The completion of your GCE O-Level marks the end of a chapter and the opening of numerous educational pathways. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the various avenues available after this significant milestone.

Immerse in A-Levels or Pre-University Studies

Many graduates opt for the enriching experience of pre-university or A-Level programmes. The immersive two-year course serves as a pivotal stepping stone towards higher education. They not only serve as gateways to universities but also offer students opportunities to specialise in chosen fields, providing an in-depth understanding of and preparation for university.

Exploring the Practical Side: Vocational and Technical Education

For those inclined towards hands-on learning and practical skills, vocational and technical education is an inviting avenue. These programmes, available at polytechnics or vocational schools, cover a wide spectrum of fields, including automotive technology, culinary arts, healthcare, and information technology. They provide specialised training and expertise that are aligned with the demands of the industry.

Unveiling the International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB programme serves as a beacon for globalised education, focusing on critical thinking and holistic development. Specifically tailored for students aged 16-19, the IB Diploma programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that spans languages, sciences, mathematics, and arts. Its emphasis on creativity, service, and research fosters a well-rounded learning experience for individuals seeking an internationally recognised education, and one that nurtures a global perspective.

Pursue Diploma or Certificate Programmes

Specialised institutions and technical colleges offer diploma or certificate programmes catering to various industries. From graphic design to early childhood development, these programmes equip individuals with targeted skills in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner, preparing them for specific roles and industries.

Undergo Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

Apprenticeships blend theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on experience, creating a well-rounded learning environment. Some companies in industries such as healthcare, construction, and IT offer apprenticeship, providing individuals with the opportunity to earn while gaining valuable skills essential for professional growth.

Consider taking up an Associate Degree

An associate degree offers a comprehensive two-year educational journey that goes beyond the curricula of certificates or diplomas. This qualification serves as a pivotal stepping stone towards a bachelor’s degree and opens doors to diverse job functions and industries; from business administration and IT, to healthcare and beyond.

Take a Breather: Gap Year or Voluntary Service

A gap year after O-Levels is a transformative period for personal growth and exploration. Whether through travel, volunteer engagements, part-time work, or personal projects, this hiatus fosters self-reflection, allowing individuals to recalibrate their goals before embarking on higher education.

Enter the Workforce Directly

Some graduates opt to kick-start their careers immediately after O-Levels. While gaining hands-on experience is commendable, it’s essential to contemplate how acquiring additional qualifications might expand one鈥檚 horizons and career prospects, ensuring a more versatile skill set for long-term success.

Prepare for Specialised Examinations and Certifications

Certain professions mandate specific certifications or examinations. Researching and preparing for these assessments early can streamline the path toward a desired career, such as the rigorous Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination for aspiring accountants, ensuring preparedness and competence in the chosen field.

Explore International Educational Opportunities

Diversifying one’s education with global programmes like IB, Advanced Placement (AP) or by studying abroad provides one with invaluable cultural immersion and a broader worldview. These experiences not only enrich academic credentials but also foster personal growth and adaptability, nurturing a deeper understanding of global perspectives and cultural diversity.

In Conclusion

Life after O-Levels is brimming with multifaceted possibilities. It’s a phase which offers one the opportunity to align their aptitudes with their interests. Take the time to conduct thorough research, seek guidance, and set a trajectory towards personal and professional growth. This juncture marks a pivotal moment in shaping one’s future. Remember, the ideal path is one that resonates with individual aspirations and ambitions

At 51爆料, we believe in nurturing our students to make the most of their education, and turn their dreams and aspirations into reality. Being one of the oldest not-for-profit Institutes of Higher Learning in Singapore, 51爆料 offers a wide range of tertiary education programmes designed to cater to every education pathway from A-Levels to diplomas and degrees with a global relevance and recognition.

In addition, working together with renowned universities from the UK and US, the emphasis is on equipping students with industry-ready skills and knowledge to take on the world. Contact our consultants today for any enquiries, and they will gladly assist you.

Learning effectively is essential to academic success, and not simply about how long or short your study sessions last. In fact, it depends on both how and when you decide to study. Everyone’s internal body clock and circadian rhythm play an integral part in influencing our study styles and methods. This is applicable even if it is for primary school education or completing a master鈥檚 programme. Let鈥檚 discover how science can assist with finding optimal study times as well as suggestions on optimising study schedules in order to reach maximum efficiency.

