ECG Guide

Supporting your journey after graduation

Not sure what to do after graduation? Whether you're looking to start work or continue your studies, our ECG (Education and Career Guidance) Guide can help. It provides practical advice and useful resources to support your next steps.

Need help? You can also speak with our Education and Career Coaches for guidance and support.

10 steps to take after graduation

Feeling unsure about what’s next? That’s normal. Here are some steps to help you plan your way forward.

1. Rediscover yourself

Start by thinking about what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what you've learned so far. Ask yourself: What are my career goals? This also applies if you’re considering further studies.

Still unsure? Try the self-assessment tools on MySkillsFuture to learn more about your strengths and interests.

2. Consider your options

You can consider any of the following options upon graduation:

• Full-time Employment

• Work and Study

• Further Studies

When planning, think about your short-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 studying 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.

3. Research the market

You can also explore career opportunities related to your diploma by:

• Speaking with your lecturers or internship mentors about relevant qualifications and industry expectations.

• Exploring jobs beyond your diploma. Adjacent jobs may require just one or two new skills and can still be a good fit.

4. Enhance your resume and cover letter

List all your work experiences, including internships and part-time jobs. Note down the skills you’ve gained and update your resume and cover letter [PDF, 267 MB] to reflect them. Always tailor these documents to match the role you’re applying for. 

5. Get at least two references 

Think about who you can list as referees. Always ask for their consent before adding their contact details. If you did well during your internship or part-time work, you might also want to ask for a reference letter.

6. Polish your interview skills

Before interviews, practise your elevator pitch and prepare well. A lack of preparation is one of the most common mistakes during job applications. 

7. Prepare an outfit

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

8. Planning for further studies?

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

Planning to further your studies? You can:

• Research local and overseas universities

• Check application deadlines and entry requirements

• Find out if you need to prepare a portfolio, attend interviews, or sit for any tests

9. Find a mentor

Having a mentor can help ease the transition into working life. Their insights can prepare you for real-world challenges.

10. Meet your education and career coach

Still unsure? Book a chat with an Education and Career Coach. You can also access online resources or make an appointment at for.edu.sg/rpecgappt.

Useful resources

Here are some platforms to help with your job or study search:

• MySkillsFuture
  Use the self-assessment tools to learn about your strengths and explore industries and jobs.

• MOM website
  Foreign graduates can check work pass eligibility here.

• MOE website
  Learn more about the Tuition Grant Scheme.

• Private Education Resources
  Learn about private institutions if you’re thinking of studying in one.

Build your personal brand

A strong personal brand helps you stand out. Here's how to get started:

Resume tips: 

• Use the S.A.R. format – Situation, Action, Result

• Tailor your resume for each job

• Keep it clean and error-free

• Highlight your skills with action words

• Quantify your achievements

Cover Letter tips:

• Customise it for the role

• Address it to the hiring manager if possible

• Have a clear opening and closing

• Mention relevant experience

Interview tips:

• Research the company

• Dress appropriately

• Bring a portfolio

• Prepare questions

• Follow up with a thank-you note

LinkedIn:

• Create and maintain a LinkedIn profile. Here’s a quick guide to get started.

Find jobs

You can search for jobs by role, company, or industry. Try using different keywords, including your key skills, to access a wider range of jobs.

Don’t limit yourself to jobs that match your diploma exactly. Consider roles in related industries that match your skillset.

Popular job portals:

• RP Career Portal 

• MyCareersFuture

• