How to choose a career in Singapore: 5 steps to figure out your next career decision

Source: Freepik

Choosing a career is a significant decision. It's not just about finding something that will make you happy and fulfilled but also about ensuring financial stability in Singapore’s competitive job market. Making an informed decision is crucial.

However, the process can be challenging due to various factors that change over time. Your unique talents, interests, values, and long-term goals form the foundation of any career decision. It's essential to align these with the demands of Singapore’s job market to ensure you choose a career that offers growth opportunities and long-term satisfaction.

Singapore's vibrant and diverse economy presents numerous career paths, and making the right choice can be daunting. However, with some self-reflection, exploration, and decision-making, you can discover the career opportunities that are right for you.

This guide provides the knowledge and tools to make an informed career choice. We’ll explore your interests, skills, values, and long-term goals and help you investigate various industries and sectors in Singapore. We’ll also discuss how to connect with professionals and career counsellors for additional guidance.

Our goal is to equip you with the insights needed to choose a career that leads to a fulfilling and successful career in Singapore. Let’s get started!

How to choose a career?

Choosing a career is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this critical process.

Step 1: Do a self-evaluation

Before even thinking about potential career paths, you need to get to know yourself. This means identifying your likes, dislikes, skills, values, and personality. You should also consider what you want in a career.

There are many ways to get to know yourself better. You can start by asking yourself the following questions:

• Interest-based questions:
  • What do you enjoy doing?
  • How do you like to spend your time?
  • What do you enjoy learning about?
  • Do you enjoy working with teams or alone?
  • Do you enjoy working inside or outside?
  • What do you enjoy doing on a day-to-day basis?
• Value-based questions:
  • What’s essential in your life?
  • What are your priorities?
  • What meaning do you find in life?
• Character questions
  • What is success to you?
  • What do you want more of?
  • What are you good at?
  • Which skills are you proud of?

An objective way to learn more about yourself is through self-assessment tests. These tests are designed to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, values, and things you find important.

For instance, this free career development test can help you determine what’s next in your career journey. The quiz can help you decide whether or not you should stay at your current job or look for new opportunities.

Another way is to talk to the people who know you best — your friends and family members. They can give you a different perspective on what you are good at.

Step 2: Reflect on what motivates you

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Reflecting on what you value is crucial in choosing the right career path.

Start by thinking about what you love doing. What are your hobbies and passions outside the 9-to-5? These can be clues to what kind of career possibilities would make you happy. Next, take a look at your skills and strengths. What are you good at? What do you do that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world?

The next piece of the puzzle is your values. What makes you tick? Is it career development or work-life balance? What are the guiding principles that steer your decisions and actions? When you know what truly matters to you, you can weave those values into your career path.

Finding a job that aligns with your values can make a huge difference in your satisfaction and fulfilment.

Then, picture your ideal work environment. Are you at your best when things move quickly, or do you prefer a more predictable setting? Think about your style and what you like, and look for careers that will let you work in the most comfortable and rewarding ways. This will help you get a career that matters to you.

Step 3: Think about your long-term goals

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Or in 10? Choosing potential career paths is like setting out on a road trip — you've got to have a destination in mind. Your life's purpose and values are your compass. And your financial goals matter, too. What kind of paycheck will let you breathe easy? What lifestyle do you dream of?

And remember, your career goals are allowed to shift. That's part of the journey. As you grow and learn, new goals and passions might emerge. Be open to change and be ready to pivot if needed.

Step 4: Explore different industries and sectors

Career exploration is like trying on different hats until you find the one that fits just right. To make the right call, you've got to do your homework — suss out what each one needs and what it can offer you.

Shortlist the industries and sectors that match your interests, skills, and competencies. Evaluate these industries based on their job descriptions. Does the work environment sound like a good fit for you? Are the tasks and competencies required something you can do? Is it something you are interested in? Is there room for growth?

In Singapore, consider attending industry events, webinars, and conferences to network with professionals and gain insights into different sectors. Participating in internships or part-time jobs in various industries can provide hands-on experience and help determine which career path suits you best.

Step 5: Speak to professionals and career counsellors

A great way to get a feel for different industries is by setting up an informational interview. These are casual chats with professionals in the field you're interested in. You can ask them about their job, the industry, and what skills they think are important. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to share their experiences with you.

You can also seek guidance from career counsellors. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share and can provide insights you may not have considered.

Here are a few tips for finding and getting the most out of your informational interviews with professionals and career counsellors:

1. Do your research

You can contact anyone in a company or industry you're interested in. It's helpful to look for those in a similar position to the one you’re eyeing. You could connect with future peers or former employees to learn about their experiences. Check out their LinkedIn profiles, read their blog posts, or watch their videos. The more you know about them, the better you can tailor your approach.

Source: Freepik

2. Reach out

Determine the best way to contact the person you want to interview. You may know someone working at the company. Or their contact details are publicly available online. Otherwise, you can reach out through social media platforms like LinkedIn.

Here’s an example of a message to maximise the odds of getting a response:

Hi [name],

My name is [name], and I am interested in pursuing a career path in [name of company, industry, or field]. In researching potential employers, I discovered your work and am interested in learning more. Please briefly discuss your experience working at [name of company, industry, or field] in the next few weeks. It will only take 15 minutes of your time.

If you’re open, I can schedule a call through [platform of choice].

Thank you for considering!

[Name]

3. Prepare your questions

Jot down a few questions you’d like to ask the professional or career counsellor you'll speak with. You don’t need to be strict about sticking to this list. It should just give you an idea of the kind of information you want to get out of this interview.

Here are some examples of questions you can ask:

• What's the best part of what you do?
• What are the career development options in your field?
• What skills and qualifications are necessary for success in this field?
• What's the job market like in your industry?
• What advice would you give to someone considering a specific career path in your field?

4. Follow-up

After you've had those meaningful conversations, a quick thank-you note goes a long way. It's a sign of respect for their time and wisdom, and who knows — it might open the door to more networking or mentorship opportunities.

Career planning template for jobseekers

Career planning is your blueprint for success. Ideally, you should set short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Your goals should be SMART — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, you are Landing an internship at your dream design agency within the following year.

Here is a template for planning your career path:

Here is a template for planning your career:

Short-term goal
		Action steps:
Start date:	End date:

For a more detailed career planner, you can check this out.

Source: Freepik

By mapping out your path through SMART goals, you're being strategic about your career. And remember, when you are faced with the question of choosing a job, your career path isn't set in stone — it's something you'll want to revisit and tweak as you grow and change.

Final thoughts

Choosing a career in Singapore is a journey that requires self-discovery, reflection, and informed decision-making. You can confidently navigate your career path by understanding your interests, skills, values, and goals and exploring various industries.

If you are dissatisfied with your current career, remember that making changes is okay. The key is to stay open to new opportunities, continue learning, and seek out work that brings you joy and fulfilment. Good luck with your career journey in Singapore — you’ve got this!

FAQs

1. How do I decide what career path I want?
   ⁠There are so many careers to choose from — how do you pick the right career path for you? Well, it all starts with self-evaluation. Learning more about yourself — your likes, dislikes, skills, values, and personality traits — can help you determine your career goals.
   ⁠Consider your motivations and long-term goals, and don't be afraid to explore different industries and sectors to learn what might be a good match.
2. What are the popular resources for career guidance in Singapore?
   ⁠Singapore offers various resources for career guidance. For one-on-one career counselling, visit Career Centres located at Community Development Councils (CDCs). SkillsFuture Singapore also provides online tools and workshops for career planning and development.
   ⁠Additionally, universities and polytechnics in Singapore often offer career services to help students and alumni.
3. How do I network effectively in Singapore to advance my career?
   ⁠Networking is crucial for career advancement in Singapore. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events regularly. Join professional associations related to your field, such as the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) or the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA).
4. Is having a degree for career success in Singapore necessary?
   ⁠While a degree is often valued in Singapore's job market, there are other paths to career success. Many industries, especially in technology and creative sectors, value skills and experience as much, if not more. Certifications, diplomas, and hands-on experience can open doors to lucrative careers.
5. How can I discover my true passions and interests?
   ⁠Through self-evaluation and experimentation. Ask yourself what your hobbies and passions are outside of your job — that could give you a clue as to what motivates and interests you. Firsthand job experience is also helpful in figuring out what you genuinely like and don’t like.
6. What strategies can I use to assess my strengths and weaknesses concerning career planning?
   ⁠Ask yourself questions based on your interests, values, and traits. This includes questions like: What do you enjoy doing? What are your priorities in life? What is success to you? You can also use free self-assessment tests or online tools and resources like SEEK’s free career planner template to get to know yourself better.
7. How do I research and identify growing industries and job trends?
   ⁠One of the best ways to stay up-to-date on growing job trends is by surrounding yourself with people from that industry. Joining networking events and speaking to like-minded people can give you an insider’s perspective into what’s going on in the field. You can also subscribe to relevant content platforms, like podcasts, publications, and news sites.