When Ng Jia Long, Jeremy Yap, and Tony Lim signed up for the Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis (GDipSA), they came from vastly different background and had never crossed paths before. Yet, they were united by a single goal. And that was to make a career switch and transition into the tech industry. The trio had envisioned long nights of studying, intense project deadlines, and the pressure of picking up the books again. Making friends was not quite on their agenda. However, as they worked through the challenges of the programme, they ended up building a friendship so strong that it became a big part in their personal and professional lives.
Jia Long had built a career as the Chief Controller with SMRT after graduating with a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, NTU. It was not until he was tasked with digitising reports for some of the operationalise processes at work that he unearthed a passion for IT. Jeremy, on the other hand, was a Life Sciences graduate. It was only when he started automating processes in his administrative role while working in the Science Dean's Office at NUS that he found himself drawn to improving and automating the processes. Tony, a former lecturer with Institute of Technical Education, had spent years in academia but longed to immerse himself in the tech world. Different paths, different experiences, yet they were thrown together in the same programme, facing the same daunting learning curve.
Tony and Jeremy’s friendship started with a project group assignment. “At first, we just stuck to schoolwork,” Jeremy recalled. “But soon, we were talking about side projects, new AI models, and industry trends.” Meanwhile, Jia Long connected with Jeremy in a study group, their shared determination forming an instant bond. Then, fate added another twist as Tony and Jia Long realised they had a mutual friend. “And that mutual friend was actually the one who first recommended GDipSA to me! " Tony laughed.
The GDipSA programme was intense with the curriculum compressed to one year. Very often, they found themselves in dire situations where they were given problems based on concepts taught just an hour or two earlier, leaving little time to fully absorb the material. It was overwhelming, but they had each other. “We tackled the challenges together as we discussed solutions, shared insights, and supported one another,” Jia Long shared. “At times, some of us grasped the concepts more quickly and guided the rest through the problems. In many ways, our friendship became a pillar of support, helping us push through moments of doubt.”
Interestingly, Jia Long played another critical role in this friendship by keeping an eye for opportunities beyond the classroom. “Jia Long was always the one that helped us “extend our intel” to things happening beyond our classrooms.” Tony shared. “He always knew about career fairs and networking events before anyone else. Thanks to him, I found the confidence to approach companies at job fairs, and that is how I secured my first job.”
Their bond didn’t end at graduation. They continued to lean on each other as they stepped into the industry. Tony, now working as a DevOps Engineer, frequently turned to Jeremy for insights on application development. Jia Long’s experience in tech sales became invaluable when Tony needed guidance on client interactions. Despite their busy schedules, they make it a point to catch up after work, whether over dinner or even a casual coffee chat. These meetups are not just about unwinding but also about exchanging industry updates, sharing career advice, and encouraging each other as they continue to excel in their respective fields.
Their advice to someone considering GDipSA programme? “GDipSA is intense but incredibly rewarding. It is not a walk in the park but the hard work put in and the knowledge gained will be immensely valuable,” Tony said. “If you are committed to making the switch, give it 100% focus,” Jeremy added. “This programme is not just about learning IT. It is about finding like-minded peers who push you forward,” Jia Long shared.
From classmates to lifelong buddies, Jia Long, Jeremy, and Tony’s journey is proof that the right friendships can turn even the toughest challenges into stepping stones. Who knows? The people you meet today might just become your greatest supporters in the future.
For more information on NUS-ISS' Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Programme, visit here.