Jerald Justin

Master of Media and Communication, 2023

Principal Producer-Presenter, Power98, Singapore

As a radio presenter, I saw how quickly the media landscape and the nature of work could change. The Master of Media and Communication (MMC) became an opportunity to broaden my capabilities, deepen my understanding of communication and prepare myself for the next stage of my career.

Returning to university in my mid-30s while balancing a full-time career and parenthood was a significant experience. Managing work, classes, assignments and family responsibilities strengthened my discipline, organisation and ability to manage competing priorities. It also showed me that I was capable of taking on more than I had previously thought.

The overseas immersions in Sydney and Cannes were another highlight. Experiencing different media and communication environments gave me perspectives beyond Singapore, while travelling and learning alongside my classmates and professors created opportunities for conversations and connections beyond the classroom.

I have since progressed into management, but the impact of MMC went beyond career progression. The discipline and resilience I developed while balancing work, studies and family have stayed with me. I became more organised in how I approach my work, more confident in taking on new responsibilities and calmer under pressure.

For anyone considering MMC while balancing a career and family, my advice is simple: go for it. Returning to the classroom can be demanding, but it can also show you what you are capable of and open up new possibilities for both personal and professional growth.