Morning Glory

Many find morning to be the ideal time for productive study sessions and focused concentration. According to research, our cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and problem-solving skills peak during this hour of the day. Several students聽 studying the MBA in Singapore universities also have reported this.

One factor contributing to increased alertness and decreased sleep inertia (the wake-up grogginess) is caused by cortisol levels rising naturally each morning – helping you wake up feeling fresher while maintaining optimal brain operation. If you feel that you are more focused and alert in the morning, then that might be an ideal time to tackle difficult subjects or engage in intensive studying sessions.

It鈥檚 High Noon

Some individuals do not find early rising to be natural and that is perfectly fine. Instead, they may notice an increase in cognitive capabilities during the afternoon hours – this phenomenon is known as the afternoon benefit. Your body’s temperature, alertness and reaction time tend to peak around this time.

Afternoons are an ideal time to strengthen knowledge, revisit material or participate in study groups. Furthermore, this time of the day can be great to work on creative tasks that require brainstorming – your brain tends to work better and is more flexible during this period than at other times of the day.

Night Owls

Although going against conventional wisdom may result in lower productivity than trying to establish a morning schedule – night owls often prefer night sessions over morning routines as these often result in higher concentration levels and productivity levels.

However, if you tend to study late into the night, it would be beneficial to adjust your schedule according to your circadian rhythm. Be mindful of getting enough restful sleep as sleeping too little can affect both cognitive performance and general health.

Consistency is Key to Find your Rhythm

Your optimal time for learning depends upon your own circadian rhythms. Play around with different study times until you find one that works well for you!

Consider other aspects such as daily commitments, your work timetable and family obligations when scheduling study time. Although it is ideal to study at times most suitable to you, you may not always have that time freed up. Therefore, it may be beneficial to fit shorter study sessions into your schedule to ensure that you are on the right track.

While identifying your most productive cognitive hours is vital to success, having a regular study schedule is also critical to maximise learning capabilities. People thrive with routines. Thus, having an established study routine will enable you to optimise your learning potential.

Unstable sleep patterns or fluctuating study schedules can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, impairing your ability to focus and retain information. Therefore, whether you are an early riser or an afternoon person, make sure you set a consistent study schedule in order to be more efficient during each study session.

Strategies to Optimise your Study Schedule

Now that we understand the significance of aligning study time to your circadian rhythm, here are a few helpful strategies to maximise your study time:

Establish a Study Routine: It is crucial that you create a daily study routine that is realistic and one that you can keep up with. Consistency is key in establishing effective routines.

Prioritise Complex Tasks: Set aside your best cognitive hours for more complex topics or assignments that require serious concentration.

Avoid Cramming: Instead of studying all at once the night before your examination , break up your studies throughout the day in order to understand and retain material more easily.

Get Enough Rest: To maintain proper brain functionality and optimal memory, ensure you get enough restful sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can adversely impact your concentration throughout your day.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Nutrition and hydration are critical elements for cognitive performance, especially before studying. Be careful not to have heavy meals before studying, as it could make you feel fatigued easily.

Reduce Distractions: Create an uncluttered study space and consider using the Pomodoro Technique (a time management routine based on 25-minute stretches of focused work with intervals of a 5-minute break to stay focused while studying.

The Bottom Line

The optimal time and place to study and perform well in examinations varies for everyone, depending on your study habits. However, aligning your study time with your daily rhythms and activities, can increase productivity and make your study sessions more fruitful. Finding out your own rhythm – early riser, afternoon person or night-owl – and maintaining it throughout your studies is vital in attaining academic success. Get acquainted with your internal clock; focus on studying during these key hours of the day and watch your performance soar!

Our mental health has an impact on our physical health, and vice versa. How we feel emotionally is influenced by our physical well-being. The interaction between our mind and body becomes evident through various expressions. When we are depressed or stressed, it may indicate that we have difficulty falling asleep.

When we are hurt or injured, the pain can occasionally be made worse by stress or frustration. We may also experience increased irritability or rage, sadness or worry if we are ill or injured. When hopeful, we are more inclined to experience joy, and more likely to feel that we are living a meaningful life.

The Major Issues of Mental Health

Mental health has a major impact on the way in which we interact with others in social settings, make decisions in different occasions, and deal with stress in our everyday life. People’s ability to live fulfilling lives are highly influenced by our mental health. Therefore, public health professionals should consider prioritizing the protection and restoration of mental health for the sake of their health and well-being. Let鈥檚 take a look at the major concerns of mental health at workplace.

