Industry Insights

market and explore the various opportunities within.

Accountancy and Financial Management

With accountancy and financial management qualifications, one can find work opportunities in a range of organisations, varying from the “Big Four” to smaller accountancy firms, as well as in corporations and the public sector. Being in the accountancy industry also gives you a good perspective of how businesses and organisations are operated, opening doors to start your own company in the future.

In recent years, businesses have started to use technology such as cloud accounting software and applications to increase efficiency for accounting and financial management. Accounting professionals are encouraged to upskilll constantly, picking up data analysis and mastering digital accounting.

Accounting firms typically offer a diversity of services such as consulting, assurance, risk assessment, corporate recovery, tax and forensic accounting, aside from the customary accounting and auditing services.

Due to the range of services they offer, employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates with good analytical skills, attention to detail and an ability to convey financial data clearly. Graduate accountants often join firms as trainees and will be required to take professional qualifications to enhance themselves. It is mandatory to go through the Singapore Qualification Programme (Singapore QP) in order to practise as a chartered accountant here.

Job areas include

• Assurance management

• Auditing

• Financial consulting

• Risk assessment

• Tax consulting

Skills required

• Numerical skills

• Commercial awareness

• Strategic planning skills

• Analytical skills

• Decision-making skills

• Good communication skills

Job hunting tips

• Get licensed, stay on top of your game in terms of accounting skills and network extensively in this professional circle

Arts and Design

Working in arts and design is becoming an increasingly popular choice for graduates in Singapore despite the perceived insecurity of a career in this sector.

This sector encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including visual art, design, crafts and performing arts. Artists can also apply their skills to the education and healthcare sectors as teachers or art therapists. On the other hand, designers can work in sectors such as fashion, advertising and marketing.

A less publicised – but just as important – area of work branching from this sector is the field of arts management. Individuals who prefer a technical and conventional role in this sector may choose to pursue this line of work.

Job areas include

• Visual arts

• Performing arts

• Design

• Arts management

• Light/Sound engineering

• Writing

• Community arts facilitation

Skills required

• Creativity

• Business acumen

• Problem-solving ability

• Persistence

• To be a team player

Job hunting tips

• Networking is key as opportunities in this sector are typically found through word-ofmouth. Self-employment through freelancing is also worth considering, particularly if you want to make use of the support and resources of organisations such as the National Arts Council

• A majority of employers use online application forms and competency-based interviews competency-based

• If you are seeking commercial success, a combination of creativity and professionalism is crucial. Aspiring artists must be able to market and brand themselves effectively to interested parties or paymasters. More enterprising individuals may even consider launching a start-up to monetise their own work

Aviation, Transport and Supply Chain Banking and Finance

Supply chains handle the fast, safe and efficient movement of goods, materials and services while transport planning and management oversee the designing of systems that move people and cargo through land, air and sea.

Singapore’s Industry Transport Map (ITM) for the logistics sector aims to strengthen productivity and innovation through the use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and collaborative robotics. Moreover, the emergence of new delivery capabilities, such as autonomous vehicles and 3D printing, are likely to impact logistics and the design of supply chains.

Job areas include

• Logistics engineering

• Inventory management

• Analytics

• Purchasing management

• Supply-chain management

• Various support functions

Skills required

• To be a team player

• Good negotiation skills

• Numerical skills

• Project management skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Analytical skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Strategic thinking

Job hunting tips

• Positons are open to applicants from all degree backgrounds for supply chain and logistics roles, though some employers may favour business or supply chain-related degrees. Organisations involved in transport planning may also require a related degree

• Application procedures typically involve online applications and a round of psychometric tests. It may even include a video interview and a day in an assessment centre, so be prepared!

Specialising in different areas of banking and finance (e.g. asset management, hedge funds, private banking and equity, risk management, venture capital and corporate restructuring), employers such as retail banks and investment firms offer a diverse range of roles to graduate hires.

