gradsingapore STEM Career Guide 2024

The complete guide to graduate careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

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INTRODUCTION STEM Career Guide 2024

Featuring descriptions of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduate jobs, careers advice, as well as emerging industry trends, this comprehensive guide aims to prepare students for the future!

Industries in the STEM Sector

An overview of the various industries in the STEM sector.

The world of STEM is diverse. It includes brilliant scientists studying the world and sharing their discoveries, innovative technologists putting their digital skills to use through their latest inventions, analytical engineers making the world move with practical applications and mathematicians using numbers to form life-changing equations.

In this guide, we focus on graduate areas of work in STEM to help you find your ideal career and employer.

Science

Employers

Graduates in the field of science have their pick of employers across a wide range of industries, such as academia, chemical research and even meteorology.

An upward trend in environmental science has also resulted in demand for graduates in that area, and the health science sector in Singapore has generated a need for science writers among universities and clinical laboratories.

Challenges

Keeping up with current trends, new discoveries and updated methodologies will be vital in this highly dynamic sector. As new findings and innovations are made every year, graduates in this field must learn to adapt to new modes of working, and constantly acquire new skills to stay on top of their game.

Perks

Breaking new ground is common in this industry, and many enter for the rigorous mental stimulation involved. Some roles, such as food safety and meteorology, even allow professionals to play a crucial role in public safety, while chemical research encourages scientists to flex their ingenuity and creativity.

Expect competitive benefits, as skills in the sciences will always be in demand due to the need for constant innovation. Many graduates are also expected to pick up highly transferable skills, such as critical thinking and research and analysis.

IT and Technology

Employers

In IT and technology, employment can be found in a variety of firms ranging from IT giants and tech start-ups, software and hardware makers, as well as data-driven companies. Products and services are both consumer-facing and tailored for business solutions, such as telecommunications and cloud platform services.

Furthermore, both multinational corporations (MNCs) and public agencies alike require IT and technology talent to keep up with cybersecurity threats and the everchanging landscape.

Challenges

Technology evolves constantly, with new products and services regularly rolled out at a fast pace. Moreover, the race for innovation has also brought on cutting-edge competition as people strive for the newest and most innovative discoveries.

Additionally, cybersecurity issues, exposure to potentially unknown threats and frequent updates to regulations are also some challenges that technology professionals will need to face.

Perks

Being surrounded by like-minded, inspired and creative professionals with problem-solving strengths, and embedded in a culture of growth and innovation, will ensure that work is never boring.

In addition, with every industry today requiring specific technology specialists, there’s the chance to marry a zeal for technology with other interests, such as healthcare or entertainment. Lastly, technology professionals are in high demand and generally enjoy comfortable compensation for their services, skills and expertise.

Engineering

Employers

Employers include industrial manufacturers in key areas such as the energy, infrastructure and medical sectors. On top of that, technology firms, marine engineering firms, oil and gas companies and research institutes hire engineering talents, too.

Engineers are also sought by construction companies, environmental NGOs and public agencies in charge of building infrastructure, much like airports and waterworks.

Challenges

Change is the only constant in this ever-changing field, so engineers need to embrace a love for continuous learning and the ability to listen to feedback to thrive. The engineering industry also bears heavy responsibility to real world applications as they’re developed and implemented in this sector.

Job transitions are commonplace as well, as the best way an engineer can learn is to plan strategic moves. However, this also means that they have to be highly adaptable to new work environments, and quickly pick up on new skills and technologies. Moreover, engineering as a profession involves large-scale, complex problems that are an entirely different ball game compared to engineering in university, so young engineers need to pick up the skills quickly.

Perks

A career in this field is often said to be satisfying, given the intellectual stimulation offered by interesting and unpredictable challenges. Beyond the prestige that comes along with the profession, engineers also get to make the world a better place even as they enjoy financial security for their hard work.

Mathematics

Employers

Although many employers are in sectors that deal with risk, statistics and numerical data, there are others in more specialised fields, such as medicine or law.

Other sectors not normally associated with a degree in mathematics are available too, such as the gaming and cybersecurity industries. Alternatively, there’s the popular academic option, where graduates can explore and indulge in theoretical mathematical knowledge.

Challenges

Entry-level professionals may only be assigned to more mundane tasks, such as working with modelling software and spreadsheets as they continue to learn the ropes of the industry.

On the other end of the spectrum, the more senior positions tend to come with highly stressful business environments as they rely on mathematicians to analyse data and maintain profit margins, although they do receive generous remunerations in return.

Perks

A mathematically-inclined person may enjoy a career deeply involved in analyses and assessments as it makes full use of their skills to solve real-world problems. And although the market may be small and competitive, actuary and risk professionals are often privy to attractive remuneration packages.

As numbers are a universal language, having good certifications and advanced numeracy skills can lead to posts abroad, as well as easier transitions to accountancy firms, trading, or other nonactuarial roles in banks.

Is a Career in STEM for Me ?

Fast-growing and financially rewarding, the STEM sector welcomes fresh graduates and young professionals. But how do you know if it’s the right career path for you?

A career in Science

Careers in science include physicists, pharmacists, materials scientists, pharmacologists, along with roles in medical research. Fields such as marine biology and environmental science and conservation also come under the umbrella of scientific careers too.

However, on top of being well-versed in your area of specialisation, you’ll have to be ambitious, logical and passionate about your chosen field in order to succeed.

A career in IT and Technology

Through efficient energy usage, building designs and transportations, technology has helped improve lives by providing conveniences to many. Career paths here include computer programming, systems and database administration, as well as information security.

Information technology, on the other hand, delivers value to users from data. Talents will need to be technically skilled with programmes and software, keen to solve problems and able to communicate and work effectively in a team.

A career in Engineering

While scientists create theories and focus on concepts, engineers implement science to solve practical problems, look out for new breakthroughs and invent novel ways to do and make things.

Fields of engineering include aerospace, biomedical, civil, electrical and even environmental and petroleum, among many others. Other than being educated in their chosen field, successful engineers are strong in mathematics and science, highly analytical and enjoy working in teams.

A career in Mathematics

Careers in this area include roles in statistics, quantitative finance, operations research and actuarial science. Cryptographers, economists and investment analysts all pursue careers in mathematics too.

Valued traits for those looking to enter mathematics include a knack for analysing and interpreting data, skills in critical and logical thinking, as well as abilities in organisation and teamwork to pave the way for collaborative problem-solving.

A quick checklist

Do you crave hands-on work? Are you creative and collaborative?

Do complex challenges intrigue you?

Are you cool with documenting processes for making things?

Are you convinced using statistics and data can help you make important decisions?

Are you committed to making a difference in the lives of others and the future?

Scan this QR

Singapore

Mitsui Chemicals Asia Pacific, Ltd.

Mitsui Elastomers

Singapore Pte Ltd

Mitsui Chemicals Singapore R&D Centre Pte. Ltd.

Prime Evolue

Singapore Pte. Ltd.

SDC Technologies Asia Pacific, Pte. Ltd.

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HOW TO GET HIRED

The STEM industries are full of exceptional professionals, extraordinary roles and unparalleled opportunities. But how do you enter these unique fields? What’s the best way to get past technical interviews and assessment centres? What skills do employers in these sectors even look out for? There’s no need to worry; we have you covered. Just read on to find out.

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 small-and 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 and 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.

How can I get a job with a STEM company?

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.

What does the application process involve?

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.

What qualifications and skills do I need?

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

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.

What training and development opportunities do employers offer?

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 is the many different careers a graduate can choose from, which often comes 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.

Conclusion

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.

Choosing the Right STEM Career and Graduate Employer

There are plenty of good employers in Singapore, so how do you choose one? Take some time to think about the sector you want to work in, the career you want to have and the life you want to lead.

Getting employed is one thing. Getting satisfactory employment, however, is a whole different ball game.

Most firms present a good mix of specialist and management career opportunities – each of which offers a very different type of career springboard. While this may not necessarily determine your future career pathway, it certainly does influence your professional growth as a graduate.

For this reason, it’s important that you put some thought into applying to the right employer and position.

What are your priorities?

Do you want to develop your technical knowledge to become an expert in a particular field, or would you prefer to throw yourself into the thick of the action in, for example, a manufacturing plant?

What type of function suits you best?

Find out what you’re most comfortable with. Perhaps a customer and product-oriented role in supply chain management aligns with your personality? Or is a strategy planning-related position in project management a better fit for your temperament?

These are only broad guidelines for you to ponder over, however. If you’re still unsure, you may want to try applying to rotational training programmes some companies offer. These are mostly offered by larger organisations, allowing you the opportunity to “sample” a variety of duties across different departments, including commercial and technical ones.

Depending on the employer, though, the structure of these courses may or may not be role-specific. Some firms will want their graduate hires to experience the best of both worlds, offering programmes that cross technical and non-technical fields. Others are more particular, sorting applicants out into “streams” upon admission.

On the other hand, smaller businesses prefer recruiting directly into specific roles, so make sure you know what you’re aiming for if you want to apply to such firms.

Choosing your working environment

Start by considering whether you’re better suited for a fastpaced or research- based working environment. Factories and manufacturing plants tend to be more exciting, requiring a lot of immediate attention and action. Inversely, R&D and design departments provide more chances for you to work with technology, but tend to be less speedy.

If you prefer to spend most of your working hours outdoors, look at positions that require you to travel and perform your duties out of the office, such as in construction or oil extraction. If you’re the opposite of both, consider other fields, such as design engineering or statistics, which are mainly office-based.

The working environment may also affect the type of opportunities and projects offered. Larger corporations with structured training schemes will usually let you participate in big international projects, supported by a good network.

Smaller organisations, in contrast, are more selective with their projects, usually going for specialised niches. On top of that, less manpower at such firms means that you’ll be given more early responsibilities, which, in turn, can translate to faster growth and more experience.

While this may mean that the learning curve has the potential to be quite steep, you may achieve early acknowledgement if you can pick things up fast enough!

What are you prepared to do?

Before you decide on who you want to work for, think about how far you’re willing to go for your work – both literally and metaphorically. Consider these:

Are you prepared to move around the region for work, or travel overseas on secondments and long-term project assignments even during this climate? How long will you be willing to do so?

Or are you more comfortable being rooted in the office, where you can build positive working relationships with your team members?

Oil and gas professionals, for instance, are usually required to be particularly mobile, and they can often be found travelling offshore to oil rigs and refineries. Process controllers, on the other hand, may find themselves tied to a specific manufacturing plant, monitoring its operational efficiency day in and day out.

Moreover, think about the hours that you’re willing to clock in as well; it’s not uncommon for meteorologists to have to do shift work, while those involved in maintenance sometimes pull unusual hours.

If keeping ordinary working hours from 9-to-5 is a priority, then perhaps other specialisations, much like science work in a laboratory, may be better for you.

Obtaining additional professional qualifications

Another area of concern you may want to keep in mind is the educational support you can get from your employer. Are you aiming to become professionally qualified as a chartered engineer? What about further studies?

Many recruiters do provide such support and opportunities. Be sure to clarify, however, as some employers may only be willing to support your education to a certain level.

In addition, be sure to ask about alternative training opportunities – both internal and external – and other forms of sponsorship that can benefit you or help you with your career progression.

Make the match

Don’t neglect the culture fit between yourself and your prospective employer! See if you can request a tour around the workplace during the interview process to get a feel for the company culture or the kind of work that inspired you to apply to this employer in the first place.

If you have the chance, try to speak with current employees or any connections that you may have within the company to get some insights. You can also use this time to observe your potential colleagues. More often than not, if you’re comfortable talking to them from the get-go, you’ll be able to work well with them if you do get hired.

Perfect Your STEM Resume

Write the ideal resume to hook recruiters at first glance.

Aresume should be no more than two sheets of A4-sized paper, but what information should you include? How can you fit all the information you need into a single document?

Remember that the main purpose of a resume is to not only market yourself, but to show recruiters that you’ll be a great fit for the job role. In other words, a well-written resume is key to landing an interview with prospective employers.

Make a positive first impression by crafting an effective resume with our tips and the following sample.

The golden rules

1. Tailor your resume to each employer. Keep a master copy on hand, but tweak it accordingly for each application.

2. Ensure your resume is easy to read – choose a clear font in a reasonable size (such as Calibri, font size 11), word your headings clearly, and consider using bullet points to break up text.

3. Use a skills-focused or chronological format for your resume, depending on what sells you best.

Resumes often follow the chronological format, and are particularly useful if you’ve held a couple of positions in the past. This format is best for highlighting work experience and lessons learned.

Educational history – how much details do companies want?

Your educational history from your university years should include your predicted or actual degree class, information on group projects and your dissertation, any modules relevant to the job and related academic awards.

A skills-focused resume, on the other hand, is useful if you’re applying for a highly-specialised role that requires a specific skill set. It’s also a good format to follow if you have very little prior experience.

Do graduate resumes need personal statements?

Many students start with brief personal statements that outline their abilities and aspirations. It’s also advisable for graduates to include a short profile in their resumes that quickly summarise their motivations for applying to the position and why they would be a good fit for the company.

Be specific and keep it relevant to the position in question. For instance, it’s a waste of space to put down: “Student with great teamwork skills seeks challenging job”. Instead, it’s far better to state: “Final-year mechanical engineering student with particular interest in mathematics seeking graduate role in the defence industry”.

Keep in mind that employers don’t need to know the specifics of modules that don’t pertain to them, so be sure to check over which modules to include and those you can safely leave out.

What experience should I include in my resume?

Many employers look very favourably on achievements and experiences outside of STEM. These can be a real boost if you haven’t been able to secure any STEM-related work experience – and can give you an extra edge.

Examples worth mentioning include fundraising, voluntary work, or taking a leading role in a university society. You can also mention parttime work or summer jobs, but don’t go into detail. Instead, summarise your achievements and any transferable skills developed that’ll be useful in your career.

Give contact details at which recruiters can easily get hold of you. Ensure your email address sounds professional.

Include university modules that are relevant to the job instead of listing them all.

Devote plenty of space to relevant work experience, highlighting what you achieved and how it benefitted the company.

Where relevant, summarise what you learned from an experience.

Include part-time jobs, emphasising transferable skills obtained, but devote less space to these and more to relevant experience.

Many employers will be interested in your IT skills, but do not exaggerate your abilities.

Including references on your resume is optional. If you cannot fit them in, write “References available upon request”.

Crafting an effective resume

Here is a sample of a resume detailing the information you should include in order to convince recruiters that you are the right candidate for the job.

Jeremy Wong

Email: jeremy_wong@gmail.com

EDUCATION

2021 – Present

Mobile: 8765 8903

Singapore University, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Honours

• Relevant modules: Circuits and systems; signals and communications; microwave systems and circuits.

• Final year project on auto intensity control of street lights.

WORK EXPERIENCE

2023 (July to September)

Future Electronics Singapore, Intern

• Actively sourced for potential Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suppliers of key components in the Southeast Asian region.

• Identified more cost-effective alternatives for key components used in company products. Theoretically reduced production costs by 5% as a result.

• Communicated directly with senior management during the sourcing process, and submitted reports of findings to them.

2022 (June to August)

Research Assistant, Fibre Optics Lab, Singapore University

• Assisted in research on power fibre laser systems and their practical industrial applications.

• Set up, maintained and catalogued equipment used in research experiments.

• Coded programme to filter and analyse gathered data, in order to assist with interpretation of research findings.

VOLUNTARY WORK

2021 (June to September)

Volunteer Vocational Trainer, Craft a Change Organisation

• Volunteered as a trainer for a robotics vocational programme for underprivileged teenagers.

• Taught a class of 26 teenagers. Successfully designed and taught programmes such as building and programming a pet bird robot and a race car.

• The experience taught me the value of patience and good communication. It also gave me a lot of satisfaction knowing I imparted knowledge to underprivileged individuals who may use these skills to potentially better their future.

FURTHER EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

2019-2021

Customer Service Assistant, Tesco (part-time)

• Duties included working on the checkout counter and at the customer service desk.

• Helped develop my commercial awareness and interpersonal skills.

ADDITIONAL IT SKILLS

• Able to programme in C# and Java.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

REFERENCES

Dr Edwin Wong

Senior Lecturer Faculty of Engineering, Singapore University

Tel: 9085 6721

Email: edwin.wong@su.edu.sg

Mr Thomas Kumar Operations Manager, Future Electronics Singapore

Tel: 9983 7832

Email: kumar.thomas@future-e.com

Cover Letter Tips for the Graduate STEM Specialist

Convince employers that you’re the right person for the job with an attractive cover letter.

Many STEM graduates have a fairly wide range of career options open to them, and are highly sought-after for their numerical skills and problem-solving abilities outside the STEM sectors. Within it, however, there are a wide range of fields they can choose from.

Your cover letter, therefore, is a chance to convince your prospective employer that you want to work in the industry, for their specific organisation, and in the job role advertised. Here are some tips on how you can successfully sell yourself to recruiters with a cover letter.

Research matters! Accuracy and professionalism

The trick is to have a clear idea about what the company does and what the job entails. From there, draw out evidence of your own skills, interests and experience that are relevant. At the same time, keep in mind that flattery such as “I am applying to you because you are a vibrant, international company that is a market leader in the automotive industry” won’t get you anywhere.

A far better approach, however, is to:

• Clearly state your career goals

• Specify what attracted you to the employer. For instance, you could mention a couple of projects that the company was involved in that piqued your interest

• Mention a work placement, project, or module you enjoyed that relates to the position you’re gunning for Showing an understanding of the organisation in your cover letter will illustrate that you’ve done your research. Additionally, pick out key bits that fit in with your application and connect them to yourself.

Careers in the STEM industries demand not just professionalism, but accuracy too, whether for communicating effectively with clients, suppliers and nontechnical colleagues, or even ensuring that calculations are correct.

Make sure your use of written English in your cover letter reassures recruiters that you have these qualities. If writing isn’t your strong suit, refresh your knowledge of punctuation and grammar before you begin, and run draft copies of your cover letter through trusted friends or career advisers.

What an ideal cover letter should include

Dear Ms Jones,

I am writing to apply for the Graduate Water Treatment Engineer vacancy (ref A123) advertised on gradsingapore.com. I graduated earlier this year with a BEng in Chemical Engineering from Singapore University. I am seeking my first role in the water industry, and enclosed is my resume for your consideration.

I am interested in the Graduate Water Treatment Engineer role at XYZ Water Consulting as I wish to apply my knowledge of the waste management industry, as well as my understanding of chemical processes and biotechnology developed during my undergraduate degree.

I wish to join a consultancy as I particularly enjoy working on projects that provide a clear business benefit and am keen to work with clients and stakeholders. To that end, during a three-month placement with BioChem, I produced a report outlining how the organisation could reduce the waste from its processes by 30%. In addition, on a sixmonth industrial placement with Western Electric, I produced a report on how by-products could be harnessed to create more energy, which is now being implemented. I have also completed an optional “Waste Management in Business” course in Singapore University, learning about business skills and functions, and have strong customer service skills developed through working as a Customer Service Assistant.

I also have a basic understanding of InfoWorks CS, strong programming ability in C# and Java and good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

I am available for an immediate start, and am also able to attend an interview at any time.

Yours sincerely,

Benjamin Low

Address the recipient by his or her title and surname. If these are not stated in the job ad, get in touch and ask. Never use “Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

State clearly which position you are applying for. If the job ad specifies a reference number, include it. Very briefly mention your qualifications for this position.

Mention why you are applying to this specific position. Focus briefly on why you would be the right choice for the role, and that you have taken time to understand the company. Link the job requirements to your skills.

A cover letter is a chance to add clarity and detail to certain points on your resume. If you have achieved something specific in your work placements, highlight your relevant achievements here.

If you have additional, specific skills that are relevant to the job, mention them briefly as well.

State your availability for an interview, as well as when you can start work.

Sign off professionally. “Yours sincerely” is always a safe bet.

Technical Interviews for Graduate STEM Positions

With the right preparation, you can feel confident enough to talk technical in job interviews and land your coveted dream STEM job.

Employers want to assess your technical abilities, so they have to draw out your experience and knowledge to see how well you match the role and how easily you can get your head around unfamiliar scenarios. On top of that, graduates applying for STEM-related positions should expect some competencybased questions to ensure their experience and background is as stated on their resume.

The most likely technical assessment is a technical interview, but you may also face:

• A short test

• A presentation

• Some technical questions within a more general interview

• A technical exercise, such as a case study group exercise at an assessment centre

What forms do technical interviews take?

It depends on the employer, but recruiters typically test your technical competence and basic understanding of principles. They’ll also gauge how well you can explain technical concepts you’re familiar with to an audience who aren’t.

Technical interviews usually begin in familiar territory, starting with modules and projects in your curriculum that you found interesting or relate directly to the organisation’s work before moving on.

Preparation is essential, so be sure to do the following:

• Brush up on your basic knowledge, particularly on subjects that tie in with the recruiter’s line of business, as you may be tested on this

• Get insights into the employer’s activities and take note of any issues that may be of concern to the industry

• Find out what sort of work the organisation does. From there, you’ll be able to anticipate the kind of questions related to the firm’s work you may be asked. For instance, an employer that constructs oil and gas facilities may ask you about steel structures, so you may have to refresh your general knowledge about steel

It’s not about getting the right answers!

In many ways, technical interviews focus on how you can communicate technical ideas and information rather than whether you know everything or not.

As such, it’s perfectly all right to ask for further clarification if you need it. If you need a sketch or diagram to help you explain something, don’t be afraid to ask for a piece of paper as well. Real-world projects rarely present textbook problems, so your future employer will want to see how you approach and address issues.

Can you recover if you get stumped?

Don’t let it faze you. Pause, perhaps ask the interviewers some questions of your own, and try to work things out.

If you don’t know the answer, honesty’s the best policy. Recruiters don’t always expect candidates to know the answers to all the questions, especially when they’re not meant to test technical knowledge, but rather the ability to think on your feet.

Don’t try to guess or make things up. Rather, it’s better to own up if you’re unsure about something.

Can you ask your own questions during a technical interview?

If approached the right way, a technical interview can be a valuable experience, allowing you to learn more about the employer, as well as the other way around. Most interviewers are happy for candidates to ask questions about how the company works and have a two-way conversation.

If you’re lucky enough to receive more than one job offer, this may even help you decide on which one to accept. Being proactive and asking questions will also make a good impression on recruiters – it shows that you’re thinking seriously about whether you’re suited for the role or not.

More top tips for technical interviews

• Avoid jargon and acronyms

• When talking about your experience and achievements, focus on your personal contributions

• Listen to the questions properly before diving into your answer

Assessment Centres for Graduate STEM Jobs

Elements such as group activities, presentations and tests are a mainstay of assessment centres. Find out what you should expect.

Many major recruiters use assessment centres as part of the selection process for their graduate schemes. The content varies from company to company, but there are numerous common elements.

For instance, many assessment centres are designed around a corporation’s core competencies, so they usually focus on the skills most needed from graduate hires. Having technical competencies is obviously important, but having the right soft skills will really make the difference.

After all, there’s really no point in designing a brilliant new product or system if you can’t communicate the concept to colleagues, convince them of its potential value, or adapt your ideas in light of practical or commercial considerations.

Typical activities at assessment centres

Common tasks at assessment centres generally include the following:

• Interviews: There may be technical interviews, competency-based interviews, or both.

• Group activities: These often involve discussing and making decisions around a given business issue in small groups.

• Giving a small presentation: Some recruiters give applicants the topic for the assessment centre presentation in advance so they have a chance to prepare, much like discussing a technical project they may have previously been involved with, for example. Others give candidates their topic on the day itself. This often relates to the employer’s business and may involve candidates doing fact-finding or decision-making before presenting their conclusions.

