DSTA (under Mindef)

applied in dec, still no news from them. 2nd upper computer science here, currently working

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Is it true that dsta only accept 2nd upper and above?

Not true. I am high merit(third class equivalent), my colleague also at 3rd class but most fresh grads that ebter are second lower n above.

For procurement, what is the entry salary for local Uni
-second lower
-second upper

How is the increment and bonus?

what about the entry salary for engineer - IT 2nd upper?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

For procurement, what is the entry salary for local Uni
-second lower
-second upper

How is the increment and bonus?

I will give what i think SHOULD be the correct answer after talking to my colleagues who are all fresh grads
- second lower - $3200
- Second upper - $3450
**For guys : Above salary+$250 (unable to confirm an exact amount, but should be +-$50)

Hope this info gives you guys more clarification. To me, it is a really fulfilling job (subjected to how you view it).

Originally Posted by Unregistered

what about the entry salary for engineer - IT 2nd upper?

I heard engineers' (male) pay are like this (approximate amount but within +- $200)
$4200
$4500
$4700

Hi, just to clear the confusion.

Second uppers, offered 4900, average 16 months package. Engineer

2nd lower started last year 4900, 16 months package.. engineer

3rd class, 5200, 18 months package. Engineer

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hey all, noticed a lot of questions about wait time and interviews here, so I thought I'd share my own experience. I'm a fresh grad from SUTD with 2nd upper Hons, degree equivalent to mech eng. I applied for the position of armament engineer. Received an interview invitation roughly 2 weeks after sending in my resume, and my job offer 2 days after the interview. Even though G50 was submitted promptly, clearance took a whole month; I actually got worried they would backtrack on the offer due to the communications blackout during that period. I only recently got a call from DSTA inviting my to sign in about a weeks time. My advice for anyone waiting for an offer is to continue job hunting in the meantime. Their HR efficiency is awful and if it turns out they're not interested in you, you just wasted 1 month or maybe worse.

Regarding the interview, it really isn't hard at all if you're even remotely prepared. I had a 3-man panel which included someone from HR and the directors I will be working under; atmosphere was casual and relaxed. Important point to note is that you really MUST show an interest in defense tech, and be prepared to show examples to prove it. Would recommend browsing thru Jane's Defense a bit before heading for the interview. Questions asked included "why dsta?", "tell me more about the modules you learnt during uni", "what are you currently doing at the moment?". Basically, questions asked are simple but don't be stupid and go in without prep.

Regarding pay, I was offered 4.9k for my 2nd upper, which by all measures is extremely reasonable. However, like what many have said, skills transferability is poor and I dont expect I will be staying in this job for more than 2-3 years. My interviewer told me there's very little design or engineering involved, most of it will be project management. Despite all this, dont discount a job at dsta because the economy is in the shitter right now and its only gonna get worse. An okay job is better than no job, and the compensation package is seriously nothing to scoff at.

tldr: If you're only applying now, expect to wait ~2 months before starting work if they offer you. Interview is simple but dont be an idiot. You won't learn much in the way of engineering at dsta but its still a pretty good job for a fresh grad.

Hope this helps some of you out there.

My advice to u is don't assume that skill transferability is poor. Don't be one of those ignorant fresh grad giving those advices that u get it online. Perhaps u should comment after u start working. You don't even have any working experience in the first place. If u don't really like working in DSTA, den u should just reject and not 'haolian' over here.