Staying the Course: Navigating the Challenges of Part-time Study

Hazim is a Chartered Financial Analyst with a Master’s in Finance (MFin) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Warwick. Learn more about Counselab at: https://counselab.com

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Nov 25, 202159:50

From MIT to Counselab - A Conversation with Hazim Mohamad

Counselab is a marketplace for 1-to-1 advising sessions. In this episode, recorded 12 hours after their launch, I speak to Hazim Mohamad, the co-founder of Counselab. We discussed about the stories behind the founding of Counselab as well as the vision that he has for this movement.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Nov 24, 202138:36

Balancing Family, Work, and Study - In Conversation with Mohamad Norsazlan Salim

One of the biggest challenges of part-time study is balancing time between one's commitments - be it family, work, or study. In this episode, I speak to Mohamad Norsazlan Salim about his experience in pursuing his part-time MBA at UiTM and at PhD currently at UniKL.

We spoke about his journey in pursuing his passion for learning and putting theory to practice - from the classroom to the workplace. We also discussed about how his research became a household conversation subject with his wife who is an educator and a higher learning institution.

Sazlan holds an MBA in Office System Management from UiTM, an bachelor's degree in Islamic Banking from UiTM and is currently a PhD student in Information Technology at UniKL.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/asrif

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Nov 23, 202148:28

The Harvard MBA Experience - In Conversation with Luqzan Mustafa Kamal

Pursuing an MBA at Harvard is a dream of many. In this episode, I speak to Luqzan Mustafa Kamal to unpack the process of getting into Harvard Business School (HBS) and get an insider's view on the famous HBS case study method and 'cold calls'.

Luqzan holds an MBA from HBS and bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering - as well as business management and economics from the University of Queensland, Australia.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Prof. Karim is a Professor of Food Technology at the School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Director of the Centre for Development of Academic Excellence of USM. He has been teaching at USM for over 27 years, and is a prominent advocate of lifelong learning. His YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/c/AbdKarimAlias

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Nov 22, 202156:21

The Rise of Micro-Credentials - In Conversation with Prof. Dr. Abd Karim Alias

In this episode, I speak to Prof. Dr. Abd Karim Alias about the emergence of micro-credentials as a new form of learning or skills acquisition. Micro-credentials have shifted the world of higher education - especially coming out of the pandemic - and I am keen to understand how it can shape the way we learn for the long term. Does it compete or complement traditional higher education?

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Nov 19, 202150:34

Would you do a second bachelor's degree? - In Conversation with Amar Ariffin

In 2017, with eight years of industry experience and a mechanical engineering degree as well as an MBA already under his belt, Amar Ariffin registered himself as a part-time student in the legal studies programme at UiTM -- an unconventional, yet interesting route of learning.

In this episode, I speak to Amar about his motivation in pursuing a second degree and how it has benefitted his endless curiosity as a lifelong learner.

Amar Ariffin holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, an MBA from UiTM, and is currently pursuing his degree in legal studies from UiTM.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Yazid holds an MBA from the University of Nottingham Malaysia and a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Follow him on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTHi1Q390XS-Pp-2Th3DGNg/featured

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Nov 11, 202132:56

Balancing Productivity & Wellbeing in Work & Study - In Conversation with Dr. Aliah Majid

In 2018, while accompanying his husband to do his PhD in Japan, Dr. Aliah Majid decided to take the bold step of pursuing a PhD herself. Three years later, she successfully graduated with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering -- which was self-funded from her part-time job. The achievement was also realised while she was raising three children alongside her husband.

Today, Dr. Aliah is a Success & Productivity Coach and in this episode, I speak to her about her motivation and resolve in pursuing a PhD abroad while raising a family. We also spoke about how she has utilised her experience in balancing family, work, and study towards helping others who are trying to be productive while maintaining their self well-being.

Dr. Aliah earned her bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees from Meiji University, Japan. She can be reached at the following links:

Website - https://draliahmajid.com/

Instagram - https://instagram.com/aliah.majid

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7AyRXimYERtt8bGYyAAvrg

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

Follow & Subscribe at:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/asrif

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Oct 29, 202135:48

How does an MBA benefit an engineer? - In Conversation with Ir. Yazid Ismail

In 2014, eight years after beginning his career as an engineer, Ir. Yazid Ismail decided to pursue an MBA. The decision was driven by his motivation to become a more wholesome leader, and to feed his curiosity as a lifelong learner at the workplace and beyond.

Today, Yazid has grown from an engineer into a multi-dimensional leader in digital transformation, change management -- while also dabbling in entrepreneurship. In this episode, I speak to Yazid about his motivations and challenges during his part-time MBA, and how the experience has contributed to his personal and professional growth.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Oct 24, 202140:30

The Power of Lifelong Learning - Asrif Yusoff, TEDx at UTP

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to speak at TEDxUTP. My first question to the organiser was, "How short do I have?"

I soon learned that the average talk is 18 minutes. Knowing well enough that no one would listen to me that long, I prepared a 7-minute talk -- which was already pushing my luck.

In this talk, I speak about my turnaround from having an aversion to studying in college to living a life of continuous learning as an adult.

I hope I get to do another TEDx on stage one day.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Oct 24, 202107:36

How is technology enabling lifelong learning? - In Conversation with Chuah Kee Man

In this episode, I speak to Chuah Kee Man, an educator, researcher, and education technology innovator. Chuah is currently a Senior Lecturer at University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) -- and a PhD candidate at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

In this conversation, we discussed about the role of technology in enabling lifelong learning. The pandemic has truly transformed the way we learn, and we are keen to understand how it can improve access to quality education for all.