• Tests: These can include psychometric tests in reasoning or numeracy. Other tests include personality questionnaires and quizzes to check if the candidate understands the basic principles of the area in which the firm works.

The social side of assessment centres

On top of formal exercises, most assessment centres include opportunities to chat to recruiters or current employees.

Use the chance to learn more about the business, keeping in mind that their opinion of you is important. Genuine enthusiasm, interest in the company and good manners will take you far!

Dealing with assessment centre nerves

Remember that recruiters will be marking you against their selection criteria, and not by pitting you against the other candidates. As such, keep the employer’s criteria in mind throughout the session instead of thinking of other applicants. It’s not a competition!

No matter how nervous you may be, keep in mind that to succeed at an assessment centre, you need to participate fully. You may have great technical skills, but if the assessors don’t see or hear anything from you, they can’t assess you.

If you have something to say that could have an important effect on the outcome of the group exercise, it’s important to get your point across – but make sure to do so without being overbearing or rude.

One key advantage of assessment centres is that you have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in a variety of situations. Rather than being judged on your performance in one interview by a single interviewer, you’ll be observed in various situations by multiple recruiters and professionals, providing a much more accurate picture. It’s also a chance for you to find out about the organisation – so just relax and be yourself!

Important Skills Needed in STEM to Seal the Deal

When it comes to job-hunting, these skills are just as crucial as technical skills.

While different employers prioritise different competencies depending on their organisation’s vision, values and culture, there are several common soft skills, or transferable skills, that they look for in graduate candidates.

Here are eight typical soft skills that are highly valued by employers, and how recruiters assess applicants to find out if they possess these skills.

Communication skills 1

What is it?

Communication skills include both written and verbal abilities, as well as interpersonal skills.

In your working life, you’ll have to deal with different people of varying levels and backgrounds. Sometimes, you’ll even have to deal with people of diverse nationalities based in other countries, across various time zones.

As such, it’s important for you to adapt your style of communication when necessary.

How you’ll be assessed

In group tasks, you may find that other candidates have been given dissimilar information from you, and that you need to negotiate and decide among yourselves which aspects are most important.

Recruiters are impressed by hopefuls who appreciate and respect each other while still getting the task done. Apart from ensuring that everyone is able to speak up, candidates will also be assessed on how they handle disagreements and conflicts among each other.

Leadership potential 2

What is it?

Assessors for many graduate schemes will be interested in whether you have an aptitude for leadership. It’s important to be able to identify vital facts and communicate these clearly, concisely and enthusiastically to a team.

Being organised and aware of time constraints while remaining courteous and respectful in stressful situations are also important leadership qualities.

How you’ll be assessed

Group exercises may be a key tool for assessing your leadership potential, but this doesn’t mean that you should try to take charge of your group from start to finish. A pushy candidate forcefully taking the lead will be viewed negatively, hurting your chances at the job role.

However, it’s still important to speak out when you have something productive to say, or challenge a view that you think is incorrect.

The ability to work in a team 3

What is it?

Working in a team makes up a huge part of working life, so recruiters look for applicants who realise that they can achieve more as part of a team, rather than as individuals, and focus on working towards common goals.

How you’ll be assessed

Employers value graduates who actively participate, are open, honest, respectful and are willing to support others.

For instance, behaviour such as listening to what others have to say, building other candidates’ confidence, and encouraging quieter teammates will be noted.

Planning skills 5

What is it?

At work, you may have to plan your own day-to-day tasks and those of others, as well as organise long-term projects.

How good are you at breaking down tasks, monitoring progress and making contingency plans? Do you typically take the lead in planning and organising how to progress with group work or social events?

How you’ll be assessed

You may be asked in an interview about how you planned a project or event – for example, a university activity, sporting event, academic assignment or personal project – and look at what you did right, and what you learnt from it.

The leadership and problem-solving behaviours you show in group tasks, such as considering who’ll be responsible for what, are also relevant here.

Problemsolving skills 4

What is it?

At its core, it’s about finding innovative solutions to challenges the company’s facing.

How you’ll be assessed

At assessment centres, you may be given a task involving a lot of information, so it’s wise to note down what you think are the most important points in a fashion that works for you, perhaps in a chart or flow diagram. Remember, your notes may be collected and analysed afterwards by the assessors.

This can count in your favour if you’re on the right track, but unable to get your points across to other team members. In an interview, you may also be asked to think of an example of a problem you solved, describe how you tackled it, what the outcome was and what you took from the experience.

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Adaptability and flexibility

What is it?

Some positions may expect you to be flexible geographically, especially if the job requires you to travel and work in new environments. Even if a job requires less travel, employers will still keep an eye out for a flexible mindset keen to deal with and adopt new methods and processes.

Having the open mind to doing new things and a willingness to take on tasks or roles that may not have their structure mapped out are other traits employers keep an eye out for.

How you’ll be assessed

Doing your homework when you apply will help. In group exercises, assessors may throw in challenges to see how you adapt. For example, they may wait until the task is well under way before saying that the customer has changed their mind about what they want.

Motivation and enthusiasm 7

What is it?

Having enthusiasm is important when it comes to your work with others. You need to believe in yourself to be able to sell it to others, after all. Additionally, having that positive attitude will make it easier for recruiters to view you favourably.

How you’ll be assessed

Recruiters will be keen to identify genuine enthusiasm and preparedness. Help yourself by doing your homework on the organisations you’re applying to. Ask yourself these questions: what do they do? Where are they located? Are the roles on offer really what you want?

In group exercises, showing enthusiasm can help bring the team together and lead it forward. In interviews, make sure you mention projects, roles or interests you are particularly passionate about, even if they’re not directly related to the position.

An ability to build relationships 8

What is it?

Professionals must be able to understand and build relationships with their customers, suppliers, teams, managers and other key stakeholders.

It’s often not possible to choose who you work with, so you need to be able to assess others’ behaviour and adapt to them accordingly.

How you’ll be assessed

Again, recruiters will observe how you interact with other hopefuls in group exercises, and may ask you relevant questions in interviews.

For instance, they may ask you to give an example of a time you dealt with a difficult person.

What Else Can I Do With a STEM - Related Degree ?

Just Just because your degree is related to STEM doesn’t mean that you have to be stuck in such a role forever! The best thing about these degrees is that it equips you with skills – in logical thinking, problem-solving and numeracy – that are technical enough for a specialised sector, yet general enough to be transferable to other areas of work.

Many companies even have positions where STEM graduates can combine their existing technical skills with commercial, financial and management opportunities. Here are some alternative career options.

Having a STEM-related degree background doesn’t mean your opportunities are limited to the relevant industries forever. In reality, your degree actually opens doors to other sectors. Logistics

Whenever something has to be moved from one place to another – whether it’s the transport of raw materials to a manufacturing facility or distribution of retail products to consumers – it falls under the purview of logistics.

You’ll be responsible for everything that’s related to the process: the planning and financial costs, processing and tracking orders, liaising with other departments, and so on.

Two of your main concerns will be expenses and deadlines, so your job will include balancing quality service and timely delivery while minimising costs. Some of the skills needed include:

• Problem-solving and logical thinking skills to tackle urgent last-minute problems

• Cost-benefit analysis to consider the impact of your choices on the business as a whole

• Good interpersonal skills – being clear and precise when managing colleagues and customers will be crucial, especially when you need to be firm with them

Operations management bridges the manufacturing and business sides of a company, linking them to form an efficient supply chain.

As a result, work in this area is very diverse; you can be involved in nearly everything – from the purchasing of raw materials, to the delivery of a complete product to a customer.

Because roles in this area are primarily occupied with planning and implementing strategies to increase productivity and reduce costs, these notable attributes are required in this type of work:

• Analytical skills to deduce necessary information from compiled data

• Critical thinking skills to solve problems that may have a huge impact on a process

• The ability to see the overall picture and final objectives even as you focus on improving specific areas

Procurement is all about scouting for, and purchasing, equipment, parts and materials for projects at the right price and quality. You’ll have to prepare a list of suppliers and quotations to select from; check on the quality, prices and schedules; and liaise with transporters and logisticians to ship purchases to the right place at the right time.

Engineers tend to be well-suited for this job because of their familiarity with specific parts, equipment and materials, which means that they can help with quality control. However, this doesn’t mean that graduates in other areas of STEM aren’t!

Here are other qualities that you’ll need for this line of work:

• Meticulousness and accuracy in your calculations and handling of the purchases

• The ability to work under pressure and think fast because you may have to contend with tight deadlines and last-minute problems

• Good communication and negotiation skills to bargain with vendors

• Good technical understanding of the process that you’re purchasing for. You’ll need to accurately gauge timescales and the impact of any changes you make

Supply chain management manages raw materials, production lines, manufacturing processes and logistics to maintain a steady supply of products to customers on top of ensuring that nothing is delivered late or lost. To succeed, you’ll have to strike a balance between providing good customer service and minimising costs. You’ll also need to understand the functions of other teams, as well as their individual roles, to improve processes and act as a liaison between different parts of the operation.

Many STEM graduates branch out to this particular field because of its focus on quantitative skills, and their backgrounds help with picking up the necessary technical knowledge. This can, in turn, lead to better business decisions. Pay attention to these skills:

• Analytical and investigative skills to seek out new opportunities and strategies that may boost profits

• Effective interpersonal skills, as you’ll be working with people from a variety of backgrounds – from business managers to line technicians

Technical consulting offers broader business-oriented opportunities, and usually involves using mathematical and computational theories to troubleshoot problems that impact the profitability of a business. Graduates with STEM- related degrees are sought-after after in this field for their technical knowledge.

Newcomers typically start off in this line of work with research- based duties, but eventually move up into performing data analysis and statistical modelling to help clients solve commercial problems.

Other skills that’ll help you in this area are:

• An eye for detail, superior logical reasoning and keen problemsolving skills You’ll be dealing with tremendously large volumes of data, also known as big data

• Excellent interpersonal skills for presenting technical information and analyses to audiences from nontechnical backgrounds

• Specialist knowledge to advise others on the implementation of specialised technology or equipment

A branch of sales that focuses on selling highly technical products or solutions to specialised clients, you’ll need to persuade clients that your organisation’s expertise and products can meet their requirements. This requires a solid understanding of both their business and their needs.

A solid background in STEM is essential – you’ll need to understand clients’ technical issues and challenges, as well as how your firm and products can help them address those problems. Other skills that you may need as a successful technical salesperson include:

• A disciplined nature This will help you remain level-headed in a sales environment, especially when under duress

• Good communication and listening skills, as well as an eye for detail. You’ll need to absorb and interpret information on a regular basis, and having good speaking skills will be useful when persuading customers and clients alike

• Self-motivation and a positive nature will make you more approachable, and will also help with generating new business opportunities

Supply chain management

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Technical consulting

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Considering a Postgraduate Degree in STEM

Completing postgraduate studies can open up a plethora of new opportunities, but what are some of the things that you have to consider before making your decision?

While a postgraduate degree doesn’t automatically lead to employment opportunities, it has the potential to greatly impact your career direction.

It’s highly advisable, however, to spend some time gaining experience in your field of choice before pursuing a postgrad, so that you’ll know for certain which area to specialise in over your course of study. In addition, years of dedication to an employer might also lead to some form of support from the company.

Here’s a brief outline of some of the certifications that STEM students may consider for their postgraduate studies, whether locally or overseas.

Master’s courses

Most master’s courses typically take no more than a year for a full-time student, so this will give you the allowance you need to specialise in a specific area of interest.

There are many types of courses available, and include options such as Master of Science (MSc), Master of Research (MRes), and Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Each degree provides you with in-depth knowledge of a specific subject, but also has very different course structures.

For instance, MSc is course-based and may sometimes require the submission of a short dissertation. On the other hand, MRes and MPhil are usually research-oriented. These two degrees are better suited for you if you’re planning to continue with a doctorate, as they will help you build a foundation in research skills.

Working adults may opt for parttime courses instead, although they may take up to two or three years to complete as a trade-off.

However, if you already hold a job, you may want to speak to your employer before applying for your course of choice to gauge the level of support they can provide you with – for example, allowing you to adopt a more flexible schedule to accommodate both work and school, or any form of financial backing.

Doctorate courses

While all can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), engineering graduates have the option of looking at a Doctor of Engineering (EngD) as well, and each caters to different needs.

A PhD is the highest degree in STEM, and usually takes about three to four years to complete. Because there’s much intensive coursework, it also involves a lot of groundbreaking inquiries, and generally results in dissertations and academic publications.

Because of this, though, it’s typically recommended for those drawn to a career in academia. You’ll primarily be guided by a supervisor as you conduct your research, although there’ll also be plenty of opportunities to work alongside other PhD students and researchers, too.

While some may opt to do a purely academic PhD, many others incorporate industry-related training

from an industry partner for a more practical and hands-on experience instead. On top of that, depending on university requirements, you may have to commit at least three months to working on the industry partner’s premises.

An EngD course, on the other hand, usually focuses on researching contemporary industrial issues in the sector, and finding solutions to them. This can take up to four years to complete.

While EngD students are required to go for external courses on specialist technical and professional development subjects related to the area of research, onsite industrial training will take up nearly 75 per cent of their time.

Those who have graduated with an EngD also typically go on to become highly-specialised experts in their own fields, and guide others interested in their areas of expertise in turn.

Funding

In Singapore, there are scholarships offered by universities, government bodies and companies to help postgraduate students. However, you’ll need to communicate with the respective departments for more information.

For instance, the NUS Graduate School offers the Commonwealth Scholarship for Integrative Sciences and Engineering for students from any of the Commonwealth countries, whereas A*STAR has the National Science Scholarship and various collaborations with international universities around the globe.

You may also want to keep an eye out for international scholarships offered by various third-party funding organisations.

Location

Opting to study locally or at your alma mater is a good idea given that you’ll be familiar with the culture and staff in the university, and may also get special waivers or access to additional sources of funds. But don’t completely reject the idea of furthering your studies in a different institution, or even country, too!

Graduates looking to enter the sciences will be in for intriguing and unique careers, with opportunities to impact lives with products like new additives to toothpaste, or maintaining public health and safety with weather predictions. Before entering this exceptional industry, flip through the coming pages for some words of advice!

Future-Proofing Your Science Career

Embrace the era of automation and great change.

With Industry 4.0 bringing about a paradigm shift in business and industry, the future of work in the sciences looks unsettlingly uncertain.

But while it may be hard to tell what lies ahead for science graduates, fear not. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the opportunities that come your way!

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Always keep learning

More than ever before, it’s crucial to pick up a technical skill or two to give your resume an edge. Do some research to figure out which skills are sought in your field of choice, or simply go with your passion and take the first class that catches your eye.

Think of these extra skills as new additions to your toolbox – although your job might not call for them on a daily basis, you may come across a few scenarios where they can come in handy.

More than that, some acquired skills are universal. For instance, soft skills that make you a better employee and team player can be acquired from joining a club or society, or from taking on a part-time job. Don’t forget to make the most out of university presentations and use them as practice as well; there’s bound to be a time where you have to speak to a crowd for work.

And with how rapidly things are changing in our time, adaptability is a key skill to have, and it’s one you can pick up by stepping out of your comfort zone and doing things you find to be challenging.

These skills won’t only help you from the beginning to the end of the recruitment process, but will also see you through your career as they’re considered essential life skills too.

Conduct your own market research 2

Naming your salary and negotiating it right may help you land you your dream position. Start by doing research to find out how much you should demand in monetary benefits, and then move on to find out how much you need to live comfortably.

It’s also a good idea to provide a salary range before opening negotiations, though. At the same time, you must be sure that you aren’t demanding an unreasonably high salary, as it may put off some employers.

Take some time to read up on what other companies are offering for similar roles as well, and take stock of your own experience. This way, you can be sure that you’re asking for a reasonable compensation.

Consider up-andcoming careers 3

It would be wise to turn your attention to roles that’ll experience demand in time to come, rather than what’s currently successful. It’s also strategic to look at jobs that’ll be less affected by automation. Here are a few key areas that’ll be promising in the future:

• Healthcare

• Food technology

• Data science

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Know what employers look for

Recruiters are always looking for motivated employees; they want candidates who are genuinely interested in the job and in working for them.

Before you even apply, you should look into the company to give yourself an idea of what they do and how you can fit in. If you’re invited for an interview, talk about what you read of them and ask relevant questions – it shows that you’ve done your research and that you’re a person who puts thought into their work.

Employers also love candidates who have some work experience and, as such, tend to prefer hiring their own interns for entry-level positions.

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Hone your interview skills

There are many articles in this guide specially geared to prepare you for interviews. Head over to the “How to Get Hired” section where you can read up on how to successfully navigate technical interviews and assessments in the STEM sector.

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Be open to advice

Seek advice from everyone you know in your field, and absorb all the information you can. Hear what they have to say as everyone has some insights into the industry, regardless of seniority or whether or not their occupation’s one you’re interested in. They all have something valuable, and that’s their experience.

Heed someone more seasoned and take their advice on how to be a better employee; listen to someone who’s still green about their newbie days. Even talking to someone who works in human resources (HR) or sales can give you an idea of what other candidates are like, or how the market is currently doing.

The Benefits of Working in the Science Sector

A career in the sciences that puts you at the very forefront of innovation.

Advancements in the science industry have made a crucial impact on everyday life, from the discovery of LEDs, which brought life to mobile devices, to the development of newer, more effective medicines. This was all made possible by the tenuous efforts of researchers in the science sector.

In the same vein, the sciences have always stood out from industries for the benefits it offers, so read on to find out why!

Job security

While demand for staff in certain fields, such as tourism, investment and real estate, often see peaks and troughs depending on market performance, the science sector offers a rare oasis of stability and security.

For instance, although the effects of economic downturns and major recessions can still be felt, employment typically remains steady.

Monetary remuneration

Benefits for professionals in the scientific research and development (R&D) part of the industry are abundant, and one such perk is the pay, considered among the highest in the professional world.

That’s not the only area where competitive salaries are also to be looked forward to; R&D in the pharmaceutical arena is another area, especially as the field expands and continues to observe a high demand for talents.

In Singapore, you could even expect to earn up to $110,000 annually as a research scientist. On top of that, researchers with knowledge of machine learning (ML) are particularly in high demand as the industry evolves and incorporates the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in R&D.

Making a difference

For many professionals, the ability to contribute towards research in significant areas of life gives them purpose. While the remuneration packages are attractive to some, the fulfilment gained from knowing that they’re doing important work with a real impact on people is what drives most of them.

Finding gratification in a full-time role is often an overlooked aspect of getting a good job. Although it may seem like it’s an unattainable and abstract component of a position, if your passion lies in the sciences, follow it, and you might just find the best career for you!

Career advancement opportunities

The sciences have always offered good career progression, regardless of experience. In fact, with some fields becoming more of a corporate endeavour these days, professionals may find that their experiences and areas of expertise can help them in career tracks outside of the laboratory, should they wish to expand their horizons.

In addition, with so many opportunities within the same organisation, employers often take the initiative to offer training to maintain a high staff retention rate.

Continuous learning

In the science sector, nothing is stagnant, and everything develops at a fast pace. Methodologies and common practices can advance in time periods as short as a year or two, causing snowball effects that reverberate through the whole field; innovations in machine learning frequently alter the way data is used; and new instruments routinely transform the way scientists work.

As a result, science professionals often find themselves picking up new skills and programmes regularly. Furthermore, in some arenas, it has led to a highly collaborative environment, so if you’re always keen to master something new – and learning from others is an enjoyable affair – you’ll fit into this industry well.

Environmental Science

Professionals in this industry ensure businesses are environmentally sustainable.

All professionals in the environmental science sector work towards the broad goal of achieving environmental sustainability by taking on different roles across numerous industries.

They may be responsible for any number of tasks, including writing research papers, studying the environmental impacts of human activity, drafting programmes to reduce emissions, acting as public relations liaisons, collecting samples and enforcing regulations on emissions.

Career overview

Environmental consultants and managers are in demand in diverse sectors, and advise businesses on ways to reduce their environmental repercussions, as well as develop and oversee impact reduction strategies.

In a nutshell, their primary purpose is to ensure that companies comply with the current legislation and act as a liaison with regulatory agencies.

Large corporations committed to being eco-friendly often hire environmental officers to conduct eco-office audits, as well as run workshops and training for their employees. Private consultancy firms are also often hired to conduct third-party Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on projects where manufacturing factories need to monitor and reduce emissions and waste.

Outside of the private sector, the government employs environmental officers to monitor and enforce regulations to ensure a healthy environment for all, and they’re typically responsible for conducting inspections, collecting samples, writing reports and ensuring that regulations are followed. There are also a number of research institutions that conduct independent studies on the climate, monitor the environment and propose new programmes and policies that protect the environment.

Graduate hopefuls looking to work in this industry will soon face the reality that some duties can be similar to that of a scientist’s work, such as going to the field, collecting samples, analysing them and interpreting the data to determine if there has been excess emissions or waste, contamination or pollution. From there, they may have to produce a report or present their findings, and come up with a plan to mitigate the environmental impact.

Trends and developments

Employment in this sector grows at a faster rate than average compared to other industries, largely due to increased public awareness about climate change and other major environmental issues in recent years.

In addition, the political landscape is also now more receptive to climate change, along with what needs to be done to improve on it.

Career highlights

Meaningful work

The work done by environmental science professionals greatly impacts the health of the surrounding environment, and professionals, regardless of their sectors and positions, all take immense pride in playing a key role in ensuring that emissions and waste are kept to safe and to environmentallysustainable standards.

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Food Technology and Safety

Food technologists and safety managers ensure food and beverage (F&B) products pass quality, health and safety checks before they reach the shelves.

Backed by good growth projection, the ultimate objectives for food technologists in Singapore’s multibillion-dollar F&B service industry is to maintain strict hygiene and food safety guidelines to ensure consumer safety, while also optimising food processes.

Career overview

Tasks assigned to food technologists vary according to the product they’re working on, as well as their location. In the office, the responsibilities of a food technologist include sampling products, going through packaging designs, following up on customer complaints and more. Some may also have to visit suppliers to review products and examine specifications to ensure food safety standards are met, or even inspect freezers.

Most graduates either join companies through graduate schemes or start out with entry-level roles such as an “assistant technologist” or “trainee technologist”. During the course of a graduate scheme, hopefuls are more likely to learn about products in retail stores, and get to know the operations involved, too.

Exposure in retail stores is aimed to give newcomers hands-on experience that may lead to product development. Working upwards will eventually land graduates at product management, or with opportunities for advancement into senior technologist roles or managerial positions.

Although those who wish to become food technologists will need a degree in relevant subject such as microbiology, chemistry, food science or technology, or chemical engineering, those with work experience in the food production line, or who have worked as technicians, tend to stand out and have a better chance of securing a position.

Trends and developments

Singapore’s strategic location and flourishing innovation scene have shaken up the industry in recent years despite limited land mass and small agricultural output, and has contributed to steady growth. Coupled with more discerning shoppers, a rising demand for healthier food options, a skilled workforce and solid R&D capabilities, the food technology industry’s set to remain on its upward course.

Career highlights

Impact of work

The biggest reward for food technologists and safety managers is knowing that they’ve made a real difference in ensuring that the F&B products on the shelves of retail stores and supermarkets are of high quality and safe to eat.

Meteorology

Apply scientific techniques to study and understand the weather, in order to make forecasts and predict upcoming events.

