Jobseekers’ Diaries: Being a trainee felt like a step backwards in my career but I’m glad I took the leap

As jobs are a top concern for Singaporeans in the Covid-19 crisis, TODAY’s Voices section is publishing first-hand accounts from jobseekers in which they reflect on their experiences and what keeps them going.

In this instalment of Jobseekers’ Diaries, Mr Nicky Sujadi, 24, lost his job after working in Australia for one year and eight months. He decided to return to Singapore and start over as a trainee, not knowing that he would get back to full-time work sooner than he thought.

In September last year, I was retrenched as an information technology (IT) consultant in Australia due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To be honest, I didn't know how to feel at that point.

On one hand, I was frustrated with my employer, an IT business solutions firm, but on the other hand, I felt that if I had worked harder, I could have kept the job.

These never-ending "maybes" and self-doubt can consume you emotionally. 

It was hard to break the news to my family and friends, as I felt embarrassed about what they might think.

I decided to keep it low-key, but soon realised that I had to face the truth. In some ways, this was a test of my resilience, to keep my head high in the face of adversity.

It was the first step to get myself out of this negative spiral, so that I could move on to a new chapter in life.

I have a passion for technology, which I truly believe has the capacity to bring about positive impact to society.

Working in an IT business consultancy provided me with a broader view of the tech industry, but I felt that my experience would be further enriched in a tech startup.

However, I started wondering where could I fit in with less than two years of working experience in a business-related role?

I did my job search while still in Australia, submitting more than 20 applications and looking mainly for opportunities in Singapore.

Then, I stumbled upon the SGUnited Traineeships programme by government agency Workforce Singapore.

It offered traineeship opportunities for young professionals and I was thrilled to find out that Grab, the Singapore-headquartered technology firm, was participating in the programme.

I signed up online immediately, in hopes of becoming a trainee. After several rounds of interviews done remotely while I was in Australia, I got an offer to be a business improvement specialist trainee.

Truth be told, becoming a trainee felt like a step backwards in my career, but I decided to make the best out of this journey.

We often focus so much on titles and salaries, that we overlook the learning and growth potential. And sometimes, that means going out of your comfort zone.

I started my traineeship while being quarantined at a hotel, one day after I landed in Singapore in December last year. On the first day, I had a talk with my manager and he encouraged workplace transparency. 

Having that level of open communication with my manager gave me a safe place to handle projects confidently.

I could also express some of my thoughts, mostly regarding the uncertainty of what would happen when my traineeship ends in six months.

A mere three weeks after our chat, I was given a full-time role, which my manager had fought for me.

To all fellow young professionals who may still be on a job hunt, I believe that opportunities are abundant if you are open to learning or trying new things. So fight on.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Nicky Sujadi, a Singapore permanent resident, graduated from the University of New South Wales, Australia in January 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economic management. He then worked in Australia, lost his job there, before he returned to Singapore in December 2020. He eventually managed to land a job as Grab’s business improvement specialist through the SGUnited Traineeships programme, after job-searching for close to three months.

If you are a jobseeker with an experience to share or know someone who wishes to contribute to this series, write to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.