Which course to choose for Poly?

[Millicent]

My child enjoys and does well in A Math, E Math, Biology, Chemistry & Combined Humanities (scores A1s & A2s) but is weak in English and Chinese (scores between B4 & C6). Has a cheerful disposition, good leadership skills and enjoys helping people. Aspire to go to a local university after poly. Can anyone please share your thoughts which poly courses in SP, Ngee Ann and Nanyang Poly are suitable for my child? Many thanks.

[meinteel]

Millicent:

My child enjoys and does well in A Math, E Math, Biology, Chemistry & Combined Humanities (scores A1s & A2s) but is weak in English and Chinese (scores between B4 & C6). Has a cheerful disposition, good leadership skills and enjoys helping people. Aspire to go to a local university after poly. Can anyone please share your thoughts which poly courses in SP, Ngee Ann and Nanyang Poly are suitable for my child? Many thanks.

Start of with asking your child his area of interests. Business/Engineering/IT/Science etc. Do take note that for diploma holders, chances of going local uni is quite slim. He needs to get about 3.8 (perfect score is 4) for business courses and 3.5 for almost all other courses.

Accountancy has much to offer and holds long term prospects though the first 3-5 years will be very tough going. There is always a demand for account graduates locally and overseas (Aust/New Zealand/UK).

Marinetime/Aerospace Management/Engineering. Marinetime has always remained strong in SG. Aerospace has been on the rise and a major aerospace hub is being constructed at Seletar now. Huge increase in demand for skilled labour in this sector is expected for the next few years.

[Millicent]

Thanks meinteel for the sharing.

[lobo]

It’s gone viral: Minister Khaw Boon Wan seems to discourage having "too many" Singaporeans getting a degree. He doesn’t want 100% of degree holders in Singapore, otherwise who are going to do the jobs which do not require a degree ? He was quoted by various forums and The New Paper as saying what is the point of having it when "you can’t eat it ?.."

Satirical, ironic or simply realistic ?

[meinteel]

Simply realistic. Not everyone is suitable for academics, so why should everyone be getting a degree?


It’s good to have more university places but the government must ensure that these universities continue to be ranked top 100 globally. Otherwise there is little point in it for anyone to be doing a degree in that university.

I believe some of you have maids with degrees and master degree - my aunt do too. I also have penpal from Malaysia with degrees and master degree, they can’t find work in Malaysia. Even if they did, they would earn much more working as a retail assistant (no qualifications needed) in Singapore than a job requiring that degree in their homeland.

Have more university places? Yes. Allow all? No. Only accept the cream of the crop - just as any decent universities would. This way, even if there are not enough jobs locally, Our children’s qualification would still be highly valued at whichever country they move to.

[superduper]

I agree that the Polytechnic Diploma is very well received by employers in Singapore.

[alphakim]

Seemed that even you have a degree, it does not guarantee you a well paid job… Hmm…


Here is my personal comment.

The truth is qualification is partially important. More importantly is that your experience on the field. As working adult like me, I have Diploma, Adv Diploma (Polytechnic) and Degree (Overseas).

Even I went to interview for a few times, employers are only interested to know how well your knowledge/ability in your own field and what you can contribute to your future companies.

For example, if you are in the sales profession. The first question employer will ask is your networking. Academic qualification will be the next priority. I remember one employer told me that they did not really consider whether I have a degree or not as long as I can perform.

However, of course, for specialize job like accountant and etc, a degree is encouraged to allow you to move up the corporate ladder.

Therefore I believe it is all depended on individual’s goal.