Career progression of a DSTA Overseas Scholar?

[brento]

Hello guys,

I am thinking of whether to take up the DSTA scholarship to study Computer Science at University of Michigan, or remain in NUS without a scholarship. I am leaning towards DSO which is generally the more technical/R&D organization between DSO and DSTA and I am fine with the work they do (not super excited, but don't dislike it either).

How is the career (and salary) progression of a DSTA scholar in DSTA/DSO? Do they receive preferential treatment like many other gvt scholars? Also, if I decide to seek greener pastures after the bond, will my skills be transferable to the private sector?

Any other advice is welcome

Originally Posted by brento

Hello guys,

I am thinking of whether to take up the DSTA scholarship to study Computer Science at University of Michigan, or remain in NUS without a scholarship. I am leaning towards DSO which is generally the more technical/R&D organization between DSO and DSTA and I am fine with the work they do (not super excited, but don't dislike it either).

How is the career (and salary) progression of a DSTA scholar in DSTA/DSO? Do they receive preferential treatment like many other gvt scholars? Also, if I decide to seek greener pastures after the bond, will my skills be transferable to the private sector?

Any other advice is welcome

Go the scholar route.
You can always leave and join DSO after you complete your bond with DSTA.

Originally Posted by brento

Hello guys,

I am thinking of whether to take up the DSTA scholarship to study Computer Science at University of Michigan, or remain in NUS without a scholarship. I am leaning towards DSO which is generally the more technical/R&D organization between DSO and DSTA and I am fine with the work they do (not super excited, but don't dislike it either).

How is the career (and salary) progression of a DSTA scholar in DSTA/DSO? Do they receive preferential treatment like many other gvt scholars? Also, if I decide to seek greener pastures after the bond, will my skills be transferable to the private sector?

Any other advice is welcome

Due to covid-19 now the trend is everyone want to go be civil servant... not sure why u wanna go private... also based on the salary posted on the forum here, civil servant pay is so much higher than private sector.

It comes down to whether you want to be bonded, I personally wouldn't as your interest might change after 4 years in uni. Skills wise, it's hard to say if it's transferrable since it depends on where you are heading to after DSTA.

[brento]

I should clarify that as a DSTA Scholar I can choose to work in DSTA, DSO or CSIT

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Due to covid-19 now the trend is everyone want to go be civil servant... not sure why u wanna go private... also based on the salary posted on the forum here, civil servant pay is so much higher than private sector.

True if you are comparing CS against SMEs. However, if you are an above average graduate from big 3 U (second upper, fch), and if you gain employment in MNCs or foreign banks, you can easily reach upwards of 150K pa with bonuses far greater than what the CS can offer. Not so easy for CS to hit 5 digit pm.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

True if you are comparing CS against SMEs. However, if you are an above average graduate from big 3 U (second upper, fch), and if you gain employment in MNCs or foreign banks, you can easily reach upwards of 150K pa with bonuses far greater than what the CS can offer. Not so easy for CS to hit 5 digit pm.

150K pa for fresh grad?

be a scholar. easier to go places later

When you're 40 yo and management considering to promote you to be director..
They will look at your resume and your colleagues resume..

Your dsta scholar will set you apart. Even if you don't work with dsta anymore.