Most of us are acquainted with the part of a meteorologist’s job that entails sharing the weather forecast during the evening news. However, this is only one element of their role – in fact, meteorologists also predict weather conditions for marine and aeronautical use, which is crucial in keeping people safe.

Previously, weather predictions were made based on past weather patterns until it was discovered that it was possible to make more accurate predictions by applying physics and using special instruments such as hygrometers and barometers. Computers are also used to make complex calculations which model the weather to help meteorologists with forecasting.

Nevertheless, some meteorologists choose to go into R&D, with their work involving climate modelling or other atmospheric data instead.

Career overview

Training is provided on-the-job for operational meteorologists, although a bachelor’s degree in a field such as physics, mathematics, meteorology or geosciences is a requirement.

Being good with computer software is highly advantageous as well, as meteorologists work with supercomputers and sophisticated software. Additionally, as the job requires a lot of report-writing, being good at written communication is beneficial.

Graduates can find employment with the National Environment Agency (NEA), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), as well as a few other research institutions in the country. Networking and speculative applications are also recommended as vacancies may not always be advertised.

Trends and developments

Although meteorology is a relatively small industry, employment in this sector has been growing at a fast rate. This international trend is rooted in a budding demand for meteorological services in the private sector as logistics firms and businesses sometimes rely on specialised weather information to plan inventory shipments.

Demand for meteorologists is also expected to grow alongside the green energy sector as forecasting weather conditions is beneficial to solar and wind power farms for power management.

Career highlights

A unique career

This interesting sector offers on-thejob training, alongside other unique opportunities, much like interaction with members of the public – who may call to ask about the weather. Occasional collaborations with engineers and other meteorologists, to work on instruments and exchange data respectively, can also be looked forward to. •

Research Chemistry

Conduct research into chemical compounds used in a wide range of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages (F&B) and even electronics.

By studying chemical compounds and discovering ways to improve various products which range from consumables and medicine to microchips that go into electronics, research chemists are indispensable to the product manufacturing process.

Career overview

Primarily based in laboratories and part of a team of researchers who carry out a myriad range of tasks such as setting up lab equipment, researching papers and conducting tests and experiments, research chemists also record and analyse data – though associates often present results to a senior before writing reports or other documentation.

For example, research chemists in the F&B industry may look into new flavourings or food additives that can extend the shelf life of food while maintaining safety requirements, while those in the pharmaceutical industry develop and test new drugs. As for materials chemists, they may study the physical properties of materials and conduct research into improving them.

A chemistry-based degree is needed to work in this industry, and postgraduate degrees offer an advantage for promotion to more senior positions. In addition, research chemists have to keep abreast of new research methodologies and equipment to ensure research isn’t only current, but also incorporates emerging developments in the industry.

Graduate hires typically start out as research associates, and career advancement usually includes either working upwards to becoming a senior researcher, or taking on positions with more of a managerial bent.

Trends and developments

With the environmental impact of waste triggering increasing concern, the industry has been shifting towards green chemistry and eco-friendly practices in order to reduce harmful emissions and waste. This has resulted in a rise in demand for applicable knowledge of green chemistry in certain industries.

Career highlights

Innovation

Research chemists are at the forefront of innovation, and make great contributions to society by improving materials or creating new compounds.

Work satisfaction

Most research chemists appreciate the satisfaction of seeing their findings add to something larger than themselves, and often cite knowing that their work has the potential of being a significant inclusion to industries or people’s lives as a strong motivator.

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Science Writing

Research, write and edit articles related to science for various publications.

Ascience writer’s main role is to communicate potentially complex science and technology concepts to readers in a clear and concise manner.

Typically found in academia or the media industry, versatility is a must, as writers are usually tasked to work with professionals, students, or even the general public, and an ability to adapt to different writing styles is a boon.

Career overview

As writing is a skill that can only be developed through practice, many science writers tend to get their start by gathering experience in general writing, such as journalism and copywriting, before moving into the field. Others, though, come from a more sciencerelated role.

Both avenues provide great insights into the editorial process, the way in which science-related subjects should be communicated, and the type of news important to professionals in the science industries. However, holding a degree in a science is usually a requirement.

While it’s essential to have a strong grasp on the fundamentals of science, science writing is similar to any other writing job, and graduates will also be responsible for conducting research on the subject, factchecking articles, providing background on the subject for context and writing the piece.

Employment can be found in publications, journals and even science faculties in universities and clinical research laboratories. Be that as it may, it should be noted that while science writers in universities create content aimed at engaging students on websites and social media pages, those working in clinical laboratories communicate test analysis results in a way that’s easy for the general public to digest, as well as write papers of publishable quality for academic journals.

If presentation materials are needed, writers may be involved in the creation process as well.

Trends and developments

With technology continuing to move at a breakneck pace, there are many scientific publications and businesses on an upward path – such as biomedical and manufacturing companies – that need writers who aren’t only knowledgeable about the science behind new products or advances, but also skilled at copywriting.

Moreover, as more universities look to maintain a more active social media presence, demand for social media-literate writers able to create content for various platforms is going up.

Career highlights

Working with cutting-edge innovation

Being a science writer often translates to being one of the first to learn and understand about new breakthroughs in science, before introducing them to the world.

A unique career

Science writing effectively straddles two worlds, combining scientific knowledge and writing skills in order to make science accessible to the average reader by translating complex scientific discoveries into simple language.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong knowledge and curiosity

• Critical thinking skills

• Research skills

• Able to explain complex ideas simply

• Solid interpersonal skills

Top Three Trends That IT and Technology Graduates Should Know

Find out the top trends in the technology sector today and evaluate if your specialisation is one of the most sought-after by employers!

While advancements in the IT and tech sector have generally been going at an exponential rate, 2023 has enjoyed a notable resurgence in technological advancement.

While some trends are still in the early stages of adoption and scale, others have remained consistent from previous years, albeit with new developments and refinements. Even if you don’t plan on directly joining this sector, being equipped with the knowledge about the latest IT trends can still help you plan ahead and pinpoint the skills you’ll need to sharpen in future. To start, here are three notable trends to keep in mind going forward into 2024.

Trend #1: Sustainable Technology

What it is

With the increased usage of technologies such as AI, cryptocurrency, the Internet of Things and cloud computing comes increased concern regarding their related energy consumption and environmental impacts. As such, there has been an increased emphasis on sustainable technology, which in simple terms refers to solutions that help increase the energy and efficiency of IT services.

Three main areas of sustainable technology include.

• Substitution: to replace nonbiodegradable materials and nonrenewable resources with renewable and biodegradable ones

• Prevention: to prevent deterioration, and contamination through the technology’s use or production

• Efficiency: to ensure that the technology is efficient in terms of energy and resources

Apart from existing technologies like electric cars, there have also been other notable developments, including leveraging carbon capture technologies to remove greenhouse gases and utilising AI and machine-learning to help optimise operations.

What it means for IT graduates

As the threat of global warming looms over, there is now a much higher emphasis on the importance of sustainable technology, especially with it accounting for about 1.5% of global carbon emissions.

Singapore has also been contributing its part with the launch of the 2030 Green Plan, a roadmap dedicated to working towards sustainable development, zero net emissions and a green economy, with technology playing a large role in realising this goal. For example, an object detection model was developed to help fish farms better identify healthy rotifers used for feeding fish.

In addition, a data science model was implemented by engineers and data scientists from the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and GovTech to help more efficiently allocate water resources, drastically cutting down on planning time.

Skills needed

Depending on your role, different technical skills may be required, from learning programming languages to design tools like Sketch or Figma. For roles that involve developing algorithms for energy management or environmental monitoring, proficiency in data science and AI will also be particularly valuable.

However, employers are also becoming increasingly focused on green skills, which include areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection.

Trend #2: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What it is

While still a developing technology in itself, artificial intelligence (AI) has greatly risen in popularity in recent years. Its impact isn’t confined to any single sector either; from the tech realm with chatbots and machine learning algorithms to healthcare diagnostics and personal assistants, it has fundamentally changed the way people live, work and play.

The field itself is also extremely dynamic, encompassing not only AI itself, but also machine learning, expert systems, data mining and more.

What it means for IT graduates

Consequently, there has been a significant increase in demand for hires with in-depth knowledge about AI. Notably, Singapore intends to triple its AI workforce to about 15,000 in the next three to five years as part of a revised national AI strategy (NAIS), which includes efforts to drive AI creation and usage in companies. In addition, due to the nation’s efforts to cultivate innovation, it has a high potential to become a global AI hub.

Skills needed

Regardless of the role, a strong knowledge of programming languages is key. While Python is a common choice to master, other languages like Scala are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly when dealing with big data frameworks like Apache Spark. A good grasp of mathematics and statistics will also be necessary.

In addition, those looking to branch into AI will also need problem-solving and critical thinking skills, along with analytical and communication skills when handling clients.

What it is

Trend #3: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity might not seem like an emerging technology anymore – having been around for years now – but the truth is that the knowledge behind cybersecurity needs to be updated. For instance, every time cyber threats evolve, cybersecurity must evolve to tackle them.

A good example of this constant evolution is how the global pandemic has affected cybersecurity. Sudden remote working arrangements and increased reliance on the internet quickly exposed weak spots in cybersecurity systems that hackers were keen to exploit.

Accordingly, this led to a sharp increase in phishing and malware attacks that showed employers how important their digital assets were. With these rising concerns, a report in 2023 found that about 9 in 10 firms intended to increase their investments towards cybersecurity, a notable increase from 72% in 2022.

What it means for IT graduates

With escalating cyber-threats remaining prevalent in the digital world, cybersecurity is all but necessary for any organisation. The rising number of cyberattacks in Singapore over the years, with notable cases such as the DDoS attack on national health technology provider Synapxe and the data theft of 665,000 MBS customers in the last year has also driven home to companies and organisations the importance of proper security systems.

A study by Gartner further showed that by 2025, organisations all over the world will use cybersecurity risk as the primary factor in deciding on business engagements and transactions with third parties.

As proof of this, demand for cybersecurity professionals has remained high with no signs of flagging, and jobs in cybersecurity are being created three times faster than jobs in other technology areas.

Skills needed

Key skills most employers look for are knowledge of security across several platforms, problem-solving and computer forensics. As for soft skills, popular picks include communications skills and attention to detail.

As companies are looking to safeguard their data against hackers, they greatly appreciate candidates who understand hackers well (or are white-hat hackers themselves).

As cyberattacks are constantly changing and evolving in response to cyber defences, a strong desire to keep learning is paramount.

Conclusion

Technology will always evolve around us, and new technologies will also emerge frequently. However, as of the present time (and foreseeable future), these are the three most promising trends that welcome skilled graduates. With this knowledge in mind, you’ll be better equipped to position yourself for success in the future.

The Benefits of Working in IT and Technology

A high salary isn’t the only benefit you get when in this sector – you can look forward to a dynamic working life, too!

Singapore’s IT and technology industry – which includes the infocommunication, software and hardware arenas – is a sprawling oasis of constant innovation and transformation that’s the driving force behind the country’s shift to becoming a Smart Nation.

So, it’s no surprise that the sector is one of the most exciting and ever-growing ones, chock-full of opportunities and people from a variety of cultures and academic backgrounds.

But here’s the thing. When you were in school, all your classmates dreamt of joining more “prestigious” industries, like banking, accounting and finance, and actively worked towards roles in the Big Four (EY, KPMG, Deloitte, PwC) and other investment banks (J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley, for instance), as bankers, accountants and consultants. On a scale of attractive industries, IT and technology seemed to be on the far side.

At present, the misconception that the IT and technology industry doesn’t have its own set of benefits and attractions is being rapidly dispelled among graduates. After all, companies like Google, Apple and Facebook have taken centre-stage, and won’t be moving anytime soon. But there are other awesome companies with equally awesome benefits on the market, such as Dropbox, Shopify and Tumblr.

Except…what are these benefits? you might ask. Well, read on to find out!

First, EVERYBODY needs IT and technology

Before

Even before the acceleration of IT and technology adoption, businesses both big and small have already long been integrating IT functions and technology upgrades into their day-to-day operations, from cybersecurity options to online human resources (HR) platforms.

In other words, back then, IT services providers weren’t the sole recruiters of IT graduates. In fact, software development and programming companies were on the rise in terms of hiring numbers.

Additionally, more and more companies are hiring IT personnel to meet their technological needs. Rather than relying on them on an outsourcing and consultancy basis, as it was becoming more prudent to have in-house experts.

Now

At present, most companies maintain teams of experts, though their numbers depend on the size and needs of the company.

Typically, teams in smaller companies (usually small- to medium-sized enterprises) may consist of just one or two employees, while larger companies (Nestlé, the CocaCola Company) may upkeep more than 100 professionals.

Popular companies among IT and technology graduates

Finance and banking institutions like DBS Bank and OCBC are among the largest employers of IT and technology graduates today.

Their sprawling – and constantly-growing – IT infrastructures must be maintained at all times, from the introduction of newer, more efficient services and moving data to secure clouds, to maintaining firewalls, encryptions and cybersecurity defences that keep scammers from draining resources.

Insurance companies such as AXA and AIA are shifting their services online, too, and need IT and technology graduates to help them write their infrastructure from the ground up, as well as maintain and secure them.

Other sectors in defence and aerospace are fast-expanding, as well, as they keep abreast of technology and work round-theclock to outwit grey- and black-hat hackers and maintain Singapore’s defences.

Other opportunities

The opportunities listed above don’t even include niche business-to-business (B2B) companies that focus on selling IT and technology products and know-how, like blockchain and other programming services, to other organisations.

Moreover, new start-ups and the rise of e-commerce platforms, much like Shopee and Lazada, have also opened the doors to new opportunities and roles, particularly in the mobile commerce space.

Constant innovation = optimism = exciting work

Constant innovation

The constant search for faster, slicker and more effective and efficient solutions mean that users and consumers alike tend to turn to IT and technology for answers. In turn, IT and technology keeps evolving at an impressive pace to keep up with demand.

Innovation also means that your creativity will be encouraged and nurtured, and your skills constantly honed. After all, you’ll be expected to dream up solutions to daily problems, and then use your skills to translate your ideas to reality!

A quick and visible example of this innovation and resulting solutions is the retail sector – over a short decade, it has been redefined through technology, and has branched out from brick-and-mortar stores to include online commerce (buying clothes online from Uniqlo), and now mobile e-commerce (online departmental stores much like Zalora).

Optimism

Due to the ever-present prompting for new innovations and developments, new products are released nearly every other week or month. And there’s something about this frenzy of collaboration and exploration that encourages those who work in the sector to delve into their imaginations, come up with new ideas and contemplate possibilities where others may not see them.

In other words, you’ll be the Thomas Edison (lightbulbs, early movie cameras) and Leonardo da Vinci (diving suit, prototype flying machine, prototype tank) of our time.

The raw enjoyment and relatively quick translation time between ideation and tangible creation is another factor that can drive positive feelings of optimism and motivation to just keep doing more. Think of it as an IT and technology-related runner’s high!

Exciting work

Professionals in IT and technology will agree that working in this field gives you the chance to assess current problems, take the enviable position of problem-solver and make an impact on lives around the world. The ongoing advancements also contribute to the exciting nature of roles in the industry, too, as you can have a varied career with plenty of learning opportunities.

Even if you’re not in the research and development (R&D) side of things, you still have the opportunity to make people’s lives easier – or more enjoyable – by helping them get the most out of the IT and technology they’re using!

$$$$$ (i.e. it pays well)

The truth

High demand for skills in IT and technology means that the industry has a reputation for paying well – and it’s not just hype. In fact, the 2023 Singapore’s Top 100 Leading Graduate Employers Survey shows that the majority of graduates looking to enter the industry expect to earn around $60,000 per annum, a notably jump from the $42,000

found in the 2015 survey. However, keep in mind that your actual annual salary depends on your role and responsibility. For instance, your remuneration will be higher than that of an entry-level job (like that of a network administrator or computer programmer) if you’ve climbed the corporate ladder, and have been promoted to the position of manager or consultant (such as software engineering manager or IT and technology consultant). Past working experience and the range of your technical expertise can also have a great influence on your pay, so be sure to start building skills in your university days. If you haven’t, there’s no need to lose hope, because there are numerous courses and certifications you can register for to expand your knowledge.

Other benefits

Paid annual leave is a benefit you’re entitled to, under Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations. However, some IT and technology companies like Xero also offer paid volunteer time, dental benefits and insurance. Other companies, much like Caterpillar, offer flexible working hours, as well.

Great growth opportunities

Background

IT and technology began developing between the 1950s and 1970s, when the Digital Revolution began. But it was only at the beginning of the 2000s that the movement really gained traction and began growing at an exponential rate. Now, new technologies make an appearance almost every month, if not every other week.

Because of this constant development, IT and technology companies are generous in providing training and development options, opening up a wealth of growth opportunities in knowledge accumulation and interesting career paths.

How you can leverage on the opportunities

Graduates can make use of the training provided to polish their skills or choose to specialise in a particular area before moving up to another role. Alternatively, there’s even the option to switch specialisations if you want to gain wider exposure!

For instance, an IT analyst in an entrylevel role can take up training and earn professional certifications to become an IT manager or consultant a few years down the road. Otherwise, as they have the necessary IT and technology-related transferable skills,

they can even discuss the possibility of switching over to cybersecurity with their superior(s)!

Your job will be (relatively) recessionproof

An example

Certain roles in the IT and technology industry are generally considered recessionproof, such as those in cybersecurity. With cybercrime growing rapidly and new greyand black-hat hackers popping up every other day with new and more sophisticated schemes, IT graduates specialising in cybersecurity, or those who can boast certifications and training in the area, are constantly in demand.

Further examples

Back-end development, software design and development, as well as networking and systems administration are other recessionproof areas in the IT and technology sector. After all, every company needs specialists to help in the design and maintenance of their communication systems, including information-sharing infrastructure, mobile applications and websites!

Consulting is another area that weathers economic hardships well, thanks to functions that combine technical know-how and commercial awareness. Consultants use the full range of their knowledge to analyse drawbacks in a company – from their commercial awareness to understanding of available products on the market – to advise companies on solutions that best suit their needs. They may also oversee the whole improvement project, or just parts of it. Further duties also include software installation, as well as follow-up services like staff training.

Conclusion

All in all, there are many benefits to working in the IT and technology industry, from the many opportunities to explore diverse career paths and gain a variety of experiences, to the chance to be part of the many new ventures that come your way!

Finding Graduate IT and Technology Jobs in SMEs

While big-name companies can offer prestige to your resume, smaller companies can offer you experience and skills you may not gain anywhere else. You just have to find the company that suits you and your needs.

Singapore’s dynamic economy makes it attractive to multinational corporations (MNCs), and they often set up their regional headquarters here. Their good reputations, extensive career opportunities and solid employee benefits (as well as the prestige and glitter it can lend your resume), though, mean that a good number of graduates typically vie for limited entry roles and graduate schemes.

However, MNCs only make up an estimated one per cent of the local economy – with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups filling up the remaining 99 per cent – as of 2020. As such, competition for limited numbers of graduate openings is intense, and more and more graduates have come to recognise the benefits SMEs offer.

But here’s the thing: deciding to work for an SME and actually making contact with and applying to an SME (and successfully landing a position) are two different things. It’s easy to track down available roles in MNCs; you just need to hop onto their websites, or even the first job portal you can think of.

SMEs, however, don’t always put up vacancies on their home sites or portals. For some, budgeting may be an issue, so they don’t always maintain their websites, and may be unwilling to pay the amount needed to create a job posting on a portal. And that’s not counting those in niche areas that only rely on word-of-mouth.

Read on for some tips on how to find great IT jobs in SMEs!

The (great) deal about SMEs

The background

Although successfully landing a role in MNCs like Google and Facebook have their perks – like the aforementioned glitter and sparkle to your resume, on top of international career benefits and rubbing shoulders with successful technopreneurs – the reality is that MNCs can’t offer you the wide breadth and depth of experience SMEs can. SMEs have some unique advantages, and they’re worth exploring.

Learning hands-on

You’ll learn A LOT. And most of it will be on-the-job, because SMEs typically don’t have access to the level of resources MNCs have, and usually bring on less employees (200 employees or less).

This means that those who work in SMEs tend to wear different hats within the company no matter their title and area of expertise, with some even finding themselves doing things they never thought they’d ever do! (Like, for instance, an engineer experimenting with marketing strategies to reach out to more clients.)

Most of the time, if you work for an SME, you’ll find yourself

quickly building crucial and practical skills fast. While it may not be too obvious at first, later, as you continue on your career journey, you’ll notice that your experience will become more well-rounded than others who have only been moving around MNCs.

A closer-knit and more relaxed company culture

This is another positive SMEs offer. Most days, you’re more likely to turn up for work in more casual clothing (like an office shirt or t-shirt, and jeans and sneakers). Drinks and dinner after work, as well as bonding activities (like office ping pong) are other aspects of the relaxed culture more prevalent in SMEs. Often, this relaxation extends to work arrangements as well, as SMEs have been noted to offer flexible work arrangements.

Wider range of responsibilities and higher level of autonomy

The fewer headcount in SMEs mean that there aren’t that many people who’ll be able to hover over your shoulder and guide you every minute of every day. Even if there’s some degree of hovering and mentoring involved (usually during the onboarding process), it’ll usually be done by your direct boss (so make sure to tap into their vast experience and expertise!).

As soon as you’ve completed your training (typically within a week or two), the apron strings will be cut, and you’ll be left to your own devices.

Recognition

Due to smaller teams and wider spheres of responsibilities on projects, working for SMEs makes it easier for your efforts to get recognised, as opposed to if you’re working for an MNC. And the resulting “feel good” factor will translate into greater job satisfaction and motivation!

Applying to smaller companies

As mentioned before, IT and technology SMEs don’t always put up hiring notices for various reasons that range from budgeting to different hiring practices (like only taking in candidates recommended by word-of-mouth, for instance). But really, all this means is that you just need to know where to look. Here are some options to start you off:

Career centres

Your school’s career centre will have partnerships with IT companies. Leverage their contacts base and connect with someone within the company you have an eye on.

Specialist job boards

Your school’s career centre’s partnerships with SMEs also mean that they’ll upload specialised job listings for students on career services websites, so don’t be afraid to trawl them.

Start-up meet ups and SME career talks

These sessions are useful resources you can fall back on, as you can gain more insights on a company’s work culture and hiring processes (as well as how to ace them). Just as importantly, you can approach company representatives and ask if their companies have any possible openings for full-time staff or interns.

Networking

Talking to your second aunt once removed about your job search over family dinners may sound completely unappetising, but the truth is that she’ll be able to get the word out that you’re on a job hunt. If you don’t want to talk to said aunt, you can turn to immediate family, friends, lecturers, tutors and course mates instead. You never know where your network can lead you!

Applying speculatively

If you’re looking to join SMEs that don’t have partnerships with your school, and don’t put up job listings on portals either, you can rely on speculative applications. However, take note that the onus will be on you to do your own research and pinpoint the skills needed by the employer before you draft your resume and cover letter.

Customise each resume and highlight relevant skills and experience in your applications to get a better hit rate. When you’ve sent in your application, make sure to follow up with a call a few days later to ask about the status of your application. But take note to not harass the company! Call them once a week for two weeks. If they still have no answer for you by then, it’s likely they won’t have any.

Conclusion

Working for SMEs can accelerate your learning curve when you first cross over to the working world from your academic life. Even if your end career goal is to work for an MNC, consider this path to build your skills and experience!

Ten Typical IT and Technology Jobs for Graduates

Did you know that network engineers are also known as network designers? Don’t worry if you didn’t – we’ve described and defined ten typical job titles for you!

