Alternate Career Paths

ALTERNATIVE Career Paths

Exploring diferent options is vital to eventually fnding the perfect role for yourself, so don’t be afraid to pluck up the courage to play the feld when it comes to your career.

Have you ever wondered if there are other career optons you can explore? Although overseas exposure is stll somewhat viable, keep in mind that many countries aren’t able to accept many travellers as of now. Alternatvely, they may request that you commit to a certain period of tme in quarantne.

So, how about being your own boss? If that appeals to you, you have the opportunity to plan your own work schedule and pick only the work you want to do.

Transitoning to the working world can be stressful, but even as you navigate your way, remember that it’s all right to break the mould and explore other optons that may beter ft you and your aspiratons. Here are some alternatve pathways you can keep in mind.

Work overseas

If you can’t fnd anything that suits you in the local job market, there’s no harm in turning your gaze to opportunites abroad, even during this tme. On top of that, graduates with a good command of English are highly sought-afer on the internatonal market.

Although travelling is rather inconvenient now with vaccinaton requirements and quarantne, there are plenty of English-speaking countries and internatonal companies in non-English speaking natons to choose from. Your optons are unlimited!

Why you should go for it

• You can pick up and hone skills that are useful and increasingly valued in today’s globalised world, such as an internatonal outlook and adaptability • You’ll have the opportunity to meet and work with people from diverse backgrounds and develop an internatonal professional network, something which will come in handy the further you progress in your career What you should consider

Locaton: It’s vital that you consider the country you’ll be moving to. Are they acceptng foreign travel at the moment? What are their vaccinaton requirements? What are their procedures when you land? Think about the distance from home too. While this may break the deal for some – especially if you plan to shutle home ofen over the duraton of your employment – others may actually want the distance.

Another aspect you should refect on is the country’s culture. No mater where you decide to go, there will be diferent cultures and business practces. The good thing, however, is that this can help you develop openmindedness and the ability to adapt to diverse environments – traits you can bring up and talk about with your future employers in job interviews. Visa/work permits: Make sure to ask prospectve employers if they provide the necessary visas or permits you need to legally work in the country they’re located in.

As a prospectve expatriate, you’ll fnd immigraton procedures to be a taxing and complex process, so it’s important to fnd out if employers are at least able to give you the support and guidance you’ll need to get through. Cost of living: Living costs vary from country to country, so it’s important that you conduct thorough research on day-to-day expenses such as food, transport, accommodaton and utlites.

But keep in mind that exchange rates also fuctuate, partcularly if you’ll be transferring money regularly across countries. Consider these factors and assess if your pay would be able to sustain such costs.

Be your own boss

Although it’s common for graduates to work in an industry for a few years before striking out on their own, you can think about startng your own company while you’re stll in school if you have something workable.

If you need advice and funding, SPRING Singapore’s entrepreneurship page is a good place to begin. There are also other useful links to organisatons like the Acton Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE).

Why you should go for it

• You’ll have the freedom and fexibility to work at your own pace • You’ll be able to pick up and hone essental business skills, much like bookkeeping, collectng debts, marketng and fling tax returns

What you should consider

Risks: All entrepreneurs face the same risks with uncertain market conditons and fnancial struggles, especially when working within tght budgets. As a result, a lack of funds and market volatlity can make it difcult for a business to run smoothly and efectvely.

This drives home the importance of having a good and efectve business plan, and conductng thorough research before taking the plunge to becoming an entrepreneur. Attude: Resilience and determinaton are two of the most important qualites you’ll need in the face of building your business.

If you don’t have the attude to remain upbeat and positve throughout, this may not be the path for you. Network: Before you choose to walk down this career path, it’s a good idea to understand the level of commitment needed.

One way to gauge this is to get in touch with other entrepreneurs, whether they’ve succeeded or failed. Their experience and advice will give you valuable insights and context into your endeavour to become a successful business owner.