Thursday, November 04, 2010

options options options

As if life wasnt complicated enough for me, I received a mail from SMU a few days back with regards to a scholarship interview for both the USP and Lee Kong Chian which are both rather attractive for one who wishes to remain local. I thought i didnt belong to that category. But when i went to read the mails 2 more times on separate occasions, i know i am in deep shit.

While i am very happy with my HDB scholarship, the pay is to be honest measly considering that i would be pursuing a career in the finance sector if not for the fact that i will be bonded. To put things into perspective i refer to the undermentioned

"FRESH graduates from the economics degree programme of the Singapore Management University (SMU) are among the best paid in their peer group, with a median starting salary of $3,300.

Those with distinctions fare even better. The corresponding figure for them is $3,750."

If i continue to take up my HDB scholarship, the maximum starting salary i could possibly draw is 3.3k(with distinction of course). So that puts me at approximately $450 net loss per month should i choose to study overseas. But i must not forget that the local scholarship does not provide me with living allowance. Judging by my current spending habits, that would be $400 a month at the very least. That amount is of course subjected to increase should i get attached during uni.

This still puts me at a net lost of $600 anually the moment i step out to work. But to take this at face value would be foolish. The above figures are only valid if i am to find a job upon graduation but most importantly, should i pursue my education in the UK followed by the States as planned, I can complete my Masters in 4 years as opposed to the 5 in Singapore unless i am reading it wrong which means i could potentially waste another year of my limited youth studying.

But what about the intangibles? Overseas experience? Quality time spent with family and friends? Higher probability of finding GF(more options = more opportunities)

Options Options Options


Twistin' at 6:29 AM