gradsingapore STEM Career Guide 2025

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INTRODUCTION

STEM Career Guide 2025

Featuring some of the top Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduate jobs, careers advice, as well as emerging industry trends, this comprehensive guide aims to prepare STEM aspirants 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 scien�sts studying the world and sharing their discoveries, innova�ve technologists using their digital skills to create the latest inven�ons, analy�cal engineers making the world move with prac�cal applica�ons, and mathema�cians using numbers to form life-changing equa�ons. 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 science field 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 universi�es 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 innova�ons are made every year, graduates in this field must learn to adapt to new working modes, 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 s�mula�on involved. Some roles, such as food safety and meteorology, even allow professionals to play a crucial role in public safety, while chemical research encourages scien�sts to flex their ingenuity and crea�vity. Expect compe��ve benefits, as skills in the sciences will always be in demand due to the need for constant innova�on. Many graduates are also expected to pick up highly transferable skills, such as cri�cal thinking, 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, so�ware and hardware makers, as well as data-driven companies. Products and services are both consumer-facing and tailored for business solu�ons, such as telecommunica�ons and cloud pla�orm services.

Furthermore, both mul�na�onal corpora�ons (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 innova�on has also brought on cu�ng-edge compe��on as people strive for the newest and most innova�ve discoveries.

Addi�onally, cybersecurity issues, exposure to poten�ally unknown threats and frequent updates to regula�ons are also some challenges that technology professionals will need to face.

Perks

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

In addi�on, 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 compensa�on for their services, skills and exper�se.

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 ins�tutes hire engineering talents, too.

Engineers are also sought by construc�on 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 con�nuous learning and the ability to listen to feedback to thrive. The engineering industry also bears heavy responsibility to real-world applica�ons as they’re developed and implemented in this sector.

Job transi�ons 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 en�rely 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 o�en said to be sa�sfying, given the intellectual s�mula�on offered by interes�ng and unpredictable challenges.

Beyond the pres�ge that comes along with the profession, engineers also get to make the world a be�er place even as they enjoy financial security for their hard work.

Mathematics

Employers

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

Other sectors not normally associated with a degree in mathema�cs are available too, such as the gaming and cybersecurity industries. Alterna�vely, there’s the popular academic op�on, where graduates can explore and indulge in theore�cal mathema�cal knowledge.

Challenges

Entry-level professionals may only be assigned to more mundane tasks, such as working with modelling so�ware and spreadsheets as they con�nue to learn the ropes of the industry.

On the other end of the spectrum, the more senior posi�ons tend to come with highly stressful business environments as they rely on mathema�cians to analyse data and maintain profit margins, although they do receive generous remunera�ons in return.

Perks

A mathema�cally-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. Addi�onally, although the market may be small and compe��ve, actuary and risk professionals are o�en privy to a�rac�ve remunera�on packages.

As numbers are a universal language, having good cer�fica�ons and advanced numeracy skills can lead to posts abroad, as well as easier transi�ons 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, and pharmacologists, along with roles in medical research. Fields such as marine biology, environmental science, and conservation also come under the umbrella of scientific careers.

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 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

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

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?

HOW TO GET HIRED

The STEM industries are full of exceptional professionals, extraordinary roles and unparalleled opportunities. But how do you enter these sought-after 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? No need to worry if you’re unsure; we got you covered.

GETTING A STEM GRADUATE JOB

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

The world needs scien�sts, technology professionals, engineers and mathema�cians, and Singapore is no different. However, compe��on’s s�ff, with well-known graduate employers a�rac�ng plenty of applica�ons, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also gaining trac�on at the same �me.

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, automo�ve, manufacturing, electronic and rail fields, to academia and research and development (R&D). They can even consider going for the telecommunica�ons sector.

However, depending on the industry, roles can vary in scale, from the development of nanotechnologies, food addi�ves and electronic devices, to the construc�on 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 compe��ve. Having previous work experience – whether gained through internships, industrial placements, or part-�me 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 applica�ons via their careers page or job portals, whereas smaller firms accept specula�ve applica�ons via email.

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

What

qualifications and skills do I need?

While graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply for more commercial posi�ons, specific roles may require a more relevant degree or cer�fica�ons.

Employers may be selec�ve of the educa�on level of their applicants as well. For instance, while some may be open to recrui�ng 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 cer�fica�ons. Keep in mind that recruiters are usually on the lookout for a variety of so� skills too, including:

• Communica�on skills – wri�en and verbal

• Problem-solving ability

• Analy�cal skills

• Teamworking skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Commercial awareness

• An eye for detail

• Fast-learner

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Enthusiasm and mo�va�on

When should I apply?

Although many employers have open recruitment cycles where they accept applica�ons un�l all vacancies have been filled, a number of them keep annual deadlines, especially if they coordinate regional, or interna�onal, graduate programmes.

Smaller firms, on the other hand, lean towards hiring graduates directly into specific posi�ons 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 Con�nuing Educa�on 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 calcula�ons and preparing proposals all day, while others either oversee work in a manufacturing facility or construc�on site, or meet with clients. Depending on the role, graduates may also have a rela�vely good work-life balance, although extra hours are usually needed whenever deadlines approach.

Mobility is another important aspect of working life, and graduates may be travelling o�en for client mee�ngs, 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 and o�en comes with the chance to explore cu�ng-edge technology as well. Many roles offer intellectually and technically challenging problems too.

However, depending on the role, graduates may be required to travel o�en, which can be both exci�ng and taxing at the same �me.

The sector is also beset with strict regula�ons and standard opera�ng procedures, o�en leading to tedious paperwork. More than that, work can also get frustra�ng as projects may be abandoned halfway through due to sudden withdrawal of funds or other reasons.

Some advice

Graduates can opt for commercial roles in technical sales, opera�ons management, investment management and logis�cs fields.

However, another op�on is to start out in a technical posi�on to gain more experience before moving on to senior management or various business func�ons 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 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 (one page is the standard), 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 the 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?

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 I need a personal statement?

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 summarises 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 a particular interest in mathematics seeking a graduate role in the defence industry.”

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. 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 part-time work or summer jobs, but don’t go into too much detail. Instead, summarise your achievements and any transferable skills developed that’ll be useful in your career.

Provide your contact details to recruiters, including a professionalsounding email and your LinkedIn profile.

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

Your work experience should be the meat of your resume. Emphasise on your achievements and results, providing metrics where you can.

Part-time jobs can still be included as they can demonstrate transferrable skills. However, devote less space to these over more relevant experiences.

If you have volunteer experience that’s recent or relevant to the job, add it in as well.

While important to list your hard skills, avoid exaggerating your abilities.

