How to Shift Your Career Progression into 6th Gear While Still a Student
14 November 2023 – In Singapore, it is often held that a good degree will put one on the path to a good career. Some launch themselves into tertiary studies immediately after school. Others enter the workforce first, and then take their career to the next level with a good undergraduate degree.
The path Chua Bi Guang took is neither of these. Instead, he landed a degree-holder-level position whilst still more than a year away from graduating with his degree. This is the story of how that happened.
The Path of the Student Professional
Bi Guang entered the workforce after graduating from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) with a diploma in Digital and Precision Engineering and completing his national service. Starting as an Assistant Designer at a German automotive company, he was quickly promoted to the role of Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) Designer, in which he was responsible for overseeing projects and commissioned work.
This was a path that the young professional aspired towards, as it involved some management-level responsibilities, which was a skill he held in high importance. Bi Guang explains, “It is only a matter of time before many jobs will be taken over by artificial intelligence and robotics. However, the ‘human touch’ will always be needed, so I believe that having managerial capabilities will be a plus.”
Set on advancing his career even further into the managerial realm of engineering, Bi Guang looked for a part-time degree programme to complement his existing knowledge and enable him to realise his ambitions. His friends spoke highly of the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS), a four-year part-time programme tailored for working professionals who desire to continue working while pursuing a degree. Their glowing recommendations convinced him to enrol in the BTech (Industrial & Management Engineering) programme.
It was in his third year at NUS that several of Bi Guang’s friends told him about a career opportunity at Emerson Asia Pacific Private Limited. The position was that of Application Engineer and it was accompanied by strict application requirements. Bi Guang explains, “The top two criteria were five years of working experience, and a related degree. I had neither, so I almost did not apply, just to save myself from the disappointment.”
Punching Above His Weight, Fast-Tracking a Career
Bi Guang decided to give it a shot anyway and was pleasantly surprised to be called up for an interview. During the session, he candidly shared that he did not possess a degree yet and was currently studying in the NUS BTech (Industrial & Management Engineering) programme.
Bi Guang was not prepared for what happened next.
“The interviewer began assessing my technical knowledge, and the questions he asked were on topics that had been covered in my lectures. So, I was able to answer them in-depth and with confidence. This allowed me to showcase my enthusiasm, passion and knowledge to the company.”
Following the interview, Bi Guang was happy with how well the process went, but was still unsure if the company would offer the degree-level position to him. So, it came as a pleasant surprise when he received the offer, which he gladly accepted!
Reflecting, he believes his ability to answer the interviewer’s technical questions – alongside his enthusiasm and passion for the role – were key factors in him being selected. He explains, “I believe that is why they hired me, even though I did not meet their experience and qualification requirements.”
Bi Guang worked hard after landing the job and excelled in his role. In fact, almost immediately after graduating with his NUS BTech (Industrial & Management Engineering) degree in August 2023, Bi Guang was promoted as a Regional Sales Engineer, which involves an even greater degree of managerial responsibilities, alongside sales and engineering activities.
The NUS BTech Experience, and the Value of Family
Bi Guang credits his university, professors, coursemates, and also importantly, his family, for the success he has had so far.
He elaborates, “Throughout the programme, our professors invited professionals from the working world to share their thoughts and expertise with us. They gave us insights into certain modules that went beyond what any textbook could ever cover. Being in a part-time programme also had its advantages, such as having coursemates who would share their working experience and unique expertise.”
Continuing, Bi Guang also shines a spotlight on his parents for their support. “It was heartening to know that I would always have a warm meal waiting for me, whether I reached home late at night after lectures or worked overtime to complete my projects. Their support made working and studying concurrently more manageable.”
The Adventure Continues
Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, Bi Guang plans on pursuing a Master’s Degree. With his positive experiences with NUS BTech, the ambitious engineer intends to take on his Master’s Degree on a part-time basis too—which will allow him to continue expanding his capabilities both in the workplace and academically.
To his fellow professionals who are considering levelling up their knowledge and career, Bi Guang has this to say, “You are never too old for learning! Just keep your mind open, learn and progress along the way.”