Switching Careers with a Master’s

Moving from one career to another is not just about doing something different. One needs to rethink what sort of job would bring one fulfilment, what kind of responsibilities are preferable, and what are one’s ultimate goals in life.

For Peggy Lee See Chee, it was about having a reputable and marketable higher qualification. It led her to seek out a degree in a different line after having worked in the airline industry as a guest service assistant for 8 years.

“One day, I happened to see an OUM banner offering degree courses for working adults and it sparked my interest. I envisioned myself working in a manufacturing-related industry someday so I decided to acquire relevant new knowledge.”

In January 2009, Lee took up Bachelor of Technology Management at OUM. A Sarawakian, she registered at the University’s Miri Learning Centre, which is one of OUM’s 35 learning centres nationwide. These Learning Centres are focal points for students to obtain guidance and assistance in study matters.

Getting a bachelor’s degree is enough for most people but not for Lee, who graduated in June 2015. With the encouragement of her airline supervisor, she next enrolled in the Master of Quality Management (MQM) programme that very September.

“I was attracted to the offer whereby those who enrolled in MQM qualified for four certificate courses – Total Quality Fast-Track Assessor, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Certified Quality Manager and Certified Quality Professional,” said Lee, 39.

Her master’s journey taught her to become an independent learner. “I was one of the pioneer students, so I learnt to take charge of the pace and progress of my studies. Most of the time, I engaged in self-study while occasionally attending classes.”

The flexibility suited Lee well. “I did not have to skip work in order to attend classes. Plus, I enjoyed lifelong learning.”

In August 2019, she graduated for the second time from OUM. It could not have come at a better time, as the following year, Covid-19 struck and Lee was one of the many who were retrenched.

Her master’s qualification saved the day. “It enabled me to make a career change from the airline industry to the smelting industry. I managed to jump out of the unemployment pool into a new, more stable life.”

Besides helping her to net a good job, the knowledge Lee had gained at OUM continued to help her at work. “My responsibilities include leading and conducting internal procurement audits for my department. The certificate courses I had undertaken gave me the competencies I needed to carry out the audits.”

OUM modules, written by subject matter experts and developed in-house, became valuable points of reference for Lee. “Until today, I’m using what I had learnt to carry out my work tasks. I still keep a certain module because it has lots of information and detailed explanation on quality management systems.”

Lee is very appreciative of her time at OUM as it has led not only to career change but also a promotion. “After just 2 years, I was promoted from executive to a managerial role. Thank you, OUM!”