Already a wide and growing field long before the global pandemic, the IT and technology sector has cemented its place as a secure industry. Many new and exciting roles have been created over the past few years, and some existing ones have even been given new names.

Unfortunately, there’s a downside to this – the biggest one being that there are now a wide range of unstandardised job titles that don’t really offer hints as to their job scopes, usually leaving fresh graduates scratching their heads in bafflement. For instance, you may be convinced you applied for a newlycreated job (software architect sounds new, right?), only to realise that the role has really been around for a while (software developer) – just with a new name.

So, in this article, we’ve described and defined some of the more common titles that you’re bound to encounter during your job search, as well as the other names they also go by. Scroll down to take a peek at their job descriptions, too, along with the skills crucial for each job!

#1: Software developer

Also known as: Application programmer, software architect, software engineer, systems developer

A brief summary

Software developers are the creative force behind the designing, programming and testing of computer programmes. These generally range from operating systems, database systems and embedded systems, to bespoke systems that meet a particular need.

Although work is primarily focused on software systems, knowledge about how hardware functions and its software compatibility is also essential, as software developers are expected to be able to write a programme from the ground up.

Companies to consider

Most software developers are hired by electronics and telecommunications

companies, such as Apple, Facebook and Google. Other behemoths you can look to in Singapore are Yahoo and Amazon.

However, if your preference is more aligned with smaller, local companies, you can think about joining SleekDigital or EMURGO.

Qualifications and skills needed

Due to the nature of the work, companies require a background in computing, software development, or other related qualifications.

As the role involves work that’s both highly complex and technical, you’ll need to be meticulous as well.

Moreover, having solid communication skills is a must, since you’ll also be expected to work closely with clients and colleagues (typically system analysts) as you assess systems and propose solutions.

Key skills

• Able to work in teams

• Analytical skills

• Logical thinking

• An eye for detail

• Problem-solving skills

• Able to think strategically

#2: Systems analyst

Also known as: Systems developer, systems engineer, solutions specialist

Note: As the job scope is close to that of a business analyst, some companies combine the roles to create the business systems analyst role

A brief summary

Systems analysts can be described as the IT equivalent of auditors – they look into clients’ existing IT systems and evaluate if the hardware and software used are suitable for the company’s unique needs.

If these systems are outdated or are no longer effective, it’s their job to propose

solutions, whether by designing new keyhole IT solutions, or modifying and enhancing existing systems with new features/ improvements.

Companies to consider

With global dependency on IT increasing, systems analysts can be found in companies ranging from consultancies like EY in the Big Four, Northrop Grumman and Oracle, to recruitment agencies that upkeep their own operating systems, much like Randstad.

Locally, roles can be found in Visa, Robert Half and OCBC Bank.

Qualifications and skills needed

As systems analysis often includes an assessment of the cost and time needed to implement a project, successful systems analysts typically have a good mix of commercial and technical knowledge to propose feasible and relevant IT solutions.

Because of this, work usually involves interacting with clients throughout the development process, so good communication and interpersonal skills are vital.

On a technological note, if you want to pursue a career as a systems analyst, you should have the relevant skills needed to work on computers – and enjoy it.

As technology moves at a fast pace, curiosity and a willingness to learn about new technologies is a must.

Additionally, you’ll need basic knowledge of programming languages and hardware, though skills in coding aren’t necessary.

Key skills

• Solid communication and interpersonal skills

• Able to extract and analyse information quickly

• Commercial awareness

#3: Business analyst

Also known as: Business architect, information specialist

Note: As the job scope is close to that of a systems analyst, some companies combine the roles to create the business systems analyst role

A brief summary

Business analysts are essential, in that they assess a customer’s needs and meet them with IT and technology resources.

After that, business analysts continue to liaise with stakeholders, identify and implement potential technological improvements and create project plans to design the resulting technology solutions. Work in this area tends to be more clientfacing.

As mentioned before, a business analysts’ work is close to that of a systems analyst, though less technical. This is a major reason why smaller companies may combine this role with that of a systems analyst.

Companies to consider

Most businesses prefer to bring in business analysts on a consultant basis, and as such, you’ll build experience most quickly in MNCs like Simplify360 and Unmetric.

But if the life of a globetrotter isn’t for you, you can consider smaller companies much like Fractal Analytics and AbsolutData. If you’re sure you want to remain in Singapore, though, look to Xero, a company that’s aggressively expanding into Southeast Asia.

Qualifications and skills needed

Most companies require their business analysts to hold a degree in business, or at least one related to it.

On the other hand, IT and technologyrelated degrees aren’t a must. However, you would need to prove your understanding of technologies, as you’ll have to pinpoint software and hardware improvements that are useful to the company, yet still financially feasible.

Key skills

• Communication and facilitation skills

• Presentation skills

• Project management

• Problem-solving skills

#4: Technical support

Also known as: Helpdesk support, helpdesk technician, support technician, applications support specialist, computer support specialist, service desk technician, maintenance engineer

Note: Some companies collectively refer to these titles as help desk positions

A brief summary

No matter what the problem is – whether it’s the software, hardware or network – technical support is the one to step in and assist. They can be found installing, maintaining and troubleshooting hardware and software, all the way to resolving network problems and other IT-related issues in companies.

Support is usually extended to clients (or colleagues) on-site or over the phone. Take note, though, as depending on the company you choose, you may have more than one area of expertise.

Many professionals start their career here, as it offers a glimpse into almost every area of work in IT and technology. As experience is gained, most move on to other roles, with network engineering being the one of the most popular choices.

Companies to consider

So long as IT and technology are present in a company (and it’s present in most, if not all), technical support will always be needed. In other words, you’ll be able to find positions in companies ranging from MNCs like Zoom, Google and Apple, to mid-range enterprises like Don Don Donki.

Some local businesses, such as Instream Corporation, also prefer to maintain their own in-house technical support.

On a side note, if you would prefer working in a consultancy role, you can consider large firms like ITCS Group and ITS.

However, as you’ll be required to travel internationally, cultural sensitivity and the ability to speak other languages are musts.

If those are not your cup of tea, you can join local consultancies like MyRepublic.

Qualifications and skills needed

Some employers, especially those in hightech or specialised sectors, may look for specific experience and knowledge. But by and large, most companies only require a good grasp of basic IT and technology skills.

Key skills

• Good technical knowledge

• Problem-solving skills

• Good communication skills and diplomacy

• Able to work in teams

• Patience

#5: Network engineer

Also known as: Hardware engineer, network administrator, network designer, network support, network support engineer

A brief summary

Network engineers have a broad range of responsibilities. These involve the installing, setting up, administering, maintaining, troubleshooting and upgrading of systems and network infrastructure, ranging from firewalls and servers, to routers, LAN switches and even backup systems. They also maintain virtual private networks (VPN), and look into network connectivity problems.

Network engineers can also be found in areas like network protection and disaster recovery strategies. Another area they’re active in is the maintenance and troubleshooting of storage networks.

Companies to consider

Although smaller companies may bring in their network engineers on a project basis, bigger companies (both local and international) such as Microsoft and DSTA maintain their own teams.

If you prefer working on a project and consultancy basis, though, you can look to companies like NVIDIA, TATA and Cisco.

However, if you decide to go into consultancy, you should take note that some companies specialise in certain areas.

For instance, Arista mostly deals in high-performing switches for clients, while VMware focuses on endpoint protection and cloud application software.

Qualifications and skills needed

Work is technically demanding, so you’ll need a good grasp of technical knowledge. To this end, employers usually only take in graduates with telecommunications or computer science-related degrees.

However, as you continue progressing in your role, you’ll be expected to pick up specialist technical certifications, and keep up-to-date with new technologies.

Key skills

• Specialist network knowledge

• Solid communication and interpersonal skills

• Planning and organisation skills

• Analytical skills

• Problem-solving skills

#6: Technical consultant

Also known as: IT consultant, information specialist

A brief summary

Technical consultants must have broad technical knowledge and understanding of the whole technical product cycle, from inception to implementation and maintenance.

After all, consultants can be involved in analysing client hardware, software and network, all the way to advising them on how they can improve their IT infrastructure to drive business and overcome obstacles, and even implementing plans to do so.

That said, you should also take note that a consultant’s level of involvement is dependent on the client’s preferences. For instance, a client may only want their consultant to assess their existing IT infrastructure, or procure a contract with a company to upgrade their software.

Other times, clients may want their consultant to plan and execute the entire process, from designing and developing systems, all the way to implementing it and taking care of after-sales support and upgrading.

Companies to consider

If you’re thinking about joining an MNC or a larger company for the experience they can give you, look no further than Bain & Company, Deloitte, Boston Consultancy Group, TATA and Accenture.

But if local is the way to go for you, you can consider companies like Avensys Consulting. Otherwise, if you would prefer a more regional role in a mid-sized firm, there’s HKBN JOS.

Some local companies even allow you to focus on a niche area. So, if you would like to make a deep dive into one specific area, there’s Husken Software Solutions, a company dedicated to introducing and implementing new technologies and techniques to clients, as well as NTT Singapore Digital Business Solutions, who only works in digital transformation and helps clients enhance their customer user experience.

Qualifications and skills needed

As a consultant, you’ll need a mixed bag of skills, qualifications and competencies. For example, you’ll need to be able to quickly understand client needs and come up with practical solutions that are both financially viable to the company, and can be implemented within a feasible timeline.

While you don’t necessarily need a technology-related degree, you’ll be expected to keep up with new technologies and techniques, as well as take up courses to keep your knowledge fresh.

Key skills

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Able to negotiate with clients

• Creative thinking

• Good time management and organisational skills

• Patience

• Able to work under pressure

#7: Technical sales

Also known as: Sales manager, account manager, sales executive

A brief summary

Although technical sales demand good knowledge of IT and associated products, it’s among the least technical roles in the IT and technology industry.

Technical sales personnel are the driving force behind a company’s revenue and need to be able to identify new business and IT trends, connect them with their IT products and then translate that value to their products (whether hardware, software, or services) into commercial worth. And that’s even before they convince clients to make the purchase!

Work mostly revolves around making phone calls, attending conferences, meeting clients face-to-face and proposal drafting. Also, like all salespeople, a large chunk of their time will go into meeting targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).

As technical salespeople serve as clientele contact points as well, they’re expected to provide pre- and after-sales services, too.

Moreover, it’ll be up to you to coordinate with your colleagues on who provides training or follow-up services.

Companies to consider

Technical sales is integral to the entire industry, from Dropbox to Palo Alto Networks, and Wizlogix to Apps-Connect. But take note that the role isn’t limited

to the IT and technology sector – roles can be found in Thermo Fisher Scientific (pharmaceutical) and Ecolab (water and wastewater management).

In addition, technical sales roles can also be found in seemingly-unrelated local businesses, such as Dynamic Human Capital and HCS Scientific & Chemical.

Qualifications and skills needed

A technology-related degree isn’t essential for this line of work. Rather, employers tend to look for degrees in communications, marketing and business. Despite this, you’ll still need to have a good technical understanding of the company’s products and how they can benefit clients.

Key skills

• Good interpersonal and communication skills

• Excellent persuasion and negotiation skills

• Commercial awareness

• Self-motivated

• Problem-solving skills

• Analytical skills

#8: Project manager

Also known as: Product planner, project leader, master scheduler

A brief summary

Project managers plan, organise and execute projects within allocated resources, whether it’s manpower, time frame, or budget. They usually lead teams, liaise with stakeholders and see their project through.

Depending on the level of involvement in a project, project managers may be in charge of an entire project from start to finish, or manage a part of a larger plan.

Companies to consider

If you want to focus on managing IT and technology projects, you can consider MNCs like Kadence International. On the other hand, BeyondEdge is a leading local company.

But if you’re open to taking on a range of projects (some of which may only be nominally related to IT and technology), a popular option among graduates is the Boston Consultancy Group.

Qualifications and skills needed

Project management needs far more than just a degree, as project managers need to have enough charisma and soft skills to keep their team together, especially as

projects move on within the timeline and pressure mounts. However, these skills are usually developed only after spending some time within the sector.

Thus, while a few companies are willing to bring in fresh graduates, most employers only assign this role to industry veterans who possess the experience and knowledge required.

So, if you would like to pursue this career path, take note that employers don’t necessarily look closely at your degree. However, you can sign up for relevant courses and certifications, and volunteer for projects that can help you develop hands-on experience in project management.

Key skills

• Good organisation and time management skills

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Good decision-making skills

• Problem-solving abilities

• Able to work well under pressure

#9: Web developer

Also known as: Web designer, UX designer, multimedia programmer

A brief summary

As the name suggests, web developers use programming languages and technologies to design, create and maintain an organisation’s website.

This includes ensuring the website design and layout is appealing to customers and user-friendly, and making sure the website’s performing well and up to capacity.

There are three types of web developers – back-end web developers are the creators of the website’s structure. They write the code and verify it.

On the other hand, front-end maintain the user interface, from physical layouts of pages to adding graphics, and may use JavaScript or HTML to aid in the website’s effectiveness.

Lastly, full-stack developers do the work of back-end and front-end web developers. They are the ones with the knowledge needed to build and maintain a complete website.

However, you should also take note that web developers aren’t webmasters. Webmasters manage the website, and usually make sure applications and links on pages are working properly, as well as keep content updated.

Companies to consider

Larger companies like Amazon and Zoom bring in their own web developers and webmasters. However, most web developers work on a freelance basis, or for agencies, and upkeep a wide range of clients.

If you’re looking at international clients, agencies you can consider include TATA Consultancy and HData Systems.

But if you would rather focus your attention in Singapore (and local companies, by extension), you can look to Elves Lab Web Design and Web Design Singapore.

Qualifications and skills needed

Aspiring web developers need to earn a degree in computer science, as a strong understanding of coding and programming is essential.

Although work typically involves specialist knowledge as it involves a lot of programming on the back-end, a good sense of creativity is vital when designing the user interface of the website.

Soft skills like interpersonal and communication skills are crucial as well, as web developers need to liaise with clients to help them realise their website. An ability to work efficiently and within occasionally tight timelines is a boon as well.

Key skills

• Strong organisational skills

• Problem-solving

• An eye for detail

• Able to multitask

• Self-motivated

#10: Software tester

Also known as: Software quality assurance analyst

A brief summary

Software testers are usually found in the quality assurance stage of software development, where they run both automated and manual tests on programmes and software created by developers to ensure they’re bug-free, reliable and fully functional.

If issues are uncovered, software testers write up bug reports and give them to the relevant project leader so that fixes can be made.

Occasionally, software testers are asked to join the early stages of product development, where they help programmers anticipate potential pitfalls before actual coding begins.

Companies to consider

Due to their focus on updating programmes for users, Apple, Microsoft and Google maintain their own software testing teams.

Otherwise, companies like DeviQA, ScienceSoft and iBeta run on a consultancy basis, with software testers working with a number of clients.

If you would prefer to work with a Singapore company, and deal almost exclusively with local programmes and applications, though, you can consider companies like Codoid Innovations Singapore, Tricentis and Revolution IT Software Testing.

Qualifications and skills needed

Most employers look for degrees in computer science and engineering, as well as others related to those fields. Some may even require additional certifications!

Even though most of your working hours will be spent facing a computer, good communication and interpersonal skills are still needed to liaise with clients and stakeholders.

Moreover, cultural sensitivity will be required should you decide to take on international clients.

Otherwise, whether or not you decide to work for a large, international company, or a smaller, local one, you need to be willing to travel to your clients.

Key skills

• Analytical and investigative thinking

• Problem-solving skills

• An eye for detail

• Able to manage stress, especially near project completion

• Able to multitask

• Creativity

Conclusion

Now that you have a better idea of the roles and opportunities Singapore’s IT and technology sector can offer you, it’s time for you to take the first step in your career path and start applying. No matter the name of the role you’re applying for, take a good look at the job description and make sure you customise your resume and cover letter– it’ll definitely help you along the way!

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Design, build and test AI systems and algorithms that revolutionise the way individuals and organisations and societies interact with technology.

While the concept of AI is not new, its position as a prominent, disruptive technology, especially in today’s working world, cannot be denied.

In recent years, the rate of AI adoption has accelerated, with businesses around the world capitalising on its ever-growing capabilities and potential. From saving costs to opening doors to new growth opportunities, this growing reliance on AI has drastically changed the way people live, work and play.

With AI continuing to exert its influence, the job market is no exception. As more AI-driven roles are introduced in businesses and organisations, the growing demand for professionals skills in AI will likely remain steady for the foreseeable future.

Career overview

There’s no shortage of employers in this field, both in the IT industry and beyond. While larger firms can offer graduate programmes where fresh graduates can undergo specialisation, smaller companies and startups may have them take the initiative to further develop their skills, with the trade-off of enjoying more hands-on work and the chance to directly interact with clients.

Jobs within this industry span a wide spectrum, catering to different specialisations and interests. For example, while data scientists work with large datasets to build predictive models, AI scientists will find themselves exploring the frontiers of AI as they push its capabilities to its limits and beyond. In addition, the skills you pick up in this line of work are considered highly valuable; you can apply the programming languages and machine learning techniques picked up in a variety of fields.

Trends and developments

In recent years, the development of AI has been making significant progress at a rapid pace, with numerous emerging technologies having the potential to shake up the AI ecosystem.

For example, advancements in machine learning (considered the backbone of AI), such as deep learning and reinforcement learning, allow AI systems to improve their efficiency by tenfold, leading to breakthroughs in areas such as image recognition and natural language processing.

In addition, the introduction of generative AI (GenAI) in late 2022 could arguably be considered a significant turning point in the history of AI. The launch of sophisticated tools, such as ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion and Midjourney, have the ability to generate new content that mimics the data they’re trained on, such as images, videos, and even report summaries.

However, GenAI comes with its own set of notable concerns. As the line between generated and authentic content blurs, businesses will have to navigate a minefield of legal, financial and ethical implications, dealing with issues of misinformation, deepfakes and infringements of copyright laws. As such, there has also been an increased focus on developing and utilising AI in an ethical manner.

Pros and cons

A diversified field

Due to its broad application across industries, expect to see your work applied to interesting, cutting-edge ways that will further revolutionise existing ways of working.

Highly experimental

AI is still very much an experimental technology with room for improvement. You’ll likely have to deal with constant roadblocks and setbacks when developing algorithms.

• Analytical skills

• Project management

• Problem-solving skills

Cybersecurity

A global increase in the number of cyberattacks has led to a growing demand for specialists.

With companies and organisations becoming more and more reliant on IT and technology for transactions and communications, cybersecurity has grown to become a key concern.

For this reason, specialists – who work to safeguard all systems connected to the Internet, including software, hardware and data, from cyberattacks, and aim to limit risk and protect assets through developing a range of technologies, processes and operations – are in great demand.

Career overview

Job opportunities tend to fall under one of the following three roles in this sector:

• Consulting: This involves providing clients with risk assessments before advising and counselling them on the various strategies that can help keep their businesses safe from harm

• Engineering: Builders of the community, security engineers are responsible for planning and building IT systems strong enough to withstand any cyber threats

• Operations: The “guards” of the system, operational security experts monitor the systems for any signs of threat

While specialists are usually hired by firms that render their services to other companies, some organisations, such as banks and online-based businesses, do invest in their own in-house cybersecurity teams.

Depending on the area of work, there are very different work styles. For instance, consulting and engineering work tends to be project or client-based, and can last between 12 to 24 months. Work is done in teams of varying size, and graduates often find themselves guided by mentors.

The operational security side, however, can anticipate a steeper learning curve, especially if a talent for investigative work is shown. Work can be found at security operations centres, where constant surveillance over systems is run for clients.

Digital forensics is an alternative. Here, infected machines or systems are examined; or penetration testing is conducted, running simulated attacks on systems to check susceptibilities. Work in this area tends to be more client-facing than other areas, however.

For career progression, graduates are encouraged to invest in professional certifications or related courses.

Trends and developments

Where resources were traditionally concentrated on guarding vital system components and other parts were left open to less dangerous risks, the changing nature of cyberattacks have prompted a new, more proactive approach.

Thus, with viruses and phishing attempts on the rise, and valuable data at stake, large and small organisations have begun changing their stance.

Singapore has also taken a hard stance on cyberattacks, connecting incidents to loss of not just reputation, but also money, data theft and fraud.

To that end, in 2019, the Government Bug Bounty Programme (BBP) was introduced with the goal of pinpointing vulnerabilities in selected systems. This initiative was quickly followed by the Vulnerability Disclosure Programme (VDP).

Pros and cons

A dynamic industry

Life in this sector is hardly ever dull; graduates have the chance to work with a variety of clients ranging from government bodies to commercial businesses.

Irregular working hours

Keeping one step ahead of cyber criminals can be difficult, and because problems and threats can pop up at any time, extra hours may be needed in times of emergency.

• An eye for detail

• Critical thinking skills

• Problem-solving skills

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Financial Software Development

Software developers are crucial to the development of IT infrastructure in the finance industry.

While not wholly dependent on them, financial organisations still rely heavily on their IT systems alongside a variety of software to provide their customers with smooth and efficient service. From data analysis to planning investments and trading activities, analysts, asset managers and traders trust in either customised or offthe-rack software to help them make informed decisions.

Having recognised the importance of financial software development in order to stay ahead of other industry players, most financial institutions have invested in inhouse software development teams to both maintain and develop the software needed.

However, as the needs of financial organisations continue to grow and become more sophisticated, outsourcing software development tasks to specialised companies has become more common as well.

Career overview

Specialist software companies and major financial institutions are the ones who usually bring in graduates looking to enter this industry. They’ll start them off with a training period – either in the form of a structured graduate programme with rotations, or training with mentorship –that generally lasts between three to six months.

Developers tend to be involved in several projects at the same time, so if work on large back-end systems or new software aren’t in the cards, time would be spent on simpler projects like upgrading existing systems to make them more efficient and user-friendly.

Depending on the complexity and scale of client requests, projects may take a few days, or even years, to complete – and may even affect other aspects of the working environment, such as the size of an assigned team.

In terms of career progression, graduates can take advantage of the many opportunities available and opt to either develop themselves in a technical role, or aim for a managerial position.

Trends and developments

As this sector is an intersection of sorts between IT and finance, projects usually consist of perplexing mathematical models, large data sets, distributed and high speed systems, as well as information security measures.

As the financial technology (fintech) industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds in Singapore, application development is set to gain further traction, too. Players in the market will be looking for reliable, quality and flawless app performance that also offers enhanced user experience.

Pros and cons

Best of both worlds

Many financial software developers enjoy the fact that they effectively straddle two worlds: the IT and finance industries.

Working in this field not only gives developers the chance to work with the latest technological developments as well as understand the latest financial market trends, but also see how both can impact each other.

A challenging career

Demanding clients are regular fixtures in this area, and work may be complicated by the constant development of technology. But if a challenge is craved, then this field will bring much joy.

• Flexibility (as regulations and client requirements may change)

• Problem-solving skills

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Financial Technology (Fintech)

Enhance the efficiency of financial services in banks and insurance firms with technological innovations.

The growth of financial technology, also known as fintech, has led to a time of innovation in financial services and in turn, has opened many employment opportunities in the industry.

Career overview

Graduates keen on entering this field can look forward to working with technologies that are aimed at automating parts of the banking sector, and also programmed to lend support to functions such as handling data management, interactions and transactions between financial firms and their partners and clients.

