What does a typical day look like for a Master of Science in Management (MiM) student at SMU? Let me take you through one of mine, filled with learning, laughter, and the occasional late-night bowl of noodles.
Morning Hustle: Where Ideas Wake Up
My mornings usually begin with our core MiM classes: Marketing, Operations Management, and Business Analytics. These sessions lay the foundation of our business toolkit. The subjects are challenging, but what keeps me engaged is how dynamic, interactive, and international the classroom environment feels.
One of the most memorable sessions was during Marketing class, where we were split into small groups to brainstorm futuristic, out-of-this-world product ideas, and then craft full marketing strategies for them. Think jet-powered shoes or holoscopic smart desks. What started as laughter over the absurdity quickly evolved into real conversations about product-market fit, segmentation, and storytelling. We debated pricing strategies, brand voice, and even potential distribution channels. It reminded me that creativity and business logic can, and should, coexist.
Class participation at SMU isn't just expected; it's embedded into the DNA of how we learn. It's not about having the 'right' answer, it's about building on ideas, challenging assumptions, and engaging with the moment. This culture has pushed me to speak up more often. For someone who used to sit back and listen, that shift has been transformative. Speaking more confidently made me realise that my thoughts have value, even when incomplete. It gave me the courage to share, and more importantly, to listen with intent.
What makes these discussions even richer is our incredibly diverse cohort, classmates from China, India, South Korea, Italy, and France all bring wildly different lenses to the same topic. I remember a classmate from Italy questioning how Western sustainability frameworks might clash with emerging market priorities, something I hadn’t considered before. These moments constantly remind me that business isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Midday Moments: Coffee, Classes & Quiet Corners
Because I grew up in Singapore, the SMU campus feels comfortably familiar. I usually grab a coffee at Koufu, or head to the Li Ka Shing Library to catch up on readings or prep for my evening classes. The city’s energy hums in the background, but campus life offers pockets of stillness and focus.
As part of the Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s programme, my day often flows into undergraduate modules like Marketing Strategy and Ethics & Social Responsibility. It’s an unusual rhythm, but one that I’ve come to appreciate. Switching between the academic depth of the MiM and the applied foundations of my undergraduate curriculum helps me develop both breadth and depth in my thinking.
One project that really stood out was a group case on strategic brand positioning, where I applied analytical tools learned in my graduate-level business analytics class to support marketing recommendations in my undergraduate strategy module. This blend sharpened my ability to see connections across domains, and helped me build practical cross-functional thinking that I know will be valuable in future consulting or management roles.
The integrated nature of this programme also means that I get to interact with peers across multiple cohorts, which has helped me become more adaptable in how I communicate and collaborate. It’s one of the most understated but powerful advantages of being in this unique academic structure.
Evening Grounding: Judo and Home
Some evenings, I head to SMU Judo training. I’ve been with the club for four years now, and have represented the school in competitions. Judo gives me a space where I disconnect from screens, reconnect with my body, and reset mentally. Training sessions are intense, but they keep me grounded.
Afterwards, I might grab dinner at Fortune Centre with my friends, or head home to spend time with my family. This balance, between academic intensity and physical discipline, between social interaction and personal downtime, has taught me how to manage my energy rather than just my time. It’s a lesson I’ll carry forward into my future career: that sustainable performance is built on balance, not burnout.
Final Thoughts
A day in the life of an SMU MiM student isn’t just about lectures or deadlines. It’s about learning across contexts, cultures, and even academic disciplines. It’s about finding your voice in class, your rhythm in student life, and your values through reflection and community.
Being part of the Integrated Programme and the Global Impact Scholarship has shaped me in subtle yet profound ways. I’ve learned to think critically yet compassionately, to collaborate across borders, and to find meaning in both the structured and unstructured parts of university life.
If you ask me what I’ve gained most, it’s clarity, not just about the kind of professional I want to be, but the kind of person I’m becoming. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
