Zhang Cheng Ning
Master of IT in Business (Analytics)
Graduation Class of 2018
Big Data Engineer
Grab
As my major was computer science during my undergraduate studies in China, I realized the importance of data in today’s business environment. This has led me to enroll in the SMU Master of IT in Business (Analytics) programme to learn and explore the world of data analytics.
Life in MITB was exciting and enriching. There were many opportunities to connect and exchange ideas with students from different cultural and educational backgrounds, and we have learnt a great deal from each other. Professors from the MITB programme are well-qualified, knowledgeable and experienced. All these have helped me gain a better understanding in data analytics while developing my technical capabilities in this field.
As part of the MITB programme and with the guidance of SMU’s Post-grad Career Services advisors, I landed myself an internship at Seagate as a data scientist intern. It was a good time for me to apply and integrate what I have learnt in MITB to real industry projects. During this period, I had to juggle work and study concurrently, which was a really tough time for me. However, this experience improved my skills and abilities in many ways. It has also empowered me with the confidence and skill sets I had needed for my current role in Grab as a big data engineer.
Life as an MITB student is not easy, but it is definitely a place where you can gain invaluable knowledge and skills. My advice for prospective MITB students would be to prepare yourself for the challenge. Trust the professors, put in your best efforts and get the most out of this programme, which will equip you with the expertise to enter into the world of data analytics.
