In a two-day online session that took place on 13th and 14th January 2021, Honest Conversations was a space where Poly seniors and alumni shared their honest thoughts about their experience and Polytechnic experience with parents and fresh graduates from Secondary School and ITE. They clarified common misconceptions and answered questions asked about the courses and culture of each Poly. These gave both students and parents a window into what life would be like as a Poly student.
This article is adapted from honest sharings by seniors and alumni from different Polytechnics and courses.
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Choices, choices and more choices. The five Polytechnics in Singapore offer a wide variety of courses. Narrowing down your top three is tough.
Whether you are an O-Level, N-Level or ITE graduate, one thing in common is that everybody wants to make the right choice when it comes to their future. Nobody wants to live in regret after three years of working one's fingers to the bone.
As seniors, we understand the struggle and worries, having been through such a situation before. Thus, we are glad that our advice helped bring clarity to some of the juniors who were still unsure about their decisions.
The Strengths of Each Polytechnic
Many are curious about what each Poly is known for in regards to courses offered. Most courses are offered in all the Polys, but some are better known than the others.
Singapore Poly (SP), being the first Poly in Singapore, is well established in its Engineering courses. Plenty of students who are looking to study engineering would consider SP. However, other Polys also offer similar engineering courses.
Ngee Ann Poly (NP) prides itself in its Business and Mass Communication course. Both are known to grow and train graduates to be well equipped in their industry. Many famous DJs and celebrities have graduated from the Diploma of Mass Communication as well.
Temasek Poly (TP) offers a niche course called Diploma in Law and Management, which cannot be found in the other Polys. Their Design school is also the strongest with their timetable specially crafted to best suit their workflow.
Nanyang Poly (NYP) was the first Poly to offer a Diploma in Nursing. They have maintained their position as the top choice for students who are looking to enter into health care.
Republic Poly (RP) is best known for its School of Sports, Health and Leisure as they are the only Poly that offers sports-related courses.
While these are the strengths of each Poly, one does not have to necessarily enrol in the above-mentioned courses to graduate well and be workforce-ready.
Distance vs Course that I Want
Sometimes, the more knowledge you can get, the harder it can be to decide. Some of the parents and students who came had a hard time choosing a Poly that is nearer to home or the ideal Poly for the course of interest.
Majority of the views were leaning towards choosing a Poly based on proximity and convenience to save on travelling time since you can find similar courses in the five Polys.
However, a parent among the panellists that came to share had a differing view. Stephanie Choong, whose son travelled from Bukit Batok to Temasek Poly during his schooling days said that her son, Joel, knew what he wanted to pursue even in Secondary School.
Joel was interested in Design and knew that the course offered in TP was the best. Hence, he was willing to sacrifice his time and make the arduous 3-hour journey back and forth school each day.
"I asked him if he was willing to do it for three years and if he was able to keep it up," said Stephanie, "and he did persevere."
Stephanie also advised parents who came that day to consider how Polytechnic Education is meant to prepare you for the working world, and nobody chooses a company based on location. One would go for a company because it is good and would travel anywhere for it.
Owen from TP also shared his own experience travelling from the north to the east each day. He makes his journey to the east worthwhile by listening to podcasts to gain knowledge while on the go. The long journey gives him time and space to do things he probably would not have done if he was at home.
While the views are differing on whether to choose a Poly based on distance, everybody agreed that one would need to count the cost of travelling to a Poly far from home and be willing to make sacrifices.
Credit: Owen Chang
Culture and Lifestyle
In breakout rooms, Poly seniors and alumni continued to share in detail about what makes their Poly or course unique.
In a more personal setting, fresh graduates were able to ask any and every question they had about studying in a particular Poly and course.
Not only were tips given, like bringing a laptop to school every day or time management, but the student participants were also able to hear real struggles and challenges faced by seniors.
Keer, an ITE graduate, said that even though she has already been offered a position at her school of choice, the session was helpful still. She unexpectedly gained practical advice from a senior in a similar course–Product Design–such as how not to take feedback personally and how the first idea will never be the finalised one as designers have to go through multiple drafts before submission.
"The information out there just doesn't feel enough. It doesn't feel real or personal. I’m thankful that the seniors came up with Poly Parcel," said Keer, who was thankful that this platform allowed her to hear more authentic and honest perspectives about Poly life.
Same sentiments were being shared by many who came that night, especially parents who were able to ask specific questions to gain a better understanding of the rigour and intensity of the courses.
Conclusion
Much has been talked about, and tough choices were made last week. Ultimately, it is your decision on what you would like to study for the next three years.
Whatever the results may be, know that it is not the end if you don't get into the course of your choice! You can still apply for an appeal. Don't live a life of regret. Be brave to pursue what you love.
Even if you don't get what you want, don't lose heart. Many have unexpectedly found their passion and interest along the way and if it were not for their 'bad results' or 'mistake' in choosing their course, they would not have found what they enjoy doing now.
For those who are not 100% sure of what they love, don't worry because it's completely normal to not know. But be brave to believe that wherever you end up, there is a purpose and reason for it.
All the best for your results! We look forward to seeing all of you in Poly!
