Teenage Passport to Your Future 2015

WHICH

STUDY ROUTE

SHOULD YOU TAKE?

HOW TO SCORE THAT

DREAM INTERNSHIP

PASSPORT FUTURE

BACK -TOSCHOOL GUIDE

TO YOUR

2015

ED’S CUT & STAFF BOX

JAN 2015

Hi everyone, It’s the start of the New Year and it’s time for a new beginning. I’ll start off this section with a piece of advice that I wished someone had given me when I was choosing which school to go to. “Don’t be afraid to chase dreams that are different from your friends.”

Parting can be bittersweet and I’m sure many of you are reluctant to say ‘goodbye’ to your friends from school, and hope to prolong the time you have together by heading to the same polytechnic, junior college or ITE. I can assure you that friendships will transcend time and after many years, some of my closest friends are from my secondary school.

The important thing after your ‘O’s is knowing what you enjoy doing and choosing a path that will lead you to your dreams. Remember that Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Cast your fears away and embrace the unknown, even if it means having different dreams from your friends.

In case you still have no clue on how you should be handling your life after secondary school, we have helpful guides that give you an overview of the choices available to you, how to get the most out of Polytechnic Open House and the various funding options for further education.

On a lighter note, we also have fresh ideas for your back-to-school gear to get you excited over the new academic year. Plus we’ve added a guide for you to look gorgeous without makeup, and helpful hints for you to de-stress when the pressure is on.

We wish you all the best for the future and hope that you have a great year ahead!

PUBLISHER Foo Mei Siah ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT) Kelen Koh OPERATIONS MANAGER Emmeline Lee

EDITORIAL DEPUTY EDITOR Arissa Ha WRITERS Chew Hui Ling Johanna Teo

CONTRIBUTERS Benedict Lau Grace Ling Justin Loh

ART & DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Aris Lai

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Angie Ng

DESIGNER Michelle Lim

ADVERTISING & MARKETING ASST MANAGER (MARKETING, ONLINE & EVENTS) Maggie Mok

SENIOR BUSINESS EXECUTIVE (MARKETING, ONLINE & EVENTS) Loke Pei Ling

BUSINESS EXECUTIVE (MARKETING, ONLINE & EVENTS) Kamille Panlaqui

EXECUTIVE (MARKETING, ONLINE & EVENTS) Aileen Lim

MARKETING EXECUTIVE Lim Chin Yee

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CONTENTS

02

Which Route Should You Take?

14

Raffles College of Higher Education: Cracking Criminal Minds

Unsure of where to go after your secondary school? Here’s an overview of the paths available.

Love watching NCIS? Here’s how you can make solving crimes your career.

Open House Guide

16

04

Make the most out of your visits to the Polytechnic Open Houses!

06

Finance Your Future Education Need funds for your further education?

Here’s where you can find them.

27

Tech Candy Add colours to your life with these vibrant gadgets.

28

The Print-Essentials

Knowledge Universe: Soaring Dreams

These gorgeous stationery will have your classmates jealous!

Find out what made this former cabin crew clip her wings.

30

No Makeup? No Problem!

Look your best even without any makeup!

18

SEED Institute: Sowing the SEEDs of Tomorrow Think early childhood education is a course for girls? Think again!

10

Quiz: Do You Handle Stress Well?

Find out how you fare when you’re under pressure.

12

32

Quiz: What’s Your Hue? Choose your hair colour for the New Year!

34

Ahead Of The Pack

20

How to score that internship and stand out from the rest.

Love to win or hate to lose? How competitive are you really?

Street Talk: School Pride

Quiz: How Competitive Are You?

22

36

What do you love most about your school?

SIM: Gain A Global Perspective

PSB: The Top 7 Myths About Private School…

Getting a well-rounded and holistic education with SIM.

… and why it really isn’t as bad as what they make it out to be.

24

Keep Calm & Carry On Relaxing tips in a jiffy!

26

Gear Up For School Must-get gadgets to increase your productivity!

On Cover: On Benedict Lau: Jacket, $189, Sling bag, $109, Fred Perry, Tee, $89, Shoe, $95, Actually, Pants, $79, Furrmuse On Grace Ling: Top, $209, Fred Perry, Skirt, $29, The Editor’s Market, Necklace, $19.90, New Look, Shoes, $149, New Balance, Bag, $109, Hershel

25

PREP

Which ROUTE Unsure of where to go after your GCE ‘O’ Levels? Here’s a quick guide to

TYPE OF EDUCATION

Polytechnic

Junior College (JC)

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Diploma

GCE ‘A’ Levels

DURATION OF STUDY

3 years

2 years

Polytechnics offer a more hands-on approach to learning, with a focus on practical application in their field of study.

Students are expected to take on internships as part of their curriculum.

The JC system is the most similar to secondary schools where you’ll be taking subjects like Mathematics, Biology and Literature.

You are sure of the field that you would like to pursue and prefer a handson approach on how to apply your knowledge.

You are comfortable with a classroom setting and would like to pursue a university education.

• Practical experiences and hands-on learning

• Student concession fare still applies for JC students

DESCRIPTION

CHOOSE THIS IF...

ADVANTAGES

• Freedom to pursue hobbies and interests outside of school • Wide variety of courses available

DISADVANTAGES

02

• Requires consistency to score well throughout all three years of study for a high GPA score upon graduation

At the end of two years, students will sit for the GCE ‘A’ Levels, which will determine their entry into university.

• Familiar five-day week schedule, similar to secondary school • No pressure to decide on a specialised field of study

• High stress level due to shorter duration of study • Pressure to score well in order to enter university course of your choice

Should You Take? help you decide on your further education. By Arissa Ha

Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

Specialised Education

Distance Learning

Overseas Education

National ITE Certificate (NITEC)

Certificate, Diploma, Degree

Certificate, Diploma, Degree

Certificate, Diploma, Degree

2 years

Varies

Varies

Varies

Students are trained in technical skills such as Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or Product Design. They can choose to undergo a full-time course or traineeship program to obtain their NITEC certification.

Courses offered in these institutions are often very niche, but they provide in-depth knowledge of the skills needed to excel in the industry.

Institutions that offer distance learning allow students to obtain international qualifications locally. This is great for students who would like to experience the education systems in international colleges without the hefty costs incurred when living overseas.

Studying overseas not only offers students a chance to experience a different education system but also a life abroad.

You seek technical skills that would be useful for the workforce and are interested in undergoing apprenticeship or training with industry partners.

You are clear on the career path that you would like to take and are interested in obtaining specialised skills for the industry that you would like to be in.

You want to secure an international certification without having to move overseas.

You would like to acquire your educational qualifications overseas and experience living abroad as well.

