Matthew’s choices: Critical career decisions

• Main Authors: CHUA, Roy Y. J., JOSHI, Havovi
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2015
• Subjects: Career change; career choices; decision-making process; motivators; entreprenuership; Asian Studies; Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations; Higher Education; Human Resources Management; Leadership Studies
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cases_coll_all/128; https://cmp.smu.edu.sg/case/2491
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This case study discusses the critical career decisions that Matthew Tan, a young university graduate, has to make. The case is in three parts. In Part A, Matthew, a 27-year old graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS), has a good job at Ernst and Young (E&Y), and yet he is restless. His childhood experience of growing up without his parents in a financially strained household has ignited within him a desire to work for the poor and fight for social justice. He is toying with the idea of opening a hotel that would help under-privileged youths. But the risk is high as he has no experience in the hotel business, and also no capital to start such a business. Matthew has to decide whether or not to take the plunge. In Part B and Part C, Matthew’s story continues, and he remains in a dilemma about what he should do next. This case is designed to help students think critically about career choices, and the challenges faced when deciding upon a career change, and specifically starting their own business. Through classroom discussion, students should be encouraged to think carefully about the careers they wish to embark upon.