Pros
- Fast, fast track if you are good. If they read you as capable and more industrious than your peers, they do get you up and faster than promised. - In my four years here, I have seen faces come and go. Survivors tend to be those with better EQ and who can see and react to the big picture better. These traits are rewarded more than simple academic brilliance. I am probably one of these fast-trackers, and the money is great! Better savings and holidays than my peers in most industries, except law and investment banking. - What I like most is that I can focus on the kids. I came into this space, because I wanted to do far more than just earn big bucks. And the kids are the ones who make my days - well, most times at least. - I read the earlier posts about profit-centricity. Actually, I would be more worried if management didn't pay attention to financial growth. I haven't seen any layoffs here in my four years, except those diplomatically asked to go, because their performance was not up to par. Salaries and bonuses have been rising steadily. Promotions galore. Better this than the opposite. - I was privy to some higher-level closed door discussions. Management does put high priority on staff growth at each and every level. There is certainly desire to show appreciation and to share the fruits. Sometimes, the way this is communicated to the ground can be improved. They recognise that it's us who ultimately drive the growth and there is real heart to recognise this. KPIs need to be met. Meet this, the promotions do come - faster than at many other places.
Cons
- Hard work full-stop. Students and worse, their mothers show all the worst of Singaporean grace, or lack of. But when it gets tough, I have witnessed management stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us as we face customer artillery fire. If indeed, we have been professional and tried our best, management does shield the worst from us. - Constant emphasis on doing things really, really well for students. I think the center is not sitting on laurels, of which there are certainly plenty. Constant lookout on how to do things better means the heat is transferred down to us - and mightily fast. Is this bad? Yup, to be kept always on one's toes. But I have grown faster than my friends outside, and become a better teacher and relationship manager in the process. I have learnt that in a competitive sector, you either do your very best for the customers who ultimately pay your salary and bonus, or you or some colleague could be asked to go, as the firm gets squeezed out by stronger competitors. - Some days are downright frustrating. A few colleagues can be imperfect. But my preceding three years at MOE was tougher and more pain-filled.