Event Report: Alumni Panel on 20/01/2021
Finding the right job is not easy in the best of times and looking for work during a worldwide pandemic and economic uncertainty has made it even harder for graduates. Luckily, LKYSPP alumni have helpful tips and strategies for new job-seekers.
The following are taken from an alumni panel featuring both Singaporean and non-Singaporean graduates of LKYSPP. The speakers were Mr S. Saravanan (MPP 2018, from Singapore), partner at SW Strategies Singapore | Malaysia; Ms Wai Yee Krystal Khine (MPA 2020, from Myanmar), market specialist at Facebook Singapore; and Ms Ramita Iyer (MIA 2020, from India), research analyst at the Institute of South Asian Studies.
YES, GETTING A JOB IS TOUGH
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to layoffs and hiring freezes around the world. Even before that, landing a job in Singapore after graduation was becoming increasingly difficult for international students without Singapore citizenship or permanent residency. The Singapore government, like many others around the world, has introduced various labour protection measures to get employers to hire Singaporeans and PRs first, including new incentives as a hedge against Covid-related job loss.
IT’S NOT IMPOSSIBLE, IF YOU CAPITALISE ON YOUR STRENGTHS
[ALUMNI-INFO TEXT="The good news is that Singapore is still reliant on foreign manpower, notably highly skilled workers with specialized skills. Mr Saravanan’s role includes hiring and he says that non-Singaporeans can be an asset. “Public policy firms with an ASEAN remit are looking for people of different nationalities,” he points out. His advice is to polish one’s CV and highlight experience that the employer will find relevant.
Ms Khine suggests that graduates focus on their Unique Selling Points – what do you bring to the table that someone else does not? Her job at Facebook came about because of her specialist knowledge about Myanmar. “My tip is to think of how you can add value with your unique profile,” she says.
For graduates with little or no job experience, Ms Iyer suggests a strategic review of the skills and competencies gained at LKYSPP. “I figured out what roles I could apply to and matched what I had learnt in the MIA to a job.”
Mr Saravanan says that hiring managers look for resourcefulness and proactive people: “Someone who knows what they want and who’s willing to go above and beyond.” A diverse portfolio and varied skill-set is an asset for public affairs consultancies. “We like jacks-of-all-trades!” he says."][/ALUMNI-INFO]
FINDING THAT JOB
Mr Saravanan’s tips:
Use school connections to build up a network of contacts. Did a guest lecturer impress you? Don’t just rush to get their namecard, follow up with honest conversation during and after their visit to the school, as long as they are open to being contacted.
Research the firms you are applying to. Are they doing what you want to do? Are you a good fit? Personalise your CV. It should be short, sweet and direct.
Ms Khine’s tips:
Online presence is very important. Update your LinkedIn profile and make genuine connections with others on the platform. (She found her current role through a recruiter on LinkedIn.)
Bank on your professors to introduce you to organisations.
Be open and flexible. You never know what opportunities might come your way!
Ms Iyer’s tips:
Use the school network. Professors’ recommendations can help you get your foot in the door.
While at school, choose modules that will build your repertoire of skills and competencies, especially if you have no prior work experience.
STAYING IN SINGAPORE: VISAS AND WORK PERMITS
[ALUMNI-QUOTES TEXT="After the student visa is cancelled, graduates can apply for a long-term-visit-pass (LTVP) to allow them to look for work in Singapore. This LTVP is issued by the Immigrations and Customs Authority of Singapore and graduates can only apply for it once.
Job seekers who find employment cannot apply for a work permit themselves. The employer does so, via the Ministry of Manpower.
Ms Khine notes that since the LTVP for job-seekers is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, graduates should manage their time strategically. After her student visa was cancelled, she was on a short-term visit pass for 2 months while she weighed her options. She only applied for the LTVP after 2 months, when she decided she wanted to look for work in Singapore. "][/ALUMNI-QUOTES]
MANAGE YOUR TIME AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
There is a lot of pressure on graduates and increasing anxiety about finding a job. Ms Iyer notes that job-seekers might need to be prepared for a long wait. She applied for her current position in March, was interviewed in June and received the job offer in August.
The alumni also noted that given the global crisis, new hires may not receive the salary or pay package they had been hoping for.
Ms Iyer’s advice: Be flexible and think of the long term. Maybe the first job offer you get will not be your ideal role but it could help put you on the right path to your ideal opportunity. “Find a way to stick around in Singapore,” she says.
Ms Khine adds that graduates need to be realistic about the global labour market and their potential. “We can’t blame governments and countries for wanting to hire local staff. What can you do that a Singaporean can’t do? That’s what MOM is looking for.