Feb 2, 2012

Singapore - S'pore graduates "still in demand"


SINGAPORE: Singapore graduates are still in demand despite an expected slowdown in economic growth this year, say employers and recruiters.

But, graduates can expect tougher competition for jobs.

A total of 176 employers across various sectors took part in this year's National University of Singapore (NUS) Career Fair which began Thursday.

NUS vice-provost Tan Tai Yong said some employers are looking beyond good grades in their search of graduate employees.

"They are looking for graduates who show that beyond being a very good student in a subject, they are able to have different qualities that will enable them to function in a workplace that is now changing so rapidly, lots of uncertainties, lots of ambiguities," Professor Tan said. 

"They want people who can deal with this, not so conservative, to take chances, to try to find solutions to problems. 

"Also, the workplace has become very globalised. They want people who are able to work with groups which may comprise different nationalities, different cultures and be able to negotiate those cultures, and also be able to function in environments they're not familiar with."

A survey by the NUS Career Centre showed some top attributes employers look for include good communication skills, a desire to learn and adaptability.

In addition, having good EQ and cross-cultural communication skills are some qualities that would help a young prospect thrive in a global environment.

There are also good opportunities for graduates from Singapore as employers worldwide are looking for Asia-savvy talents. 

This is to ride on the opportunities generated by Asia's growth.

Singapore graduates are also seen as a pipeline for future managerial positions.

Even though demand for graduates continues to be good, students are urged not to take anything for granted. 

They are encouraged to be proactive in seeking jobs early. 

Students are also advised to be open to various job options, including short-term ones, if they offer great learning opportunities.

Graduating student Ong Gim Hoe said: "My personal expectations of the next job I will be in -- they won't be very high. It won't be the dream job. 

"I treat this more as a slow progress to what I ultimately want to be."

Graduating student Farah Hasinah Abdul Wahab said: "Obviously we expect a pay which is sufficient, due to the high cost of living right now, and as graduates, we graduate with loans. 

"We want to support our family and at the same time repay our loans within a short period of time."

Towers Watson graduate recruitment manager Sonal Patel said: "One thing that graduates focus a lot on at the moment, is how many vacancies is the organisation requesting to hirer, how are (their) chances, am (if they are) going to be successful? 

"So that could possibly knock their confidence or give them that feeling there are not so many vacancies (as) there are still so many students applying for one job."

At the career fair, the university launched the NUS Future Leadership Programme.

It is designed to provide students with leadership principles and experiential learning to hone leadership skills.

More than 7,000 students are expected to attend the two-day fair.

- CNA/wk


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