Detail

With a head for figures and an eye for design, Nur Ajrina Binte Ajenan knew that her ideal career would need to satisfy both her creative and analytical sides. SP’s DBIT helped propel her on a learning journey that she remains on today as she continues to work towards her career goals.

SP - The Starting Point

Ajrina has always been focused and fearless. When she first learned about the Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT) at Singapore Polytechnic (SP), she was immediately drawn to the multi-faceted nature of the course.

“The diverse mix of business, marketing, IT and even design topics really intrigued me, because I felt that it would allow me to explore my various interests.”

Although eager to embark on her SP learning journey, Ajrina recalled that the transition from secondary school to polytechnic proved to be challenging. She had to learn to work with teammates on projects, find ways to keep up with deadlines, and deal with her strengths and weaknesses.

“My Final Year Project put everything that I had learned in the previous years to the test. I was the project leader, so there was added responsibility. But we worked together closely as a team on a project that was very intense. This achievement is something I will always remember.”

Ajrina was also very active in her CCA, serving as the Publication Secretary in the SP Student Union. Her responsibilities in that role taught her important life skills that were crucial to her growth as a person, including time management on multiple concurrent projects, planning, and creative thinking.

“Being involved in organising and ideating various camps and activities for my peers, allowed me to take my mind off academic work, which I found very enriching.”

A Degree of Difference

The knowledge that Ajrina acquired at DBIT led directly to her decision to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a Minor in Analytics at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).

“DBIT revealed to me how much of an impact creative marketing can make in today’s world, especially in the digital landscape. Plus, I’m very passionate about data and data analytics, which was first sparked at SP too.”

Googling her Next Steps

With such valuable experience behind her, Ajrina was in an ideal position to take on a Traineeship at Google, under the Skills Ignition SG Traineeship Programme in partnership with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Ajrina said her time at SP nurtured her natural fondness for numbers and fuelled her love for data analytics. Working closely with the YouTube marketing team also allowed her creative side to blossom.

“I like numbers, and I like coming up with ideas. So, being able to turn data into marketing ideas through data analytics is very fulfilling.”

The opportunity to work with such a recognised brand on impactful real-world projects also gave Ajrina a boost in her confidence.

“Every day, I’m learning something new. The environment at Google encourages out-of-the-box thinking and taking risks. It also teaches you how to adapt to the unexpected. Most importantly, I learned that effective communication is the key to solving problems.”

Moving Forward without Fear

To her juniors at SP, Ajrina offered a simple but powerful piece of advice: Don’t Be Afraid.

“Try new things, meet new people, get out of your comfort zone and take risks. Build your network because it will become your net worth.”

When she begins her actual job hunt after her traineeship, she intends to keep her options open. As long as it involves data analytics and digital marketing, she’s ready to give it a try.

“I just need to find what is the most applicable, and that allows me to express both my creative and analytical sides.”

In the meantime, she stays busy by volunteering for causes that she is passionate about.

“The one I’m most invested in is She Loves Data, a non-profit organisation that focuses on inspiring and nurturing women around the globe to take on bigger roles in technology, data and analytics.”

We wish Ajrina all the best, and we know this highly-motivated SP Alumna will excel in whichever field she lands in.

Nur Ajrina Binte Ajenan 
Digital Marketing Trainee, Google Singapore
Diploma in Business Information Technology, 2018