Quote on Mistakes

"We've all heard that we have to learn from our mistakes, but I think it's more important to learn from successes. If you learn only from your mistakes, you are inclined to learn only errors." - Norman Vincent Peale, Clergyman, Author of Positive Thinking, The Art of Living

 For more Career Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

Audio Engineer Job Description

• Job Description
  An audio engineer produces and manipulates sounds through mechanical and digital means. The design, installation and operation of sound recording or sound broadcasting equipment fall under the duties of the audio engineer.
  
  In the recording studio, the audio engineer records, edits and manipulates sound to realize an artist’s or record producer’s creative vision. Audio engineers may work in different professional
  branches which include recording, editing, mixing and mastering.
  
  Many audio engineers have also invented new technology, equipment and techniques to enhance the process and art. Project planning is also part of the job scope.
• - What I dont like about the job
  Recognition for a job well done is provided usually by colleagues and the client. People who need to be publicly recognized by their work may find this job frustrating. The dynamics of the team is based on the behaviour of the team leader which may be questionable in some instances.
  
  Audio engineers generally work indoors in pleasant surroundings but there are instances where some may have to work outdoors in all types of weather or in dangerous conditions.
• - What I like about the job
  An audio engineer may work in the movie, theatre or video game industries, increasing the glam factor of the job. They may gain much of their knowledge and skills through on-the-job training.
• - Work Hours
  In small stations, audio engineers work more than 40 hours a week and at large stations and networks, a 40-hour week under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines.
• - Who may like this job
  A creative mind with a love for music and the manipulation of music through technical means. People who enjoy interacting with others and have a good ear for music will make the job seem more like a hobby.
• - Salary Range
  Median annual earnings of audio engineers were $46 370 in 2009. It depends on duties and areas of employment where commercial broadcasting pays more especially in key metropolitan areas.
• - Qualifications
  N.A

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Attorney Job Description

• Job Description
  An attorney, or attorney general, is the main legal advisory to the government and usually in common law tradition, anyone who represents the state, especially in criminal prosecutions. An attorney is a type of lawyer and involves the practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific individualized problems or to advance those who retain lawyers to perform legal services.
  
  An attorney will have to do research and drafting on court papers before issues can be orally argued in the courts. Legal advice may be given to relevant governmental institutions and there is a prosecution of criminal suspects in criminal prosecutions.
• - What I dont like about the job
  To become a lawyer, one has to go through law school and the debt of the typical law student averages more than $72000. It requires one to work in high pressure environments and high communicative skills.
• - What I like about the job
  There is a certain level of prestige of being a lawyer and is fast paced; it will not be mundane with the handling of different cases. There is a chance for a lawyer to “change the world” at a national level adding to the excitement of the job. With media proliferation, some attorneys may also gain recognition.
• - Work Hours
  There is no standard time frame for attorneys but most lawyers clock around 80 hours a week. It is well-known that lawyers work long hours.
• - Who may like this job
  Since attorneys usually represent the state in criminal prosecutions, one with a knack to fight for justice and drive to work in a competitive environment may be keen in this job. Excellent communicators and strong writers may find the job much easier than others.
• - Salary Range
  Starting pay at the top firms are $160,000 annually. In the United States, a typical attorney who has just graduated may earn $90,995 per year.
• - Qualifications
  N.A

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Are you heading the RIGHT way?

Did you remember the time when you took the wrong bus? You did not hesitate any longer; you quickly pressed the bell and alight, right?

What about your Career? Is it heading the right way? If not, are you still in the bus or planning to alight at the next available stop?

Below are some signals that suggest you may need to re-evaluate your career option:

• You groan and moan each morning heading to work
• Each day, you look forward to lunch and going home
• You find excuses not to attend company-related events
• You spoke less and tend to agree with what others say at meetings
• You are jealous of your friends who are doing much better than you
• When Sunday comes, you get grouchy thinking of work the next day
• You whine constantly with your colleagues at the water joint and lunch
• You feel overworked and under-appreciated

Ouch! If it hits you, it is good, meaning you are consciously aware of what's going on in your career. Seth Godin in his book, The Dip, mentioned about identifying the cul-de-sac (dead end) part of your life fast and quitting it. The opportunity cost of not getting off the wrong bus will create an illusion that the passenger is "moving" along the journey when he should really get off the bus immediately.