Employers generally come in the forms of established financial institutions, technology firms and start-ups, and typically falling under one of these categories:

• Product providers: They ’re organisations that offer financial products, such as retail and online banks, investment management companies, as well as insurance and actuarial firms. They may also include other less conventional corporations that provide financial services and products

• Service providers: These refer to companies that work hand-in-hand with product providers to offer advisory and other forms of assistance. Financial advisors, actuarial firms and other business consultancy organisations can be found in this category

• Technology providers: These range from technology “partners” to product and service providers that cater to their software and technology service needs Work for IT personnel, at times referred to as IT engineers, usually revolves around a few functions:

• Application development: Where engineers develop applications and software to improve an organisation’s facilities

• Infrastructure: Personnel build and maintain components – both hardware and software – required to host a firm’s programmes

• Support: Engineers assist users and handle troubleshooting when required; compared to the other two roles, this area involves more client-facing responsibilities

Trends and developments

Fintech in ASEAN markets has greatly benefitted from the Covid-19 pandemic. Digital banks have taken off, with three countries – namely Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines – now notably offering licences. Present banking players and non-fintech giants have entered the ring, and though the race is currently far from over, the winners will be able to exert significant influence over the region.

Closer to home, according to the Singapore Fintech Report 2021, the small country maintained its fintech momentum, riding on the tailcoats of fintech initiatives, new regulations and new digital banks. Fintech investment even reached US$36m in 2020, making up 6.2 per cent of the total raised in Asia!

Pros and cons

Work satisfaction

Many IT personnel find satisfaction in being able to serve the finance community both on a national and global scale by contributing to more efficient banking experiences.

Irregular working hours

While a work-life balance is guaranteed most days, every now and then, engineers may be required to stay back after regular working hours for systems or network maintenance.

• Passionate about technology and

• Aware of the latest

• An eye for detail

• Good interpersonal skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Integrity

Games Development

Work with people from a variety of disciplines who share the same passion.

There’s no denying the growth the gaming industry has been experiencing the past few decades, as well as the impact it has on the current generation. Singapore’s not exempted from this development, and as a result, the government has been very supportive of this relatively young sector within the country.

Thanks to the country’s solid IT infrastructure, ease of communication and transportation and ready talent pool, many international players – such as Ubisoft, Gumi Asia and Tecmo Koei – have set up their regional bases here.

Career overview

Game production is a very complex process that requires expertise from a variety of disciplines – including project management, music composition, programming and art and animation – which can be further broken down into more specialised roles.

IT and computing graduates will be able to find plenty of employment opportunities here, but the sector’s still a competitive one and will require a lot of preparation.

Despite the generally contending nature of the field, however, an increasing number of game companies, whether independent or focusing on mobile devices, have presented new entry-level positions for graduates.

Graduate-level newcomers usually start out as junior programmers, working in a team with a mentor, and are expected to pick up key skills essential to the industry. Following that, recruits can become an authority in their chosen area of specialty, or even choose to lead a team of their own.

Alternatively, hopefuls can also take on a lead production role if they would like to oversee the whole process rather than focusing on just only one scope of the cycle.

Trends and developments

While it’s considered one of the most profitable sectors in the world, the games industry is also very hard to predict. Games and gaming will never stop evolving, and the challenge is to stay ahead of the curve and keep consumers happy.

Recent trends include augmented reality and battle royale, and games like Fortnite showed the possibilities and appeal

of cross-platform play. Virtual reality and mobile gaming are other rising parts of the landscape, and are expected to continue gaining momentum as physical tours and the like become gamified in a bid to increase its appeal to younger audiences.

Additionally, the increased usage of cloud gaming services, such as Playstation Now and Vortex allows gamers to play high-quality games without being restrained by hardware limitations.

At present, the Southeast Asian gaming market is expected to have tripled what it was in 2017 by 2023. It’s well on track, as in Singapore alone, two-thirds of the market are now taken up by casual mobile gamers who recently hopped on the gaming train in order to kill time at home!

Pros and cons

An exciting industry

Working in games development can be a tremendously exhilarating experience as there’ll be constant exposure to new inventions and innovations.

And with programmers all over the world willing to experiment with different ways to improve gamers’ experiences, there’s the opportunity to be part of a field that is constantly trying to push the envelope in terms of technological capabilities and user interfaces.

Long hours

Unfortunately, the field is also known for protracted periods of brutally long working hours – termed as “crunch” in the industry – that becomes especially pronounced as deadlines approach. It isn’t uncommon to hear news of such cases, even at highly coveted game development companies.

While there’s greater dialogue now about having a better work-life balance, graduates should still be prepared to put in long hours if they wish to start a career here.

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Hardware Development

Upgrade existing systems or build new ones to accommodate clients’ needs.

Avery 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.

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.

IT in Investment Banking

Many IT and computing graduates find their calling in the banking world.

Once upon a time, the typical career pathways that come to mind when talking about investment banking included positions such as analysts and associates before proceeding on to vice presidents and directors – most of which require a finance-related degree.

However, with the rise of digital applications and e-commerce platforms within the sector, many investment banks are rapidly expanding their technology team to cope with various functions – such as online trading activities and transactions, risk management, information gathering, client interaction and 24/7 operations – making computing and technology graduates highly desirable.

Career overview

Depending on the bank’s needs and recruitment policies, graduates can be engaged directly into specific IT roles, where they’re trained in the specific skills unique for the position; or rotational programmes with a chance to experience different positions and responsibilities in different areas of technology.

IT specialists are traditionally brought on board mainly to build and maintain the bank’s technology infrastructure – such as system troubleshooting, web development, research and development (R&D), engineering and application development, among other others – while also providing support to all financial divisions within the bank.

However, every now and then, they’re called on to support colleagues from other regions, as well as ensure processes are achieved on a global level to meet the technological needs of every location the bank operates in.

Many banks also involve their technology teams in the product development and business part of the job due to the increase in electronic and digital products, so graduates may even find themselves working alongside traders and analysts.

Trends and developments

With banks riding the digital disruption, and beginning to divide conventional assets and move on to Open Banking, banks are taking a close relook at longestablished services, seizing growth and focusing more on back-office support to “re-bundle” their services.

The cloud is another trend investment banks are hopping on, having shifted from simply evaluating benefits to effectively operating within it, and driving data quality and creativity as a consequence.

New IT infrastructure will be needed if banks decide to write their own programmes, and graduates will have the opportunity to be on the forefront of this paradigm shift.

Pros and cons

IT and technology advancements

Working as an IT specialist in the investment banking sector can be immensely exciting, not just because of the dynamic and constantly changing environment, but also because of the rapid advances in technology. However, graduates will need to constantly update themselves with the latest IT knowledge to stay relevant.

Travel opportunities

With most investment banks being global operators, there’s the chance to travel and work with people from different regions, offering plenty of learning opportunities and exposure.

Potentially stressful

The general working environment tends to be rather fast-paced and can be quite stressful, so an ability to perform under pressure is a must.

• A basic understanding of the industry

• Good interpersonal skills

• Able to work in a team

• Problem-solving skills

• Patience (as it’s needed in the troubleshooting and maintenance processes)

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IT in Manufacturing

Use IT and technology to help companies create a smoother supply chain.

From large MNCs to small organisations, any company actively operating in the manufacturing sector needs the support of a dedicated IT department to ensure that their business continues to run smoothly.

On their part, IT and technology have often been credited for improving productivity and reducing costs of many manufacturing organisations, and proved essential in helping them refine their supply chains and data management processes.

Career overview

The job scope as an IT expert in this area can revolve around a few primary duties, such as quality control, building and maintaining computer-aided design and manufacturing software, as well as data sensing and logging.

Newcomers typically start out with technical duties as they learn from the mentor and team they’re assigned to, and usually deal with maintenance and troubleshooting that arise in the day-to-day IT networks or operations systems.

In terms of career progression, there’s the option of specialisation in a certain technical area or skill through postgraduate education or professional certification. Alternatively, graduates can reach for the managerial ranks, and focus on planning, quality management and monitoring functions.

Trends and developments

Unlike other industries where regular IT skills can be applied to a wide range of departments, roles in this sector can be quite specialised due to the type of knowledge and machinery used by each individual company.

For instance, an IT expert in an oil and gas company will find it difficult to move over to the pharmaceutical line as the technical industrial processes involved are very different.

The manufacturing sector in Singapore is also aiming for 50 per cent growth by 2031, with an eight per cent growth yearon-year in the second half of 2022, following expansions across industries like precision and electronic engineering.

Pros and cons

Working with cutting-edge technology

Depending on the size and type of the enterprise, there are chances for recruits to work with cutting-edge technology. For instance, large organisations are typically more willing to invest in the latest systems and IT infrastructure to streamline complicated supply chain procedures and processes.

Pressure

A drawback of working in this field is the pressure graduates may potentially face when systems or networks fail. As system failures can greatly affect the supply chain, all-nighters may be needed in order to bring the systems back up as soon as possible.

IT in Retail

Many IT and computing graduates find their calling in the retail world.

Nearly every function in the retail industry – sourcing of new products and managing distribution networks, to in-store point-of-sale systems and administration responsibilities such as human resources (HR) and finance – requires the involvement of IT and technology to a degree.

In most cases, IT’s used to achieve a couple of objectives: to improve the accuracy and availability of information on every level, and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the business.

The emergence of online retailers, however, have brought the use of IT in retail to a whole new level.

Career overview

Many retailers, especially international ones, have their own in-house IT team or department to cater to their needs and projects.

However, complex problems that require more advanced or specialised skills are usually outsourced to third-party IT services providers, with internal IT teams coordinating and assisting as and when needed, such as when identifying services, initiating interaction with service providers and merging new software with existing systems.

Depending on their skills and preference, graduates may seek employment in in-house teams or third-party service providers. There’s also the option to move from one to the other in the future as well.

Graduate hires can find themselves positioned anywhere along the chain of business to help improve the flow of information and integrate different functions within the business. However, responsibilitywise, there’s a lot of programming involved, regardless of station.

Most large retailers offer graduate recruitment schemes once a year, with these programmes lasting about a year or more. Rotations through several roles and departments are typical, and recruits will be able to gain a broader view of the business as a whole, as well as take in a variety of programming and business analysis skills before deciding on a permanent role.

Teams are multidisciplinary, and career progression may take some time as quite a bit of experience is needed to move on to roles such as senior programmer or analyst.

If a more people-oriented role is favoured, graduates can consider management opportunities.

Trends and developments

The e-commerce disruption has resulted in a new playing field for IT specialists in retail as companies shift from concentrating on brickand-mortar stores alone, to maintaining a complementary online presence to drive brand awareness. Big data has also made a splash in the industry, leading to more personalised services.

Omni-channel retailing is a major trend presently driving the sector in Singapore, with physical stores increasingly enhancing customer experience with tech-enabled product personalisation and augmented reality, along with combining offline retail with online stores, social media and mobile applications.

Still, this doesn’t mean that e-commerce is burgeoning in the city-state. On the contrary, localised malls within heartland areas are still preferred for their accessibility and convenience. Instead, e-commerce expansions mostly take place with nonexperiential products like household goods and groceries.

Experiential retail is on the rise, too, and malls are increasingly incorporating elements of this retail trend to attract consumers and lure higher footfall. More recent developments include Funan’s indoor cycling track and rock-climbing facilities, and the NERF Action Xperience in Marina Square.

Pros and cons

Wide exposure

Programmers working in this industry often tout the variety in their work as one of the pros because they can move between functional areas relatively easily.

Slow career progression

On the other hand, a common grouse is that career progression tends to be slower compared to other sectors, although that may be eclipsed by a desire to make a difference.

Required skills

• Analytical skills

• Commercial awareness

• Able to work in a team

• Interpersonal skills

• Adaptability

IT in Telecommunications

Improve and reinvent global communications systems to better serve users.

Telecommunications is all about connecting people, whether through traditional fixed-line telephones, computers and laptops, or mobile devices.

A key enabler for various fields and regulated by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), telecommunications is vital in raising Singapore’s productivity and transforming business processes. As for IT, its involvement in this sector has become essential in Singapore’s bid to become a Smart Nation.

Career overview

Job opportunities are usually divided into two categories: vendors and carriers.

Put simply, vendors such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Agilent, provide the hardware and software the industry needs. On the other hand, carriers like M1, SingTel and StarHub deliver telecommunications services to end users.

Graduates aspiring to break into the field can also find employment with IT consultancy providers, much like Accenture and IBM.

What responsibilities are given to new hires early on depends on whether they’re working with vendors or carriers. In the former’s case, they’re usually put in technical roles, first assisting in hardware or software development before moving onto other positions to accumulate experience.

On the other hand, while hopefuls working with carriers have more roles to choose from, most of them will require specialist knowledge. In addition, most organisations in this category run graduate or management associate programmes with job rotations and mentorships to ease newcomers to the workforce.

Work generally comes in the form of projects, and responsibilities tend to range from hardware and software R&D, product testing, setting up or maintaining the necessary infrastructure, technical sales and marketing and supporting customers and clients.

In addition, except for when deadlines are fast approaching, extra hours usually aren’t needed. Thus, those working in this industry tend to enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

Trends and developments

Although telecommunications make up a small percentage of the information and communications services industry in Singapore, it’s still one of the top contributors in terms of value added.

For instance, a $30 million fund has been introduced to accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of 5G solutions under the IMDA’s 5G Innovation Programme to create a vibrant 5G ecosystem, including developing talent and services.

Pros and cons

A variety of responsibilities

Work can be very interesting, due in a large part to the range of job responsibilities available, which also evolve in tandem with telecommunications’ rapid development of technology.

Pressure

Frustration can mount when networks go down, and the pressure to repair the system or infrastructure can come down hard.

Constant and speedy development also translates to graduates needing enough self-motivation to keep up, or risk being left behind.

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IT Outsourcing

Benefit from exposure to a variety of business-focused technologies.

Arapidly-growing area in the IT sector, IT outsourcing is encouraged by the speed in which technology evolves and changes. It’s also driven by companies that find it challenging to maintain an in-house team that keeps them abreast of advancements, and prefer outsourcing instead.

Although most service providers cover many aspects of technology, ranging from hardware such as personal computers (PCs) and mainframes to software much like Microsoft/Apple packages and major Systems, Applications & Product (SAP) implementations, they also bring other supporting technology and training services to complement their offerings.

Career overview

Many organisations offer training programmes that allow newcomers to try out a few areas of work and gauge their preference and capability.

Following that, graduate hires are typically assigned to a service team working with either a client or on a particular function or area, usually in specific technical roles such as telecommunications support, network support, or programming.

In some cases, hopefuls may even find themselves in the customer services department, providing clients and customers with technical assistance as part of a service desk operation.

Career progression can take place in two ways: through specialisation in a particular technology or technical field, or moving into project or service management. While the former requires as much in-depth knowledge as possible, the latter puts graduates in closer contact with clients and customers.

Trends and developments

Already a high-powered industry experiencing constant and rampant growth, the Services and Digital Technology Roadmap has pinpointed Services 4.0 as one of the main drivers of Singapore’s digital economy. This has resulted in even more new opportunities in emerging technologies such as Advanced Interfaces and AI.

Moreover, with new trends such as anything as a service (XaaS) enabling more seamless services, maturity of cloud deployment into multi-cloud and greater human-machine interactions is continuing to sweep through and target more and more high-value areas. Growth and development of this ever-changing industry is set to continue its upward trajectory for a long time to come.

Pros and cons

Growth and opportunities

Work in this sector promises a lot of excitement due to its exponential growth and dynamic atmosphere. As clients come from a wide variety of different fields, learning and networking opportunities are plentiful.

Exciting but taxing

Rapid technology developments are as exciting as they are taxing. It’s not uncommon to finish studying an upcoming trend or update a system to find it already outdated.

• Enthusiasm

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Patience

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IT Services

Provide clients with invaluable professional technology support and services to help them achieve their business goals.

Telecommunications is all about connecting people, whether through traditional fixed-line telephones, computers and laptops, or mobile devices.

A key enabler for various fields and regulated by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), telecommunications is vital in raising Singapore’s productivity and transforming business processes. As for IT, its involvement in this sector has become essential in Singapore’s bid to become a Smart Nation.

Career overview

Business organisations often enlist the help of IT service providers to cut costs, improve service efficiency and gain access to a range of technological expertise.

The process generally entails the assessment of the clients’ needs, followed by the implementation of a solution before moving on to support and aftersales services.

Clients typically expect four things from a good technology partner:

• Proactive and strategic advice during the implementation process that can help them make better decisions to improve existing IT infrastructure

• Sharing knowledge of new technological upgrades that can benefit them

• An ability to translate technological value of IT additions to economic value, such as shareholder returns and revenue growth

• To take charge of, and be involved in, the whole process. From purchasing solutions or upgrades to installing them, this also includes explaining the products to shareholders, implementation and providing post-installation support

In addition, the functions of IT services typically overlap with technology consulting to such an extent that IT services providers will need to match their services to clients’ needs, rather than just trying to sell them.

Frequency of travel, hours and pace of work tend to be role-dependent. For instance, those in consultancy positions keep very fast-paced schedules and are often required to travel to meet clients on very short notice. Technical teams, on the

other hand, have more stable schedules and are less mobile. However, when things go wrong, all-nighters can be expected.

Career overview

Broadly speaking, work in this industry can be divided into several sections. These include client relations, consulting, support and designing. Other roles may involve building, installing and testing technology solutions.

Graduates generally start off as junior members of a team, assisting senior colleagues in their work and picking up essential skills over the first few months of employment.

In this period of time, they’re normally asked to work on a small aspect of a big project, manage a client’s account, or perform a specific function in one particular technical area.

Responsibilities will gradually grow, and progression to becoming a specialist in a specific function or area is common.

Trends and developments

With tech trends such as codeless development tools and more natural technology interfaces on the rise, along with widespread adoption of AI and blockchain, the IT services sector is set for even more growth on top of its already rapid expansion.

Pros and cons

Diverse opportunities

This industry promises not just diversity in terms of job scopes and people met, but also plenty of chances to network and learn. After all, working on different projects often translates into meeting various clients from different sectors and backgrounds.

Incredibly fast-paced

The speed at which technology evolves is extremely fast, and while some may see this as a positive lifelong learning opportunity, others may eventually tire of the constantlyrapid pace.

Some roles, such as consultancy, even have lifestyles that can overwhelm and burn out individuals if they’re not careful.

Required skills

• Commercial awareness

• Interpersonal skills

• Able to work in a team

• Able to prioritise work effectively

• An eye for detail

• Patience

Professional IT Services

Help businesses safeguard their IT systems and maintain regulatory compliance with local regulations.

The industry – which focuses on assisting their clients with specialist expertise and advisory services –typically offers their know-how in several areas, such as audit, tax, accountancy, consulting, law, corporate governance, corporate finance and risk assessment.

Some of the most recognisable professional services firms in Singapore include BDO, EY, Deloitte, KPMG and PwC – all of which are well-known for offering assistance when it comes to compliance with various legal requirements related to accounting and business processes.

And with IT and data management now playing a big part in clients’ daily operations and business strategies, companies in this sector have now expanded their expertise to include technology. Typical services include:

• IT audit: In this area, professionals assess the clients’ IT systems to determine effectiveness and integration with the business. They usually focus on issues such as possible security risks and increasing efficiency

• IT governance: This service involves checking a clients’ IT systems to ensure that they’re operating and complying with Singapore’s legal and accounting regulations

• IT project reassurance: Professionals evaluate the risk probability of an IT project before a client implements it, and then advises the organisation on ways to either manage or mitigate it

• Security and privacy: This part of the field includes checking a clients’ IT systems for security threats, and also handles crisis management in the case of any attacks

Career overview

Graduates joining professional services firms usually do so through a specialist graduate programme, where they’ll be assigned to a team or project from the start. From there, mentoring facilitates acclimatisation to the work culture, and skills will be picked up over on-thejob training and exposure to different experiences through various assignments.

Teams tend to be multidisciplinary, and the job involves a lot of client-facing responsibilities as most professionals work onsite alongside clients’ in-house IT departments or users, assessing risks and developing recommendations to improve systems.

To progress in this industry, pursuing an internationally-recognised professional certificate in information systems auditing, control and security is strongly advised. In this regard, graduates can look to the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) certifications, among others.

Trends and developments

With the boon of a sophisticated workforce and reliable regulatory framework, this growing and vibrant landscape has experienced continuous innovation to harness opportunities in high-growth areas.

Riding on the coattails of the successes of the Professional Services Industry Transformation Map (ITM), launched in 2018, the field is now set to see further upward trajectories in the upgrading and digitalisation of businesses.

Pros and cons

Tiring but exciting

Although the constant travelling may leave some individuals weary, professionals in the industry find excitement in being able to work in a variety of organisations and sectors.

There are also plenty of networking opportunities, so if interacting with people while handling technical responsibilities is something particularly enjoyed, this job is the right one!

Required skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Able to work in a team

• Commercial awareness

• Adaptability

• Awareness of the latest industry regulations and services

• Numeracy skills

• Analytical skills

Technology Consulting

Introduce IT solutions and strategies designed to help clients navigate business obstacles.

While “tech start-up” is a common buzzword in the sector these days, venturing into any kind of business that involves introducing or implementing technology in the real world can be daunting.

For this reason, businesses – especially successful ones – need consultants or industry experts to advise them on IT strategies and solutions.

Career overview

There are various ways to classify the nature and services of a technology consultancy firm, but most of them fall into one of five categories:

• IT strategy and design: Consultants in this area match their clients’ existing technology to their business strategy in order to help them stay relevant

• IT operations and management: Here, consultants “renovate” and upgrade a client’s existing IT and business processes to improve their performance

• Enterprise architecture: Where consultants help an organisation draw up an IT strategy roadmap, vision, corporate technology standards and a core technology catalogue to guide its growth in the future

• Sourcing: In this field, consultants help streamline a client’s operations by assessing and advising if a corporation should outsource its IT functions

• Integration: Consultants here assist clients with complex business problems via IT software solutions, whether it’s creating tailored, or using, commercialoff-the-shelf, solutions

Employers generally start new hires out with project support and analytical roles, where they look out for information and analyse data to contribute to projects handled by their assigned team.

With enough experience, though, graduates may be put in charge of a client or function – such as reviewing, designing or building a system – before being placed in a position of leadership and tasked with a major transition project.

There’s also the option to specialise in certain functions to become an industry expert, or reach senior management to manage others instead.

As projects tend to be client-centric, it often entails being the middleman between clients and the firm, as well as building, installing and testing systems on the clients’ behalf. Much time will also be spent travelling and working onsite.

Trends and developments

With the present technology disruption in full swing and rapidly gaining speed due to the global coronavirus pandemic and resulting reinvented business models, enterprises across all industries are being transformed in the face of automation and AI.

This is especially evident in the Asia Pacific region, with Singapore having pushed through the National Robotics Programme (NRP) and deployed automation technology to areas such as logistics and manufacturing, and even healthcare and construction in an effort to combat labour shortages.

Technology is now also primed to position itself as the foundation of the new normal, from privacy concerns, remote working and even QR codes to track Covid-19 cases and notify persons who may have had close contact with them.

Pros and cons

A wide range of opportunities

As work tends to be either project or clientbased, there’s wide exposure to many different sectors and companies, which in turn, promises variety and plenty of learning and networking opportunities.

Many also relish the many different paths available for career development, ranging from developing technical skills to becoming an expert or managing a team.

Work-life balance

The constant travelling can go beyond the usual 9-to-5, so it might require some compromise on lifestyle.

Required skills

• A willingness to learn

• Persuasion and presentation skills

• Commercial awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills

Web Development and E-Commerce

Focus points include building strong and reputable online and web presences for businesses.