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

jeremy.wong@gmail.com | 9756 8903 | linkedin.com/in/jeremywong

EDUCATION

Singapore University

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours)

• Relevant Modules: Circuits and Systems; Signals and Communications; Microwave Systems and Circuits

• Conducted Final Year Project on auto-intensity control of street lights, optimising their energy efficiency and performance

WORK EXPERIENCE

Future Electronics 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 directed with senior management during the sourcing process, as well as submitted finding reports to them on a timely basis

Fibre Optics Lab, Singapore University Research Assistant

• Assisted in research on power fibre laser systems, as well as their practical industrial applications

• Set up and maintained a new catalogue system for equipment used in research experiments, improving efficiency between trials by 10%

NIKE

Part-time Retail Assistant

• Attended to customer enquiries promptly and efficiently, with an overall satisfaction rate of 91%

• Responsible for maintaining general upkeep of store and inventory

ACTIVITY INVOLVEMENT

Craft a Change Organisation

Volunteer Vocational Trainer

• Instructed a class of 26 underprivileged youths in a robotics vocational programme, fostering technical and problem-solving skills

• Designed and executed hands-on lessons in building and programming robots using C++

SKILLS

• Proficient in C#, Java and Python

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint

If you have any references, list them on a separate document and not your resume. Recruiters will request for them if needed.

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 op�ons open to them, and are highly sought-a�er for their numerical skills and problem-solving abili�es 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

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 �me, keep in mind that fla�ery such as “I am applying to you because you are a vibrant, interna�onal company that is a market leader in the automo�ve industry” won’t get you anywhere.

A far be�er approach, however, is to:

• Clearly state your career goals

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

• Men�on a work placement, project, or module you enjoyed that relates to the posi�on you’re gunning for showing an understanding of the organisa�on in your cover le�er will illustrate that you’ve done your research.

Addi�onally, pick out key bits that fit in with your applica�on and connect them to yourself.

Accuracy and professionalism

Careers in the STEM industries demand not just professionalism, but accuracy too, whether for communica�ng effec�vely with clients, suppliers and nontechnical colleagues, or even ensuring that calcula�ons are correct.

Make sure your use of wri�en English in your cover le�er reassures recruiters that you have these quali�es. If wri�ng isn’t your strong suit, refresh your knowledge of punctua�on and grammar before you begin, and run dra� copies of your cover le�er through trusted friends or career advisers.

What an ideal cover letter should include

Dear Ms Lim,

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 preparations, 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 are 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 can you expect?

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 of steel

It’s not about giving textbook 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.

How do you recover if you’re 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 still don’t know the answer, honesty is 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.

Refrain from blindly guessing or making things up. It may be better to own up if you’re unsure of the answer.

Can you ask your own questions during a technical interview?

If approached the right way, a technical interview can be a valuable experience by helping you learn more about the employer, and vice versa. 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 multiple job offers, this interview may even help you with your decision. 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.

More top tips for technical interviews

• Avoid using jargon and acronyms excessively

• 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 a 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 firm’s industry.

The social side of assessment centres

On top of formal exercises, most assessment centres include opportunities to chat with 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, not by pitting you against the other candidates. As such, keep the employer’s criteria in mind throughout the session instead of worrying about other applicants. It’s not a competition!

No matter how nervous you may be, remember that your participation matters in an assessment centre. 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 impact the group exercise’s outcome, 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 can demonstrate your skills in a variety of scenarios. 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.

1

Communication skills

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.

2

Leadership potential

What is it?

Assessors for many graduate schemes will be interested in your 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 at assessment centres are an ideal opportunity to flex your leadership potential, but that doesn’t mean you should always volunteer to take charge. 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.

Teamwork abilities

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.

Organisational skills

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

What

is it?

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

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 an 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 underway before saying that the customer has changed their mind about what they want.

Enthusiasm and motivation

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.

Interpersonal skills

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?

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.

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 they equip 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 posi�ons where STEM graduates can combine their exis�ng technical skills with commercial, financial and management opportuni�es. Here are some alterna�ve career op�ons.

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

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 �mely 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

Opera�ons 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 implemen�ng strategies to increase produc�vity and reduce costs, these notable a�ributes are required in this type of work:

• Analy�cal skills to deduce necessary informa�on 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 objec�ves even as you focus on improving specific areas

Procurement is all about scou�ng 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 quota�ons to select from; check on the quality, prices and schedules; and liaise with transporters and logis�cians to ship purchases to the right place at the right �me.

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 quali�es that you’ll need for this line of work:

• Meticulousness and accuracy in your calcula�ons and handling of the purchases

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

• Good communica�on and nego�a�on 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, produc�on lines, manufacturing processes and logis�cs 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 func�ons of other teams, as well as their individual roles, to improve processes and act as liaisons between different parts of the opera�on.

Many STEM graduates branch out to this par�cular field because of its focus on quan�ta�ve skills, and their backgrounds help with picking up the necessary technical knowledge. This can, in turn, lead to be�er business decisions. Pay a�en�on to these skills:

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

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

Technical consul�ng offers broader business-oriented opportuni�es, and usually involves using mathema�cal and computa�onal theories to troubleshoot problems that impact the profitability of a business. Graduates with STEM-related degrees are sought-a�er in this field for their technical knowledge.

Newcomers typically start in this line of work with research-based du�es, but eventually move up into performing data analysis and sta�s�cal 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 implementa�on of specialised technology or equipment

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

A solid background in STEM is essen�al – 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 communica�on and listening skills, as well as an eye for detail. You’ll need to absorb and interpret informa�on on a regular basis, and having good speaking skills will be useful when persuading customers and clients alike

• Self-mo�va�on and a posi�ve nature will make you more approachable, and will also help with genera�ng new business opportuni�es

Supply chain management 4

Technical consulting

Technical sales

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 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 not only 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 researchoriented. 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.

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 work 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!

SCIENCE

Graduating with a science degree opens the door to exciting and meaningful careers. From creating innovative products, like autonomous cars, to ensuring public safety through accurate weather predictions, the possibilities are both diverse and impactful. Before stepping into this dynamic field, take a moment to explore the advice and insights shared in the pages ahead—they might just give you the edge you need!

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN THE SCIENCE SECTOR

A career in the science industry offers diverse opportunities to shape the future, solve global challenges, and thrive in a dynamic and rewarding field.

The science industry shapes the future with innova�ons in technology, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. This field offers one of the most holis�c careers: from life-saving solu�ons, to dynamic career prospects, intellectual s�mula�on, and collabora�on opportuni�es with like-minded experts to pioneer change.

Let’s explore what makes this field so rewarding, and eveything it has to offer.

Job security

While demand for staff in certain fields, such as tourism, investment and real estate, o�en 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 s�ll be felt, employment typically remains steady.

Benefits for professionals in the scien�fic 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 compe��ve salaries are also to be looked forward to; R&D in the pharmaceu�cal arena is another area, especially as the field expands and con�nues to observe a high demand for talent.

