CNA Article - The Big Read: Fuelled partly by youths' anxiety, the internship rat race has unintended effects
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doodbug\" post_id=\"2135213\" time=\"1718768298\" user_id=\"13281:
I suppose my kids have experienced less of this as we lived so many years overseas, and we parents have always been \"different\". They also have always been different from those around them, whether overseas or locally, and one child has learning needs as well, which makes her doubly different! We've always helped them to ask themselves what they really want and can handle, and not blindly follow the crowd. And for one of them, even if she could have handled more, we advised her to seek balance in choosing activities, and to reserve enough time for rest and leisure. We also told them to close their ears to the constant Singapore admonishments to work as hard as possible, aim as high as possible, be better than everyone else...
certainly agree. going overseas doesn't free anyone from the rat race - if for nothing, one sees more clearly what global competition means. But it also opens new perspectives and clarity on the choices one makes. it's sometimes hard to see beyond the SG perspective while in SG. I also think many develop a greater appreciation for SG after they have been out for a while, heh.
I guess many of us are curiously watching and wondering how much our kids will be sucked into the rat race culture at the university / working stage of life. Most of us are already familiar with what the picture is at the schooling level. -
doodbug\" post_id=\"2135201\" time=\"1718764059\" user_id=\"13281:
They are not quite the same. For part time jobs you can suka suka apply any job eg FnB or retail to maximise income. For internships you hv to be very very selective to ensure it pads your portfolio the right way.
I guess instead of a part time job, it is now in the form of internships. -
Imp75\" post_id=\"2135216\" time=\"1718775737\" user_id=\"2358:
You can often \"spin\" the value of a job, even if it doesn't directly point to a specific type of career. Creative thinking!
They are not quite the same. For part time jobs you can suka suka apply any job eg FnB or retail to maximise income. For internships you hv to be very very selective to ensure it pads your portfolio the right way. -
slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2135217\" time=\"1718776153\" user_id=\"28674:
True!!!! Needs a certain type of profile to be able to spin any kind of stories and not all types of jobs can be easily spun over.
You can often \"spin\" the value of a job, even if it doesn't directly point to a specific type of career. Creative thinking! -
I asked a friend from Temasek/GIC why undergrads nowadays fight head over heels for good internships. He said that’s because many of them may get a job offer before they graduate if they perform well during the internship. So I guess I would rather my kid get 2 good internships than to do 10 random ones!!
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Imp75\" post_id=\"2135198\" time=\"1718762812\" user_id=\"2358:
Oh dear, if indeed students need to spend 70% of their time and energy on CCAs and portfolio building, this is indeed scary and very sad for them!!
Actually last time I thought once we are out of the SG pri/sec/jc education, it will then be a shake leg experience in university as the modules are usually well spread out and even got time for part time job. I got a culture shock when my daughter seemed more busy than ever. I asked her what was she busy with. She says studies only take 30%, the rest are CCAs, leadership, case comps etc, no time to even study not to mention part time work etc. All these to build up portfolio to garner that first internship or networking opportunities.
So scary right……seems like no end is in sight until retirement or burnt out. This generation kids quite poor thing.
I agree that during our time, studying in the Uni was not as stressful as today. Some already have problems coping with uni curriculum/exams, how to squeeze out more time for other non-academic stuff? Poor thing.
And without me telling my DD1, she already knows the importance of getting 1st Class or 2nd Upper. And to them, getting a 2nd Lower means they are quite “gone”. Very sad world view -
Maybe the kids think, to get a good / choice internship, they need to start with other internships if they don’t already have a strong portfolio?
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doodbug\" post_id=\"2135231\" time=\"1718783685\" user_id=\"13281:
Some use psychometric tests to screen first:
Maybe the kids think, to get a good / choice internship, they need to start with other internships if they don't already have a strong portfolio?
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/logic-puzzles-behavioural-tests-applying-for-internships-gets-more-complex-amid-competition -
lee_yl\" post_id=\"2135230\" time=\"1718783656\" user_id=\"17023:
I don't know what your DD has encountered. Every year, there are fresh graduate joining my company, just last week two fresh graduate joined my department. Not everyone are 1st or 2nd Upper degree. Our HR and bosses chosen them - are largely depend on their performance during interview. Once they joined us, no one will care whether they are 1st or 2ne degree. We only concern whether they are willing to learn, willing to work hard and how to handle their interpersonal relationship (operate with others) in our office.
Oh dear, if indeed students need to spend 70% of their time and energy on CCAs and portfolio building, this is indeed scary and very sad for them!!
I agree that during our time, studying in the Uni was not as stressful as today. Some already have problems coping with uni curriculum/exams, how to squeeze out more time for other non-academic stuff? Poor thing.
And without me telling my DD1, she already knows the importance of getting 1st Class or 2nd Upper. And to them, getting a 2nd Lower means they are quite “gone”. Very sad world view
My DS is not 1st or 2nd Upper degree, still can get good jobs and relatively good pay - at lease sufficient for getting marriage and a BTO HDB house. -
lee_yl\" post_id=\"2135230\" time=\"1718783656\" user_id=\"17023:
Yes quite sad. Forgot to say….besides only spending 30% in curriculum, yet they expect perfect gpa! Machiam like superman!!! I just close both eyes…..
Oh dear, if indeed students need to spend 70% of their time and energy on CCAs and portfolio building, this is indeed scary and very sad for them!!
I agree that during our time, studying in the Uni was not as stressful as today. Some already have problems coping with uni curriculum/exams, how to squeeze out more time for other non-academic stuff? Poor thing.
And without me telling my DD1, she already knows the importance of getting 1st Class or 2nd Upper. And to them, getting a 2nd Lower means they are quite “gone”. Very sad world view