The 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 aren’t considered complete without an online presence. Although there are other players, the field’s still 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 like bill payments and monetary transfers at any time, 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, even pre-pandemic, recruitment opportunities are plentiful. However, they’re 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 get a headstart in job-hunting while 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 like Amazon, Shopee and Lazada, though the hiring process may be more structured and formal. Rotations are the norm before newcomers are assigned to a position they’re comfortable with, and may take anywhere between three to 12 months, depending on the company.

Career progression can be ensured with SkillsFuture, where there’s an option to upgrade present skills, increasing competency and productivity in this sector, as well as 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.

The numerous support schemes geared to drive e-commerce adoption among startups also paid off almost overnight when Covid-19 hit Singapore’s shores. The next big trend in this industry, though, is looking to be social commerce and shoppable posts, where users can buy products directly off social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. 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 cross-platform 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, on the flipside, having to endlessly deal 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 cybersecurity risks can.

Required skills

• Commercial awareness

• Always abreast of latest changes in regulations and trends

• Adaptability

• An eye for detail

• Able to deal with ambiguity effectively

Engineering: A Beginner's Guide

Work experience will impress graduate recruiters and can even help you with career decisions.

Recruiters value work experience. Accordingly, an engineering placement is the gold standard – it not only shows that you have hands-on industry experience to complement your degree, but it also demonstrates your commitment to the sector and that you know what to expect when you start your graduate job. It’ll also help you get a feel of where you want to work, and indicate to employers that your decisions about where to apply are based on more than guesswork.

However, if you can’t manage an engineering placement or you‘ve left it too late, there’s no need to worry; work experience or part-time jobs in any environment – even if it’s in a different industry – can still help you develop the transferable skills needed, as well as give you some work experience. As such, they too, are well thought of by employers.

Engineering placements

Some degrees incorporate a year in the industry; if yours doesn’t, take the initiative and look into arranging one. Placements will give you a sense of what life as a graduate engineer is like, help you build skills that are relevant to graduate positions and give you the chance to build up a network of contacts.

A placement is also a great opportunity to get to know a firm better than by just reading company literature. This will give you a good basis from which to figure out whether it’s the sort of business you could work for on a long-term basis, and whether you feel the area of engineering and kind of role you’re considering are right for you.

It also gives employers a chance to get to know you better as an employee. Many recruiters like to hire students who perform well on their placements, and some may even offer sponsorships to help you complete your degree.

Small engineering companies

While small engineering employers may not run formal schemes, they can still be good sources of work experience. You could ask to shadow someone in an area or organisation that interests you for a couple of days, or look for paid, part-time work. Go to your university’s careers service for advice and contacts, and check job boards on online portals.

Non-engineering experience

Many companies will happily consider your application for a graduate job even if you don’t have engineering work experience – as long as you have done something else worthwhile with your time that you can draw upon when discussing your background and skills. For instance:

• Part-time work during university terms or vacations will help you develop interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work in a team. You may even be able to go a step further and come up with a suggestion or improvement that’ll help the business prosper.

• Helping to run university clubs and societies also offers the opportunity to pick up skills, and you should provide examples of these. For instance, you may have led a team effectively, come up with innovative ideas and carried them through, solved problems, or organised events.

• Charity work, volunteering and independent travel will also help you grow in ways employers may appreciate and give you something interesting to talk about in your applications and interview. Furthermore, having a range of interests shows you are a multidimensional person who is enthusiastic, motivated and likely to be an asset in the workplace. What’s important is for you to use these as concrete examples of how you’ve developed skills useful for the graduate engineering job you’re applying for. After all, having these experiences on your resume isn’t enough if you don’t explain how they make you a good candidate for the job!

Tips for getting an engineering placement

• Start figuring out where you can get work experience from your first year of study. Although most employers looking for placement students only take applications from the beginning of your second year, planning ahead is ideal.

• Getting an industrial placement isn’t automatic, though employers will view your application favourably if you combine good academic results –first year results do matter – with evidence of career commitment. Have something on your resume that’ll attract interest.

• Career services centres on campus may be good starting points, but the more people who know you’re looking for an internship, the more help you can get. There’s always competition for advertised placements, so apply your networking skills if you’re on the lookout for alternatives.

• If you really can only find a supermarket job, try to make the most of it by asking for additional responsibilities. Find out how the business operates and talk to your managers. That way, you might be able to get a bit of work experience in a more relevant job function.

Top Three Trends in Engineering for Graduates to Know

The pressure’s on for the industry to embrace the digital transformation and keep up with market demands.

In recent years, the engineering industry has gone through exciting changes and seen ground-breaking developments, such as the rise of automation and the application of intelligent machines.

These developments, combined with Singapore’s plan to transform itself into a Smart Nation, have led to a strong demand for a future-ready engineering workforce and people who are well-versed in new and advanced technology tools that can bring business value.

Keeping up with what’s trending in the industry will not only provide graduates with an idea of the job opportunities that these advances have opened up, but also awareness of the skills needed for them to be more employable.

Here are three significant industrial trends graduates should take note of – and impress engineering recruiters with!

Trend #1: Automation and robotics

The rise of automation and robotics may not be a new trend, but they’re still revolutionising the engineering sector. Robots and machines are displacing workers, dominating workplaces and becoming the true backbone of many organisations while humans manage them on the sidelines.

A notable example of a company that has integrated automation and robotics into their operations is SIA Engineering. The corporation deploys air tugs that allow ground crew to move an aircraft backwards wirelessly, as well as air casters to float heavy objects off the ground. Such devices help ensure that staff welfare is protected, and employees no longer have to perform such strenuous and manual tasks.

Moreover, the use of automated machines and robots are key for fastgrowing industries to manufacture products in high quality and quantity in the shortest possible time. This is important for industry stakeholders, as automating labour-intensive processes also leads to significant cuts in manpower costs.

What this means for graduates

Engineers with technical skills and knowledge in manufacturing technologies and programming are highly sought-after. Employers are looking for engineers to design, install, programme, operate and maintain machines and robots used in their operations.

Aside from technical skills, recruiters also seek engineers who are investigative and possess problem-solving abilities. To showcase these traits to prospective employers during the job application process, graduates can read widely about the issues stakeholders in the field face, and explain how they can contribute to the firm’s efforts to solve the problems.

Employers also value applicants who possess foresight, as well as the ability to look at the bigger picture of how minute details can affect larger processes. These qualities often indicate a candidate’s potential to continually innovate and come up with new applications of technology to solve problems.

Trend #2: The Industrial Internet of Things

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a branch of a larger technological development known as the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to connecting devices to the Internet and to each other.

This tech application has paved the way for “smart” processes, where intelligent devices with independent learning capabilities are able to communicate the collected data to one another within an integrated system. Imagine a world where your smart fridge is able to order groceries for you because it detected that your fresh milk has gone bad! This is one way in which IoT can be used in a consumer setting.

IIoT, on the other hand, is the application of IoT technologies in the industrial world, where more is at stake, and a single error can lead to high revenue loss.

For instance, a company dealing with the shipping of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical drugs can benefit from this technology by using real-time data to read the exact conditions the drugs are exposed to.

This allows the organisation to keep track of whether the goods are exposed to very high or low temperatures. This way, if anything were to happen to the products, they can be notified as soon as possible as opposed to only when they arrive at their destination, saving the firm from potentially losing thousands of dollars’ worth of shipment.

What this means for graduates

The introduction of IoT technology in the manufacturing sector has blurred the line between IT and engineering. Graduate engineers seeking employment in the manufacturing industry now need the necessary IT-related skills to remain competitive in the job market.

Following the growing significance of data and automation in the engineering scene, recruiters now highly value technical skills, such as the ability to build machinelearning algorithms, as well as knowledge of AutoCAD, a design software for engineering applications, big data analytics and management skills.

In terms of soft skills, employers seek applicants who are innovative and collaborative, and graduates able to transform ideas into precise or feasible solutions will attract recruiters from different industries. Enterprises also value candidates who are collaborative, not only in humanto-human relations, but human-to-machine interactions as well.

Trend #3: Sustainable engineering

Sustainable engineering attempts to bridge social science with civic engineering and environmental science, and meld it with the technology of the future.

For example, in Singapore, water scarcity is a real challenge. With the nation’s heavy dependence on imported water, occasional political issues between the city-state and Malaysia’s governments more often than not result in veiled threats of the latter cutting off the former’s water supply.

Understanding that this wasn’t a sustainable water solution, the government commissioned the construction of a superhighway that collects every drop of used water for treatment and reuse. NEWater is the product of this deep tunnel sewerage system, and, as of 2020, there are five NEWater plants supplying up to 40 per cent of Singapore’s current water needs, with the fourth desalination plant opened in February 2021.

More can still be done in order to encourage sustainability and selfsufficiency, though, and this is where engineers can make a difference. With energy efficiency a particularly pressing concern in the region due to expanding economies and growing populations, the Singapore government is also targeting a 35 per cent improvement in the area, as well as reductions in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030.

In other words, there’s simply no shortage of roles for graduate engineers today.

What this means for graduates

Given how sustainability is a key consideration for most, if not all, engineering companies, employers do expect graduates to have an understanding of industrial regulations and ethical codes.

In addition, do your own reading and research to understand other technologies and sustainability initiatives other companies and countries have introduced. Find out how you can use these existing solutions and tailor them accordingly to add value to the company that you are either working with, or want to work for.

You should also be commercially aware that the economic feasibility of engineering processes plays a big role in the overall picture of sustainability as well. Take the initiative to attend networking events or employer talks to get insider insights and opinions on sustainability issues industry players face, and be ready to make sustainability the key objective in your job.

If saving the environment’s your calling, this is the engineering focus for you!

Finding Great Graduate Jobs in Smaller Engineering Firms

Great opportunities and benefits for graduates aren’t just limited to big engineering companies. Smaller engineering employers can offer perks that are just as beneficial.

According to the 2021 economy statistics by The Singapore Department of Statistics, 99 per cent of all 291,600 registered businesses in Singapore (approximately 288,600 registered business) are small- to mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, SMEs contribute to about 44 per cent of the national gross domestic product (GDP), and employ 71 per cent of all workers.

Extrapolated, this means that up to 70 per cent of graduates will launch their careers in engineering SMEs!

With so many graduates beginning their career journeys with smaller engineering firms, it’s worth taking the time to find out how applying to smaller firms differs from gunning for bigger companies. After all, bigger companies aren’t the only ones capable of providing impressive opportunities – SMEs can offer similarly competitive prospects, too!

So, if you’re going to start your career journey in an SME, take these tips into account when applying!

Training and salaries in SMEs

Why?

Because the headcount in SMEs tend to be smaller (below 200), and their annual profit turnover is typically less than $100 million, resources are limited when it comes to training new hires. Because of this, internationally-approved training schemes or programmes usually aren’t offered, though a lot of on-thejob training, as well as engaging crossdepartmental tasks are common. In fact, some companies, like Yeo Hong Construction and Engineering, offer certified on-the-job programmes (COJTC)!

Instead

In an SME, you’ll most likely be given a variety of responsibilities right off the bat. That may sound daunting, but it’ll actually help you pick up a range of both hard and soft skills, including in-depth specialised industry knowledge, self-motivation and time management.

Because of the wide range of work and steep learning curve, you may find yourself developing just as fast – if not faster – than with a graduate programme in a multinational corporation (MNC) like Schlumberger. In addition, recognition for your work may even come faster than you expect!

Take note

While SMEs aren’t typically able to match salaries from large companies dollar-for-dollar, the gap isn’t so big that most graduates are deterred. Instead, most smaller firms try to keep up with the market average, and what they can’t provide in monetary benefits, they usually make up for it in other ways, like offering flexible working hours, or a more casual dress code in the office.

Finding a job in an SME

Why?

Many smaller engineering firms tend to specialise in a certain niche in order to compete with their larger counterparts. As a result, these smaller companies need deeper industrial knowledge to suit their highly-specific employment needs and requirements, rather than the more general sort engineering giants like Arup onboard.

Instead

Because of their specific needs, finding a job in a smaller engineering firm isn’t as simple as flipping to the right page on the newspaper and sending a resume to the relevant address, or even logging into a job search portal and submitting your documents.

Rather, smaller firms, such as Works Applications Singapore, prefer to recruit graduate engineers through collaborations with university careers services centres, as it allows them to pre-screen suitable graduates.

Take note

It should be worth noting that being “small” doesn’t necessarily mean doesn’t mean they’re any less prestigious! There are plenty of highly-specialised, renowned engineering employers that operate in Singapore as SMEs, either because of the niched nature of their work, or for the tax incentives they can get from being classified as a smaller business. An example of a hidden gem you may find is fire safety specialist IGnesis Consultants!

Tip

This method of applying to positions in smaller engineering firms is relevant to both internships and graduate employment opportunities!

Things to take note of when applying to

SMEs

Why?

No matter the industry, applying for a role in an SME calls for a more proactive nature, as they favour more experienced candidates who can immediately contribute to the company. Because of this, you may have to go the extra mile by gaining relevant parttime work or internship experiences (and adding them to your resume) to prove you can hit the ground running!

What you can do

Don’t just focus on selling yourself – job hunts are all about matching what you have to offer with what a company needs, no matter the size of the firm. So, be sure to show that your existing knowledge and skill sets can contribute to improving the company’s performance.

You can also consider finding out as much specific information about the company as possible, from their mission and vision on their website, to their corporate aims and objectives. During career fairs, take the initiative to approach company representatives and ask about the type of projects they take on, or if they engage in any corporate social responsibilities (CSR).

If you decide to send in an application, be sure to indicate your enthusiasm in working with them after, by following up with a phone call or email – just don’t spam their email inboxes and phones.

Take note

Recruitment processes for smaller firms generally tend to be less restrictive and structured as compared to larger organisations, like Obayashi Corporation. So, expect a more interesting and personal process!

Tip

Start early – and multitask! Engineering SMEs lean towards graduates who have demonstrated their ability to successfully manage several projects or responsibilities at the same time. Don’t forget to highlight instances where you juggled several responsibilities (hopefully with positive results) in your resume, as well as during your interview(s)!

Things to take note of when applying to graduate apprenticeships

Why?

Some smaller engineering firms, much like CW Aero Services, offer graduate apprenticeship schemes to initiate new hires into their roles. These tend to serve as their own scaled-down equivalent of the formal graduate programmes larger firms, much like engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, offer.

Advantages

As apprenticeships usually include on-thejob training, they consist of an introduction to the basic – yet highly-specialised –engineering principles needed for the job, as well as how to apply them to your day-to-day responsibilities. Moreover, they usually allow you to make use of the industrial year you spend working with your employer to earn credits towards your degree.

Take note

Although apprenticeships with larger firms, such as Singtel, may be bondfree, take note that this isn’t always the case with smaller employers! After earning your certificate and qualifications, you may have to continue working for your company for an agreed period of time.

Tip

Apprenticeships in smaller firms are usually enhanced with a variety of other benefits that the company offers, such as training sessions, seminars, or after-work activities. To learn more, take the opportunity to interact with representatives at career fairs!

Conclusion

Just because SMEs are smaller than their international counterparts don’t mean that there are fewer opportunities – the chances to learn and grow your expertise simply come in a different package!

Aerospace Engineering

Graduates working in aerospace engineering have the opportunity to take up diverse roles in technically-challenging projects.

Aerospace engineering is an industry undergoing rapid growth in Singapore as the government strives to position the country as a regional aviation hub.

With more than 100 international aerospace companies setting roots in Singapore – including major names like Rolls Royce, Goodrich and Pratt & Whitney – as well as the establishment of aerospace amenities, Singapore has become a major player of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market in Asia.

While services offered by these companies generally include extensive and thorough nose-to-tail MRO operations, a select few also dabble in aerospace design and manufacturing services locally.

Career overview

The typical core responsibilities of aerospace engineers include a mix of researching, designing, manufacturing, as well as operating and maintaining aircraft.

Between working on civilian and military aircraft, however, some may find the latter to be more exciting, as the military usually exposes graduate hires to more advanced and developed aviation technology, such as fighter jets, reconnaissance machines and automated vehicles.

Trends and developments

Sustainable development is a key point of focus in the aerospace industry these days. Most employers within this sector have had to adapt to global events such as environmental concerns related to the aviation field, rising fuel prices, a rampant apprehension of flights due to unnatural aircraft accidents and the unprecedented virus outbreak.

Improving safety measures on aircraft, more stringent quality control on the production of aircraft parts and the search for both alternative fuel sources and more fuel-efficient aircraft engines are also making headlines in the sector.

Career highlights

Opportunity to display creativity

This field requires a lot of creativity and thinking out of the box as graduates will often encounter issues and complications that don’t have a one-size-fits-all solution.

While this may sometimes be demanding, it allows for ingenuity and gives opportunities to showcase resourcefulness.

Wide scope of work

Graduates can also expect to encounter a wide variety of job opportunities that’ll challenge their expertise and facilitate growth as a budding engineer within the aerospace industry – from cutting- edge research on aircraft components to overhaul services.

• Able to balance different project requirements simultaneously and effectively

• Able to discern details and think out of the box

• Able to work well in a team

• Methodical logic

Automotive Engineering

Meet customer expectations through superior technical performance, all while pushing this emerging industry to new heights.

While the automotive industry is locally classified as an emerging industry and may not be as developed as the local public transportation and infrastructure sectors, it’s been seeing changes and growth in recent years as the Singapore government promotes efforts to develop the sector.

This is because Singapore, with its position as an excellent trading hub possessing first-rate financial assistance, as well as a ready supply of skilled labour from electronics, infocommunications and mechanical engineering, has become a prime location for global automotive companies.

Here, numerous organisations have established their regional headquarters to carry out strategic activities, distribution, as well as R&D.

Career overview

Set to see great development and career opportunities over the coming years, the responsibilities expected of those either currently in, or looking to enter, the industry isn’t limited to just designing and manufacturing vehicles; there’s also the maintaining and repairing aspects of the field too.

There are also a variety of peopleoriented roles in distribution, marketing sales, after-sales, regional procurement and even compliance with local regulatory requirements.

Trends and developments

At present, the global automotive industry is heading in the direction of electronics and software systems, where manual checks of automotive parts are becoming less common, and in-vehicle technology, such as human-machine interfaces and “carputers”, are on the rise.

This is reflected in Singapore’s local industry, where there has been an increase in demand for software and hardware engineering expertise.

Another significant development is the rise of environmental concerns, which have, in turn, led to efforts in the reduction of carbon emissions and interest in shared mobility. This process usually begins in R&D, and may include dabbling in attempts to boost fuel efficiency by manipulating the vehicle’s weight through its material makeup.

During these instances, automotive engineering must work to strike a balance between standard safety measures, efficient energy consumption and responsibility to the environment.

Career highlights

Diverse learning opportunities

Many financial software developers enjoy the fact that they effectively straddle two worlds: the IT and finance industries.

Working in this field not only gives developers the chance to work with the latest technological developments as well as understand the latest financial market trends, but also see how both can impact each other.

Fast-paced and exciting

There’s also the satisfaction of seeing creative automotive designs come to life, incorporated into a vehicle’s engineering, as well as the exhilaration of working in an industry that is always rapidly evolving.

Chemical Engineering

Relish the challenge of overcoming environmental concerns and rising costs while driving pharmaceutical drug discoveries and process innovation.

The chemical industry in Singapore is centred chiefly in Jurong Island, a well-developed area housing companies such as BASF, ExxonMobil, Mitsui Chemicals, Sumitomo Chemicals, Shell and Lanxess, to name a few.

Although small, the city-state was ranked the eighth largest exporter of chemicals in 2019. The chemicals and energy sector in Singapore also maintains a steady presence among the top 10 countries in the world.

Oil, pharmaceuticals and polymers are some of the products these companies put out, along with fine chemicals and commodity chemicals.

Career overview

Chemical engineering involves the challenge of solving society’s problems with chemicals and biochemicals. Those in this field strive to create and develop the best possible methods to process raw materials into useful, innovative goods to satiate the growing demand for new products, as well as improve the use of limited natural resources.

Other career opportunities can be found in support businesses such as engineering contractors and technology development organisations, if specialisations in building chemical plants or development and patenting of new chemical manufacturing technologies are preferred.

Trends and developments

The rising cost of oil, water shortages, environmental concerns and other relevant and prominent issues are driving the industry at present, drastically affecting it and giving companies good business circumstances that have translated to a hotbed of innovation and opportunity. Likewise, there are many opportunities for graduates, as the industry is always in need of highly-skilled specialists.

It’s here that chemical engineers are trusted to find solutions that optimise processes, save on cost, and use fewer resources for the good of the environment.

Career highlights

Continuous learning

A highlight in this industry is the opportunity for continuous learning, and graduates will have the chance to explore new innovations or improvements to existing products.

Flexibility

A benefit many graduates look forward to in this industry, there’s enough flexibility accorded to explore a variety of specialised career opportunities, which can even include changes in career direction.

Mobility

There’s the chance to work anywhere in the world, whether permanently, on a secondment, or travelling from place to place when routes reopen.

On the flip side, roles in R&D or production generally allow graduates to stay in one place.

Construction Engineering

Create a better world through real-world projects and marvel in your dreams coming to life.

Primarily related to infrastructure in the built environment such as roads, railways, harbours, airports, tunnels, buildings and even facilities within buildings – like power generation and ventilation systems – core employers tend to fall into two categories.

The first are consultants, with organisations like Mott MacDonald, Surbana Jurong consultants and Arup counted within its ranks. Contractors such as Lendlease and Sembcorp Specialised Construction make up the second category.

These aren’t the only employers in the industry, though. Graduates may also find themselves approached by developers, retailers and even the public sector in the form of Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Housing Development Board (HDB).

Career overview

Fast-paced and with lots of teamwork, projects in this sector can vary in length from a scant few months to a decade from inception to completion. Moreover, depending on the complexity of the project, civil and structural engineers may find themselves being joined by specialists from other disciplines as well.

Typically, engineers are based in one geographical region, and are expected to travel to sites and client meetings. Available overseas opportunities tend to be optional should you prefer to stay on home turf.

Moreover, increased global awareness regarding environmental sustainability and pollution has also given environmental engineers a boost in this sector.

Trends and developments

Issues presently prevalent in this sector include cost efficiency and environmental sustainability. Clients, as well as the government, have also reduced their budgets for most projects, and the onus has fallen on engineers to find alternative solutions to minimise expenditure without compromising on quality and safety standards.

Rising concerns over chronic water shortages, global warming and sustainable energy use have also prompted engineers to keep an eye out for new and environmentally-friendly materials and processes, particularly in regards to carbon emissions and footprints.

Another trend is the growing use of advanced technology. 3D modelling technology, for instance, has burgeoned in popularity as it allows engineers to project and pinpoint setbacks in the planning stage, rather than encountering them after construction has begun.

Career highlights

Making a visible difference

Graduates working in this field tend to find great satisfaction in seeing their projects completed and making a difference to a local area.

Wide exposure

There’ll be opportunities to meet with, and learn from, engineers from other disciplines, leading to an enhanced understanding of the industry and engineering in general.

Working abroad

Certain positions with selected employers may also give graduates the chance to travel the world.

• Able to juggle several projects simultaneously and effectively

• Able to work in a

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Control Engineering

Knowledge of software engineering is essential in developing and managing an organisation’s control systems.

Considered an emerging discipline within the engineering sector, this field explores the different ways in which control systems can be successfully incorporated into an organisation’s operations to raise its efficiency and output.