• Hands-on learning

• Ability to learn specialised skills for a niche industry

• Multiple intakes a year, which means flexibility in enrollment

• Independent learning

• Sought after by employers

• Cheaper option compared to studying overseas

• Ability to apply skills learnt to working environment upon graduation

• Shorter duration of study, which means you graduate faster

• Takes longer to enter university compared to those who entered JCs or polytechnics

• Specialised study means narrower job prospects • Difficult to switch professions if you change your mind

• Limited exposure to studying overseas despite getting an international qualification • Heavier workload due to shorter study period

It’s good for those who are independent and selfdriven.

• Experience the ability to work overseas during internships • Easier to transition when you decide to stay on and work after graduation

• High cost of living • Requires good selfdiscipline when it comes to both studying and managing expenses

03

PREP

OPEN HOUSE

Guide NYP

NP

Don’t be the lost sheep at the Polytechnic Open House. Here’s how you can get the most out of it.

RP

SP

TP

Know which courses you qualify for, as you wouldn’t want to

waste any of your 12 choices in the Joint Admissions Exercise. There are hundreds of courses across five polytechnics to choose from, so narrow your choices down to the ones you are interested in and make sure that your ‘O’ Level scores meet the minimum requirement. Take your time to choose your courses carefully as you are essentially paving the way for your future.

BEST

Mingle with the

seniors. They will be able to give you updates on the most current course syllabus and a better idea of what to expect when it comes to assignments, projects and learning culture. Plus it won’t hurt to have familiar faces to look for when you need advice on assignments.

Research

on the courses you are interested in. Check out the different classes you have to take and know what the career prospects are for each course.

Examine the course syllabus and find out the grade weightage in terms of project work and examination score. This will help you narrow down your choices depending on whether you are a team player or if you prefer to work solo.

Attend the seminars and workshops during the Open House as they offer insight into the courses and details about career prospects or further education. Some seminars are designed to include parents so that they are able to participate in the decisionmaking process when it comes to their child’s future. If you have any further questions, you can have them answered during the Q&A session or speak to a lecturer.

04

ON HIM Tee, $59, Jacket, $289, Actually, Denim pants, $79, Furrmuse, Shoes, $189, Fred Perry

Compare

the schools. The same course might be offered in different polytechnics so it would be good to consider the course syllabus, school facilities, internship opportunities, CCAs and even travel time when making your choice.

Some polytechnics are well known for certain courses, which potential employers do take into consideration.

Explore

Collect

brochures and handouts. When you are not distracted by the hustle and bustle of the Open House, take a good look through these materials, as they will give you a summary of each course.

They are also great for helping you narrow down your choices to the final 12.

the campus while you are there. Sometimes, pictures just don’t do the school any justice!

Check out the study areas, library and canteen, as these are the places that you would be spending a lot of time in between classes. If the course you are interested in relies heavily on equipment, check if the facilities are relevant and up-to-date with the ones that are currently used in the industry.

Wake up early.

You’ll get to beat the crowd that usually peaks around noon and maximise the time you have in each school. If you want a full Open House experience, it usually takes at least four to six hours. Remember, when you snooze, you lose!

Plan

your route as you might wish to cover more than one Polytechnic Open House in a day. Visit the schools that are close to each other and keep track of the time you spend in each. Make a mental note of the travel time so you know how long it takes to get from home to school the next time.

Participate

in Open House activities. Whether it’s a career exhibition or CCA showcase, take your time to go through each activity so that you can have a good idea of the culture and learning experiences that the school has to offer. Having fun and making new friends who might end up being your classmates seem like a win-win situation to us!

ON HER Checkered dress, $59.90, Pendant and bracelet, $19.90, New Look, Skirt, $35, The Editor’s Market, Heels, stylist’s own.

05

AIC

Soaring

DREAMS Stephanie Chua first started out as a flight attendant, but eventually found her calling in early childhood education.

Here’s how Asian International College (AIC) helped fuel her passion.

“

Journeying with kids and seeing them grow into independent and confident individuals gives me a sense of satisfaction.

A

”

high-flying career in an international airline may be the dream of many, but Stephanie Chua chose to ditch her life above the clouds for a classroom-bound one. Graduating from AIC with a WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (WSQ PDECCE), the 25-year-old is now a preschool teacher at Pat’s Schoolhouse.

Looking back on her mid-career switch, Stephanie states that she doesn’t regret her decision to ground herself. “Being with kids makes me happy,” she shares. “It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I’m making an impact in the lives of these little ones. I look forward to work every day because I enjoy doing what I do.”

To better understand how young minds learn and react, Stephanie enrolled in AIC’s work-study scheme, where she gained theoretical knowledge in the classroom and experienced salaried industrial training at a preschool concurrently. “The scheme was one of the reasons why I decided to change careers. Therefore, I spent a few months doing online research and also spoke to people in the sector.

AIC was recommended to me by a fellow early childhood educator.”

The comprehensive curriculum suited her needs perfectly, with indepth modules equipping her with ample knowledge and hands-on experience in teaching children through play. It also provided her with effective strategies to handle kids well, which all came in handy during her current job. When asked about her greatest achievement in AIC, she revealed it to be her final practicum, which took her around a week to create all the materials for the individual learning corners. “The children spent a long time engaging with the tools and activities I made for them,” she beams. “My supervisor gave me a thumbs-up for my efforts as well!”

Juggling studies, work and personal commitments wasn’t easy, but Stephanie had a game plan. “I recorded all my tasks on a timetable to make sure I work hard and play hard. I also set reminders on my phone for submission deadlines so that everything remained on track. Once I get assignments, I’d immediately start brainstorming to prevent myself from doing any last minute work.” Well, it looks like her hard work paid off after all, because she was the proud recipient of the Merit Award for WSQ PDECCE’s 2014 batch!

Stephanie is hoping to further shape up her academic journey through a Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Diploma in Leadership. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours!

06

E

QUIZ

What Does Your

Are you stressed or chilled out?

STRESS-O-METER Say? 1. When the first day of school comes around: a) You end up tossing and turning all night, worrying about basically everything. b) Guess whose sleeping schedule is off the track from all the late-night shenanigans… but meh. #YOLO c) You stay up to chat with your buds, but know when to cut the call so you can get ample rest. Eight hours of sleep y’all!

5. You have a huge get-together to attend tomorrow. When deciding what to wear, you: a) Think of an outfit the night before so you’ll be prepared. b) Empty your closet and try on every possible outfit before picking out something suitable. c) Throw on the first thing you see on your clothing rack when you wake up.

