Joyce Botros
Master of IT in Business (Digital Transformation)
Class of 2026
Moving to a new country at 19 is never just about education—it is about learning how to navigate uncertainty, build independence, and grow into your own.
For me, that journey began when I left home to pursue my undergraduate studies in Singapore. Born in Brazil and raised in the United States, I had always been exposed to different cultures and perspectives. I completed my Bachelor’s in Management and Digital Innovation at SIM-UOL, where I developed an early interest in technology, digital systems, and how organisations adapt to change. But it was only later that I realised I wanted to go deeper.
That realisation led me to the SMU Master of IT in Business (MITB).
What drew me to MITB was its hands-on, interactive approach to learning. I wanted more than just theory—I wanted to build, experiment, and take ownership of projects. The programme’s emphasis on real-world applications, group work, and problem-solving created an environment where we were constantly challenged to think beyond the classroom.
Coming in as a fresh graduate with no full-time work experience, I was initially unsure how I would measure up. But that quickly changed. MITB gave me both the technical foundation and the confidence to step into the professional world. Modules such as Spreadsheet Modelling, Query Optimisation, and Computational Thinking with Python equipped me with practical skills that I could immediately apply.
During my internship at Shopee, I saw how everything came together.
Working as a Project Analyst in the Regional Marketing team, I supported the Video and Livestream Growth team across eight markets. My role involved data analysis, reporting, and coordinating budget submissions with multiple stakeholders. But beyond my core responsibilities, I began to approach problems differently.
Instead of simply completing tasks, I started questioning how things were being done.
The Process Innovation module had a particularly strong influence on me. It trained me to look at workflows from a systems perspective—understanding the current “as-is” processes before identifying inefficiencies and designing improvements. By my second month, I was already working on streamlining reporting structures, automating repetitive tasks, and improving the budget submission process. These changes not only saved time but also made the workflows more reliable and scalable.
At the same time, I realised that building solutions was only part of the equation. Implementing change required aligning people, processes, and technology. Concepts from Change Management and stakeholder management became just as important as the technical tools I was using. Coordinating across 16 stakeholders in different markets taught me how to communicate clearly, manage expectations, and drive adoption.
One of the most meaningful aspects of MITB was the people I met along the way. The cohort was incredibly diverse, with classmates ranging from fresh graduates to professionals with decades of experience. Learning alongside them pushed me to grow—not just academically, but personally. It taught me how to communicate more confidently, collaborate effectively, and appreciate different perspectives.
Faculty members also played a key role in shaping my experience. Professors like Dr Hoe Siu Loon created highly interactive classes that encouraged participation and pushed us out of our comfort zones. Over time, this helped me become more confident in sharing my ideas and presenting my thoughts.
Today, I am excited to begin the next chapter of my journey as a Management Associate at Singapore Exchange, where I will rotate across functions in the Technology and Operations track. The role sits at the intersection of data, technology, and business—exactly where I see myself growing.
Looking back, MITB has been more than just an academic experience. It challenged me in ways I did not expect and helped me discover strengths I did not know I had. Most importantly, it taught me how to think ahead, not just keep up.
