I too have heard of this. This is one of the greatest traps when pursuing postgraduate education. Just because you have a PhD or a Masters degree doesn't bump your salary up significantly. In fact, based on what I've seen, increments because of added qualifications look more like annual increments - only a few hundred dollars at the most. Possibly in the 100s or 200s only.

As the above poster mentioned, your pay will only increase significantly if your PhD is needed for the job you're doing. Perhaps in specific research areas. Even then, there may be a hierarchy where having a PhD is the default. It really depends on the job. That's what it comes down to.

ALso, in many cases, it's experience that really bumps your salary up. This is tied in to your job appointment. For example, even if you have PhD in a relevant field, you can't be an Assistant Director or Director (where the big bucks are) if you have only a few years of experience. I guess the Civil Service isn't one to gamble on young talent the same way the private sector does. Unless you're a scholar. But even then, chances are you'd have been put through the wringer for a few intense years before your bumped up.

Finally, with regards to the PhD specifically, there's often a disconnect between your expectations upon attaining one, and the reality of the job market. You'd think that logically, because you couldn;t be more qualified (as far as paper qualifications are concerned), you'll be paid appropriately. You also worked your ass off to get it. The reality is usually quite disappointing.

I don't know how it is in the sciences, but those with humanities or social science PhDs are generally only rewarded for their efforts if they work in a university. Otherwise, it doesnt count for much (as mentioned above). Other than the special title you get in front of your name :)

Are all non-teaching staff in MOE employed under contract?
If so, how long is the contract?
How high is the risk that MOE will not renew the contract?

All govt jobs are offered under 1 yr or 2 yr contract nowadays, if you don't do anything majorly wrong you can expect to be converted to permanent staff after the 1 or 2 years. Govt still a stickler for rules and regulation so just do your job well, be punctual, do OT if you must finish work by deadline, don't complain, don't gossip, don't take more than 5days MC in a year, be very very obedient and you will definitely get there. =)

thanks poverty for your advise.....:)

seriously? there are such unthinking robots working in the 21st century still?

Question about Ministry of National Development - AREA
 

Hi people,

What do you guys think of the career prospects of the following job for a second upper NUS grad? Anyone from or knows someone from Ministry of National Development, or more specifically Authority for Real Estate Agencies (AREA)? Any interesting career-related stories that I should know? Thanks in advance

Summarized excerpts from the job description:

-Responsible for the licensing of real estate agencies, investigating complaints and educating consumers.
-Setting of industry standards, qualifications, training requirements and a dispute resolution process.
-In addition, AREA will also work with an industry-led Accreditation Body to accredit agents individually.


Responsibilities

-Formulating and driving policies to regulate the real estate industry.
-Industry development and public education functions for the regulatory body for the real estate industry.
-A large part of your role would involve the writing of policy papers and reports.

Requirements

- A good university degree with logical and sound analytical abilities
- Have excellent writing and communication skills
- Possess sensitivity to social, economic and political concerns
- Be a team player with an interest in public policy making

Hi, i just want to encourage you. I am not any better. I am a graduate (NUS) with 13 years of experience working in private sector and nw currently getting $3.3k. But present company does have good benefits. Same here, i have been applying for government jobs but does not seem to get it.

Hi,

Care to share with us your Degree in which area? Upper/Hons? Which Government sector have you applied in? what are your job experience ?

Thks.

I have a Science degree and have been doing sales and marketing in education, pharmaceutical raw materials and medical devices industries for the past years. I have applied to MCYS, MOM, MOE (Admin Manager), WDA, Tourism Board and so on. Do you have any advice for me?

How much starting pay should an NUS business graduate (Marketing with second upper) expect to get in the civil service (on average)

I forgot to mention the following: with 2 yrs 4 mths of NS

if you know someone in a government agency, try asking him to recommend you to the right hiring manager. it's win-win, cos he may get a monetary reward for making a referral.

Assuming fresh graduate, 2nd upper for Management Executive Scheme for guys with 2yrs 4mths NS should be around $3.3k for civil servants i.e. ministries only

consequences vertigo
 

You are severely underpaid. Fresh grad females 2nd upper would get ~$2.8k for civil service.
Assuming you are female and considering you have 13 years experience, you would be mid 30s? $3.3k is way below your peers =(

DSO though not in the civil sector, but the salary follows closely to that

For Year 2009, male:
First class hons: 3700
Second upper hons: 3600

how about 2nd lower??? $3500???

I'm actually not any better also.

I'm a 28 yrs old science degree holder(pass with merit). Work for 6 years in the private sector. Currently earning only $3.8k per mth. If include bonuses and AWS, my annual income is about $62k for this yr.

My gross pay seems v little as compared to pple in the civil service.. Saw some posting, there are civil servants who earn $4.5k to $5k after working a few yrs. hmm.. I actually tried applying for civil service job in 2006/2007 and was accepted. However I was given a low starting pay of $2.9k and need to work shifts during weekends and evenings. Basic pay without shift allowance is only $2.5k. Even when I apply for teaching, they only offered me $2.5k. So decided to stay with current job.

Wonder when can i even earn $5k per mth? Seems so far to reach... After looking at this forum, was wondering whether I can try applying for civil service job again.. The pay scale seems much better than before.