2. You’re getting ready for bed when you realise you missed out an assignment that’s due the next day. You: a) Lie in bed and work out excuses to tell the teacher. b) Pull an all-nighter because sleep is for the weak. c) Decide to just head to school and wing it before class.

6. Your computer decides to crash on you and the file you’ve been working on is gone. You: a) Hammer the keyboard repeatedly in hopes of a miracle. b) Calmly re-do it. You already know what the content is gonna be anyway. c) Grit your teeth and open the word doc to start over.

3. You’re on your way to a project meeting when your group mate decides to cancel on you at the last minute: a) Nah, it’s cool. There’s always tomorrow! b) Tell her it’s alright. She’ll just have to email you her part when it’s done. c) You get into a tizzy and start fretting about how you have to handle the project alone.

7. You just got into a big fight with your best friend. You: a) Spend hours mulling over the fact that it’s your fault the friendship is now ruined. b) Feel guilty immediately and ring her up to apologise. c) Tell yourself that things will be fine. She just needs time to cool off.

4. What’s a typical day-to-day conversation between you and your friends? a) Lots of fangirl squeals over your favourite band or current crush. b) Long rambles about how bogged down you are by the amount of work. c) A quick complain sesh before getting back to the grind.

8. When someone gives you constructive criticism: a) You say, “Thanks for telling me! I’ll work harder to improve.” b) You say, “Oh okay – by the way, have you heard the new One Direction track?!” c) You think, “Am I really that bad? Does she dislike me?”

Add up your scores!

10

1. A=3 B=1 C=2 5. A=2 B=3 C=1

2. A=2 B=3 C=1 6. A=3 B=1 C=2

3. A=1 B=2 C=3 7. A=3 B=2 C=1

4. A=1 B=3 C=2 8. A=2 B=1 C=3

1-8 COOL AS A CUCUMBER

You’re so chill that nothing ever fazes you! Always ready for the unpredictable, you roll with the punches and handle whatever crazy stuff life manages to throw at you #likeaboss. However, be mindful that your laidback attitude may come across as nonchalant to others. Sort out your priorities!

9-16 BALANCED REALIST

Life can be hectic at times, but you take it in stride and find ways to turn your negative feelings into positive thoughts. While you can’t help but get a little worrisome about the important things, you know not to sweat the small stuff and relax when you have to – and that’s perfectly fine!

17-24 TOTAL STRESS-CASE

Man, you’re a big ball of nerves!

You’re constantly uptight about the tiniest things and that’s not beneficial for you in the long run.

Remember that it may not be all that significant in the grand scheme of things. Have a heart-toheart convo with your besties, talk to a grownup about how you can de-stress, or just soak the stress away in a tub.

PSB ACADEMY

Debunking The

TOP 7 MYTHS About Private Schools It’s easy for private institutions to be pigeonholed by groundless speculations. Ahead, PSB Academy shares the top seven misconceptions and why they’re far from the truth.

MYTH #1

“It’s too expensive, I can’t afford the fees.”

FACT: There’s often a stigma that private schools are only for rich kids.

Although the fees are admittedly more cumbersome, full-time programmes come with financial aids and training grants to help lighten the load of tuition costs.

They also offer education loans with local banks such as Maybank, CIMB and RHB. Likewise, those who prefer to study parttime can opt for funding from Workforce Development Agency. Psst, you can even get up to 95% of subsidy!

12

MYTH #2

“What for? The certificate isn’t even recognised in Singapore…”

FACT: News flash! Not only do they have a good rep in Singapore, most diplomas are also widely acknowledged by some of the top universities in the world! After graduating, you can even gain direct year 2 entry into some of the Bachelor Degree programmes. In addition, recent records have shown an increase in employment of graduates from private universities. So before you rule out private education, look up the accreditation and accolades of the school. You’ll be surprised!

MYTH #3

“But all the private schools look the same to me…”

FACT: At first glance, yes, but you ought to do more than just flipping through pamphlets. Attend the open houses, enquire about recreational clubs and explore the student facilities. Find out what sets it apart – it could be the vibrant campus life, quality of teaching staff, internship opportunities or work-ready aspects. No school is a carbon copy of another, and once you get a sense of the place, you’ll be able to pick out the one that best meets your requirements.

MYTH #4

“Graduate in 12 months? How indepth can it get?”

FACT: Fast-track programmes cover topics quickly so that students have the option of proceeding to postgraduate studies or entering the workforce earlier than their peers. While it’s normal to be doubtful, rest assured that the programmes still maintain equal top-notch academic standards.

MYTH #5

“What if everyone in my class is a slacker?”

(For GCE ‘N’/ ‘O’/ ‘A’ Level/ NITEC HIGHER NITEC HOLDERS)

Get Full-time Diplomas in:

• Business Administration • Business Administration (Accounting & Finance) • Tourism & Hospitality Management • Electrical Engineering Technology • Mechanical Engineering Technology • InfoComm Technology • Life Sciences (Foundation Diploma)

FACT: Students are accepted into the institutes because they want to learn and have the potential to excel. Schools also provide stellar facilities and dedicated educators to ensure success for all students. Some modules are just as challenging as those from local institutions, so you can expect them to put in their best effort. Besides, we all know repeating modules ain’t fun…

MYTH #6

“People choose private schools because they’re rejected by local ones.”

FACT: Private schools may be seen only as a last resort for those who are unable to enter a local university. The prerequisites for enrolling in a private school is just as stringent but students have the added benefit of the small class size, self-paced learning environment and flexible enrollment dates. Most private schools are just as well-resourced as their public counterparts, so don’t be quick to jump to conclusions.

MYTH #7

“Are the lecturers any better than those from public schools?”

FACT: One of the common reasons we hear from students who chose local over private is it tends to offer a better education, which leads us to the topic of teaching quality. Wonderful teachers do exist in private schools, and many of them are backed up with rich academic achievements and teaching experience. Since private institutions are partnered up with overseas universities, they have lecturers that come from other parts of the world as well, which makes up a diverse pool of academic staff.

Head down to PSB Academy at Delta on 17 January from 10am to 4pm for the Diploma Fest 2015.

• Enjoy hands-on engineering, sports & life science laboratory experience • Attend seminars and sharing sessions by alumni and parents • Goodie bag up for grabs • Receive up to S$500 vouchers upon sign-up# • Win a MacBook Air^ worth $1,188 # For successful sign-ups only. Limited to first 15 new sign-ups. Vouchers given only after two weeks of class commencement. Not in conjunction with any other promotion or funding.

Other conditions apply. ^ For successful sign-ups only. Only one winner. Other conditions apply.

