Burning Question on Fresh Grad Salary

dun see the pt of studying a language degree if u intend to do life science. might as well just spend the 4 years to gain exp & network in the industry for future career move.

[Dufresne]

I guess people here have not seen Chinese grads in banking, management consulting industries before. Oh well.

[aliciaheartsfti]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Are you a freshie just joined NTU few months ago in 2017? If yes, maybe it's time to reconsider your options if you have no interest in academia or teaching work.

I'm not from NTU Chinese studies , but I assume most undergrads would have had at least intern or part time work experience. I'm very surprised that "people around you" would actually think they have good prospects in getting degree type of 3k+ pay outside teaching in the private sector, much less a specialized industry like life science.

When I was in FASS in NUS studying economics, psychology and sociology etc. many of my peers including myself already knew our most important shot was getting either a public sector research role or teaching. If we don't get selected then already resigned to competing for scraps in jobs like sales, admin, operations, marketing, event organization etc.

I would imagine Chinese studies to be even much worse in terms of market value and your faculty/class seem to have people who are so detached from the job market that they actually think they will get into technical degree job on the same pay!?!?

Yes I am still a freshie, and yes, I am reconsidering my options, that's why I'm asking around to clear my doubts first before I make the next move.

I do have intern and part-time job experiences, but no actual full-time job experience yet. The people around me have been telling me that "as long as you have a degree, you'll get a deg pay no matter what job it is", which is also why I was pressured to go uni, and ended up taking Chinese Studies as I couldn't get into others. But thanks to you guys, I know now that it's a misconception.

There are chinese grads who've gone into banking, translating, media work, etc, so it's not just teaching. But of course, my interest lies somewhere else.

Originally Posted by aliciaheartsfti

Yes I am still a freshie, and yes, I am reconsidering my options, that's why I'm asking around to clear my doubts first before I make the next move.

I do have intern and part-time job experiences, but no actual full-time job experience yet. The people around me have been telling me that "as long as you have a degree, you'll get a deg pay no matter what job it is", which is also why I was pressured to go uni, and ended up taking Chinese Studies as I couldn't get into others. But thanks to you guys, I know now that it's a misconception.

There are chinese grads who've gone into banking, translating, media work, etc, so it's not just teaching. But of course, my interest lies somewhere else.

Yea luckily you are still early and can change course if needed. As for your friends' misconception that "as long as you have a degree, you'll get a deg pay no matter what job it is" I can quite categorically tell you that's BS unless we are talking about civil service. If so easy just whack any sub standard degree why would anyone bother to score straight As to get into top faculties like NUS/SMU business, Law, Chemical Engineering, CompSci etc.?

But I think you should be aware that although they will never admit officially, a Chinese degree is not as competitive in civil service world compared to the popular ones like Engineering, Science, Business etc. Heck I think even my Arts bachelor is looked upon better. Good thing is if can get in they will still offer you degree pay.

As for niche work like translating for banks, media, PR firms etc. I agree that there are such openings. The problem is 1) Jobs too little compared to people who can do 2) Lots of PRC/Malaysian willing to take up 3) Very very boring and limited progression unless you have interest. Teaching/tuition remains the most likely road.

Now that I know you were simply pressured to take up a course that has limited market value in which you are not even interested, then TBH really no point. Might as well use the 4 years to gain industry knowledge and experience, find a good company and promote within. If paper degree is really needed for promotion, can always buy one from SIM further down the road.

Originally Posted by aliciaheartsfti

Yes I am still a freshie, and yes, I am reconsidering my options, that's why I'm asking around to clear my doubts first before I make the next move.

I do have intern and part-time job experiences, but no actual full-time job experience yet. The people around me have been telling me that "as long as you have a degree, you'll get a deg pay no matter what job it is", which is also why I was pressured to go uni, and ended up taking Chinese Studies as I couldn't get into others. But thanks to you guys, I know now that it's a misconception.

There are chinese grads who've gone into banking, translating, media work, etc, so it's not just teaching. But of course, my interest lies somewhere else.

Let me ask you a question. What advantage do you have as a Chinese Studies grad versus someone born and bred in China? None!

You are in NTU. Just look around you and you see hordes of China people who by default are superior to you, in translating, in Channel 8 media, in Wanbao.

The people around you either have vested interests (they are all in Chinese Studies or FASS), or are the elderly generation who still live in an era where degree holders are very few in number and highly regarded.

Based on your scores, you might be able to get into an SIT science program. Have you tried applying?

[aliciaheartsfti]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Let me ask you a question. What advantage do you have as a Chinese Studies grad versus someone born and bred in China? None!

You are in NTU. Just look around you and you see hordes of China people who by default are superior to you, in translating, in Channel 8 media, in Wanbao.

The people around you either have vested interests (they are all in Chinese Studies or FASS), or are the elderly generation who still live in an era where degree holders are very few in number and highly regarded.

Based on your scores, you might be able to get into an SIT science program. Have you tried applying?

Yeah, you're right. The people around me are relatives and parents, who are still very much old fashioned.

My score is 0.2 lower than the Chinese Studies cut off point, so technically I barely managed to get into NTU. And yes I did apply to science related courses in SIT like the allied health courses, but was rejected without an interview. I think my choices now are either to join workforce first and save up for private uni if needed or just work. Thanks for the enlightment.

Originally Posted by aliciaheartsfti

Yeah, you're right. The people around me are relatives and parents, who are still very much old fashioned.

My score is 0.2 lower than the Chinese Studies cut off point, so technically I barely managed to get into NTU. And yes I did apply to science related courses in SIT like the allied health courses, but was rejected without an interview. I think my choices now are either to join workforce first and save up for private uni if needed or just work. Thanks for the enlightment.

One option i think is good for you is this the skills future earn and learn scheme : ://.skillsfuture.sg/earnandlearn

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

Individuals

You will be matched with a job related to your discipline of study and undergo a 12- to 18-month structured training programme, depending on the sector and job requirements. The programme includes facilitated learning, on-the-job training and work-based projects, to allow you to deepen your skill sets at the workplace. Articulation pathways into degree programmes are also available in selected sectors. Graduates from selected SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes can be considered for advanced standing or credit exemption for the relevant degree programmes, subject to meeting the course entry requirements. Assigned mentors at the company will guide you and provide support in your continual skills development. You will also enjoy a well-structured career progression pathway, in line with the company’s talent development plan. At the end of the programme, you will receive an industry-recognised certification and potential wage progression or career advancement based on performance.

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One way to increase your chances to change course is to get good grades for the 1st semester, good luck for your exams