Singapore, as a global educational hub, draws countless students around the world who wish to study in high-quality programs. Though, among them business courses are especially popular given the geographical location of the island nation in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, if you’re wondering whether to pursue a business course in Singapore and if so which one, you need not look further as this detailed article will guide you through the leading institutions providing business courses along with job prospects suited for them.
In this article, we explain the purpose of writing this article in the first place using the framework of PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solution) copywriting – Why studying business in Singapore is a good idea, what problems can you get, and how to select a course that best suits your objectives.
Problem: Why this Business Course is Right for You
In the present scenario, pursuing a business degree may bring students both opportunities and risks as the business environment evolves. Business belongs to a variety of industries that are balanced by constant competition. Thanks to technological advancement and innovation, the way companies run themselves is changing. Of course, a business degree is not merely obtaining some information in textbooks, but actually, obtaining knowledge where theoretical concepts are more practice-oriented in nature.
Nevertheless, one must note that not every business program is the same. The decision of which business course to take and the suitable institution to pursue it is significant, as it can determine the knowledge constructor, business links and areas of work for one’s lifetime. The challenge for most students is how to assess which of the programs is likely to give the best return on investment (ROI) in terms of career, income and job satisfaction.
Agitate: What Happens if You Make An Error When Selecting a Program?
Several negative implications can arise from undertaking the wrong business course or going to the wrong institution. It could lead in the end, to investing time and even money into a program that has little relevance to career goals, or industry relevance that is sought for by employers. Even worse, after graduation one may find it a challenge to search for jobs as there is always the case of not meeting expectations of the requirements for the business environment.
Imagine putting in several years in class work, only to realize that one’s degree does not equip them with practical skill sets that are needed within the business environment. Or, for example, one could study at a place even more disadvantageous than the last, where there would be no or very little Industry links, meaningful internship placements or a curriculum that is internationally accepted.
However, in Singapore, the variety in the business courses and institutions is enormous and therefore, it is wise to research and choose a program that appeals to your interest and enhances your competitive edge in the market.
Solution: Top Institutes in Singapore Offering Business Courses
In Singapore, students are offered a multitude of business courses that are aimed at specific requirements and future career goals. For undergraduate programs, postgraduate studies, and vocational skills, there are a number of highly esteemed institutions. Here is a list of some of the institutes that offer business courses in Singapore and a brief of the countries or careers that they can help you pursue.
1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
Overview:
NUS has received numerous awards and accolades making it one of the best universities in Asia and it enjoys a high reputation globally. NUS business school is a perfect business-oriented establishment as NUS consistently appears in the world’s top average business program ranking providing wide selection of business specialties this school was founded in the year 1965.
Programs:
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- With Honors BBA
- M.B.A.
- EMBA – executive master of business administration
- Some of the specialized master’s courses include MSc in Marketing Analytics and Insights, MSc in Finance, and Master of Science in Management
Career Prospects:
Graduates of the NUS Business School attract many employers from different sectors of the economy. Many graduates get employment in leading multinational corporations (MNCs), consulting and other financial companies. Besides, because NUS is highly oriented toward business, the students have access to incubators and funding should they seek to pursue their own business endeavors. As per statistics from NUS, more than 90% of these business graduates are able to secure jobs within 6 months of their graduation with good remuneration.
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Overview:
Another top contributor in Singapore nowadays is Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Nanyang is recognized for its creative education and research models. Nanyang Business School (NBS), part of NTU, offers a wide range of business education programs which help in developing different aspects of students such as their leadership and their analytical skills.
Programs:
- Bachelor of Business (includes specializations in Accountancy, Banking and Finance, and others)
- MBA and Executive MBA
- MSc Accountancy Business Analytics, Financial Engineering
- PhD Business
Career Prospects:
NTU’s business graduates have a good reputation for securing excellent jobs in the fields of finance, consulting, and technology. The university promotes a worldwide view, and it has many exchange and internship opportunities for students outside the country. This exposure enables NTU graduates to perform better in the job market. In terms of employment, many students find employment in international companies or in fast growing start up companies in Singapore’s competitive economy with NTU employing business students which the average starting remuneration is quite fair according to NTU’s employment surveys.
3. Singapore Management University (SMU)
overview:
The Singapore Management University (SMU), was established in 2000 and dispenses learning in a contemporary manner, blending different discipline in their business education. SMU is also popular for its active style of teaching, where students participate in class discussions and case conversations. Its Lee Kong Chian School of Business is AACSB and EQUIS accredited and is thus ranked among the best business schools in the world.