In Singapore, you could even expect to earn up to $110,000 annually as a research scien�st. On top of that, researchers with knowledge of machine learning (ML) are par�cularly in high demand as the industry evolves and incorporates the use of Ar�ficial 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 remunera�on packages are a�rac�ve 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 gra�fica�on in a full-�me role is o�en an overlooked aspect of ge�ng a good job. Although it may seem like it’s an una�ainable and abstract component of a posi�on, 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 exper�se can help them in career tracks outside of the laboratory, should they wish to expand their horizons.

In addi�on, with so many opportuni�es within the same organisa�on, employers o�en take the ini�a�ve to offer training to maintain a high staff reten�on rate.

Continuous learning

In the science sector, nothing is stagnant, and everything develops at a fast pace. Methodologies and common prac�ces can advance in periods as short as a year or two, causing snowball effects that reverberate through the whole field; innova�ons in machine learning frequently alter the way data is used; and new instruments rou�nely transform how scien�sts work.

As a result, science professionals o�en find themselves picking up new skills and programmes regularly. Furthermore, in some areas, it has led to a highly collabora�ve 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.

FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR SCIENCE CAREER

With healthcare innovation and sustainability driving Singapore’s job market, STEM graduates are poised to make a lasting impact on the nation’s economy and society.

Healthcare, life sciences, and sustainability are among the most promising fields for science graduates in Singapore in 2025.

The healthcare sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the rise of telemedicine and digital health technologies. There’s a demand for candidates who possess a blend of clinical expertise, digital technology proficiency, and strong communication skills to optimise patient care and data management. Singapore’s emphasis on healthcare innovation aligns with global trends, positioning the country as a hub for advanced medical research and solutions.

At the same time, sustainability is another critical focus, propelled by Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. There’s a market need for roles that emphasise reducing carbon footprints and developing sustainable practices across industries. Certifications and specialised knowledge in areas like solar energy, wind power, and green building standards are valuable assets for graduates looking to excel in this field.

To stay ahead in these dynamic fields, it’s crucial to keep up with the emerging industry trends to future-proof your career in science.

Always keep learning 1

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 when you have to speak to a crowd for work.

Additionally, 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 your dream position. Start by researching 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. 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 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 will be less affected by automation. Here are a few key areas that will be promising in the future:

• Healthcare

• Food technology

• Data science

Know what employers look for 4

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

Hone your interview skills 5

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.

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Professionals in this industry advocate for environmentally sustainable practices.

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 to 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 liaisons 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 is 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 environmentallysustainable standards.

Required skills

• Collaborative skills

• Critical thinking skills

• Keen observation skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

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 the products in retail stores while getting to know the operations involved.

Exposure in retail stores is aimed to give newcomers hands-on experience that may lead to product development. Working upwards will eventually land graduates in 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 a 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 have contributed to steady growth. Coupled with more discerning shoppers, rising demand for healthier food options, a skilled workforce and solid R&D capabilities, the food technology industry is 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.

Required skills

• Adaptability (this industry often requires working in different environments)

• An eye for detail

• Analytical skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Team player

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 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 intensive 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 weather forecasting 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.

Required skills

• Analytical skills

• Collaborative skills

• Good at mathematics

• Passion for the job

• Proficient with computers

• Solid written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

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.

Required skills

• An eye for detail

• Innovative

• Methodical about work

• Scientific and analytical skills

• Strong written communication skills

SCIENCE WRITING

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

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 to create content for various platforms is on the rise.

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.

Required skills

• Able to explain complex ideas simply

• Critical thinking skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Research skills

• Solid interpersonal skills

• Strong knowledge and curiosity about the sciences

IT AND TECHNOLOGY

Revolving around the research, development and distribution of all technologically-based products and services, roles in this sector are usually involved in IT services, hardware manufacturing, software creation and even games development. One of the fastest-evolving sectors in the world, this field has many advantages graduates can take note of, and benefit from. Read on to find out the perks and areas of work available.

TOP THREE TRENDS 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, 2024 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 necessarily 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 2025.

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 to 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, 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.

Trend #3: Cybersecurity

What it is

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

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.

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 communication 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 from this sector – you can also look forward to a dynamic working life!

Singapore’s IT and technology industry – which includes the info-communications, as well as 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 this rapidly growing sector is one of the most exciting, filled with opportunities and diverse professionals from various cultural and academic backgrounds.

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.

With such a dynamic and diverse environment, a career in IT and technology offers more than just job stability. From competitive salaries and continuous learning opportunities to the chance to work on cutting-edge innovations, the industry provides numerous advantages for professionals at all stages of their careers. Let’s explore some of the key benefits that make this field so rewarding.

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 service 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 outsourcing and consultancy basis, 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 have shifted 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 means 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 into reality!

A quick and visible example of this innovation and resulting solution 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 imagination, 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 technologyrelated 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 problemsolver 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!

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 notable 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)!

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 provide you with the 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) typically mean hundreds of graduates vying for the limited entry roles and graduate schemes at any time. In addition, MNCs only make up a small fraction of enterprises in Singapore – small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups make up the remaining number. As such, more graduates have come to place more focus on 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. That’s not counting those in niche areas that only rely on word-of-mouth. So how do you go about applying for tech jobs in SMEs?

The (great) deal about SMEs

The background

On one hand, successfully landing a role in MNCs like Google and Meta comes with many perks. On the flip side, however, they may not be able to offer the breadth and depth of experience SMEs can provide, which can be worth exploring.

Learning hands-on

You’ll learn A LOT. Most of it will be on the job, as SMEs typically lack the same level of resources MNCs have, and usually bring on fewer employees.

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! For instance, an engineer may have to experiment 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 that SMEs offer. Most days, you’re more likely to turn up for work in more casual clothing (like an office shirt or t-shirt, with 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 lower headcount in SMEs means 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 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 from budgeting issues to having different hiring practices (like only taking in candidates recommended by word-of-mouth, for instance). Still, that just means that you’ll need to know where to look. Here are a few options you can start with.

Career centres

Your school’s career centre will likely 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 check them out.

Start-up meet ups and SME career talks

These sessions are useful resources you can fall back on, as you can gain more insights into 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 coursemates 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 that 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 defined and explained ten typical tech job titles for you!

Despite the occasional layoff rounds across the industry, the IT and technology sector continues to grow. 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 is 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.

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, Meta 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

• Ability to think strategically

• Ability to work in teams

• An eye for detail

• Analytical skills

• Logical thinking

• Problem-solving skills

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.

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

• Ability to extract and analyse information quickly

• Commercial awareness

• Solid communication and interpersonal skills

3 4

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 analyst’s 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

• Problem-solving skills

• Project management

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

Key skills

Network engineer Technical support

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 ITrelated 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 careers 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 one of the most popular choices.

Companies to consider

So long as IT and technology are present in a company 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 to work 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.

