Property and Real Estate

Acareer in property involves a range of work from sales and lettings to property management and consultancy services. Graduates will work with clients interested in investing in residential, commercial and industrial property, as well as land to be developed.

This field has opportunities for graduates of any degree discipline, but those in business, economics, law, construction and engineering are particularly helpful. However, certain areas of work – such as property surveying – will require specific degrees or qualifications as stipulated by the Singapore government.

Aspiring property surveyors and real estate agents must be registered with the Land Surveyors Board (LSB) and the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) respectively.

Understandably, the real estate sector in Singapore contracted in the first half of 2020, before suddenly jumping in the later half. In 2021, resales for private condominiums reached a 10-year high, and continued to climb in 2022, although at a slower pace. However, the rising costs of construction has brought about concerns of a real estate price bubble.

Job areas include

• Sales, lettings and acquisitions

• Auctioneering

• Valuation

• Property management

Skills required

• An eye for detail

• Communication skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Commercial awareness

• Problem-solving ability

Job hunting tips

• The graduate recruitment process varies between employers. Larger companies may look for potential candidates at recruitment talks and careers fairs, while smaller companies hire as needed

• As job opportunities are not widely advertised, it is generally recommended to send in speculative applications

• Communication and marketing skills are key, so you should make sure that your application highlights them

• Business awareness needs to be shown, so keep up-to-date with property trends

Public Sector

The public sector is Singapore’s largest employer, consisting of different ministries, statutory boards and a variety of organisations such as the Public Service Division, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team. Graduates engaged in public service often find their roles to be satisfying and fulfilling.

Roles, job scopes and skills required may vary, as they hinge on the ministry that you are hired into. In general, though, all public sector employees must possess a passion to serve the community and have good teamwork and communication skills. Maturity in order to draw up and execute national policies is vital, as well.

As a public sector employee, you will benefit from frequent training for upskilling and job security, and may also be offered flexible working hours should the need arise. However, do be prepared for longer working hours during peak periods, such as before project deadlines and launches of new initiatives.

Many graduates enter the public sector through graduate programmes organised by the individual bodies, but departments and organisations also hire graduates directly. Do make it a habit to check in with the ministries that you are interested in for new positions available.

Job areas include

• Government agencies

• Ministries

• Statutory boards

• Uniformed groups

Skills required

• Communication skills

• Organisational skills

• To be a team player

• Good interpersonal skills

Job hunting tips

• As this sector offers a wide range of positions, do thorough research and find and identify the fields of work which interest you. Be prepared for a series of interviews and assessments, too!

• Keep in mind that psychometric tests may be included in your recruitment process, as well