COVID-19 has changed so many aspects of our lives in unprecedented and devastating ways. The pandemic has accelerated the future of work dramatically, shifting physical workplaces online and creating significant new skills requirements.
COVID-19 has taught Aarthi Veerasingam (first from right) that spending time with her family is equally as important as building up her career.
Positions in skilled, high-wage essential work have become highly desirable, and the value of self-training and development has increased as businesses and employees look to secure their future.
These realities crossed Aarthi Veerasingam’s and Lee Carmen’s minds, who decided to pursue their Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Human Resource Management and Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing respectively, at INTI International University (INTI).
“Upskilling is a choice made by individuals based on their own preferences; some consider it as a means to climb their career ladders, and some do it purely to perfect the skills they have already acquired throughout their years of experience,” said Aarthi about upskilling.
She also added, “The pandemic has reaffirmed the importance of adaptability and continual learning to ensure people are ready to take on changing job demands and seize opportunities.”
In her opinion, a minimum education qualification isn’t sufficient to survive in today’s workforce. Aarthi who is currently working as a customer care consultant at a Maxis Centre in AEON Taman Universiti, holds a Diploma in Business Administration.
“I have to admit that INTI provided me with one of my best learning experiences thus far. My lecturers are fun and outgoing yet knowledgeable. This phase is totally different from my previous education experience,” admitted Aarthi, who waited for the right time to continue her education online as her family were facing financial constraints prior to her job at Maxis.
Lee Carmen (standing, middle) realised the importance of upskilling just one year after starting her job.
Aarthi is confident that pursuing this online degree programme will help her develop her existing skills into what is needed for a future of work dominated by digitalization. It also allows her the flexibility to work and provide for her family concurrently.
While some individuals are of the perception that diplomas are sufficient, there are some that firmly believe a degree is still the best way to move forward. Aarthi and Carmen fall into the latter category.
Just like Aarthi, Carmen is currently pursuing her degree to nurture and improve herself.
“Before I decided to continue studying, I always thought that having work experience would be enough to grow my career, rather than burning the midnight oil to take up another qualification. But, I was wrong!” exclaimed Carmen, who realized her diploma qualification was limited when she was assigned to come up with a marketing plan for her company’s new venture.
“Honestly, I freaked out! That was when I came to terms with the realization that my marketing skills were quite basic and I needed to upskill to survive in my career,” shared Carmen.
During the initial stages of Carmen’s online degree programme, she found it difficult to juggle between her work load and assignments.
“I tried my very best to manage my time well; I decided to focus on work during the weekdays and spend my weekends doing revisions, because I’ve always been known to be a ‘last minute person’,” joked Carmen while feeling proud of whom she has become today.
Carmen previously completed her Diploma in Mass Communication at INTI too.
“My experience at INTI has always been great. Although the current programme that I’m pursuing is fully online, my lecturers and Head of Programme have been very helpful and attentive. They reply to my enquiries promptly without hesitating, even though I contact them during the weekends,” expressed Carmen.
An ambitious professional even at the budding age of 22, Carmen’s family were relieved of having to pay her fees, as the programme allowed Carmen to continue working while pursuing her degree.
“I appreciate the hard work my family put in to send me for my diploma. Although they wanted me to continue my higher education, I decided not to add on to their burden and kick-started my professional journey right after graduating,” shared Carmen.
“INTI’s affordable fees and the flexibility of this online programme has enabled me to continue pursuing my working experience, while helping me to further enhance my expertise in marketing,” Carmen said, sharing that she also felt a sense of accomplishment for studying in the midst of a pandemic.