The Gap Year Programme
This gives you the chance to gain first-hand experience to understand what makes private enterprises tick, what their concerns are, and the nature of their corporate ethos. The public sector recognises that the experience gained from such a stint may be valuably applied when you embark on your civil service career.
Upon graduation and before you start work in the Civil Service, you will have the opportunity to work with a private sector organization for 6 months to a year, either overseas or locally. Part of your Gap Year Programme will also count towards your bond.
Foundation course
This is a 9-week course with unparalleled learning and growth opportunities to equip you to be a professional in the business of government. You will learn how different agencies function as one and where our nation is heading and why we are heading there. You will also take away invaluable insights from senior public sector leaders when you participate in discussion sessions. Finally, you will get to visit ASEAN countries where you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with public officers from our neighbouring countries.
Mentorship
Management Associates can look forward to being mentored by Administrative Officers who will provide advice and guidance on career development and all aspects of the Service. Permanent Secretaries and/or Deputy Secretaries also meet with Management Associates regularly to provide counsel and guidance. Extensive on-the-job learning and other forms of continuous training and development complement the formal programmes.
Cross-Ministry Project Teams
As an MA, you will work with other officers on strategic, cross-agency issues that deal with Singapore’s survival, security and success.
Starting Work
As an MA you will undergo programmes that are specially designed to equip you with the skills to develop you as a leader and a manager. In the course of your work, there may be overseas trips where you will have the opportunity to accompany Ministers and senior public service leaders on study visits abroad or represent Singapore at conferences, seminars and international meetings. Such overseas visits and study trips will provide you with international exposure and an excellent learning experience.
At the end of the MAP, you would have had invaluable experiences in both the public and private sectors, gained a better understanding of your aspirations and aptitudes, and would be better able to plan a post-MAP career path that can best ‘map’ your interests with the diverse career opportunities in the public sector. MAs may move on to assume heavier responsibilities in their chosen profession in the Civil Service, or they join the Singapore Administrative Service if they are found suitable.
Even if you decide to leave for the private sector after your scholarship bond, you will find that the MAP would have developed you into a highly regarded individual with skills that would be useful wherever you choose to contribute - in the public sector or elsewhere in Singapore.