Story by Ryan Chan
Hey youths! “Adulting” and want to get a leg up in the working world?
There’s good news at hand – more specifically, we mean the good work that nEbO is doing to ensure that youths are well equipped to enter the working world.
nEbO which stands for “Nobody Enjoys Being Ordinary”, is the Labour Movement’s junior membership arm. nEbO youths are given opportunities to spearhead events, giving them the platform to develop skills that will help them as they enter the working world.
This was the case for 19-year-old Kristina Manik. Through participating in these events, she developed essential skills like speaking with confidence, benefiting her both in school and during her internships.
From Bud To Bloom
The Republic Polytechnic (RP) student described herself to be a shy, soft-spoken person before she entered the polytechnic. Through her active participation in nEbO events after 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 helped.
“When 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 gave 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 also vice-chairperson of nEbO’s recent Thank Your Intern Day (TYID) organising committee.
Aimed at helping members enjoy a quality internship, TYID reaches out to interns each year to increase their awareness 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 just another obligation, 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
Currently pursuing 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.
Click here to find out how you can join nEbO and broaden your career horizons.