Grit and perseverance keys to success
THE Department of Management Studies (DOMS), HELP Academy has officially announced there were 18 First Class Honours recipients out of 54 students (about 33%) from University of Derby (UOD) in 2019 – 7% more than the previous year. Seventeen students achieved Second Upper Class and 16 students were in the Second Lower Class.
One factor that contributed to their success was the willingness of the lecturers to give guidance and support. Clarissa Ann Lum Wei Yien, a First Class Honours recipient, shares, “Lecturers at the University of Derby programme at HELP Academy are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and passionate. If you have a question, you can reach out via Whatsapp, emails or set appointments.”
The recipients mentioned that the First Class Honours achievements would not have been possible without discipline. Ushvinder Kaur had a routine to help her manage her studies. Tan Li Ying said although the course is more assignment-based, she struggled initially, as the course required critical thinking skills as well as plenty of reading to be done. Whenever needed, she would do extra work. She also acquired a lot of skills doing assignments – for example, how to interview people and get contacts.
The recipients enjoyed their 10-day trip to Derby, the UK. For Elaine Lim, the highlight of her studies at HELP was the trip. She joined her teammates and carried out presentations. They also visited several locations of interest. Yong Mei Wan enjoyed the trip, too, as it allowed her to explore Derby town and talk to the lecturers about the their methods of teaching, which are very different from Malaysia.
The opportunity to get a UK degree and free 10-day study trip to the University of Derby, UK campus, was worth the money for Chiew Yick San. It was not just an exposure to the university in the UK, but also a memorable experience.
Under the University of Derby programme at HELP Academy, many of the recipients claim the programme stresses not only on impressive academic qualifications, but also instills students with the right confidence to thrive at their jobs. The programme has strong employer partnership across the spectrum from charities to councils and SMES to major multinational firms to help students gain practical experience.
Among University of Derby’s graduates from a full-time first degree in the 2018/19 academic year, 94.6% of them were employed or undertook further study six months after graduation.
Moreover, the Business Management and International Business programme by UOD is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Students will be enrolled as Affiliate Members and receive an Advance Diploma in Management and Leadership.
There are also opportunities for students to study or work abroad by spending their final year in the UK campus, or securing an internship in another country. Otherwise, every student has a chance to join the international study visit to the UK in the final year for 10 days without extra cost.
The University of Derby has risen three places in The Guardian University Guide from 29th to 26th place – its highest ever ranking.
As well as being ranked in the Top 30, Derby has been placed joint third out of 121 institutions for the number of students satisfied with teaching quality – a jump of 18 places in the league table for the metric.
Derby has also been placed in the Top 10 for student satisfaction with its courses and feedback.
These include Top 10 rankings for Accounting and Finance as well as Business, Management and Marketing. The UOD programme at HELP Academy is the only UK business degree in Malaysia that does not have any final exam and is recognised by the government.
The programme includes a free 10-day study trip to University of Derby, UK with accommodation and a flight ticket. The next intake for the University of Derby Programme is on Jan 16, 2020.
■ For details regarding the University of Derby Programme at HELP Academy, email Dawson at dawson.pon@help.edu.my or call 03-2099 2937. You can also email enquiry.derby@help.edu.my or visit HELP’S website at http://www.help.edu.my