Civil Service: Questions about the working environment in Ministries etc

[blackswan]

Originally Posted by shaz

Hi there, I've been in a large Ministry for about 6 years and have had 2 promotions thus far (now MX11). I agree with other posts that normal graduates would reach their ceiling CEP of MX10 unless they do really really well. But MX10 is not a sneeze either commanding a pay of $7000-$10000 - a rank equivalent to a LTC/Col in the army.

The Civil Service is huge... almost mafia-like. You just need to make sure you go to a Ministry that is most relevant to you (e.g. Education = MOE; Finance = MOF; Social Work = MCYS, etc).

But most of the MXOs are generalists and there are many non-specialists areas within a particular Ministry (e.g. there's a finance department in every Ministry). An officer with decent attitude, performance and leadership qualities will most likely be at least a Head/middle manager within 5-10 years. You move up faster if you get opportunities...

Scholars tend to go higher faster but they too face stiff competition at their level and end up being dissatisfied if they're not top management material. My advise, do something you like and the money will eventually come

i agree... when u do something u like you are likely to do a better job....

Originally Posted by shaz

MX10 for my Ministry is Asst Director.

MX10 for the Ministry that I used to be is Senior Assistant Director or Deputy Director, with the latter usually reserved for those with higher potential.

Originally Posted by Dazzled

Hmm, since this is an online forum and not a face-to-face conversation where I can judge your tone and expression, I shall try not to read sarcasm in your words.

Still on the look-out for sincere replies!

I believe the dude was sincere.
Where else can you find a part-time job that pays $15K per month?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I believe the dude was sincere.
Where else can you find a part-time job that pays $15K per month?

15k a month for 6 years is a million bucks. part-time job. and you get to do public service too.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

15k a month for 6 years is a million bucks. part-time job. and you get to do public service too.

are you still considering joining as candidate with ruling party?
15k/mth not bad!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

are you still considering joining as candidate with ruling party?
15k/mth not bad!

Are you as talented as tin pei ling? PM says talented people are extremely rare in Singapore. You are unlikely to be talented, otherwise you would have already been approached and fielded by them, like tin pei ling.

Why not consider the teaching profession too?It may not sound prestigious or glamorous but even if u were to progress steadily as a classroom teacher,you would eventually end up with a resonable pay of $7,500 per month after a few years

Originally Posted by Unregistered

15k a month for 6 years is a million bucks. part-time job. and you get to do public service too.

Really sincere advice, zero sarcasm.
TS should consider.

I believe my experience should be relevent for the threadstarter. I was in your position exactly 1 year ago. NUS FASS 2nd Lower. And i took up a job with one of the stat boards. Started at MX12.

1) You need to believe in what you are doing. Mine is a very important job where i deal with issues regarding something that is most important to Singaporeans. And as such i take my job very seriously.

2) Mine is a frontline job, The public may be appreciative of what you do, but they may also turn nasty if they do not get what they want. What i can only do is to take pride in those that i have helped and try my best for the rest.

3) People performing the same roles as me are very friendly and helpful, regardless of seniority. There is a sense of togetherness in the same section/unit. However, this togetherness wanes as your go further and further away (Cross-section, Cross-Department), and you can expect the red tape to be inversely proportional to togetherness.

4) There will actually be many other young people in the civil service, those that joined not long ago. Take your time to know them and take part in more activities. Having friends at work will make things a little easier and even more fun.

Ultimately, I believe that even though you may not get the riches and luxuries that the private sector may potentially give you, but the civil service is definitely less brutal and more family friendly.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I believe my experience should be relevent for the threadstarter. I was in your position exactly 1 year ago. NUS FASS 2nd Lower. And i took up a job with one of the stat boards. Started at MX12.

1) You need to believe in what you are doing. Mine is a very important job where i deal with issues regarding something that is most important to Singaporeans. And as such i take my job very seriously.

2) Mine is a frontline job, The public may be appreciative of what you do, but they may also turn nasty if they do not get what they want. What i can only do is to take pride in those that i have helped and try my best for the rest.

3) People performing the same roles as me are very friendly and helpful, regardless of seniority. There is a sense of togetherness in the same section/unit. However, this togetherness wanes as your go further and further away (Cross-section, Cross-Department), and you can expect the red tape to be inversely proportional to togetherness.

4) There will actually be many other young people in the civil service, those that joined not long ago. Take your time to know them and take part in more activities. Having friends at work will make things a little easier and even more fun.

Ultimately, I believe that even though you may not get the riches and luxuries that the private sector may potentially give you, but the civil service is definitely less brutal and more family friendly.

jus wondering ... how they choose who go in as MX12 or MX 13?
btw since u say its stat board and some stat boards have their own schemes .....so im assuming ur stat board follow civil service's MX scheme directly?