For Recent Graduates/Young Professionals

• About the Management Associates Programme

What can I expect from the Management Associates Programme?
The Management Associates Programme is a development programme designed to groom outstanding individuals who choose to join the Singapore Civil Service.  It is also the primary route into the premier Singapore Administrative Service. As a Management Associate, you will learn first-hand how the government functions and operates.

How is the Management Associates Programme structured?
For the first two years, you will start off your career in a Ministry to develop a good grounding in the Ministry's area of work. For the next one to two years, you will be posted to a second Ministry to be exposed to a different area of work. If you are found suitable, you will be invited to join the Administrative Service within one to two years of your second posting.

• Applying to the Management Associates Programme

Who typically joins the Management Associates Programme?
Those interested can apply to join the Programme as an open-market candidate. Applicants could be graduating soon or a recent graduate. Ministries may also nominate current public service officers for the Management Associates Programme.

Selected Public Service Commission scholars join the Management Associates Programme upon graduation and start work in the Civil Service.

What are the criteria for joining the Management Associates Programme as an open-market candidate?
You can apply to the Management Associates Programme if you are graduating soon or if you are a recent graduate and possess the following:

•	First or Second Class Upper Honours Degree from NUS, NTU, SMU or a reputable overseas university.
•	Consistently good academic results and proven leadership qualities.
•	Singapore citizenship or are prepared to take up citizenship.
•	A blend of strong intellect and personal qualities needed of policy formulators and leaders in a dynamic environment.

How do I apply for the Management Associates Programme?
If you think you have the qualities we are looking for, please send in your resume to psd_adminsvc@psd.gov.sg.

I am interested to apply for the Management Associates Programme (MAP). However, I am not sure if I am suitable for public sector work. What should I do?
You can consider taking up an internship with the Singapore Civil Service first. By undertaking some projects during the internship, you will be exposed to the issues and challenges facing the Civil Service, enabling you to gauge your suitability for the MAP and a public service career.

If you are interested to participate in the internship programme, you can send your resume to psd_adminsvc@psd.gov.sg.

• The Management Associates Programme Selection Process

What does the selection process encompass? How many rounds of interviews would l have to go through?
If you meet our initial short-listing criteria, you will be asked to sit for a pencil and paper test, following which there will be interviews to assess your suitability for the programme.

Is there a limit to the number of Management Associates employed each year?
There is no limit. All outstanding candidates who meet the short-listing criteria will be considered.

• Your Career Development as a Management Associate

What kinds of jobs are available to a Management Associate?
Management Associates are posted across different Ministries covering economic, security, social or administrative/corporate development functions. For example, you may be part of a team in the Ministry of Trade & Industry working on projects that deal with the World Trade Organisation and Free Trade Agreement issues. You could also be advising and assisting Singaporeans who are in distress overseas as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs officer.

Can Management Associates choose the Ministries they want to work for?
Your interest in particular Ministries will be taken into account, but specific assignments will depend on vacancies at the time.

What are the development opportunities available to a Management Associate?
Besides postings, Management Associates are also developed through milestone training programmes, involvement in cross-Ministry project teams, overseas study trips and policy seminars/forums where relevant. Such varied exposure provides Management Associates with all-rounded knowledge on the complexities and demands of the business of government.

For Experienced Professionals

• About being a Public Service Leader

What is a Public Service Leadership (PSL) position?
A PSL position is one that requires a significant amount of strategic leadership skills, responsibility, and a strong ability to set direction. Technical expertise is not an essential requirement. PSL appointments include positions like Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers of major statutory boards, and key Department Heads.

Who are the Public Service Leadership (PSL) appointment holders?
PSL appointment holders can be Administrative Officers (AO) as well as professional officers from Ministries or Statutory Boards.

What is the role of an Administrative Officer?
Administrative Officers (AOs) are officers who are experts in the business of government. As leaders and managers in the public sector, AOs play a key role in the development and implementation of national policies, as guided by the elected government. AOs prepare ahead for the future, anticipate and analyse problems, and contribute to the survival, security and success of Singapore.

• Your Career Development as an Administrative Officer

What are my development opportunities as an Administrative Officer (AO)?
AOs are tested regularly in different domains in the public sector, to stretch them and equip them with the necessary instincts and skills for public sector leadership. In addition, some AOs are assigned to ground postings in Community Development Councils and private sector companies, to learn from and contribute to these organisations.

Who selects Administrative Officers?
The Public Service Commission selects the Administrative Officers.The Special Personnel Board, comprising senior Permanent Secretaries is the key decision authority on personnel issues related to Administrative Officers.

• Applying to be an Administrative Officer

Who can apply to join the Administrative Service?
You can apply to join the Administrative Service if you have an outstanding career history and relevant working experience, a proven track record of leadership qualities and the desire to contribute to the nation. You should also be a Singapore citizen or be willing to take up citizenship.

How to apply?
If you think you have the qualities we are looking for, please send your resume to psd_adminsvc@psd.gov.sg.

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