Humans are habits-forming creatures and once bad habits formed, they are hard but not impossible to kick out. Procrastination gives the wrong impression that the task will work upon some time later. Days pass, weeks go, months and years fly by and you are still in the company, feeling lousy, stuck and helpless. You become too fearful to move. You console yourself that it is better to stay put and not rock the boat. It's too risky out there!

Want to know what's on the other side of the fence waiting for you?

• You breathe easier each day, doing what you love
• Every day is forward-looking, you feel energised and enthusiastic
• You become creative and resourceful to make things happen
• You inspire, encourage and motivate people with your ideas and passion
• You have inner peace and joy, doing what you love and loving what you do each moment
• You have bountiful energy even working late at night or weekends
• Your family and peers see the change in you and find you more relaxed and joyful than before
• Life becomes meaningful and your zest of life is contagious

Tempting? Fantasying what it will be like? It's never too late to make the move whether you are at 30 or 60 years old.

You do not have to take on skydiving like Bush Senior did for his 85th birthday. He was definitely right in saying: "Don't have to sit around drooling in the corner. Get out and do something."

Source: http://careers.jobstreet.com.sg/work/are-you-heading-the-right-way
Written by: Desmond Chua

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Athlete Job Description

• Job Description
  An athlete, also known as sportsperson, is someone who is trained to compete in a sport involving speed, endurance or strength. A professional athlete undergoes intense physical training and follows a strict dietary regimen.
  
  The typical work of an athlete not only includes competing in professional, semi-professional or amateur sports events; they have to follow training programmes to maintain a high standard of fitness and most have to seek sponsorship and financial support.
  
  Professional athletes are supported by managers who organise travel, accommodation and publicity.
  
  They also work with trainers, coaches, nutritionists, sports scientists and sports psychologists.
• - What I dont like about the job
  The training hours are long and athletes have to stick to a strict diet and daily routine that will constrain their lifestyle. Most amateurs will also have to combine sport with employment to supplement income and professional sportspeople need to consider alternative careers as sporting careers are usually short-lived.
• - What I like about the job
  The best part of the job is that it combines work and play if there is a passion for the sport that the athlete is competing for. Many professional sportspeople who win titles or earn sponsorship deals gain fame and fortune.
• - Work Hours
  Athletes are expected to train religiously with long hours and training may take place in all weather and conditions.
• - Who may like this job
  Sporting talents with a passion for their niche sport as it takes a high level of commitment and daily practices to become a professional athlete. Many sporting enthusiasts dream of being part of their favourite soccer club or fantasize about playing for the next Wimbledon.
• - Salary Range
  Amateurs may need sponsorship or other forms of employment for financial support. Professional athletes have large incomes from sponsorship deals. In the United States, the average annual salary for athletes in 2008 was $79,460. The highest paid athlete in 2009 was Tiger Woods who earned $110 million.

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Architect Job Description

• Job Description
  Architects work in the construction industry and are involved with designing new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings, or advising on the restoration and conservation of old properties. They can work on individual buildings or on large redevelopment schemes, and can be responsible for the design of the surrounding landscape.
  
  Architects work closely with their client and users to make sure that projected designs match their needs, and are functional, safe and economical. They usually control a project from start to finish and work with a number of construction professionals, including surveyors and engineers, producing drawings and specifications that the construction team works to.
• - What I dont like about the job
  Because of the importance of working under deadlines, architects must cope with stress and pressure in the office. Those who thrive in such conditions should fare well in the career.
• - What I like about the job
  The different aspects the work brings - drawing, writing letters and emails, site visits, health and safety, etc - no two days are ever the same.
• - Work Hours
  Deadlines are incredibly important to architects. Although a typical 40-hour workweek is not uncommon, pending deadlines can keep architects working nights and weekends, exceeding normal working hours.
• - Who may like this job
  Those who enjoy the many different challenging parts of the role, ranging from sorting out detailing issues, to ensuring the concept of a building is maintained and dealing with disputes on site.
  