13

RAFFLES

CRACKING Criminal Minds

F

If TV shows like CSI or NCIS intrigue you, you might want to consider a career in Criminology. Here’s how Raffles College of Higher Education gave student, Aldo Alberto Conti, a head start into his ideal career.

or Italian national Aldo Alberto Conti, the choice was clear when it came to choosing a college for a degree in psychology.

“I was searching for a college that is wellrecognised and the Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) fitted my criteria,” says Aldo. The availability of the creative practitioners and the study environment were taken into consideration as well, but it was really the shorter study period which solidified his decision to join RCHE for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology, awarded by the University of Chester, United Kingdom.

“Compared to my peers,” explains Aldo, “I can complete my Bachelor of Science in three years instead of four.”

Although Aldo faces difficulty when studying a degree that is not taught in his native tongue, he is quick to adapt by reading English books on his favourite subject – Criminology and

Aldo Albe rto

When asked how his education with RCHE has aided him in his career thus far, Aldo commented that he was able to volunteer with Asian Women’s Welfare Association and Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association through RCHE and help those who are affected by mental disorders or addictions. His industrial attachment has given him valuable experience and helped him apply what he has learnt to real-life situations.

Armed with a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills, Aldo was selected to present his paper at the 28th International Congress of Applied Psychology (ICAP) and he looks forward to embarking on his career after graduating next year.

Con

ti Bachelo (Honours) r of Science awarded in Psychology, Chester, Uby University of nited Kin gdom

14

Forensic Psychology. Along with the help of his creative practitioners, Aldo was able to overcome his challenges and stay on track to his dream job of being a criminologist.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology degree at the Raffles College of Higher Education at Raffles-College.edu.sg

MONEY

FINANCING

Your Further Education Don’t let money problems stifle your progress in life. Arissa Ha lists the financial assistance programs available for your tertiary education.

Types of Financial Assistance: BURSARIES

SCHOLARSHIPS

STUDY LOANS

Bursaries are usually awarded based on the applicant’s financial background and they subsidise part of the tuition fees.

Scholarships usually cover the cost of the entire course and are awarded based on the applicant’s academic excellence.

The applicant may be required to serve a bond upon graduation.

Study loans are very much like bank loans with lower interest rates and variable repayment periods. You will require a guarantor in order to apply for a loan.

Universities NAME OF FINANCIAL SCHEME

16

ELIGIBILITY

BENEFITS

HOW TO APPLY? / MORE INFORMATION

SMU Financial Grant

• Full-time first year undergraduate student who has used all available loan schemes or subsidies • Monthly household per capita income of no more than S$2,400 (Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident) and S$1,200 (foreign students) • Evidence of family financial difficulties

• S$3,600 (tenable for one year of study) • Up to 90% of the tuition fees payable for Singaporean students

Submit application through student portal or email: finasst@smu.edu.sg

NUS Bursary

• Undergraduates who have used all available loan schemes or subsidies • Recipient may not hold any other scholarship/bursary/free aid without prior approval of the Office of Financial Aid

• S$1,050 per year • Offered depending on the assessed level of the applicant’s financial status

Submit application through student portal

NTU Nanyang Scholarship

• Open to all nationalities • Must be enrolled into a full-time undergraduate degree programme • Possess outstanding academic achievements • Excellent co-curricular records • Strong leadership qualities and potential

• Covers tuition fees • Living allowance of S$6,000 and book allowance of S$500 per academic year.

• Accommodation allowance of up to S$2,000 per academic year for residents of NTU hostels.

Applicants are required to submit an admission application before applying for scholarship

Polytechnics NAME OF FINANCIAL SCHEME

ELIGIBILITY

BENEFITS

HOW TO APPLY? / MORE INFORMATION

Ministry of Education Bursary

• For full-time polytechnic students • For Singapore Citizen only • Tier 1: Monthly household per capita income of no more than S$1,200 • Tier 2: Monthly household per capita income of between S$1,201 and S$1,700 • Not in receipt of any scholarship, bursary or study grant for tuition fees

One-time quantum valued at S$750

Email: nyp_registrar_office@nyp.gov.sg

Nanyang Polytechnic Scholarship

• For Singapore Citizen or Permanent Residents only • Obtained net score of ≤10 points (ELR2B2) in the GCE ‘O’ Level • Excellent CCA records • Strong passion in the selected course

• Covers annual tuition fees for up to three years of study.

• Notebook or computer allowance • Bond-free

Submit application through student portal

Temasek Polytechnic Scholarship

• Obtained net score of ≤10 points (ELR2B2) in the GCE ‘O’ Level • Excellent CCA records • Good character and conduct with strong leadership qualities with potential • Not a recipient of any other scholarship or bursary • Not financially sponsored by employers

• Monetary value of S$7,500, up to three years of study or S$2,500 per academic year

Submit application through student portal or contact Student Wellness & Counselling department

Singapore Polytechnic Scholarship

• For Singaporeans or Permanent Residents only • Newly enrolled in a full-time, nonengineering diploma course at SP • Obtained net score of ≤10 points (ELR2B2) in the GCE ‘O’ Level • Excellent CCA records • Strong leadership potential and exemplary character

• Annual sponsorship of $2,500 per year (subject to annual renewal) • One-time notebook or computer subsidy of S$1,000 • Bond-free

Email: ssc@sp.edu.sg

Ngee Ann Polytechnic Scholarship

• For freshmen in the non-engineering courses • For Singapore Citizen and Singapore Permanent Resident students only • Excellent ‘O’ Level results and CCA achievements • Strong leadership qualities

• Covers annual tuition fees • Annual book allowance of S$400 • One-time notebook or computer subsidy of S$1,200

Submit applications online at: www.npalstudent.np.edu.sg

Republic Polytechnic Scholarship

• For Singapore Citizen only • Outstanding academic achievements • Excellent CCA records • Posess strong leadership qualities • Not a recipient of any other scholarship

• Covers tuition fees for up to S$3,000 per year • Bond-free

Email: help-scholarship@rp.edu.sg

17

SEED

Sowing The SEEDs Of Tomorrow Current students of SEED Institute’s WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, Falice Ang and Mikhail Lim, reveal their passion in early childhood sector and tackling the challenges that lay ahead.

What made you interested in a career in early childhood?

Falice: I love children and they have taught me to enjoy the simpler things in life. They offer an interesting perspective and I believe that being an early childhood educator allows you to add meaning to your own life while impacting others.

Mikhail: I’ve always believed that a proper education will lead a child in the right direction, in terms of moral compass and compassion for others. Setting the mindset right starts from a young age, and similarly, children without guidance from a young age tend to be less satisfied later in life as they are not as strongly rooted in principles such as integrity, compassion and care. I wish to play my part, be it as an educator or a curriculum planner, in ensuring that young children from the crucial age range of two to six have their paths set out from the beginning.