• Ability to work in teams

• Good communication skills and diplomacy

• Good technical knowledge

• Patience

• Problem-solving skills

5

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

• Analytical skills

• Planning and organisation skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Specialist network knowledge

• Solid communication and interpersonal skills

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, which 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

• Ability to negotiate with clients

• Ability to work under pressure

• Creative thinking

• Good time management and organisational skills

• Patience

• Strong communication and presentation skills

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. 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 are 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

• Analytical skills

• Commercial awareness

• Excellent persuasion and negotiation skills

• Good interpersonal and communication skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Self-motivated

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

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Good decision-making skills

• Good organisation and time management skills

• Problem-solving abilities

Web developer

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 are 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 maintains 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 on 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 websites.

An ability to work efficiently and within occasionally tight timelines is a boon as well.

Key skills

• Ability to multitask

• An eye for detail

• Problem-solving

• Self-motivated

• Strong organisational skills

Software tester

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

• Ability to manage stress, especially near project completion

• Ability to multitask

• An eye for detail

• Analytical and investigative thinking

• Creativity

• Problem-solving skills

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 role you’re applying for, remember to break down the job description and customise your resume and cover letter accordingly –it’ll help you to at least be considered for an interview!

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

Also known as: Software quality assurance analyst

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Design, build and test AI systems and algorithms that revolutionise the way individuals, 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 professional 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 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, can 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 must 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 ethically developing and utilising AI.

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.

Required skills

• Analytical skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Project management

• Situational and commercial awareness

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 sizes, 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.

In regard to 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 has 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 to pinpoint 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 cybercriminals can be difficult, and because problems and threats can pop up at any time, extra hours may be needed in times of emergency.

Required skills

• An eye for detail

• Critical thinking skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Trustworthiness (discretion is tantamount to ensure client confidentiality)

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 that aren’t in the cards, time would be spent on simpler projects like upgrading existing systems to improve efficiency and user-friendliness.

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. 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.

Required skills

• Flexibility (as regulations and client requirements may change)

• Problem-solving skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Updated knowledge on fintech

FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (FINTECH)

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

Fintech refers to the innovation and technology that provide modern alternatives revolutionising traditional financial products, thus creating new and better services for consumers and businesses.

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

Digital banks in ASEAN 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.

The Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore, saw US$50.5bn in fintech investments in 2022. While global fintech venture capital funding declined by US$42.4bn from 2021 to 2022, Singapore remains a key investment hotspot. The expected fintech market size in the region is expected to grow to US$178bn by 2026.

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 on most days, every now and then, engineers may be required to stay back after regular working hours for systems or network maintenance.

Required skills

• An eye for detail

• Aware of the latest trends in both the technology and financial services industries

• Good interpersonal skills

• Integrity and credibility

• Passionate about technology and financial services

• Problem-solving skills

GAME 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 over the past few decades, as well as the impact it has on the current generation. Singapore is 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 is 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 gaming 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.

There is also the rise of mobile gaming in Southeast Asia, with the number of mobile game downloads hitting 2.4 billion in the first half of 2024. In Singapore alone, two-thirds of the market is now taken up by casual mobile gamers who have recently hopped on the gaming train during their free time!

Pros and cons

An exciting industry

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

Additionally, 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.

Required skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Presentation and documentation skills

• Solid understanding of trends and technology innovations

• Strong interest in technology

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, such as tourism.

The recent boom in mobile and “smart” technologies has 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 upgrading and improving 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 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 has driven hardware development in Singapore over the past year, and the Tourism Technology Transformation Cube (Tcube) was launched to help tourism businesses along their digital transformations.

The Singapore Tourism Board has also extended its Tourism Accelerator programme to September 2023, aiming to consolidate the country’s position as a destination for both foreign companies and visitors alike when travel routes reopen, and, to that end, is planning to enhance the small country with new tourism hardware.

Pros and cons

Diverse

There’s a great variety of roles in this field, and graduates will be immersed in a wide range of positions and responsibilities, from electronic design and schematics to programming of software or software, and even mechanical design, testing, and design ergonomics.

Slow career progression

Progression is slower in this industry as compared to others, and education needs to be constantly furthered in order to remain relevant.

Required skills

• Ability to work in a team

• Commercial awareness

• Interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of the industry’s latest developments

IT IN INVESTMENT BANKING

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

OOnce 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 to 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 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 at 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 the ability to perform under pressure is a must.

Required skills

• A basic understanding of the industry

• Ability to work in a team

• An eye for detail

• Good interpersonal skills

• Patience (crucial in the troubleshooting and maintenance processes)

• Problem-solving skills

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-today 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 to bring the systems back up as soon as possible.the systems back up as soon as possible.

• Ability to multitask

• Ability to work well under pressure

• An eye for detail

• Awareness of ongoing trends

• Business and commercial awareness

• Organisational skills

• Problem-solving skills

IT IN RETAIL

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

Nearly every function in the retail industry – from sourcing 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 is 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, has 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 service 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 preferences, 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 brick-and-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 the 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.

Required skills

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.

• Ability to work in a team

• Adaptability

• Analytical skills

• Commercial awareness

• Interpersonal skills

IT IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Improve and reinvent global communications systems to serve users better.

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. 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 on to other positions to accumulate experience.

On the other hand, while hopefuls working with carriers have more roles to choose from, most 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 typically enjoy a healthy worklife 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 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.

Required skills

• An eye for detail

• Analytical skills

• Awareness of the latest IT and technology trends

• Interpersonal skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Research skills

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 at which technology evolves and changes. It’s also driven by companies that find it challenging to maintain an inhouse 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 preferences and capabilities.

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, the 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. The growth and development of this ever-changing industry are 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 technological advancements are both exhilarating and exhausting. It’s not unusual to master a new trend or update a system, only to find it outdated almost immediately.

Required skills

• Ability to prioritise work effectively

• Enthusiasm

• Organisational skills

• Patience

• Strong interpersonal skills

IT SERVICES

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

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 the 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 postinstallation 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 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 constantly rapid pace.

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

• Ability to prioritise work effectively

• Ability to work in a team

• An eye for detail

• Commercial awareness

• Interpersonal skills

• 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.

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 their efficiency and integration with the business. They usually focus on issues such as possible security risks and increasing efficiency

• IT governance: This service involves checking the 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 advise the organisation on ways to either manage or mitigate it

• Security and privacy: This part of the field includes checking the 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 constant travelling may leave some individuals weary, professionals in the industry find excitement in working 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 you particularly enjoy, this job is the right one for you!

Required skills

• Ability to work in a team

• Adaptability

• Analytical skills

• Commercial awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Numeracy skills

• Awareness of the latest industry regulations and services

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 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 client-based, 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

• Commercial awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Persuasion and presentation 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 is 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 startups.

As most start-ups in this industry usually hire through word-of-mouth, recommendations, or internship conversions, graduates get a head start 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 that 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 internationallylinked e-commerce infrastructure and harmonisation of cross-border laws and policies.