  The best thing about working in this sector is creating buildings that could last for decades and helping to make a positive impact on the environment - creating wonderful places and spaces!
• - Salary Range
  Median annual earnings of wage and salary architects were $72,700 in 2009. Recent graduates working on internships will earn much less. Those starting out in private practices will go through a period of time when they are operating at a loss.
• - Qualifications
  Practicing architects must seek registration with the Board of Architects. (www.boa.gov.sg)

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Aerospace Engineer Job Description

• Job Description
  Aerospace Engineers are responsible for the design and construction of aircrafts and spacecrafts. There are two major types of Aerospace Engineers – Aeronautical Engineers who are involved in the creation of crafts that function within Earth and Astronautical Engineers who build crafts that travel into space. Aerospace Engineers generally produce engines, communications systems and other electronic devices used in aircraft. Areas or industries that they could work in would be government agencies such as the Singapore Air Force, commercial airlines, research companies and educational institutes. Their work often involves them working closely with scientists in order to create new materials. They perform experiments to determine how certain substances will react in certain conditions and subsequently use the research gathered to model their aircrafts.
• - What I dont like about the job
  Aerospace engineers can end up working in warm, noisy environments such as airfields or manufacturing plants. The safety of the passengers who use the aircrafts indirectly rests on their shoulders, which can be rather stressful.
• - What I like about the job
  Aerospace engineers have the opportunity to work on exciting new technologies such as spacecraft that travel through space and military weapons that could be used for national defence.
• - Work Hours
  Aerospace Engineers typically work 40 hour weeks, but may be required to work beyond regular work hours to complete a project punctually.
• - Who may like this job
  An Aerospace Engineer needs to love solving problems as it is part and parcel of the job. Someone who is patient, creative, communicates well and works well in a team will also make an excellent Aerospace Engineer.
• - Salary Range
  Aerospace Engineers just starting out earn about $21,048 in a year. More experienced ones can earn as high as $62,251 in a year
• - Qualifications
  A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering – majoring in Aerospace Engineering - is first required to become an Aerospace Engineer. It usually takes four or five years to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

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Quote on Optimism

" I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else. Never, never, never, never give up. " - Winston Churchill, British politician, Prime Minister (1940-1945, 1951-1955)

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Account Executive Job Description

• Job Description
  An Advertising Executive is someone who works within an advertising agency and performs the role of the link between members of the agency (such as the creative team) and clients. The job of an Advertising Executive is generally an entry-level position and most if not all non-creative staff of an advertising agency start out from being an Advertising Executive. They are usually responsible for the smooth running of a wide range of campaigns and spend most their time brainstorming and assessing demographic research.
• - What I dont like about the job
  Like most jobs in the advertising field, there can be periods of intense activity such as during a campaign where you will be required to work far beyond your regular work hours. Performing the role of mediator can also be a daunting task due to clients being too demanding and creative team not being cooperative.
• - What I like about the job
  Being part of the creative industry, people with good ideas are well-rewarded and enjoy high recognition. The skills obtained from being an Advertising Executive can also be transferred to other business settings.
• - Work Hours
  Though on paper an Advertising Executive works regular 9 to 5 workdays, it is not uncommon to work beyond the regular work hours and even on weekends. However, they do enjoy lull periods where the work is light and perhaps even mundane.
• - Who may like this job
  If you are outgoing, articulate, well-read and confident then you could make a great Advertising Executive. Extremely important also is the ability to work well in a team; advertising executives have to be team players.
• - Salary Range
  Advertising Executives earn $21,213 to $38,467 in a year
• - Qualifications
  A degree in Mass Communication, Marketing or English would be the one of the more traditional qualifications to have.

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Quote on Effectiveness

" It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice." - Deng Xiaoping, former Chairman of Communist Party of China

Accountant Job Description

A large part of being a Career Guide would be the extensive jobs wiki that we have compiled. From time to time we will  blog them here for the benefit of our readers as a representation of our continued dedicated to being a source for Career Tips, Quotes and Stories.

• Job Description
  Accountants and auditors help to ensure that firms are run efficiently, public records kept accurately, and taxes paid properly and on time. There is analysis and communication of financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and Federal, State, and local governments. Other duties of the accountant include offering budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, and limited legal services. Accountants are usually employed in commerce and industry. The big Four auditors are the largest employers of accountants worldwide. Also, there are many commonly recognised accounting qualifications such as the Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and Chartered Accountant (CA).
• - What I dont like about the job
  The job involves figures which may be tedious work for some. Accountants work long hours to meet deadlines and may face immense pressure to complete their work, which may be repetitive over time.
• - What I like about the job
  Accountants work in offices which are clean and well-lit environments. Working in the finance industry allows the accountant to understand how well the company has done throughout the year, giving him or her, a bird's eye view of the condition of the company.
• - Work Hours
  Accountants generally work a standard 40-hour week, but some work 50 hours a week or more. Tax accountants often work long hours during the tax season, from January to April.
• - Who may like this job
  People may want to be accountants if they are good at math, and have good analytical skills. They also should be able to write well, so that they can tell others about their findings.
• - Salary Range
  In May 2008, the average yearly wages of accountants and auditors were $65 840. Earnings of accountants depend on how long they have been working.
• - Qualifications
  For registration as public accountants in Singapore, upon satisfying the other requirements pertaining to practical experience and professional membership under the Accountants Act, please consult Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) and Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)

