Venturing into the IT industry

Looking to join the IT industry, but lack an IT degree? Dr Esther Tan recommends the Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis offered by NUS-ISS

By Bryant Chan

June 13, 2019

The Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis (GDipSA) at the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Systems Science (NUS-ISS) is a one-year programme for graduates looking to break into the industry.

According to Dr Esther Tan, chief of the NUS-ISS Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis programme, the curriculum is designed for workers in a non-IT industry who would like to be involved in the development of digital solutions, but do not want to take an additional three or four years to do an IT degree.

Why is this course relevant to those looking to enter the IT industry?

The industry has evolved from using software merely as an office automation tool into one where digital transformation drives businesses in every sector.

Software design and development is fast becoming a set of essential skills, regardless of domain or industry. Workers with these skill sets have a competitive edge over those who don’t.

What is unique about the design of the course curriculum?

The diploma can be taken as a stackable pathway of four certificates, letting students who have completed the Foundation certificate choose, based on their own needs, which other graduate certificates to take.

For instance, those looking to pursue careers in .NET and Java development can take up the Certificate in Digital Solutions Development - Web Applications, while those who want to work with Python or in Android development can opt for the Certificate in Digital Solutions Development - Mobility Applications.

What are the career options for GDipSA graduates?

Some of our graduates have gone on to pursue quite unorthodox careers — for instance, a lawyer decided to become an IT auditor after getting his diploma. An English teacher became an IT consultant to help clients achieve digital transformation.