The next big trend in this industry, is social commerce and shoppable posts, where users can buy products directly from social media platforms, such as TikTok. 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

• Ability to deal with ambiguity effectively

• Adaptability

• Always abreast of the latest changes in regulations and trends

• An eye for detail

• Commercial awareness

ENGINEERING

Engineers shape the world we live in, creating everything from smartphones and skyscrapers to life-saving medical devices and sustainable energy solutions. Without engineering, modern life as we know it would not exist. Whether you’re drawn to designing cutting-edge technology, building infrastructure, or solving global challenges, the field offers endless opportunities.

But before you dive into the industry, it’s important to understand what lies ahead. In the following pages, you’ll find essential insights to help you navigate your engineering career

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 through 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 will 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 provided, 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 its 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 is 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 of 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 each other.

This tech application has paved the way for “smart” processes, where intelligent devices with independent learning capabilities can communicate the collected data to one another within an integrated system. Imagine a world where your smart fridge can 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 the 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 ITrelated 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 machine-learning 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 who can transform ideas into precise or feasible solutions will attract recruiters from different industries. Enterprises also value candidates who are collaborative, not only in human-to-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, five NEWater plants are 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 is your calling, this is the engineering focus for you!

FINDING GREAT GRADUATE JOBS IN SMALL 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.

As of 2023, Singapore has around 280,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs make up 99% of all businesses in Singapore. 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 also offer similarly competitive prospects!

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 tends 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 of 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 career 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 apply, 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 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 in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market in Asia.

While services offered by these companies generally include extensive 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.

Required skills

• Ability to balance different project requirements simultaneously and effectively

• Ability to discern details and think out of the box

• Ability 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, info-communications 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.

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.

Required skills

• Adaptability

• Critical thinking skills

• Enthusiasm

• Up-to-date knowledge of the sector

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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 on 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 into 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 other hand, roles in R&D or production generally allow graduates to stay in one place.

Required skills

• Ability to work in a team

• Accountability

• Adaptability

• An eye for detail

• Interpersonal skills

• Numeracy skills

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Create a better world through real-world projects and marvel at 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 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 regard 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 in 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.

• Ability to juggle several projects simultaneously and effectively

• Ability to work in a team

• Good interpersonal skills Required skills

• Basic understanding of other engineering disciplines

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 have 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.

A 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.

Required skills

• Ability to learn quickly

• Adaptability

• Critical thinking skills

• Knowledge of software engineering

• Numeracy skills

• Self-motivation

• Good time management skills

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 is 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 on one site, it’s possible to have an exciting career – sites tend to be large, hosting a variety of projects and encompassing a vast array of disciplines, with every engineer’s skill 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 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 professional recruits whom you will 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.

Required skills

• A solid engineering background

• An open mind

• Creativity

• Critical thinking skills

• Diplomacy

• Trustworthiness and discretion

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

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 city-state’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 development, 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 careers 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 smartwatch and Fitbit to brain training under healthcare, and even social adventure photography. 5G is also expected to open new possibilities in this area.

Another new trend is the growing adoption of smart clothing, much like the Levi Commuter 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 creatively.

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.

Required skills

• Ability to prioritise and plan effectively

• Ability to work in a team

• Good decision-making skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Problem-solving skills

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 in 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 for 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

• Ability to work in a team

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Industry knowledge and awareness

• 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 is locally regulated by Singapore Power, and major players tend to be companies with fully integrated structures that can 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 daily as short-term solutions need to be implemented quickly and safely. Long-term 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 from 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 costs 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.

Required skills

• Ability to assess risks well

• Ability to see the bigger picture

• Ability to work in a team

• Decision-making skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Project management skills

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.

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 non-engineering 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.

• Ability to work in, and manage, teams

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Creativity

• Critical thinking skills

• Project management skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong theoretical knowledge in an 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 large-scale 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.

Required skills

• Ability to work in a team

• Enthusiasm and drive

• Leadership skills

• Numeracy skills

• Self-motivation

• Solid interpersonal skills

• Strong aptitude for learning

• Strong commitment to meeting scheduled timelines and delivering work

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 the 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.

• Ability to work well under pressure

• An eye for detail

• Flexibility

• Good interpersonal skills

• Leadership skills

• Sound decision-making skills

• Updated and comprehensive knowledge of the industry

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 a strong manufacturing presence 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 for up to a few years, much like dried or canned goods.

Career highlights

Opportunity to work overseas

Working for a global conglomerate may give 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 some 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.

• Ability to work in a team

• Ability 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 quickturnabout 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 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 is 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.

Required skills

• Ability to work in a team

• Analytical skills

• Commercial awareness

• Effective organisational skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Leadership skills

PHARMACEUTICAL ENGINEERING

Engineers in the pharmaceutical 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 fastpaced and demanding at times, such as the race to find a vaccination for 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 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 can 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 the adoption of advanced medical technology, new product 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

• Ability to take on high levels of responsibility

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to work in a team

• Accountability

• Adaptability

• Patience (as projects have long timescales)

• Solid interpersonal skills

• Time management skills

EMPLOYER LISTINGS

Learn more about the leading employers with STEM-related vacancies and internships.

Army Recruitment Centre (ARC) ........................... [OBC] 92

Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd ................. [6] 92

DSO Na�onal Laboratories ........................................ [1] 94

Income Insurance Limited ...................................... [2,3] 94

Micron Technology ......................................................... 96

Ministry of Educa�on .............................................. [12] 98

Mitsui Chemicals Group (Singapore) [32] 98

Na�onal University Health System 100

Singapore Police Force (SPF) [IBC] 101

Tencent [IFC] 101

[ ] = adver�sement

IFC = inside front cover

IBC = inside back cover

OBC = outside back cover

Contact

Army Recruitment Centre, 3 Depot Road, #01-66, Singapore 109680

Tel: 1800-687-2769

Web: go.gov.sg/armycareers

Social Media

@The Singapore Army

@oursingaporearmy

@Singapore Army

@oursingaporearmy

@OurSingaporeArmy

Number of employees

More than 100,000 employees

Contact

60 Airport Boulevard

Changi Airport Terminal 2, #04-08 Singapore 819643

Web: careers.changiairport.com

Social Media

@changiairport

@changiairport

@Changi Airport Group

@changiairport

@changiairport

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree

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

Changi Airport Group is first and foremost a service company. We operate Singapore Changi Airport, the world’s most awarded airport, and help develop and manage airports worldwide. Our mission is to be a global leading airport company, anchored in the heart of Asia, pioneering safe, secure, sustainable and vibrant air hubs, ready for our future.

Our people are our most important asset. We aspire to build a company where ordinary people achieve extraordinary results. Our people have a passion for service and are committed to teamwork, integrity and excellence. Working together with our colleagues and partners to achieve the best outcome, we deliver innovative services and create a world-class experience for our customers.

Changi Airport Group offers a unique work environment in a global, vibrant and exciting airport community. We make magic happen in every aspect of our business, turning different airport touchpoints into seamless experiences with innovation and technology. With a setup of multiple businesses, you will embark on a multi-faceted career of diverse business functions in the dynamic and fast-growing aviation industry.