Workplace issues, worry, anxiety or stress can contribute to mental health problems. Mental health issues frequently impair concentration, which can jeopardize a person’s job performance. Depression is associated with difficulty focusing, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Reduced productivity can limit one’s ability to perform well, earn promotions, and develop successful relationships with co-workers and higher management, all of which can have an impact on job satisfaction. Workplace absenteeism can also be influenced by mental health issues or unhappiness at work.

This may result in a person losing their job or having less opportunity to make a living. As a result, it’s crucial to maintain a work-life balance where one gives equal priority to both their career and their personal life.

3 Ways to take Care of your Mental Health and Well-being

Physical and mental health are equally important. It is possible to prevent mental health problems in the future by nurturing our mental health. For example, stress management can help reduce the potential of heart disease. When our mental health is in good shape, it extends to other aspects of our overall well-being too.

1) Learn to Manage Stress

Stress is a major factor that can negatively impact both physical and mental health. There are many different ways to manage stress, such as exercise, watching your favourite cartoon movie, going for a body massage or taking a walk in nature and listening to birds whispering or leaves rustling in the forest.

2) Follow a Healthy Diet

It is also possible to improve mood and reduce stress through a healthy diet. There are several nutrients that increase blood flow, including omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin E, and polyphenols found in red wine, blueberries, and dark chocolate. Thus, a healthy diet improves brain function by enhancing blood flow, which improves nutrient delivery to the brain.

3) Practice Mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness involves being in the moment without passing judgment. It may be beneficial for lowering stress, boosting mood, and raising self-awareness. Learning to meditate using singing bowls, deep breathing exercises, or relaxing yoga can all improve your long-term mental health.

We can enhance our overall health and well-being by making small changes one step at a time, to improve our overall wellbeing. However, if you are unlikely to improve over time, it would be best to seek professional guidance.

Your Guide to Seeking Professional Guidance

1) Help Someone in Need

If a friend confides in you about suicidal thoughts, you may be taken aback or react emotionally. Whatever your response, try to be non-judgmental and patient while expressing genuine concern.

2) Listen to Understand

Extend a listening ear and listen to understand their emotions. Understand their point of view and acknowledge their challenges. Be empathetic and show genuine concern in supporting them by extending a helping hand.

3) Encourage them to Seek Help

Assure them that it is alright to seek professional help if they may need to do so. You may offer to accompany them for a visit to the psychologist to make them feel secure.  Be with them to alleviate their loneliness and uncertainties.

4) Make a Referral

If you come across someone that may be at risk of suicide or is thinking of making an attempt to suicide. You may refer the person to to make an appointment to see a counsellor via CareMail service pat@sos.org.sg or call the 24-hour Hotline at 1-767 or 24-hour CareText: WhatsApp: 9151 1767‍. Together, we can offer support to those who require assistance, and also to those we hold dear.”

What are the Essential Skills for a Career in Psychology?

If you like to interact with people and are keen to help people manage their emotional, behavioural and psychological needs, learn more about the essential soft skills and mandatory qualifications required to be a psychologist to start your career. Let鈥檚 look at the essential psychological skills required.

Psychologists use a wide range of technical and people skills to be effective clinicians and counsellors. In order to relate to patients and determine the most effective course of treatment for them, a good counsellor balances their logical and empathic thinking. Research, active listening, communication, behavioural testing, teamwork, ethics, patience, problem-solving, and mediation are some of the essential skills for psychologists.

Where Can I Learn More About Psychology?

In 51爆料, the School of Psychology offers multiple programmes for you to choose from. We provide a path for education that starts with an International Foundation Diploma and ends with a Master’s degree in Psychological Science. We provide a holistic learning experience that covers the fundamentals of the five fields of psychology – cognitive, clinical, social, developmental, and biological 鈥� all under one roof.

View some of the psychology courses that 51爆料 has to offer.

Diploma programme | /-international-foundation-diploma-in-stema-psychology

Degree programme | /bachelor-of-science-hons-in-psychological-and-behavioural-science

For programme enquiries, please contact our friendly consultants:

Mr Douglas Koh | Mobile/WhatsApp: +65 9430 1901 | Email: douglas_kohfb@mdis.edu.sg

Mr Wilson Neo | Mobile/WhatsApp: +65 9673 3392 | Email: wilson_neows@mdis.edu.sg

The Changing Landscape  

The human impact on the environment is staggering 鈥� natural resources of our finite planet are being used up at an exponential rate. As the global economy transitions toward digitisation, automation, and environmentally sustainable industries, it demands more digital and green focused jobs, especially in the context of current climate challenges and the instability of the geopolitical landscape.   

