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What are job opportunities like for RP graduates?
This is one of the main concerns faced by parents and potential RP students.
In a survey conducted last year, over 80 per cent of respondents wanted to know
if RP graduates were able to successfully secure jobs. Respondents were also
keen to find out how the school's Problem-based Learning (PBL) helped students
deal with issues they face at work.
Rapport spoke to two RP graduates who are working at ESPN Star
Sports to find out how they are doing at work, and how the PBL system has helped
them on the job.
Lee Quanlong, 21, Graduate of 2009, Diploma in Sports and Leisure
Management, School of Sports, Health and Leisure (SHL)
"I still remember my first day of work at ESPN STAR Sports - as I sat waiting
for the supervisor, I kept asking myself how I could make a difference at ESPN
STAR Sports.
"Thinking about that brought me back to the time when I was still at RP
pursuing a Diploma in Sports and Leisure Management, because it was the same
question I asked myself back then. Thankfully, my course gave me the freedom and
opportunity to master useful skills, and taught me how to think on my feet. I
also feel that the course altered my vision of the future by introducing a
learning environment that focuses on teamwork, creativity, problem solving, and
most of all, critical thinking."
"Since I started working, I've had the opportunity to work on high-profile
events, like the recent Kaohsiung World Games Roadshow at Raffles City, and the
recent Standard Chartered Bank FIH Junior Men's World Cup. As an operations
executive, my responsibilities included planning seat allocations, security
procedures, deploying manpower, and more. I have to admit that my job is very
challenging but I really enjoy it. I love to meet new people and to see an event
run smoothly from start to finish.
"Apart from learning about the sports industry at RP, the school's PBL system
of teaching has taught me how to solve problems in a very hands-on manner,
something I wouldn't be able to do if not for RP's unique learning environment.
The PBL system taught me to be proactive in solving problems, and having to do
presentations everyday has made me a more confident speaker. It's helped me
become an independent worker, which is very important in my job."
Joyci Tan, 21, Graduate of 2009, Diploma in Sports and Leisure
Management, School of Sports, Health and Leisure (SHL)
"Having the opportunity to work at ESPN STAR Sports was something I never
expected would happen. During the interview, I was able to share my experiences
in volunteering for sports events, something that I was actively involved in
during my studies at RP.
"I started work at ESPN STAR Sports in March this year, and have been working
as a marketing and RP executive in the Event Management Group. I admit I was
worried iin the beginning whether I would do well, especially when I was given
my first task - to contribute to media planning for an upcoming event. But as I
looked through the documents, I recognised words and phrases that I'd
encountered in my studies, which was such a relief. Modules like Sports
Marketing, Sports Business, Sports Media and Event Sponsorship have taught me
many of the skills that I need at work.
"I've been able to put many of my PBL skills into use on the job. When I'm
given a task, the first thing I do is to sit down and break the task down into
"what I know", "what I do not know", and "what I need to find out". Once I list
everything down, I find I can research for information systematically, and
explore solutions that could be even more efficient than what the normal process
is. This also kept me from panicking when I'm suddenly faced with numerous
problems."
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From left: Lee Quanlong and Joyci Tan, graduates of 2009
Let's hear what Quanlong and Joyci's supervisors have to say.
"Joyci is able to think critically, contribute ideas, and is dedicated
to the job, willing to put in the hours to complete her job well. She's
been a joy to work with because she is dependable, full of commitment,
and has a willingness to learn new things - all traits you look for in
an employee." - Elgen Kua, senior manager (corporate communications),
ESPN STAR Sports
"Quanlong is young, enthusiastic and consistently over-delivers on my
expectations - I think he is in a league of his own. I believe he's a
great role model for his generation, having the passion for work and
attitude to learn." - Liew Siew Fun, senior manager (event management),
ESPN STAR Sports
Not only that, Rapport interviewed two employers who have employed RP
graduates. What do they have to say about RP graduates?
"We are fortunate to have employed two outstanding students from RP.
They have contributed greatly in the different aspects of the software
development life cycle. They are great assets to the company, especially
one of them who has continuously produced outstanding work despite his
disability. We will definitely recommend students from RP." - Rendy Tan,
vice president, Duraction SG Pte Ltd
"Currently, we have about 16 RP graduates with us and they have been
instrumental in providing quality care to our patients and their loved
ones. We hope that RP graduates will join our NUH family and partner us
to provide the best for our customers." - Clara Wee, director of human
resources, National University Hospital |
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