In an ever-evolving job market, mid-career professionals are returning to school, seeking to redefine their paths and reignite their ambitions. Two SIT graduates from the Class of 2024, Edwin Lee and James Tan, show that lifelong learning is not just an option but a necessity in today’s dynamic world.  

As industries evolve and new technologies reshape our landscape, the need to hone our ability to adapt and acquire new skills to stay relevant has intensified. The pursuit of education is no longer limited to the young. Both in their 40s, James Tan, an operations manager and father of four, and Edwin Lee, a former corporate advisor turned physiotherapist, took the bold step of furthering their education in new fields after more than 10 years in the workforce.  

Back to University  

Prompted by the need to deepen his technical expertise and better fulfil his role in his family’s scaffolding business, James, who is a trained computer engineer, decided to pursue a second degree and master’s degree in Civil Engineering. “I chose to study computer engineering as it was my passion. To manage my family’s business effectively, I want to be trained in civil engineering to instil confidence in my customers and partners,” the 40-year-old shared.  

James Tan runs a family scaffolding business while pursuing his studies at SIT. (Photo: James Tan)

Although Edwin enjoyed his previous role as a corporate advisor, he felt a growing desire to pursue a career that could make a difference in people’s lives. “After 15 years in the corporate advisory and finance sector, I wanted to explore a career which offers another form of job satisfaction – helping people,” Edwin shared.  

His interest in fitness led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy with SIT as a step towards his mid-career change. “Studying physiotherapy has given me an in-depth understanding of my own body, allowing me to push my physical limits in a more informed and effective way. It was also a step towards a career that would allow me to have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives,” Edwin said.  

Edwin Lee travelled to Dublin for his Overseas Immersion Programme as part of the Physiotherapy degree programme jointly run by SIT and Trinity College Dublin. (Photo: Edwin Lee)

Collaboration with Younger Course Mates 

University this time round was a very different experience for Edwin and James. Initially, both felt the digital divide between themselves and their younger course mates. “So much has changed since I did my first degree. We are now learning in digital times; I had to learn to use different technologies and apps for my presentations,” Edwin said. However, as they adapted to the new learning modality, the divide was soon bridged by friendships with their younger schoolmates. “The younger students were always looking out for me and quick to help. In fact, they taught me how to use study apps and presentation software,” Edwin shared.  

James appreciated how his younger schoolmates understood his time constraints and were willing to work according to their strengths. “For projects that involved group work, I would handle the research, while the younger students, being more tech-savvy, would compile them into the presentation,” James said. “I also contributed by sharing my work experience to help them translate their theoretical knowledge into real-life scenarios.” 

 A Quest for Time 

As they embarked on a new chapter of their educational journey, the duo also had to deal with greater responsibilities this time – caring for a young family and, in James’s case, running his family business.   

James with his family at SIT Convocation 2024. (Photo: SIT and Keng Photography)

“One of my concerns about pursuing a second degree and a master’s was whether I could manage the programme's demands while fulfilling my roles as a husband, father and business owner,” James explained. To cope with the study load, James dedicated the daytime to work and care for his four children, aged 1 to 7, and studied at night. “I was studying till 3:00am and wake up at 6:00am to chauffer my children to school,” James said. To maximise his time, James would also use moments between chauffeuring his children to their activities to catch up on his work and studies.  For Edwin, studying became a shared activity with his child, who was 8 when he commenced his second degree. “We became study partners, studying together and encouraging each other for our tests and exams,” Edwin said.  

From Apprehension to Gratification 

One of the benefits of lifelong learning across industries is the integration of skills that can lead to innovative solutions and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Combining his computer engineering and civil engineering know-how, James introduced more advanced software and tools for analysis and to allow customers to visualise the end-product at the proposal stage.  

After six years of studies, James finally graduated from his master’s programme earlier this year. As he reflects on his educational journey, he says it feels surreal that he has finally reached the end of this chapter. “There were countless times I thought, 'Why am I doing this?' However, with the knowledge attained through my studies, I can optimise designs and workflow processes, which translates to increased cost savings, efficiency and effectiveness for the company. All the hard work is worth it,” James shared.   

Now a physiotherapist at Alexandra Hospital, Edwin’s years of experience in client management became an asset in the clinical setting as he provides neurorehabilitation to stroke patients. “A physiotherapist needs to listen to the patients and their families. Understanding the dynamics of human relationships also helps me navigate difficult situations, be it handling challenges or managing clients' expectations,” Edwin explained.  

Edwin's healthcare career change proves age is no barrier to pursuing passions. (Photo: SIT and Keng Photography)

While filled with apprehension when first considering the option of pursuing his second degree, Edwin now experiences the tangible rewards of his mid-career switch. “To see my patients progress from being immobile to taking independent steps, the job satisfaction is another level of wow.” Edwin shared. “I used to think age might be a barrier to learning. However, I realise that in this era of information overload and rapid change, we must embrace the journey of learning, unlearning and relearning to stay relevant.”