The youth of today require digital skills and knowledge in managing our environment conscientiously, to navigate an expanding 鈥渆co-economy鈥�. Skills without which will aggravate an already growing worldwide youth unemployment crisis, exacerbated by an interrupted workforce.  

The Solution: Education  

Productivity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation are by-products of education.  

The interconnected system of society and culture, the economy, and ecological life support are embedded in each other.   

Forward planning rooted in education is the key to unlocking real change. The domino effect of an educated body of youth will help to answer innumerable issues socially, environmentally, and beyond global economic growth.   

Find out how you can meet the demand for digital affluence and green conscientiousness through these programmes at 51爆料: 

• Safety and Environmental Management
• Media and Communications
• Digital Technology
• Engineering

Read more here:  

1. Time Audit: Calculate how much time you actually spend on your current tasks 

2. Set goals & time limit: What are your Most Important Tasks to achieving your goals? Can you delegate the less important tasks? How much time are you willing to give up?  Give yourself a certain amount of time for your tasks 

3. Prioritize: List down your tasks from most important & urgent to least important & not urgent. Delete the not important or urgent.

4. Break Time: Step away from long tasks and come back with fresh eyes.

5. Stay Organized: Organization is key to keeping track of your goals. Plan your daily activities and keep track of your deadlines.

6. Be Patient: It鈥檚 ok to break away from your plans once in a while 鈥� you are human, not a machine! Not everything will go according to plan, so it’s most important that you are patient with yourself 

Returning to the Workplace 

Since 2020, it has been over 2 years since Singapore started a hybrid mode of working from home and working in office. With the adjustment of Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) level from Orange to Yellow on 26 April 2022, there are no more restriction for social gathering. Thus, employees in organisations are allowed to return to their offices every day. However, it affects employees differently. Some employees enjoy the new normal but some employees experience 鈥榬eturn anxiety鈥�. 

Readjusting to the 鈥楴ew 鈥榦ld Normal鈥欌�� 

You might think that we are just returning to how it was pre-pandemic; we should be accustomed to it. Hence, it is not that big of a change. However, that is not entirely true. A survey conducted by The Straits Times revealed that 10% of respondents were willing to live with the COVID-19 restrictions beyond two years. This group may have feelings of anxiety when returning to the workplace 鈥� a reaction some experts have termed 鈥渞e-entry anxiety鈥� or 鈥渞eturn anxiety鈥�.  

All of us have spent the last 2 years living in a COVID-19 pandemic era, going through the routine of social distancing ourselves in public. So much so that when we return to the workplace, even minimal social interactions with our colleagues will make us stressed at work. 

Reducing Return-to-Work Anxiety 

The Distress Cycle

To help reduce anxiety and stress and prevent a loss of productivity, we can attempt to break the distress cycle by the methods of identifying, monitoring and controlling workplace stressors.聽

Some people are afraid of interacting with others, including people who may not be vaccinated or are not respecting public health measures. It becomes the main stressor which causes 鈥榬eturn anxiety鈥�. Thus, that鈥檚 why public support like wearing a mask while indoor and staying home while sick is still important and necessary. Supervisors shall remind their staffs; schools shall remind their students if non-compliance occurs.  

Some people are used to the lifestyle with remote work and feel stressed if the working mode is switched suddenly. It is more beneficial to promote work-life balance, work at a reasonable pace, and avoid overtime as much as possible. If there is difficulty in coping deficiencies and increasing productivity, a timely communication and consultation with supervisors is also helpful to make tasks and assignments more manageable to break the distress cycle. 

8 Benefits of Reading Regularly

• Improves brain connectivity
• Increases your vocabulary and comprehension
• Empowers you to empathize with other people
• Aids in sleep readiness
• Reduces stress
• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
• Fights depression symptoms
• Prevents cognitive decline as you age

If you’re not learning, you’re not growing – but how do we learn better?!

How do we improve retaining and processing new information?

Here are some important tips on how you can boost your learning.

