As a vibrant, forward-thinking and innovative university, Curtin
Singapore’s unique campus experience brings students' career
ambitions to life. Undergraduate Tan Li Lyn describes how
Curtin prepared her for a future in the media.
At Curtin Singapore, students are
provided with opportunities to grow
in all aspects of life – not just in their
academic studies. With a strong, international
focus, Curtin offers globally-recognised courses
where students are groomed to excel in the
competitive global market.
For Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication)
student Tan Li Lyn, her time at Curtin has
certainly equipped her with both the 'soft' and
technical skills needed for her future as a media
practitioner. She reveals, “After my education
here at Curtin, I will be spoilt for choice in my
career path. The whole experience – from the
people I have met to the academic knowledge I
have gleaned – has been unparalleled!”
Tell us more about your interest in mass communication.
Tan Li Lyn: Growing up, I lived with my
extended family and this made me an
outspoken person. I realised I love interacting
and communicating with people, and through
this I soon realised I had a passion for Mass
Communication – the perfect match between
my interest and aptitude!
I also realised that a career in the media
industry requires strong interpersonal and
communication skills and to excel as a media
practitioner, it is important to develop and
practise these skills early. Fuelled by this
passion, I chose to enter the arts stream in
Junior College – a contrast from my science-orientated
education background back in
secondary school – before going on to pursue
a degree in Mass Communication.
What motivated you to take up a degree in mass communication at Curtin Singapore?
Li Lyn: I found out about Curtin through
my aunt, who is an alumni, and I also heard
many wonderful things about the university.
Furthermore, the knowledge and expertise that
the lecturers portrayed at Curtin's open house
sparked my interest in the university.
Tan Li Lyn
Studying:
Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication),
Curtin Singapore
Furthermore, Curtin offers the same
curriculum as the main campus in Perth, and I
would be able to further my studies and enjoy
the 'Australian experience' with a recognised
foreign off-campus university in the comfort
of Singapore. The Bachelor of Arts (Mass
Communication) course is a perfect fit for me!
How is Curtin preparing you for your future career in the media industry?
Li Lyn: Curtin Singapore follows a trimester
system, with three academic semesters in a
year rather than the usual two. We constantly
work with tight deadlines and under high
pressure, both of which have indeed honed
my time-management skills. We may sacrifice
long semester breaks, but this is definitely good
training for the fast-paced working environment
of the media industry!
Curtin also offers many interesting and
informative media-related modules such as
Media Law, News Writing and Reporting and
Broadcast Journalism. For instance, our lecturer
arranged an opportunity for us to visit the local
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) studio
and this gave me great insights into a typical
working environment at a news broadcasting
corporation!
In addition, I got to conduct face-to-face
interviews with people on the streets and this
has made me more courageous and confident in
approaching strangers – a very good glimpse of
what reporters go through every day! Together,
these experiences are more impactful and
enriching than rigid textbook-based lessons –
and will definitely help build a strong foundation
for my future as a media practitioner.
Share with us some memorable aspects of your time at Curtin.
Li Lyn: I fondly remember my time at Curtin
– so many wonderful people have been a part
of it! Curtin has an online discussion board that
promotes interaction with Curtin students from
both Singapore and Curtin’s global campuses. I
have met people from all around the world and
from all walks of life who have given me a fresh
outlook on world culture.
Our lecturers are also figures of inspiration
for everyone. Our low student-to-teacher ratio
(around 20 students to one lecturer) makes it
easy to foster strong ties with our lecturers, who
never fail to encourage us or help us with their
knowledge and experience.
"I got to conduct face-to-face interviews with people on the streets and this has made me more courageous and confident in approaching strangers – a very good glimpse of what reporters go through every day!"
In fact, one particular lecturer has brought
her strong understanding of the broadcasting
field from her years as a seasoned presenter at
CNBC Asia into the classroom. Lessons with her
are a joy and I constantly look forward to every
memorable lesson under her tutelage!
What advice do you have for young adults considering furthering their studies with Curtin Singapore?
Li Lyn: Here at Curtin, we are like one big
family! We are strongly encouraged to interact
with one another across different cultures and
different disciplines, especially through our
own campus events such as charity runs and
Christmas parties organised by our student
committee. Curtin is unique and aside from
being an educational institution, it even feels like
a second home to me!
To excel at Curtin, always remember to believe
in yourself and what you can achieve. Have faith
in Curtin’s system and the many opportunities it
presents. If you have the courage to follow your
heart and chase your dreams, your future with
Curtin will be bright!