Adult learners aceing courses
FOR 27-year-old Mohd Mahbob Khan Abu Hanifa, the decision to study for a degree in mechanical engineering at SEGi College Subang Jaya turned his life around.
From working at a call centre in Kuala Lumpur after his diploma, he will soon head to Dubai for a five-figure job.
“I took about two and a half years to complete my degree while working part-time.
“Once I graduated with First Class Honours, I had the confidence to apply for jobs related to the field. The recruiter was impressed with the University of Sunderland and SEGi College Subang Jaya qualifications.
“I was given the offer letter and I am now sorting out some formal matters with the embassy before flying off, hopefully next month. Getting that degree has certainly changed my life,” said Mahbob.
SEGi College Subang Jaya deputy principal and faculty of engineering head, M Sri Jaiandran, said Mahbob is among the graduates who had secured high-paying jobs overseas after completing their studies.
“Our graduates are sought after for their practical skills and the emphasis we give to project-based learning and project management skills while in class. Many of our students are now working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, earning between RM14,000 and RM22,000,” he said.
Sri said the college’s Career Office also plays a major role in preparing the students for future employment with soft skills, enrichment programmes and career talks.
“We provide guidance on how to write resumes, handle interviews and turn an internship into a job offer,” he added.
Apart from full-time students, Sri said the college also receives many applications from working professionals who want to progress in their career.
“We have students who come from Singapore, Johor Baru, Melaka and Ipoh,” said Sri.
“Some of them take a bus after work on Fridays to attend the morning classes the next day.”
He added that some students even sleep in their cars and will freshen up in college the next day before attending classes.
Sri said one of the fears among working professionals is that they may not be able to cope.
“This is where we play an important role in helping to raise the bar with guidance and coaching, even after class hours.”
Some of the students in weekend classes include those in top positions such as managing directors and business owners who have the skills and expertise but lack paper qualification.
“These working professionals are driven but sometimes are shy, so a little coaching goes a long way,” he said. “Sometimes, they come after class room hours asking for guidance and we are happy to help.”
He was particularly proud of the 2016 batch of graduates, where 33 of them passed with First Class Honours.
“That was a good year for us where engineering produced the highest number of First Class Honours graduates. They were mostly our diploma students who went on to earn a degree with us,” he added.
SEGi College Subang Jaya offers diploma and degree in mechanical, electrical and electronics and automotive engineering.
It also offers an 18-month Master of Science (Engineering Management) programme.