  
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Quote on Working Smart

" I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over. " -
Warren Buffett, American investor, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

Finance for Non-Finance Professionals

These courses teach you to interpret financial information correctly for decision-making. The purpose of such courses is to help non-finance people become familiar with financial terms and issues. When the course is over, you should be able to understand the effects of your decisions on the profits and losses of your company, bridge the communication gap between you and the finance department, understand the common yardsticks used in performance evaluation and remove any hesitance due to lack of knowledge when it comes to finance-related information.

“Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good stock and hold it till it goes up, then sell it. If it don't go up, don't buy it.” -Will Rogers, American social commentator during the Great Depression

Why wait to upgrade yourself? Drop by our Short Courses section to see how you can give yourself an edge in the workplace!

Quote on Education

" The man who does not read books has no advantage over the man that can not read them.

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. " - Mark Twain, U.S. humorist, writer, and lecturer

For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

Quote on Customers

"There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else. " - Sam Walton

For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

Quote on Passion for Work

" You got to like your work. You have got to like what you are doing, you have got to be doing something worthwhile so you can like it - because it is worthwhile, that it makes a difference, don't you see? " - Harland Sanders

For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

The rising trend of changing careers

If you are ready to make a career change over 40, here are six steps which will help you decide what your midlife career change should be.

Source: www.coolercareers.com

Quote: Leadership

" If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. " - John Quincy Adams

 For our complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

Quote: Being Hands On

"Can you really explain to a fish what it's like to walk on land? One day on land is worth a thousand years of talking about it, and one day running a business has exactly the same kind of value. " - Warren Buffett

For our complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

My Coworker Takes Credit for My Ideas

Work is more collaborative than ever. As a result, receiving credit for ideas has become both political and tricky. Ed Muzio, CEO of Group Harmonics, suggests not getting caught up in a line by line scorecard. Contribute, do a great job, and make sure your work is noticed but dont worry about getting credit for every single idea.

This video is from BNET.com

For other Career related articles, quotes and videos visit our Career Tips section

Profile of a Tattoo Artist: Joe Wang

To this day, the tattoo industry remains unregulated in Singapore. Perhaps due to the conservative nature of our society and the lack of backing from the government, tattooing as a profession hardly comes into the spotlight. We spoke with twenty eight year-old Joe Wang, owner of 8 Volts Tattoo Studio to get some insight into being a tattoo artist. 

“When I was younger, I was always fascinated by how interesting tattoos were,” he said, in response to what spurred him on to become a tattoo artist. “Being able to put my artwork on someone’s skin is really cool and beyond explanation. As a tattoo artist, what can be better than doing something I love?”

His journey began as a body piercer before he picked up the craft of tattooing and gradually set up his own studio. “I have two other artists in 8 Volts Tattoo Studio.  For the past few years we have been working in various tattoo conventions around the world, learning new craftsmanship, technique and art direction. We work mainly on custom projects and also provide body piercing services as well,” he said. He believes that his bold colours and neo traditional tattoo style sets him apart from other tattoo artists and plans to open another studio in the future. 

What were the biggest challenges you had to face?

 Dealing with different customers. Coming up with the prefect design for every individual.

Are there any downsides to the job?

It’s difficult to educate the mainstream in understanding the art and beauty of tattoo 

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do the same thing?

Get a proper apprenticeship and never try tattooing home-based.

What is the tattoo industry in Singapore like?

In short, I think the industry is growing.

You can have a look at the rest of our Career Stories at http://careerminded.com/career_tip_s.php?id=0

Profile of a Trainer: Ernest Chen

The year was 1993. It was a PAP Convention, and the theme was globalization. There were four speakers and Ernest Chen, author of Earnestly Speaking, was one of them.

“Speaking in front of our Minister Mentor, Senior Minister, Prime Minister and a line up of all the top brass ministers was no mean feat. I was nervous, but managed to contain the fear.  After the talk, I told myself: I have done it. Yes, that was a challenge and I took it,” he said. This statement defines perfectly the life of Ernest Chen. No challenge is too great for this Trainer in professional speaking.  

