Student Stories

With only an O-Level qualification, I had gone as far as I could after more than 20 years in healthcare administration, both in terms of career growth and salary. But for years, going back to school wasn’t an option, as I was caring for my late mum. Further studies were simply not possible, both physically and financially.

After she passed, and as I slowly adjusted to life without her, I felt it was time to invest in myself and complete a diploma before I turned 50, like checking something off my bucket list.

At work, I support doctors by handling everything from onboarding and offboarding of the doctors to managing reports and administrative tasks. This overlap with human resources (HR) sparked the idea – what if I formalised this knowledge and took a step toward deeper understanding, or even a future HR role?

A friend recommended PSB Academy to me as she had studied here back in 2005. To my surprise, one of my senior colleagues was also lecturing there, which gave me added confidence that I’d be in good hands.

I chose an E-Learning diploma because it offered the flexibility I needed. I don’t have children, but between work, church ministry, and other commitments, my schedule was already packed.

E-Learning allowed me to study at my own pace, from the comfort of home. Having the option to pause or replay recorded lectures made it more manageable.

But it’s not as easy as people assume. In fact, it can be more challenging because of the self-discipline required. I had to give up time with friends, cut back on Netflix, and follow a study schedule I planned for myself. To stay balanced, I gave myself rest days and set realistic goals before each exam. The exams were just as stressful as face-to-face ones, with the same ticking clock and the same pressure to finish on time.

Was I nervous at the start? Definitely. It had been decades since I last studied, and I wasn’t sure if I could keep up. But I’m proud to say I made it through, and it was worth every bit of effort.

This diploma gave me the confidence to support my friends when they face challenges at work – whether it’s navigating difficult conversations, understanding policies, or managing expectations. It’s been fulfilling to apply what I’ve learned in real situations. It reminded me that at its core, HR is about creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

While I haven’t received a promotion yet, this diploma is a meaningful step forward and a valuable addition to my resume. I’m also glad my company recognises it, even though it was completed through e-learning.

If you’ve been thinking about studying again but feel unsure, just take the first step. It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to study! If you don’t try, you’ll never know where it might lead.