Structured Programme VS Direct Hire
 

I am from local uni and going to graduate in Dec 2016. (i am from poly route)

all structured programme (GAP, MAP) take in batches only on July yearly. So I could not join any of the programme at all. Just now a HR of one of the programme i apply called and he say he cant proceed with my application cause i graduate in Dec and will forward to another recruiter that do direct hire.

So i wanna ask what the differences between structure programme and direct hire for fresh grad? which one is better?

thank you!

Structured programs such as Management Trainee and Future Leaders usually promised you a fast tracked career in that company and you will usually get to have international exposure in these programs. Therefore, the prospect is there.

I would say always aim to join the management programs if you have the option. They are of course, very competitive. However, if they could offer you a direct hire position, why not? The job market is tough right now.

We can have 200 candidates applied for a single structured programs and eventually filtered of to less than 10 pax to go for their assessment center. Eventually only 2 of them got selected. Do the math, the percentage is low unless you are confident that you can really shine.

Care to share which program did u apply?

what the diff between these 2?

in term of pay..
in term of promotion.. (guess structure programme is better imo)

disadvantage of graduate in dec :(

Care to share which company/program did u apply for?

IF you read, I mentioned fast tracked above..

Just start looking for normal jobs regardless of structured or not. Got a good enough offer just accept regardless of program or not.

You shouldn’t be wasting time hanging around for 6-8 months just to apply for “structured programs”. Chances are not high statistically anyway, ~ 2-3 openings for every 500 applicants, especially those prestigious MNCs. You don’t want to fall into the vicious cycle of being unemployed too long which damages the CV and invites questions which further makes it difficult to get a job and prolongs unemployment.

As you don’t seem to know much, I presume you are not one of those with strong internships and insider network which makes it even harder for you to get in. Cold application for MAP is possible, but it does put you in a disadvantage compared to those with an insider sponsor.

Try and see if you can secure a few solid normal offers from big MNCs easily. If you cannot even get a few of them within a short time, chances are you aren’t going to fly when applying for a MAP.

currently im intern at a Oil&gas MNC.. i just scared that they dont open a entry-level position for a graduate.. so i am finding a backup plan..

and im not so stupid to wait for 6mth to get into structured programme..
and yes, i dont have insider connection. im just trying my luck only..

wonder if the pay wise for direct hire varies?

anyway i apply the DBS GAP...

Just start looking for normal jobs regardless of structured or not. Got a good enough offer just accept regardless of program or not.

You shouldn’t be wasting time hanging around for 6-8 months just to apply for “structured programs”. Chances are not high statistically anyway, ~ 2-3 openings for every 500 applicants, especially those prestigious MNCs. You don’t want to fall into the vicious cycle of being unemployed too long which damages the CV and invites questions which further makes it difficult to get a job and prolongs unemployment.

As you don’t seem to know much, I presume you are not one of those with strong internships and insider network which makes it even harder for you to get in. Cold application for MAP is possible, but it does put you in a disadvantage compared to those with an insider sponsor.

Try and see if you can secure a few solid normal offers from big MNCs easily. If you cannot even get a few of them within a short time, chances are you aren’t going to fly when applying for a MAP.

which co.? exxon, shell, bp or chevron? what is your interest and profession of study? how come suddenly from o&g side to banking? if u already have strong internship i dun see the pt of going for a local co.

cos im worry they dont have a entry-level job by the time i graduate lor..

im study IT.

aiya just wait till u graduate then apply whatever comes along lar. so early kancheong also no use, u apply when the program not open they just thank u for ur interest and say will keep ur cv in mind (i.e. into thrash bin)

I was accepted into a prestigious structured program for an MNC.

I don't understand why you think that graduating in December means that you're not entitled to apply or be a part of these programs. I graduated in December along with a number of my batch mates who got into investment banking, trading, the list goes on. Some of them also start in July, others slightly earlier.

The long story short is this - If you are good, and if you have applied before the application deadline, graduating in December doesn't disadvantage you from any MAP or structured grad program application.

so which structure programme accept dec intake?

so far from what i know all intake only in july per year..

They start mostly in July but you can wait out the 6 months doing whatever other work you might be interested in.

Truth hurts, but what the above poster mentioned is right.

Some employers will even allow you to start working in the company early (in other positions) till your MA/grad programme starts in July.

Hi TS, just sharing with you some of my thoughts here, I was a Dec graduate who entered a program in July. Before that I did part time jobs.

The key decisions lies in what are your current priorities now - What is the kind of career you want? Are you urgently in need to repay your tuition loan?

Programs - For your graduating cycle, there are some programs which you can apply in Sem 1 and get the offer by Nov/Dec. Programs are highly sought after because of them being packaged well with promise of rotations and fast track. Well in many cases this can be true, do not be disillusioned that you will have an "easy life" being in a program. If you are complacent and do not perform as well, chances are your career will progress like a direct hire. Do not blindly rush into a program just because of its prestige, consider clearly what you want to do. As another previous poster has mentioned, it is indeed not statistically favorable on how many people get into programs.

Direct hire - If you are unable to tank the living costs for six months of unemployment (should you get into a program), then perhaps direct hire should be your consideration. You can always start work first, if you decide that a program is truly what you want, you can apply to a program later. Many programs allow fresh grads with less than two years working experience to enter.

You mentioned that you are interning at an oil/gas MNC, why not take the chance to speak to your colleagues/HR and find out hows their typical hiring process like? Ask for a recommendation letter from your supervisor before you leave, and establish contacts with your colleagues.

Moving forward to the current and future sems before you graduate, attend career talks for companies/roles you think you might be interested in, no harm going to listen and networking with the people from the company. Even if you're alone. Should it be possible, reach out to your career officer for advice too. Look at the opportunities and carefully consider what are your priorities.

Wishing you all the best!