If you've been following the news lately, there's been a lot of talk about going to Polytechnic and the value of getting a diploma. 

To summarise a recent Straits Times article on job prospects of a poly graduate in 2023 as per the Graduate Employment Survey (GES), here's the rundown:

• The survey covered 8,065 out of 10,757 graduates from 2023 and 5,055 out of 8,739 graduates from 2020 who completed their national service between 2022 and 2023
• 60% of 2023 graduates secured full-time permanent jobs, an increase from 59% in 2022 and 58% in 2021
• Overall employment (including permanent, freelance, part-time jobs) was 92.7% in 2023, up from 91.8% in 2022
• Unemployment rate decreased from 8.2% in 2022 to 7.3% in 2023, significantly lower than 12.6% in 2020
• Median gross monthly salary for full-time permanent employees rose from $2,600 in 2022 to $2,800 in 2023
• From 2019 to 2023, the median salary increased by $400 overall
• Higher salaries noted in health sciences, humanities and social sciences, and information and digital technologies

Beyond numbers, What does this mean?

Well, for a start, it's good to see polytechnic graduates slowly getting recognition for the skills that they learn in school. 

One of the best parts is how more and more polytechnic grads are nailing down full-time jobs straight after graduation.

It's not just a few lucky ones either; almost every grad is landing some kind of job, which really speaks volumes about the value of their education. This trend is super promising and shows that employers are really starting to appreciate what these grads bring to the table.

They're also likely to earn more now. In just a year, their starting salaries bumped up by a couple hundred bucks, and that's great.

However, is that enough?

Diploma Pay is Still Playing Catch Up

Despite the positive increase, it's still not enough to sustain a modest living here in Singapore.

That's because a Diploma-holder's pay still cannot, by any measure, hold up at all against a degree-holder's pay.

University graduates earn a median salary of $4,200, which is 66% higher than the $2,800 for diploma holders.

What can possibly justify having such a big pay gap?

It all boils down to, again, the paper qualifications.

Despite the practical and relevant nature of polytechnic education, this disparity again underscores a broader societal and economic trend in Singapore where higher educational qualifications, particularly university degrees, are highly valued and compensated.

This cultural preference has been overshadowing the skills and qualifications obtained from polytechnics. and will likely continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

Stopping at a Diploma is Mostly Not by Choice

If given a choice, no one would want to stagnate at the diploma level and earn less than their peers.

However, it's important to note that today, stopping at a diploma is something not usually done by choice.

A significant number of individuals who end their formal education with a polytechnic diploma do so not out of preference but because of various constraints.

These constraints can include financial limitations, familial responsibilities, or even academic challenges - not through a lack of ambition or capability.

And for many, this stops them from climbing the corporate ladder, or even taking higher-level jobs with better wages.

They might also find themselves hitting a ceiling in terms of promotions and salary increments, a ceiling that seems to be more about credentials than actual job performance or potential.

So, What Next?

While we all can easily say that we need some policy change, or that employers need to stop the paper chase and start focusing again on skills, we know that's not within our control.

So what can we control?

We keep levelling up.

Lifelong Learning - Make it a Thing

If going to university and commiting 3-4 years of your life is too much for your current situation, then go for alternatives to keep your skills relevant.

An example of this is self-directed learning through platforms like Udemy and Coursera. In fact, there's already a lot of things out there, like Google's Skills Ignition SG.

That, and most schools (both public and private) offer short certificate courses that don't take more than a month to complete.

Doing this can also help you keep latest trends in mind, so that you don't lose out to others.

After all, you don't want to become outdated.

Network, Network, Network

There's no denying it - the door to a better salary isn't just about the certificates you hold - it's also about the people you know.

Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and engaging on platforms like LinkedIn can help you not only make more friends at work, but find people who can offer opportunities elsewhere that you cannot find on your own.

You can also possibly find a mentor from this - be it your boss, friend, or a direct manager.

Finding a mentor in your field can provide invaluable guidance, help you navigate your career path, and sometimes even lead to job opportunities.

Consider Alternative Career Paths

If you're not intending to work your way up to a degree, chances are you already know what you want to do in life.

In that case, starting a business might just be your ticket to success.

This could be a chance to apply your skills in a way that truly aligns with your passions and interests without a looming salary cap over your head. 

Otherwise, you can also consider working freelance.

These options offer flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, helping you build a diverse skill set and most importantly, your portfolio for future employers to validate the skills you claim to have.

Final Thoughts

In summary, though a polytechnic graduate's pay has risen slightly, it's still not enough to achieve most of our dreams.

Instead, if we don't want to continue studying for a degree, we can:

• Continuously invest in your own growth through lifelong learning and staying updated with industry trends
• Build a strong network and consider alternative career paths like entrepreneurship or freelancing
• Showcase your skills effectively and be proactive in learning in your own way

Remember, your true value lies not just in your diploma but in your abilities, experiences, and the impact you make.

Keep levelling up!