Career Development

In an ever-evolving knowledge economy, continuous education keeps us relevant and engaged with industry developments.

If you’re looking to upgrade your skills or learn something new, then you’re in luck – true to the Asian culture that values learning, Singapore offers a myriad of training and upgrading opportunities.

Professional Development

If it’s sector-specific training you’re looking for, the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programme by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) may just have what you need. In particular, the Professional Skills Programme is targeted at professionals, managers, executives and technicians who wish to upgrade their skills in a wide spectrum of industries or in generic skills such as Leadership and People Management.

Often, companies provide career training but if you wish to take a more proactive approach, you may peruse the abundance of professional development programmes offered by the private sector, for almost anything from executive training to life coaching.

Trainee Programmes

Management trainee positions are an attractive option for young professionals. Many government organisations such as the Singapore Tourism Board and private companies, including banks, take in management trainees in a bid to groom talents for future leadership positions. Taking on a management trainee role means you will be exposed to relevant working experience in the industry that you’re interested in.

Further Education

Upgrading your qualifications not only enhances proficiency and knowledge, it is also an invaluable tool in getting a leg up in the corporate world. Some 16 world-class private universities have set up campuses in Singapore, including the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, INSEAD, ESSEC Business School, Digipen Institute of Technology, SP Jain Center of Management, Tisch School of the Arts and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These make excellent avenues through which you can garner a Masters degree or other qualifications.

SIM University is the only local tertiary education that caters exclusively to working adults and professionals. It offers a comprehensive buffet of programmes, from Masters and PhD programmes to short courses. Its sister institution, Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), offers degree and professional programmes in conjunction with premier overseas universities, such as RMIT, University at Buffalo, University of London and University of Sydney.

Although the four local autonomous universities – National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) – cater primarily to undergraduate education, you will find some high-quality post-graduate programmes here, which live up to the sterling reputation of these institutions. Research and scholarship opportunities are also available to post-graduate students.

Networking Platforms

Sometimes, the best form of learning takes place outside the classroom, by networking with industry experts. The most targeted networking platforms tend to be those offered by professional associations, as they offer opportunities to meet leaders and peers in specific professions or industries.

These associations cater to a wide variety of interests and needs:

By nationality

Key chambers of commerce and other business networks

Career resources

Professional associations

In addition, the Singapore Professional Centre also maintains a list of professional associations in Singapore.

Alumni associations

Universities, too, provide first-rate networking opportunities, usually via alumni events – staying involved with your alma mater or the university that you’re furthering your education with may be the best avenue for networking.

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