Career Conversion: From Passenger Service to Bill Processing Manager
Grinding out the tough times and embracing the good
Back in April 2022, when the authorities announced the stand-down of COVID-19 measures, especially with the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s (MSE) announcements of its plan to gradually reduce the number of Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs) it deployed on patrol as Singapore eased relevant restrictions, it was good news for the island, but bad news for some.
For Angelic Juanita Elangkovan, it meant the end of her stint as an SDA, and an uncertain future that laid ahead of her.
But thankfully, with the help of Elitez Group of Companies, working hand in hand with the Employment & Employability Institute’s (e2i) in developing Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs) to help mid-career individuals to undergo skills conversion and move into new occupations or sectors that have good prospects and opportunities for progression, Angelic was able to get back on her feet again.
SDAs were a crucial element in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back at the onset of the pandemic, Elitez embarked on placing SDAs very swiftly in the face of needs. But even then, with the fast-evolving situations and over hundreds of SDAs hired, Elitez had placed great emphases on managing the future career paths of these SDAs. In partnership with e2i, Elitez rolled out numerous training programs with the SDAs, partnering with various companies to ensure that candidates constantly have the opportunities to upskill and reskill to remain relevant.
e2i works with Elitez’ partners to develop CCPs to help address manpower shortages in many industries and to tackle skills-gaps among job seekers interested in taking on available jobs. e2i also connects companies interested to take part in CCP with the relevant agencies and training organisations.
Fast-forward and months later, Angelic is now a bill processing manager with a government agency. For Angelic, on a personal career growth level, it was a life-changing transformation journey, moving from passenger service in the aviation industry which Angelic was previously in, to becoming a SDA, and then to the new vocation now.
“It was a drastic change, but hard work and perseverance gave me courage to explore and adapt to the changes.” said a pensive Angelic.
“The programmes allowed me to be able to learn and experience new things, also meeting and getting to know people from all walks of life. Through the journey, I learnt relatable skills to prepare me for the current job market when looking for a job.”
Needless to say, with any job change, and in fact, a total industry switch, the new job entails its fair share of challenges but also rewarding satisfaction nonetheless.
“The biggest challenges I have on the job now are encountering challenging scenarios with the public and trying to handle them in the best ways possible. I have learnt to optimise customer relations and revenue with customer loyalty system; how to perform product demonstration, service innovation, as well as to handle events planning, conducting activities, applying essential service skills and resolving service challenges. I have even learnt how to use Microsoft Office and have continued to gain new experience everyday through my current job.”
For the multitude of jobseekers and people out there looking to transform their careers, Angelic feels it’s all about grinding out the tough times, and embracing the good.
“Never doubt about taking the next big leap in life, because you may never know what you are able to achieve without giving yourself a chance. One must be willing to learn and work hard to prove to yourself and others that nothing is impossible.”
Elitez Group of Companies is currently running an outreach campaign – “Write Your Next Chapter” – to help candidates seeking career conversion or mid-career moves, to find their footing again in the endemic.
Elitez estimates it will be looking to place another 100 candidates over the next three to six months and hopes to work with industries and relevant organisations to make the transition for jobseekers and organisations an even smoother one.
Interested parties or jobseekers can call the Elitez hotline at 6602 8282 or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Find out more about Career Conversion Programme
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