The goal was clear: if Nasri had to choose a graduate studies programme, it must offer modules that were relevant and valued by the software engineering industry. It would also have to give Nasri the knowledge and confidence he needed for a seamless transition into finance technology.
And sure enough, the option had been clear. ISS is the first institute in Singapore to offer a Master of Technology programme and Software Engineering as a specialisation.
Looking back, Nasri said: “ISS offers a Master of Technology programme with the most industry-relevant learning. The coursework has really complemented my work experience as a consultant.” Today, Nasri is an IT professional at Murex, a multinational finance technology software house providing trading, risk management and processing solutions that support capital market activities around the world.
How it all began
“My previous Team Lead at IBM was an ISS alumnus and he had only positive things to say about his experiences of studying Software Engineering at ISS. I had also attended a short professional development course (ITILv3) at the time and noticed the professional dedication of the academic staff and the general efficient running of ISS. It seemed like such a conducive environment for students,” Nasri reminisced.
Back then, Nasri had been considering a part-time Masters Programme he could pursue locally, to bolster career opportunities in an increasingly competitive sector. “In Singapore, the NUS brand is one that’s backed by a strong heritage. I had enjoyed six unforgettable months in NUS as an NTU undergraduate on the Singapore University Student Exchange Programme. Now, I can proudly say I am part of the rich history of NUS.”
Making the right decision
As it turned out, Nasri was deeply impressed by the structure of the Masters Programme at ISS. “The Software Engineering modules were an enriched version of the professional development courses commonly taken by industry practitioners. Even the elective classes were inspiring and thought provoking,” he added.
Furthermore, the conducive learning environment provided by ISS far exceeded Nasri’s expectations. “I especially enjoyed the final year project with my teammates, and the network of international friends I’ve made at ISS is priceless. We shared industry experiences, and I’ve learned all about the running of organisations and industry giants through my contacts at ISS,” he smiled.
Nasri also told Systems Catalyst that the lecturers at ISS were the best thing about the programme. “I appreciated that they maintained their expertise through consultancy work; this gave me assurance that they were always imparting the latest working knowledge.
“Throughout the course, they’ve been extremely flexible and understanding towards the students who were working professionals. That gave my fellow part-time students and I an unimaginable level of support,” Nasri added.
Biggest achievement
And because Nasri was studying and working at the same time, he clearly felt the value from his learning experience. “With the firm grounding I had in IT management, I began to understand the bigger picture; the way businesses respond and behave in the market.”
His former bosses at IBM, too, had recognised his initiative to develop professionally, and had made Nasri a team leader. At Murex, an NUS Masters has earned Nasri his current appointment as a consultant – a position that would otherwise come with years of relevant industry experience. “It goes to show the level of confidence employers have in the quality of NUS programmes,” he admitted.
More importantly, Nasri counts the new skills and confidence he has gained in the field of IT among his biggest achievements: “I’ve picked up valuable knowledge that brings me up to speed with the rapidly changing domain of IT. What I’ve learned can be practiced in many firms and industries – the cross-industry application is invaluable. With the foundations I’ve honed at NUS, I feel I’m truly ready to take on the market!”
This article is first published in NUS-ISS quarterly e-newsletter, Issue 4 (Oct-Dec 2013).