Student Stories

"To be the best version of myself." - Gopinath Selvaraju

Could you share with us your current career portfolio as a Business Analyst at Span Technology Services Private Limited?

As a business analyst, I manage a team of around 20 people. In IT-based companies, the process of developing and managing a product is called the scrum, and the scrum master is the person responsible for the way the product is managed. As a Scrum Master, I handle all the team members and the tasks they are supposed to perform for the day. I will guide my team in all development aspects and test whether the product is working properly before it reaches the client.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your career and how do you overcome them?

As I work in a Multi-National company, the biggest challenge is adapting to my colleagues' working styles from different countries and cultures. Throughout my student journey with PSB Academy, I've met people from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds that have helped me overcome challenges in my career.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your life, till now?

I take immense pride in how I have shaped my career and become an expert in tax preparation software in the US. As someone new to the US tax preparation industry, which has one of the most complicated tax systems in the world, I had to take some time to get used to my line of work. But I persevered and completed my probation. Today, I am a business analyst and have completed tax filings for more than 100,000 clients every year.

What made you study the Master of Business Administration at PSB Academy? How did this programme add value to your career?

I was introduced to the Master of Business Administration at The University of Newcastle, Australia, at PSB Academy by a fellow Alumni. As PSB Academy is one of the leading private education institutions in Singapore, I decided to enrol in this programme.

The Master of Business Administration has enhanced my leadership qualities, allowed me to explore skills & activities which I usually hesitate to take part in. These skills allowed me to embark on my career as a Business Analyst with confidence and capability that made me stand out among my peers in the organisation. Most of the modules in my master's degree had a massive impact on me personally and professionally. Most notably, modules like Managing Under Uncertainty, Foundations of Business Analysis, and Strategic Management have hugely influenced my career as a Business Analyst.

You were actively involved in many student activities and were one of the organising committees of TEDx PSB Academy 2018. Could you share with us how it helps you in your personal development and why students should take part in these activities?

As a part of the Student body, I actively participated in multiple clubs/sports bodies:

• I served as the President of the Business Club hosted by The University of Newcastle, Australia
• I have also served as the Vice President of the Entrepreneurship and investment club hosted by PSB Academy.
• I also had the honour to serve as the Events manager/coordinator for the TEDx PSB Academy 2018.

My active participation in different student bodies and clubs has helped built crucial leadership and team-building skills. I had to meet deadlines, prepare for events, contact external guests, etc, and all these skills have helped me step into the professional world with greater confidence. Hence, I encourage students to participate in similar events that will value-add to their professional skills.

What advice would you like to give to students who are interested in taking a similar course?

Join student bodies and participate in activities that will enhance their career portfolio.