Kaplan enables Ms Ng Chia Shing to obtain her diploma in accountancy in less than a year

JUGGLING work and studies was not easy for accounting student Ng Chia Shing, yet it was nevertheless a fulfilling experience.

The 23-year-old obtained her Diploma in Accountancy from Kaplan Higher Education Academy last March.

After completing her O levels at Presbyterian High School in 2011, Ms Ng studied sonic art at a polytechnic for a year, but realised she did not like the subject.

She then enrolled in the A-level programme at Millennia Institute, where she studied business-related subjects like economics, management and accounting.

She was attracted to accounting because it is unambiguous and straightforward.

“With subjects such as economics or management, there is no right answer, only better or worse ones. But with accounting, there is always a right answer,” she says.

After deciding not to take her A levels, Ms Ng left the school and pursued a diploma in accountancy instead.

A second chance

Ms Ng chose to study in Kaplan as it had a good reputation and a programme that allowed her to complete her diploma and degree in two-and-a-half years.

The lecturers, who also teach at other universities in Singapore, bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.

Learning in Kaplan is also very user-friendly, with a mobile application that students can download to keep abreast of announcements and updates.

All necessary information is easily accessible online and also e-mailed to students.

Ms Ng met friends who were supportive and encouraging.

Many had been through similar experiences, having left other programmes and institutions that were not a right fit. Kaplan was the second chance that they were looking for.

It is an attractive option for those who want to obtain a viable qualification quickly and enter the workforce.

Diligence pays off

Ms Ng worked part-time in the food & beverage industry throughout her studies, which helped to fund her entire diploma.

During her course, she initially found it hard to schedule her work as her classes were held from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

She recalls: “My manager at work was kind enough to let me work in the morning and continue after class. It was tiring and I could barely keep up with my studies. Thankfully, my classmates sent me their study notes.”

Ms Ng is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting at Kaplan, in partnership with Northumbria University.

Her ambition is to work as a budget accountant for an event-planning company as she believes it would be an exciting job.