“Leap and the net will appear” is how MSc in Human Capital Management and Analytics candidate Aishwarya Dhadd summarises her NUS journey. “It is about giving yourself a chance and discovering what life has to offer,” explains Aishwarya, an executive committee member of the NUS MSc Master’s club. Aishwarya shares with BIZBeat her NUS experience and life in Singapore.
Transition to HR from Finance
Why HR from Finance? Are you sure you want to take the leap? These were the questions I was bombarded with when I decided to focus on HR instead of Finance. While these questions have no accurate answers, I believe that investing in people and helping tap the potential of the very lifeblood of an organisation can be a rewarding career. Moreover, I consider myself opportune for having received an educational background in HR and Finance as these departments are the strong pedestals on which an organisation persists and grows. Therefore while joining this program at NUS, I looked forward to learning how to make the field of HR more data-centric and technology-friendly while aiming to grasp the art of dealing with human capital.
Eight months into the course, it is safe to say that this transition has been quite smooth and has given me the chance to thrive. The faculty has been warm and welcoming and has always acknowledged that I am from a completely different professional background. The assignments, the presentations and group discussions gave me room to enhance my skills and gather extensive knowledge about the HR field. While I pursued my summer internship at EY, Singapore, their 12-week programme gave me an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various HR functions and apply theoretical HR concepts in a real-world business environment. I also came across a plethora of incidents where I could put to play all the learning I had gained about analytics. I was given a chunk of data which was to be simplified and made presentable. I analysed the data, found insightful findings, and pitched it to my senior managers. This was very similar to our case studies in our People Analytics module. Those lessons indeed helped me to a great extent.
I am currently in the last semester my education at NUS. I can vouch for the fact that this transition has been successful and enthralling, and I can’t wait to uncover what this career path has in store for me in terms of prospects!
Why NUS MSc
While others might consider this as a matter of contemplation, I knew that NUS would be my final study destination. I was keen on studying in Asia, specifically Singapore, because it is the emerging hub for professional growth. Hence, NUS checks all the boxes I had in mind.
Aishwarya with classmates
Through the pioneering combination of modules such as Human Resource Management, Artificial Intelligence and Employment Law, I regard this programme as a highly subject-intensive course which will effortlessly blend with the new-age business trends.
Also, as an executive member of the Masters’ Club, the NUS MSc students’ club, I got an opportunity to organise the Indian Cultural Appreciation Event that celebrated Indian culture, which helped everyone bond together. These events gave us a solid premise to connect with people from different parts of the world and made the campus feel like home.
At the Appreciation Event
Life at Singapore
Oh, what a beautiful sunny island, this place has so much to offer!
If you are seeking to embark on an adventure or just looking forward to unwinding and taking a break, it is easy to find something that fits your stride of relaxation. The little red dot has everything from daylight trekking spots, beautiful brunch places, scrumptious food, shopping, fancy corporate dinners to partying.
While there are days with daunting assignment deadlines and tasks that buzz you up, one thing I always ensured was to give myself some time every week to explore the bustling and beautiful city of Singapore. Apart from my keen interest in academics, I am also passionate about dance and travel. So, to keep those passions alive and raging, I pick up my tripod and put on my dancing shoes to live in the moment and capture and treasure those. Also, since Singapore has a ton of islands in its vicinity, my friends and I took trips to Thailand and Bali. These are the times I will treasure for the rest of my life. So, if you love exploring islands and are an avid traveller, this is your stop!
Note to all incoming international students
While it may all sound very fancy and nice, the real picture also struck me quite hard, and the reality was not as flowery in the initial days. This was my first time away from home, and this transition didn’t happen on its own. The early few days were filled with questions, confusion, the taxing activity of settling down and figuring out my way in an unknown city. Eight months down the lane, I want to say everything will eventually fall in place, everything around you will start making sense, and you will surely have the most enjoyable and memorable time of your life.
Some key points I would suggest out of my experience are-
- Arrival well before time in Singapore- You would need some time before your course begins to figure out possibilities and explore your options.
- Connect with your seniors- This will be of major help as they can give you ideas and suggestions on various things such as accommodation and food arrangemen This will save you a lot of time.
- Build professional connections and networks- Networking is the key, hence do not let go of any opportunity to connect and do not hesitate to take the first step. Go out, network, initiate conversations and get recognised.
- Pick a hobby! – While this may not be a priority for many, I strongly emphasise on this. It acts as a great stress-buster and will keep you lively, which in turn facilitates greater focus.
It will be a great experience!
