NUS-ISS alumnus Alfred Jayaprakash Sugunaraj achieved his CISSP® and ITIL® certifications, along with his Master of Technology (Software Engineering) degree, all while juggling with family and full-time work.
Juggling work and family can be a tricky affair for many, and add on pursuing a Master’s degree to the mix - it can be a real challenge. That was the journey that Alfred Jayaprakash Sugunaraj, Security Architect at Deutsche Bank, undertook when he pursued a NUS-ISS Master of Technology in Software Engineering (MTech SE) in 2012, after having been in the banking industry for a few years.
“I knew that it would be challenging right from the start, so I began the programme with the end in mind – I used to imagine walking to the podium during my graduation ceremony with my family members cheering me on. That was what kept me going this part-time programme for two and a half years,” said Alfred.
And it was a worthwhile journey! From being a Technical Specialist when he first enrolled for the programme, Alfred has rose through the ranks to be the Lead Technical Specialist before landing his current position. During the course of the programme, he managed to attain his NICF – Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) CBK® certification and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) certification.
“The programme has been a significant help to my work! I acquired new skills that gave me a whole different perspective on how I can approach business problems. The quality of my output has also increased as I apply the different methodologies and best practices which I’ve learnt. And, on a lighter note, I’m able to use impressive technical jargons in my daily interaction with co-workers,” said Alfred.
Alfred and his family
During his studies, the lack of time was a big constraint that Alfred had to overcome. “Time management was the biggest challenge and a lot of planning and hard work was involved to overcome it. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and especially, my wife,” said Alfred.
It was a step that Alfred knew he needed to take though. “I felt a strong need to strengthen my foundation in Software Engineering,” shares Alfred, “I knew that I lacked project management related skills, which is essential if I want to progress in my career. I knew that a goal-oriented post-graduate programme would help me to achieve this.”
Alfred and his family
The NUS-ISS Master of Technology in Software Engineering programme is specially designed to meet the needs of today’s busy IT professionals and managers without disrupting their work and career. The curriculum emphasises on understanding and exploitation of advanced technologies and management disciplines, as well as focuses on the practical application of innovative techniques and developing IT professionals’ capacity for innovation.
“This course has really lived up to its reputation. I can say with confidence that the course has really added value and substance to my career,” said Alfred, “I recommend this to any IT professionals who are looking for a course that has a balanced treatment on technology and management.”
His only regret is not taking the programme earlier in his career, he said, “I feel that those who take up this programme at an early stage in their career will have an advantage, as they get to learn things that some of us only learnt after being in the industry for many years.”
Though it had not been an easy path, Alfred still looks back at his journey fondly, “I vividly remember and cherish every single day of the two and a half years I’ve spent at NUS-ISS. The course has really stretched me to beyond my wildest imaginations, and I’ve built many new relationships and memories in my days here.”
Registration for the 2016 Master of Technology in Software Engineering will open in April 2015. The programme is available in both full-time and part-time formats. For more information on the programme, please visit our website at www.iss.nus.edu.sg.