The answer lies in how you view growth. Staying within your comfort zone might feel safe, but it can also limit opportunities for self-discovery and innovation. By venturing into new fields, you can gain fresh perspectives, enhance your adaptability, and discover surprising connections between seemingly unrelated areas of expertise.
Take, for instance, Ong Hui Sin’s experience. A senior manufacturing engineer in the medical device industry, she chose to pursue the Master of Education at Open University Malaysia (OUM).
“I wanted to share my knowledge by teaching or mentoring others, especially other employees. I’m also interested in improving my leadership and communication skills while exploring a new field for personal growth.”
But how is the masters relevant to her current work? Ong, 31, explained, “The masters has equipped me with skills to design better training programmes, ensuring that new employees and team members understand complex manufacturing processes more effectively.
“Additionally, it has also improved my communication skills, which are crucial for managing projects, leading teams, and explaining technical concepts. Besides, the knowledge learnt from the masters has enhanced my ability to mentor and guide others.”
Expanding into new areas isn’t just about acquiring technical skills — it’s about personal enrichment. Learning a new discipline sharpens your mind, makes you more versatile, and can even lead to career advancement.
Employers often seek individuals with diverse skill sets who can tackle challenges from different angles. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or self-driven exploration, acquiring cross-disciplinary expertise equips you for a rapidly evolving world.
Ong said, “I am now able to communicate complex technical information effectively. I can design and implement better training programmes for new team members, making onboarding smoother and more efficient. Overall, it has improved my ability to contribute to team development in the workplace.”
However, this journey does come with challenges. Stepping into a new field might initially feel overwhelming. You might doubt your ability to grasp unfamiliar concepts or worry about starting from scratch. But every expert was once a beginner. With determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, you’ll find your footing.
Ultimately, the decision to branch out depends on your goals. If staying in your field feels fulfilling, there’s no need to force change. But if curiosity pulls you elsewhere, listen to it. Learning something new isn’t just about professional gain – it’s about embracing the joy of discovery and growth.
While the field you are in and the new field you choose to explore might seem worlds apart, the crossover often sparks creativity. And by embracing the unfamiliar, you can create value in ways you couldn’t have imagined before. As Ong said, “The blend of engineering and education has given me a unique perspective on leadership and communication.”
So, should you stick to one field or explore another? The choice is in your hands.
If you’re ready to explore, OUM can help you make that leap without disrupting your life. Known for its flexibility, accessibility, and affordability, this digital university caters to working adults across Malaysia through fully online programmes.
With the motto “University for All,” OUM offers 60 programmes across four faculties, including Education, Business and Management, Technology and Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities.
OUM’s Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) even allows you to shorten your study duration by leveraging your work experience.
While all the programmes are recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and Public Service Department, some are also recognised by professional bodies, boosting your employability.
For instance, the Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Management, Master of Business Administration and Master of Management, and Doctor of Business Administration are recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which provides global resources, mentorship and networking opportunities.
To find out about OUM programmes, visit www.oum.edu.my, call 03-7801 2000 or write to enquiries@oum.edu.my.