Competition is tough in the banking and finance sector in Singapore, as the city-state is a regional and global hub for investment and finance. Improve your opportunities of securing a job in this field by seeking out internships during your university days to gain relevant work experience and build your knowledge and networks.

Take note that employers appreciate candidates who excel in problem-solving and have excellent organisational and team management skills.

You should also make it a point to read financial business news regularly to update yourself on any changes in the industry. While employers prefer numerical and business degrees, it is not a necessary requirement.

Job areas include

• Business/Commercial banking

• Consumer/Personal banking

• Corporate finance

• Foreign exchange trading

• Investment banking

• Marketing and communication

• Operations and technology

• Private banking

• Private equity

• Risk management

• Treasury

• Wealth management

Skills required

• Numerical and analysis skills

• Problem-solving ability

• Resilience

• Able to work under pressure

• Excellent communication skills

Job hunting tips

• Score an internship and ace it! Networking is crucial in banking and investment. Research potential employers and send in your applications early

• Graduate recruitment programmes generally use multi-stage recruitment processes that include online applications, psychometric testing, assessment centres and interviews. Conversely, companies without a structured graduate programme generally rely on interviews for their selection

• Strong understanding of financial markets

• Decision-making skills

Graduates looking to break into this sector can choose between different areas of expertise ranging from human resources (HR), integrated solutions, management and strategy advisory work. They are also able to specialise in a particular sector, such as information technology (IT) or finance, with finance consulting being the most popular choice among graduates.

Many employers offer graduate specialist programmes, where you will be assigned to work in teams with a mentor. You will also be involved in projects and have the chance to experience the day-to-day business to help you pick up skills on-the-job. There are also numerous perks to working in this industry, such as a variety of job roles and travelling opportunities as borders begin to open. However, be prepared to work in a high-pressure environment!

As most roles in this field will require you to interact with clients, having good communication skills is absolutely essential. Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, as well as the capability to work effectively in teams, are also crucial skills, especially when you feel the crunch with impending project deadlines.

You may also need professional certifications and licences to practise in certain fields, so do your research and consult the relevant parties to help you plan your career pathway.

Job areas include

• Human resources

• Integrated solutions

• Management

• Strategy advisory

• Finance consulting

Skills required

• Commercial awareness

• Numerical and analytical skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Persuasion and negotiation skills

• Problem-solving ability

• To be a team player

• Self-motivation

Job hunting tips

• Consulting is one of the quickest developing corporate careers, requiring driven personalities and self-starters with nimble minds. Make sure you ace the case study interview!

• Practise case studies before applying. They tend to make or break applications

• Read business pages for commercial awareness. Keep an eye on successful or innovative advertising and branding campaigns, and figure out what makes them work

E-commerce, also known as electronic commerce or internet commerce, is an internet business sector that caters to the buying and selling of products and services to consumers and businesses. The transfer of money and data to complete transactions are part of e-commerce, as well.

During the global pandemic, e-commerce platforms experienced substantial growth, as safe distancing measures kept most at home and adoption of online shopping was accelerated. Although countries are now beginning to reopen again, consumer behaviour has not returned to pre-pandemic trends, and e-commerce sales are expected to continue growing into 2024.

There are three main types of e-commerce, namely business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C).

Job areas include

• Digital analytics

• Business analysis

• Web development

• Project management

• SEO content creation

• Customer service

Skills required

• User experience

• Online merchandising

• Willingness to learn

• Understanding of online consumers

• Commercial awareness

• Commitment

• Self-motivation

• Adaptability

• Loyalty

Job hunting tips

• Be sure to stay abreast of the latest developments in this sector through industry events and reading materials, as it advances rapidly

• Competition in this industry is stiff, so getting an internship will help you greatly in getting your foot in the door!

Education and Training

Despite the long hours and the need to juggle multiple responsibilities, a career in education is highly rewarding, as it gives you the satisfaction of preparing future generations to achieve their aspirations.

