Associate Programme

Once your profile has been selected to proceed to the interview stage, the process from interview to the final outcome typically takes 4 weeks or longer. We recommend completing all to-dos at every stage promptly when you receive them and being flexible with interview scheduling to help expedite your application. We will keep you informed of your progress throughout the interview process and provide estimated timelines at each stage.

Thank you for your interest and for completing your Pulsifi application. As we receive a high volume of applications, our team will be reviewing profiles over the course of the application period. We appreciate your patience during this time.

Please note that we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted to proceed to the interview stage. If you do not hear from us, your application will remain in consideration for this cycle.

Rather than specific work experience, we look for individuals who are purpose-driven and eager to make an impact for Singapore and Singaporeans. We value those who bring strong analytical and critical thinking skills, paired with adaptability, curiosity, initiative, and resourcefulness.

When crafting your application, we recommend structuring your resume so that these qualities are easy to identify. Draw on concrete examples from your academic projects, co-curricular activities, or other experiences that demonstrate these qualities. 

We encourage applications from diverse disciplines of study including STEM, humanities, social sciences, and beyond. You do not need a degree in Economics or Business to apply! Regardless of discipline of study, you should have a curiosity for global business and the broader macro-economic environment that Singapore operates in.

All Associates will go through 3 stints across different domains of EDB’s work and the stint placements will be determined based on our overall business needs. The duration of each stint is 13 to 14 weeks.

Your performance will be evaluated through a structured appraisal system designed to provide regular feedback and support your development throughout the programme. Your performance will be appraised during each stint, and an aggregate performance appraisal will be conducted towards the end of the programme.

Associates who successfully complete the programme and meet our performance standards will be offered to join EDB as full-time Senior Associates. There will be an exercise to determine your placement with a division as a full-time Senior Associate, which will take into consideration our overall business needs and your preference.

Your career pathway and progression in EDB is dependent on your performance and aspirations. There is no difference in how we evaluate the performance of Associates who have completed the programme, and other full-time hires. We believe in fair treatment for all officers based on merit.

Foreign language ability is an added advantage but not a requirement for the programme. If you are selected as an Associate, we offer a mandatory inhouse Foreign Language Training in Japanese, French and Bahasa Indonesia to support your development.

We believe in the value of mentorship in supporting the growth and development of our Associates. Each Associate will be assigned an Associate Reporting Officer (ARO) who will guide and support you throughout the duration of the programme, including providing career guidance. In addition, for each stint, you will also have a Division Reporting Officer (DRO) who will oversee your day-to-day responsibilities, provide closer guidance within the division, and conduct your performance appraisal for that stint.

Do note that while mentorship is an important part of the programme, Associates are expected to take ownership of their own development. We look for individuals who are proactive and independent, and who actively seek out learning opportunities rather than waiting to be guided at every step.