Jobseekers’ Diaries: I was nonchalant about Covid-19 until it hurt my job hunt. Thankfully, I found a traineeship that paid off

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 Jonathan Oh Wei En, 25, describes how his plan to start a career in human resource was upended by the crisis, until he found a traineeship with retail conglomerate Dairy Farm Group.

In pursuing a human resource management degree at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, I had a clear goal of charting a career in human resource and helping organisations improve productivity among its employees.

When Covid-19 first hit Singapore and got people worried, I was nonchalant about it as I was completing my final-year of studies and that was my main priority.

However, when I began hearing accounts of people losing their jobs or finding it hard to get one, it dawned on me that it would be a challenge for me to achieve my career goal.

I found it hard to accept the reality or to remain hopeful as I started applying for jobs in May last year.

Despite sending in 30 applications to various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and the public sector over the next two months, I heard back from just two companies and nothing panned out.

Inevitably, as a fresh graduate, I felt discouraged at the bleak outlook and uncertainty.

During this difficult time, my parents constantly encouraged me not to give up. My close friends and I would often talk about our concerns, job opportunities that we knew of, and also tips on how to better position ourselves for job interviews. The support from my loved ones was crucial.

I then heard about the SGUnited Traineeships Programme that was aimed at helping fresh graduates like myself and thought it would be a good alternative for me to gain some experience.

I began searching for traineeship opportunities and found an opening as a human resource analyst with Dairy Farm Group. The opportunity to work in the retail sector seemed exciting as it was an essential service and the role matched my career interest.

Without hesitation, I applied for it and joined Dairy Farm in July last year after one round of interview.

I knew that the next step was to work hard and grasp this opportunity with both hands.

Over the next six months, I had a most fulfilling traineeship. I got the chance to work on regional projects and, in doing so, interacted with colleagues from different countries and backgrounds.

To my pleasant surprise, my supervisor informed me early this year that the company would offer me a full-time role as a rewards executive starting in February.

The feeling when I heard the offer was out of this world.

Looking back, I realised that setbacks are a normal part of the path to success.

Most importantly, one needs to stay optimistic in whatever circumstances one faces in life.

My traineeship provided me with a leg-up in my career and I hope this would be the case for other fresh graduates as well.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Jonathan Oh Wei En, 25, graduated from the Singapore University of Social Sciences with a major in human resource management in May 2020. Given the bleak job market then, he embarked on the SGUnited Traineeships Programme with Dairy Farm Group to gain some experience. His decision paid off as he secured a full-time role with the company in February 2021.

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.