Understanding fairly well the economic impact of a global crisis, a young man shares how he supports himself and his family through today’s upending struggles, whilst simultaneously pursuing his higher education in the midst of a pandemic.
Kiran is currently pursuing his Diploma in Business Management at INTI International College Subang.
Kiran, a Diploma in Business Management (DBM) student at INTI International College Subang (INTI), shared that he decided to start working immediately after his SPM, since he became the only man in his family after his father left him when he was 14.
“I had a difficult time growing up. I lost a father and a prominent male role model while I was still a teenager, so it was a very confusing and frustrating time for me. Ever since then, I also had to watch my mother single-handedly raise my sister and I, and that was unbearable for me to watch as well,” shared the compassionate younger sibling of two.
The Klang-based lad shared that he also struggled with his peers in school, which left him with more hurt to carry till today.
In spite of his adversities, Kiran shared that he was determined to study hard and get employed, because he wanted to help his mother as soon as he could. Keeping to his promise, the committed 17-year-old eventually completed his SPM examinations and earned himself a full-time position in Petron right after.
“I am currently the Senior Accounts Administrator,” shared a proud Kiran.
Kiran shared that INTI’s online learning platform was also a new experience for him and that he was grateful to be able to access it during the pandemic.
“I oversee my company’s internal accounts and audits, while also managing a few stations’ accounts and ensuring they adhere to our company’s guidelines,” he continued.
Still set on making more of himself, Kiran shared that he wanted to pursue his tertiary education while he was working, because he wanted to improve his chances of climbing the corporate ladder. He said that this decision eventually led him to INTI’s DBM programme.
“I enrolled into the programme at the start of this year and my learning experience with INTI has been great so far. I love that it allows me to work and study at the same time. I also love that the online learning experience has allowed me to continue with my studies no matter where I am,” he expressed.
Kiran shared that INTI’s online learning platform was also a new experience for him and that he was grateful to be able to access it during the pandemic.
“Collaborating with my course mates was made a lot easier, thanks to Blackboard,” he said.
When asked about how he manages both his studies and work simultaneously, Kiran shares that he completes his course work once he is back from work every day, so that he is able to complete his assignments on time.
He further explained, “I’ve heard that studying while working can be tough, but from what I have experienced, it is not as hard as people think. I just have to ensure that I adhere to my routine and reach out for help when I need it.”
Tan Lin Nah, Chief Executive Officer of INTI International University & Colleges, shared that similarly to Kiran, there are many young adults who have enrolled into INTI’s DBM programme, because it allows them the opportunity to complete their higher education while being full-time employers.
“We understand the economic plight of many families today and that many SPM leavers may have to resort to seeking employment immediately after SPM to help lessen their family’s financial burden,” empathised Lin Nah.
“I want to assure families and young adults who are still looking to upskill their children or themselves, that they do not have to forsake their academic dream, because there are many academic opportunities available that cater to a young professional’s work schedule,” she continued.