Start with the end in mind. Do a stocktake of your key interests, strengths and skills you have honed over the years.

Ask yourself this question – “What are some career goals that I have?” This question also applies if you are planning to pursue further studies after graduating from RP.

If you are still uncertain about your next step, take the self-assessment test available on MySkillsFuture portal and find out about strengths and career interests.

You can consider any of the following options upon graduation:
- Full-time Employment
- Work and Study
- Further Studies

When considering these options, you may begin by charting out your short-term, mid-term and long term goals.

If you are thinking about taking on full-time employment, consider practical aspects like employment remuneration package, work location and career progression.

If you are considering study while working full-time, you may check out RP ACE's SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes or other SkillsFuture Work-Study Post-Diploma Programmes designed to provide Polytechnic graduates like you a head-start in careers related to your discipline of study.

If you are considering further studies, think about your preferred course(s) of study, available financial resources and family commitments amongst others.

To discover career opportunities related to your diploma course you can:

a) Find out from your lecturers and industry mentors (e.g. colleagues and supervisors from your internship company) about the relevant qualifications you should possess to work in your preferred industry, as well as the work culture and environment of the same industry.

b) Be open-minded – explore beyond careers that are directly related to your diploma course. Find out about the adjacent industries and jobs and consider applying for these adjacent jobs. Adjacent jobs are jobs that you could potentially apply for, but are perhaps lacking in one of two required skills.

Gather all your work experiences, including internship and part-time work, and list the skills and competencies you have acquired both at work and in RP. Reflect these experiences into your resume and cover letter.  Always customise your resume and cover letter based on the job roles that you are applying for.  Remember to progressively update your resume and cover letter to make it more interesting.

Think of people whom you may list as your referees in your resume. You will need to seek your referees’ agreement to be included in your resume before submitting their names, job titles and contact details to your potential employers.

If you performed well during your internship, consider requesting a letter of commendation or reference from your internship supervisor. Good references may also come from supervisors from your part-time employment or organisations you have worked at or volunteered in.

Perfect that elevator pitch! It is very important to plan and prepare for an interview. The lack of adequate planning and preparation for an interview is the one of the greatest pitfalls at the job application stage.

While you can never be overdressed, first impression matters in order to ace that interview. Plan for an appropriate interview outfit and dress according to the workplace requirements.

If you are planning to go for further studies, you can begin by:

a) Researching about further studies at local and foreign universities;
b) Finding out about the application period(s) of your preferred course(s); and
c) Familiarising yourself with the entry requirements and selection criteria of your preferred course(s). You should find out about course interviews, portfolio submission, interview tests, etc.

If you are considering further studies at a private education institution (PEI), you can also conduct research by visiting the Committee for Private Education’s website to prepare and familiarise yourself with the PEIs. While you are at it, check out this news article on the Closure of Private Education Institution Due to Incompliance of Regulations and learn to safeguard yourself.

Having a mentor who shares rich experience and tips to work around challenging situations is definitely a plus as it makes that transition to work life less stressful and eases the initial steep learning curve.

You are always welcome to discuss your career options and further studies opportunities with an Education and Career Coach. 

To access the online career-related services and schedule an online appointment with an Education and Career Coach, visit go.gov.sg/ecgappt.

RP Career Centre is committed to help you become career-ready.

Get in touch with your Education and Career Coaches today!

1. MySkillsFuture  is a one-stop education, training and career guidance online portal that guides you to plan your training and career progression. The portal hosts various self-assessment tests to help you discover your career interests, skills and work values. You can also search for suitable specific and adjacent jobs by exploring industry insights across major sectors. 

2. Access the Skills Framework  to learn about the job opportunities and career pathways within various industries.

3. Visit the website of Committee for Private Education to further research on essential information while deciding on further studies at a private education institution.

4. For foreign graduates, you may find out from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website information on eligibility and application for different work passes. For tuition grant matters, visit the Ministry of Education (MOE) website for more details.

5. Make an appointment with your Education and Career Coach today and gain exclusive access to updated Labour Market Information and stay attuned to market expectations and employer demands.

 

1. Impress hiring managers with a S.A.R. resume
   - Tailor your resume for the position
   - Ensure a neat format and error free resume
   - Showcase your Skills through the use of action verbs
   - Describe Actions taken to accomplish the tasks
   - Quantify your accomplishments with positive Results
   

    

2. Complement your resume with a well-written cover letter        
   - Customise your cover letter for the job position
   - Address the cover letter to the hiring manager
   - Have a strong opening and closing in the letter
   - Highlight relevant experience from your resume in the letter

    

3. Prepare yourself adequately to ace the interviews 
   - Research about the company
   - Be punctual and dress appropriately
   - Prepare your portfolio
   - Ask appropriate questions
   - Follow-up with a Thank you note after the interview
   - Check out these useful tips to prepare for an Online Job Interview
   

    

4. Set up a LinkedIn account and actively manage it. Here is how you can create a LinkedIn profile. Get Started.

 

There are many job and career portals available for job search purposes and you will be able to perform keyword search on most of them. With this keyword search function you can view available jobs either by companies, job positions or categories such as sectors and skills.

You are always encouraged to conduct a broad-based job search to enhance your chances of being called for an interview and securing a job. To begin a broad-based job search, indicate your key skills in the relevant search fields to access more adjacent jobs. While these adjacent jobs may not be directly related to your diploma course, they are still potential job areas which you may consider in your job search.

• RP JobsNet (For Students & Graduates)
• MyCareersFuture.gov.sg
• Careers@Gov
• SkillsFuture Work-Study Post-Diploma Programmes

Whether you are seeking employment or contemplating further education, bear in mind your goals and reasons for making the decision.

Check out these tips and strategies that may be useful while exploring your options: 

1. Broaden your search

   Instead of waiting for that perfect job, focus on getting your foot into the specific or adjacent industry. Adjacent opportunities often turn out to be a good stepping stone towards getting your dream job. This could mean accepting a job position offered by your internship company, a job that pays a lower than expected salary, or other job positions that do not meet some of your expectations. In times of uncertainty, try to keep your options open and explore beyond your dream or ideal job.
   
   

2. Have realistic salary expectations

   If you are offered a salary that is lower than expected, stay positive by giving your best and performing above expectations. Your positive work attitude will be recognised and paid off by your employer eventually as you consistently produced good results.
   
   

3. Keep applying and do not give up

   You may have to apply for many jobs and be called for a few interviews. Persevere and continue to conduct research on the industry, study each potential company carefully and understand each job offer thoroughly. Leverage and highlight your relevant skillsets to help potential employers see the fit between you, the organisation and the job role.
   
   

4. Think out of the box
   

   It is not uncommon for job seekers to face stiff competition when securing employment. When encountering such challenges, tap on your connections and keep an open mind. Seek advice and guidance and consider every job opening as a potential one for you.