Fintech, artificial intelligence, green energy, ecommerce—innovative industries like these provide ample opportunities for ambitious professionals.
Landing a role and thriving in one of these sectors can be tricky, but an MBA could help you make the transition by helping you build a diverse network and future-proof skillet.
BusinessBecause caught up with two MBA graduates who moved into forward-looking industries after business school to find out how the Nanyang Business School MBA helped them pivot their careers.
You’ll network with professionals from innovative industries
Being able to build a far-reaching network is one of the key benefits you’ll get from an MBA. Networking is especially crucial if you want to enter a burgeoning industry when you graduate.
Within emerging innovative industries, companies tend to be younger and recruitment pathways less established. Fortunately, connecting with professionals who are working in the space can help you get your foot in the door.
This is how Karim Bugglé (pictured), a 2018 graduate from the Double Degree Master's program at Nanyang Business School and the University of St.Gallen, broke into the world of fintech.
This is a common route for MBA graduates at Nanyang. According to the school’s latest careers report, 20% of alumni enter the tech space, and a further 19% enter financial services. In 2021, Nanyang was ranked as the best school in Asia for engineering and technology by Times Higher Education.
During his MBA, Karim connected with a Nanyang alum working with digital wealth management platform, StashAway, and managed to secure a business intelligence and data analytics internship with the firm. At the time, the company comprised just 20 employees, so Karim was able to make an impact quickly.
At the end of the internship, Karim was offered a full-time role with the Singapore-based company, working on KPI reporting and a mix of strategy projects. Today, he’s StashAway's group head of strategic development. “The internship was a really good way for me to step into the corporate world in Singapore,” he explains.
Besides alumni connections, Karim’s post-MBA network extends to his peers and professors. Even today, he regularly keeps in touch with his network to discuss new developments and opportunities.
You’ll develop crucial communication skills
In innovative industries like fintech, technological change happens rapidly and technical skills can quickly become obsolete. So you’ll need a solid base of ‘soft’ skills to fall back on.
According to Laura Denise Lutao (pictured), a Nanyang MBA graduate who works as a sales performance specialist with food delivery platform, Foodpanda, communication is one of the most important skills you need to thrive at an innovative company.
Because Foodpanda attracts employees from around the world, being able to communicate with people from different cultural and industry backgrounds has proved crucial for Laura.
Throughout the MBA, she had opportunities to develop her communication skills by working with a diverse range of peers, which she said helped her develop as a cross-cultural communicator.
In the Nanyang MBA, a capstone module in Leading People Globally exposes students to areas such as leadership, cultural intelligence, talent management, and negotiation, helping students hone their soft skills.
“That’s one of the most important skills I’ve acquired from the MBA,” she says. “What helped me is having experience in being culturally intelligent in terms of communicating with people from different backgrounds.”
As well as the diverse cohort, students at Nanyang also get to interact with academics from diverse backgrounds due to the interdisciplinary curriculum, which allows students to take courses from departments across the university.
Presenting to key stakeholders is another skill Laura was able to hone during her MBA. Prior to the program, she produced reports, but rarely presented or recommended them.
“One thing we often did during the MBA was to present in front of the cohort, using both quantitative and qualitative data,” she says.
You’ll get tailored career advice
As well as helping Laura hone her communication skills, the Nanyang MBA gave her access to career support that helped her break into Singapore’s vibrant tech scene.
After graduation, over half (54%) of MBAs break into Singapore’s jobs market. The Nanyang MBA curriculum supports them by balancing Asian-specific insights with a global outlook.
MBA career offices typically have connections with employers across a broad range of sectors, and can help you with everything from working out your personal brand to tailoring your resume for a new industry.
“The careers team got in touch with alumni and circulated our resumes,” Laura explains, "then companies started reaching out to us for interviews.”
Karim, too, connected with the careers team during his time at Nanyang. The Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO) offers one-to-one career coaching to every student, collaborating with them on a post-MBA career roadmap.
At the same time, recruitment fairs, networking opportunities, and workshops support students in following this roadmap.
Through conversations with sector consultants, students can also get to grips with what innovative industries are looking for in their hires, and how the skills they've developed in their careers so far could be transferred.
A lack of industry experience doesn’t matter if you can show your target company you’re agile, Karim discovered.
“Not having all the hard skills isn’t a problem, but [at StashAway] we expect people to have analytical abilities and a hunger to learn,” he says.
Although both Laura and Karim emphasize that breaking into a growing sector can be tricky, both think it’s worth the effort.
“I’m so keen to stay in tech now because of the pace that it’s going at,” Laura concludes. “There are a lot of opportunities and companies are always looking for good candidates.”
“There are a lot of opportunities and companies are always looking for good candidates.”
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.
Student
Verified
12/06/2020
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.
Student
Verified
12/06/2020
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.
Student
Verified
1/06/2020
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.
Student
Verified
18/09/2023
On Campus
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
Nilah
Verified
13/03/2024
On Campus
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.
Lim
Verified
11/04/2024
On Campus
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.
Xu
Verified
11/04/2024
On Campus
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.
Lee
Verified
11/04/2024
On Campus
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.
Jain
Verified
11/04/2024
On Campus
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.
Haidar
Verified
10/04/2024
Blended
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.
Naili
Verified
10/04/2024
On Campus
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.
Tan
Verified
11/04/2024
On Campus
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
Ilyanajwa
Verified
11/04/2024
On Campus
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.
Shi
Verified
12/04/2024
On Campus
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.
