IT AND TECHNOLOGY | AREAS OF WORK
Hardware Development Upgrade existing systems or build new ones to accommodate clients’ needs.
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very wide-ranging industry that covers a broad spectrum, almost all sectors around the world depend on it. Although key areas in Singapore such as the electronics, manufacturing, telecommunications, defence and aerospace fields benefit the most from the hardware industry, it also supports other less typical sectors, much like tourism. The recent boom in mobile and “smart” technologies have also invigorated the hardware industry.
Career overview Due to its inclusivity, hopefuls looking to join the industry can find numerous opportunities in various markets, primarily with IT employers who invest in hardware development divisions. On the other hand, there are also many specialist IT service providers that concentrate on hardware development solely for a select few sectors. These firms can serve as alternatives for graduate computer scientists, engineers and physicists. Entry into major organisations typically take place through graduate schemes, though some employers prefer to hire directly for a position. If recruitment is through a graduate scheme, there’s a high chance of rotation around sub-divisions and teams in the hardware development department. Newcomers are usually initiated with a small-scale project and a small area of responsibility – assisting team members with tasks while receiving guidance is common – before moving on to managing certain tasks and more formal technical projects later. 56
STEM Career Guide 2022
As many tasks involve the upgrading and improving of current configurations for machinery, specialists will need to review and analyse existing systems frequently to identify flaws, as well as come up with new designs that can be integrated to boost performance. Some clients do outsource projects, especially when they’re looking into developing completely new hardware. In these cases, developers are typically involved in the production process, and may be required to test prototypes on top of keeping an eye on quality control.
Trends and developments With the continued e-commerce boom in Singapore – which is expected to continue growing for a while yet – hardware products, as well as their development, are in high demand. Altering physical events to virtual affairs have driven hardware development in Singapore over the past year, and the Tourism Technology Transformation Cube (Tcube) was launched to help tourism businesses along their digital transformations. The Singapore Tourism Board has also extended its Tourism Accelerator programme to September 2023, aiming to consolidate the country’s position as a destination for both foreign companies and visitors alike when travel routes reopen, and, to that end, is planning to enhance the small country with new tourism hardware.
Pros and cons Diverse There’s a great variety of roles in this field, and graduates will be immersed in a wide range of positions and responsibilities, from electronic design and schematics to programming of software or software, and even mechanical design, testing, and design ergonomics. Slow career progression Progression is slower in this industry as compared to others, and education needs to be constantly furthered in order to remain relevant.
Required skills
• Knowledge of the industry’s latest developments • Interpersonal skills • Ability to work in in a team • Commercial awareness
