The Centre for Future-ready Graduates shares insights and strategies to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.
Stepping into the professional realm after graduation can be both exciting and intimidating. With the job landscape evolving at an unprecedented rate, fresh graduates must adapt quickly and continuously upskill to stay competitive. To make this transition smoother, here is some helpful advice put together in collaboration with the Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG), NUS’ dedicated career centre.
Remember Your Purpose, Set Realistic Goals
Amid the busyness of deadlines and targets, it is easy to lose sight of why you chose your path. But reconnecting with your initial motivations can put the spark back in your work. For example, consider reflecting on the positive impact of a past mentor or engaging in problem-solving exercises to revive your excitement for strategic thinking. By intentionally recalling your passions and motivations, you can maintain enthusiasm even amid routine and stress.
Setting clear goals aligned to your purpose is equally important. Goals provide a clear direction for growth and development, and boost your motivation as you make progress. Remember, good goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound.
Lifelong Learning: A Career Constant
The end of your degree should not signify the end of your learning journey. Instead, try adopting a mindset that eagerly embraces the opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn.
After all, in the face of rapid technological advancement and shifting work cultures, continuous learning has become a professional imperative. According to the World Economic Forum, 65 per cent of primary school children today will work in jobs that do not yet exist. This shows the dynamism of the job market and the urgent need for adaptability and lifelong learning, as the skills needed for future careers may vastly differ from those commonly taught today. Just think of the emerging technologies that are changing industries today, such as robotics capable of even more intricate manufacturing tasks, and renewable energy technologies like solar panels transforming the energy landscape.
One study by data collection platform Qualtrics reported in
The Straits Times also found a strong link between job satisfaction in Singapore and sufficient training. This shows the importance of professional development and how workers value employers who invest in their growth.
So how do you continue learning? Stay curious, read widely, keep your finger on the pulse of industry news, attend courses and conferences, and seek mentors who can share their experiences. If you are interested in upskilling to stay competitive, NUS SCALE (School of Continuing and Lifelong Education) offers several relevant options for alumni. One is the NUS Lifelong Learning (L³) initiative, which offers a wide array of skills-based and industry-relevant courses, as well as access to modular courses that can be stacked towards certificate programmes. Another is the NUS Resilience & Growth (R&G) Initiative, which was specially created for those who were conferred their undergraduate degrees in 2020 or 2021. This initiative aims to future-proof fresh graduates so they are ready to seize new opportunities. Beyond these, the University also offers a rich selection of postgraduate courses for those looking to delve deeper into their fields of interest.
In addition, you might want to explore the SkillsFuture platform for exploring further upskilling opportunities, which can complement and enhance the education you received at NUS. Leveraging these resources enables alumni to future-proof their careers and adapt to evolving market trends.
Embrace Challenges, Own Your Work
Seeing challenges as opportunities is a crucial piece of advice CFG career advisors often give to graduates. Of course, every professional journey has its share of obstacles. But it is how you respond to these hurdles that truly matters and shapes your career trajectory.
Taking ownership of your work is equally important. When you assume responsibility for your tasks, it showcases your dedication and reliability. Adopting a positive attitude and demonstrating genuine interest in contributing to your company’s success can make a lasting impression.
Resilience and accountability are key factors in your career growth. So, stay open-minded, step up to challenges and maintain a positive outlook. Interestingly, a LinkedIn study revealed that 92 per cent of hiring managers prioritise soft skills like adaptability and ownership over qualifications.