Types Of Part Time Jobs That Will Benefit You
by Keefe Kayvan on Friday, 17 July 2015 at 12:00 pm
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I started taking on part time jobs in Singapore at the age of 16 under tremendous pressure (constant nagging) from my father. He never failed to emphasise on the importance of work experience and the benefits that it'll bring to my future. Well, I've got to thank him profusely for getting my lazy ass to start working cause it did much for my knowledge and personal growth.

Since then, I've tackled a number of jobs in different fields and learned quite a vast pool of skill sets. Moreover, I got to strengthen qualities which proved beneficial to my every day life. 


Waiter

Many who seek part time jobs for students end up being a waiting staff because of its constant availability and fluid schedule. The most back-breaking job that I've ever done was when I was working at a salad bar as a waiter. I was tasked from peeling oranges to mopping the floor to serving the customers! Nothing seemed out of my job scope! Waitering is one of the more demanding jobs out there, requiring a vast set of skills to overcome tedious daily routines. Although I personally did not like working as a server, I have to admit that it was a very humbling experience. I learnt to be more perseverant and quick-thinking. Oh, and I managed to desensitise myself to dirt. (I used to be a clean freak!)


Admin Assistant

Many make a pass at doing administrative jobs assuming that it will be a waste of time but it can be quite an enriching experience (when properly done). I learnt much working in an office setting, many of which are very practical skills like operating and maintaining office machines. My personal discipline, organisational ability and time management were heavily strengthened as well. Oh, and let's not forget the ever so important office etiquette.

Tuition Tutor

Being a tutor may sound easy because of its flexibility, but it can be the most difficult based on the fact that you will be dealing with (more often than not) a child. Your patience will be put to the test. It's undeniably important that you have to remain level-headed no matter the situation. After all, you were probably in their exact position before, having trouble at the then (and sometimes still) complicated problem-solving questions! I currently still do tutor and I find it very fulfilling.You get to nurture a child's eagerness for knowledge and you play a big part in directing them in a positive direction in life. Now that's a really big responsibility!    


Event Promoter

Perhaps among the more popular part time jobs Singapore has, event promoters are exposed to a diversity of environment, people and challenges. Social skills, as well as quick wit and charisma, are put to the test when engaging customers. Also, image is important as you will be expected to be a strong representation of the brand you are under. Personal grooming will play a big part. I personally enjoy doing events and find joy in building relationships with customers and clients.


Retail Assistant

Very similar to an event promotor, social skills and personal grooming are very crucial in this field. In addition, good organisational and management skill do come in handy when dealing with administrative tasks like cashier balancing. I will say that from my experience, being a retail assistant conditioned me to become a better all-rounder.

If you wish to gain (more) working experience through part time jobs in Singapore, you can head over to www.stroff.com to view all their latest listings.
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Lessons Learnt From My Internship
by Keefe Kayvan on Sunday, 28 June 2015 at 10:30 am
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Majority of the students first experience internships in Singapore during the final year of their Polytechnic education. Some even get the opportunity to travel and serve theirs overseas! I, on the other hand, took a pretty different route. It was only after I got my diploma did I apply for a Singapore internship. I was pretty bumped that I was unsuccessful in applying for an internship Singapore opportunity which my Polytechnic encourages and had to settle for handling a final year project.

It's a known fact that interns are often given menial tasks (It's actually not an easy job photocopying mountains of paperwork!) to complete and are always under nitpicking superiors who never have a complement for you. Nonetheless, you'll learn skills (be it relevant to your speciality or not) that will benefit you in the future. It's not a waste of time! It's always good to have industrial knowledge and experience to enrich your portfolio.

I've learnt quite a number of humbling life skills from my time as an intern and because I am in need of some serious karma points, I'll share my thoughts on them with you.


1. First impressions stick!

Probably one of the most important lessons you'll ever learn in life and perhaps the the most useful. First impressions are crucial! While you can't possibly stop others from making judgments about you, you can make those decisions work in your favour. Non-verbal cues are way more impactful in making an impression than verbal ones. That's another guide altogether so go research on it! (Or maybe wait till I write one about it? Haha!)


2. (Act like) You don't know anything.

You may have straight As under your belt and boast a rock solid GPA but you are after all just 20(ish). On the grand scale of life, you're only just at the beginning. On the grand scale of your career path, you're only an intern who is scraping for knowledge at the bottom of the food chain. So, learn every little thing you possibly can! That includes knowing where to find those Milo sachets in the pantry and fixing the damned malfunctioning printing machine! Much like any story, the interesting parts only reveal themselves towards the end so do not act like a know-it-all cause well, you don't. That will just stun your growth and make the whole internship experience obsolete.


3. It's right to be wrong. (Don't overdo it!)

Sometimes you work on an assignment and it flips on you. Pick yourself back up and dust yourself off. Some (Most, if we're being honest…) lessons can only be learnt by falling face-flat on the cold hard ground and getting stomped by a Tyrannosaurus.


4. Listen!

Everyone wants to be acknowledged as a person, to have their thoughts and opinions voiced and listened to. It's up to ourselves to provide constructive inputs (The world already have too much negativity!), and the best way to do so is to first listen and learn. You can only experience so much in a lifetime, but other people's experiences can help you fill the gaps, and theirs, you. That is communication.


5. Everything is of value! (Eventually…)

It's only after you leave your internship and start your career journey when you realise that all the frivolous details and knowledge will come in handy one way or another. You just might get extra brownie points from your superiors for being able to change the toner cartridges of the fax machines efficiently.

