Why did you choose to take up a second major?

When I first started my ISE degree I realised that ISE is a versatile degree and the concepts we learn can be applied to many different industries. One of the first ISE modules that I took was CS1010E which taught programming. I was very interested in the idea of coding and felt that it would be a great complement to my ISE degree. I decided to take up a second major in Computer Science to add a focus to my ISE degree and learn how ISE concepts can be applied in the technology industry.

How does the skills you learn in your second major complement ISE?

In ISE, we study a lot of statistics, data analysis and even machine learning. ISE teaches us the concepts in a clear and concise manner providing a great foundation which enables us to work with programmers with the technical skillset or pick up higher level skills faster. Hence, this is where CS comes in to provide the application in code and they work together well.

What is your biggest takeaway from taking a second major?

I realised that a second major can be very useful to differentiate yourself from other students. This provides an extra layer of skills that you can use when looking for a job. Job prospects for ISE are already extremely good and this helps boost it even more.

What was your biggest challenge in your second major journey?

The biggest challenge was scheduling my modules. NUS is quite strict on module clashes and this means that planning for your second major can be challenging. At times, I was unable to take the modules that I wanted due to clashes. I realised it is important to start as early as possible, plan out your timetable and finish modules when you can.

What advice would you give to Pre-University students who are considering a second major?

A second major can be very useful, especially paired with ISE. If you are considering a second major, consider what area you are interested in. There are many different options for a second major as the concepts learnt in ISE are applicable across a wide range of contexts. There is also flexibility with an ISE degree as there are many unrestricted electives options to choose from. My grades also took a hit due to the many CS modules that I took. Weigh your options carefully and see if a second major is really something you want.