Sun, Jul 29, 2007
The Sunday Times

Q: I AM completing a diploma course in information technology (IT) at a local polytechnic. I'm deciding whether to join the government sector or a multinational company (MNC).

What are the pros and cons of either?

Are MNCs risky as I might be retrenched if business is poor?

In the government sector, what are the salary raises and bonuses like, compared with those offered by MNCs?

A: JUST as one should not stereotype people, one should also not stereotype organizations. Whether they are public or private, they still need to innovate and continue to add value for customers.

Both public and private sector organisations are accountable to stakeholders, so salary and bonuses tend to be performance-based.

How performance is measured depends on many factors, such as job function. Some measures are team-based; some are based on how much value the individual adds.

The important thing is to understand the company you're seeking to join. As you are being interviewed for the job, interview your prospective employer about your prospects with the company. You can also ask friends and relatives if they know anything about the company, or you can simply run a Google search.

Every organisation has a unique corporate culture and different people thrive in different organisations. Some people feel more secure in a structured environment with established protocols, while others are more comfortable in a fluid organisation where they are encouraged to challenge conventional thinking.

Some organisations emphasise training and will equip new staff with the knowledge and skills needed for the job, while others expect new staff to be independent and effective after the most rudimentary induction.
One way to acquaint yourself with different corporate cultures would be to take up a fixed-term contract with different firms.

Companies that offer professional fixed-term contracts require the candidates to be as qualified as those seeking permanent employment and, in most cases, provide similar benefits.

Another advantage of working on a fixed-term contract basis is that, when candidates change jobs at the end of the contract, future employers usually view this positively.

Above all, remember that, in today's economy, you need to continuously upgrade your skills and aggressively chart your own career path, so you can continue to work till you reach retirement age.

As the architect of your own career, continue to develop yourself and keep yourself relevant at each stage of your life, and you will enjoy a lifetime of fruitful employment with an employer of your choice.

Jill Lim
PeopleSearch
Manager, Professional Recruitment

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice