Confidence is a key in career hunting (Photo Credit: SOE WATHAN)
Singapore - In today’s competitive job market, private university students in Singapore are concerned about the lower employment rates compared to government university graduates.
According to the latest survey released by SkillsFuture Singapore in April, only six in 10 fresh graduates from private education institutions (PEI) managed to secure a full-time job within six months of graduation.
Despite this, the overall employment rate of graduates from PEIs has fallen after moderate increases over the previous two years.
In contrast, the median gross monthly salary has slightly increased from S$3,200 in 2022 to $3,400 last year.
Meanwhile, the overall employment rate for PEI fresh graduates is 83 per cent.
Out of that, almost 59 per cent secured permanent full-time jobs, while 19 per cent are working as part-time employees.
In addition, approximately 6 per cent are working on a freelance basis.
Louis Swe, 25, a Myanmar student studying Computing Science at PSC Academy, finds it difficult to get a job in Singapore due to the current manpower quota policies.
“As a foreigner, we have fewer chances since it is illegal to work during school days. So, we don’t have proper work experience,” Swe says.
Swe said that this lack of work experience makes it harder for foreign students compared to local students, who can do internships or part-time jobs while studying.
It’s not just the foreign students at PEIs who are suffering. Likewise, local students from PEIs also find it challenging.
“People around me always say no one recognizes private university students,” Elvis Tan, a Psychology student from Murdoch University at Kaplan Institute, expresses his concern.
He explained that employers often prefer graduates from government universities because they believe those graduates have received a higher quality education and have better credentials.
“We have to work extra hard to prove ourselves and show that we are just as capable,” Tan adds.
Phone Myat Moe, 25, a project engineer from VIOS Pte. Ltd., got employed within six months after graduation.
He disagrees with the saying that students graduating from local universities have a better chance of getting employed compared to those from private universities.
He emphasizes the importance of applying for jobs relevant to one’s studies and making a good first impression with the job application.
“Rather than simply sending your job application letter with just attaching the resume, it is better to highlight your background, related experience, and enthusiasm for the job,” he says.
Phone admits that he was initially depressed when he didn’t receive a single interview invitation from all the open positions, he applied during his three-month job hunt.
As he is also a foreigner, he was in a rush to find a job before his student visa expired.
After facing rejection, he realized that he had been applying his applications indiscriminately and forwarding his resume without considering whether the jobs were relevant to his studies.
After changing his approach, Phone received a job offer two months later, which was a great relief.
“The employment package met my expectations, offering a fair salary and benefits. It wasn't the most attractive package, but it was a good start,” he says.
Phone emphasizes the importance of persistence and strategy in job hunting, especially for foreign graduates from private universities.
Jewel Cahanding, 24, works as an admin and human resources executive assistant at an investment firm.
She says that her company receives more applications from government universities and fewer from private institutions.
Cahanding, who handles the first screening and interview scheduling for her manager, emphasizes that hiring in Singapore is rarely based on the applicants’ academic backgrounds.
“It only depends on the company policy. But what I look out for is attitude and whether they are able to get along well with the department they are joining,” she adds.
Hein Htut started job hunting even before graduation and felt like he hit the jackpot when he secured his first job in just two months, despite having no work experience.
“I applied for more than 1,000 jobs before I received the first interview,” Hein says.
“When I got rejected from my first interview, I almost fell into depression, especially since it was my first interview after applying all day and all night.
“As my student pass was going to expire soon, I didn’t have time to complain. I stepped back, did more practice for the interviews, and continued my job hunt,” he says.
Hein also emphasizes the importance of patience and appreciating the small opportunities as a fresh graduate.
“I always polished my resume because it is my first impression as an applicant, and I’ve already felt grateful when I receive a notification from LinkedIn that someone has opened my application,” he says.
Private universities are now also stepping up to support their graduates.
Many institutions host career fairs annually and offer career services such as resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events.
For example, PEIs such as PSB and Kaplan Singapore hold an annual career fair connecting students with potential employers, and the Singapore Institute of Management offers extensive career coaching services.
These services help students sharpen their skills and provide the resources they need in the competitive job market.
The Ministry of Manpower has also initiated several programs, such as SkillsFuture and Workforce Singapore Programs, to address the employment issues for both local and foreign workers.
Those programs offer insights and opportunities for skills enhancement and lifelong learning to support career growth.
Career coach Aileen Lee advises fresh graduates to stay proactive and adaptable in their job search.
“The job market is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to keep updating your skills and be open to new opportunities,” she advises.
