Engineering Fresh Graduate Job

[escapelife]

Hello there, seeking advice from all type of Engineering fresh grads who graduated/just graduated. Most of the questions I have seeks insight with regards to life after graduation for a typical engineering student. Not hoping much, just wish to know how the average engineering grad is doing.

1) How is life after graduation? Is there a sense of accomplishment after one completes their bachelor?

2) In terms of pay, issit true that fresh grads will at least earn 3k+ for their first job?
Are the surveys posted by PAP legit? I am not asking about pay grade or whatsoever.
At this juncture, I am more concerned about repayment for my loans and reaching financial independence. Like many undergrads who took up a bank loan, I wish to at least earn decently upon graduation so that I can pay up my loan ASAP and not rely on my parents in terms of expenses anymore and start chipping into the family household bills.

3) I know that there are many roles to an Engineer, but will internship give a rough depiction of how being an Engineer is like in terms of a career? In a sense, I sort of enjoy what I study, but highly doubt any of the knowledge I learn will come into any use when I start working. How will I know whether I am suited to be an engineer.
On another note, Engineer = long hours of OT. How true is this?


This are all very general questions and I know that it would most likely depend on company culture, individual aptitude, current market situation but I am seeking an overview of things.

 

[jiunnlong]

I am just working for one and half year

1) How is life after graduation? Is there a sense of accomplishment after one completes their bachelor?

yes of course after u complete FYP. but working life is another world as a lot of practice stuff that you don't know.

2) In terms of pay, issit true that fresh grads will at least earn 3k+ for their first job?
Are the surveys posted by PAP legit? I am not asking about pay grade or whatsoever.
At this juncture, I am more concerned about repayment for my loans and reaching financial independence. Like many undergrads who took up a bank loan, I wish to at least earn decently upon graduation so that I can pay up my loan ASAP and not rely on my parents in terms of expenses anymore and start chipping into the family household bills.

Yes, my starting pay is more than 3000++ but uni student range from 2700 and above.

3) I know that there are many roles to an Engineer, but will internship give a rough depiction of how being an Engineer is like in terms of a career? In a sense, I sort of enjoy what I study, but highly doubt any of the knowledge I learn will come into any use when I start working. How will I know whether I am suited to be an engineer.
On another note, Engineer = long hours of OT. How true is this?

not very true the all the engineer has long working hours as long as u not working shift. Some like shipyard or construction need 5.5 days or 6 days working hours. My job is quite acceptable. Somemore if I OT i don't get pay. However engineer require devotion on the job as it is quite challenging.

 

[Sergios]

1) How is life after graduation? Is there a sense of accomplishment after one completes their bachelor?
Ans:There is a sense of relief and never having to sit in exam again...at first.
Later on, to upgrade skills, i took certifications and have to sit through exams again.

2) In terms of pay, issit true that fresh grads will at least earn 3k+ for their first job?
Ans: there is no guarantee to earn at least 3k+. It depends on market demand and willing employer. my starting is 2.7k after 2.5 years, i reach 3K+.

Are the surveys posted by PAP legit? I am not asking about pay grade or whatsoever.

Ans: Not sure. Surveys are based on perception and it depends on how people craft it to their angle.


3) I know that there are many roles to an Engineer, but will internship give a rough depiction of how being an Engineer is like in terms of a career? In a sense, I sort of enjoy what I study, but highly doubt any of the knowledge I learn will come into any use when I start working. How will I know whether I am suited to be an engineer.
On another note, Engineer = long hours of OT. How true is this?

Ans: Internship will give you the insight based on whichever company you are attached to(Eg. public sector, consultant, contractor, manufacturer, etc)

You will know whether you are suited to be an engineer when you start to get disillusioned and question yourself after a few years ,looking at different paths(public servant, management, financial sector, setting up a biz,etc). The pay is pretty bad for private sector, so you will get to this stage earlier than public sector.

Engineer = long hours of OT. is very true. You will definitely work OT during the weekdays and the weekends. It is okay, if the OT time spent is producing an effective product and your bosses are appreciative. You will feel bad when the OT time is spent on meaningless tasks and not recognised by your management.


End note: after many years and pay increment later, your management will find you costly and target to replace you with someone more affordable for a better bottomline(fresh grads, foreign engineers, etc). you cannot blame them for it. Loyalty is not as highly regarded now. Your time is better spent in learning skills and credentials and constantly looking out for opportunities.