For Yoon Choi, pursuing the NUS Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) was more than a career transition, it was an opportunity to move from facilitating discussions to shaping them.
Before joining NUS MSBA, Yoon built a successful career as a conference interpreter, supporting high-stakes conversations across industries including audio manufacturing, automotive, payments, and IT. From executive meetings and negotiations to technical discussions, each assignment required her to quickly understand complex concepts and communicate them accurately across languages.
“Being a conference interpreter gave me a front-row seat to strategic and technical discussions across countless industries,” Yoon shares. “I learned a tremendous amount from those experiences, but eventually I wanted to contribute my own perspective and analysis to the conversation. I felt ready for that shift, and NUS MSBA felt like the right place to make it happen.”
With its reputation as the No. 1 in Asia for six consecutive years (2021–2026) in the QS Business Master’s Rankings, alongside its strong industry connections and experiential learning opportunities, NUS MSBA stood out to Yoon as the ideal place to develop the analytical capabilities needed to complement her communication expertise.
Building New Skills and New Perspectives
Yoon credits her previous career with helping her develop valuable transferable skills, from structuring complex information to communicating clearly under pressure. However, she knew she needed deeper technical and analytical expertise to take the next step in her professional journey.
“The programme doesn’t just transfer knowledge, it immerses you in it,” she says. “Through real-world projects, industry engagement, and exposure to up-to-date tools and technologies, you’re constantly challenged to think differently and apply what you’ve learned in practical ways.”
The combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on learning allowed Yoon to strengthen both her technical foundation and business acumen, equipping her with the skills to frame, analyse, and solve complex business problems.
Creating Connections Beyond the Classroom
Beyond academics, Yoon has played an active role in shaping the student experience as the Vice President of the Business Analytics Club and class representative.
For her, the most meaningful part of the role was helping foster a sense of community within one of the programme’s greatest strengths: its diverse cohort.
“The people have been the most rewarding part,” she reflects. “The NUS MSBA cohort brings together individuals from very different walks of life, each with their own reasons for being here. Watching people build genuine connections and learn from one another has been incredibly meaningful.”
Among her favourite memories are the social events organised throughout the year, including a cohort barbecue and an ice-cream giveaway.
“Those moments outside of lectures and deadlines gave people the chance to simply be themselves,” she says. “What stood out every time was how naturally people came together. With such a diverse cohort, there was always something new to learn from someone else’s experiences and perspective.”
For Yoon, these relationships have become an integral part of the NUS MSBA journey.
“Community doesn’t just happen on its own,” she says. “I’m glad I had the opportunity to contribute to building it.”
Yoon’s NUS MSBA in Three Words
When asked to describe her NUS MSBA journey in three words, Yoon doesn’t hesitate:
Immersive. Challenging. Unlocking.
“It pushes you beyond your comfort zone, often further than you realise until you look back,” she reflects. “And somewhere along the way, it unlocks new relationships, new perspectives, and a new belief in what you’re capable of.”
Through its blend of academic rigour, practical application, industry engagement, and a vibrant community of diverse professionals, the NUS MSBA programme continues to empower students like Yoon to transform their careers and unlock new possibilities.
Looking Ahead
As graduation approaches, Yoon is excited about applying everything she has learned to create meaningful impact.
“My background gave me exposure to how businesses think and operate, while NUS MSBA sharpened my technical and analytical capabilities,” she explains. “I feel like I’m reaching a point where I can bring everything together, and I’m excited to work on products and services that are genuinely useful.”
Her advice for future NUS MSBA students?
“Invest in your cohort relationships early. The people you meet here come from remarkably different backgrounds, and there’s so much to learn from one another. The programme moves quickly, and those relationships can become a genuine support system and friendships that last well beyond NUS MSBA.”
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