Student Stories

I have always believed that choosing a field of study is about choosing a lens through which to understand the world. For me, finance offers one of the most direct ways to understand how capital, power and resources shape the world around us. Once I decided to pursue finance, I focused on comparing the actual curriculum of different institutions rather than relying solely on rankings. That was how I found PSB Academy’s BA (Hons) Business and Finance programme with Coventry University.

My decision was further reinforced by my study counsellor, Mr Lin Long, who took the time to walk me through the programme details, including its curriculum, location and 16-month completion timeline. The programme turned out to be exactly what I was looking for, offering a practical and hands-on learning experience that I could apply beyond the classroom.

Two lecturers who made a particularly lasting impression on me were Dr Chelvi and Dr Krishna. In my very first class, Dr Chelvi challenged us to evaluate our decision to pursue a Business and Finance degree as we would an investment: What is the objective, how do we measure the return, and what is our plan to achieve it? That question fundamentally changed how I approach decisions, both academically and professionally. I also found Dr Krishna’s Employability Skills in Finance module particularly valuable, as it helped me bridge the gap between being a student and entering the professional world, from developing a competitive resume to presenting myself confidently in interviews.

Following my studies, I worked as a Business Operations Executive at Moutai House SG, Singapore’s official Kweichow Moutai distributor and the largest in Southeast Asia. My role exposed me to brand management, commercial operations, distributor relationships and premium client engagement. The practical knowledge and confidence I gained at Coventry University helped me navigate the professional environment and communicate more effectively, particularly when interviewing for opportunities in the finance industry.

My academic journey also opened doors to further education. I am now pursuing a full-time Master's in Quantitative Finance as I work towards my longer-term aspirations in the financial industry.

Looking back, I do not believe that studying at a private institution puts graduates at a disadvantage. Academic qualifications can open doors, but what you do with the opportunities matters just as much. Building genuine industry relationships, attending networking events and proactively connecting with people in your desired field are equally important.

My advice to prospective students is to start preparing early, stay curious about the wider industry and invest time in building meaningful professional relationships. Most importantly, be deliberate about your choices. Just as Dr Chelvi taught us, approach every important decision as an investment — understand what you want to achieve and have a clear plan for getting there.