Jobseekers’ Diaries: How I pressed on to secure a traineeship despite multiple rejections

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, Ms Sameera Nazrin, a finance graduate from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, says the support she received from her family and university motivated her to soldier on in the face of a draining job hunt.

To fresh graduates, securing their first job can be a daunting experience.

For the Class of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has taken it to a completely different level.

My ambition to join a foreign multinational corporation or start-up proved difficult to reach. Expanding my choices while staying true to the job scopes I desired was not easy either.

Over a period of six months, I attended multiple interviews and received a lot of rejections from companies in the manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, banking and other industries.

My confidence dropped with every rejection email that rolled in.

I received my first call to attend an interview only after sending off more than 100 job applications for accounting and finance roles.

I was elated and prepared for it as best I could.

But I had not done an online interview before and it was nerve-racking.

I had to constantly remind myself to look into the camera to ensure I was making eye contact.

While waiting for the outcome of an interview, I often had to prepare for other interviews.

This made the situation more stressful. I received many replies that read: “We have found a better candidate for the position.”

It was a draining and depressing time for me.

I often considered settling for any offer because I was tired from the constant job search.

I was fortunate to have Joyce, my career mentor from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, who was in constant contact throughout my job search and provided valuable advice and support. Joyce kept reassuring me of my capabilities and advised me to do what I truly desire.

The support of my family and friends was also key to keeping my morale up.

My mum, who is the family’s breadwinner, never once rushed me and instead gave me her blessings to find the right job fit.

I am grateful for all the love and support, which made me stronger to embrace the rejections and turn down the offers that did not meet my job satisfaction needs.

I have since secured an SGUnited traineeship with a foreign bank offering rotational roles. This allows me to get a sense of the business roles in various departments.

The managers assured me that my traineeship will be a fulfilling one and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.

Although this might not have been what I planned for, it comes close.

I did not settle for less, as I ended up working for a foreign firm with welcoming team leaders and where there are many learning opportunities.

I am eager to be part of their team and believe this traineeship will give me valuable and relevant finance-related exposure.

It will also offer a good foundation for my future career moves.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Ms Sameera Nazrin, 24, graduated with a finance degree, with a minor in accounting, from the Singapore University of Social Sciences in July. She began her job search in February and secured the traineeship in August.

If you are a jobseeker with a compelling story 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.