So how did it all begin? It started when someone asked him to conduct a course on how to market products and services through the International Trade Show. The Trade Development Board was expanding its presence overseas and organizing many trade shows, but the exhibitors had no idea how to promote their products and services effectively. “The Education Director requested that I conduct the course. After all, I had been in the exhibition business for 12 years. I knew the subject well enough to train these business men and executive yearning to go overseas. I conducted the course two to three times a year from 1993 to 2001,” he said.

His future plans include building a community of passionate speakers of Asian origin. On what sets him apart from the rest, he says this: “I have a wealth of knowledge and can debate with anyone in various subjects . I read a lot and take a keen interest of world affair and politics. I won many prizes in current affair and general knowledge contests.No one can be Ernest Chen. I am unique.”

How did you prepare for this profession?

I was a toastmaster since 1983 and have always had a flair for speaking. Occasionally I trained speakers in toastmasters. Besides, that I attended many training classes to upgraded my skills.

Are there any downsides to the job?

A job is a job. Upside or downside, it doesn’t matter. There are always plenty of things to do.  It depends how you want to be: busy or not busy. Or enough is enough.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do the same thing?

Be passionate at what you are doing. Be excited at what you do.

What is the industry of your profession like in Singapore?

Singapore is a small country and everything is competitive. Training is about sharing your knowledge with someone and makes him better than you. Integrity is important. Wisdom comes with age

 You can have a look at the rest of our Career Stories at http://careerminded.com/career_tip_s.php?id=0

Profile of a Dancer: Nidhi Banthia Mehta

Nidhi Banthia Mehta was comfortable with her regular work hours and corporate environment life in the United States. So it comes as a surprise to learn that she’s now the proud owner of a Bollywood Dance Instruction School, BollyBeatz.

“It was all by chance and accident!” she says. “Dance was always a passion since school days. But as most of us, I completed my MBA and got a job with McKinsey. It’s only after I got married did I quit my job and then dance happened to me. It was not planned or even a remote thought in my mind.” 

Her training to be a dance instructor involved enrolling in Shiamak Davar's Institute for the Performing Arts (SDIPA) and also various courses to learn different dance styles such as salsa, Jazz and Hip Hop. She had also gone through numerous classical Indian courses as a child.   

Never underestimate her passion for her craft. Even a 100 degree Fahrenheit fever did not stop her from giving a class once. “There are times I have danced with a muscle pull and once the music comes I get so carried away that I forget the pain and dance and of course after the class I am dying in pain!” 

Looking to the future, she plans to introduce various other forms of dance fitness modules.  She wants to provide people with the opportunity she had as well, by starting partnerships and opening franchises in various other cities to empower others who love to dance and enjoy teaching. “I want to allow them to do and create something big with their passion,” she says.  

What were the biggest challenges you had to face?

I am fortunate that things worked out very smoothly for me. But the challenge usually is to keep challenging your own creativity and try and get better. Also its a challenge to find and train good dedicated instructors. 

Are there any downsides to the job?

It’s a test of your physical strength . So you have to be fit, dedicated, creative and very professional. You cannot reach late to teach a class or cancel. There are no downsides to this job if you take good care of your body. Sometimes dancers suffer from back problems - but if you stretch well you can avoid it! 

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do the same thing?

If you have a passion for dancing then go ahead and give it a shot. Try and get associated with a dance school and teach to get experience and grow.... It may not have a lot of money but it has a tremendous amount of satisfaction. In fact, you could teach dance as a part time after work job. Its extra pocket money for you and you will enjoy what you are doing... 

What is the dance industry in Singapore like?

In Singapore , there are limited Dance studios and the space is very small. But fortunately there are all forms of dancing available to learn and teach. The students are great and love to dance - so in that sense its a good industry! 

You can have a look at the rest of our Career Stories at http://careerminded.com/career_tip_s.php?id=0

Quote on Initiative

" Men who do things without being told draw the most wages. "- Edwin H. Stuart

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Career Switch: From Engineering to Sales

Senior Engineer moves to the frontlines

Perhaps one of the biggest transitions one can make in a career would be from building a product to pushing it. Eric Tan went from operating behind-the-scenes as an engineer to going out there and selling a product as a salesman. The thirty-two year old is currently a Sales Executive at TL Jones Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. He shares his experience with us.

