Getting a STEM Graduate Job

Organisations in Singapore’s STEM sectors are always on the lookout for talent to boost the innovative economy.

The world needs scientists, technology professionals, engineers and mathematicians, and Singapore’s no different. However, competition’s stiff, with well-known graduate employers attracting plenty of applications, and smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also gaining traction. But before you kickstart your professional journey, you should have a basic idea of what to expect first!

Here are just some of the most typical questions jobseekers might have on their minds.

What are the different areas of work?

STEM graduates are welcome in many areas, ranging from aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, electronic and rail fields, to academia, research and development (R&D). They can even consider going for the telecommunications sector.

However, depending on the industry, roles can vary in scale, from the development of nanotechnologies, food additives and electronic devices, to the construction of refineries or solar parks. Employers greatly value graduates who can contribute a good mix of technical knowledge and commercial awareness.

Larger recruiters generally bring newcomers on board through graduate training programmes, which can be competitive. Having previous work experience – whether gained through internships, industrial placements, or part-time jobs with related employers – can help give an edge over other applicants.

Smaller firms, on the other hand, tend to hire directly into specific entry-level roles. While graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply for more commercial positions, specific roles may require a more relevant degree or certifications.

Employers may be selective of the education level of their applicants as well. For instance, while some may be open to recruiting graduates with BEng or MEng degrees, others may only be on the lookout for graduates with a MEng.

Graduates may also want to consider pursuing further studies and certifications. Keep in mind that recruiters are usually on the lookout for a variety of soft skills too, including: • Communication skills – written and verbal • Problem-solving ability • Analytical skills • The ability to work in a team • Interpersonal skills • Commercial awareness • An eye for detail • The ability to learn quickly • Flexibility and adaptability • Enthusiasm and motivation

How can I get a job with a STEM company? What qualifications and skills do I need?

What does the application process involve?

What training and development opportunities do employers offer?

Major firms typically prefer online applications via their careers page or job portals, whereas smaller firms do accept resumes and cover letters via email.

Applicants who successfully pass the first round will usually be invited back for a series of interviews, oftentimes both general and technical. Tests – usually numerical, personality or verbal reasoning, among others – and/or assessment centres may also be utilised.

When should I apply?

Although many employers have open recruitment cycles where they accept applications until all vacancies have been filled, a number of them do keep annual deadlines, especially if they coordinate regional, or international, graduate programmes.

Smaller firms, on the other hand, lean towards hiring graduates directly into specific positions as and when they’re needed, so be sure to monitor online portals, job boards and companies as much as possible.

Training and development is a high priority in the STEM sector, with employers typically offering professional courses or graduate schemes. The government also refreshed the Continuing Education and Training (CET) programme in 2014.

What are the working life and hours like?

It can depend on the field. Some are deskbound, clearing tasks such as calculations and preparing proposals all day, while others either oversee work in a manufacturing facility or construction site, or meet with clients.

Depending on the role, graduates may also have a relatively good work-life balance, although extra hours are usually put in whenever deadlines approach.

Mobility’s another important aspect of working life, and graduates may find themselves having to travel for client meetings, business trips, or extended placements abroad.

What are the highs and lows?

One of the highlights of the industry are the many different careers a graduate can choose from, and which often come with the chance to explore cutting-edge technology as well.

Many roles offer intellectually and technically-challenging problems too.

However, on the flip side, depending on the role, graduates may be required to travel often, which can be both exciting and taxing at the same time.

The sector’s also beset with strict regulations and standard operating procedures, often leading to tedious paperwork. More than that, work can also get frustrating as projects may be abandoned halfway through due to sudden withdrawal of funds or other reasons.

What other jobs can STEM graduates do?

As many graduates in STEM disciplines are often exposed to a range of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, logical thinking and high-level numeracy skills, they’re very desirable candidates not just in the sector, but the finance, gaming and consultancy industries, too.

Graduates can opt for

commercial roles in technical sales, operations management, investment management and logistics fields.

However, another option

is to start out in a technical position to gain more

experience before moving on to senior management or various business functions in the future.