NUS or SIM???

Originally Posted by Unregistered

It has all along been all-accepting.
Accepted Arts people too.

Sounds like a dumping ground to me.

Originally Posted by radicalshift

hey guys I have gotten an offer from NUS school of computing but I am hesitating because I studied business in poly so I have absolutely no clue about IT stuff. I have also applied for SIM UOL programme so I am wondering whether I should just go SIM or switch discipline. Your help will be appreciated. Thanks.

This is a rather straightforward choice. Pick NUS School of Computing.

1. NUS better branding and recognition

2. U dun need a business degree to do business or go into banking, but u certainly need IT knowledge to set up an IT business/ become a quant trader / programmer / IT manager etc

3. I agree that IT skills with business knowledge is very lucrative (someone posted)

4. Ignore whatever I said if u have absolutely no interest in IT, but somehow...u applied to NUS SOC and somehow u got offered...

[ravonboy]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Sounds like a dumping ground to me.

You should choose your words carefully. I doubt the arts student who put SoC as first choice would consider SoC a dumping ground, given that CS/IS jobs are high in demand and pay well.

It would be good to know that NUS Information Systems (IS) commands one of the highest starting salaries in the Graduate Employment Survey 2011. Go google it.

perhaps ur grades is pretty good that SoC is smart enuff to recognize you as someone who will excel in what u want to do.

IT people can go into banking, but bankers going to IT is a tough road.

anyway, you decide your future for yourself. we don't decide your future.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Sounds like a dumping ground to me.

Sounds like an idiot to me.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

perhaps ur grades is pretty good that SoC is smart enuff to recognize you as someone who will excel in what u want to do.

IT people can go into banking, but bankers going to IT is a tough road.

anyway, you decide your future for yourself. we don't decide your future.

Why in the world will bankers go into IT??

[Alex]

At first glance, NUS may seem to be a good choice. However you need to ask yourself a few questions:

1. Do I want to narrowly specialize, or do I seek to move across different jobs?

Computing is specialized and requires technical training . A Computing graduate can take on a business position, but a business graduate will rarely be able to take on an IT job.

2. My Computing degree complement my Business Diploma?

Employers now look for flexible workers with multiple skill set. In addition, the technical aspect may be more crucial if you intend to start up an IT / outsourcing / apps related company.

3. Can my family afford it?

If you apply for a study loan in SIM, it is counted as private education. There will be no deferred payments, with the exception of RHB. This means that if your cash runs dry, you may end up converting to part time studies (which will adversely affect your studies). In the worst case scenario, you may have to defer your studies to work and earn for your school fees.

NUS on the other hand, allows students to secure deferred payments. It can be repaid upon your graduation.

4. Network

NUS has an established network. Students can leverage on its brand to obtain internships, etc.

SIM provides similar student services, but it admittedly has a weaker network. If you are in SIM, you will need to put in more effort into searching.

5. Overseas Exchange

NUS has a simple advantage over SIM in its exchange program as mentioned in point 3 : the fees incurred. In SIM, you cannot borrow and defer your loan payment. Which means even if you get a chance to register and attend exchange at China, South Korea, UK or USA, you may not be able to afford it. In contrast, I have a friend who went to Europe on NUS deferred loan payment scheme. In addition, the choice of places and duration is also much shorter in SIM than in NUS.

6. The labor market is saturated with business students.

SMU, NUS, NTU, SIM, MDIS, PSB, SAA, Kaplan, JCU, CIT, etc

All the institutions above offer business related degree. Our labor market is saturated with business students, making it hard to stand out from the rest.

Although SIM offers a variety of degrees, it is still primarily a business-based institution. I also took note that you mentioned that you intent to continue with business in SIM - you should consider some form of specialization be it in Banking, Finance, Economics, Marketing or HR to improve your employability.

[Alex]

7. Burn out in Computing or IT related degrees

Face it: computing is not for everyone. Without interest, it is very difficult to persist and do well. If you have an aversion towards computing modules in poly, it may be a sign that you should not take up the course in NUS. I know of people who lost interest in technical degrees and end up entering SIM to study Banking, Accounting or Management after completing 6 to 10 months in NUS. It is a waste of time, effort and money.

Putting aside the brand of the school, exchange program and other peripheral things, the basic objective of taking a degree is to complete it. If you lose your will to complete the degree, those peripheral stuff would not matter.

may I know what's your GPA?

[yuyyder]

how is this ?