Before starting his PhD in 2020, Kee Man did his Master’s in Learning Sciences and Bachelor’s in Teaching English as a Second Language both at UNIMAS. Follow his YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/KeeManChuah

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

Follow & Subscribe at:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/asrif

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Oct 09, 202147:07

The Future of Continuing Education - In Conversation with Dr. Amirrudin Kamsin

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Amirrudin Kamsin, Acting Director at University of Malaya Centre for Continuing Education (UMCCed). Our conversation is on his role at UMCCed and the future of continuing education in a post-pandemic world.

Continuing education is an excellent platform for adult learners to further their potential -- and we wish to understand how UMCCed is enabling this effort.

Dr. Amir holds a PhD in Human Computer Interaction from University College London, an MSc in Computer Animation from Bournemouth University, and a degree in IT from Universiti Malaya.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

Follow & Subscribe at:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/asrifyusoff

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asrifyusoff

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/asrif

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asrifyusoff

Blog: https://www.asrif.org

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Oct 03, 202147:60

What is an Executive MBA? - In Conversation with Nik Shahrizal Sulaiman

In this episode, I speak to Nik Shahrizal Sulaiman, a partner at PwC Malaysia about his experience in the Executive MBA (EMBA) programme at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

Our conversation is on his motivations in undertaking the programme and how it has benefitted his growth. We also discuss how the EMBA can be different from an MBA in terms of student demography and structure.

Nik holds a degree in accounting and finance from Lancaster University, and is professionally qualified in chartered accountancy, investments, risk management, and treasury. I also learned that we were in the same college at Cambridge, Hughes Hall.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

Follow & Subscribe at:

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Oct 03, 202135:40

The Unconventional Lifelong Learner - In Conversation with Khalil Nooh

In 2001, when the most high school leavers were busy applying to university, Khalil Nooh went the unconventional route of pursuing a certification with Microsoft. This was 20 years ago when the certification route was not yet a popular choice among high school leavers.

Over the years, while working his way up the corporate ladder, Khalil also pursued a degree with Open University Malaysia. Five years ago, he decided to embark on a new journey as a tech entrepreneur.

In this episode, I speak to him about his relentless pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong learner -- both formally and informally.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Sep 19, 202152:35

Building a Career in Social Science - In Conversation with Dr. Wan Puspa Melati

As a child growing up in Penang, Dr. Wan Puspa Melati was exposed to the world of social service at an early age having followed her academician father whenever he is out and about doing community work. With such a vast exposure during her formative years, it comes as no surprise that her career has centered around the social sciences and empowering the underserved.

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Melati about her journey in building a career as a clinical sociologist, while pursuing her academic aspirations and focusing on her role as a mother. Dr. Melati is currently a senior lecturer at Taylor's University and holds a PhD from International Islamic University Malaysia, an MA from Oxford University, and a BA from the University of San Francisco.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a podcast to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Sep 14, 202101:11:52

What does an MBA add on to a PhD - In Conversation with Dr. Wan Zulhafiz Zahari

In 2016, Dr. Wan Zulhafiz Zahari completed his PhD in Oil & Gas Law at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Four years later, he began a part-time MBA at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) while serving as an academic faculty member at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Hafiz to understand his rationale and motivation in pursuing an MBA after earning his PhD -- and how it has benefited his professional and personal growth.

Dr. Hafiz is currently the Deputy Dean of Academic & Internationalisation and Assistant Professor at the Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, IIUM.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a conversation to help and inspire master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their graduate school journey.

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Sep 05, 202135:03

UTP's Pioneering PhD Graduate - A Conversation with Ir. Dr. Chan Tuck Leong

In 2008, Ir. Dr. Chan Tuck Leong became the first person to earn his bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).

In this episode, Dr. Chan shares his 12-year journey at UTP beginning as a member of the pioneer batch of 1996 to completing his Chemical Engineering PhD while working in Bintulu, Sarawak at one point.

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Aug 29, 202156:20

Are we ever too old to start a PhD? - A conversation with Roslan Bakri Zakaria, PhD

In 2014, at the tender age of 49, Roslan Bakri Zakaria, began his PhD in Organisational Innovation at Brunel University in the UK.

In this episode, I speak to Roslan to understand his motivations in undertaking doctoral studies later in life as a mature student, and how the journey has been for him. Definitely an inspirational story on lifelong learning.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a show for master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their grad school journey.

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Aug 22, 202157:43

3 Ways to Make the Most of your Postgraduate Study Experience - Network & Volunteer in Grad School

It's important to make sure that you make the most of your time in grad school. There are many ways to realise this including networking, volunteering, and reaching out to faculty members in your department and beyond.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a show for master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their grad school journey.

Music: Step In Step Out · Blue Dot Sessions

Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author and does not represent any affiliated organisation. The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Aug 14, 202111:52

3 Strategies to Keep Up with Deadlines: Coursework, Assignment & Reading Schedule in Part-time Study

SHOW LESSDeadlines are a huge part of the part-time study challenge. In this episode, we discuss 3 strategies to keep up with deadlines including planning well with the timetable, tackling assignments early, and strategically reading academic papers.

'Staying the Course: Navigating the challenges of part-time study' is a show for master's and PhD postgraduate students in successfully completing their grad school journey.