5 Things To Consider Before Pursuing Graduate Studies

While employers highlight the importance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence and resilience, many in-demand jobs require higher education credentials.

I, for one, am looking for ways to better myself. Getting a master’s degree is one option. It has been a dream of mine to get a master’s degree. However, resources were not in my favor. Things changed when the pandemic came. I had the luxury of time as I was mainly working from home. This decision needs to be taken seriously. When deciding whether you must take a master’s degree or not, consider these factors.

#1: THE REASON WHY YOU ARE DETERMINED TO GET A MASTER’S DEGREE

Getting a master’s degree will enable you to follow your passion. It does not necessarily have to be closely associated with your bachelor’s degree. You have the power to carve your path.

Moreover, getting a master’s degree is a way to buy yourself some time. For students who are not sure of their career path, graduate studies may provide a safety net for the next couple of years. This should not be your primary reason. Choose to pursue it, if it would be better for your career. For instance, getting a master’s degree in education will help you to get promoted from your teaching position. It will build a bridge to the next step of your career.

#2: THE TRUE COST OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Be honest when it comes to your financial capabilities. Studying further is not cheap. Ask the registrar or the program adviser of the university you are eyeing on regarding their fees. Know if there are scholarships or other forms of financial aid schemes.

Remember that it is cheaper to complete your master’s degree using online courses. Some courses even provide free resources. There is a plethora of content available, at no cost, to the general public.

#3: THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Ask yourself how hard it is to get a master’s degree compared to your bachelor’s degree. You see, undergraduate programs involve tackling simpler topics. Graduate studies are more structured and complex. The amount of preparation required for the tests and classes is higher than before. You need to study beyond what your lecturers have taught.

#4: THE CHANCES OF SALARY INCREASE

It is no secret that people who have completed higher education are generally paid more money than those who do not. While a 25% increase in earnings is the average increase people see, attending the top MBA programs can boost your salary by as much as 60-150%. Equipping yourself with knowledge can help increase your earning potential.

#5: THE LOCATION OF THE SCHOOL

Given the current situation, you must access whether the location of the school will affect your lifestyle choices. It is difficult to travel and relocate at this time. Most graduate students have families. Thus, it makes relocation a difficult option. Think about the location of the school when searching for master’s degree programs.

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Are you studying overseas or locally? Are there online schooling options? You need to decide on the best location for you.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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How To Train Your Replacement

April 2021 marks my fifth year in the company that I have grown to love. As I explore other possibilities and leave my position as a directress vacant, it is my responsibility to train my replacement. I realized the importance of ensuring that someone else was able to do my job early on. I took the liberty to help my fellow directresses too.

It was not because I had brilliant foresight. Rather, it is due to the fact that I had an unpleasant experience during my turnover process. The person who was supposed to mentor me did not want to leave her post. Her bitterness was evident as she prolonged her exit. Nonetheless, I took it as an opportunity to learn from her. I did not want to make my replacement feel the same thing. Expanding the knowledge of others around you is necessary to keep the business moving forward.

Training your replacement does not have to be difficult or awkward. It just needs to be well-thought-out. Do you still remember the first time you picked up a task that was unfamiliar to you? The rollercoaster of emotions you felt on your first day as the boss is something that your apprentice will go through. You need to guide your replacement through methods or instructions on how to complete the tasks.

Start by providing a list of duties or a training manual. I, for one, have a copy of the Directress Training Manual. It is a comprehensive guide divided into several parts such as handling parents’ concerns. In addition to including the job description and important forms, you need to provide detailed instructions for each task. Allow the person to follow along and ask questions whenever necessary.

You read that right! You need to be prepared to answer questions and clarify instructions. Do not assume that your replacement will be able to absorb everything in a day. They will require both verbal instruction and hands-on experience. If he forgot a step during training, patiently remind him of what he missed.

Demonstrate how the duties are done. Watching you go through the steps will help the person feel the depth of your instructions. Make them feel comfortable by letting them seat down and write down notes. As long as you are still receiving paychecks from the company, you are part of the team.  Stay professional at all times.

Arrive on time and dress accordingly to the company’s policy. Do not make your replacement feel that you do not care because you are leaving soon. Instead, become a positive role model to him or her. Be prepared with today’s agenda and monitor the trainee. Lastly, introduce him to the people in your office.

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Show where your supplies, restrooms, and documents are. Tour him in the office and introduce him to your co-workers. This simple gesture can mean a lot. Let your trainee know what you are expecting to achieve within the day and impart your knowledge on the workplace culture. These details will help him as he adjusts to the new position.

