Why I Chose SMU: Law Undergraduate Amar Pandey
Amar Pandey, a final-year law student at SMU, was drawn to the university for its interactive learning, vibrant campus life, and strategic location. He praises the International Moots module for its practical benefits, including travel opportunities and networking. Amar has honed his time management skills and enjoyed participating in SMU Rugby, competing in the Singapore University Games. His experiences in international moot competitions have broadened his horizons.
In today’s competitive job market, employers are increasingly looking for applicants with real-world experience. Besides gaining deep domain knowledge, students now seek a robust pedagogy that focuses on interactive and collaborative learning to better prepare them for the workplace.
Final year Law undergraduate Amar Pandey, for one, is reaping the rewards of an SMU education with immersive, hands-on experiences. Read on to learn how the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL) student has gained experiential learning opportunities that have made all the difference.
Q:
What made you choose SMU when you were deciding on a university?
A:
I was exposed to SMU through my sister, who’s an alumna. I am drawn to the university’s location and its emphasis on class participation. The vibrant student life was very appealing as well, and I wanted to immerse myself in that energy.
What’s your favourite course so far, and why?
I thoroughly enjoyed the International Moots modules offered at SMU. Led by Associate Professor Chen Siyuan, this module taught me many practical skills, exposed me to a wide network of alumni, and allowed me to travel to places around the world I had never been to. I think all incoming Law freshmen in SMU should try their hand in international moots.
What is one quality that you have been able to nurture at SMU that would likely have a lasting impact in your life?
Learning how to prioritise tasks is crucial in SMU, where there’s always something demanding attention be it from the various modules, CCAs, or other responsibilities. It’s very important to know when and how much time to devote to different commitments – I think this is also very relevant for the future.
Tell us about your CCA.
I was in SMU Rugby where I played in the Singapore University Games 2022. I made great friends here, all of whom were also juggling studies with their passion. Competing for SMU was an exhilarating experience that I am very thankful for.
What global exposure programme have you embarked on?
Through my participation in the International Moots 2 module, I travelled to Vienna for the Willem C. Vis Moot, and Washington DC for the Philip C. Jessup Moot. Representing SMU and Singapore on the world stage in moot competitions was the highlight of my time at SMU. Apart from competing, I also had the opportunity to meet many people from all around the world, with whom I still keep in touch with today. These experiences have been gratifying.
How has SMU prepared you for your career aspirations?
SMU provides comprehensive career coaching support. With the guidance of my career coach, Ms Shirley Tham, I received valuable assistance in refining my CV. The sessions with Shirley were instrumental in helping me understand the key components of a good CV and how potential employers might perceive me. I appreciate SMU’s dedication to ensuring that classroom learning translates into practical career skills.
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