Really that bad for engineers?

Do NOT do engineering.
Finance is the way.
I hope that's clear enough.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Do NOT do engineering.
Finance is the way.
I hope that's clear enough.

Finance is generally better paying, but is it only for the top few performers? And with so many people trying to get in, wouldn't it be very competitive and thus push down the wages? Hope someone with experience can care to comment

Originally Posted by Going to ORD

Same here. Got a low gpa: 2.39 ecc engg dip. Nowhere to go, so go into engg course. Suck in almost everything, html, c++, autocad, object-oriented etc. Though i don't like engg, but I'm still willing to learn, what are the chances i will still be hired as an Engineer? Or what other jobs to try getting in to earn starting pay between $1.7k - $1.8k?

Why not you try the marine industry?i graduated with Diploma in Mechatronics(TP) and got into a Marine company straight after my NS at 1.7k...My GPA was worst than you, i got only 2.07 and after 3 years of hard work, my basic raise to 3.0k....i was located overseas after 8 months of work and currently still overseas now.....the overseas incentives looks attractive at 2 X my salary....

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Finance is generally better paying, but is it only for the top few performers? And with so many people trying to get in, wouldn't it be very competitive and thus push down the wages? Hope someone with experience can care to comment

first, you must look at the kind of industry. singapore is a financial hub, which means there will always be funds streaming in, and banks will always require more bankers and such.

After the recent layouts during the recession, our economy is doing upwards now, and banks are expanding everywhere, hiring spree will become more intense in the months to come. they're already allocating office spaces for more hires.

dun believe go to jobs website can have a look. even bank's job websites are filled with openings. take a look at IT job openings too - they're mainly for support roles. how to progress if you're forever in a support role?

Some engineering jobs can pay a lot: typically MNCs.

There's a manufacturing lead engineer at GSK who drives a BMW sports car.
Shell and exxonmobil also pay well.
Keppel bonus for last yr is abt 7 mths to 12 mths.

The right company in the right industry can give quite high pay for engineers although the best performer in engineering probably cannnot match the best performer in investment banking or trading.

You need to move up the corporate ladder to get big jumps in pay unlike IB where the bonus is more than enough without any promotions.

I'm 32, Mech Grad from UK with Masters, with 7 yrs working exp now.
Currently drawing SGD 10k per month, compared to starting at SGD 2.7k per month many years ago. i find being in Technical Education increase my advantage against others, thus i rise quickly and change from Engineering to Project Sales now. Thus, no harm which field you study, you just have to be good at your specialties.

Can anyone shed some light on the more lucrative career paths in finance and banking, apart from investment banking (as it is too hard to get in)?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Can anyone shed some light on the more lucrative career paths in finance and banking, apart from investment banking (as it is too hard to get in)?

Call centre manager can make 10k or more.

totally rubbish that Engineer cannot command a good salary. I am in my 3rd year in Infineon as a software Engineer and i am having a comfortable 7k/month. If you are earning only 2 -3k+ then you should check yourself if you are lacking in skills tbh.
I have seen alot of untalented, bad engineers in my field of work and I am not surprised that Engineers on the whole are not well paid in SG. Even the first class honours graduates sometimes look like retarded when it comes to work.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

totally rubbish that Engineer cannot command a good salary. I am in my 3rd year in Infineon as a software Engineer and i am having a comfortable 7k/month. If you are earning only 2 -3k+ then you should check yourself if you are lacking in skills tbh.
I have seen alot of untalented, bad engineers in my field of work and I am not surprised that Engineers on the whole are not well paid in SG. Even the first class honours graduates sometimes look like retarded when it comes to work.

What is your age?
When you grad from university?

If you are a fresh grad 3 years ago, and after 3 years as of now you are earning 7k/month???
How can that be?
Even those in the oil and gas industry may not be able to hit this salary after 3 years from fresh grad. As an engineer.

Only those investment banking people in may hit this range 7k per month after 3 years.

I am also an engineer, just over 3 years of experience from fresh grad getting around 3.5k only.