Student Stories

In secondary school, I had a hard time coping with subjects like maths and science. I was rather disappointed when I received my O-Level results as I felt that even though I studied really hard, my results were still unsatisfactory. However, I did not give up and started looking for private institutions that offer Mechanical Engineering courses.

I happened to bump into one of my seniors who was pursuing a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences at PSB Academy and he mentioned that it was a good school. After researching more about it and hearing my friend’s recommendation, I decided to enrol in the school. As I’m more of a hands-on learner, I decided to put my skills to good use and pursue a Certificate in Engineering Foundation.

Progressing from O-Level to the certificate course was a smooth transition for me as it was more of a refresher of what I’ve learnt in Upper Secondary. During a module called ‘Design Thinking’, I learnt how to find solutions to real-life engineering problems and attained presentation skills that have helped me gain confidence in public speaking.

After completing the course, I continued with the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology. I’ve learnt engineering mathematics and physics, which I’m confident will be useful once I start my working life. I’ve also gained a lot of hands-on skills such as writing reports and working on machines during practical lessons held at the Engineering Lab in STEM Campus – something a ‘normal education route’ might not offer.

My career goal is to work in the oil industry, which my father has been in for over 20 years and I basically grew up hearing his stories and experiences. I’d love to experience and pick up the skills from my father and put my hands-on skills to good use.

If you wish to pursue higher education, think through what you really want to study and use your own personal skills as an advantage to choose the right course. The last thing you’d want is to dislike what you’re studying. So if you really enjoy lab sessions and wish to take up a challenge, mechanical engineering is the course for you.