Student Stories

Jalaine Tan

Class of 2021
Diploma in Business Administration (Human Resource Management), PSB Academy

School of Business and Management

Prior to the completion of my HRM diploma, I was a recruiter in a recruitment agency. After which, I progressed to a business partner handling legal relations and employee compensation matters and a connector to different departments. The knowledge and skills I have gained from my Diploma allowed me to progress to a broader scope in my profession.

Like Maslow’s hierarchy, higher education for me is the path to safety needs. Before embarking on my diploma studies, I was an ITE graduate and had to drop out from a local Polytechnic as my parents migrated to Canada. My choice to stay in Singapore meant I have to be financially independent to survive. However, finding a job was challenging because of the qualification I had then. Not until my first job as a recruiter in an agency that I realised qualification is a ticket to climbing the ladder that opens up opportunities.

PSB Academy’s student consultant reached out to my enquiries and provided me with in-depth information, which helped set a clear direction, especially when the decision-making process was arduous due to uncertainties. Eventually, I chose to enrol into the HRM Diploma with PSB Academy because of the active student service and guidance I have received.

Progressing to the University of Wollongong (UOW) was a relatively easy decision because it is reputable, and this is proven through its ranking. PSB Academy offers a part-time mode, which accommodated my schedule and enabled me to work and study simultaneously. Secondly, the consultants have been helpful, which created loyalty towards staying with PSB Academy. Lastly, although we are currently home-based learning, the institution’s location is convenient since both my house and my office are in the central area.

Even though I took up an HRM Diploma, the course covers a wide range of other essential specialisations in business, making it versatile. While the UOW part-time degree option had limited specialisation, it was still acceptable. Most of the lecturers encouraged participation in class which helped me to became vocal with my thoughts. As a business partner where people relation attributes are essential, this has helped build my confidence for public speaking. As the youngest in my company, I feel that studying at the same time allows me to be much more knowledgeable so that I can meet the expectations of my seniors at work and have meaningful conversations about the ongoing market.

As a student at PSB Academy, I developed confidence and understood the importance of time management and commitment when performing tasks. Since studying allows the brain to continuously practice cognitive activities, I am highly motivated and aspire to strive better. Relationships with my classmates have taught me that people come from different walks of life, and everyone learns differently. We should be more considerate and patient towards one another. Communication is also essential to building relationships. Networking has honed my communication skills, which became a valuable skill in my job. The various modules in my Diploma and Degree have allowed me to apply and understand my profession better.

Even with the pandemic ongoing, my studies were not disrupted. The lecturers have been actively engaging the classes for discussions and ensuring that questions are answered. While I would prefer to have face-to-face classes, the Blackboard was straightforward to use. If there are technical issues, support is readily available to rectify the problem.

I would recommend PSB Academy because the school has a wide range of choices and supports progression for further studies, especially for working adults. The career services would also organise career fairs to help students and alumni stay employable. Such initiation is highly appreciated.