Major employers include the Ministry of Education (MOE), public and private institutions and tuition centres. Besides becoming a teacher, you may also want to consider roles such as career counsellor, educational psychologist, or corporate and administrative roles.

Upon graduating with at least a bachelor’s degree, those aspiring to teach with the MOE will need to obtain a postgraduate diploma in education at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply.

Job areas include

• Early childhood education

• Primary education

• Secondary education

• Tertiary education

• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

• Education psychology

• Education assessment

• Career counselling

Skills required

• Passion

• A strong belief in education

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills

• Organisational and time management skills

Job hunting tips

• Gain some teaching experience as a tutor, volunteer teacher or substitute teacher to applying if you can. Experience is not necessary, but it is highly valued as it allows you to be exposed to different student behaviours, and helps you cultivate your own teaching style in the classroom

• MOE typically allocates teaching subjects based on the needs of the school and the teacher’s academic qualifications

• Private education providers tend to use more specialised, lowkey recruitment efforts. Check with campus career centres or take more proactive steps to hunt for openings

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

Fast-moving consumer goods, or FMCG, is a sector that encompasses products with a quick shelf turnover, such as toiletries, cosmetics, processed food, detergents and plastic goods.

Many graduates are attracted to careers in this sector because there is constant growth in the consumer market, and therefore plenty of room for progression.

FMCG companies require graduates from many disciplines due to the wide selection of roles available within the industry.

Job areas include

• Food technology (developing and improving existing food products)

• Sales

• Supply chain management

• Marketing

• Research and development

• Human resources

Skills required

• Good interpersonal skills

• Communication skills

• Commercial awareness

• To be a team player

• Problem-solving ability

Job hunting tips

• Once you have identified the companies that you plan to apply to, conduct research on their individual brands

• Pay special attention to advertising campaigns, and make sure a good understanding of all the company’s products are in mind before turning in the application forms

Financial Technology (Fintech)

In short, financial technology, or fintech, refers to the innovation and technology that provides consumers and businesses with modern and automated alternatives of financial services. This generally includes revolutionising traditional financial products, such as swapping out cheques for electronic transfers and online banking.

In Asia, fintech has greatly benefitted from the Covid-19 pandemic, with digital banks taking off in alignment with safe distancing measures. At present, banking players and nonfintech giants are also looking to enter the industry.

According to the Singapore Fintech Report 2021, the small country maintained its fintech momentum, riding on the tailcoats of fintech initiatives, new regulations and new digital banks.

Job areas include

• Blockchain development

• Quantitative analysis

• Compliance

• Application development

• Cybersecurity

Skills required

• Passion for technology and financial services

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

• An eye for detail

• Good interpersonal skills

• Problem-solving ability

• Integrity

• Credibility

Job hunting tips

• As the fintech industry combines two complex worlds – financial services and technology – interviewers will want to see your knowledge and understanding of the sector, so be sure to conduct your own research beforehand

• You do not necessarily need to be an expert in financial services and technology. There are many jobs available in the fintech industry, and employers need a wide variety of skills, so find the role that suits you best

Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism

Home to two integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore has a strong hospitality and tourism industry. Although the industry took a huge hit due to the global outbreak of Covid-19, this sector is slowly reviving with the gradual return of meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE).

Singapore has also regained its popularity as a stopover location as countries have reopened their borders, and can offer graduates ample career opportunities, ranging from hotel management, leisure and events management. The sector also requires manpower for support functions such as IT, marketing and HR.

Working in hospitality and tourism requires much patience, energy and emotional intelligence. Shift work and irregular hours during the seasonal peak periods are common. Most graduate employees start out from the bottom or through graduate programmes, obtaining training and professional qualifications on-the-job.