Come make MAGIC with us.

Application Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: All year-round

Internships: All year-round

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internships

Nicholas Tan

JOB

Senior Associate, Innova�on and Process Enhancement, Engineering and Development

EMPLOYER

Changi Airport Group (CAG)

Nicholas received his BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the Na�onal University of Singapore in 2024.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

9:00 AM

I typically arrive at the office at this �me. Before I start my day, I will grab a cup of coffee or matcha to kick-start my day. There’s something about the simple act of sipping a warm drink that helps me transi�on from home mode to work mode. A�er se�ling in, I review my schedule and plan the day ahead, wri�ng down the tasks I need to achieve. I make a mental note of my mee�ngs and key tasks so that I can priori�se effec�vely. This helps me to focus and ensure I’m on track for a produc�ve day.

10:00 AM

My role in the Engineering Innova�on and Process Enhancement team involves collabora�ng closely with system owners to understand the intricacies of their respec�ve domains (e.g., baggage handling system). Gaining this domain knowledge is crucial for developing solu�ons that are effec�ve and drive value. I take this opportunity to share insights and explore how cross-func�onal collabora�on can op�mise our projects. Interac�ng with stakeholders allows me to ensure our approach is aligned with the wider organisa�onal goals.

12:30 PM

It’s �me for lunch. The bonus of working at the airport is the airport staff discount, and I enjoy trying out different cuisines at discounted prices. It’s a much-needed break to recharge and prepare for the a�ernoon.

2:00 PM

A�er lunch, I dive into researching new projects and technologies that can help drive innova�on in CAG. This involves staying up to date with emerging tools, so�ware and technologies, and evalua�ng how they could poten�ally benefit our processes. During this �me, I also rely on external resources like industry forums, webinars and news updates to stay ahead of the curve.

4:00 PM

Next, I shi� my focus to another por�olio that I’m working on, which revolves around engineering contractor manpower. The goal here is to encourage innova�ve solu�ons to op� mise the workforce, discovering projects that can streamline opera� ons and drive efficiency. There’s a growing need to drive efficiency through innova�on, and I try to brainstorm ways to streamline opera�ons while reducing costs. It’s a balancing act –ensuring we improve produc�vity without compromising quality or safety.

6:00 PM

As my workday comes to a close, I wrap up my tasks and head home. I take a 30-minute bus ride back, which gives me a chance to unwind and mentally transi�on from work to personal �me. Once I’m home, I usually go for a short jog around my neighbourhood to unwind and keep fit. It’s a great way to clear my mind, get some fresh air, and end the day on a posi�ve note.

“At CAG, we aspire to be the most innovative company in Singapore, and I can summarise this dream into 3 “Ps” – bringing exciting new Products to our customers, with transformed Processes supported by exceptional People.”

Contact

12 Science Park Drive

Singapore 118225

Web: https://join.dso.org.sg

Email: campusrelations@dso.org.sg

Social Media

@DSO National Laboratories

@discoverdso

@DSO National Laboratories

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree Diploma

Contact

Web: https://www.income.com.sg/careers

Social Media

@IncomeInsurance

@Income Insurance Limited

@IncomeInsurance

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree Diploma

More about us

DSO National Laboratories is Singapore’s largest defence research and development (R&D) 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, transforming ideas into reality across the domains of land to space, cyberspace and biological defence. This is where you can make a real impact and shape the future of defence.

MEANINGFUL

You are not just developing tech and solutions. You are making a real difference by solving difficult problems for the nation.

EXCITING

There are endless possibilities for you to push the boundaries of science and technology, and develop cutting-edge solutions that are not available in the market.

FULFILLING

A rewarding career goes beyond pay and benefits. It’s about levelling up your mindset and skill set. This is why we have a whole suite of learning opportunities specially curated to support your personal and professional growth.

More about us

Income Insurance Limited (Income Insurance) is one of the leading composite insurers in Singapore, offering life, health and general insurance.

Established in Singapore to plug a social need for insurance in 1970, Income Insurance continues to put people first by serving 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 the company at the forefront of innovative solutions that empowers the people it serves with better financial well-being.

Additionally, Income Insurance is committed to being a responsible business that champions the environment and builds stronger communities by supporting financial inclusion, education for youth-in-need and seniors’ well-being.

For more information, please visit www.income.com.sg.

Application Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: All year-round

Internships: All year-round

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internships

Job Roles

• Engineering

• Computer Sciences

• Sciences

Sector(s)

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

• Scientific Research and Development

Find out more at

Brenton Goh

Zheng Hong

JOB

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineer

EMPLOYER

DSO National Laboratories

Brenton received his Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Nanyang Technological University in 2023.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

7:00 AM

I get up at 7:00 AM and prepare for the day ahead, making sure I’m set for both office and fieldwork. I travel relatively light – just earphones and an umbrella (just in case). If I have fieldwork later, then I’ll bring sunblock.

9:00 AM

I arrive at work between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, then I’ll start my day by fixing myself up with a cup of iced teh at the DSO canteen. They know me so well that all I have to do is queue up, and my drink will be ready when it’s my turn. It’s a simple ritual, but it always makes me happy. I then head to the office to review emails and prioritise my tasks. Whether it’s planning R&D work for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) projects or preparing for upcoming field tests, this time sets the foundation for a productive day.

EMC is fundamental for any defence or civilian system to operate reliably in complex electromagnetic environments. What I love about my work is the need to rely on research and creativity to push past current limitations and solve future problems, while working at the forefront of science and technology.

11:30 AM

I usually have an early lunch with my colleagues around 11:30 AM to avoid the crowd. Over lunch, we share project challenges and brainstorm solutions, while providing mutual support. Other times, we exchange stories about holidays or personal experiences, thus fostering a fun, friendly and collaborative atmosphere.

1:00 PM

After lunch, I focus on R&D work related to EMC performance. This includes analysing data, refining designs, and developing innovative approaches to address electromagnetic interference issues.

If there are project meetings scheduled, these usually involve colleagues, supervisors, or external partners to discuss test results, align on objectives, and plan the next steps. On days when I’m out in the field, this time is dedicated to conducting tests, collecting data, and troubleshooting challenges on-site. Each task requires a mix of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. I like that I get to collaborate with other divisions within DSO and contribute to projects across diverse platforms such as air, sea, land, and space. My days are varied and exciting, which is one of the cool things about my job.

Additionally, I’m also fortunate to have the opportunities to engage in overseas experiences, including conferences and project reviews, which broadened my perspective and enhanced my professional growth. The chance to experience other cultures and cuisines, while connecting with like-minded professionals from other countries has added a meaningful and memorable dimension to my work.

6:30 PM

“I like that I get to collaborate with other divisions within DSO and contribute to projects across diverse platforms such as air, sea, land, and space.”

As the day winds down, I consolidate findings from my R&D or field activities and update progress reports. This is also the time to plan for the following day’s priorities. I leave work feeling accomplished, knowing my efforts contribute to advancing EMC solutions and ensuring successful testing and analysis.

