Alicia Loh
Master of IT in Business (Analytics)
January 2023 Intake
Sports Coach, Air Rifle & Air Pistol
I enrolled into MITB (Analytics) programme in 2023 and graduated with a Sport Science degree with a specialisation in Sport Biomechanics in 2017. My professional career is rooted in sports, focusing on junior programmes, talent identification, and competition management. I'm currently self-employed, coaching air rifle and air pistol, where I craft individualised training programmes informed by performance data. Parallel to coaching, I am actively seeking opportunities in data analysis within the healthcare sector, where I aim to apply my analytical expertise post-graduation.
During my undergraduate studies and internship, I fell in love with Sports Biomechanics, the study of human movement. The intricate dance of numbers and figures that narrates an athlete's performance and progress captivated me. Seeking to deepen my understanding and expand my analytical prowess, SMU MITB was the natural choice for its reputation in blending rigorous academic training with real-world relevance.
MITB has been an instrumental bridge from the tactile world of sports to the strategic realm of data science. It has equipped me with a robust analytical toolkit that is versatile across industries. The programme's emphasis on practical applications of data analytics has provided me with a strong foundation to tackle complex data-driven challenges in the professional world. In class, we work with real world data sets, providing us with firsthand experience in navigating real world challenges.
The MITB curriculum has laid the groundwork for my future role as a data scientist. It has deepened my skills in statistical analysis, machine learning, and programming. SMU's engaging teaching methodology has not only bolstered my technical skills but has also polished my soft skills, enhancing my collaborative and communication capabilities.
To keep up with the ever-evolving digital landscape, the professors will incorporate cutting edge technologies and new digitalisation trends into the classroom. Classmates who are current working in the tech field are also invited to share their insights and expertise so that everyone learns from each other.
Outside of studying, MITB also organises plenty of interesting events for its students. I have visited a Koi Farm, tried my hand at woodworking, and made many friends from diverse backgrounds. It is the true embodiment of work hard, play harder.
The professors at MITB are not only masters of their craft but also exceptional mentors. Their dedication to teaching and imparting knowledge is evident in every lecture. Often, they will patiently reiterate multiple times the concepts that are more challenging to grasp, and frequently offer consultations should you require additional help, despite their busy schedules.
The MITB curriculum is indeed challenging and rigorous. It is a programme designed to stretch your capabilities and push the boundaries of your potential. However, tough as it may be, if you are prepared to work hard and engage with the diverse expertise of your peers, it will only serve to open you to a wealth of exciting opportunities.
Keen to find out more about her MITB experience? You can send her a message and chat with her at https://smu.sg/mitbambassadors.
