{"id":4822,"date":"2025-10-01T18:00:52","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T10:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/?p=4822"},"modified":"2025-10-01T18:01:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T10:01:52","slug":"4822-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_11 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Balancing_Work_and_Study_in_Aviation_%E2%80%94_Eng_See_Tong%E2%80%99s_MDIS_Journey\" title=\"Balancing Work and Study in Aviation \u2014 Eng See Tong\u2019s MDIS Journey\">Balancing Work and Study in Aviation \u2014 Eng See Tong\u2019s MDIS Journey<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-2\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#From_Fascination_to_Ambition\" title=\"From Fascination to Ambition\">From Fascination to Ambition<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Why_MDIS_and_Teesside_University\" title=\"Why MDIS and Teesside University?\">Why MDIS and Teesside University?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Balancing_Work_and_Study\" title=\"Balancing Work and Study\">Balancing Work and Study<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Overcoming_Challenges\" title=\"Overcoming Challenges\">Overcoming Challenges<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Growth_Beyond_the_Classroom\" title=\"Growth Beyond the Classroom\">Growth Beyond the Classroom<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Advice_for_Aspiring_Aviation_Professionals\" title=\"Advice for Aspiring Aviation Professionals\">Advice for Aspiring Aviation Professionals<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Ready_for_the_Future\" title=\"Ready for the Future\">Ready for the Future<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/4822-2\/#Start_Your_Journey_with_MDIS\" title=\"Start Your Journey with MDIS\">Start Your Journey with MDIS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Balancing_Work_and_Study_in_Aviation_%E2%80%94_Eng_See_Tong%E2%80%99s_MDIS_Journey\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Balancing Work and Study in Aviation \u2014 Eng See Tong\u2019s MDIS Journey<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">For many professionals in the aviation industry, the thought of going back to school raises an important question: <em>can I really balance work, life and study? <\/em>For <strong>Eng See Tong<\/strong>, the answer was a resounding yes. With determination, discipline, and the right programme, he proved that it\u2019s possible to pursue higher education without putting a full-time career on hold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Eng, now a proud graduate of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/bachelor-of-arts-hons-airline-and-airport-management-top-up\"><strong>Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Airline and Airport Management (Top-up)<\/strong><\/a> at the <strong>Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)<\/strong>, awarded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/teesside-university\"><strong>Teesside University, UK<\/strong><\/a>, shares his journey \u2014 from his passion for aviation to the challenges of part-time study, and how the degree has shaped his career and personal growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4818\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2240\" height=\"1260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14.png 2240w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-14-1067x600.png 1067w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2240px) 100vw, 2240px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_Fascination_to_Ambition\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>From Fascination to Ambition<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Airports have always been more than transit points for Eng \u2014 to him, they represent opportunities, connections, and the heartbeat of global travel. \u201cI\u2019ve always been captivated by aviation, by how airports bring people, businesses and economies together,\u201d he reflects. This passion soon grew into a career ambition: to play a meaningful role in the fast-paced aviation sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Having already completed a Diploma in Aviation Management at a polytechnic, Eng had built a solid foundation in airline operations and safety management. But he knew that to move forward, he needed more than technical knowledge. He wanted to sharpen his strategic thinking, enhance his managerial skills, and prepare himself for leadership roles in the aviation industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_MDIS_and_Teesside_University\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Why MDIS and Teesside University?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u201cWhen I was exploring my options, I knew I needed a university that understood the challenges of working adults,\u201d Eng explains. \u201cMDIS offered the flexibility I needed to continue my job while studying. And with Teesside University as its partner, I could earn a UK-awarded degree with a curriculum that was practical, industry-focused, and tailored to aviation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The programme gave him exactly that. Covering topics such as airline and airport operations, safety and service management, and strategic leadership, Eng found himself applying classroom concepts directly to real-world scenarios. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just theory,\u201d he shares. \u201cIt was about understanding how airports and airlines operate globally, and recognising how strong management can drive efficiency and growth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4820\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2240\" height=\"1260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11.png 2240w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-11-1067x600.png 1067w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2240px) 100vw, 2240px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Balancing_Work_and_Study\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Balancing Work and Study<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Managing a full-time job while studying part-time wasn\u2019t easy. \u201cThere were definitely moments where it felt overwhelming,\u201d Eng admits. \u201cJuggling work responsibilities with assignments and exams, especially during peak periods, required a lot of discipline.