Sanchit Garg
Master of IT in Business (Analytics)
Class of 2023
Data Engineer
GIC Pte Ltd
I am a data engineer with five years of experience building scalable data solutions across financial services, government, and technology sectors. I currently work at GIC Pte Ltd (contract via Maltem Asia Pte Ltd), focusing on research data warehouses for trading and investment insights. Previously, at Oak Consulting, I developed end-to-end cloud-based data pipelines for Singapore government agencies, including SportSG, the Ministry of Education, and IBF. With a background in Computer Science and a Master of IT in Business (MITB) from Singapore Management University (SMU), my expertise lies in data architecture, cloud technologies, and automation.
When I was exploring graduate programmes, MITB stood out for its strong focus on data analytics and business applications, along with its emphasis on corporate readiness and a robust alumni network. The curriculum is designed to keep pace with the latest technologies, ensuring that students gain hands-on exposure to real-world data challenges, industry collaborations, and cutting-edge tools. MITB’s reputation as one of the top-ranked in Asia further reinforced my decision.
Professionally, MITB has been transformative. It equipped me with advanced technical and business knowledge, bridging the gap between data engineering and strategic decision-making. The programme prepared me to handle complex data architectures and cloud transformations, enabling me to take on more impactful roles. Even after graduation, I had reached out to my professors for guidance whenever I faced challenges in my job.
The practical applications of MITB’s curriculum became evident in my daily work. Courses such as Data Management, Computational Thinking with Python, Big Data: Tools and Techniques, and Machine Learning Engineering provided a strong foundation that I use regularly at work. Python and SQL remain my core tools, and I leverage them alongside cloud solutions and CI/CD deployments to build scalable and efficient data pipelines.
Among the many enriching experiences at MITB, one of the most memorable was the SMU-X course on Customer Analytics, taught by Prof. Rafael J. Barros. This highly interactive course allowed us to work on a real-world product for a company. It provided hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theory and industry applications, making it one of the most impactful courses during my time at MITB.
Beyond academics, what made my time at MITB truly enjoyable was the collaborative learning environment. Engaging discussions, industry-relevant coursework, and the opportunity to interact with industry experts added tremendous value to my education. Additionally, SMU’s central location made networking and attending industry events convenient—being on top of two MRT stations meant everything was easily accessible.
During my time at SMU, I spent countless hours at the library, whether studying, working on group projects, or simply finding a quiet space to focus. Apart from that, I often hung out at Subway and Bricklane Bar—perfect for unwinding after classes, brainstorming sessions, and catching up with classmates.
Among the outstanding faculty at MITB, Prof. Swavek Wlodkowski left a lasting impact on me. His engaging teaching style in the Big Data Analytics course made complex concepts easy to grasp. What stood out the most was his approachability—even after I had graduated, I could still reach out to him whenever I had doubts. His guidance and support played a significant role in my learning journey.
For MITB graduates, the opportunities are vast. With the growing demand for data-driven decision-making, MITB graduates are well-equipped for roles in data science, AI, cloud computing, and business analytics. SMU’s strong industry connections open doors to top companies in finance, technology, and consulting. No matter where you go, you’re likely to find SMU alumni in leading organisations, creating a strong professional network.
To those considering MITB, take full advantage of everything the programme offers—engage with professors, participate in projects, and network with industry professionals. Take advantage of free workshops, alumni mentorship programmes, and networking events. MITB is a gateway to exciting career opportunities, so make the most of the learning experience and industry exposure.
