MPA Voices: From Indonesia to Singapore – a student’s perspective

Hi there, just a quick introduction of myself in a nutshell:

Time flies, doesn’t it. It wasn’t too long ago that I decided to join SMU’s MPA programme and in a flash, here I am midway through my last term of the programme before I graduate.

Looking back, I remember that after completing my degree, I want to continue furthering my studies in accounting and that was why I picked the SMU MPA. Although I have learnt some accounting modules before, the programme has really broadened my knowledge about accounting, and the professors made learning really fun.

I had just completed my internship over the term break and I wanted to share my experience with anyone thinking of taking up the MPA. The process of finding internships was assisted by the SMU Career Services team. I sent my applications to some companies that had opportunities for winter internship. I also actively participated in various social activities organized by SMU and other accounting professional bodies like ICAEW. It was during the ICAEW event where I applied to United Parcel Service (UPS) and was successful to get a 3-month internship as an accountant.

During my interview, they asked questions regarding my studies and my experience. Interestingly, my internship was rather different from my classmates. A winter internship is usually 2 months, but in UPS, they asked me would I do 3 months internship instead. Of course I agreed as this is a rare opportunity. Since my term break is only 2 months, my last month of internship was done on a part time basis where I worked and studied concurrently.

During this internship, I was part of two different teams: the Taiwan country team and compliance team. The first week of my internship is mostly full with reading manuals, to learn as much as I can.

[Photo: Me, second from left in red, and my team during the UPS Dinner and Dance]

Internships are not about coffee runs for the boss or just doing menial data entry work. During my 3 months, these were the work that I have done.

I really learnt a lot and was also lucky enough to have much guidance and support during the course of the 3-month internship. Thankfully, the MPA courses also helped me a lot in my internship. The lessons taught in class was relevant to my work and I was able to apply the theories I learnt on the job. I am glad I got the chance these 3 months to broaden my exposure to the finance function in a big corporation.

With just a couple more weeks of school left, I am both excited and nervous. I am hoping to get a full time job in an MNC because I really enjoyed my internship experience and I look forward to graduating and starting work in an industry that I love!