What were your considerations when looking for an institution to enroll in?

Falice: Being in this field, passion is the most important factor to consider and it doesn’t have to just come from me. My institution of choice has to be able to project their passion in early childhood education as a positive influence on their students and SEED Institute fits the bill perfectly.

Mikhail: Initially, it was all about the location, lesson timings, as well as the course commencement dates.

Most institutions fulfilled these criteria but I eventually selected SEED Institute as they have the best student support and access to the most respected educators in the Early Childhood Industry.

Why did you decide to enroll in the WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education at SEED Institute?

Falice: I envisioned a career where I could work with children everyday. It also helps that I have

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friends who have graduated from SEED Institute and I saw how much they enjoyed themselves while studying there.

Mikhail: Trust me when I say this, I would rather have started at the Degree undergraduate level since I am an A-level certificate holder. However, in a specialised field like Early Childhood, all past qualifications count for naught and everybody has to start from scratch, whether you are a top banker in a mid-career switch, a housewife or an A-level graduate. This is actually important because it ensures that there is a certain standard in Early Childhood educators in the various kindergartens or childcare centres.

What do you love most about your course?

Falice: I love my lecturers the most! They are humorous, generous and engaging. At the end of each module, we will be hugging the lecturers and not letting them go.

Mikhail: My course mates are really nice and welcoming. I like how my class has camaraderie that you only find in secondary school or junior college classes. It may seem incredulous, but imagine a group of over 30 people, with ages ranging from 17 to 50 all blending into one happy class! I love that everything that I’ve learnt in the course so far can be observed in children around me.

Understanding how kids think and how their minds develop as they grow up has really made me more tolerant of behaviours which I would have found annoying in the past. After all, you can’t blame children for behaving like children, can you?

Do you have any advice for people who are looking to join the course?

Falice: It takes a lot of love and compassion to be in this field of study. Children need and deserve lots of love and I’d advice those who are looking to pursue a career in early childhood care and education to be truly passionate about it.

Mikhail: There has been this social stigma that kindergartens and childcare centres are only for females and that has successfully kept many males away from the industry, even if they have a genuine desire and passion to be part of Early Childhood Education.

Your friends may poke fun at you, or family members may find it a weird choice for a male, but in the years to come, they will be grateful that an awesome individual like yourself have decided to take on the task of grooming their children from a tender young age. It is a thankless job, and many will take you for granted, but you will know in your heart that the children you took under your care will contribute well to society in the future.

QUIZ

How COMPETITIVE Are You?

Love to win? Hate to lose? Find out where you stand on the scale by checking off the statements that apply to you!

Please Tick

1. You feel envious of your peers who do better than you. ........................ (

)

2. You plan out your entire agenda for the day, the night before. ........... (

)

3. You are never satisfied with your grades no matter how well you do. .................................................................................................................. (

)

4. You cannot stand people who cheat their way to the top. .....................(

)

5. You are most likely the team captain in every sport you play. ...............(

)

6. You are never the type to bail out at the last minute. .............................. (

)

7. You already know what to do with your life. .............................................. (

)

8. You are usually the one that leads your project group. .......................... (

)

9. You study a few months in advance before the next test. ..................... (

)

10. Your New Year’s resolutions for 2015 are mostly about achieving specific goals. ............................................................................................... (

)

11. You rarely mess up, but you are pretty hard on yourself when you do. ..................................................................................................................................... ( )

0 – 6 TICKS

12. You get pissed when your friend posts the same photo as you but gets more likes. .............................................................................................. (

)

13. You tend to compare yourself to others. ...................................................(

)

14. Your resume is frequently updated with each milestone you reach. .............................................................................................................. (

)

15. You will never give up your crush for someone else (even if it’s your BFF). ...................................................................................... (

)

16. You are always the first person to arrive for anything. ......................... (

)

17. You try to wriggle yourself into the spotlight in social gatherings. ... (

)

18. You devise an action plan for your assignments and stick to it till everything’s done. ..................................................................................... (

)

Perhaps you’re just shy, but your passive attitude may cause you to be at the losing end of things and let people run over you easily. While you may not be interested in the appeal of winning, stepping up from time to time can prove to be a real motivational booster. For a start, we suggest being your own competitor and learning how to outsmart yourself!

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7 – 12 TICKS

A balanced thinker and tactful player, you know exactly how to get what you want without stepping on any toes in the process.

You’re adept at working your strengths and flaws to your advantage. You understand that a little competition is healthy and because of your cool personality, people love teaming up with you. Kudos for being such a good sport!

13 – 18 TICKS Cutthroat, ambitious and always ahead of the pack, you like to be the best in everything you do. Sure it feels good to be a winner, but be careful not to let the thrill overwhelm you. It can sometimes backfire! Use the victory as a happy fuel to achieve greater things instead. You will feel way better about yourself when you no longer care so much about the outcome.

SIM

Over Ten International Universities,

One Global Campus At SIM Global Education, you will gain a holistic education from our internationally reputed partners, right here in Singapore.

Beyond academics, immerse yourself in our cross-cultural environment and vibrant campus life, so you’re ready for opportunities anywhere. Join the Global Ready generation today.

Here’s what SIM has to offer: • Over 70 student clubs and year-round activities • Student-centric facilities including a performing arts theatre, gymnasium and rooftop tennis courts

Floorball competition during the Singapore University Game (SUniG) 2014 @ SIM’s multi-purpose sports hall.

• Schoolmates from over 40 countries • Bond-free SIM Global Education scholarships

Choose your ideal pathway to a recognised degree

GCE ‘O’ LEVELS Diploma

International Foundation Programme Awarded by University of London

Direct entry to a 3-4 year degree programme

(Accounting / Banking and Finance / International Business / Management Studies)

Overseas exposure ranging from summer courses to global internships and overseas community work.

Awarded by SIM

Awarded by University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Guaranteed entry to a 3-year degree programme

Advanced standing for degree programme

Awarded by University of London

Degree Awarded by partner universities

At SIM’s Financial Training Centre, Banking and Finance students get to immerse in a real-world trading experience.

For more information, visit: www.simge.edu.sg or email: study@sim.edu.sg

PREP

Keep

& CALM Carry On Learn how to be the most maddeningly relaxed person around, even in a stressed up situation! By Johanna Teo

T

oo many deadlines, too little time – let’s face it, everyone gets stressed. But it spells for disaster when it’s crunch time and your mind can’t think straight. We use these tips to chill out real quick, depending on what little time you have.

IF YOU HAVE ONE HOUR

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Talk To Someone

Tickle Your Funny Bone

Meet your pals for a quick gabfest and you’ll be surprised at how much more relaxed you’ll be after. The mere act of sharing your woes is a simple but effective release mechanism for your pent-up frustrations. No time to meet up? Chatting on the phone works too!