Best of luck!

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Quit Sending These Job Interview Red Flags

The new year beams with career possibilities and job opportunities. As more and more stores have opened, many eager candidates have been given the chance to shine. These candidates bring their best behavior during job interviews. They give answers that the employer wants to hear and attempt to convince him that he or she is the right person for the job.

Knowing which interview red flags to watch out for can help you speed up the process of screening and hiring. You do not want to feel the costs of hiring badly, nor do you want to send the wrong message to an interviewer. Consider these tips.

#1: ARRIVING LATE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Tardiness demonstrates a lack of respect for people and their time. It is the hallmark of unsuccessful people. When a candidate arrives late, he or she gets flustered and apologetic. This type of person can keep meetings from starting, conduct customer visits following their schedules, and constantly say that they will be late for work.

With so many qualified candidates, why would an interviewer hire someone who is late? An employer must not hire someone who is late for the most important meeting of his or her career.

#2: LACK OF COMPANY KNOWLEDGE

Red flags are shinning when you show little to no knowledge about the company’s products or services, customers, and target audience. It is essential for a candidate to research on the company’s background as they prepare for the interview. Start by reading through the pages of the company’s website.

A candidate who has no knowledge about the company shows lack of preparation and interest about the prospective role. You may come across as someone who fits poorly within the company’s values and goals.

#3: LACK OF OWNERSHIP

Another red flag is a candidate who does not admit to any responsibility for his or her past mistakes. It is unpleasant if you blame your co-workers, bosses, and previous company for failed projects and more.

As an interviewer, you must listen carefully to the reasons why someone left his previous job. The right candidate will admit to errors, make thoughtful mistakes, and do their best to repair their problems.

#4: BRAGGING ABOUT OTHER OFFERS

If you want to convey that you are desirable, bragging about your other offers is not a good idea. Arrogance is not an attractive quality. However, mentioning about other offers may not always be a red flag. At the later stages of your job application, it is alright to be transparent when it comes to your other offers. You can say something like this:

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“I am very interested in the position you have offered me. Please let me know the timing and details for the next step, because I am also evaluating another offer.”

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

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Useful Employment Support Guides (that you probably didn’t know) on LifeSG App

The coronavirus pandemic has upended the lives of many families and caused a loss of jobs. To help retrenched workers and jobseekers, GovTech collaborated with Workforce Singapore (‘WSG’), e2i, TADM, TAFEP and SkillsFuture Singapore (‘SSG’) to develop new modules on the LifeSG App (rebranded from Moments of Life). These employment support modules take a user-centric approach to show relevant information in a bite-sized manner that is easy to understand for the everyday man on the street. It informs target audience on the assistance and job opportunities available to them. Simply look for these modules under “Discover your next career steps and find support” section under the home page of your LifeSG App.

Here’s a summary of each employment support module that you will find on LifeSG App and how they can be of help.

1. Know Your Retrenchment Benefits and Measures

Workers who have been retrenched or are at-risk of retrenchment may not be aware of the resources available to help them during this difficult period. They may also be unaware of the benefits due to them when faced with an impending retrenchment. Some of the benefits that retrenched workers may be eligible are the following:

  • a notice period,
  • retrenchment benefits,
  • alternatives to retrenchment, and
  • help in finding a new job

As employees, it is critical for us to understand our rights so that we know what precautions to take and what to do if there is a dispute.

2. Support for Your Job Search

The “Support for your job search” module helps retrenched individuals and job seekers to:

  • Find opportunities for new jobs via career fairs, access government support schemes and convert existing skills to make a mid-career switch. These enable the job search process to be more efficient, as well as increase the number of job opportunities that they can access.
  • Access customised advice and forge career plans from career coaches at WSG, e2i etc. These professionals will help you to understand your personality, area of interests as well as strengths and weaknesses. All these are useful to guide you to better understand your career objective in life
  • Explore courses to upskill/reskill to ensure that you are always ready for your next role in this fast-changing world. Armed with the relevant professional certifications, you will be one step closer to landing the job that helps you achieve your career goal.

Do not underestimate the toll that every unsuccessful job application takes on a job seeker’s morale. Therefore, having a well-thought-out strategy advised by the professionals and executing it is half the battle won in your job search.

