HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS
HOW TO UPGRADE YOURSELF Lifelong learning is important to keep yourself relevant in today's fast-paced world.
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oday’s sluggish economy has made the job market even more competitive than it has been before. Many graduates who are about to hit the job market would feel the pressure of setting themselves apart from their peers who are also looking for jobs. In times like this, postgraduate education has become a popular means to give students an advantage in the job market. While it is common for students to think of a Master’s degree or a PhD when talking about postgraduate options, there are also other postgraduate qualifications available. Here’s a brief overview:
Online courses If you want to gain new skills or brush up on existing ones, short courses that are available online may be a good option. Online platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer a myriad of short courses ranging from new language skills to specialised courses such as application development. This option may appeal to graduates who are looking to be more competitive in the job market. Having a new skill will not only impress your prospective employers, it may also help you meet certain technical requirements for a role that you’re interested in.
SkillsFuture The Singapore government has rolled out the SkillFuture initiative with an aim to encourage lifelong learning. It is an initiative that includes subsidies for courses, study awards and fellowships not just for graduates, but also mid-career professionals. With these extensive monetary incentives and aid, students can upgrade their skills without having to break the bank.
Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) With the aim to enhance professionalism of the workforce in Singapore, the WSQ system trains, develops, evaluates and certifies skills that are validated by employers, unions and professional bodies. The WSQ framework covers a wide range of sectors, offering training in both technical and soft skills that can help graduates boost their employability. The training modules provided by WSQ are bite-sized, making it easier for individuals to learn at their own pace.
106 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020
www.sim.edu.sg
