Kiasu Singaporeans, ever felt like the system is trying to sabo your future? Imagine landing your dream internship, only to have your uni throw a spanner in the works. Sounds sian, right? You’re not alone. Let’s talk about fighting for your opportunities.
Uni Policies Stalling Careers
- Students are facing roadblocks when securing internships due to universities refusing to provide placement letters for non-credit bearing opportunities.
I’m a local uni student and was recently offered an internship with a major O&G company which aligns with my future career…however the company requires a placement letter which my school is insistent in not providing since its non credit bearing and they have a policy of not providing one during school term.
- This is happening despite the critical importance of internships in securing employment after graduation, especially in a competitive job market. Many graduates find it difficult to secure jobs without prior internship experience.
- Reddit users are sharing similar experiences, highlighting the disconnect between university policies and the practical needs of students aiming to enhance their employability.
Bureaucracy and Lost Opportunities
- The inflexibility of university administrations and their rigid adherence to internal policies are causing students to miss out on valuable career-enhancing internships.
That’s pretty dumb, internships are sooo important, especially in major companies and in this job market. You may even get a chance to convert to fulltime so it’s silly to give up this opportunity just because of paperwork and bureaucracy.
- Students express frustration over the perceived lack of support from their universities in facilitating their career development, especially when administrative hurdles stand in the way. Some feel that the universities should prioritize student employability.
- The situation is further complicated by the hierarchical nature of university administrations, where lower-level staff may enforce rules without understanding the broader implications for students’ futures.
Escalate and Advocate for Yourself
- Don’t give up easily. Escalate the issue by contacting higher-ranking officials within the university, such as the dean or vice-provost.
Go straight to the dean or vice provost. oftentimes these are low level executives making decisions to minimize their workload and mitigate future problems to 0%.
- Clearly articulate the importance of the internship for your career prospects and emphasize the potential for future employment opportunities. Highlight the current job market conditions and the need for practical experience.
- Document all communication with the university and maintain a paper trail of your efforts. Explain your financial needs and emphasize the potential for long-term career benefits.
email ur school saying u need to do the internship so u can get some money, so u can get a job after grad, u really need it, etc etc. if there’s a paper trail they are more likely to act on it lol
- Remember, your uni should be helping you, not hindering you. Don’t be afraid to fight for your future!
