, so you learn more about them. It’s a wonderful learning experience.”
Besides networking with his peers, Yacob also benefitted from the designated sessions organized by the Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO) throughout th year, allowing him to network with recruiters.
The GSCDO also helped connect Yacob and his fellow students with potential employers to secure vital internship and job opportunities that would pave the way for their careers after graduation.
How can an internship offer your career a boost?
While applying for internships, the GSCDO connected Yacob with a data intern opportunity at Mindshare, a global media agency, and provided additional support during the interview process, ultimately helping him secure the role.
A firm largely focused on media and marketing, Yacob was initially daunted by the challenge of entering a new sector. However, the internship provided him with a platform to gain experience in a different industry while also employing his holistic data skillset.
“When I started off the internship, I had basically zero knowledge about marketing. So this internship actually helped me slightly bridge that gap,” he explains. “You are an employee, but you’re actually a student as well.”
Impressing his superiors over a five-month period, Yacob was offered the chance to take on a full-time role, which he began shortly after completing his degree.
Today, he is working as a data and analytics manager, employing a broad range of skills including building dashboards, designing data pipelines, and coding with Python. His primary focus is leveraging data knowledge and skills to benefit the business.
“It’s a mixture of what I used to do before, and what I learned during the program,” he explains.
Reflecting on his journey, Yacob feels that his commitment to continuous learning has helped boost his career and allowed him to have a greater impact at work. He encourages others to embrace the same mindset in their own careers.
“The main use of data analytics is to solve a business problem, and the tools that we use are just learned so that we can achieve that,” he explains. “Technology is an evolving space, so you should always have that curiosity to keep learning, because the tool that you use today may not be valid tomorrow.”
Student Reviews
Good campus life and extra-curricular activities
This is a great place to learn and interact with more like-minded people. The campus is something that stands out to me. The infrastructure is great and the university is very well-built. There is lots to do on the high campus, from a large number of eating joints to the numerous clubs and sports activities. I also quite like Singapore as a country, as there is so much to do around not very far from campus. The educational facilities are extremely good, there are lots of opportunities to take on research projects and do industrial projects, which I really enjoy. The only thing I dislike about NTU is that the number of international students is really low and I would like to see a larger international intake in the future. Definitely recommend for the amazing educational facilities and on-campus social life.
An international campus that provided diverse choices for students
It's a beautiful campus with a high degree of internationality, providing diverse choices for students in terms of research opportunities and career consultation. Also, scholars are knowledgable and very inspiring, and are good at motivating the thinking of students.
Great University
In overall, the university has met my expectations with its wonderful lectures and research staff. However, there are some issues with the administrative side, i.e. administration may give you different answers on the same question. Also, the university’s website often provides outdated information and it takes time to get what you need; perhaps there is not enough people for managing it.
Good resources
I would recommend. Good resources for research. Knowledgeable professors and instructors. Conducive environment for studying and doing assignments. Helpful staff and faculty. Food options are good. An overall good place to study.
inefficient communication and lack of transparency
The administrative team at the university is slow to respond and is often inadequate in their responses and solutions. The uni is also unclear and resistant to explain their actions and motivations when carrying out policies or when questioned
Formative experience for success
NTU prioritizes giving students ample time for independent research. The academic schedule consists of 6–7 weeks of study, followed by a week without classes, allowing students to catch up on any material they may have missed. This is succeeded by another 6–7 weeks of study, culminating in a week dedicated to final exam preparation and exams.
The curriculum is designed to be student-friendly, minimizing burdens such as excessive assignments, projects, exams, quizzes, and attendance requirements. This approach affords students the freedom to pursue personal interests and self-development. In my experience, each of the four courses I took had a comparable workload, typically comprising 2 assignments, 3 easy labs, 2–3 quizzes (some without), and 1 final exam.
In contrast, comparable courses at other universities often entail significantly heavier workloads, including 3 homework assignments, 5 projects, 5–6 pop-up quizzes, mandatory attendance, 2 midterms, and 1 final exam. Moreover, each project typically demands 3–4 days of work.