As nearly every industrial company needs a specialist to manage and supervise current processes, there’s a high demand for graduates looking to enter control engineering, with large employers such as ABB, Shell and General Electric jockeying alongside smaller companies that develop devices and equipment.

Career overview

Control engineers work to increase a company’s competitive edge, give it a more consistent manufacturing benchmark and improve on meeting necessary environmental and quality control requirements.

This is all typically done on top of boosting efficiency, reducing margin for error and cutting operating costs through automation. Because of this, however, graduates will need to be adept at handling vital complex and sophisticated control systems.

Trends and developments

Advancements in processor technology has not only led to more powerful products filling the market at a lower cost, but also resulted in a higher number of systems and devices with built-in intelligent controllers capable of autodiagnostics. As such, control engineers may find themselves managing an entire network of interlinked auto-diagnosis systems on the job.

From a business standpoint, rising energy costs around the world have also culminated in firms tasking control engineers with the responsibility of placing special care on lowering energy consumption at manufacturing plants and facilities.

On the other hand, however, advancements in wireless technology and information transfer systems have also raised the pace on production plant floors, making real-time process enhancements part of a control engineer’s responsibilities.

Career highlights

Flexibility and options

Companies typically conduct their own recruitment schemes and training programmes in different areas, such as R&D, and production and maintenance. Graduates can choose which area suits their skills and aspirations best.

Diverse range of tasks

From designing, developing and testing control systems to reporting on their effectiveness and efficiency, a wide and diverse range of tasks in this line of work face those either in, or looking to enter, control engineering.

Ownership from start to finish

Control engineers often claim that being able to observe a complete system come to life from start to finish – along with improved efficiency of processes – is highly satisfying. •

Defence Technology

Experiment with emerging technologies alongside teams from other disciplines.

Much of defence engineering involves focusing on R&D to produce better support services and equipment for Singapore’s air, land and naval armies. Much work goes into advanced electronics and systems engineering, as the end product must meet extremely rigorous military requirements.

Singapore’s defence technology is primarily managed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and includes intensive development and acquisitions designed to strengthen and support the country’s “Total Defence” policy.

There are also other commercial organisations that provide defence engineering services or defence technology, though they tend to be government-linked.

Defence technology also brings the opportunity to work on some of the most technologically-advanced projects in the world.

Career overview

This industry’s one of the most dynamic in the world, and graduates have the chance to solve complex problems with emerging, cutting-edge technology.

As most defence requirements need global solutions, some positions necessitate mobility. However, even when based in one site, it’s possible to have a very interesting career – sites tend to be large, hosting a variety of projects and encompassing a vast array of disciplines, with every engineer’s skills an intrinsic part of the team and project.

Trends and developments

Unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) and weapons systems are becoming increasingly vital in defence technology, allowing soldiers to perform reconnaissance missions and dangerous missions with minimal risk.

However, this wouldn’t be possible without an area many graduates keen on a career in defence technology often overlook; network security. In order for technologies across different mediums – such as electronic, land, air and marine – to function as a unified system, a comprehensive and well-protected defence communications network is key.

This has become more crucial in an era where new projects and capabilities must now be conceptualised, tested, manufactured and rolled out within a much shorter timeframe than before.

Career highlights

A variety of duties and people

One of the main draws of the industry is the diversity of duties and people; graduates may find themselves working in a laboratory one day, and assigned a research task onsite the very next.

On top of making for a vastly interesting career, there’s also a wide range of professionals recruits have the opportunity to meet and learn from.

Contributing to a larger cause

The opportunity to contribute to the safety of the nation is another positive point, and many find supporting and strengthening Singapore’s security incredibly gratifying.

Electronic Engineering

As one of the fast-rising disciplines in the field of engineering, graduates are highly sought-after across different sectors, especially those who aim at specialising their skill set further.

Whether it’s a manufacturer of high-volume consumer products like Samsung and Apple, or specialised medical equipment providers such as Accuray, electronics companies encompass many areas of expertise.

Key players like Seagate, Broadcom and STMicroelectronics, for instance, have selected Singapore as their Southeast Asian centre of operations, thanks to the citystate’s advanced infrastructure and facilities. In fact, the electronics sector is a major industry that underpins the small nation’s economic growth.

Moreover, the role of the electronics industry is rapidly changing, and there’s an increasing demand for devices, machines and systems to be more connected and “smarter”.

Career overview

Although graduates can expect an exciting career full of innovation and developments, roles in the industry are very broad, and job descriptions in different areas of choice can vary greatly.

With enough experience and expertise, electronics engineers may also opt to become specialised consultants later on in their career as there’s a huge market for independent contractors and consultants in the sector.

Trends and developments

Globally, miniaturisation is a constant pursuit, and manufacturers constantly strive to pack the best technology into the most compact size possible.

On the subject of growing trends, the present focus is on “wearable” technologies, and development has moved past Apple’s smart watch and Fitbit to brain training under healthcare, and even social adventure photography. 5G is expected to open new possibilities in this area, too.

Another new trend is the growing adoption of smart clothing, much like the Levi Communter x Jacquard jacket, that allows users to access Google services and control their phones through gestures.

Some of Singapore’s key strengths in electronics manufacturing lie in semiconductors and integrated devices, but the government is also looking to expand into other areas, such as microelectronics.

This translates to increased R&D investments in coming years along the production line, from component- level design and processes, to product designs, firmware development and even industrial design.

Career highlights

Diversity

Many electronics engineers enjoy the diversity within the sector, where they get to explore a variety of fields, and also solve difficult technical problems in a creative way.

Working with cutting-edge technology

Another highlight is the opportunity to work with advanced technology, using it to manufacture other technologies.

Work satisfaction

Most engineers simply appreciate the satisfaction of seeing their finished products hit the market, and take motivation from bearing responsibility for their products capable of influencing daily life.

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Energy (Oil and Gas)

There are many opportunities in a career in oil and gas, though it may require living abroad.

Despite lacking oil reserves, Singapore’s economy still owes a great deal of its economic health to the oil industry, mainly due to its role as one of the world’s top three leading oil refining centres. Much of the local activity in this sector takes place in the refineries and plants on Jurong Island.

Although Singapore primarily focuses on downstream services, oil and gas engineers can still expect to be employed in either upstream or downstream areas due to the international nature of the industry. Major employers like ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and Keppel Corporation tend to send their employees on international secondments and transfers as well.

Engineers can also consider employment with small independent oil companies, oil services providers, specialised operators, contractors and suppliers catering to the various needs of this industry.

Career overview

Engineers in this field are usually assigned to either upstream responsibilities in exploration and production, or other downstream duties, much like refining and marketing. The former revolves chiefly around the search and extraction of new oil and gas beds, whereas the latter is about processing crude oil into commercial products for trade.

Timescales in exploration and production typically take five to 10 years, starting with the search for a new oil or gas field before beginning extraction, and the production phase can last for 30 years or more. Within this, there are also many discreet, shorter projects.

Engineers working for operators and contractors typically work on one project at a time, each lasting several years; in contrast, an engineering company employee providing flow assurance calculations may complete the jobs in as little as six weeks.

Trends and developments

As technology advances, so does the international appetite for energy, and the search for new oil and gas beds has intensified as a result.

Subsea explorations now go up to more than 2,000 metres beneath sea level, and are expected to stretch even deeper around the world. However, hydrocarbon resources are also growing increasingly scarce, leading to more research into alternative fuels.

Singapore, in particular, has been very encouraging of this trend – with the government’s many investments into R&D, production and use of biofuels.

Although the industry witnessed a drop in demand throughout 2020, opportunities are still plentiful as progressive recovery is expected over the coming years as consumption returns to pre-pandemic levels in mature markets. Emerging markets are also predicted to leverage on lower gas prices and global economic rebounds.

Environmental issues continue to remain a looming concern in the industry, too. Engineers are urged to research ways to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact that comes with both the sourcing and consumption of fossil fuel products. Many companies are now taking measures in preparation to pivoting to cleaner energy sources, as consumers have begun voicing beliefs that change isn’t happening fast enough.

Career highlights

An ever-expanding sector

Oil and gas engineers can look forward to a potentially exciting career because of the rapid growth and dynamism of this industry.

Opportunities for international exposure

Graduates who have joined international organisations may also get the opportunity to work with, and be mentored by, engineers from other parts of the world, gaining new insights as well as getting exposure to different technologies and systems within the industry.

Required skills

• Able to work in a team

• Able to work well under pressure

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• Awareness and knowledge of any developments that affect the industry

• Strong interpersonal skills

Energy Power (Generation)

Address issues such as the rising demand for power, or join the search for sustainable sources of energy.

Power generation deals with the production of energy, its transmission and distribution to homes and properties, as well as its metering and sales.

This privatised industry’s locally regulated by Singapore Power, and major players tend to be companies with fully integrated structures that have the capability to generate, distribute and sell power.

Singapore’s strategic location within the Asian Sunbelt, as well as its strong logistics and R&D capabilities, have encouraged international companies to invest in clean energy research here as well.

Career overview

Commercial availability and profitability provide challenges on a daily basis as short-term solutions need to be implemented quickly and safely. Longterm solutions must then be developed for the future.

Circumstances can also change quickly, and engineers play a key role in managing this change. As a result, having mobility is often required and projects can last anywhere between days to years.

Typically, engineers work in small specialist teams, either in isolation or as part of a larger project group, and it’s common to work on numerous projects simultaneously.

Trends and developments

Although Singapore has an overcapacity in the market, the small nation may require new power generation capacity from 2025, as plants come to the end of their service life.

As the city-state imports almost all its energy, looking into alternative energy has become an increasingly prominent topic. Even though nuclear power is seeing a global resurgence as new energy generation assets are needed to avoid worldwide power shortages, Singapore’s small size means that it can’t be deployed safely.

Additionally, while climate change issues are pressuring engineers to use new sustainable energy solutions, the race is still on for reliable clean energy systems that can be set up on a national scale and at an affordable cost to consumers.

For example, despite investments in researching solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, Singapore may face difficulties generating a regular supply of solar energy due to rapid weather changes, and this unsustainability translates to increased cost for solar power. It’s problems like these that power generation engineers in the small nation and around the world are struggling to address.

Career highlights

Endless opportunities

Graduates looking to enter this industry will find themselves various opportunities to tailor their roles to personal preferences and interests. They may either be sent individually to address day-to-day technical issues, or integrated with other teams into a larger group for more complicated projects – such as the building of a new power plant.

Some engineers, on the other hand, may end up taking on specialised consulting roles instead, offering their expert opinions on power generation projects. •

Engineering Consultancy

Use technical expertise to advise clients on complex engineering matters.

Responsible for providing advice specific to the sector as well as relevant projects, engineering consultants are usually hired by companies to assist in conceptualising and managing projects in-house experience may not be able to cover.

For instance, a rail company that wants to adopt new tunnelling technology may need to engage the services of a consultant to assess the suitability of the new technology, alongside the organisation’s ability to use it for future projects.

Bigger engineering consultancy firms like Surbana, Arup and Mott MacDonald generally comprise multidisciplinary teams of qualified engineers and other buildingrelated professionals catering to multiple areas of expertise, from airport crosswind monitoring to urban planning.

On the other hand, there are also medium-sized or smaller companies, which, in contrast, may instead specialise in a specific area, such as geotechnical, environmental or structural engineering.

Career overview

Defining clients’ needs and translating them into designs for new facilities, equipment or systems; conducting initial fact-finding surveys, project inception, formulation and concept planning; and managing and supervising engineering projects for clients, sometimes internationally, are just some of the typical work activities common in this industry.

But there’s more to this line of work, and engineering consultants can find themselves supervising subcontractors who provide specialist assistance for parts of the project, like organising the project’s logistics. This includes purchasing materials, overseeing the supply chain and liaising with others involved, such as architects and local authorities.

Trends and developments

IIoT has exploded on the engineering scene in recent times, leading to a growing significance of data and automation.

And while automation and robotics are definitely not new in the trends and developments department, constant technological advancements in 5G networking and cloud and edge computing mean that they’re continuously revolutionising the sector.

Sustainable engineering, a mix of social science, environmental science and civic engineering also emerged not too long ago, propelled to the fore by Singapore’s water scarcity challenges.

Career highlights

Various learning opportunities

The opportunity to work on a variety of projects is one of the high points of a career in this sector. Graduates will constantly pick up new competencies, skills and knowledge, all while remaining at the forefront of technology development.

Career progression

As graduates continue to gain experience and skills, there’ll be the option to work towards a chartership and higher managerial positions.

A wide variety of connections

Engineering consultants often find themselves working with professionals from many different fields, from clients in nonengineering sectors to experts in related fields.

The connections made can be diverse, which can be useful in knowledge expansion in other industries, as well as for future career opportunities.

Required skills

• Able to work in, and manage, teams

• Able to work well under pressure

• Creativity

• Critical thinking skills

• Project management skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong theoretical knowledge in area of specialisation

• Time management skills

Engineering Design and Construction

Take the opportunity to work around the world on large-scale projects for multinational clients.

Every company that produces ready products from raw materials may need the services of the engineering design and construction (EDC) industry, a sector that provides the necessary infrastructure and technology for manufacturing processes.

Typically, EDC companies are appointed by major organisations to oversee largescale projects that can be worth billions of dollars, such as building a new oil refinery or refitting an old chemical plant. Their job is to turn such requirements into commercial realities through the conceptualisation, procurement, construction and initial operation of the project.

Career overview

EDC engineers are essentially contractors who cater to the specialised needs of clients such as petrochemical companies, chemical manufacturers and processed food producers. The industry is divided into two distinct divisions: “onshore” and “offshore”.

This is further split into hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon-based sectors. EDC engineers working in the hydrocarbon field generally work on projects related to oil and gas production, but may also be contracted by manufacturers of chemicals and polymers.

The non-hydrocarbon industry has more diversity, servicing areas of work such as pharmaceuticals, foods, minerals and metals, water treatment, industrial gases and environmental treatment.

Trends and developments

As an area that caters to a variety of industries, the EDC sector is often affected by many of the vagaries that impact other sectors as well. These may include hot-topic issues such as commodity prices, energy scarcity, construction, development of sustainable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. As such, EDC engineers need to pay special attention to such factors when working on projects.

Another important issue in this industry is health and safety. It’s paramount for EDC contractors to ensure that all projects they work on adhere to international health and safety standards while still keeping costs as low as possible.

Career highlights

Training and support

Many employers have accredited training programmes that require engineers to experience all phases of projects and types of work.

Moreover, future career direction is usually something a graduate engineer discusses in conjunction with their supervisor and mentor – for those on an accredited training scheme – to ensure that the right level of training and experience is planned and completed to match not only their aspirations, but the business needs of the company as well.

Foreign travel

Plants are built in challenging places all over the world – including deserts and in the oceans – so foreign travel will be a routine feature of work.

Although it may be challenging, the chance to travel and work in many different locations is often a highlight for many engineers in this field.

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• Leadership skills

• Numeracy skills

• Self-motivated

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Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

Develop and manage manufacturing processes to reduce costs and wastage while maximising productivity.

This industry provides consumers with essential products, such as household cleaning goods, toiletries, cosmetics and F&B, to fulfil daily needs and wants.

With so many products and services, companies are commonly divided into two categories: corporate giants with a wide range of merchandise like Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Unilever; and organisations that specialise in a single category, such as L’Oréal in cosmetics and toiletries, and Nestlé, a renowned F&B behemoth.

Career overview

Because thousands of product units can come off just one single production line every minute, engineers not only need to continually develop technology or improve processes to keep pace with consumer expectations and maximise output, but also manage manufacturing operations in order to reduce wastage and cost.

Engineering graduates typically work alongside experienced engineers as part of a small team responsible for part of a process or project. As many FMCG companies tend to buy production lines off the peg, then customise and optimise them for their own purposes, engineers usually focus on improving lines or installing in-house technology.

Trends and developments

While two major keywords among FMCG employers are “sustainability” and “reliability”, businesses are more interested in keeping consistency by investing in machinery maintenance, automation, unmanned systems and programmable logical controllers to produce a consistent standard.

As machinery breakdowns can incur huge losses in this sector, engineers spend a lot of time developing, improving and maintaining industrial manufacturing processes, machines and systems to accommodate the bulk and speed of production.

The ultimate goal, however, is total automation, where machines and production lines can be left to run and operate almost full-time with little to no human intervention.

In uncertain situations, FMCG remains essential – especially when cases of panicbuying popped up around the world during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The industry is therefore expected to continue to face substantial challenges in meeting high consumer expectations and possible disruptions in the supply chain.

Career highlights

Good training ground

Manufacturing facilities may be highpressure environments, but they’re also brilliant training grounds for those able to keep up. Engineers face new challenges every day, and graduates will find themselves quickly learning about processes, equipment design and even people.

Career progression opportunities

Opportunities for career progression typically come in a year or two, and include management of a production line and its staff, as well as development and implementation of more effective systems technology.

The dynamic nature of the industry, together with its willingness to embrace change, means that there are many opportunities to progress to interesting roles too.

• Able to work well under pressure

• An eye for detail

• Flexibility

• Leadership skills

• Sound decision-making skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Updated and comprehensive knowledge of the industry Required

Food Manufacturing

Engineers are the vital link in getting food onto consumers’ tables.

In alignment with one of Singapore’s biggest national pastimes, eating, the nation’s food manufacturing industry extends across a huge range, from flavours and sauces to ready-made meals, confectionery and beverages.

As such, employers run the gamut, from major players like Nestlé and Suntory to fast food companies, food merchandisers and producers of edible additives.

These companies maintain strong manufacturing presences in the city-state, especially as its position as a regional logistics hub allows for easy export to other ASEAN countries and global markets.

Career overview

Engineers play an important role in this industry’s supply chain as the ones managing the processes, equipment, supplies and distribution channels to ensure that high-quality food products successfully reach consumers.

In terms of job roles, graduates may end up in either the production or research divisions. Production roles tend to focus more on the manufacturing aspect of the supply chain, and there’s a lot of work with production machinery along with a concentration on optimising processes.

On the other hand, recruits in the research division will be more focused on discovering better ways to produce specific food products, whether it’s lengthening the shelf-life of an item or looking into new chemicals that can reduce the amount of processed ingredients.

Trends and developments

“Unmanned equipment” and “automated processes” are the watchwords in this field, and it’s up to engineers to discover solutions to optimise production while maintaining constant quality.

Increased automation has made it easier for major industry players to consolidate their operations, so hopefuls have to make it a point to keep up with such exchanges, along with staying abreast of who’s acquiring who, and consider the impacts that it may have on the sector in both the short and long terms.

Another growing trend is the focus on organic ingredients or socially-responsible food processing, as the present, more health-aware and socially-conscious generation holds production practices along the food manufacturing supply chain up to deeper scrutiny.

Moreover, in this field, conceptual shifts in the idea of convenience have resulted in the perpetual pursuit of timely yet hygienic delivery of products en masse – food items are highly perishable, and must be delivered in bulk with minimal risk of contamination.

Further complicating matters are the drastically varying shelf lives of individual food products. Some products may only have a shelf life of a few hours, such as processed ingredients at fast food outlets, while others can be stored up to a few years, much like dried or canned goods.

Career highlights

Opportunity to work overseas

Working for a global conglomerate may bag graduates the chance to work overseas and experience new working cultures. Japanese food companies, for example, typically require new staff to be seconded at their production headquarters in Japan for a period of time in order to immerse them in the company’s in-house production standards and culture.

Good training ground

Many larger employers in this field run graduate schemes, which provide graduates with excellent training and opportunities to experience working in different areas of the food manufacturing industry.

• Able to work in a team

• Able to work well under pressure

• An analytical mindset

• Problem-solving skills Required skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Good time management skills

Materials and Metals Engineering

Covering a broad range of disciplines, engineers in this sector have the chance to develop rare alloys or discover brand new materials.

With almost everything in the engineering and technology industry dependent on materials and components to function, it’s no surprise that the materials and metals section is vital. After all, they are the ones who develop and supply these for companies and manufacturers alike.

This field covers a broad scope, from the provision of raw materials and research into new compounds, to the manufacturing and sale of completed products.

Due to the competitive nature of this industry, it’s common for materials suppliers to differentiate themselves through valueadded approaches. One such approach is through specialisation – focusing on specialised products such as coated steel, rare metal alloys, or the development of materials for specific purposes.

Career overview

Materials and metals companies serve numerous industries, developing new products and services and even solving problems for clients and customers.

In both research and manufacturing roles, projects vary from short and quick turnabout projects, such as implementing general efficiency improvements in production, to longer-term strategic projects like expanding a product portfolio into new markets.

Working in manufacturing facilities is fast-paced as engineers have to react to the daily challenges of keeping production facilities running. More than that, they also have to apply their technical knowledge and communicate fresh ideas persuasively.

Graduate opportunities in Singapore can be grouped into two broad categories. The first is production roles with companies running local materials production facilities, such as NatSteel. The other category, however, involves operational and sales roles with materials and metals companies running hubs in Singapore, such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.

Trends and developments

An issue that continues to plague the industry is its harmful effect on the environment. Suppliers are thus constantly

working on developing efficient production and waste management systems to address and alleviate problems such as industrial pollution.

The high energy and material cost involved in each production cycle is another chief industrial concern, and many firms continuously re-evaluate their product portfolio and inventory to optimise their resources for maximum profit.

A few major materials suppliers have even spun off certain items in their materials portfolio under separate subsidiary businesses in order to better focus on their core products.

New and more durable commodities are also still emerging, such as bio- and nanomaterials, which may soon determine the growth pathway of the industry. Composites are another material with huge potential growth in this field.

Career highlights

Large-scale production

Most engineers working in the materials and metals field enjoy the opportunity to develop new products and compounds, especially considering the large-scale industrial applications of such items.

Dynamic and exciting

The sector’s fast-paced with a global reach – from mines in one continent to refineries and manufacturers in another – and there are also a variety of tasks at every stage of the production cycle.

Graduates will be able to choose between back-end responsibilities such as developing new materials, products and processes, to front-end duties like liaising with clients or closing supply deals.

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Pharmaceutical Engineering

Engineers in the pharmaceuticals industry need strong interpersonal skills to work with people from varying backgrounds.

There’s a broad range of work in the pharmaceuticals sector. This includes drug manufacturing and development work, such as classic pharmaceuticals like prescribed medicines, biopharmaceuticals (like vaccines), medical technology and consumer business much like over-thecounter medicines.

Singapore is also widely acknowledged as a top-rated clinical and biomedical R&D centre in Asia, with a growing pharmaceutical field – in spite of overall reductions in the manufacturing industry as a whole.

Its continued growth and highly advanced status have managed to attract leading biomedical companies such as GSK and Novartis, which contribute to a highly innovative and competitive industry landscape.

Pharmaceutical behemoth Sanofi Pasteur will be investing $638m over the course of five years and building a vaccine production centre in Singapore. The local government also formed the Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) in 2019 to better integrate and organise the country’s pharmaceuticals ecosystem, and it has paid off – the industry is now worth an estimated $1.6b!

Career overview

Pharmaceutical engineers are mostly engaged in the research and manufacturing of prescriptions and products. However, they may also work alongside pharmacists and chemists to develop active medicinal ingredients before synthesising them into consumable products, or maintain and optimise pharmaceutical production facilities.

Projects involving pharmaceutical engineers typically have long timescales, ranging from seven to 10 years to develop a product, run clinical trials and launch it to the public. Despite the length of the projects, though, less than 10 per cent of products put on trial ever make it to the market.

This is because the industry is heavily regulated, and one of the side effects is that the rate of change is slow, though it can also be fast-paced and demanding at times, such as the race to find a vaccination to the Covid-19 virus.

