From National Service to Campus: A Singaporean Student’s Journey to Earning a UK Business Degree
For many young Singaporeans, national service is a defining chapter of their lives, marked by discipline, commitment, and resilience. For one Singaporean student, it became a stepping stone in his academic journey, enabling him to pursue his passion for business management in a unique and flexible way. While serving his national service, he simultaneously worked toward earning UK Diploma Levels 3, 4, and 5 in Business Management through Sego U ‘s online program. Upon completing his service, he embarked on an exciting transition to on-campus studies at the University of South Wales, where he is completing his final year for a BA (Hons) in Business Management.
A Seamless Blend of Service and Study
Balancing national service with studies may seem daunting, but the flexibility of Sego U ‘s online diploma programs made it possible. Offering a structured yet adaptable curriculum, Sego U allowed him to dive into business principles without disrupting his national service commitments. Each level—3, 4, and 5—delved into core areas of business management, progressively building a foundation that would serve as the basis for more advanced topics in his degree program.
“I found that Sego U’s approach made it manageable to pursue my academic goals alongside national service,” he shares. “The online format offered flexibility and autonomy, allowing me to focus on my studies during free time. Each level was challenging yet rewarding, and I felt a sense of growth and progress as I advanced.”
The Transition to Campus Life at the University of South Wales
After completing his diploma levels and national service, he transitioned to the University of South Wales to complete his final year of studies on campus. Moving from an online platform to in-person learning provided an invaluable opportunity to apply the knowledge he’d acquired and interact directly with experienced professors and a diverse group of classmates.
“The on-campus experience has been transformative,” he reflects. “Being in a classroom environment and discussing complex business strategies with peers from various backgrounds has added an entirely new dimension to my learning. It’s given me insight into international perspectives on business management and refined my understanding of strategic and operational decision-making.”
A Well-Rounded Academic Pathway
The combination of online learning through Sego U and on-campus immersion at the University of South Wales has not only developed his academic skills but also prepared him for a competitive job market. His studies have covered a spectrum of business topics, from leadership and strategic planning to financial management and marketing.
The journey from national service to earning a UK degree has been challenging yet rewarding. He credits his discipline and time-management skills—cultivated through national service—with helping him succeed in both online and on-campus settings. The experience, he says, has given him the confidence to tackle complex business challenges and the adaptability to thrive in diverse environments.
Advice for Aspiring Students
For others considering a similar path, he encourages future students to embrace the unique advantages that come from combining online learning with on-campus experiences. “This pathway offers the best of both worlds,” he says. “With the flexibility of online studies and the immersive nature of campus life, you get a balanced education that prepares you well for real-world applications in business.”
In a rapidly changing global landscape, his journey exemplifies the growing options for Singaporean students and service members to pursue academic goals without compromise. As he nears the completion of his BA (Hons) in Business Management, he’s looking forward to applying his knowledge in the professional world, grateful for the journey that has taken him from national service to the University of South Wales—and prepared him for a dynamic career in business.