For all students, getting a job is a priority after graduation, but job openings vary wildly depending on what subjects you studied. It’s a classic trope that most parents want their kids to be a doctor or lawyer because of the perception of prestige and wealth, but as we’ve all read, being either doesn’t necessarily guarantee wealth.
In recent years, we’ve heard various people speak about how students shouldn’t be judged on how well they performed at school, or how qualifications shouldn’t be the most important part of job application. However, look around at job sites, you’ll notice that many business are STILL hiring based on those criteria.
Considering how local businesses are bemoaning a lack of skills in some of these areas, and how local grads are blaming a tide of incoming foreign talent for the lack of job opportunities, it may be more a matter of understanding the issue. In order for businesses to grow, they need employees with the ideal skillset; in order for grads to find jobs, they need to fit in with these openings.
So if you’re still deciding on what to study, maybe look at these in-demand skills Singapore needs in order to make the most of your degree. (Don’t worry, they’re not all IT.)
IT skills
No surprise here: IT skills are highly in demand across all industries. Up-and-coming digital tech fields call for qualifications and training in data analytics, software writing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, coding, web design, or even hacking.
Fresh grads who demonstrate strong IT skills will stand better chance of qualifying for coveted and specialised job roles, with attractive remuneration in the years to come.
Engineering
Look around you, and you’ll notice a ton of construction work going on – from the new Changi Airport terminal to new MRT networks, mega projects are generating a lot of job opportunities in this sector, according to a report by CFE.
By 2020, the field of engineering (and project management) will have a projected 3,000 job openings.
Data analysis
Data analysts are in high demand all over the world, since companies need to make prudent business decisions. Fresh grads with strong data analysis skills, expertise in data mining and big data will lead the ranks at reputed employer brands.
Tertiary institutions now have courses such as business analytics – but it would still be a few more years before there’s a regular pipeline of trained specialist skills to meet the demand.
Digital marketing skills
People rely a lot on their mobiles and the internet now more than ever, which makes digital marketing the latest in-demand talent for businesses to reach their audience. If you’re skilled in Instagram or other socials, why not take course in digital marketing?
Marketing skills in SEO, SEM, CRM, and digital analytics are extremely sought after, and the best part is that it’s a skill you can already apply to your daily online routine.
Compliance
As a financial hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore needs regulatory and compliance professionals for all the financial institutions based here. With brand new ground broken in terms of fintech, there will be a need for someone to provide assistance in funding and analysing business risks.
Fresh grads with in-depth knowledge of commercial loans, broking and financial investments will be sought after.
Life sciences and healthcare
With Singapore’s rapidly aging society (folks entering retirement age have doubled in the last 2 years), there’s definitely a need for healthcare professionals to cater to the aged since the number of professionals in this field are soon to be retired, according to the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) reports.
If you are passionate about helping people, consider life sciences and healthcare subjects like nursing and physiology, or digital specialisation in health examinations.
Foreign language skills
Google Translate may be a tool we use a lot, but as Singapore gets more global, there will be more demand for those proficient in foreign languages. Organisations are now training their sales professionals with crucial language skills during business travel, so if you’ve already got the language skill, you’ll have the leg up (and possible travel perks).
