Tips and Hacks – Scheduling for success

Harry CHANG aspires to be a data analyst and recognises the value that an interdisciplinary education can bring to his future career. Starting out with a Data Science and Analytics (DSA) Major, Harry was subsequently hooked into taking up a Second Major in Economics after exposure to an introductory module offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).

“I felt that such knowledge would complement my core DSA modules, which tend to be more computational,” explains Harry, describing his intrigue with microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts and their real-world applications.

Harry has taken a further leap into even more unfamiliar territory with a History module. Not only has this experience honed his writing skills, it has helped him embrace the idea of trying new things.

Harry is also President of the NUS Statistics and Data Science Society, and even made time to participate in the NUS Fintech Month Hackathon where his team “formulated a solution for corporations to detect fraud using the concepts of machine learning and blockchain.”

It is no surprise that his CCA leadership responsibilities and workload from his studies make for a hectic schedule.  So how does he manage to maintain a healthy balance of academics and CCAs?

For one, an essential part of module planning, he says, lies in prioritising one’s own interests and schedule, instead of following the timetables of friends despite a lack of interest. “It would be a refreshing experience to take some modules alone so that there is an opportunity to make new friends through lectures and tutorials,” he says.

Harry also advocates that students join CCAs during their time in NUS. Whether it is sports, arts, welfare, adventure, community work or interest-based programmes, there is something for everyone. That said, Harry’s advice is to choose CCAs wisely, and take the opportunity to build time management skills, camaraderie and teamwork as well as resilience and character -  attributes which are important at the workplace.

The ability to prioritise and manage time, Harry believes, will be an important transferable skill that he will bring to the table as a data analyst in the future.