Exercise: Beyond general fitness, break up your study with light, regular exercise

Focus: Focus your attention for up to 25 mins, followed by a break

Metacognition: Keep learning about learning, know your strengths and embrace your ‘growth mindest’

Sleep: Invest in regular sleep and consolidate memories

Mental Models: Start with a big picture to create a framework before filling in the detail

Retrieve: Actively recall your memories through tests and/or reflective conversations

Spaced Repetition: Break up and distribute your study rather than doing it in a single block

Context: Vary your environment rather than sticking to the same study setting

This article will explore the key differences between an MBA and MSc and which option could best align with your personal career goals and aspirations.

What is an MBA (Master of Business Administration)?

An MBA or Master of Business Administration is an advanced course of study designed to prepare and equip individuals for managerial and senior leadership positions.

It involves studying the theory and application of business and various management principles.

If your goal is to gain broad knowledge on the general approach to management, you should consider taking up an MBA.

Depending on the awarding university and type of MBA, you will study advanced modules in subjects such as Banking and Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management and Leadership & Innovation.

The knowledge is typically gathered from a variety of case studies and wrapped up with a research dissertation.

Different universities offer different MBA programmes with different modes of study ranging from a typical one to two-year duration of either full-time or part-time. Each MBA programme has its own requirements in terms of admission standards or length of work experience for candidates.

In addition, different MBA qualifications come with different accreditations to create a distinctive value between education providers and in terms of quality recognition around the world.

MBA graduates are generally highly competitive and very much sought after among employers and are suitable for individuals with strong business acumen.

The skills acquired from studying an MBA certainly benefit many to become senior leaders who can run various organisations, manage internal and external resources, and ultimately to lead others effectively.

Since an MBA qualification is widely recognised globally, for those of us looking to migrate to a different country in the future, it will certainly be beneficial and valuable in securing jobs and opportunities.

What is an MSc (Master of Science)?

An MSc or Master of Science course focuses on the technical, theoretical, or body of knowledge in a specific subject matter such as Engineering, Science, and Medicine. In today鈥檚 environment, many schools are now offering postgraduate degrees in critical areas like public health, health & safety, cybersecurity, as well as tourism & hospitality.

Commonly, MSc courses are available both full-time and part-time and both options usually include writing a research component or a thesis.

It is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated high-level capability and proficiency at an advanced stage of a specialised field of knowledge and hence it is also a pathway towards a doctorate degree.

Individuals with MSc degrees are deemed experts or specialists in their specific fields making it an excellent option for people looking to switch careers and go in-depth towards a specialised subject.

What are the key differences between an MBA and MSc

MBA and MSc have clear distinctions with wide-ranging and far-reaching implications which can affect your chosen career path. It is of vital importance that one determines the personal need and use of an MBA or MSc before deciding to embark on that journey.

MBA

• It鈥檚 more general in nature and basically focused on the big picture
• Covers a wide range of subject areas
• It suits individuals looking to advance their careers
• Used to acquire management and business skills

MSc

• Specialised field and is focused on details
• Covers on specific subject area
• Suits those who want to go in-depth or switch careers
• Used to gain technical skills in a chosen area of study

What opportunities are available for MBA and MSc graduates?

Many organisations require specialists with MSc to utilise their in-depth knowledge to bring about a breakthrough and achieve a certain result. On the other hand, organisations also rely on MBA holders to oversee, plan long-term goals, fix problems and drive the business forward. What kind of opportunities are there for an MBA and MSc graduate?

An MBA graduate can work in leadership and managerial role in virtually any industry in the world. The employment opportunities include investment banking, finance, private equity, and consulting. Roles for MBA graduates in traditional business functions also include sales, marketing, business development, and operations, among others.

An MSc degree holder is relevant in the operations of specific tasks depending on the field of study. Various opportunities include laboratory science, medicine, 3D printing technology, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, computer science, engineering, information systems, and other roles that require an in-depth knowledge of a specific subject matter.

Entry requirements for an MBA

So what do you actually need to pursue an MBA programme? Typically, a candidate must be of age 19 and above and have a relevant undergraduate degree, or an equivalent professional qualification to be considered.

To study an MBA, having work experience can be valuable in the admission process to enter the programme. Many MBA programmes don’t specify the course you should study as an undergraduate to be accepted. Hence, your prior qualifications don’t necessarily have to be finance or business-related (although this might help in terms of relevancy).

