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settle for an engineering course or retake exam?

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  #21 (permalink)  
Old 29-02-2012, 10:09 PM
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I took accountancy but I never wanted to be an auditor. I had a GF who had straight A's, scholar and who was in engineering. We studied together so I know how difficult engineering modules are. The amt of effort it took me to get an A in my modules would have best got me a C in engineering.

Of course this is specific to me.. but I want to point out that I was from science stream in JC and generally have been quite good with maths / physics. So in short, I am pretty decent with numbers but found accountancy so much easier to score.

Any of my close friends / siblings ask me for advice, I will recommend accountancy/ B&F over engineering.

How much do you think first class honor grads from accountancy / B&F earn versus their engineering peers (who have first class?).

Even if you end up with 2nd lower, I have a cousin and a good friend with no honors who are working in back office operations (at banks). They are earning $5-6k after 2-3 years work. Bonus of 2-4 mths. How much do you think a mediocre engineer make after 2-3 years?


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Originally Posted by suppertime View Post
You are right. I did not perform up to expectations for all subjects, but there was a particular one which was far off what I had expected. I was not being unrealistic at all. The past year A level papers that I attempted for this subject, showed a consistent A for at least the papers of the past 3 years. Complacency maybe? That contributed to me, not meeting the "cut-off point" for a course like accountancy. Thank you for the questions that you have posted. They really set me thinking. I am also getting curious of the course which you took.



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  #22 (permalink)  
Old 29-02-2012, 10:15 PM
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Hello. I understand where you are coming from. I concur with you that as long as we work hard, nothing is impossible, really.

This is my very first step into the working world. I don't wish to use 4 years of my youth, only to find out that at the end of it, I am not given the chance to redeem myself. That I am not even called up for interviews because of certain stigmatisations that employers have for graduates from a certain university or certain course. This is, to me, the step before starting to "fight" tooth and nail to reach the top, in the employer's company.

Will employers slam the door on me just purely based upon my resume/degree? I am sure they have a criteria on this? Anyone care to share on this?


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Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
My advice is to choose a course that you have confidence you will do well. In this highly competitive world where graduates are in abundance, your degrees are worthless unless you have a 2nd Upper honours and above. But having said that, the class of your honors is only a stepping stone. Getting a 2nd lower honours or 3rd class does not spell the end of the world. You can still succeed in the working world. Just that you will probably face a tougher time at the beginning compared to your peers whom have obtained better honors. Secondy, I would advise you not to buy into the general perception that courses like engineering are dead end whereas finance and accountancy promise riches and wealth. It is true that finance and accountancy can pay very well if you have what it takes to succeed. But behind every success, there is blood and sweat. And the most important point to takeaway is that not everybody gets there. I would describe finance and accountancy as a sugar coated cake coveted by too many eyes. The end result is that you will find yourself competing with an infinite pool of the smartest and most hardworking people. If you believe that you have what it takes to compete with the best brains out there, go ahead to pursue finance and accountancy. At the end of the day, you have to remember that every society will need people to want to work in all kinds of professions. It is not true that you cannot do well in engineering. And it is also not true that most finance and accountancy professionals get paid **** loads of money. At the end of the day, you can succeed in any fields. You just need to have the capabilities, dedications and stamina. Hope my advices helped.


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  #23 (permalink)  
Old 29-02-2012, 10:25 PM
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Hello. I do know that there is the accountancy course and a separate course, but I have to admit that I did not know much. Just had a rough idea of it at the NTU open house. That is about it =S. Will definitely read up on it.

I was referring to professional accountants and auditors.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
In NTU, their business school NBS consist of two main streams. Accountancy and Business.
Within Business, you choose your specialisation. There is the most popular Banking & Finance, then there are other specialisation such as HR, Marketing etc.

How much research have you done in this area?

When you refer to "accountants", are you referring to accountancy graduates in general? Or actual professional accountants? Are you referring to auditors?

Audit has long hours but it comes in cycles. Pay check is pretty standard and progression is structured. Shall not dwell into details because this is pretty well covered and I don't want to spoon feed. You can search details easily.

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  #24 (permalink)  
Old 29-02-2012, 11:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
And taking up accountancy or finance will equip you with the financial analysis skills that you can use in your own investment, financial management skills set. At the very least, you will feel more confidence in picking up value stocks.
Thank you! Will take it into consideration as well.
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  #25 (permalink)  
Old 01-03-2012, 12:12 AM
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I'm now in my last semester of my 4 years in NTU Mech Engine.

I totally experienced what you are experiencing now when I was your age. Lower than expected grades, undecided, just want to squeeze into a local uni.