It is hard work, but it pays off.
Academic atmosphere
Nanyang Technological University offers a vibrant academic atmosphere that fosters innovation and excellence. The strong emphasis on research and practical learning equips students with real-world skills. Positives include access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative projects, and a diverse student body. However, the competitive environment can be intense, leading to high stress levels. NTU's academic atmosphere encourages growth but requires resilience to thrive.
Diverse professors
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I have been extremely impressed with the quality of education I have received. The professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their subjects, which makes learning engaging and enjoyable.
The teaching styles vary from lecture-based to interactive discussions and group projects, providing a well-rounded learning experience. The use of technology in the classrooms also enhances our understanding of the course material. One of the things I love about NTU is the diversity on campus. Not only are there students from all over the world, but the professors also come from various backgrounds, making the learning environment truly global. English is the main language spoken on campus, which makes it easy for international students to feel at home. In terms of examinations and coursework, the workload can be challenging at times, but the support from professors and classmates makes it manageable. The exams are fair and assess our understanding of the material effectively.
Video lectures
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I am extremely impressed with the transportation options available on campus. The buses and shuttles make it easy to get around the huge campus. The beautifully landscaped garden campus adds a peaceful and scenic vibe to studying. The facilities, from the state-of-the-art labs to the comfortable study spaces, are top-notch. The video lectures are a convenient and effective way to supplement classroom learning.
Focus on science
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) excels in its focus on engineering and science degrees. The curriculum is robust, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Professors are industry experts, providing invaluable insights. State-of-the-art facilities enhance learning experiences. Opportunities for research and internships abound, fostering innovation and professional growth. NTU's emphasis on cutting-edge technology prepares students for real-world challenges. NTU's commitment to engineering and science education is unparalleled, shaping tomorrow's leaders in these fields.
great canteens
While at Nanyang Technological University, I can confidently say that the quality of education here is excellent. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and the curriculum is challenging yet rewarding. The campus itself is green and natural, providing a peaceful and inspiring environment for learning. The canteens offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable food options, catering to different dietary preferences. From local delights to international cuisines, there is something for everyone. The student housing facilities are also well-maintained and comfortable, providing a home away from home for students. NTU's reputation as a top-ranked university is well-deserved, with cutting-edge research and a strong emphasis on innovation.
high quality education
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a top-notch educational institution that offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students. The campus is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and the faculty members are highly experienced and knowledgeable in their fields. As a student at NTU, I have had a positive experience so far. The university provides a conducive learning environment and encourages students to think critically and creatively. The campus is vibrant and diverse, with a strong sense of community among students and staff. I would definitely recommend NTU to prospective students looking for a high-quality education in a supportive and stimulating environment. The opportunities for research, internships, and extracurricular activities are plentiful, and the university is committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success.
Student experience
As a student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the experience is vibrant and enriching. Surrounded by lush greenery, the campus offers a serene environment for studying and relaxation. While parties and nightlife options are available, the focus leans more towards academic pursuits. The campus buzzes with activities, clubs, and events, catering to diverse interests. However, the tuition cost is competitive, offering value for the exceptional education and resources provided. I recommend my university
High quality of life
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality of education. The faculty is highly knowledgeable and supportive, fostering an engaging learning environment. Tuition fees are reasonable for the value provided. The campus food options are diverse and delicious, catering to various dietary preferences. The transport system is efficient, with easy access to public transportation. NTU offers a high quality of life, combining academic excellence with a vibrant campus culture.
good value for money
At Nanyang Technological University, I find the tuition fees reasonable considering the quality of education and resources provided. The university offers diverse programs, experienced faculty, modern facilities, and opportunities for research and internships. While tuition costs are substantial, the value for money is evident in the comprehensive learning experience and the potential for career advancement. NTU delivers on its promise of excellence, making it a worthwhile investment in one's future.
