Redefining career readiness through work-based learning

PETALING JAYA: Before she had even completed her degree, 23-year-old Alice Tan Hui Yi was already building her career at a global leader in IT services, consulting and business solutions.

What began as a university placement eventually led to a full-time role – a transition that reflected not only academic achievement but also the confidence and professional maturity developed through sustained industry exposure.

Today, she works as a regional marketing executive, supporting initiatives across diverse markets in the Asia Pacific.

Her journey from student to working professional was shaped by the Work-Based Learning (WBL) component of her Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in International Relations programme at Taylor’s University.

Over 12 months, she completed placements at SEEd.Lab (Social Enterprise Education Lab) for seven months, followed by five months at a global leader in IT services, consulting and business solutions, where she later received a full-time offer.

“This level of integration allowed me to move beyond assisting tasks to actively contributing ideas, making decisions, and taking the lead on certain initiatives,” Tan said.

According to Andrea Passeri, programme director of the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in International Relations at Taylor’s University, the WBL model gives students extended exposure to professional environments, enabling them to contribute to real projects while building the confidence to thrive in the workplace.

The programme is supported by a curriculum covering areas such as foreign policy, international law, global political economy and conflict resolution.

Assessments such as policy briefs and real-world projects help students develop skills in strategic thinking, negotiation and cross-cultural communication.

Developing critical skills

Taylor’s University’s International Relations programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students are encouraged to critically engage with global issues, challenge assumptions, and understand the underlying factors behind policies and decisions.

For Tan, the Political Philosophy subject played a defining role in shaping her perspective and professional approach. “It helped me realise that the many frameworks we study across disciplines ultimately originate from human thought,” she said.

This perspective continues to guide how she evaluates new information and navigates challenges in a corporate context, rather than passively accepting ideas.

Nurturing a global mindset

The programme offers a global learning environment through student exchanges, international collaborations and multicultural exposure. Through initiatives such as the Distinguished Diplomat Series, students gain real-world insights through direct engagement with leaders and policymakers.

Tan’s semester at the University of Seoul in South Korea during her second year proved transformative. Beyond cultural exposure, it broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of how culture shapes perspectives and interactions.

“The growth and self-reflection I gained during that time continue to shape the person I am today,” she added.

Global career outcomes

With its innovative curriculum and strong industry collaborations, graduates of the programme are well-positioned for diverse career pathways, including roles as political analysts, think-tank researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in multinational corporations and globally oriented industries.

This reflects the growing demand for professionals with strong international awareness across industries.

Tan’s experiences have translated into real-world readiness, enabling her to adapt and contribute effectively within a corporate environment, highlighting the value of programmes that integrate academic learning with sustained industry exposure.

Learn more about Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in International Relations programme here.