In a world where data drives decision-making and industries are evolving at lightning speed, lifelong learning has never been more essential. For those contemplating a mid-career shift or upskilling journey, the idea of returning to academic life after years in the workforce can be daunting. Pauline Lim, a Senior Officer at the Ministry of Law and a current AY2024/26 part-time student in the NUS Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programme, shares her inspiring story of how pursuing new skills can open doors to fresh opportunities and growth.
A Decade in Civil Service, and a New Journey Begins
Pauline’s career journey began over a decade ago when she graduated from NUS with a degree in Economics and Statistics. Since then, she has worked in Singapore’s civil service, focusing on policy-making, licensing, and regulatory compliance across various industries. As the years passed, the rapid emergence of data analytics and artificial intelligence caught her attention, sparking an interest in how these tools could be applied to her field.
“I’ve been in civil service for over 10 years, mostly dealing with policy and licensing administration. Data analytics is increasingly important in shaping policy decisions, and I felt it was time to equip myself with the right skills to stay relevant,” Pauline explains.
In 2024, with support from her ministry, Pauline took the plunge and enrolled in the NUS MSBA programme to upskill and future-proof her career.
Why NUS MSc in Business Analytics?
For mid-career professionals like Pauline, choosing the right programme is crucial. She was drawn to NUS MSBA not only because of its strong reputation but also because of the programme’s balance between business and analytics—a unique combination that aligned perfectly with her career goals.
“NUS MSBA was my top choice because it integrates both business and analytics, which are highly relevant in my line of work. It’s also one of the few programmes of its kind in Singapore, and I knew it would provide the right foundation to enhance my skills.”
Memorable Student Life Moment: The Bitcoin Project
One of the most memorable experiences of Pauline’s NUS MSBA journey so far has been working on a group project analysing Bitcoin data. Being a part of a diverse cohort gave her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team consisting of team members from Indonesia, India, Japan and China. The group project with her team members — Agialdi, Sneha, Yuka, Luqin and Wangcong — taught her not just technical skills but also the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
“The Bitcoin project was an intense but rewarding experience. Some of us stayed up until 3 a.m. and got back to work at 9 a.m. to record our presentation. It was tough, but our shared determination made it all worthwhile. The sense of camaraderie during those moments is something I will never forget,” Pauline shares.
Shaping Her Future with Data Analytics
Pauline believes that the skills she is learning in the NUS MSBA programme will have a lasting impact on her career, especially in her role at the Ministry of Law. As industries across the board embrace data-driven decision-making, she sees a growing need for advanced analytics to inform policy development and regulatory frameworks.
“The skills I’m gaining in data analytics will be invaluable in shaping policy decisions in the industry I regulate. Beyond that, I’m eager to apply predictive analytics and other advanced techniques to different divisions that rely on data-driven decision-making,” said Pauline.
Advice for Mid-Career Professionals
For anyone considering upskilling or a mid-career academic pursuit, Pauline has one key piece of advice: don’t hesitate.
Pauline believes that “You’re never too old to learn something new. Upskilling can help you discover talents you didn’t know you had and open up opportunities for growth in your career. Don’t hesitate to explore!”
Pauline’s journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the potential that comes with embracing new skills. Whether you are aiming to make a career switch or to simply upskill to stay ahead in your field, the NUS MSBA programme provides the knowledge, network, and support you need to reach your professional aspirations.
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