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">To stay on track, he relied on careful planning and consistency. He broke tasks into smaller steps, dedicated evenings and weekends to coursework, and prioritised effectively. \u201cIt taught me resilience \u2014 to keep going even when things got tough. Those skills weren\u2019t just useful for school; they\u2019ve made me more efficient and adaptable at work too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overcoming_Challenges\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Overcoming Challenges<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">One of the toughest parts for Eng was meeting deadlines during high-pressure periods at work. \u201cIt was stressful at times, but by staying disciplined and managing my time well, I learned to adapt quickly,\u201d he recalls. This experience helped him develop confidence in handling pressure \u2014 a skill he now carries into both his professional and personal life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growth_Beyond_the_Classroom\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Growth Beyond the Classroom<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Looking back, Eng says the degree changed him in more ways than one. \u201cAcademically, it gave me the knowledge and confidence to take on bigger responsibilities. Personally, it taught me discipline, time management, and how to balance study, work and family life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">He also credits his support system. \u201cMy colleagues were understanding, and my family gave me constant encouragement. Their support was invaluable \u2014 it made the whole journey possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advice_for_Aspiring_Aviation_Professionals\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Advice for Aspiring Aviation Professionals<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">For those considering a similar path, Eng has clear advice:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u201cPick a course that truly aligns with your interests and long-term career goals. Once you commit, give it your all. Don\u2019t procrastinate \u2014 plan your schedule, stay disciplined, and be consistent. That\u2019s the key to balancing work, study and life successfully.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4819 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1250\" height=\"509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665.png 2240w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665-300x122.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665-1024x417.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665-768x313.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665-1536x625.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665-2048x834.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665-400x163.png 400w, https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PURSUED-higher-diploma-in-MASS-COMMUNICATION-mdis-GRADUATED-2022-12-e1759310600665-1474x600.png 1474w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1250px) 100vw, 1250px\" \/><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ready_for_the_Future\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Ready for the Future<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">With his degree completed, Eng is excited to take on new challenges in the aviation industry. \u201cThe knowledge and skills I\u2019ve gained have prepared me to step into more strategic roles and contribute at a higher level. Earning my degree part-time taught me resilience and opened doors I never thought possible \u2014 especially in transitioning back into roles with greater responsibility,\u201d he shares. For Eng, this degree isn\u2019t just an academic achievement \u2014 it\u2019s a springboard for growth in a field he\u2019s passionate about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">For aspiring professionals like Eng, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/\"><strong>MDIS<\/strong><\/a> continues to provide flexible, industry-focused programmes that bridge theory with practice, preparing graduates for future workforce demands.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_Your_Journey_with_MDIS\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Start Your Journey with MDIS<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Advance your aviation career with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/bachelor-of-arts-hons-airline-and-airport-management-top-up\">the <strong>BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management (Top-up)<\/strong> at MDIS, awarded by Teesside University<\/a>, UK. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/contact-us\">Contact us<\/a> today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Balancing Work and Study in Aviation \u2014 Eng See Tong\u2019s MDIS JourneyFrom Fascination to AmbitionWhy MDIS and Teesside University?Balancing Work and StudyOvercoming ChallengesGrowth Beyond the ClassroomAdvice for Aspiring Aviation ProfessionalsReady for the FutureStart Your Journey with MDIS Balancing Work and Study in Aviation \u2014 Eng See Tong\u2019s MDIS Journey For many professionals in the aviation industry, the thought of going back to school raises an important question: can I really balance work, life and study? For Eng See Tong, the answer was a resounding yes. With determination, discipline, and the right programme, he proved that it\u2019s possible [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":318,"featured_media":4818,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4822"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/318"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4822"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4827,"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4822\/revisions\/4827"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mdis.edu.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}