3. Financial Support for Workers and the Self-Employed

Ever since COVID-19 struck, the Singapore government has been quick to dole out relief measures to provide financial support in an unprecedented manner to ensure that no one is left behind. This specific module is handy in allowing individuals across the different employment categories to browse the various listings of government agency schemes and COVID-19 relief measures:

  • Unemployed (including retrenched) individuals
  • Lower-income individuals
  • Individuals with reduced income
  • Self-employed persons

Here is a case study of how an unemployed individual can tap on the various government agency schemes and COVID-19 relief measures to tide him through this difficult period. Mr Tan is a 40-year-old Singaporean who works in the travel industry. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been placed on involuntary No-Pay leave by his company. He can apply for the COVID-19 Support Grant and receive up to $800 per month for 3 months which would be credited directly into his bank account. In addition, he can receive Job and Training Support by Workforce Singapore (WSG) or The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to help him upskill and reskill. This allows him the option of convert existing skills to make a mid-career switch should he decide to. Understanding the various schemes and grants available to him, he can conveniently apply for them online via the mobile app.

With information organised in a succinct manner, it is easier for them to know what financial schemes they are eligible for, as well as information on the application process. This ensures that those who need financial aid gets them in the shortest possible time so that the disruption to their daily lives is mitigated.

https://articles.life.gov.sg/financial-support-workers-self-employed/

Scan the QR code for more articles on the type of support available for Singaporeans affected by COVID-19.

Download the LifeSG App Today

Government has set aside plenty of help so that Singaporeans can tide through this pandemic and emerge stronger. Download the LifeSG App today to get a firm grasp of this helpful information. Also keep a look out for more features related to providing employment support that will be rolled out in subsequent phases.

https://go.life.gov.sg/XwD9

Discover your next career steps and find support with the Employment Support modules on LifeSG App!

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6 Simple & Legit Ways To Earn Money In Singapore

As we abide to the social distancing protocols and the restrictions brought by the pandemic, many of us began relying on delivery services to get household essentials such as food and grocery. Due to the high demand for delivery services, it has become a lucrative sideline for many locals. If you are not able to drive a vehicle and are looking for ways to make money, you may try these legitimate alternatives.

#1: SELL USED ITEMS ONLINE

You can earn money by selling your used or unused clothes and other items online. Firstly, you may swap your belongings with your friends and loved ones. Secondly, you may offer your repairing services to others. Lastly, you may sell your clothes and other items online. You can sell virtually anything these days. From footwear to figurines as well as bags to plants, you can easily spot an item or two that someone else might want. Try selling these to numerous platforms such as Carousell, Shopee, Lazada, and Etsy.

#2: REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE

Consider making money by saving it. A major category that consumes most of your budget is food. Reduce your food expenses by cutting down your restaurant trips and by budgeting your groceries. An environmentally-conscious group called SG Food Rescue started a movement that aims to reduce food waste. This group rescues “unsellable” and edible food from vegetable and fruit sellers and brings them to charitable organizations. Being a part of the group means being able to consume fruits and vegetables that would otherwise get thrown away because they do not look aesthetically pleasing. It can save you about S$200 per month on groceries.

#3: OFFER TUTORIAL SERVICES

As a tutor, your rate will vary depending on your qualifications. If you have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree at a local university, you will likely enjoy higher rates for subjects such as Maths and English. Students may get the benefit of flexibility when hiring a freelance tutor. You can teach a student at their own pace. Tutoring from home means you can conduct your sessions via Google Meet or Zoom.

#4: TRANSLATE A MESSAGE

It is time to put your mother tongue lessons to good use! Consider translating a document or two for people online. This job can earn you about S$5 to S$100 per assignment. The quicker you clear out the assignments, the more you can earn. Find assignments from freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Gengo, and Upwork. You may be asked to set up a PayPal account to receive your pay.

#5: BECOME AN INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER

Do you enjoy taking selfies and going live on Instagram? If you have a strong following, you can become an influencer. Share your interests with your content and build an audience as you become a paid influencer. You can earn money through ads and through linking back to an online store. You can earn about S$5 to S$150 per post through Partipost. Individual retailers may approach you for promotional posts too. This can range from S$50 to S$100.

#6: CONSIDER DROPSHIPPING

One of the simplest ways to venture into the e-commerce world without investing too much upfront is through dropshipping. Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store does not keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, it transfers the customer’s orders to the manufacturer or wholesaler who then ships the goods directly to the customer. The only downside is the upfront starting fees. However, you can earn more than S$3000 per month with the right strategy.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Making money online does not have to be an unreachable dream. It is feasible to generate income online with the right tools and strategies. Use the above tips as inspiration. Then, feel free to choose which route to take.

Sources: 1 & 2

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