Pros
1. Good exposure to local projects from start to construction completion, contract admin. 2. A good place to start for fresh graduates. 3. Seniors are knowledgeable, if they are willing to provide you with their insights- it is valuable. 4. Learning by watching. 5. Good work-life balance.
Cons
1. A camera is placed to monitor staff. Your whereabouts will always need to be known (getting coffee is monitored). Going in and out of the office is recorded by the receptionist and you may have to report to admin if there is a discrepancy between your timesheet and your door entry/exit records. 2. You will be micromanaged. There are times when Minutes of Meeting is revised 5x because your boss needs to read it and revise it over and over again because he can’t think of a certain word. You will not have independence and will consistently be learning by watching. 3. Favouritism. If you’re around long enough you’d know there is a clear separation on who are the favourite staff. Not because of performance or work ethics. But because they just are. These people will get to hang out with the bosses after work, enjoy the boss’ fine whisky which he only gives out to them at office events, etc. 4. Be there long enough and you’ll sense the homogenous and intolerance. Diet restrictions of minorities and differences are acknowledged, however, respect is lacking. 5. Salary is on the low side compared to other companies in Singapore. 6. Office culture is clique-ish (in relation to point no. 3 above) and this is encouraged. At events, you will be assigned seats within your own same clique. 7. For management, “show face” culture is important. The office needs to look perfect from the outside looking in. You will be obligated to attend corporate evengs and annual dinners, etc- to show the external community that the office is socially active.