Hello! I am currently serving NS and I have no direction in my career or further studies... How would you advice me to plan my future ahead or any ways to help me find out what I would like to pursue?

Hi anon,

This is a dreaded question that it's all too familiar.

I didn't serve NS like you did but I remembered this feeling of confusion and aimlessness when I just finished my A levels and was trying to figure out what I should study in university.

I wasn't someone who was especially interested in anything, but I knew what I didn't like or wouldn't want to do. What I can suggest is to maybe research and find out more about the various degrees/courses offered in universities. Look at the modules that you will be taking if you took that particular degree/course. That will give you a good idea of what that degree is about and if you would like to study that. If you have friends who are in university, try finding out what they are studying and that might give you an indication of whether it's of interest to you.

I'm not sure if you'll have any time to get an internship after you end NS and before you start university, but having work experience will be able to give you the exposure needed to see if that's something you'll like to work in or as in the future. Any work experience, whether good or bad, is valuable experience.

If all else fails, you could also consider working first before you pursue your studies further. But if you'll like to further your studies now and is struggling to pick a degree, consider a degree that is so generic but suitable for people who may not know what they want but still able to get a good, decent degree (eg. Business).

I think it's also important to note that what you study might not be what you end up doing as your career and that's totally ok. Don't feel stressed to conform to "norms" or take the unconventional route. As long as that is a route that you chose, stick to it and own it. All the best anon, hope this helps!​​​

Hello, I believe you will be ORD-ing next year. Means you will need to apply for uni in the next upcoming window. So if I were you, this is what I would do.

1) do an extensive research what you would want to do, and ask around. You would have 2 conclusion after this step - a) you would know what you want to study and work as after your ORD or b) you still don’t know what to do. So go the next step will depend on this.

A) if you know what to study...

2A) now you apply for that course that you want.

3A) if you get that course, congrats! If not then move on to step 2B.

B) if you don’t know what to study...

2B) sign on and serve the bond. Why would I do this? Because you already know how your work is like. And civil service in this economy is safe.

2B) while serving bond, think of what you want to study and apply for the uni you want. At the same time, learn how to save your money and invest. So that if you go uni and then get a job, you will know how to do your finances!

So that’s what I would do lah. I also serving NS now, but I have already planned my future, more or less. It might change a bit, but not too much. Good luck!