On a lighter note, however, as most pharmaceutical companies tend to be global

giants, pharmaceutical engineers have the opportunity to work anywhere in the world.

Trends and developments

Globally, the pharmaceutical sector is under pressure to make medication more affordable to patients in lower-income brackets and countries. Thus, companies are now investing in improving production efficiency and yields via automation to keep costs to patients low while still maintaining profit margins.

Constant regulatory updates on drug manufacturing quality is also another challenge that organisations face, and engineers are indispensable in the face of developing increasingly sophisticated production line monitoring and measurement systems in order to maintain higher production standards.

As there’s also an increased consumer demand for lifestyle- and age-related illness medication, focus on gene research and vaccine development has also heightened and led to trending growth in the production of biopharmaceutical and biological medical products worldwide.

Career highlights

Making a positive impact

Pharmaceutical engineers are able to directly contribute to the betterment of people’s health as well as help improve quality of life.

A dynamic industry

Graduates have the opportunity to work in a rapidly-evolving field that encourages adoption of advanced medical technology, new products development and effective manufacturing strategies. They may even have the chance to work on developing cutting-edge technology never exploited before!

Wide exposure

Because project teams are made up of different disciplines – research is the purview of scientists and chemical engineers, while engineers from other disciplines and more corporate positions are involved in industrialisation and commercialisation – there’s a high level of exposure that translates into chances to learn about other departments and disciplines.

Required skills

• Able to take on high levels of responsibility

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment

• Able to work in a team

• Accountability

• Adaptability

• Patience (as projects have long timescales)

• Solid interpersonal skills

• Time management skills

Contact

Army Recruitment Centre, 3 Depot Road, #01-66, Singapore 109680

Tel: 1800-687-2769

Web: www.armycareers.gov.sg

Social Media

@oursingaporearmy

@oursingaporearmy

@oursingaporearmy

Number of employees

More than 100,000 employees

Contact

12 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118225

Web: https://www.dso.org.sg/ Email: campusrelations@dso.org.sg

Social Media

@dso.sg

@DSO National Laboratories @discoverdso

More about us

Our Army is the bedrock of our nation’s defence. We draw our strength from our Regulars, NSFs (National Servicemen) and Operationally Ready NSmen. We thrive on the support of our Families, Employers and fellow Singaporeans.

Ready in peace, we are capable of a full spectrum of operations.

Decisive in war, we will fight and win to defend our country.

Respected by all, our Army is a trusted national institution. We forge the fighting spirit of our people to secure our future and protect our way of life.

Application Period(s):

All year-round

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs

Sector(s)

• Public Sector

More about us

DSO National Laboratories is Singapore’s largest defence research and development organisation with the critical mission of developing technological surprises to sharpen the cutting edge of Singapore’s defence capabilities. Established in 1972, DSO has more than 1,600 defence engineers and scientists today pushing the boundaries of science and technology and transforming ideas into reality across the domains of air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. Career or internship, this is where you can make a real impact and shape the future of defence.

Meaningful, not menial

Not only will you be learning from the best mentors in their respective fields, you’ll also be applying your newly-acquired knowledge on actual projects and make a real difference in the world!

Tailored, not typical

We want to ensure every intern gets the most out of their internship. Every DSO Internship is specifically designed for the individual, tailored to your skills and learning requirements, so you get an enriching internship experience.

Job offer, not job reference

We acknowledge the talent our DSO interns possess. That is why so many of our current staff are former interns, and we remain committed to tendering more job offers moving forward. At DSO, today an intern, tomorrow an employee.

Sector(s)

• Scientific Research and Development

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

Ng Yuting

JOB Research Engineer (Radar)

EMPLOYER DSO National Laboratories

Yuting obtained her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2014 and 2016, as well as her PhD in Electrical Engineering from Duke University in 2023.

A Day in the Life

5:30 AM

Rise and shine! My day starts early with the bubbling energy of my young children. After breakfast, I would make my way to the office as DSO’s Flexible Working Hours allows me to choose when I want to start work between 7.30AM to 9.30AM.

7:30 AM

I use the Pomodoro Technique to partition my workday into well-intentioned intervals, separated by breaks. I look through my research logbook to remind myself what needs to be done and plan the day.

Part of my routine include learning what is new in the field of radar and deep learning. With the world pouring resources into deep learning, the field advances quickly such that publications from one year ago is considered old. It is important to be ahead on the latest findings and techniques and the best way is through sharing and discussions across DSO and external parties.

While writing this log, I came across Neural Radiance Field (NeRF), a method based on neural networks for reconstructing a three-dimensional scene from sparse twodimensional images. Coincidentally, colleagues from another lab shared their results on NeRF with me. Our overseas collaborator later called us about using NeRF, which further motivated our lab to discuss how we can incorporate NeRF into our work. All of this happened on the same day, isn’t that exciting?

12:00 PM

It is time for lunch! Our team usually eats within Science Park, but when it comes to celebrations, such as festivals and promotions, we would head out for a meal!

1:00PM

After lunch, we dive back into work, continuing with the Pomodoros. With a mathematical understanding of the theoretical underpinnings for radar and deep learning, we like to explore how we can go beyond off-the-shelf techniques and design algorithms tailored to the physical problem at hand. For example, we can design physics-aware generative models that respect the rules of electromagnetic radiation.

To support and validate our algorithm development, we conduct experiments known as trials, where we collect and process real data. I look forward to trials where we see our algorithms in action.

The above is not possible without the help of others. Scattered throughout the day is chatting with colleagues, and having discussions where we ask for help, or pose questions to the team.

5:00 PM

Time flies fast and it is the end of the workday for those who started at 7.30AM. A quick goodbye to my colleagues and I’m on my way home to my young children.

“It is important to be ahead on the latest findings and techniques and the best way is through sharing and discussions across DSO and external parties.”

Contact

1 Depot Road, Singapore 109679

Web: https://www.dsta.gov.sg

Email: internship@dsta.gov.sg hrjobs@dsta.gov.sg

Social Media

@SingaporeDSTA

@DSTA

@SingaporeDSTA

@SingaporeDSTA

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Find out more at

Contact

75 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189557

Web: https://www.income.com.sg/careers

Social Media

@incomeinsurance

@incomeinsurance

@incomeinsurance

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

More about us

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) brings you to the forefront of engineering, digital transformation and cybersecurity. From working on software development and systems integration to unmanned technologies and artificial intelligence, you can make an impact on Singapore’s defence.

Achieve your fullest potential with opportunities to build your technical expertise and hone your competencies in diverse domains. You can also expect an immersive learning experience, where you will work with bright minds and collaborate with global industry experts.

DSTA is recognised as one of the top 10 employers in the Engineering and IT sector, where our engineers and IT professionals work alongside procurement specialists to deliver state-of-the-art capabilities for Singapore’s peace and security.

Internship opportunities and a meaningful career await you!

Application Period(s):

Applications for graduate jobs and internships are accepted year-round

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internship

Sector(s)

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

• Public Sector

Find out more at

More about us

Income Insurance Limited (Income) is one of the leading composite insurers in Singapore, offering life, health and general insurance.

Established in Singapore in 1970 to plug a social need for insurance, Income continues to serve the protection, savings and investment needs of individuals, families and businesses today. Its lifestyle-centric and data-driven approach to insurance and financial planning puts Income at the forefront of innovative solutions that empowers better financial wellbeing for all.

For more information, please visit www.income.com.sg.

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internship

Sector(s)

• Insurance and Risk Management

Xiao Yilin

JOB

Senior Engineer, Digital Hub

EMPLOYER

Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

Yilin received her Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science) with Honours (Distinction) from the National University of Singapore in 2021.

A Day in the Life

Getting ready for work

As part of my learning development, I have been spending my early morning attending a six-month-long online course conducted by Carnegie Mellon University and sponsored by DSTA, where I learn about software quality assurance. I am grateful that DSTA sends me on courses frequently so that I can build and diversify my skillsets. After the online learning, I head to work.

In the office

I work in the Digital Hub Programme Centre Modelling and Simulation cluster. My work involves simulating military operations in virtual space, exploring ways to improve interactivity and immersion of virtual spaces by coding on related software.

Currently, I am working on an Extended Reality project, where I am building an application that enables remote collaboration for users wearing a mixed reality headset, to conduct mission planning and briefing in an immersive 3D virtual environment. This helps to save time and space while running operations, as we require lesser resources to operate compared to traditional meetings in person.

In the course of my work, I am glad to always have the opportunity to dabble with emerging technologies, such as the Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 – a mixed reality headset that projects virtual objects onto the real world, with advanced interactive features via hands gestures, voice control and eye tracking. I am energised and excited by my work, which is at the forefront of innovative technology.

Lunch

As the saying goes, those who eat together, bond together. I enjoy bonding with colleagues over lunch as it gives us insights into the diverse works that are ongoing in DSTA, and allows us to get to know each other better on a personal front.

Meetings with colleagues

A typical day involves meetings to review project progress and plans for project enhancements. Sometimes, integration and testing will also be conducted on the updated components developed within our application. I usually run these tests alongside experienced senior engineers, and have learnt valuable skills under their guidance. As part of career progression, I also have the opportunity to lead projects and coach newer colleagues. Overall, I’m thankful to receive good mentorship and growth in my career

Ending the day

After work, I find time to attend fitness classes at DSTA with my colleagues. When I get home, I wind down by browsing the internet. I’m always on the lookout for new and emerging technologies that could potentially be used by our company to improve Singapore’s defence force.

“As part of my career progression, I have the opportunity to lead projects and coach newer colleagues. I’m thankful to receive good mentorship and growth in my career.”

Contact

• 1 North Coast Drive, Singapore 757432

• 1 Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 1, Singapore 738799

• 990 Bendemeer Road, Singapore 339942

Web: www.micron.com/careers

Email: sgjobs@micron.com

Social Media

@Micron Singapore @MicronTechnology @MicronTechnology @MicronTech

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Minimum requirement

Degree Diploma

Contact

1 HarbourFront Place, #07-03 HarbourFront Tower One, Singapore 098633

Tel: (+65) 6534 2611

Web: https://ap.mitsuichemicals.com/career/ jobsearch/

Email: recruit_sg@mitsuichemicals.com

Social Media

@PeopleofMitsuiChemicals

@Mitsui Chemicals Group

@MitsuiChemicalsGroup

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Minimum requirement

Degree Diploma

More about us

Micron is a world leader in innovative memory solutions that accelerate the transformation of data into intelligence. Our solutions enable and inspire people, businesses, and communities around the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.

As an industry pioneer, we deliver the world’s broadest portfolio of technologies that are helping to drive today’s most significant and disruptive breakthroughs, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous vehicles. As an innovation company, Micron is proud to have achieved over 54,000 patents in our nearly 45-year history.

Our Singapore site, comprised of two wafer fabrication facilities and one assembly and test facility, serves as the base for our worldwide operations. The location is also our designated NAND Centre of Excellence, driving the implementation of the company’s leading-edge 3D NAND production for use in mobile phones, solid-state drives, digital cameras, automotive products and more.

Application Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: All year-round

Internship:

• Semester intern: Jan – May

• Summer intern: May – Aug

• Semester intern: Aug – Dec

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internship

Sector(s)

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

More about us

Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (MCI) is one of the largest chemical companies in Japan. Our innovative technologies and materials, along with products that offer new functionality, are being used in a wide range of fields such as automotive, electronics and information, life, environment and energy, and packaging in our society.

In Singapore, the nation is home to five affiliates for Mitsui Chemicals Group. Besides Mitsui Chemicals Asia Pacific (MCAP), the Asia Pacific Regional Headquarter of MCI, the other four entities include Mitsui Elastomers Singapore (MELS), Prime Evolue Singapore (EVLS), SDC Technologies Asia Pacific (SDC AP) and Mitsui Chemicals Singapore R&D Centre (MS-R&D).

Being the Asia Pacific Regional Headquarter, MCAP strives to drive business growth in the region by providing robust functional services to regional affiliates and their businesses, and deliver values to customers by leveraging on the strengths of all affiliates in Mitsui Chemicals Group.

Application Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: Throughout the year

Internship: Subject to availability. Please check with your school’s internship portal.

Job Roles

We are always looking for self-motivated individuals who are constantly pursuing innovation and growth to achieve the corporate target of becoming a chemical group with an undisputed global presence.

In Singapore, we are looking for:

• Engineer, Electrical & Instrument

• Sales Engineer

• IT System Analyst (Business Application Systems/Sharepoint)

• Senior Executive, Feedstocks

• Executive, Finance & Accounting

• Executive, Logistics

• Customer Care Specialist

• Laboratory Executive

• Laboratory Technician

• Process Technician

And more…

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internship

Sector(s)

• Energy, Oil and Gas, and Utilities

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• Scientific Research and Development

Adulting doesn’t mean giving up on your favourite cereal.

Pick up fresh grad career advice from us, right from your breakfast table.

Contact

1 North Buona Vista Drive, Singapore 138675

Tel: 68722220

Web: moe.gov.sg/careers

Email: contact@moe.gov.sg

Social Media

@Ministry of Education, Singapore @moesingapore

@Ministry of Education, Singapore @MOEsg

@MOE Singapore

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Contact

OCBC Centre, 65 Chulia Street, Singapore 049513

Tel: 1800 363 3333

Web: www.ocbc.com/group/careers

Email: careers@ocbc.com

Social Media

@OCBCCareers

@OCBC

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Minimum requirement

Degree Diploma

More about us

The mission of MOE is to mould the future of our nation by moulding the people who will determine our future. Join a career that will see you grow professionally and personally within a world class education system.

The following job roles are open for application to S cience, T echnology, E ngineering and M athematics ( STEM ) professionals:

Education Officer / Teacher

Be the one who ignites curiosity and shape young minds. Plus, there are opportunities to gain skills beyond teaching and explore roles across career tracks — think curriculum innovation, school leadership, and educational research. Few careers offer the intrinsic rewards of teaching — the “Aha!” moments, the strong bonds forged, and the legacy you leave. Join us in this transformative journey, where every day is a chance to make a difference.

Management Executive

Gain varied experiences in areas such as policy formulation and implementation, technology and AI integration, data analytics and organisational excellence in HQ:

• Educational Technology Division

• Information Technology Division

• Research and Management Information Division

More about us

Purposeful work. A friendly supportive team. Industry pioneering challenges. An open learning culture. And commitment to creating positive environmental and economic impact. Build the future of financial services with the longest established Singapore bank.

Transform banking with a people-first culture Work with great people who make each other better. Take your talent and ambition as far as you like. And mix and match the right benefits for your lifestyle. We might be on a journey of transformation. But banking will always be first and foremost about people and relationships.

Purpose driven, values led, people focused

It’s not just what you do. It’s the way you do it too. We exist to unlock opportunity for people. That starts with unlocking opportunity for you.

Always on, future ready open learning

Learn what you like, when you like, at your own pace. At OCBC you’re in control of your career growth and development now and forever. Your wellbeing served your way.

Choose your benefits to fit your lifestyle and preference perfectly. Mix and match from an award-winning suit of holistic flexible benefits.

• Infrastructure and Facility Services Division

• Academic Research Division and more… Technical Support Officer: STEM Instructor (Laboratory) or STEM Instructor (Workshop)

Support teachers in our Science or Design & Technology (D&T) lessons as a STEM instructor (Laboratory) or STEM Instructor (Workshop).

Inspire curious minds through assisting teachers in STEM learning experiences, and support students in STEM-related applied learning/enrichment programmes.

Application Period(s):

Please visit go.gov.sg/moe-application to view available career opportunities and application timelines.

Job Roles

• Education Officer / Teacher for the following subjects: Sciences (Physics, Chemistry & Biology), Mathematics, Computing, D&T, Nutrition & Food Science, and more…

• Management Executive

• STEM Instructor (Laboratory) or STEM Instructor (Workshop)

Sector(s)

• Public Sector

We are hiring for:

• Graduate Talent Programme 2024

• FRANKpreneurship Internship

• STEM @ OCBC Internship

• Business Development Managers

• Customer Service Executives

• BizInteract Service Managers

• Mortgage Specialists

• Personal Financial Consultants

• Tertiary Internship

Application Period(s):

Graduate Talent Programme 2024: Applications open in October 2023

FRANKpreneurship: November – February

STEM @ OCBC: November – February

Ad-hoc Internships:

• 6 months (Jan – Jun/Jul – Dec)

• 3 months (May – Aug)

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internship

Sector(s)

• Banking and Financial Services

• Investment Banking and Investment Management

Alena Lim

EMPLOYER OCBC

Alena obtained her Bachelor of Science in Statistics from the National University of Singapore in 2022.

A Day in the Life

7:45 AM

I’m usually up at 7:45 AM and kickstart the day with a cup of coffee to keep me going! On the way to the office, I’ll be cracking my brains on Killer Sudoku as I listen to The Strokes or Eric Chou. Once in the office around 9 AM, the team huddles for the daily stand-up, as part of an Agile squad. It’s the time where all squad members quickly align on completed and upcoming work. We’re also encouraged to raise any hurdles in our way, so we can help each other overcome these obstacles and keep things going. This fosters collaboration within the team, and makes development work more productive.

9:15 AM

We have roles within a development squad such as the Product Owner, Scrum Master, Business Analyst, Frontend/Backend Developer, Tester and more. As a developer, I work on bug fixes or feature development. Development work can get tricky sometimes. I’m grateful to have senior developers around me who are always happy to lend a hand and guide me on some of the more complex problems. Not only that, we also have our very own OCBC GPT that can help us with debugging and code implementation. These opportunities mean a lot to me, as I did not have much prior knowledge in programming so every day is a new learning experience. But at the same time, it’s extremely fulfilling when the team’s hard work goes ‘live’ for public use.

12:00 PM

I have lunch mostly with my team or fellow batch mates. We normally venture around Raffles Place/Telok Ayer, grabbing lunch from nearby coffee shops. If we have a big group, we will take-away back to office. During times where we’re feeling more adventurous, we’ll head to Funan or Chinatown, and would usually end our lunch break with a game of foosball at OCBC Recreation Club!

2:00 PM

On a typical work day after lunch, I’d be working with product owners and developers to progress feature development. However, there are also occasions to get out of the office and expand our horizons. For example, I participated in the Singapore Fintech Festival. My team showcased our metaverse in Decentraland project, OCBCx65Chulia. Visitors immerse themselves into the virtual reality and discover more about OCBC’s rich heritage and product offerings at our booth. When I wasn’t demoing OCBCx65Chulia, I explored the festival. It was eye-opening to discover all the tech innovations first-hand.

6:00 PM

I usually end the day by heading home to have dinner with my family, or catch up with friends over dinner. I also have a weekly gym routine – to burn some calories and strengthen my muscles after a whole day of sitting!

“We’re also encouraged to raise any hurdles in our way, so we can help each other overcome these obstacles and keep things going. This fosters collaboration within the team, and makes development work more productive.”

JOB

Assistant Manager, iOS Mobile Developer

Contact

1 Serangoon North Ave 5, Singapore 554915

Web: start.singtel.com

Social Media

@singtelcareers

@singtelcareers

@singtel

@singtelcareers

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Minimum requirement

Degree Diploma

Contact

178 Neil Road, Singapore 088889

Tel: 1800-352-0000

Web: www.police.gov.sg/career

Email: SPF_Career@spf.gov.sg

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree

More about us

Singtel is Asia’s leading communications technology group, providing a portfolio of services from next-generation communication, 5G and technology services to infotainment to both consumers and businesses. With a presence in Asia, Australia and Africa reaching over 740 million mobile customers in 21 countries, our infrastructure and technology services for businesses span across 21 countries, with more than 428 direct points of presence in 362 cities.

Guided by our purpose to empower people and businesses through technology, our talented teams are driving growth in NCS, Nxera data centre and digital banking as we continue to accelerate digital innovation across our markets.

Together with Optus and our regional associates Airtel, AIS, Globe and Telkomsel, we focus on growing our digital capabilities and breaking new ground in emerging technologies such as 5G while remain committed to pushing ahead in our sustainability priorities and building an inclusive digital future.

Interested to join us?

Management Associate Programme (MAP)

Our award-winning graduate programme comprising of two job rotations across different business functions where you will take on challenging and impactful projects guided by senior leaders.

More about us

Only one career grooms you to be an able planner, communicator and a leader, ensuring that you rise above the challenge and can make a positive impact on those around you.

The Singapore Police Force plays a critical role in keeping Singapore safe and secure with our mission to prevent, deter and detect crime. We do this by working in partnership with the community to protect life and property, prevent crime and disorder, detect and apprehend offenders and preserve our sense of security.

Not many careers put you in the thick of action every day. As a member of the Singapore Police Force, you will face real-life situations where your resolve and leadership abilities will be put to the test.

Responsibilities

As an Inspector of the Singapore Police Force, you will manage and work with welltrained officers to combat and prevent crime. With opportunities for postings that involve frontline operations, staff work, as well as investigative work in Neighbourhood Police Centres, Land Divisions and various Specialist Units, you will get to interact with people from all walks of life and be exposed to the many facets of law enforcement.

Management Associate Programme Internship (MAPi)

Spend your summer internship with us and experience life as a Singtel management associate!

Application Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: Sept - Oct

Internships: Oct - Dec

Job Roles

• Nxera Data Centre

• Digital Transformation

• Telco, Networks & IoT

• Data Analytics

• Cloud & Cybersecurity

• Enterprise Applications & Consulting

Services

• Sales, Marketing & Finance

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internship

Sector(s)

• Consulting

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

Career with SPF

The work of a Police Officer is not just to fight crime, but also to protect the vulnerable. You need to be tenacious and tough yet sensitive and empathetic when required. You must be able to think on your feet and remain calm in critical situations, but also be proactive and sincere when engaging the community.

Join us as a Police Officer (Direct - Entry Inspector)!

Applications are open to STEM students.

Application Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: All year-round

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs

Sector(s)

• Public Sector

Flicking from the Back

GTI Asia Pte Ltd

(Company number: 200301978M)

2 Sims Close #05-07

Gemini@Sims

Singapore 387298

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GTI Media is the world’s largest careers and graduate recruitment publisher. Founded in the UK in 1988, GTI publishes and distributes more than 100 careers and recruitment products around the globe.

GTI Media Singapore would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the 2024 issue of gradsingapore’s STEM Career Guide!

Chief Editor

Elliyani Mohamad Ali

Editor & Editorial

Dawn Yip

Design & Production

Allysha Puteri Harfaz, A’liah Abdul Rahim

Advertising

Ron Ong, Shenna Mae, The GTI Media sales team

Marketing & Distribution

Kelly Chin, Jenna Lau, Eileen Ang

Publisher

Isaac Hee

Printer

Times Printer Pte Ltd

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© GTI Asia Pte Ltd, March 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means including, but not limited to, photocopying or storage in a retrieval system in any form without prior written consent of GTI. The views expressed in the articles are those of authors and their publication, and do not necessarily imply that such views are shared by GTI. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, or for consequential loss arising from such inaccuracies, or for any loss, direct or consequential, arising in connection with information in this publication.

Discover Beyond Your Ambitions

Join the OCBC Graduate Talent Programme. Your first step towards the future of banking. Unlock a future beyond your limits and see where your talent takes you. Opportunity starts here.

Deciding on your career pathway?

We say, put exploration on the map.

As a Military Expert, make every turn a test of your skills.

Let your curiosity meet innovation.

Let your knowledge meet the actions that will decide outcomes on the frontlines.

Here, is where you’ll make a di erence.

Discover how an Army career as a Military Expert is

Photo: A convoy of Army vehicles in an overseas military exercise.