Fresh graduate: what are the chances?

[jellylime]

How difficult would it be for a non-Singaporean fresh graduate (bachelor's degree) to get a job in Singapore?

I visit Singapore often and know the place really well. I also noticed that over the span of about 10 years, I've seen a large influx of expatriates in the country, from skilled to not-so skilled workers.

Also, how difficult would it be to find an affordable apartment with a fresh graduate salary?

Thanks.

[Strong Eagle]

You really need to do a search and do some reading around here. This question has been asked and answered many times.

Since we are in a recession that has hit Singapore quite hard, I'll give you an update.

Your chances, as a fresh graduate, unless you have some incredibly in demand skill or capability, or have a particularly coveted degree not offered here (I can't think of one), your chances of working here are zero, zilch, null, nada.

The gahmen has increased its financial incentives to companies to hire new LOCAL grads because of the high degree of fear and pessimism in this group that they cannot find a job.

Yes, you are correct, in flush times there are lots of expatriates and foreign workers. But that is changing. As the economy becomes tighter, FW's are being sent home, at least in a proportion to the number of locals willing to take on the jobs the FW's have done.

Professional expats are being retrenched at an ever increasing rate, and this has fallout in housing demand and prices and many other areas where the relatively large expat salaries impacted the local economy.

So much so that the gahmen is implementing programs to attract expats... those that have high earning power and those who can start a business under the Entrepass scheme.

So, maybe there is one out: If you have an idea for the next Google, maybe you can start it here. But a run of the mill job? No way.

[irvine]

At this economic times, I'm afraid to say, it is largely depending on your luck. Yes, it may sound a little funny to say that, but really... ask 10 random people the next time you come to Singapore and see what their responses are.

Last year between May-July, I sent out 5 waves of job applications (total maybe 100 job ads?), and all I got was one interview. Fortunately that was a good interview to a good job, and I accepted it. Been with it until now. There had been no other interviews offered since. And I have ~7 years work experience.

However, this year, I have received three calls offering possible jobs. Two from a headhunter, and one from a former supervisor. Although, as a fresh grad, this is unlikely to happen to you. Unless you won some real nice biggie awards when you were in school. Or your dad is a big shot and he asked someone for a favor.

To get a job, here's three things you can do:
1. Pray hard. Pray very hard. Everyday.
2. Believe you will get a good job. Believe.
3. Network. Read RSS of your field, talk to people, participate in professional forums, network, etc.

[winger7]

I think the responses above mine have summed it up very well already. I will tell u what I think as well because I was dying to work there as a fresh graduate just like you. You are right in a way, I do know people that have gone to Singapore straight after graduating and are now working there, but that was 2 years ago when the economy was booming. It's not impossible, nothing is impossible and that's what I've been thinking, and why I will eventually try my luck come 2010.

I graduated 2 years ago and by next year I will have hopefully 2 years customer service experience. It does depend a lot on your luck though, it really does. I have been looking for jobs abroad as well, I suppose chances could be a little higher if you are physically in Singapore, but then seeing how you have just graduated you might not have a lot of savings. Even for me I know I will be spending all my savings in a few months if I move there and end up with a return ticket, but I would say it all depends on how much you are willing to sacrifice and how big a risk you are willing to take

[winger7]

by the way referring to my previous post...how big of a chance and how long would it take if i moved to singapore and got a visa with 2 years of customer service exp?