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you can still be eligible if you can demonstrate a certain degree of work experience. Suppose you’re in a senior role in a company and don’t have a formal academic background. In this case, you can be considered based on academic judgment (candidates should have a portfolio of evidence indicating experience and capability in managerial positions).

Entry requirements for MSc courses

Unlike an MBA, MSc courses will generally require an undergraduate degree in a relevant or similar subject. You could be accepted by demonstrating your interests with work experience in a related field. However, you may need to check with the admission department at the college or university to find out if your qualifications are deemed acceptable. You can visit our website and chat with our friendly education consultants who are ready to help with your programme selection and eligibility criteria.

MBA or MSc? Why You Should Enrol with 51爆料!

After comparing between an MBA and MSc degree, you’ll ultimately need an institution that works best for you. 51爆料 is one of the well-established schools in Singapore since 1956 that’ll help you upscale your educational value.

We offer both full-time and part-time choices for MBA and MSc programmes. Our team of education consultants provides sound and reliable advice on the best possible study path suitable for your qualifications and preferences.

Other articles you may be interested in:
How to choose an MBA Program
10 Proven Skills to Elevate Your Employability

In 2020, there are many rising careers that you might not have heard of a decade ago. For your ease of reference, we have researched and identified 14 top jobs in Singapore and the skills needed for those careers.   There are plenty of options to choose from, find a job that excites you and fits with your personality and skill sets.  

Job 1: Aged Care Worker

With the rising aged population in Singapore, it鈥檚 not surprising that one of the top jobs in Singapore is for the aged care industry.

One of which could include being a staff nurse in the nursing care center or an old folks home. If you find 鈥榓h mas鈥� and 鈥榓h gongs鈥� cute and enjoy spending time with them, then this is the job for you.

Being a staff nurse not only requires one to have patience but also requires you to go the extra mile for the comfort of the elderly. Key responsibilities include taking care of the elderly by performing nursing procedures, handling the  activities of daily living of the elderly, developing and evaluating care plans and goals and liaising with other healthcare partners and family on treatment procedures.

You will need to be registered with the. Professional tips: Learning a few common dialects will help you stand out in this career. While you are at it, it doesn鈥檛 hurt to get a degree in nursing or even a masters in health care management.

Job 2: Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Always wanted to be the man behind the desk who assisted superheroes to save the world like in those Marvel movies? Or perhaps creating an Instagram filter that can legit predict your next meal is your passion. This may not be a thing of the future, in fact, there is a growing demand for jobs in Singapore for artificial intelligence specialists in many industries such as IT, higher education, finance and e-commerce. 

Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence in machines to exhibit traits associated with the human mind. Who teaches the computer to think? You! As an artificial intelligence specialist, you need to be genuinely passionate about AI, big data, machine learning and transform the knowledge into technology and implement product road maps for the company. 

As technology evolves with time, you need to have a keen mind and not only keep up with the latest trend but implement new landscape and be willing to experiment with new ideas and new domains. Unlock the value of big data, ideate and develop the next new thing. For a career in artificial intelligence, some skills you will require includes a strong background in programming, system analysis and fluency in several computer languages such a python and C#.

Job 3: Website Developer

Maybe building machines and robots is not your cup of tea, you like aesthetically pleasing pages and have a neck for programming. You could be a website developer. With over 627,000 new business1 openings each year, there is always a need for a new website or a revamp website making website developer the next top job in Singapore.. 

There is an increase in need for businesses to go digital with the recent development of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a website developer, you can create hope for companies who are struggling to shift their business online.

You will need to have a deep understanding of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery and API鈥檚. Having knowledge in React.js, Node.js, AngularJS, JavaScript, MongoDB and Amazon Web Services (AWS) will be an added advantage. You can pick up these skills with an IT degree. 

Set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates with experience in security principles and management especially in e-commerce applications. 

Professional tip: While you are already good at programming, pick up some skills in marketing such as search engine optimisation, search engine marketing and business analytics. This will add value to your client and their business and help you stand out in one of the highly sought after jobs in Singapore.. 

As Steuart Henderson Britt said, doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does. If you have an awesome website, flaunt it!

Job 4: Video Producer

Are you a creative and organised person? If so, you are the right combination for a Video Producer. Do you think that a Video Producer only shoots video and edits videos? Well, you’re not wrong, but there is more to the plate of a video producer. In a growing digital world, video producers are one of the highly sought jobs in Singapore. 

