SOUND ADVICE FROM STUDYLINK

With the SPM and STPM examinations over, many students and parents are looking for options and pathways to further their studies. It certainly is a hectic time trying to identify the right pathways so that they are able to save time and costs and most important of all, the right course and career.

 General Manager of Studylink Sdn Bhd, Jerry Tan who has been invited as a speaker at the The Star Education Fair 2005, says: “Many students don’t get enough information before deciding.”  “To make matters worse, many follow their friends in choosing the colleges and courses!”

During his talk, Tan will be touching on how to choose the right and how to identify the courses that matches your strengths and interests and how to choose the right institution of higher learning.

“With so many programmes on offer today, students have to ask the right questions. Each course has its strong points and martketability and demands on the job market.

Choosing the right colleges, universities and areas of study will greatly enhance a graduate’s chance of securing in a good job.  Tan cautions that a student’s perception that a top-notch university is good in every field is not exactly true. Certain universities may not be ranked as highly but in cases, these universities are better known internationally in specialized fields.

“Students should be aware that they should choose the course of their choice and then the university and not the other way around as is common in Malaysia.”

Studylink Sdn Bhd is a pioneer in the field of educational advisory. Having counselled thousands of students through the years, the company specializes in both Malaysian and overseas institution of higher learning such as those inAustralia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and America.

Being appointed as their regional representative speaks highly of the reputation of Studylink in the halls of education.  Staff at Studylink are helpful and handles everything in the process of enrolling a student. First and foremost, students are counselled in the areas of interest and skills and matched with the choices of courses.

Each student has to be counselled separately as no one student’s strength and interests are the same. Only then is a college or university recommended. It helps students to apply for admission and after the student decides, it helps student in the enrolment processes.  After that, in the case of overseas colleges and universities, arrangements for visas and accommodation are arranged along with flight bookings and airport reception.

 Studylink also helps students to transfer credits for studies completed at local colleges and has a word of caution for students.

“Many times, students take a certain programme with local colleges and may not be aware of whether they are able to transfer all credits for studies done,” said Tan.

“With our representation of almost all of the reputable colleges in Malaysia and the extensive knowledge of courses conducted both in local and overseas institutions of higher learning, often we are able to guide a student accurately from the beginning after SPM and ensure that their studies can be completed in the minimum possible time thus saving time and money.

The company also organizes study tours for groups of students who are interested in getting a good close look at the colleges and universities. It is a good opportunity to visit and see how campus life is like.  Furthermore, they are able to meet with people who will be able to give them a detailed outlook of the courses.  Questions will be fielded by the academics personally and students will have the chance to enquire extensively into their fields of interest. The tours cover areas of interests like industries and tourist spots as well.

Tan has more advices for students: “Students interested in furthering their studies be it locally or overseas should apply as soon as possible so that the process will be smooth and they have time to adjust to what is required. Choose your course wisely and you will have a bright future.”

He also encourages students and working adults to consider postgraduate studies to enhance their job prospects and marketability.

 Studylink, with its head office in Subang Jaya, has branches in Penang, Perak and Johor.  For more information, e-mail to enquiries@studylink.com.my or log on to www.studylink.com.my

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