With a focus on data, the SMU Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) aims to equip graduates with essential programming and analytics skills for critical business decision-making.
Discover more about the programme from SMU MSA graduate Chern Cheng. A recent graduate from the Class of 2025, she is currently an Assistant Manager, Finance, at Singapore Airlines.
What motivated you to pursue the Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) at SMU?
I was drawn to the MSA programme because of its unique focus on data analytics within accounting.
Working in finance, I witnessed the rapid shift towards data-driven decision-making and wanted to bridge the gap between traditional accounting and modern analytics.
SMU’s reputation for practical, industry-relevant education, along with the MSA’s emphasis on technical skills and professional development, made it the perfect fit for my career aspirations.
How did you manage part-time studies while working full-time?
Balancing full-time work with part-time studies required discipline and strategic time management.
I treated my study schedule like important work commitments—blocking out specific hours for coursework and sticking to them consistently. The programme’s evening and weekend class format made this possible.
Applying what I’ve learned from the programme immediately in my workplace also helped reinforce the concepts, making the learning process more meaningful.
Having supportive colleagues and family who understood my commitments was essential to maintaining this balance too.
How did the programme shape your professional skills and career outlook?
The MSA programme fundamentally transformed how I approach problem-solving and data interpretation.
Beyond learning technical tools like SQL and Python, I developed the ability to communicate complex analytical insights to stakeholders who aren’t data experts—a skill that’s proven invaluable in my professional role.
The programme shifted my perspective from seeing data as numbers on a spreadsheet to understanding it as a storytelling medium that can drive strategic decisions. This mindset change has positioned me to be a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders.
Besides sharpening my analytical and technical skills, the MSA has reshaped my thinking process, training me to approach problems with a structured, data-informed mindset, while keeping sight of the strategic, bigger picture.
What advice would you share with prospective students considering the MSA?
Be prepared to be stretched, but also know that the journey is immensely fulfilling. You will walk away with knowledge and skills that set you apart, but equally meaningful are the friendships, mentorship, and community you’ll gain along the way.
Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the experience, the professors who inspired us, and the classmates who journeyed alongside me.
Take the next step towards advancing your accounting career with the SMU Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) programme.