Job areas include

• The food and beverage (F&B) industry

• Hotels and resorts

• Leisure and recreation management

• MICE

• Spa and wellness management

• Tourism and attractions

Skills required

• Client-facing skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Organisational skills

• To be a team player

• Problem-solving ability

Job hunting tips

• Demonstrate your passion for the hospitality and tourism sector to show that you have the drive to go the extra mile

• When looking for a permanent positon, find out whether there are formal graduate training schemes available. If there are no formal graduate training schemes available, send a speculative application detailing interest in the industry/employer and highlight any relevant work experience

Human Resources (HR)

No matter the size of the organisation, human resources (HR) is a crucial division, or department, that is responsible for the scouting, screening, recruitment and training of successful job applicants.

If you join this industry, you will also find yourself in charge of overseeing employment compensation and benefit programmes, alongside creating relevant policies. Both retention and termination of employment will be under your jurisdiction, as well.

You will be tasked with protecting the company from internal workforce issues, maximising employee productivity and keeping up-to-date with any employment laws that may affect the company and its employees, too.

Moreover, as digital adoption continues to sweep through the business landscape, managing the implementation and integration of technology in order to improve training, staffing and communication with employees is also now under HR.

Job areas include

• Benefits administration and management

• Employee relations management

• Training coordination

• Human resources information system (HRIS) software specialisation

• Recruitment consultancy and specialisation

Skills required

• Problem-solving ability

• To be a team player

• Solid communication and interpersonal skills

• Time management

• Adaptability

• Leadership skills

• Discretion

• Loyalty

Job hunting tips

• Some certifications are highly valued in HR circles, so keep a lookout for them

• Some roles in HR depend on connections, so consider taking up an internship or temporary HR role to develop an understanding of the field, as well as form a network

Investment Banking and Investment Management

Investment management involves safeguarding and maximising investments on behalf of institutions, corporations or individuals. Graduates usually work in investment divisions of investment banks or for fund management firms, also known as asset management companies.

Investment banking activities occur on three levels – front office (financing, sales, trading, research), middle office (risk management, strategy, compliance), and back office (operations and technology).

Fresh graduates can apply for positons in all three offices of an investment bank or try for smaller boutique or brokerage firms.

Job areas include

• Research analytics

• Portfolio management

• Client relationship/ Client services management

• Fund administration

• Accounting

• Support functions

Skills required

• Numeracy skills

• Adaptability

• Good interpersonal skills

• Highly motivated

Job hunting tips

• Investment banks typically conduct oncampus recruitment once or twice a year, so keep your eyes peeled!

• Contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily need a business or finance degree to work in investment management. What is most important are your relevant transferable skills and interest in the markets

• You will most likely start your career in this sector as a financial analyst, so conduct some research on that role beforehand to figure out how you can best meet employers’ needs

Logistics and Supply Chain IT and Technology

Singapore is a global IT hub and many technology firms have established their offices here. Given the pervasiveness of technology today, the expertise of IT professionals is not only needed in the tech sector, but also in the non-IT industries as well (e.g. finance, health, media and legal services).

Some of the more popular roles that graduate candidates can consider include technology consulting, systems analysis, network engineering, software testing and technical sales.

Graduates without an educational background in IT can take up technical modules in school or obtain professional technical qualifications on a part-time basis as they work.

A common way into the IT sector is through graduate programmes, especially if you want to apply to major organisations. On the other hand, many smaller employers prefer to hire directly.

Employers greatly value candidates with good problemsolving and time management abilities as these are vital to helping them meet project deadlines. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also essential due to the teambased nature of this sector.

Job areas include

• Application development

• Cloud innovation

• Data analytics

• E-commerce

• Information security

• Infrastructure

• Project management

• Systems administration

Skills required

• Adaptability

• Commercial awareness

• Technical skills

• Problem-solving ability

• Time management skills

• Communication skills

• Organisational skills

• To be a team player

Job hunting tips

• Employers often stick to conventional recruitment methods such as job postings, campus events and recruitment fairs. Prepare digital copies of necessary documents and materials for your online application

• IT employers often stick to more conventional recruitment means – campus events, job postings and recruitment fairs – to attract graduate applications

Logistics and supply chain are essential in many industries, especially in the FMCG and retail sectors, where movement of goods and services to consumers in a prompt and timely manner are crucial. To ensure this, you must keep to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

If you enter this industry, you will be expected to use logistical software and tools to oversee the inventory, distribution of goods and services and cost management. Recommendations are then made to improve productivity and efficiency.

