NUS vs SMU
Hey guyss, I'm in a huge dilemma right now as l didn't get the course I originally wanted, which is SMU Law (I'm currently on the waitlist).
Meanwhile, I need to decide between NUS Business Analytics, NTU Business and SMU Business.
I've thought through it for a really long time and I'm quite set on either NUS or SMU, so NTU is kind of out of the picture already. Despite that, I still can't decide which I truly want more - NUS or SMU.
For career wise, throughout poly I always thought that if I went into business, I would want to do something related to international trading, commodities, oils, or something linked to economics + business. I'm also interested in roles like trade analyst in the future. That's partly why NUS BZA appeals to me, because I feel like analytics and data skills could actually be useful in those industries too, especially with forecasting, market analysis and decision-making.
Here’s what I feel:
NUS BZA:
pros:
- business on its own feels a bit too generic to me (done it during my diploma studies) which is why i chose nus bza
- during my diploma studies, I was constantly encouraged to explore technical skills like Al, programming and different software, so l applied for BZA because it combines business and technology
- feels more useful for the future since technical skills are becoming more important
- more stable and probably easier to find jobs compared to a generic business degree
- less saturated compared to business
- interested to try campus life for at least 1 sem or 1 year (ok without also)
- most of my friends are going to nus
- nus bza is quite a prestigious bachelor programme
- can potentially open more doors into tech/ business hybrid roles
- strong analytical and problem solving skillset
- not rlly a pros but more of why im going to nus bza is also because my family wants me to go to nus bza as they feel biz is useless
cons:
- scared it may become too technical or too niche
- worried i may struggle to keep up in nus soc as i know it is very competitive
- i tried coding before in poly and honestly, i didn't enjoy it THAT MUCH... + i struggled with it. i know i 100% need to study before sch starts if i go bza. (but i also know i need to face the reality, like i cant run away frm technology. i either face it now in uni or i struggle in the workplace in future.)
- not sure whether there's a point in doing bza if i don't end up doing well in it (this makes me curious to know if there is a point being in NUS BZA if i don't do well in it or its better to go SMU biz / request to transfer to NUS bba where i have better chance of doing well in..)
- scared of burnout from the technical workload
- worried that i may sacrifice gpa and university experience just trying to survive the course
- not sure if i actually like tech enough to do it long term
- nus feels less personal? maybe because it's so big and prestigious, but compared to smu & ntu, I feel that they put less effort into engaging prospective students . there isnt rlly any events or engagement sessions for me to ask qns or engage w profs/students
SMU BIZ:
pros:
- generic but feels safer and more flexible
- after the destination event, i found myself rlly drawn to smu's environment and culture
- more flexibility to explore different field given the guaranteed second major
- may have better work life balance compared to nus soc
- likely less competitive than nus soc and i know i will struggle lesser here
- easier to pivot into different industries later on
cons:
- business market feels very saturated
- worried i may lack technical skills and struggle in the future
- no campus living (not a huge factor though)
- $$ may not be as gd since idrh plans to do finance
- i will dread classes because i'm not a fan of class part. (im not willing to risk it for smu biz but wld go smu for its law programme)
- harder to stand out if many people are doing business
- scared the opportunities in SMU are only good if you are very outgoing/networking type of ppl
- worried that I may regret not taking a more technical degree while Al and tech continue
I am aware both NUS BBA and SMU BBM have specialisation / major in Business Analytics. However, from what I heard, graduates from Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics are generally regarded higher than BBM/BBA grads specialising in Business Analytics. On top of that, I also heard some job interviews do involve technical rounds and since BBA / BBM students do not learn as indepth as Business Analytics students, they might lose out in this aspect.
Would really appreciate any honest advice from everyone / seniors in these courses! on which to pick 🙏🏼