SMU Biz&Econs OR NTU Biz&Acc

[magicoconut]

as above.

which one will you prefer & why?

In terms of uni life, culture, job prospects, etc.

both are double degree programs!

thank you!

Originally Posted by magicoconut

as above.

which one will you prefer & why?

In terms of uni life, culture, job prospects, etc.

both are double degree programs!

thank you!

SMU because of its name.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

SMU because of its name.

I think most employers are indifferent towards graduates from NUS/NTU/SMU. In fact, there are a lot more NUS/NTU alumni in senior management positions than SMU alumni because of the longer school history and bigger pool of graduates from NUS/NTU. The oldest SMU alumni are only in their mid 30s.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I think most employers are indifferent towards graduates from NUS/NTU/SMU. In fact, there are a lot more NUS/NTU alumni in senior management positions than SMU alumni because of the longer school history and bigger pool of graduates from NUS/NTU. The oldest SMU alumni are only in their mid 30s.

But you forgot to mention that SMU graduates usually fetches a higher starting salary than NTU graduates..
I must say that the agressive marketing campaigns by SMU paid off.. it shows in the higher calliber of students they attract , as well as how employers perceive SMU graduates to be more eloquent, well-trained in presentation and more business savvy....

Originally Posted by Unregistered

But you forgot to mention that SMU graduates usually fetches a higher starting salary than NTU graduates..
I must say that the agressive marketing campaigns by SMU paid off.. it shows in the higher calliber of students they attract , as well as how employers perceive SMU graduates to be more eloquent, well-trained in presentation and more business savvy....

Most business school graduates are more eloquent compared to other disciplines so generally SMU graduates should be expected to be able to carry themselves betters. And I think all SMU courses are 4 years courses and therefore the higher starting salary also makes sense.

I graduated from NTU with an accountancy degree more than 10 years ago. At that time, we don't have SMU and only NTU is offering accountancy degree which was very much sought after by those who wants a 3 years direct honours and to be a CPA. It has given me a good career and I have no regrets. But if I were a student today, maybe I will choose SMU as it seems more vibrant and successful in churning out eloquent and confident graduates. But as an employer myself, it makes no difference to me whether the candidate is from which local U. I suppose I haven't interview enough number of local graduates to come to a conclusion that SMU grad are better at presenting themselves.

I am was a NTU Accountancy (double major) grad who had also went to SMU for a 6-month local university exchange program.

Here is my take:

1. Hirability
- It depends much more on your calibre rather than the school you get into.

2. Ease of getting good honors
- There is more project work and presentation skills element in SMU courses. If you are more vocal & articulate, you might find it easier to score there. In general, I find it easier to score in SMU
- I graduated with first class honors. SMU modules were straight A's. NTU was a mix of As, Bs.

3. Culture
- SMU will give you lots of friends. Lots of Hi-Bye buddies. Everyone is a "friend"
- NTU will give you some haters. But a couple of true friends. Friends to keep.
- Ex-GF SMU. Wife from NTU

4. Networking
- SMU trains you up to the "real world" of making yourself look good and making others feel good
- For the practical minded, SMU gives you a better network

5. Location & Cost
- My favourite store at SMU is 7 eleven. Whip potato. The only thing that is cheap there. Parking is too expensive.. I took the MRT.
- NTU: I have many favourite stalls. Sometimes I still go back to the various halls. Parking is free. I drive to school.
SMU is expensive. NTU gives you a better bang for the buck.

Ultimately it is your choice. Both schools have their pros and cons. Just choose the one that you identify most with.

Whether is SMU or NTU, I would advice to take a double degree in Econs and Accountancy. Why?

Because after graduated from Uni, you can take CFA which is a professional investment certificate which teach you finance, or MBA which teach you business and management skill but Econs and Accountancy need to learn during undergrad time.

With 4 pillars of knowledge(Accountancy, Business, Finance, Economy), you stands a good chance to becoming an equity analyst and therefore move to portfolio management eventually(if this is what you want to be)

Just 2 cents of my worth