IT AND TECHNOLOGY | AREAS OF WORK
WEB DEVELOPMENT AND E-COMMERCE Focus points include building a strong and reputable online and web presence for businesses.
T
he internet business sector, riveted on developing products and services for online consumers, has grown in size and importance to the extent that most major organisations are not considered complete without an online presence. Although there are other players, this field is dominated primarily by financial services organisations and online retail stores. The internet delivers win-win situations to financial services firms that benefit both bank and client, serving as a platform for users to perform basic banking tasks much like bill payments and monetary transfers around the clock without physically turning up, all while allowing the bank to save on operation costs such as processing fees. Similarly, retail businesses reap cost savings when they shift their operations online, enabling them to offer consumers more competitive prices. Online systems have also helped retailers manage their supply chains more efficiently and effectively.
Career overview Given the high level of interest in e-commerce and the online marketplace here in Singapore, recruitment opportunities are plentiful. However, they are not often publicly advertised, as is the case for many tech start-ups. As most start-ups in this industry usually hire through word-of-mouth, recommendations, or internship conversions, graduates who begin job-hunting in university and pick up internships will have an edge when pursuing a full-time position.
Web development opportunities are more often available in larger, more established organisations, though the hiring process may be more structured and formal. Rotations are the norm before newcomers are assigned to a position they are comfortable with, and may take anywhere between three to 12 months, depending on the company. Career progression can be ensured with SkillsFuture, where there is the option to upgrade present skills, increasing competency and productivity in this sector, as well as in other related fields.
Trends and developments With a variety of grants and initiatives rolled out over the past few years to transform Singapore into a vibrant global e-commerce hub despite strong competition, retail e-commerce is set to boom under the Economic Development Board’s Industry 21 blueprint with the adoption of an internationallylinked e-commerce infrastructure and harmonisation of cross-border laws and policies. E-commerce is also set to be jumpstarted among start-ups with the help of numerous support schemes that mitigate the cost of adoption. Web development, on the other hand, will continue supporting e-commerce growth with chatbots and progressive web applications (PWA). Single-page apps (SPA) have also made a return to the limelight with the advent of crossplatform apps.
Blockchain has made its mark too, having quickly become indispensable to decentralised file storage, protection of intellectual properties and even supply chain auditing.
Pros and cons Fast-paced and challenging Those who thrive in such an environment will be able to see results almost immediately, and many in the industry take pride in transforming trade and transactions on top of having the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. However, endlessly dealing with rapid and unrelenting changes in technology and business can wear down even the best after a while, just as much as handling constant threats such as cybercrime and cyber security risks can. Skills required in web development and e-commerce
• Commercial awareness • Always abreast of latest changes in regulations and trends • Adaptability • An eye for detail • Ability to deal with ambiguity effectively
STEM Career Guide 2021
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