What were you doing in your previous company?

I was a Senior Sales Engineer at Danfoss Industries, a mechanical and electronic components company

What does your current job entail now?

I handle local and regional Sales for TL Jones Asia Pacific, manufacturer and supplier of elevator passenger safety, control and information equipment.

What made you decide to make the career switch to Sales?

My current job offers me regional exposure and an overall better pay package

When, and how old were you, when you made the switch?

June of 2010, I was 31 years old

Were there any courses you had to go through when you decided to do Sales?

Not at all, I think that's the beauty of Sales

What is the best aspect of Sales that engineering could not offer?

In Sales you enjoy incentives based off your performance

What were the biggest challenges you had to face when you made the career switch?

Switching to a different industry. Doing Sales and talking to people and being an engineer building things is a totally different ballgame

Advice you would give to a person who wants to make a career switch?

Don't only look at pay package but also consider factors like opportunities that the next company can give and whether it aligns with your career expectations and career plan ahead

What are your plans for the next 5 years?

I aspire to be a Sales Manager leading a sales team

Take a look at the rest of our Career Switch stories!

Quote on Work

"Work is not man's punishment. It is his reward and his strength and his pleasure. "- George Sand, French Novelist

How many of us fall into a cycle of doing a job we don't like at all? With money such a huge consideration in Singapore, it's not surprising we choose jobs we don't like all that much which pay better over jobs we'd like to have. Still, it's never too late to pursue a career you'd like to have. Build the capital or resources you need, and go for it!

Visit out Quotes section!

Why should Singaporeans work abroad?

Singapore has a robust economy. Why should I even consider working overseas? 

It is no secret that Singapore is one of the more developed countries in Asia. However, its economic success has its disadvantages. While ample employment opportunities have been presented to Singaporeans, this has also brought about competition from foreign talent – top managers who are attracted to the idea of career advancement coupled with a generous pay package. With competition from both locals and foreigners, it is harder to obtain higher-tier jobs. 

Are Singaporean professionals regarded highly for jobs?

 

Singaporean managers are highly in demand and openly welcomed overseas, especially in still-developing Asian countries. With the economic boom from globalisation, an abundance of employment opportunities have sprung up though with a shortage of managerial and technical talents – positions which Singaporean managers are capable of filling up. 

In addition, Singaporeans’ bilingual capabilities coupled with their trade skills give them competitive advantages. Singapore as a country has a reputation for discipline, achievement and integrity and its citizens are often associated with the same qualities.

What are the more popular countries for employment among Singaporeans?

Singaporeans tend to seek work in emerging or developing Asian countries, though Hong Kong is attractive for its lucrative financial industry with top dollars. Predominantly ethnic Chinese environments are the most popular - more Singaporeans can be found working in China than in all the other Asian countries combined.

Benefits of working abroad?

Employers prefer employees who have worked abroad as it indicates that he or she is flexible and adaptable to different workplace environments, independent and has an additional language under their belt. 

On a more personal level,  working abroad provides you with the opportunity to explore new cultures, languages and foods and interact with people who are very different from you. The experience can be extremely fun and fulfilling.

Why should Singaporeans study abroad?

What will I gain? 

Studying abroad will help you develop skills and offer you experiences a local classroom setting can never provide. A new culture provides you the opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities. By encountering situations that are completely foreign to you, you will learn to adapt and respond to changes in effective ways. In addition, cultural differences are not limited to differences in language, food and appearance. An individual’s culture reflects intricate perceptions, beliefs and values that influence their way of life. Students who experience these cultural differences personally can come to truly understand other cultures. 

Studying abroad also helps you to learn about yourself and expand your worldview. Students who travel overseas to study often return home with new perspectives about themselves and their own culture. It also makes you more informed and much less biased towards other cultures and people. 

Is studying in a foreign country different? 

Breaking out of the monotony of academic routines common to your country is another positive. Studying in a foreign country is almost certainly much different from what you are used to as a student. You might be introduced to a completely new academic system that suits you better and even have the opportunity to take courses not offered in your home campus.

My foreign degree vs a local degree?

Perhaps the most compelling reason to study abroad is the doors that it can open for you. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, companies from countries all over the world are investing in the international market. A student who has studied abroad is likely to be regarded as someone who is independent, willing to take up new challenges and flexible and adaptable to changes and new situations. The experience gleaned from living in another country, learning a new culture and acquiring another language gives you an edge against other job applicants. An overseas education also beefs up your degree. As mentioned above, you can take courses you could not otherwise take in a school at home and it is easier to add a minor in a language or even a second major without having to take additional courses after returning home. 