Programs:
- Bachelor of Business Management (BBM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Finance, Innovation, and Strategic Management
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Career Prospects:
Employers in consulting, banking or professional services sectors find it easier to hire SMU graduates. The university also places great emphasis on the development of soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork which are invaluable during the interviews as well as within the workplace. Additionally, SMU has a firm networking with potential employers which creates plenty of internship chances that can be converted to full time working positions after graduating. The employment rates for SMU business educated individuals are usually good since most of them get employed in high ranking local and foreign firm.
4. INSEAD Asia Campus
Overview:
For instance, INSEAD is regarded as one of the world’s highly competitive business schools, while its Asia campus in the Singapore region offers a launching pad for the rapidly emerging Asia-Pacific markets. INSEAD is also popular for its multicultural students and global focus and is ideal for students wishing to practice business on a larger scale.
Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Global Executive MBA (GEMBA)
- Executive Education programs
- PhD in Management
Career Prospects:
An MBA from INSEAD is always within the world’s best and its graduates are leaders with many positions in global corporations, consulting corporations, and private equity. One of the advantages of this business school is the developed alumni network that students can use when they enter the job market. A lot of INSEAD graduates bring the C-level in the companies’ structure, become owners or manage international departments. Bearing in mind the global outlook, INSEAD educates future leaders as well as innovators.
5. ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific
Overview:
ESSEC Business School is in Singapore and is among the top European business schools that have great roots in Asia. ESSEC’s been known for being very innovative when it comes to researching topics related to global markets thus is focused on developing leaders through its programs.
Programs:
- Master in Management (MiM)
- Global MBA
- MSc in Finance
- Advanced Master’s programs in marketing, strategy, etc.
Career Prospects:
ESSEC graduates can have good chances settling into the finance, luxury and consulting industries, with emplacements demanding international skills being prioritized. Students benefit from the school’s collaboration with major companies and many internships opportunities. In particular, ESSEC’s MiM program is very popular in Europe and Asia, which makes it easier for graduates to look for management positions in large international companies.
Career Prospects After Completing Business Courses in Singapore
If you have completed a business degree from a quality school or institution within Singapore, this will most probably give you an edge in the job market. Here is a summary of some occupations as well as industries for which business graduates are needed in large numbers.
1. Banking and Finance
Singapore has established itself as a global finances hub; thus, banking and finance are evidently commonly preferred careers for business graduates. Some graduates work in various fields such as corporate banking, investment banking, asset management, financial analysis and often find employment in large international banks such as DBS, Citibank, or Goldman Sachs.
2. Consulting
There are major employers of business graduates as many consulting firms including the “Big Four” (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY) or other strategic consulting firms like McKinsey and Company, the Boston Consulting Group or Bain and Company are involved in extensive recruitment. Consultants generally occupy a position in which it is their responsibility to come up with solutions to problems that various organizations have, so the profession may suit those with a developed analytical and strategic mindset.
3. Entrepreneurship
Numerous Singaporean graduates from business school decide to establish their own businesses owing to the strong startup ecosystem present in the city. Enterprise Singapore and many other such government programs, as well as the active presence of incubators and venture capital, make it so that setting up one’s own business is an attractive career option for a business school graduate.
4. Marketing and sales
By focusing their studies in marketing, business graduates are most likely to find employment with multinationals (MNC’S) in the technology and consumer goods sectors. Market conditions are ideal as there are many openings for professionals in brand management, digital marketing, and sales management, particularly in advanced Singapore.
5. Human resources and talent management
Increase in expansion of companies has also resulted in an increase in the need for qualified HR professionals. Graduates in business can take up responsibilities such as talent management, which helps organizations in recruitment, learning and development, or employee relations which focuses on retention, enabling organizations to have a strong employee base.
6. Supply chain and operations management
Given Singapore’s position as a global logistics centre, the ease of management of the supply chain becomes an important aspect of operations of several businesses. Such graduates can look forward to employment opportunities in the manufacturing, retailing as well as e-commerce industries.
Conclusion
In Singapore, picking an appropriate business course can prepare you for successful careers in a wide range of in-demand sectors such as finance, consulting, or starting your own business among other sectors. Schools like NUS, NTU, SMU, and INSEAD have strong programs and missions, meaning you will have access to the knowledge and skills that would help you in the global market.
Finally, remember that the degree in business is not enough; it is important to choose the right business program that will help you meet your goals, give you hands-on experience, and provide you with the contacts in the relevant industries. Whether you are in the first year of your studies or wish to further your career, plenty of such opportunities exist in Singapore.