They are top graduates from Singapore
Polytechnic's (SP) graduating cohort of 5,600 this year.
Yet they will not be pursuing a degree anytime
soon.
They have chosen to work first to gain industry
experience.
Miss Esther Tan, 24, and Miss Chong Han Lyn, 20, are
Institutional Medallists.
Miss Tracy Ong, 19, won the Batey Scholar Award, and
was mentored under brand guru Ian Batey, who came up with the
concept of the Singapore Girl for Singapore Airlines.
Miss Chong, who is working with media agency Starcom,
said she does not feel that a degree is necessary for her career in
the industry.
The former media and communication student said: "A
degree might matter when it comes to promotion.
"But my company has directors who do not have degrees
and they are on the same level as degree holders."
Miss Ong also studied media and communication and did a
four-month internship with advertising agency Arcade.
She said: "My internship experience made me realise
that you do not need studies to get you far. You just need to learn
fast and adapt.
"That makes you more valuable than someone who holds a
degree but does not have the skills nor the ability to adapt
quickly."
Miss Tan, who studied creative writing for TV and new
media, was made an assistant director during her internship at
production company Big 3 Media.
No other intern had taken on the role before.
She said: "Since my company gave me a foot into the
industry and people are willing to invest trust in me, I think
working first is a good path to take."
Miss Tan added that the company's culture is quite
good.
The role challenged her to step out of her comfort
zone, and Miss Tan joked that she even developed a scary alter ego
in the demanding production field.
The graduates are not ruling out university completely,
but may do so to explore other fields of study, such as visual
communications or film.
Miss Chong said that pursuing a degree appealed to her
because she enjoys learning.
She said: "You can learn on your own but it will take a
lot of discipline.
"University still gives you a platform to expand your
knowledge."
But all three are happy where they are now.
Miss Chong said: "School is always there, but the job
may not always be there.
"If you let go of your job, it may not come back to
you."
TNP