Civil Service: Questions about the working environment in Ministries etc
 

I've read through a lot of the threads here, while I have an idea or two about salaries, I'm still not sure about the working environment in ministries, job scope, advancement, work load etc etc

It would be good to learn from other people's experiences and advice (especially when I'm a newly-minted fresh grad) so that I can better prepare myself and helpful for other people who are interested to know more too!

I might sound idealistic but I really want to do my part for Singapore and give my best in service. :)

Wah... do your part for Singapore eh? How about you join PAP or NTUC... can earn millions!

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! :)

right, i am also graduating soon.

you can easily find information about your queries from other threads.

Jobscope, workload definitely depends on ministry you go to, department and position.

Advancement, unless you are a scholar or have fch, likely to be stifled at MX11 for a while unless you really perform well. Usually you start at grads of MX13 or MX12 depending on current working experience/honours. Most fresh grads start at 13 and move on to 12 after 2 years or so of service.

fch? 10char

Hi k3vin, yeap before posting the thread I tried searching the forums for information regarding working in a ministry, however most of the information wasn't concentrated in a fixed topic but as posts in different threads, and didn't offer the kind of in-depth sharing or knowledge that I hope to look for (also because the ministries I was looking for weren't listed). I was thinking this thread might gather the different opinions into one topic that is easier to categorise so people won't have to hunt all over the threads :)

Will gladly appreciate links that are helpful too!
Actually I wasn't too sure what the pay grade is (MX13, 12 and so on does it stand for management executive? Singapore's penchant for acronyms makes me ???? sometimes heheh ). Alas I have neither first-class nor a scholarship, but I'm hopeful that it doesn't mean you'll forever be behind just because you don't have exceptional qualifications. As God wills.

What does it mean to perform well? Are there civil servants here who actually enjoy their job? Tongue-in-cheek.

All the schemes here and there reminds me of the time in Primary four when they have streaming into EM1, 2 or 3, or after PSLE when they stream you into Special, Express or Normal in Secondary School. Or in JCs when they stream you into Arts and Science. Hahahah.

Any information to offer regarding ministries such as MICA, MCYS and PMO?

you will almost definitely be behind those with higher qualifications and scholarships. That's how the civil service works. Unless you suddenly show a great aptitude at work and your bosses like you, you might go far. Else for most normal grads, your ceiling is MX10.

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 :)

Actually Shaz, whats a type position for a typical MX10 officer? AD?

Curious because I am weighing up positions from a local MNC affiliated to gov and some positions in ministries.

Non-scholar. 2nd upper fass deg.

MX10 for my Ministry is Asst Director.

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

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.

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.

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 :)

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.

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?

i spent 2 years at mx13
now seems like a lot of people start at mx12

Sorry that I only read this almost 10 years later. You sir/mdm had given a very useful and objective piece of advice! Thank you for sharing, luv!

do u start at mx12 if u have a masters?