Riyaz Choudry

What is one thing you were unprepared for about university life that you wish you knew before joining SMU?

I wish I was more mentally prepared to take initiatives to explore the different opportunities university has to offer. In poly, everything was structured, and I did not have the freedom to choose my classes as they would be assigned automatically. However, in university, we are responsible for our own learning, and we are given the freedom to choose which mods we would like to bid for. Initially, I was taken aback as this was out of my comfort zone but after a while, I am thankful that I can shape my own academic journey, and it taught me to plan and take ownership of my own development.

What is your career aspiration and how have SMU’s career prep programmes helped you in making progress towards your goals?

I aspire to be a software or AI engineer to contribute meaningfully to the tech industry. SMU has constantly been organising talks with external companies and speakers which allows students to gain deeper insight into the industry. This has helped me gain a better understanding of what are the norms and expectations in the tech industry.

What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking of applying to SMU? 

Come into SMU with an open mind and be prepared to take ownership of your learning journey. SMU offers many opportunities and freedom to shape your own learning experience, but this comes at a cost as well. You must be proactive to explore different pathways and experiences. This may sound intimidating but it helps to shape your decision making skills. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and if you have any questions, your seniors or professors are always happy to help.