Most popular country for foreign studies amongst Singaporeans? 

It is estimated that there are around 100,000 Singaporean alumni of Australian institutions. You can check out our academic programmes for a list of Australian universities.

For a list of courses offered abroad, visit our website. (Choose a profession, and click 'Go Abroad' under the courses section)

Why work in Singapore?

What is the business environment like?

If advancing your career in an overseas market is at the top of your mind, then look no further than Singapore. With a pro-business government, modern infrastructure and an industrious culture, Singapore offers the ideal work environment for you to grow in your field.  This positive business climate allows it to rank number one for ease of doing business in the world year after year. 

While seeking potential business ventures or job opportunities, Singapore is the ideal place for foreigners. However, as the case with any country, proper research and planning is required before you decide to pursue a career here as due to the high standard of living here, it could potentially be an expensive place to stay in.   

What is the business language?

Communication is key for any business. With English as the official working language, communication in Singapore is very simple in spite of its citizens’ different cultures and races. And speaking of the many different races, public housing, national schools and national service encourage racial harmony to the extent that it has become part of Singapore’s identity thus making it a very favourable place for expatriates to work in.  

What is the economic and political stability of the country?

Economic and political stability are yet more attractive aspects of Singapore. Often referred to as the “Switzerland of Asia”, Singapore enjoys high security coupled with a low crime and corruption environment. As a country lacking any natural resources, it has been a base for business since its founding and has come to be recognised as one of the world’s most business-friendly places. Some of the prime growth industries are Education, Biomedical Sciences, Chemicals, Media, Engineering and Info-Communications. A free market economy coupled with low taxes, Singapore is strategically located as the regional hub of South East Asia.

What is the infrastructure of the country like?

Singapore boasts excellent infrastructure and accessibility, being well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world.  Singapore Changi Airport serves more than 60 airlines to over 145 cities and has for many successive years been named the world’s best airport. A well-organized and quality land transport system links all parts of the island, making travel within the country extremely quick. The introduction of the EZ-link card – a stored value card that automatically deducts the required travel fare from the user account – is testament to the government’s commitment to make mass transport more efficient. 

How are taxes like?

Taxes in Singapore are the most favourable after Hong Kong in Asia. The GST (Goods and Services) tax is at a flat rate of 7%. Income tax rates are at around 15% for mid to high-income earners, or roughly one month of yearly salary. 
  
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Why study in Singapore?

What is the education sector like?

Being a country with no natural resources to draw from, Singapore focuses heavily on education to drive its economy. Its government adopts a three-pronged strategy for schools: academic excellence, organisational excellence, and student protection and welfare excellence.  As a Global Education Hub it boasts a wide range of World-Class universities such as INSEAD, John Hopkins University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In addition, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked as one of the top 25 universities in the world.  

Public schools in Singapore have a record of excellent teaching and learning, exemplified by international comparative studies such as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) that showcased students from Singapore schools outperforming the international average in Mathematics and Science. Students have also excelled in worldwide competitions such as world debating championships in English and International Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

What are the local universities?

National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore Institute of Managemen (SIM), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

What are the polytechnics?

Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Temasek Polytechnic (TP), Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Republic Polytechnic (RP)

How safe is it?

A stellar education system can never be a good enough reason for one to want to travel to study in a particular country. A country’s safety and stability is also an important factor. Singapore, fortunately, has the reputation of being one of the safest cities in the world and has taken similar efforts to ensure that foreign students are protected too. The Civil Service is sensitive to the needs of the people and complaints – if there ever has been a case of a student being unjustly dealt by a school or government organization, he or she can report it to relevant authorities for further action.

What I like about the country?

Singapore has excellent infrastructure, with different parts of the city well connected by roads and train tracks from one end to another. All buses, taxis and trains are air-conditioned with affordable fares.

Being the most internet-wired country in Asia, wireless broadband connections can be received from many parts of the island, allowing you to communicate with family or friends overseas any time during the day.

How much does it cost to study in Singapore?

The school fees for the more popular universities – NUS and NTU – are about $5000 a year after government subsidy. The prices for entering the private universities are much higher and can cost up to $20,000 for a year-long course. 

For a list of academic courses available in Singapore, visit our Academic Courses Section