Experiential Learning
A TERTIARY EDUCATION GOES BEYOND THE ACADEMIC.
Besides equipping students with the knowledge they need to excel in the workplace, SMU provides a broad spectrum of opportunities for students to maximize their learning journey and gain experiences beneficial for their future careers.
SMU Accountancy Student Apple Khoo Tells us How the SMU Differentiating Factor has Transformed Her
1. Make the Most of Internship Experiences
Internship will give students a first-hand experience of the working environment in their preferred industry. Our students appreciate the opportunity to gain real-world perspectives before graduation and over 81% complete between two to six internships in different companies and across multiple industries, to identify the best job fit. It is common to see students who perform well at internships to receive job offers before graduation.
Internships Overseas
In recent years, an increasing number of BAcc students have opted to pursue internships overseas. Our students have pursued internships in countries such as Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and USA, working in MNCs such as Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank.
2. Gain Global Exposure
SMU encourages students to develop a global perspective through numerous programmes which offer opportunities to work or study overseas. Through overseas study missions, community service projects and overseas exchange programmes, students are assured of avenues for gaining international exposure.
At SMU, we aspire to have 100% of our students embark on at least one global experience before graduating.
SMU also offers many financial assistance schemes and scholarships, such as the SICC International Exchange Scholarship and the SOA Education Enhancement Fund to help financially needy students obtain valuable international exposure.
The SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) maintains close links with over 300 partner institutions in various regions, through the international student exchange and summer programmes which they manage.
The Accounting Study Mission is aimed at exposing students to the accounting and auditing standards, banking, tax, and monetary policies, and corporate governance structures in countries visited.
Prior to the trip, students will be required to undergo intensive pre-trip preparations involving talks by experts, individual and team research of assigned topics, and project presentations and discussions. On completion of the trip, students will submit group projects based on their research and findings from the trip. Hear from students about their experiences at the Accounting Study Mission to Israel in 2018.
Accountancy students also have the opportunity to choose the course Country Studies/Business Study Mission (BSM). Participants of the BSM will have the opportunity to visit and engage in participant observation and interviews of firms, managers and entrepreneurs overseas.
3. Solve Real-World Problems With SMU-X
The SMU-X curriculum adopts a revolutionary approach to education by motivating students to master new skills and apply that knowledge in solving real-world problems. Every SMU-X course will combine academic with experiential learning through the heavy use of projects to challenge and inspire them to use their disciplinary knowledge and skills in tackling multi-disciplinary, real issues faced by the partner organisations.
Relevant courses include:
- ACCT414 - Accounting Analytics Capstone
- ACCT423 - Audit Analytics
- ACCT424 – Auditing Information Systems
4. Career Guidance and Support
The Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC) offers a range of comprehensive services, programmes and resources for SMU students to chart their career directions and acquire the necessary skills to realise their potential and goals. The goal is to empower undergraduates students to make informed career decisions and support them as they enter the workforce.
5. Vibrant City Campus
SMU's unique city campus, which is situated strategically between the financial and arts and heritage districts, offers a technology-enabled environment to enhance the learning experience for its students. Our city campus is purposefully designed for a continuous exchange of ideas between our university and the surrounding commercial district.
6. SMU Pathfinders Programme
The SMU Pathfinders Programme is a student development Programme that comprises a series of curated experiential platforms focusing on the three inter-related domains of the “Self”, “Self and Team” and “Self and the Community”. Conducted both internally by trained SMU staff and by external vendors, the Pathfinders workshops aim to provide additional learning platforms beyond those currently offered to students. Students can either participate out of their own interest or as part of their existing Co-Curricular Activity training programme(s). The SMU Pathfinders Programme seeks to develop values-driven learners, authentic collaborators and responsible global citizens.
7. Make Meaningful Impact
Our students serve a compulsory 80 hours of community service, either locally or abroad. Many of our students appreciate the value of engaging in community service and voluntarily clock beyond the stipulated 80 hours.
Overseas Community Service Projects
The Centre for Social Responsibility manages overseas community service projects, supporting independent students and student bodies who wish to volunteer overseas. Our BAcc students have participated in overseas community service projects in China, India, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The students engaged in projects in aid of the local needy, ranging from teaching language and IT skills, to helping with construction works.