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While NTUC continues to focus efforts on those in the workforce, nEbO is also doing its part by ensuring youths are well equipped to enter the working world.
The Labour Movement’s junior membership arm nEbO allows youths to take the initiative to spearhead events, giving them the platform to develop skills that will help them as they enter the working world.
Her participation in these events has led 19-year-old Kristina Manik to develop essential skills like speaking with confidence, benefiting her both in school and during her internships.
More Confidence
By her own account, the Republic Polytechnic (RP) student used to be a shy, soft-spoken person before she entered RP. Through her active participation in nEbO events since becoming a member three years ago, she has since found her voice.
She said: “I learnt to speak more confidently and be more outspoken. In RP, we make presentations on a daily basis and having these skills help.
“When one is spearheading nEbO events as chairman or vice-chairman, we have to communicate efficiently among the organising committee and to the other participants.
“Events like these have given me the platform to speak confidently to a large body of people, which I don’t think I would have received if I wasn’t in nEbO.”
Thank Your Intern Day
Kristina was part of nEbO’s recent Thank Your Intern Day (TYID) on 10 October 2016, where she was vice-chairperson of the organising committee.
Aimed at helping members enjoy a quality internship, TYID reaches out to interns each year to make them aware of their rights at work. The main event this year involved a dinner for interns to interact and engage with their employers while getting their pressing questions answered by a panel comprising Singapore University of Technology and Design deputy HR director Anthony Keh, ITE College Central Deputy Principal Chong Leong Fatt and SNEF Director Edwin Lye.
While many see internships as one of the obligations to fulfil as part of their tertiary education programme, Kristina hopes that students can make the best of the opportunity given to them.
She said: “Instead of viewing internships as a required criteria for graduation, students should embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with being a young member of the workforce. Adapting to a new environment, from school to work, is definitely not easy, but when you realise the benefits and see growth in your potential, it’s really worth it.”
After Graduation
As a student taking up a Diploma in Human Resource Management in Psychology, Kristina believes communication is an essential skill to have when she eventually enters the workforce.
“In human resource, there are times when we would be required to speak to the company’s employees, especially during events like staff engagement programmes, and I believe this skill will help me when the time comes,” she explained.
At only 19, Kristina is already keeping an eye out for the path ahead.
“I’ve started to attend Young NTUC events like the the SGfuture: Labour Movement series on transferrable skills and career identity. The talk got me thinking about the career path to take upon graduation.
“As a young adult entering the workforce, the journey ahead is long and unpredictable, but through this event, I learnt the importance of making long-term career goals but remaining open to opportunities,” she added.
Source: NTUC This Week
