New Graduate Engineering Jobs

[leon2012]

Hello,


I'm planning on migrating to Singapore for about three years. I'm currently in the UK, have been here the past 4 years, and I'm about to graduate with a MEng in Computer Science.

I have a few questions regarding jobs in Singapore. Most of the jobs I like and can apply for pay around SGD 2000 to 3500 a month. I wanted to know what part of this would be taxed and how tax works.

According to the Contact Singapore organisation run with the help of the Ministry of Manpower, about SGD 20,000 a year would be needed for accommodation, utilities and other living costs.

The entry level salaries in Singapore are about half that of what you would find in the UK for my industry though, but I still prefer Singapore. I've been to Singapore twice before, once when I was nine years old and then again when I was 18. I think it would be an excellent place to work and the tech sector in Singapore is quite an exciting place.

Anyone here who works in the Software/IT field in Singapore? Would be great to hear your input on your experiences.

[JR8]

You won't get a visa and if you were to they'd pay you $hit.

I realise Europe is hideous and in a tail-spin, but how about getting a few years experience under your belt before purporting as a 'skilled migrant'?

[beppi]

There are many IT/Software engineers in Singapore and, unless you have something to differentiate yourself from them (e.g. niche skills, or prior work experience), they have better job chances, as locals are generally preferred (I think this is true everywhere in the world).
In addition, getting a visa is not assured even with a job offer. Read about the requirements for getting an EP (above S$3000/month) and S-Pass (below that) on this forum and www.mom.gov.sg.
If you get a visa, you will be taxed the same as everybody else - just some deductions, e.g. for parents living in Singapore, or for having done military service, will not apply to you. Taxes are generally low (but living costs are not). Read about it at www.iras.gov.sg.
You will not get CPF or any kind of social security, so you should save for a rainy day by yourself!
And, last not least, you would most probably not be able to afford your own private apartment on that salary. Are you o.k. with sharing a place? Even if the others think and act very different from what you expect or are used to?
Visiting a place and living there are completely different issues. Have you lived abroad before?
I came as a fresh graduate (when it was still much easier than now) and it has been a very enriching experience that now defines who I am, but you have to realize that this is not for everyone. I have also seen many fail!

[JR8]

I came as a fresh graduate

A fresh German graduate, so aged about 45 then.


Sorry! bwahahahhaa.....

[beppi]

I know I'm getting old, but do you HAVE to say it that bluntly?

[JR8]

Yah, think Basil Fawlty, sense of humour, you know ...


Oh, don't worry ['Sybill Sybil!l']!

[leon2012]

Hi guys,


Thanks for your prompt replies.

You won't get a visa and if you were to they'd pay you $hit.

I realise Europe is hideous and in a tail-spin, but how about getting a few years experience under your belt before purporting as a 'skilled migrant'?

Wow, that's quite the bleak picture you've painted! Is it really that tough? I have work experience, I've worked throughout University, and deployed several applications following SDLC's and these are in operation today. I am also part of a startup based in a developing country. The last work experience I had was interning at a research laboratory in my University working on a research project.

Also, there are representatives from an organisation called Contact Singapore visiting my University to hire graduates in the Engineering/Tech fields.

I've looked into getting a house, there were some basic houses for about SGD 1000 per month, which seem affordable on the starting salary I've stated before.

What are exactly the reasons they would make it tough? I would love to know, especially to contrast reality with the agendas of organisations like contact singapore.

[JR8]

Good for you you Leon, stick to your guns, don't let me put you off.

Beppi is the Germanic engineering kinda dude. (I'm the Anglo-Saxon bare-knuckles trader type). See what he has to say.

Not laying down in the face of adversity is a big virtue.

Rock on.

[x9200]

What are exactly the reasons they would make it tough? I would love to know, especially to contrast reality with the agendas of organisations like contact singapore.

Very simple and already mentioned: you would be in a direct competition with the local guys entering the local market and at this very moment the government trying their best to show that they do not allow of such competition. Again what already said, unless you really have something to bring to the table your chances are very slim. Various organizations from SG regularly do recruitment work in the EU's and the States Unis but it does not mean that the gates are wide open.

[nutnut]

+1 to all above posts! It's hard enough even with 10 years experience in a niche sometimes at the moment you will find it difficult, try get some experience in Holland or somewhere first, I know you want out of the UK (don't we all!) but show that you have the balls to leave and be settled and get some experience!

Although, Holland may be screwed too with the Euro crisis...

I can tell you now, the fresh grads who have excellent qualifications and are local are getting maximum $3K a month for IT engineering jobs, locals with about 8-10 years experience are getting around $5K. Just to put you in the picture.

[beppi]

I've looked into getting a house, there were some basic houses for about SGD 1000 per month, which seem affordable on the starting salary I've stated before.

Those are rooms in shared apartments. "House" is the Singlish term for everything with a roof that allows sleeping in it. There are no apartments below S$2000/month (and you might not like those cheap ones).

[adelave]

can we switch job, i want to work in uk

[aerotekk]

Hi

I have similar questions with regards to Aeronautical Engineering.

I recently graduated as a matue student (aged 30) and have been working as a contractor for Airbus Military and Rolls-Royce as a Technical Author/Illustrator and a development Technican respectivley.

During my degree, I entererd my dissertation for an international engineering competetion which received first place. Before my degree, I worked extensivley in logistics and in the automotive industry (in a repair garage).

So, I have more all-round experience than a fresh grad, and I also have this competition thing on my CV, so it can potentially help it to stand out.

I just want to earn enough to live a reasonable life. I currently earn the equivalent of s$3500 per month, and I would be happy to earn the same in singapore. the amount of taxation and the lack of reward in this country has made it unbearable.

So I understand the suggestions of staying put and gaining experience in the UK, but there is really no point.

Could you all possibly give advice on the state of aeronautical engineering in singapore? is it as saturated as the IT industry? and what of local engineers? are they plentiful?

in short, does an aero engineer have a better chance?

thanks in advance