What I do is just part of a larger whole, but at the end of the day, I’m glad I get to play a part in shaping Singapore’s defence and national security.

Contact

• 1 North Coast Drive, Singapore 757432

• 1 Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 1, Singapore 738799

• 990 Bendemeer Road, Singapore 339942

Tel: (+65) 6637 0000

Web: www.micron.com/careers

Email: sgjobs@micron.com

Social Media

@MicronSingapore @we_are_micron @micron-technology @MicronTech @MicronTechnology

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree Diploma

Transforming

More about us

As the leader in innovative memory solutions, Micron is helping the world make sense of data by delivering technology that is transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. We are the only company manufacturing today’s major memory and storage technologies: DRAM, NAND, and NOR technology.

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 Center 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. With our focus on providing best-in-class engagement, compensation, benefits, training, and growth opportunities across our diverse populations of employees, Micron Singapore has been recognised as a Great Place To Work for five consecutive years and ranked 3rd in the Singapore Best Workplaces 2023 for large-category organisations.

We are committed to creating a supportive environment by cultivating a diverse workforce where everyone is heard, valued, and respected as we pursue our mission to be a global leader in memory and storage solutions.

Sector(s)

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

Accepted Degree Disciplines

• Engineering

• IT and Computer Sciences

• Sciences

Jobs Available Graduate jobs Internships

Application Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: All year-round

Internships:

• Summer internship: May to August

• Semester internship: August to December, January to May

Selection process:

Step 1: Online application

Step 2: Screening

Step 3: Job-related online test/presentation (based on position)

Step 4: Interview

Step 5: Outcome of application via email

Contact

1 North Buona Vista Drive

Singapore 138675

Tel: 68722220

Web: moe.gov.sg/careers

Email: contact@moe.gov.sg

Social Media

@Ministry of Educa�on, Singapore

@moesingapore

@Ministry of Educa�on, Singapore @MOEsg

@MOE Singapore

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Contact

1 HarbourFront Place

#07-03 HarbourFront Tower One Singapore 098633

Tel: (+65) 6534 2611

Web: h�ps://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

The mission of MOE is to mould the future of our na�on by moulding the people who will determine our future. The following job roles are open to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathema�cs (STEM) professionals:

Educa�on Officer / Teacher

Be the one who ignites curiosity and shape young minds. Plus, there are opportuni�es to gain skills beyond teaching and explore roles across career tracks — think curriculum innovation, school leadership, and educational research. Join us in this transforma�ve journey, where every day is a chance to make a difference.

Management Execu�ve

Gain varied experiences in areas such as policy formulation and implementation, technology and AI integra�on, data analy�cs and organisa�onal excellence in HQ:

• Educa�onal Technology Division

• Informa�on Technology Division

• Research and Management Informa�on Division

• 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

More about us

Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (MCI) is one of the largest chemical companies in Japan. Our innova�ve technologies and materials, along with products that offer new func�onality, are being used for a wide range of fields such as automo�ve, electronics and informa�on, life, environment and energy, and packaging in our society.

In Singapore, the na�on 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 en��es 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 func�onal services to regional affiliates and their businesses, and deliver values to customers by leveraging on the strengths of all affiliates in Mitsui Chemicals Group.

Applica�on Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: All year-round Internships: Subject to availability (please check with your school’s internship portal)

teachers in STEM learning experiences, and support students in STEM-related applied learning / enrichment programmes.

Applica�on Period(s):

Please visit go.gov.sg/moe-applica�on to view available career opportuni�es and applica�on �melines.

Job Roles

• Education Officer / Teacher for the following subjects: Sciences (Physics, Chemistry & Biology), Mathematics, Compu�ng, Design & Technology (D&T), Nutri�on & Food Science, and more…

• Management Execu�ve

• STEM Instructor (Laboratory) or STEM Instructor (Workshop)

Sector(s)

• Public Sector

Job Roles

We are always looking for self-motivated individuals who are constantly pursuing innova�on and growth to achieve the corporate target of becoming a chemical group with an undisputed global presence.

In Singapore, we are looking for:

• Senior / Process Engineer

• Senior IT Engineer

• Customer Care Specialist

• Process Technician And more…

Jobs Available Graduate jobs Internships

Sector(s)

• Energy, Oil and Gas, and U�li�es

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• Scien�fic Research and Development

Xie Yongcong

JOB

Informa�on and Communica�ons Technology (ICT) Partner, Informa�on Technology Division (ITD)

EMPLOYER

Ministry of Educa�on

Yongcong obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Honours) with 2nd major in Management from the Na�onal University of Singapore in 2011, and a Specialist Diploma in Career Counselling from Republic Polytechnic in 2021.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

5:30 AM

I start my day with a jog or walk, have fruits for breakfast and wash up before heading off to work. I buy a cup of tea, which becomes my energy booster at work later, while I check my texts and calls from schools regarding their queries and concerns.

8:30 AM

It’s �me to give a quick call to the Head of Department of ICT to follow up on a query from the teachers. As an ICT Partner, I collaborate closely with schools and engage them to facilitate ICT use through the adop�on and implementa�on of suitable ICT systems rolled out by HQ to support teaching and learning prac�ces. Addi�onally, I help schools understand the ICT policies’ ra�onale and guide them if they have queries on the implementa�on of various ICT ini�a�ves. These o�en entail email collabora�ons, phone calls and mee�ngs with the School ICT Team. I also support schools in their review and planning of their ICT needs and use of ICT grants, including making recommenda�ons for suitable ICT solu�ons and pla�orms.

At �mes, I need to be in schools to work closely with the School ICT Team to implement HQ ICT ini�a�ves such as the Personalised Digital Learning Programme. We also have regular quarterly school visits to understand their ICT needs and see how HQ can be�er support schools in this area. Before we roll out HQ-driven ICT ini�a�ves, we solicit feedback from schools on poten�al implementa�on issues.

At �mes, schools approach me with their ICT issues and complex ICT ma�ers, and I work with other colleagues in my division to provide advice and help schools resolve them.

11:30 AM

My branch has a “lunch monitor” who ini�ates lunch gatherings. We go to coffee shops nearby. If �me permits, we travel to shopping malls in the vicinity. We spend some �me catching up with one another about our lives and interests, though we can’t seem to avoid talking about non-sensi�ve work ma�ers too.

2:00 PM

Besides school collabora�ons, we handle various ICT projects and work closely with our vendors. A�ernoons are usually set aside for our regular “Ask Me Anything” sessions and mee�ngs with team leads and vendors to discuss ICT ma�ers and see how we can be�er support schools.

To ensure the smooth implementa�on of ICT projects, we monitor the project progress, an�cipate possible issues, come up with possible workarounds, and update our management through mee�ng presenta�ons and emails.