If you have yet to experience serving an internship in Singapore, or wish to build up your portfolio further with more, you can head over to www.stroff.com to view all their latest listings.
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Yum Cha Express
by Keefe Kayvan on Thursday, 18 June 2015 at 11:30 pm
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Tired of queuing for dim sum? Fret not, cause Yum Cha restaurants now deliver to your doorsteps with Yum Cha Express!



Simply order your desired dim sum cravings at www.yumchaexpress.com.sg and wait for it to arrive piping hot! Operating hours are from 9:00AM – 9:00PM.

(Do visit www.yumchaexpress.com.sg for more information!)
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The Pecking Order + The Entertainer App [Review]
by Keefe Kayvan on Friday, 27 March 2015 at 2:00 am
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[The Pecking Order]


A cosy cafe by day to a small-plates bar by night, The Pecking Order transform itself during weekday evenings to serve up savoury dishes for the after-work crowd. That was what I needed after an exhausting day at work and thanks to The Entertainer's invitation, I got it.

Before I get to the food, I would like to mention how incredible the ambience of the establishment was! I'll save the descriptive vocabulary and show you pictures instead.






I liked how the area is so well furnished with comfortable seating and the artworks scattered around brings about a very vintage modern interior. They aim to create an atmosphere where everyone can come together to share good times and food. I believe that they have succeeded.

Yes, yes… Food.


We were served an 11-course meal! Allow me to tantalise your tastebuds.


Burnt Aubergine with Piment D'espelette & Fried Garlic (S$10) 
I didn't really get the flavour but I was brought up to eat my vegetables.


Roasted Potatoes with Blue Cheese, Black Truffle & Chives (S$12)
The aroma from this dish was so delectable! You can hardly go wrong with truffles and cheese. Absolutely delicious.


Mussels Escabeche with Shaved Fennels, Garlic Toasts (S$12)
I love mussels. It was a first for me to have them with garlic bread though, and it gave the mussels added sweetness.


Oyster & Prawn Fritters, Avocado Crema (S$12)
I didn't try this dish out because I detest prawns. No amount of oysters can persuade me otherwise. Next.


Salt Cod Fritters with Anchovy Aioli (S$10)
I liked the strong difference in texture between the crisp batter and fluffy fish flesh. 


Pressed Sandwich of Sea Urchin & Coppa Ham (S$18)
It was my first time trying sea urchins and it was a pleasant one. A tad briny, but the sweetness did stand out together with the ham.

Sea Tiger Prawns with Crustacean Butter & Seaweed Sauce (S$16)
No. No. No. I won't! No!


Braised Lamb Ribs, Carrot Mash & Gremolata (S$24)
I love gnawing on a good lamb rib. This was definitely the standout dish for me. The flesh was so succulent and the carrot mash was delightfully sweet!


Grilled Kurobuta Pork Jowl with Honey & Soy, Red Cabbage (S$22)
The Pecking Order seems to enjoy infusing sweets into their dishes. Glazed with honey and soy, they sure went all out on these tender bite sized pork slices. Yummy.


Wagyu Hanger Steak, Red Pepper "Chimmichurri" & Portobello (S$28)
The beef was just chewy enough for my liking and the mushrooms were sour. I like sour. Another standout dish. 


Chocolate & Salted Egg Custard Lava Cake, Vanilla Ice Creme (S$10)
I take pleasure in watching egg yolks flow. A great way to end the meal on a sweet note. (Well, most of the dishes were sweet.)


My accompanying grape cocktail for the meal.

The Pecking Order, as well as sister establishments The Merry Men Kitchen + Bar and The Mad Men Attic Bar, are three of the many participating partners with The Entertainer offering 2-for-1 deals. Read on to find out more!

The Pecking Order
Address: #01-01, 13 North Canal Road Singapore 048826
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 12:00AM (Mon – Fri), 10:00AM – 8:00AM (Sat)

[The Entertainer App]


The Entertainer Singapore Mobile 2015 app offers over 750 2-for-1 dining and leisure deals for Singapore's hottest F&B chains, attractions and activities. In addition, this year's product includes the Entertainer Travel 2015, which offers over 250 free nights at leading hotels throughout Asia, Indian Ocean, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The app is very flexible and user-friendly. You will be able to enjoy offers at each participating partners for up to 3 times, or even all simultaneously! Perfect for group gatherings and such. Moreover, there isn't a need for an advance notice. Just present the offer you wish to redeem when requesting for the bill. (These do not apply to the hotel offers.)


Download and launch the app!


See which participating partners are offering 2-for-1 deals near you! There are a number of categories to choose from. Food might be the most popular choice but all the deals are equally as enticing.


If you already have somewhere in mind, go ahead and search for it. 





When you're ready to redeem your offer, simply select your choice and enter your PIN. Proceed to ask the staff for their PIN. That's it. 

I personally feel that The Entertainer App helps lifestyle enthusiasts like myself save a fortune! I was scrolling through the offers available and was pretty surprised to see that many were of a double digit value! Imagine having your dinner bills halved every time you eat out with a partner. Oh, boy!

The Entertainer Singapore Mobile 2015 is currently at an early bird price of S$60 (U.P. S$75). You can get a further 10% discount using the promo code "ALVIN2015" during your checkout. It is available for purchase at www.theentertainerme.com or via your App Store.

Alternatively, you may prefer to get the Entertainer Singapore 2015 book instead. It is currently priced at S$75 (U.P. S$80) and available for purchase at www.theentertainerme.com as well.

The pricing might be quite a scare at first, but a full utilisation can save you an estimated S$89 000! Do the math.


Let's start saving together!

(Do visit www.theentertainerme.com for more information!)
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