What better way to take your mind off your workload than laughing? Watching sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory, Two Broke Girls or even the classic F.R.I.E.N.D.S, will lighten you up in no time. If you don’t have an hour, there are plenty of hilarious vids lying around that will do the trick too. Bazinga!

IF YOU HAVE HALF AN HOUR The Power Of Napping We all know the benefits of power snoozing, but despite debates on the best nap duration, studies have shown that 10 to 20 minutes is ideal for boosting alertness and energy. You’ll wake up feeling more rested, relaxed and productive! Talk about killing three birds with one stone…

Look Towards The Future Build Castles In The Air Meditation is recommended, but we find it easier getting lost in our fantasies than clearing our mind. It could be about your crush or favourite boy band – think happy thoughts and blissfully drift away... for a few minutes at least. Prep a ‘do not disturb’ sign and hang it prominently to alert wouldbe disruptors. #YouHaveBeenWarned

We found that it helps to have a light at the end of the metaphorical tunnel to look towards whenever we’re going through a particularly stressful period.

Whether it’s a sumptuous meal after completing a big project or a fun staycation after your final exams, make sure you have something to look forward to when the going gets tough. It’ll make the process much more bearable.

IF YOU HAVE 15 MINUTES When In Doubt, Get Out

IF YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES

Going for a short walk combines two stress-relievers in one – exercise plus effective unwinding. Relax and focus on your body and your surroundings instead of the hectic situation. You don’t have to go too far, circling the block would be enough to soothe your frayed nerves sufficiently.

Breathe In The Good Stuff Pump It Up Music has been proven to help ease frazzled moods, not only by stimulating brainwaves, but also activating relaxation responses.

Select your favourite feel-good tunes, sit back and relax. We recommend light-hearted ditties like Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ or ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams!

Many are unaware that not only can aromatherapy relax you, but it can also improve productivity, sharpen your mind and even lower blood pressure – all by breathing in the correct scents!

Stress busters include lavender, ylang ylang and sandalwood, while citrus, mint and bergamot bouquets serve as mood energisers. Simply light up scent-infused candles or quickly peel an orange or lemon to get an invigorating citrusy boost!

Good Mood Foods If you are going to eat your feelings, might as well do it the right way.

Instead of overloading on unhealthy sugar and sodium (which will increase sluggishness, btw), make sure your diet is filled with protein and fibre. No time for proper meals? Try munching on a crisp apple, banana, nuts or even dark chocolate. And instead of downing coffee, grab some green tea for your caffeine boost!

The Nerve Of It Feeling tense? Apply pressure to the space between your second and third knuckle (of your pointer and middle finger) to instantly calm, or try gently massaging your ears to hit your pressure points. If that doesn’t help you relax, place your third fingers on the flat end of both sides of your collarbones and press firmly while taking deep breaths.

Now chillax already…

25

TECH

Gear Up For SCHOOL Preppy gadget must-haves to keep you on task in 2015. By Chew Hui Ling Picture Perfect

Capture flawless back-to-school OOTDs with the Sony α6000 ($1,099)! It now comes in a newly launched white edition, which is great for photography enthusiasts who want to look good behind the cameras. Boasting the world’s fastest auto-focus and a 24.3 megapixel sensor, this interchangeable-lens digital camera produces stunning snaps without any trace of ghostly blurs. It’s also a cinch to share photos with friends – just hook up your smartphone with Wi-Fi or Near Field Communication and you’ll be broadcasting your shots online in no time flat!

KEYBOARD NINJA

We love tapping on a touchscreen, but nothing beats a type-tastic keyboard when it comes to jotting down notes fast. Tuck the Logitech Keys-To-Go ($99, compatible with all iPad and iPhone models) into your bag and whip it out to combat lengthy lectures or produce a last-minute 1000-word essay. Made with FabricSkin material, this Bluetooth keyboard shields itself from coffee spills, bread crumbs and accidental drops. In addition, it has a power-packed three-month battery lifespan, and a battery check indicator to alert you when the juice is low.

BACKUP PLAN HANDY HELPER

If you’re dorm-bound and need to pack a lightweight and compact printer, we recommend the Canon PIXMA iP110 ($399).

This wireless inkjet printer offers you the flexibility of churning out assignments on the go, directly from your smart devices. With the PIXMA Cloud Link service, you can easily print from social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Dropbox. It also features the ‘Save Black Ink’ mode to tackle heavy-duty printing and ‘Composite Black’ mode that saves the day when the black ink runs out. Phew!

26

We’ve heard our fair share of horror stories about computers crashing and students losing all their work thereafter, so here’s a solution: Western Digital My Passport Wireless ($299 for 1TB, $399 for 2TB). This portable storage drive not only keeps your schoolwork safe and handy, but also holds up to hundreds of hours of music and movies. Best part?

You can connect eight devices simultaneously and access its contents wherever you are, without the hassle of wires! If you need to share huge files, there’s the option of using a high-speed USB connection to transfer the data quickly. Convenient or what?

Tech CANDY Step foot on campus with these colourful tech toys!

By Chew Hui Ling

COVER UP

LISTEN UP

Whether you’re blasting music to tide you through a late-night study sesh or blocking out noise from the construction site outside, the re-mastered Beats by Dr. Dre Solo ($310, available in four colours) has you covered for anything that comes your way.

These snazzy Solo2 headphones are updated with better acoustics so you get awesome sound in pin-sharp detail. It also comes with a matching cable that changes songs, adjusts volume and takes calls without you looking at your device. And its compact size fits perfectly into your carryall!

With students always on the move, it’s hard to safeguard your gizmos from the daily grind. If you’re the owner of an iPhone 6, why not let your new toy find shelter in the ultraprotective OtterBox Cases ($49-$69)?

This fresh crop of hard-shell cases is designed to deliver different layers of protection according to your lifestyle.

Choose the Commuter Series to cushion everyday scuffs and scrapes, the Symmetry Series to up your style ante or the Defender Series to conquer the great outdoors!

GET ON TRACK

TINY AND MIGHTY

For those who can’t go without their favourite tunes, the Sol Republic Punk Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (POA, available in seven colours) would be an ideal choice for your musical arsenal. This little guy fits in the palm of your hand and cranks out eight hours of loud and punchy sounds, surpassing the battery life of its close competitors. Plus it’s so robust that you can fling it inside your bag and not worry about it being squashed by textbooks. Going on a morning ride before school? It has a threaded mount so you can strap the speaker onto the bike and get your groove on!

