Gaining leadership skills to transition from a corporate banker to school administrator

Getting an MBA with one of UK’s most prestigious universities opened new doors for Ms Lim Bee Ing

By Sanjay Surana

July 5, 2022

When Ms Lim Bee Ing enrolled in a part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Singapore’s Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS, a subsidiary of the University of Manchester) in 2001, she probably would not have have predicted that seven years later she would be working as the Centre Director at Manchester Worldwide (SE Asia), as AMBS is now known.

“It has always been my goal to lead a culturally diverse organisation, but to work for one of the most globally well-known institutions, with a reputation for education and innovation that resonates across the world, is such an honour,” says the 49-year-old.

While Ms Lim was working in corporate banking in 2000, she decided to take the course to broaden her knowledge of the financial markets, develop a business mindset, and expand her professional network. She chose AMBS for its academic and research pedigree, its international reputation, and its Manchester Method of teaching that employs group work, practice-based learning and reflection.

Since her graduation in 2003, Ms Lim has seen her career blossom. “I received my promotion at the bank when I was half-way through the MBA programme. The knowledge I gained from those foundational modules, such as operations, corporate finance and managerial economics, enabled me to develop more effective cross-selling skills and build stronger client relationships in the bank.”

Learning with industry leaders

The course developed strategic leadership skills that have allowed her to transition in her career, moving into general management roles and even securing job interviews and offers from her MBA alumni network. The course has also proved instrumental in her current role at Manchester Worldwide. “I understand how creating pathways for students are important in helping them to succeed in their careers, interests and passions.”

The University of Manchester sets itself apart from other institutions in multiple ways. The college is ranked 27th globally in the QS World university rankings 2022, has 25 Nobel Prize winners among its graduates and was named the top university in the UK’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021 for action taken toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, beating out 1,200 other universities across the world. Students in full-time employment can also work towards a prestigious UK education at their own pace, thanks to the various course timelines.

In Singapore, students can choose from a handful of masters’ programmes. The Global MBA course is structured around four practical themes – Management in Practice, Value Creation in Business, Tailoring Your Journey, and Professional Skills for Business, that depart from the rote, typical subject areas of most MBAs.

Launched last year, in the height of the pandemic, the university debuted the MSc Financial Management, using lessons learned during the pandemic on how financial professionals need to hone their core skills and be able to respond to unexpected economic upheavals with agility and sound financial decision making.

Launching in September this year, the MA Educational Leadership in Practice is a two-year, part-time course that develops intellectual capacity and practical confidence in all interactions, with teachers, parents, managers, board members, policymakers, and more, allowing students to engage at a higher level and influence change.

Courses are taught by University of Manchester staff who fly in for workshops and conferences, ensuring quality and consistency; and the wide range of electives offered enables students to tailor subjects to their preferred industries. “The class size of no more than 30 for each module, with intense group work and small study groups, really help in fostering valuable connections,” says Ms Lim.

She adds that when students graduate, they are keenly sought after. “The University of Manchester has been named the most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate employers, according to [the independent annual review of graduate vacancies] The Graduate Market in 2022,” notes Ms Lim, grand praise that adds further lustre to the institution’s deep appeal.

Visit www.manchester.edu.sg for more information.