Some Career Advice Please!

[chicken_5]

Hello,
I was wondering if I could get some advice about job oppertunities in singapore. My boyfriend and I plan on relocating to singapore with his work for a couple of years after we get married. I am 27,British and have a good science degree - I currently work in health policy. I was just wondering how easy it would be to find similar work - I dont imagine there is much in that sector so was wondering how easy it would be to get a job in a bank/law firm as research assistant/pa/exec assistant (something like that) without any experiance in the sector or secretarial qualifications. Would it be useful to either gain experiance in that sector over here temping? get some secretarial qualifications as evidence i can do things or is fairly easy to find this type of work? Also would learning a language be helpful, if so which is the most useful.
If anyone has any ideas or where I could get more advice eg employment agencys I would be grateful.

Thanks

[guruvishwanath]

This is my personal opinion based on my time spent in Singapore (11 years) and the nature of debates that I see occuring in media and society.

If you belong to a high value sector like Investment banking, IT, Life Sciences, Biotech then you are a shoo in for a job as these are the hottest market. Of course, education qualifications are necessary for breaking into these sectors. Typically, jobs like paralegals, exec secy, assistants are filled with local candidates or spouses of already residents here who obtain a no objection certification from the immigration.

Experience counts a hell of a lot here. And lack of thereof will make it tough. Jobs as you mentioned would not pay very much and hence would not qualify you for a work pass in the country. Unfortunately, this is the truth.

You said health policy. The goverment is doing lots of work in making Singapore a regional health destination. If you can show your policy making skills to the local hospitals (including the private ones), then you may stand a chance of actually continuing your original profession.

I am assuming that you and you boyfriend are both looking to finding a job. Because the game is different if your boyfriend already has a job and you are accompanying him. Then you follow the No Objection Certificate route and you can even start a business or teach as native english speakers are always wanted here.

Hope it gives some insight on how you wish to approach to move to Singapore. Good Luck!