If your New Year’s resolution is to shed off those extra pounds for the nth year in a row, it’s time to break the vicious cycle. Meet the Jawbone UP MOVE ($89, available in five colours) – an activity tracker that counts steps, tracks sleep and gives personal challenges like prompting you to take another 2,500 steps. We bet you’d totally take the longer route to school now! Clip it anywhere on your clothes or strap it on your wrist, and you’re good to go. You can even rope in your classmates and use the leaderboard on the UP app to see how you fare against them!

All items are available in major electronic stores and authorised retailers.

27

SHOP

The

PRINT-ESSENTIALS

Perk up your school day with these quirky back-to-school picks!

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12 13

28

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22 19 17

21

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28 Photography: Justin Loh Styling: Johanna Teo, Angie Ng Sourcing: Johanna Teo

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1. Navy Floral notebook, $4.90, Artbox 2. 2015 Weekly Diary, $39.90, kikki.K 3. Wilderness Eraser (set of 4), $5.90, Accessorize 4. Mighty Bright LED light, $28.90, Prints 5. Striped Pen, $3.90, Artbox 6. Pastel orange mechanical pencil, $1.90, Artbox 7. Hot pink card holder, $15, Actually 8. Yellow pencil case, $19, Actually 9. Washi tape, stylist’s own 10. Wooden colour pencils, $13.00, MUJI 11. White polka-dot notebook, $2.90, Artbox 12. Garden Ditsy pencil sharpener, $8, Cath Kidston 13. Wooden stapler, $22.90, kikk.K 14. Pink polka-dotted tape measure, $13, Cath Kidston 15. Hippo and Flamingo pushpins, $12.90 each, Prints 16. Multi-colour paper cube, $5.50, Prints 17. Big Budgies notebook, $16, Cath Kidston 18. Palms printed notebook, $19.95, Typo 19. Robot elastic pin clip, $11.90, Prints 20. Retro pencil, $3.50, Typo 21. Orange prints ballpoint pen, $16.90, kikki.K 22. Palm Tree pen, $5.95, Typo 23. Floral mirror, $16.90, Accessorize 24. Gold Eiffel Tower scissors, $17.50, Typo 25. Wilderness calculator, $16.90, Accessorize 26. Pineapple headphones, $24.99, Typo 27. Aluminium Hexagon pen, $9.30, MUJI 28. To-do-list pad, $13.90, Accessorize 29. Green Passport notebook, $1.90, MUJI 30. Shrewsberry Rose leather key fob, $21, Cath Kidston

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BEAUTY

No MAKE-UP? NO Problem!

1 2 4

Forget cake-y foundation that melts during your lunch break, here’s how you can look gorgeous even without make-up. By Arissa Ha

Hydrate yourself

Water is essential for organs to function normally and that includes your skin as well. Hydrated skin looks plumper with less fine lines, so remember to drink plenty of water to replenish lost moisture throughout the day!

Stop smoking

If you don’t smoke, don’t start. There are over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke which damages the elastin and collagen in your skin and puts you at risk of getting cancer. If that’s not reason enough to snuff out that cigarette, we don’t know what is.

Use sunscreen

UV damage is the number one cause of premature skin ageing. Prevent dehydration, fine lines and pigmentation with a broadspectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you are spending your day out in the sun.

Bioré UV Watery Essence SPF50+ PA+++, $18.90.

Groom your brows Eat clean

You are what you eat, and if you consume unhealthy food regularly, we wouldn’t be surprised if your skin isn’t in the best condition. Start off by regulating the amount of oily food you eat and replacing them with fruits and vegetables.

Instead of reaching for some potato chips, try eating a handful of unsalted nuts.

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Full and groomed eyebrows make you look younger while accentuating your face shape. Be careful not to over-pluck!

If you’re not comfortable shaping them on your own, get a professional to wax, thread or tweeze it off.

Tweezerman Mix N’ Match Runaway Mini Slant Blue, $26, Luxola.com.

Smile

6

By smiling, you exude positivity and happiness which makes you look beautiful. Researchers have found that people who smile look more attractive, so flash those pearly whites whenever you can! Keep your teeth looking great with whitening toothpaste and regular visits to the dentist.

If you do need makeup, here are some products to achieve that au naturale look.

USE

THESE BB Cream or tinted moisturisers: They are lighter in texture and coverage, which means that your skin won’t look as caked-up compared to using foundation.

Mascara: Enhance your lashes and open up your peepers with a lengthening or volumising mascara.

Blusher: A peach or coral blusher gives you a healthy, radiant glow. Go for matte shades that don’t shimmer though!

Brow pencil: A pair of well-defined brows frames and accentuates the shape of your face.

Lip balm: Keep your lips moisturised and smooth with lip

Exfoliate your skin

balm. If your pout is a little pale, dab some pink or peach gloss in the middle to give them a little colour.

It sounds gross but we shed about 3.6kg of skin a year.

Most of these skin cells make their way off the body, but the ones that remain often make the skin appear dull and tired looking. Give your face and body a good scrub every now and then to let your glow show.

8

The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Exfoliator, $24.90.

Use Vaseline

Mum wasn’t kidding when she said Vaseline is a wonder product. It may just be petroleum jelly but you can use it to soothe dry cuticles, prevent chapped lips and make your lashes appear fuller without mascara. We like using it on our brows to tame those unruly hairs.

SKIP THESE

Foundation: You probably don’t need heavy coverage all over your face, so it’s better to stick to a light coverage foundation or BB cream and cover up your blemishes using a concealer instead.

Bright colours: The idea of natural makeup is to use colour that is closest to your natural skin or hair. Leave the blues, greens and reds for another day.

False eyelashes: No matter how natural they look in the box, falsies are still falsies. Without the rest of the eye makeup to balance them out, they will end up looking weird and heavy.

Red lipstick: Natural lip colours aren’t this pigmented so leave the red lippies for dates and formal events.

Glitter: Natural skin doesn’t sparkle like a disco ball. Pass on the shimmer and go for something matte instead.

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HOYU

What’s your hue?

It’s a new school year and this calls for a fresh hair colour! If you’re fretting over which shade to choose, here’s a helpful guide to get you started.

Circle “Yes” for the statements that best describes you:

I love standing out from the crowd.

YES / NO

I need a hair colour that is universally flattering.

YES / NO I like being different but I don’t want to be too loud.

YES / NO

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YES / NO My school isn’t very stringent about hair colour but my parents are.

I want something low maintenance.

YES / NO

YES / NO

I need to make my dry hair look shinier.

My hair reflects my personal style.

My hair is in good condition.

