SMU or UniMelb

[amateurgrad]

Before I start off, I have to let you know that I'm from a not-so-well-to-do family (my family can prolly send me overseas but that may reduce my parent's retirement funds by about three-quarter). Nonetheless, my family's stand is that even if such huge sacrifice is made, if it brings about long-term investments, they may consider sending me overseas.

That said, I got offers from SMU social science and Uni of Melbourne (commerce).

I am more interested in studying social science since I've always doing subjects like political science. Furthermore, for subjects like PS which need a global perspective, SMU can provide that interactive learning environment and holistic education which is good.

BUT I figured that it doesn't promise good job prospects as compared to a commerce degree from UMelb (which has that brand name to top off). Furthermore, based on the UMelb commerce prospectus, I feel like the modules offered (especially in econs and marketing) are quite interesting and okay to me though I'm not 100% interested in doing commerce.

Just to add, I hope to work overseas at least in the long-term.

HENCE, which option would serve me better?

Originally Posted by amateurgrad

Before I start off, I have to let you know that I'm from a not-so-well-to-do family (my family can prolly send me overseas but that may reduce my parent's retirement funds by about three-quarter). Nonetheless, my family's stand is that even if such huge sacrifice is made, if it brings about long-term investments, they may consider sending me overseas.

That said, I got offers from SMU social science and Uni of Melbourne (commerce).

I am more interested in studying social science since I've always doing subjects like political science. Furthermore, for subjects like PS which need a global perspective, SMU can provide that interactive learning environment and holistic education which is good.

BUT I figured that it doesn't promise good job prospects as compared to a commerce degree from UMelb (which has that brand name to top off). Furthermore, based on the UMelb commerce prospectus, I feel like the modules offered (especially in econs and marketing) are quite interesting and okay to me though I'm not 100% interested in doing commerce.

Just to add, I hope to work overseas at least in the long-term.

HENCE, which option would serve me better?

You've always been doing political science? Do they teach that subject in JC nowadays?

Since you like PS and family not rich, it's best to go SMU. Work a few years, save up and go overseas for a masters degree.

[amateurgrad]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You've always been doing political science? Do they teach that subject in JC nowadays?

Since you like PS and family not rich, it's best to go SMU. Work a few years, save up and go overseas for a masters degree.

Nope, PS is an interest that I discovered during JC.

BUT I gotta re-emphasise that I wish to work overseas in the future.
So regarding this aspect, would going to SMU or UMelb serve me better?

Furthermore, do overseas uni take into consideration which uni you come from where application for Masters is concerned?

I would go for SMU because:

- you have been offered a course that you're interested in
- going overseas will burn a big hole in your parents' pocket
- University of Melbourne is a good university, and definitely more established than SMU, but it's not a university that employers will go "WOW" over.
- you can always do a Master's overseas later
- you would still have the opportunity to work overseas even with a local degree

Study in SMU. Get a job in big MNC and ask for overseas posting, or work in foreign affairs ministry and ask for overseas posting.

[amateurgrad]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I would go for SMU because:

- you have been offered a course that you're interested in
- going overseas will burn a big hole in your parents' pocket
- University of Melbourne is a good university, and definitely more established than SMU, but it's not a university that employers will go "WOW" over.
- you can always do a Master's overseas later
- you would still have the opportunity to work overseas even with a local degree

Really? I know its shallow to say this but based on the QS Employer Review rankings this year, UMelb ranks among the top along with top-notch uni like Harvard, Yale, LSE and the likes. Also heard that the Big 4 and huge MNCs like Boston Consulting like to hire UMelb grads.


What I'm particularly concerned is, when I apply for overseas jobs or Masters, employers/the uni would take into consideration the reputation of the uni where I did my undergrad degree in.

Originally Posted by amateurgrad

Really? I know its shallow to say this but based on the QS Employer Review rankings this year, UMelb ranks among the top along with top-notch uni like Harvard, Yale, LSE and the likes. Also heard that the Big 4 and huge MNCs like Boston Consulting like to hire UMelb grads.


What I'm particularly concerned is, when I apply for overseas jobs or Masters, employers/the uni would take into consideration the reputation of the uni where I did my undergrad degree in.

i know a few fellas from UMelb. they pretty much do same jobs and roles, as local grads. further, i know some are doing contract jobs.

University of Melbourne is just normal.

Work overseas, where is overseas, are you just like most 19 or 20 year olds, who just want the kick of being in a foreign land. What if overseas is India? or Pakistan?

No money then stay in Singapore. That's their retirement fund for Christ sake, and you will be overseas for the long term, that means you wont even be around to take care of them, so spare them that cash please.

Life not just about yourself.

Originally Posted by amateurgrad

Before I start off, I have to let you know that I'm from a not-so-well-to-do family (my family can prolly send me overseas but that may reduce my parent's retirement funds by about three-quarter). Nonetheless, my family's stand is that even if such huge sacrifice is made, if it brings about long-term investments, they may consider sending me overseas.

That said, I got offers from SMU social science and Uni of Melbourne (commerce).

I am more interested in studying social science since I've always doing subjects like political science. Furthermore, for subjects like PS which need a global perspective, SMU can provide that interactive learning environment and holistic education which is good.

BUT I figured that it doesn't promise good job prospects as compared to a commerce degree from UMelb (which has that brand name to top off). Furthermore, based on the UMelb commerce prospectus, I feel like the modules offered (especially in econs and marketing) are quite interesting and okay to me though I'm not 100% interested in doing commerce.

Just to add, I hope to work overseas at least in the long-term.

HENCE, which option would serve me better?

Reality check:
1) Uni of Mel & SMU are regarded as OK uni. [They are NOT Ivy league.]
2) Do your financial calculations. [Basically, your overall expenditure in AU will be over S$180K in the 3 years for your undergraduate. Bear in mind you can barely save S$10K annually when you enter the workforce. Your financial burden goes up as you progress into another stage of your life. Thus, the $10K savings rule remains.]
3) Working/studying overseas may broaden your views. But you can do it in 1 year masters overseas, rather than 3 or more years at your own expenses moveover.
4) Your employability overseas hinges on the corporate biz needs, rather than your basic 1st degree. [It's not romantic when you have to pay for foreign taxes. New York City, Londo, AU....go ask around.]
5) Even GS is increasing their presence in SG, but downseizing their US expansion. [Refer to ST article.]
6) Needs and perspectives in life do change.

Originally Posted by amateurgrad

Really? I know its shallow to say this but based on the QS Employer Review rankings this year, UMelb ranks among the top along with top-notch uni like Harvard, Yale, LSE and the likes. Also heard that the Big 4 and huge MNCs like Boston Consulting like to hire UMelb grads.


What I'm particularly concerned is, when I apply for overseas jobs or Masters, employers/the uni would take into consideration the reputation of the uni where I did my undergrad degree in.

You must be kidding. UMelb on the same league as Harvard and Yale? Yeah right, only if NUS was as good as MIT and Caltech!