Student Stories

When I first started working as a corporate secretary, my role focused mainly on corporate compliance and accounting services. Over time, I began taking on more responsibilities that required deeper knowledge in finance. That was when I realised I needed to upgrade my skills if I wanted to move beyond corporate secretarial work and open doors to consulting, strategy, and higher-level positions.

Still, enrolling in a part-time Diploma in Business Administration (Accounting and Finance) wasn’t an easy choice. Balancing work with studies worried me, and the cost of school fees added to the hesitation. Thankfully, the school’s instalment plan made it manageable, and I decided to take the leap.

One of my biggest worries was not knowing anyone in class, not having friends to discuss assignments or lessons with. On top of that, juggling a full-time job and evening classes meant I often had to rush straight from the office to campus and grab dinner during short breaks. Time management quickly became my biggest challenge, but I stayed disciplined and reminded myself why I started.

What helped most was the support around me. My lecturers were approachable, my classmates eventually became friends, and my boss often shared real-world examples so I could better apply what I was learning. Study and exam leave from my company also gave me the breathing room I needed to prepare for assignments and exams.

Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown since starting at PSB Academy. The diploma gave me deeper knowledge in accounting and finance, while broadening my understanding of business management. It also boosted my self-assurance to take on more accounting-related responsibilities at work, and I was able to present with more confidence. With that momentum, I went on to pursue an accounting and finance Bachelor's Degree with Coventry University.

This journey eventually led me to a promotion into a senior role – proof that the skills and knowledge I built through my studies were recognised at work.

More importantly, the experience changed my outlook on learning. It’s not just about earning a paper certificate. It’s about building resilience, growing professionally, and staying relevant in a competitive world. Taking that first step with the diploma was the best decision I made.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to not let fear hold you back. Plan your time well, lean on the support of others, and trust that the effort will pay off.