The logistics and supply chain area of work typically welcomes applicants from all disciplines, and major organisations may even provide management training schemes to prepare their graduate hires for the job. These often include a series of job rotations so that they are able to better appreciate the processes that affect an organisation.

Job areas include

• Operations management

• Customs management

• E-commerce

• Freight/Global forwarding

• Logistics

• Supply chain management and service

• Supply optimisation

• Transport management

• Warehousing

Skills required

• Planning skills

• Organisational skills

• Strong communication skills

• Interpersonal skills

• To be a team player

• Leadership skills

• Problem-solving ability

• An eye for detail

Job hunting tips

• Employers usually keep an eye out for graduates who are not only strong in planning and people skills, but boast technical expertise in project and logistics management, as well

• Positions are open to applicants from all degree backgrounds for supply chain and logistics roles, though some employers may favour business or supply chain-related degrees. Organisations involved in transport planning may require a related degree

• Application procedures typically involve online applications and a round of psychometric tests. It may even include a video interview and a day in an assessment centre, so be prepared!

Media (Advertising, PR and Communications)

The media industry is immensely vibrant due to its relevance to all businesses. Graduates typically find their calling across platforms of outreach, such as print, online and broadcast, where they can work in areas such as brand management, public relations, copywriting, database management and analysis, as well as market research and sales promotion.

Familiarity with traditional areas of work in this industry such as journalism, events and marketing are essential, and graduates need to be well-versed in social media management and able to adapt to ongoing communication trends too.

Despite the breadth of the industry, vacancies are limited, and competition to get into the industry can be stiff. While large organisations do run graduate schemes, most graduate applicants will likely have to apply directly for entry-level jobs.

Job areas include

• Advertising

• Copywriting

• Digital/Web marketing

• Events management

• Film/Stage production

• Graphic design

• Journalism

• Media purchasing

• Public relations (PR)

• Social media management Skills required

• Creativity

• To be a team player

• Strong analytical skills

• Tenacity and resourcefulness

• Data management

Job hunting tips

• A solid portfolio can greatly increase your chances of a successful application. Networking is also immensely important and may help you get a foot in the door to the industry. For this reason, it is a good idea to start taking up part-time roles and internships even as a student in order to build your connections and portfolio

• Portfolios are key in this industry, so publish your work

NGOs and Non-Profit Organisations

Graduates keen on helping the community can find their calling in non-governmental and non-profit organisations. Singapore is home to around 140 international not-for-profit organisations, all catering to a variety of social, humanitarian and environmental issues. As such, there are plenty of options for graduates.

Depending on the area of expertise and the role that you apply for, there may be a need for specialist knowledge and skills, and some organisations may impose certain certification criteria.

Whatever your role is, employers generally look for a definite trait: passion and commitment to the cause. While salaried positions tend to be on the lower scale compared to the corporate sector, employees working with NGOs and nonprofits derive their motivation from the satisfaction that they gain from serving and helping the community.

Job areas include

• Community relations

• Environmental

• Services (children, youth, family, elderly, special needs and healthcare)

• Social work

• Volunteer development

Skills required

• Problem-solving ability

• Organisation skills

• Communication skills

• Technical skills (depending on the role)

Job hunting tips

• Employers look for candidates who are able to demonstrate their commitment to the cause and contribute to the organisation

• Entry requirements vary depending on the type of work involved. However, graduates must always demonstrate that they are committed to the organisation and can help its cause to grow

• A speculative approach may be fruitful in this sector. Identify organisations of interest and contact them directly even if they do not appear to have job openings