4:00 PM

As an IT professional in this ever-evolving landscape, we engage in con�nual learning and stay informed about emerging trends. Some a�ernoons are set aside for professional development, such as brownbag sessions and online learning. Part of my work also involves working with my colleagues overseeing procurement to procure ICT-related goods and services.

6:00 PM

“It is fulfilling to know that our work contributes to the Ministry’s goals in driving digitalisation and transforming learning in education.”

I take some �me to look through emails and prepare for the next day. While this role o�en keeps me on my toes to expect the unexpected, it helps to sharpen my adaptability. It is fulfilling to know that our work contributes to the Ministry’s goals in driving digitalisa�on and transforming learning in educa�on.

Contact

1E Kent Ridge Road

Singapore 119228

Tel: (+65) 6779 5555

Web: nuhscareers.edu.sg

Social Media

@Na�onalUniversityHealthSystem

@nuhsofficial

@Na�onal University Health System

@nuhsofficial

@NUHSofficial

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree Diploma

To deliver Incredible Care and Health, Together!

At NUHS, we care for you and your wellbeing. As an Academic Health System, we care for our patients and invest in education and research to find new solutions.

Be part of the Health System of the Future!

More about us

Spanning three acute hospitals, two community hospitals, three na�onal centres, seven polyclinics, three family medicine clinics and three health science ins�tu�ons, our unique and comprehensive ecosystem anchors the National University Health System (NUHS) as a leading academic health system in Singapore – driven by research and educa�on. Inspired by our pa�ents and the population that we serve, our strong network of talents and resources across our ins�tu�ons provide pa�ent-centred care across the whole con�nuum – improving health and driving transforma�on from primary, ter�ary to complex care. In close collabora�on with our community partners, we aim to deliver “Incredible Care and Health, Together”!

Members of the NUHS:

• Na�onal University Hospital

• Ng Teng Fong General Hospital

• Alexandra Hospital

• Tengah General and Community Hospital

• Jurong Community Hospital

• Na�onal University Polyclinics

• Jurong Medical Centre

• Na�onal University Cancer Centre, Singapore

• Na�onal University Heart Centre, Singapore

• Na�onal University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore

• NUHS Diagnos�cs

• NUHS Pharmacy

• NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

• NUS Faculty of Den�stry

• NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

Find

Sector(s)

• Healthcare and Pharmaceu�cal

• Public Sector Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internships

Applica�on Procedure

Please visit h�ps://www.nuhscareers.edu.sg/ for our latest job openings and h�ps://brightsparks. com.sg/profile/nuhs/ for sponsorship opportunities. Discover what makes NUHS unique—our collabora�ve culture, commitment to continuous learning, and diverse career pathways. Please apply directly through the respec�ve websites. You may also scan the QR codes below.

Explore career opportuni�es

Applica�on Period(s):

Discover sponsorship opportuni�es

Graduate Jobs: All year-round

Internships: All year-round

Sponsorships: All year-round

Selec�on Process

Step 1: Online Applica�on – Submit your applica�on through the NUHS Career or Sponsorship Portal.

Step 2: Interview Invita�on – Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Contact

178 Neil Road

Singapore 088889

Web: www.police.gov.sg/career

Email: SPF_Career@spf.gov.sg

Social Media

@SingaporePoliceForce

@SPFRecruitment

@Singapore Police Force

@SingaporePolice

@Singapore Police Force

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree Diploma

Contact

#06-01, CapitaSky

79 Robinson Rd

Singapore 068897

Web: h�ps://careers.tencent.com/en-us/ jobopportunity.html

Email: interna�onal_campus@tencent.com

Social Media

@Tencentcareers

@Tencent

@Tencent | @TencentGlobal

@TencentGlobal

Minimum requirement

Degree Diploma

More about us

Looking to embark on a career that goes beyond yourself?

The Singapore Police Force plays a cri�cal role in keeping Singapore safe and secure with our mission to prevent, deter and detect crime. We do this by working with the community to protect life and property, prevent crime and disorder, detect and apprehend others, preserving our sense of security.

Joining the Singapore Police Force means encountering challenges where your determina�on and leadership skills will be challenged and strengthened.

Responsibili�es

As a Police officer, you are looked upon as the protector of peace. With opportuni�es including frontline opera�ons, staff work and inves�ga�ve work in Neighbourhood Police Centres, Land Divisions, and various Specialist Units, you will interact with people from all walks of life and be exposed to the many facets of law enforcement.

Career with SPF

We want men and women who can exhibit tenacity and resilience while demonstra�ng sensi�vity and empathy when necessary. You must think on your feet and remain calm in cri�cal situa�ons, but also be proac�ve and sincere when engaging the community.

Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internships

Sector(s)

• Public Sector

Find out more at

More about us

Tencent Singapore plays a vital role in Tencent Global’s interna�onal growth and localisa�on strategy. As a leading internet and technology company, we are commi�ed to crea�ng value for users.

Upholding values of integrity, proac�vity, collabora�on, and crea�vity, Tencent Singapore drives digital enablement for local businesses and supports users and stakeholders in response to Southeast Asia’s rapid digi�sa�on.

We focus on integra�ng sustainable social value across our business units, collabora�ng with local stakeholders, and nurturing digital-ready talent in the region. Our services include digital entertainment, social communication, payments, cloud services, and key internet solu�ons. From interac�ve gaming and esports to the Weixin Pay ecosystem and Tencent Cloud solu�ons, we aim to build a sustainable digital environment that priori�ses user experience and enterprise growth.

We seek partnerships with global leaders to generate synergy, enhance user experience, and expand our IP por�olio in games, video, music, and literature. Founded in Shenzhen in 1998 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2004, Tencent established its regional headquarters in Singapore in 2020.

Applica�on Procedure(s):

Discover the latest opportunities and apply via https://careers.tencent.com/en-us/ jobopportunity.html

Applica�on Period(s):

Graduate Jobs: September-November Internships: All year-round Jobs Available

Graduate jobs Internships

Job Roles

Interns and full-�me: Game Designer, Game Developer, Data Scien�st, So�ware Engineer, HR Generalist, Talent Sourcer, BD Associate, PR and Communica�on Specialist.

Sector(s)

• IT and Technology

FLICKING FROM THE BACK

GTI Asia Pte Ltd

(Company number: 200301978M) 3023 Ubi Road 3 #02-08/09 UbiPlex 1 Singapore 408663 T + (65) 6294 6505

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 2025 issue of gradsingapore’s STEM Career Guide!

Chief Editor

Elliyani Mohamad Ali

Editor & Editorial

Dawn Yip, Brendan Yee

Design & Production

Sahirah Zayyanah, A’liah Abdul Rahim, Clarisa James

Advertising

Ron Ong, Shenna Mae, The GTI Media sales team

Marketing & Distribution

Kelly Chin, Eileen Ang

Publisher

Isaac Hee

Printer

Times Printer Pte Ltd 16 Tuas Ave 5 Singapore 639340

© GTI Asia Pte Ltd, March 2025

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.