Hi all,

I am a fresh NUS degree grad and would like to ask if a starting salary of 2.3k to 2.4k is considered decent for an executive position in a public hospital?

Thx!

Admin Officer in poly
 

Hi,

anyone has relevant experience to share on the above ? Such as the goods and bads regarding the job...Thank you!

Due to the nature of its work that has a highly positve correlation w/ academial performance, DSO typically only recruit 2nd upp and abve.

Is the life of a civil servant very stressful?

Incidentally, does anyone know the job scope of a HASE?

I am 35 yr old this yr, i join the civil service 12 yr back, and left the service 2 yrs back when i was drawing 3.2k. Currently i am drawing a salary of 15k per month excluding bonus, if the company is doing well, i can get extra 3 to 5k per month so it will add up to 20k per per month or 240k per annual. What i want to say here is that no risk no gain,if you want higher pay scale,stay in big condo and drive a flashy car, go for private sector.Civil sector is for ppl who just want a iron rice bowl. Bear in mind,only company that is making big money will pay you gd pay.

u poly or degree? why after like 10 years still 3.2k

How much are teachers in sec and jc paid?
 

Just state your monthly salary and years of teaching.

SAF Military Officers
 

Please State your Rank, Yrs in service, Education Level, Salary

THANKS!!!!

senior tech, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Poly Diploma, SGD3000 a month after working for 7 years in service in Tengah Airbase

$7800
16 years teaching

Admin Officer in polytechnics
 

Hi,

Anyone out there hv experience to share on the life of an admin officer in polytechnics ? Thanks!

i am only getting 3000 after 12 years from uni. should i jump boat ? i feel very frustrated seeing people around me younger than me earning 5 figures a month!

me too....only earning 2200 as a grass cutter supervisor after 16 years from uni with a biology begree....sho moddy

lulu, y don't u try other industries such as HSA or pharmaceuticals ? its discouraging isn't it, have u thought of changing jobs?

anyone knows the salary range in uniformed sectors (i.e. SPF,SAF,ICA)?

Second class lower will start at what salary?

Pay in a stat board
 

Hi,

Anyone know of the pay for a second lower, non-ns in a stat board?

My background:
2nd upper EEE from NTU, not a scholar, graduate in year2000

Year 2000 ($2500mthly gross) to 2007 ($3500 mthly gross) - Private sector
Job satisfaction : Ok, got sense of achievment in term of project work and outcome

Now - 38 year old .

Stat board : Airport
Starting pay was $3.7K in 2007
Now $4.7K gross monthly salary (doesnt include the bonuses).
Average performer: Every year default C grade (1.5mth PB)
Employment: 2years + 3 years contract (Not even perm)
Job satisfaction : Lousy, alot of backstabbing, non-ethical because of PB. Bosses just want to protect own backside. Different team within division will try to push responsiblity to the others when things happen. Job is more focus on writting "beautiful" essay (may be non-ethical and does not reflect the actual situation) to get extra funding and pushing responsibility to other party. The main objective/ motto is : As long as the ball is not in my court, it none of my business. If something happen, pass the hot potato to someone else.

Forgot to add:
PB for DIV 1 officer in stat board (Airport)

Garde D/E: 0 mth (Prepare to leave, :( due to stepping on tails of bosses)
Grade C : 1.5mth (Default for non-scholar)
Grade C+ : 2mths (Default for non-scholar who send emails middle of the night, pretend to be working)
Grade B : 2.5 mths (Default Scholar grade)
Grade B+ : 3 mths (Default for scholar who send emails middle of the night, pretend to be working)
Grade A : 4mths (V Rare - need to write sexy report by immediate supervisor to justify)

PB for DIV II officer (Non-grad) in stat board (Airport)

Garde D/E: 0 mth (Prepare to leave, due to stepping on boss's tails)
Grade C : 0.75mth
Grade C+ : 0.85 mths
Grade B : 1 mths
Grade B+ : 1.25 mths
Grade A : 1.5 mths

thank you for the insight, i almost apply the stat board that you are mentioning. I am no better, i am working in this type of environment everyday (government sector also), as long as i don't die, other people die nevermind. and also carry the right ASSES.

Hi,

I read some of the posts here and i am really puzzled.
It seems that some are very poor paid even after university degree.

I have some questions and hope those who did post here can clarify so i can understand why the situation is so.

1. Was your university degree from singapore or overseas ? And what was your specialisation ?
2. Was your first degree obtained through a full time study or part time study ?
3. Are you a singaporean or PR or foreigner ?
4. Are there any unique points in your situation ? Physical abilities restriction ? etc

I would not make personal comments and i am seriously trying to understand the situation as to if the problem lies with employers mindsets or is there just lack of opportunities in the area of specialisation ?

Eg from the post below after 12 years from uni and only earning 3000 is prevalent, then it is really a worrying problem.

When you say "Airport" do you mean Changi Airport or CAAS? I thought that Changi has already been "privatised" so Changi Airport employees no longer consider civil servant?

But either way your description sounds bad ... was thinking of jumping ship from another stat board and applying there because its very close to my house.

lazyplane,unregistered who work at statboard (airport) and other unregistered readers.

Local University
Full Time Singapore
No Unique points at all.

the person has described at the statboard (airport) is happening in my company (government) as well