Yumiko Tan
Master of IT in Business (Data Science & Analytics)
August 2025 Intake
At a certain point in my career, I realised I was ready for more.
With a background in Business and experience across financial services, e-commerce, AI, and banking, I have built a career that exposed me to diverse industries and fast-paced environments. Yet what consistently energised me most was working with data—analysing it, interpreting it, and using it to drive better decisions. That growing interest eventually became a clear direction: I wanted to deepen my technical expertise in Data Science and AI.
Making a mid-career switch is never comfortable. It requires stepping away from one's comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. What drew me to MITB was its balance between technical depth and real-world relevance. The programme does not treat technology as an isolated discipline; rather, it positions it within the broader business landscape. That integration was important to me. I wanted to strengthen my technical foundation while continuing to think in terms of impact and application.
Even though I am only two semesters into the programme, the impact has been immediate. Beyond developing technical competencies, MITB has provided exposure to practical aspects of professional growth – such as how to approach job applications, prepare for interviews, and position one’s skill set effectively. For someone navigating a career transition, these insights are just as valuable.
Some modules stood out for me. Statistical Thinking for Data Science helped me build a strong foundation in understanding statistics and its applications, which I believe is critical before progressing into more advanced Machine Learning modules. The Data Governance & Quality module, offered under the School of Accountancy, was highly relevant to regulated industries such as banking. I appreciated the flexibility MITB offers in allowing students to take modules across other SMU master's programmes, as it enabled me to connect governance concepts with technical implementation and business strategy.
Learning alongside a diverse cohort further enriched my experience. My classmates come from varied professional backgrounds and career stages, and our discussions often extend beyond textbook solutions. Hearing from others approach challenges in their respective industries has broadened my perspective and sharpened my problem-solving skills. The professors also left a strong impression on me. They bring lessons to life by grounding concepts in real industry examples, making the learning practical and relatable.
Through the support of the SMU network, I was able to obtain job opportunities, which reinforced my belief in the strength of the school’s ecosystem. My journey has shown me that even if the path feels unclear at the beginning—especially for those making a mid-career switch—trusting the programme and focusing on one’s strengths can lead to meaningful outcomes.
MITB has given me more than technical knowledge. It has provided clarity in direction and confidence in capability. As I continue this journey, I look forward to applying what I have learned in meaningful ways and, in time, contributing back as a proud member of the SMU MITB community.