YES / NO

YES / NO

YES / NO

YES / NO

Mostly Blue

Mostly Pink

Mostly Orange

Hoyu’s Beautylabo Hair Colour in Dark Brown flatters every skin tone and allows your hair to look healthy and shiny.

Raspberry pink allows you to stand out without being too loud.

It’s great for those who want to try out a different hair colour.

Beautylabo Hair Colour in Honey Blonde is not for the faint of heart.

We know that your bold personality will carry this off nicely!

YES / NO

YES / NO

YES / NO

My school is very lenient regarding my hair colour.

I don’t want to deviate too much from my natural hair colour.

I need a drastic hair colour change.

My school is really strict about hair colour.

I want a different hair colour but it has to look natural.

Star Pick!

SKILL

AHEAD Of The PACK You may be at the top of your class when it comes to academic achievements but nothing beats having industry experience. Here are some things you need to know to score that dream internship.

1 2 3

Be Specific

If you are in a course that is pretty generic, it always helps to know what you would like to specialise in. Seek advice from lecturers or seniors on companies that you can reach out to for internship opportunities.

Go Online

Some companies post openings for internships on their own websites, so bookmark a list of the ones you hope to work for and check them regularly. Alternatively, look through listings on websites such as InternSG or JobsDB to find an internship in your desired industry.

Polish Up

Once you have decided on the company that you would want to intern for, it’s time to work on your resume. Your curriculum vitae (or CV for short) should be a summary of your experience, education and achievements. Keep it to a maximum of two pages and get advice from teachers, relatives or parents on how you can refine it.

“

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.

”

- Albert Einstein

34

Now that you have aced your interview, here’s how to be the star intern.

Do Be punctual. It shows that you are disciplined and professional. Being late, especially for appointments and meetings suggests that you are disrespectful of other people’s time.

Ask for feedback. Most interns would just finish the tasks they’re assigned but you should always ask your superiors for feedback on how you are doing in order to improve. It will also show your supervisors that you take your job seriously and are always eager to learn more.

Keep in touch. Even after you have completed your internship, stay in touch with your supervisors for job opportunities after you graduate. It helps to touch base with more than one person just in case they leave the company.

Offer solutions. If you run into obstacles at work, don’t just pass on the problem to your supervisors. Instead, think about how you can solve the issue and give your boss suggestions on how you can counter it.

Take initiative. Offer suggestions or even volunteer to take minutes at the next meeting. The more you do, the more you learn!

Ignore your mistakes. No

Don’t

one is perfect. You may commit the occasional blunders at work but don’t pretend that they are not there. Own up to your mistakes and learn from them.

Skive off. No one likes a lazy worker so avoid watching YouTube videos or checking your Facebook feed while at work. If you run out of things to do, offer to help your colleagues out.

Be rude. It doesn’t matter if

Assume that you will be spoon-fed. As an intern,

Burn bridges. Always strive

you are expected to perform independently. If you are unsure of the task that was allocated, check in with your supervisor so that your queries will be answered.

you are really chummy with your colleagues. Never forget that they are still your seniors so always be courteous and respectful, especially when you need help.

to end your internship on a good note. Depending on the size of the industry you’re in, word might spread quickly if you earn a bad rep as an intern.

Real-life stories from the Teenage team: “Last September, I landed the most awesome internship here at Teenage! It has been my favourite magazine growing up, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity. I was a total klutz when I first started out, but as the months flew by, I gradually picked up the pace and saw how a magazine is created from scratch. Pitching ideas, churning out stories and running around town for returns are all part of a day’s work, but the best part was definitely meeting my all-time favourite band!”

Chew Hui Ling, Writer

“As a mass communications graduate, I was on the lookout for an internship that would be my stepping stone to the industry. That was when I scored an editorial internship at an entertainment magazine. Previously, I perceived media as simply what we see on screen, but through this internship, I gained a better understanding of how the industry actually works. I also got to meet celebrities like Daniel Wu, Jackie Chan, and David Archuleta for the first time!”

Loke Pei Ling, Senior Business Executive

“I had the opportunity to intern at a fitness magazine, which was a real eyeopener for me as it was my first internship as a designer. I was exposed to the various aspects of design that are not taught in school. It prepped me for the industry and allowed me to find out that I really enjoy working in the publishing sector. After my three-months stint there, I was certain that this was the career path I should pursue after graduation.”

Michelle Lim, Designer

35

STREET TALK

What Do You Love Most

ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s absolutely possible for students to love their schools!

Check out what these youths have to say.

“I’m involved in the SP Muay Thai Club and it’s quite uncommon for schools to establish a martial arts club, but I enjoy the techniques and think of it as a form of physical training for myself.” – Jia Xin, 18, Singapore Polytechnic

“Definitely the food in SP! I recommend trying out the Ayam Panggang stall in Food Court 6.”

– Shih Ying, 19, Singapore Polytechnic

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“I love how my course’s lecturers are always so nice and helpful.

They’d gladly extend our assignment deadlines when we have too much on our plates, even making an effort to care for our welfare during internship when they’re not obliged to.” – Si Qi, 20, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

“TP has two full-service restaurants, Sugarloaf and The ToP Table, which are operated entirely by students and they serve really good food at affordable prices!”

– Sherlene, 20, Temasek Polytechnic

“We love the fun and friendly people there!

Although everyone has different personality traits, we fit well together and have a really tight-knit school spirit.” – Lois (left) and Kelly (right), 17, Anglo-Chinese Junior College

“My school has a really good football team. I’m the goalkeeper and I hope to become an even better football player in the future.” – Firdaus, 16, Springfield Secondary School

“I enjoy the speedy and competitive nature of my CCA, floorball.

It encourages you to improve and persist even if you’re stuck in a rut.”

– Kah Wai, 19, Singapore Polytechnic

www.saage.edu.sg/plymouth

About Plymouth University Awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Education in 2012 Top 50 modern university in the world, ranked 6th in the UK (Times Higher Education 100 Under 50 university 2014) Top 3 modern universities (The Sunday Times University Guide 2011) 6th largest university in England (By student population, HESA statistics 2010 - 2011)

Plymouth University BA (Hons) Business Administration (Top-up) BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-up) SAA-GE Advanced Diploma - Level 1 & 2 9 months / 9 months

Plymouth University - BA (Hons) Final Year 12 months

Sylvia Lim

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Accounting and Finance programme 1st Class Honours, Class of 2013

SAA GLOBAL EDUCATION The Education Arm of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants Somerset Campus, 111 Somerset Road #06-01/02 TripleOne Somerset, Singapore 238164 ERF Registration No. : 201001206N • ERF Validity: 20/05/2014 to 19/05/2018

www.saage.edu.sg • (65) 6733 5731 • enquiry@saage.edu.sg

SAA Global Education

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