I recently participated in the workshop "Building Global Careers from Singapore: SMU MiM Alumni Share Their Path," organized by Seed Global Education in partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU). For me, this session could not have been timed better, as I am soon to start my own MiM journey at SMU. Hearing from alumni, admissions officials, and mentors gave me a balanced insight into what to expect and reassured me of the choice that I have made.
(L-R: Mr. Sharang Dhaimade, SEED - Ms. Seema Parakkat, SMU LKCSB)
(SMU MIM Alumni: L-R: Ms. Divya Garg - Ms. Anushka Mathur)
The session, titled “Building Global Careers from Singapore: SMU MiM Alumni Share Their Path” brought together alumni, admissions officials, and mentors. Moderated by Mr. Sharang Dhaimade of Seed Global Education, the workshop was less about admissions logistics and more about envisioning what a global career launched from Singapore could look like.
The first complete presentation was delivered by Ms. Marie Goh, Post-Graduate Admissions Manager at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business. She described how SMU, a specialist university dedicated to business and management, attained the coveted triple crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA) in only 25 years — a feat achieved by less than 1% of business schools globally. Marie also emphasized how SMU’s location in the heart of Singapore’s central business district creates unparalleled opportunities for industry connectivity, with executives often participating in classroom discussions. Most appealing to me was her explanation of the SMU-XO program, in which students contribute to consulting-like projects with real companies. The compulsory internship, individualized career guidance, and seminar-style pedagogy — designed to encourage active participation — all reaffirmed for me that SMU’s MiM program is built on academic rigor and professional relevance.
Listening to alumni made these concepts come alive. Ms. Divya Garg, now working with KPMG Singapore in Strategy, Product, and Marketing, discussed how her internship provided an invaluable orientation to Singapore’s professional culture, which was different from India’s. Her story reaffirmed that SMU’s compulsory internship is a much-needed bridge between academic preparation and global employment.
Ms. Anushka Mathur, currently pursuing an MSc in Business Analytics at the University of Washington after completing her MSc in Management at SMU, shared a similar trajectory, beginning with an internship at MediaCom Singapore during her MiM studies that later transitioned into a full-time role as Media Executive. In that position, she managed client relationships, developed media plans, and optimized campaigns for a leading insurance brand, creating measurable impact. What stood out to me was how she connected this professional journey back to SMU’s interactive pedagogy. Anushka described working on a live consulting project for a retail brand in Singapore, showing how every classroom lesson is anchored in solving real business challenges. Hearing how she transitioned from the MiM to advanced studies in business analytics reassured me that SMU provides a solid foundation for long-term professional and academic growth.
The session additionally featured insights from Ms. Seema Parakkat, SMU LKCSB Country Manager for India, highlighting the support that students receive from the admissions office. Having her present reminded me that though the MiM is a demanding program, students are never left to navigate the journey alone.
One key takeaway for me was how SMU has developed a distinctive ecosystem that combines industry connectivity with academic excellence. The cohort’s diversity, the flexibility of elective specializations, and the robust career services offered through networking events and one-on-one coaching all stood out. What resonated most was the program’s emphasis on developing leadership and soft skills alongside technical knowledge — an approach that aligns closely with my own career aspirations.
Being from a biotechnology background, I was heartened by how the panel highlighted SMU's welcoming nature towards students with differing academic backgrounds. This put my mind at ease that my unconventional past is not a drawback but an asset, as the program aims to provide equal footing for everyone to establish a strong management foundation.
Beyond the program itself, the conversation regarding life in Singapore was also inspiring. The alumni spoke about it as being safe, clean, and welcoming, with a professional environment that enables young graduates to integrate seamlessly into international careers. Its cultural diversity and closeness to India also position it as the perfect destination for someone like me who is leaving comfort zones behind and aspiring to expand on an international platform.
Looking back at this session, I came in with elevated expectations that were fully met. Listening to Sharang, Marie, Divya, Anushka, and Seema provided me with a complete vision of what is to come — academically, professionally, and personally. It reassured me that the journey that lies ahead will challenge me, yet equip me with the tools, networks, and perspectives to grow. Above all, it assured us that enrolling in SMU's MiM is not a quest for a degree, it is a steppingstone to embark on a journey of change towards having a truly global career.
