Be a Marine Youth Ambassador. Share your love for the ocean. – S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island blog

The best way to learn and be inspired is through hands-on experience and to be mentored by those who have walked the path.

This is what makes S.E.A. Aquarium’s Marine Youth Ambassador (MYA) a highly sought after student work attachment programme. Not only is it one of the few programmes in Singapore that offers an immersive, hands-on experience for secondary school students, it also makes an excellent choice for their Education and Career Guidance (ECG) programme.

The selection process begins with a recommendation from their teacher, before an interview with the S.E.A. Aquarium Education Team. This gives them a taste of the job search process, and how to present themselves to potential employers. When they eventually get selected, they will be mentored by trained educational facilitators, and get to:

• Experience real-world working conditions
• Pick up valuable skills essential for excelling in a world-class attraction
• Gain deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest aquariums
• Learn more about marine biodiversity and conservation
• Educate the public on issues pertaining to life in the ocean

In the last five years, more than 200 students have successfully completed this 5-day programme, including students from Jurongville Secondary School, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Saint Patrick’s School, CHIJ Katong, and Cedar Girls’ Secondary School.

Here are what some Marine Youth Ambassadors had to say about their experience

“I was initially panicky around guests but I gradually became more composed and confident. I also realise that I actually like marine animals a lot, even though they didn’t use to be my favourite.”
– Lam Jing Xuan, Cedar Girls’ Secondary School

“I’ve seen myself grow as a person, especially in terms of self-discipline. I never thought I could become so much more.”
– Farish, Jurongville Secondary School

“I am more introverted so this programme taught me to be more comfortable with guests. My takeaways from this programme are to be confident, smile and be friendly.”
– Giselle Ong (above picture: first row, leftmost girl in bright blue jacket), Nanyang Girls’ High School

“Working with others is more difficult than I thought. Everyone had to be efficient to ensure the smooth running of the aquarium.”
– Elishya Lingesh, CHIJ Katong

“I learned that I need to work on my patience and tolerance as it takes great patience to keep the place cheery. While working with others, we must learn to have each other’s back and to stay positive.”
– Ethan Bailey, Saint Patrick’s School