My advice for you is that if you are hardly interested in engineering, don't ever come in.
The amount of maths and engineering science i.e. Fluid Dynamics is enough to kill you. Don't EVER let your mind get into this lame notion that you want a "challenging" degree. Its not worth it and the knowledge is too scientific to be practical (ironic, I know). You're better off challenging yourself running up a hill or something.

I've known people in my course who are suffering in agony. In the end they simply just wanna get this **** over and done with, plus, they are totally lost over their future now. What for?

Pertaining to your enquiry on future job search, I'm undergoing it now and as a damn normal 2nd lower, I'm stuck with applying for engineering-related jobs. 2nd Upper is actually the minimum to be able to get out of this **** (in my opinion). The rest just continue to roll in it.

You really need to be determined to score well in Engineering and 4 years is not a short time. Even if you are determined, you might ask yourself at the end of the day the same "What for?" when you achieved it, because people who are smart enough know there's no money to be made being an engineer. It's all about the passion (I won't ever understand this).

I totally agree with some of the things said here. Go study a degree that's easy to get a 1st class or take a degree with a specialized skillset i.e. Accountancy. After all, this world is all about profits, growth and numbers. It's either you help make money, save money or count money. But in my humble opinion, don't re-take your A's, why so hardcore? You can consider SIM, it's really not much of a difference. The grades, leadership and industrial experience when you are in school matters the most.

I hope this helps. Don't wanna see another guy die a slow death.
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  #26 (permalink)  
Old 01-03-2012, 08:30 AM
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Good advice but please don't go down the SIM route. It is not recognised by many employers and even if recognised generally regarded as a 2nd tier degree. Don't do that.

Still go to the 3 university but avoid engineering unless you are really passionate about it. If you have the "just take engineering since I can't make it to better courses" mentality you will end up exactly in what we call "dumping ground"

What is the entry requirement for business in NTU now? For my time, AAB could get you into accountancy. ABB could get you into business.

As for retaking your A levels, alot of people I know didn't get better grades by retaking. My own brother included. But I leave that decision to you.

Another alternative, take a study loan or get your parents to fund you overseas for uni. Go and check if certain government agencies can help you with study loan (not scholardship)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
I'm now in my last semester of my 4 years in NTU Mech Engine.

I totally experienced what you are experiencing now when I was your age. Lower than expected grades, undecided, just want to squeeze into a local uni.

My advice for you is that if you are hardly interested in engineering, don't ever come in.
The amount of maths and engineering science i.e. Fluid Dynamics is enough to kill you. Don't EVER let your mind get into this lame notion that you want a "challenging" degree. Its not worth it and the knowledge is too scientific to be practical (ironic, I know). You're better off challenging yourself running up a hill or something.

I've known people in my course who are suffering in agony. In the end they simply just wanna get this **** over and done with, plus, they are totally lost over their future now. What for?

Pertaining to your enquiry on future job search, I'm undergoing it now and as a damn normal 2nd lower, I'm stuck with applying for engineering-related jobs. 2nd Upper is actually the minimum to be able to get out of this **** (in my opinion). The rest just continue to roll in it.

You really need to be determined to score well in Engineering and 4 years is not a short time. Even if you are determined, you might ask yourself at the end of the day the same "What for?" when you achieved it, because people who are smart enough know there's no money to be made being an engineer. It's all about the passion (I won't ever understand this).

I totally agree with some of the things said here. Go study a degree that's easy to get a 1st class or take a degree with a specialized skillset i.e. Accountancy. After all, this world is all about profits, growth and numbers. It's either you help make money, save money or count money. But in my humble opinion, don't re-take your A's, why so hardcore? You can consider SIM, it's really not much of a difference. The grades, leadership and industrial experience when you are in school matters the most.

I hope this helps. Don't wanna see another guy die a slow death.
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  #27 (permalink)  
Old 01-03-2012, 01:13 PM
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Are you sure back office in banks pay 5 to 6k after 2 to 3 years? This isn't what I have heard from friends. What I have heard is banking jobs are very volatile and unstable now. If you check on salary survey, earning 5 to 6k at the age of 30 years old will put you on the top 20% percentile of the population. There are so many banks and back offices in Singapore. If I can be the top 20% of the population by working in the back offices, why are so many bankers struggling to get out of back offices to move into middle or front offices? I think you have to digest all the info and think carefully about what is realistic. Don't just aspire to join the banks because you hear from others that you can make more money in this industry. The truth is there are more people who just make an average living than people who earn alot of money. It is true that engineering is a tough subject to score. But you should know sometimes whether is it easy or difficult to score also depends on your talents and interests. If you are someone strong in maths and science but weak in languages, you will find majors like law and history tough and engineering relatively easier. Likewise if you are weak in maths and science and strong in languages. If I were you, I would choose to study a subject that I am confident I can score well and is relatively easy to find jobs. Whether you succeed in the future or not all depends on your abilities.
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  #28 (permalink)  
Old 01-03-2012, 10:03 PM
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First of all, thank you for treating me as a close friend/sibling equivalent . I too was from the science stream in JC. My maths and physics subjects were my better subjects as well. It's really something to hear that despite your proficiency in the above mentioned subjects, you find accountancy easier than engineering. Sets me thinking.......



Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
I took accountancy but I never wanted to be an auditor. I had a GF who had straight A's, scholar and who was in engineering. We studied together so I know how difficult engineering modules are. The amt of effort it took me to get an A in my modules would have best got me a C in engineering.

Of course this is specific to me.. but I want to point out that I was from science stream in JC and generally have been quite good with maths / physics. So in short, I am pretty decent with numbers but found accountancy so much easier to score.

Any of my close friends / siblings ask me for advice, I will recommend accountancy/ B&F over engineering.

How much do you think first class honor grads from accountancy / B&F earn versus their engineering peers (who have first class?).

Even if you end up with 2nd lower, I have a cousin and a good friend with no honors who are working in back office operations (at banks). They are earning $5-6k after 2-3 years work. Bonus of 2-4 mths. How much do you think a mediocre engineer make after 2-3 years?
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  #29 (permalink)  
Old 01-03-2012, 10:13 PM
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Hello. I will definitely check out Fluid Dynamics. The feel that the idea of " A grades over the type of course" is very real. A teacher of mine did tell me the same thing. Unfortunately, I didn't pick what I felt was easier to score, due to parental pressure to take subjects that have "higher economic value". About hardcore...................I personally think that given a second chance, why let it slip? My parents, for various reasons, are strongly against me going to SIM. I don't wish to go there either.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
I'm now in my last semester of my 4 years in NTU Mech Engine.

I totally experienced what you are experiencing now when I was your age. Lower than expected grades, undecided, just want to squeeze into a local uni.

My advice for you is that if you are hardly interested in engineering, don't ever come in.
The amount of maths and engineering science i.e. Fluid Dynamics is enough to kill you. Don't EVER let your mind get into this lame notion that you want a "challenging" degree. Its not worth it and the knowledge is too scientific to be practical (ironic, I know). You're better off challenging yourself running up a hill or something.

I've known people in my course who are suffering in agony. In the end they simply just wanna get this **** over and done with, plus, they are totally lost over their future now. What for?

Pertaining to your enquiry on future job search, I'm undergoing it now and as a damn normal 2nd lower, I'm stuck with applying for engineering-related jobs. 2nd Upper is actually the minimum to be able to get out of this **** (in my opinion). The rest just continue to roll in it.

You really need to be determined to score well in Engineering and 4 years is not a short time. Even if you are determined, you might ask yourself at the end of the day the same "What for?" when you achieved it, because people who are smart enough know there's no money to be made being an engineer. It's all about the passion (I won't ever understand this).

I totally agree with some of the things said here. Go study a degree that's easy to get a 1st class or take a degree with a specialized skillset i.e. Accountancy. After all, this world is all about profits, growth and numbers. It's either you help make money, save money or count money. But in my humble opinion, don't re-take your A's, why so hardcore? You can consider SIM, it's really not much of a difference. The grades, leadership and industrial experience when you are in school matters the most.

I hope this helps. Don't wanna see another guy die a slow death.
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  #30 (permalink)  
Old 01-03-2012, 10:21 PM
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ntu accountancy (AAA/B)
ntu ba (AAB/B)

Hi. You mean they used to judge you based on just 3 main subjects? I have heard a fair share of good and bad results for students retaking their A levels. I just believe that when you put your heart and soul into it, nothing can stop you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
Good advice but please don't go down the SIM route. It is not recognised by many employers and even if recognised generally regarded as a 2nd tier degree. Don't do that.

Still go to the 3 university but avoid engineering unless you are really passionate about it. If you have the "just take engineering since I can't make it to better courses" mentality you will end up exactly in what we call "dumping ground"

What is the entry requirement for business in NTU now? For my time, AAB could get you into accountancy. ABB could get you into business.

As for retaking your A levels, alot of people I know didn't get better grades by retaking. My own brother included. But I leave that decision to you.

Another alternative, take a study loan or get your parents to fund you overseas for uni. Go and check if certain government agencies can help you with study loan (not scholardship)
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