Beyond shooting and editing videos, a Video Producer handles the ideation process, setting the creative direction, setting a budget, writing scripts, organising logistics, skillfully handling deadlines and ensuring that the team has the correct tools to do the job well.²

From shooting a  television series to producing social media friendly videos, there is a whole range of industry you can join as a Video Producer. You will need to be familiar with a wide range of video editing softwares such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro etc., 

Producing a portfolio of your previous works that display creative and engaging content would definitely be a boost and sometimes even required by your employer. Some candidates shoot their own videos while on a holiday trip. These will come in handy when you do not have any working experience as a fresh graduate.  Depending on the company, you may need to double up as a scriptwriter. Keep those school project scripts ready in hand.

Job 5: Creative Copywriter

Not so techy but have a flair for creative writing? You could be a professional creative copywriter. With machinery taking over many jobs, this is one job that needs a living human being to do the job. Almost every company needs someone who can sell their products on various mediums with words.

Depending on the company’s need, you could work for a company and be a copywriting specialist or be a freelancer. Your job includes transforming client鈥檚 briefs to slogans, jingles, scripts, social media captions, prints, anything that sells and captures attention. 

As a copywriter, you will need to balance many projects at once and be able to efficiently contribute to the different verticals of a company or in the case of a freelancer, different companies. Your duties may include proofreading copies and collaborating with other designers and PRs on larger scale marketing projects. 

Professional tip: An understanding of marketing strategies such as search engine optimsation will be an added advantage to help you to write copies that can boost your company鈥檚 ranking on google search page.  

Job 6: Accountant

There is a saying, 鈥淏ehind every good business is a great accountant鈥�(author unknown). Every business needs accountants to keep their expenses in check. If numbers have always been your thing and you have an eye for detail, you are in luck. Most companies are going to need accountants who have the expertise to complete daily bookkeeping to navigating tax laws and even provide insights on how to grow their businesses.

As an accountant, you will be expected to manage day-to-day operating expenditures and ensure efficient usage of resources. You should be comfortable to record general ledger entries including month-end and year-end closing activities and prepare financial reports (profit and loss, cash flow statements, balance sheets etc.,). Get these skills with an accounting qualification. 

To be a great accountant, be proactive and suggest initiatives that can enhance timeliness accuracy and save the company money. 

Job 7: Workplace Safety and Health Coordinator

Have you ever received a call that your loved one is in the hospital due an accident at their workplace? That is a scary thought to imagine. Everyone should have the right to work in a safe environment. A healthy and safe employee is a happy and productive employee.  As a Workplace Safety Health (WSH) Coordinator, you will have the duty and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of your company and colleagues.

As a WSH Coordinator, your job scope includes implementing safety requirements and recommending measures to minimise hazards and risks at work. Most jobs will require an education in workplace safety and environmental management. You will be required to investigate any incidents and provide advice on remedial control measures. Depending on the company, you may assist with audit, accident or incident investigation and conduct and coordinate safety training courses. 

Job 8: Electrical Engineer

Ever heard of this saying? An engineer comes up with solutions to solve problems that are important to society. If you like to see your efforts transcribe into tangible results, engineering is a career for you. Just like in the medical world, engineers get to specialise in different aspects. Let鈥檚 explore the highly in-demand electrical engineering qualification.

Think of electrical engineering as more of a hands on engineer. Electrical engineers focus on the design, testing and manufacturing of components ensuring its safe use. Your day-to-day operations may include designing an electrical system that transmits energy, checking a system or equipment for safety, lead on-site installation etc.³ 

You may also take part in development and research along with other engineers or researchers on your team. Electrical engineering is one of the industries with the broadest fields. You will need at least a degree in electrical engineering for this job and knowledge in AutoCAD. 

Job 9: Robotics Engineer

Robots are machines that are programmable by a computer to carry out a complex series of actions automatically.  Think about all the convenience we get from having a mobile phone. Robots also help us do the jobs that are either tedious or too risky.

Singapore has also used 鈥渞obodog鈥� to promote safe distancing at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Here’s a close up:

There are endless ways in which a robot can serve humanity. Because of the precision of robots in undertaking specific tasks, they can be programmed for carrying out surgical functions to assist doctors. As the name suggests, as a robotics engineer, you will spend the majority of your time designing and building robots. You will need a degree in engineering preferably specialised in Robotics and be familiar with C++, Python, ROS, Git and have experience in building an actual physical robot.

