Q I will be turning 22 this year. I failed my A levels thrice. I have applied to the local polytechnic and am now waiting for the results. I am unsure, though, if that is the best path for me.

I have two options. One is to go to a polytechnic and work hard to get into a local university later. That means I will be at least 28 years old by the time I get a degree, and I will be starting my career rather late. However, I cannot afford to study for a private or an overseas degree now.

My second option is to get a job in the airline industry, so that I can be exposed to the world and, at the same time, will be able to save up for a private university education at the Singapore Institute of Management. I have, however, failed in my last three attempts to get into the airline industry.

If I can get into the industry, I will be able to complete my degree by the time I turn 28 and also have working experience, which is important to me. My worry is that a private degree may not be on a par with a local degree, and that the exorbitant fees may not be worth it.

What should I do? I am hungry to learn as I know that I have much room to improve academically. Also, if I choose the polytechnic route, I am torn between my passion for psychology and my interest in communications. I have been told that a degree in psychology is not enough for me to get a job related to it. A degree in communications, on the other hand, may get me a well-paying job.

What are the fields I can work in with a psychology degree? Career-wise, is it better to have a local diploma or a private degree?

A There are two scenarios that we can look at.

First, let us assume that you are able to apply successfully to the polytechnic and into the course you want. You can always try to earn some pocket money to pay your fees, either by giving tuition or working part time.

Having a polytechnic diploma can open doors for you, and you can always work and save up to take up a degree course further down the road. This may be a good option because, by then, you would already have a few years of relevant working experience.

Second, if you are unable to get a place in the polytechnic, I advise that you find a job first and take up a part-

time polytechnic course. You may find it tough to work and study at the same time, but at the end of it, you will be amply rewarded because you will have both a diploma and working experience.

Of course, by then, you will not be unduly worried about the finances for a university degree.

A local degree is good, but a private one is just as recognised. Check out www.mom.gov.sg for the list of recognised universities acceptable to employers in Singapore.

You have also mentioned about failing to get a job in the airline industry, and it seems that you have set your mind on that industry. I do not know your reasons for it, but I hope you will explore other industries as well.

On your being torn between a passion for psychology and interest in communications, you may like to do a personality profile of yourself. Through that, you will be able to assess your own strengths and weaknesses, which can help you find out what kind of jobs suit you best. There are many areas you can go into with a degree in psychology, such as administrative support, public affairs, education, business, advertising, health and media. You can work in these various fields as a therapist, psychologist, counsellor, writer, personnel analyst, and so on.

Christine Loh
Assistant Manager
Achieve Group of Companies

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on May 4, 2008.