"With determination and support, it’s never too late to follow your dreams."
After two decades in the workforce, Tina Song made an unexpected move—she returned to school to pursue a dream she had long put on hold.
Meet Tina: a current Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) student at SMU, a mother of two, and a seasoned accounting professional with over 20 years of experience. In 2024, she made a bold decision to leave her job and reignite a long-standing aspiration.
"Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) has long been a dream of mine. With the full support of my family, I left my job in March 2024 to focus on this goal," she shares.
While exploring her options, Tina was drawn to SMU's MPA programme for its emphasis on preparing students for an accounting profession increasingly shaped by technology. She was also encouraged by the programme's accelerated pathway to CA status, enabling graduates to join the professional programme offered by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA).
In August 2024, Tina enrolled in the MPA programme, taking one step closer to her goal.
A forward-looking master’s degree
SMU’s MPA is an accredited programme designed to equip early-career professionals with core competencies in accountancy, while helping mid-career professionals upskill and stay ahead of shifting industry trends.
"The MPA is not a repeat of the traditional accounting modules I studied 24 years ago in the United Kingdom," Tina explains.
Some of the standout modules include:
- Data Modelling and Visualisation
- Programming for Business Analytics
- Management & Strategy
These courses empower students to take on value-added roles and expand their influence within organisations. For Tina, the Management & Strategy module in particular sharpened her presentation and public speaking skills.
She also appreciates the programme’s thoughtfully designed structure, which makes learning engaging and relevant.
"The MPA has given me not only technical accounting knowledge, but also exposure to how technology is transforming the profession. I’m better equipped to adapt to the evolving business environment and contribute meaningfully when I re-enter the workforce."
Tina (3rd row, 4th from left) took part in SMU’s Business Families Institute (BFI) Case Jam in 2024, taking on real-world business challenges
Support that makes a difference
While Tina finds the MPA enriching, returning to school after 23 years has had its challenges. Memory retention isn't quite what it used to be, and she often needs to put in extra hours to keep up.
Yet she is far from alone on this journey.
"My husband has taken on greater responsibilities at home, and his support has been invaluable," she shares. "I also deeply value the friendships I’ve formed with my classmates, most of whom are much younger. We spend a lot of time digesting concepts outside of class. Whenever I have questions, I can always turn to my classmates and professors for support."
She also enjoys the campus environment, particularly studying at the Li Ka Shing Library, which has become her favourite spot.
Tina (1st from left) deeply values the friendships she’s formed with her classmates, whom she can turn to for support
Never too late to pivot
In many ways, Tina’s return to school was driven by a desire to upskill and reach new career heights.
"In 2022, my company restructured, leading to the retrenchment of the entire support team. After leaving the company I had been with for over 17 years, I joined a smaller firm. It was at this point that I realised I needed to go further in order to return to a similar leadership role."
Amid rapid technological advancements and evolving client expectations, the accounting profession is in flux. For mid-career professionals looking to stay competitive, continuous learning is essential.
SMU’s MPA programme, with its blend of technical rigour and future-ready skills, can be a true career catalyst.
"While midlife career advancement can be challenging, it’s also a chance to grow, adapt, and pursue goals you may have put aside earlier. If you’re thinking of going back to school or taking a new direction, don’t be afraid to invest in yourself."
"This journey has reminded me that it’s never too late to grow, learn, and invest in your future."
Reignite your career with SMU’s Master of Professional Accounting (MPA). Find out more here.