Job 10:Nurse Researcher

When you are all alone in a hospital ward, uncertain about the future ahead, it鈥檚 always heartwarming to have a nurse who sincerely cares and tends to your needs. Nursing is more than a job, it is a calling. Besides the care nurses provide, there is a team of researchers who study the best way a patient can receive treatment and have a higher quality of life.

Nurse researchers are scientists who provide clinical based knowledge by studying various aspects of health, illness and health care. As a nurse researcher, you search for answers to medical problems. Your main objective is to find better treatment often for a targeted population such as the elderly; improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from chronic illness and improve medical services offered to those in 鈥渆nd-of-life鈥� situations. 

You will require clinical knowledge in nursing preferably a degree or master and will be working at hospitals, clinics or research laboratories. You will be responsible to design and run your own research on specific healthcare issues. The result of your studies may be published in medical journals. 

Job 11: Forensic Scientist

Are you interested in fighting the crime scene and have a stomach for gory details? You don鈥檛 have to be a police officer to fight off the bad guys. As a forensic scientist, you too can play a role in protecting and bringing justice to the innocent by taking a methodological approach. 

You will be searching and examining contact trace materials associated with crimes that include blood and other body fluids. If these do not scare you off, you are onto a good start. With the result, you will be required to sift and sort evidence and analyse computer data and interpret results. As a forensic scientist, your office hours are typically 9 to 5 but crimes can happen at any time, so be ready to do shifts if necessary. You will need a degree in biochemistry or forensic science. 

Job 12: Hotel Manager

Do you love meeting different people? Are you good at managing both people and details? Love working in a hospitality industry? You may consider working as a hotel manager. Working in a hotel can be both challenging and rewarding. 

You will be overseeing all aspects from housekeeping to budget management to dealing with customer鈥檚 complaints and marketing of the hotel. Your work requires you to be efficient in meeting a long line of demands and ensuring your customer has the best experience at your hotel. In this fast growing industry, service skills are paramount. After all, you are an ambassador of the country to the tourists.

As a hotel manager, you will need to have some experience working in this industry. As competition can be stiff, having a master鈥檚 degree in tourism and hospitality can give you that added boost of confidence. Besides an education, you do need to be good with numbers, have good verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills as these are the core skills required in customer service.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a dip in this industry. Nevertheless, we are confident that we will come out of this stronger just like we have done before during the SARS period.

Job 13: Entrepreneur

Have you decided to be your own boss and call all the shots? You may need more than just a good idea and capital. If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and put in the extra hours knowing that it is not a path to quick money, read on!

As an entrepreneur, you have to equip yourself with the skills to come up with a solid business plan. That includes marketing plans, learning how to sell by creating value and getting the word out in the market. You may also need to find investors and you could be the first investor. But before you spend your money, learn to use tools to identify who is your target audience and understand their spending habits and capabilities. A master鈥檚 degree in Business Administration will come in handy to provide you the stepping stone to setting up your own business.

Job 14: Digital Marketer

Are you always on your social media? You can get paid for doing so as a digital marketer. Most companies require digital marketers but it is going to take more than just posting a few photos and videos to make it. In the world of digital marketing, things are never the same for long.

As a digital marketer, you are required to keep up with market trends and understand the product and your market well. Depending on your company鈥檚 size, you may double up as a content marketer as well as a social media marketer. 

Your day-to-day functions include ideating and crafting social media content, driving traffic to your websites, running advertisements on different platforms such as Google Search Network and Facebook and making sense of the data generated. You may occasionally be making trips to the different outlets of your company in efforts to understand the product and consumer鈥檚 behaviour. 

You will need to have a degree preferably in Marketing and a portfolio. Knowledge of design tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and video editing tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects will help you to stand out from the crowd. Professional tip: Earn yourself a certificate in google advertisements in Google鈥檚 free online class, . As the algorithm changes from time to time, your certificate will be valid for up to a year.

Not every job will be your cup of tea, know your strengths, know your weaknesses. Choose a job that fits your personality type and work hard and smart to fill the gaps you lack. You don鈥檛 have to conform to the , not everyone can be a good accountant. Being successful at your career is highly dependent on you! 

Throw those graduation caps with faith and now celebrate your journey into adulting. After all the years of accumulating knowledge, it is time to contribute to society and enjoy adulthood. 

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