SINGAPORE: A recent survey by Singapore's five polytechnics showed that more of their graduates were able to land a job accompanied by a fatter paycheck in 2006, compared to the previous year.

And those who joined the workforce after their national service commanded an even higher pay packet.

The survey showed that nearly three quarters of last year's batch of graduates got a job within six months and the average pay was about S$1,700.

For those who completed their National Service (NS), their average salary was about S$2,000.

Both groups registered an increase of more than S$50, over the previous year's figures.

But an engineering graduate from Temasek Polytechnic surpassed these figures.

After completing his NS, 24-year-old Mohd Solliqin found a job in Bahrain and is earning about S$3,800.

He said: "I believe that working overseas will generate more income for me but that is not the reason why I actually went. That is partly the reason. The reason is to get more experience and to experience the different culture and the working environment overseas."

Prospects offered by the finance sector also attracted personal banker Marcus Chen, from Ngee Ann Poly.

The 24-year-old draws a gross monthly salary of more than S$3,500 at a local bank.

"Basically, you put in very long hours. Tell yourself, coming out, you have to be hungry in life. At least the work you put in commensurate with your pay. I think that is very important. The harder you work, the more you can earn," said Marcus.

The survey also showed that graduates from Engineering, Maritime, Health Sciences, Chemical and Life Sciences courses enjoyed high salaries.

More than three quarters of the nearly 10,000 graduates surveyed opted for a career in the private sector.