Continuous learning to better navigate international law
As more businesses operate beyond borders, it becomes increasingly important to appreciate the multitude of regulations associated with operating on an international scale. Gaining a strong foundation from which to understand the complexities of international law can therefore go a long way in enhancing career opportunities in a rapidly globalised economy.
“Even though countries may be close to each other geographically, there remain differences in business and legal cultures,” notes Master of Laws (LLM) in Cross-Border Business and Finance graduate Andrew Young.
“Hence, a working knowledge of these differences in regulations is important and relevant.”
The flagship programme offers a double-edged legal and business advantage, providing specialised postgraduate courses that can be completed fully in Singapore, or in both London and Singapore (to obtain the Dual LLM in Commercial Law).
Offering students the opportunity to obtain an LLM while they work, the programme is also ideal for working adults who wish to further their studies without having to take a sabbatical from their careers. Its interactive pedagogy, kept up to date with relevant topics from real-world developments, was also a draw for Andrew, a corporate counsel.
“The part-time option meant that I could continue to work while learning,” shares Andrew, adding that he felt the context of the course was especially relevant in the modern context.
“There were also subjects focused on the Intellectual Property (IP) side of things which is relevant to my work as an in-house lawyer with a technology company. Since we are a Software as a Service (SaaS) company, it is important to understand how to safeguard our IP assets.”
Keeping a balance in pursuit of personal and professional development
Returning to school after 10 years was no walk in the park, as one might imagine. While part-time students take fewer courses each week compared to their full-time peers, they put in extra effort in juggling coursework with professional commitments. For Andrew, this meant taking time out on his weekends to read up and prepare for the following week’s lessons.
Indeed, even on a part-time track, Andrew found himself being challenged outside of his comfort zone and having to prioritise in order to take on the extra workload.
“I believe it boils down to time management, and an understanding that you cannot have it all,” Andrew shares candidly.
“You will have to cut down on time spent on leisure to get work done or prepare for classes and exams.”
While Andrew shares that his LLM journey was not without certain sacrifices, he reveals that the journey was worth it and that the schedule became more manageable as he acclimatised to the coursework. He shares the willingness of the professors and programme staff to help, which was particularly vital especially as he was first getting back into the swing of things. Moreover, his company was supportive and allowed him to work and study flexibly.
Ultimately, the programme helped solidify Andrew’s experience as a regional legal counsel in the Asia-Pacific region and prepare him for rising through the ranks into a management role in the future.
As he reveals: “The LLM programme has helped by introducing me to the latest developments in areas of law that are relevant to my work, including topics such as blockchain and governance — to help explore the impact of new technology on business and commerce.”
A deep and diverse learning environment
With classes consisting of students from all over the world, classes are highly multicultural, which facilitates in bringing diverse perspectives together in the classroom environment. Combined with SMU’s focus on interactive pedagogy, you have an environment that is especially conducive to the exchange of ideas and experiences.
While his background as a working professional for close to 10 years meant that he had already established a solid network for his professional development, Andrew benefited from interactions with fresh graduates and working professionals from other countries and learning from their own experiences and ideas. In fact, he cites the varied backgrounds of students and professors alike as one of the highlights of the LLM programme at SMU.
Andrew also found that elements of the programme helped put things into perspective. “The depth of the subjects that were taught amazed and humbled me as I found myself constantly learning new things, even in areas that I would consider myself well-versed in,” he affirms.
Andrew has some advice for other students who are considering taking up SMU’s LLM programme, especially those who are looking to do so on a part-time basis. First and foremost, is that once potential students have ascertained that a particular degree is beneficial for their career development, they should take the opportunity to embark upon the programme sooner rather than later. Having said that, given the rigorous work needed to truly benefit from the programme, Andrew encourages students to carefully consider their reasons for taking up the programme, and ensure they are well motivated, which will help them to face the challenges of the demanding but fulfilling LLM programme at SMU.
Most importantly? “Be curious, and always go in-depth with each course of study even if it may not be completely relevant to your work. This way, you can take away more from the course, and walk away with the knowledge that will prove useful in the future.”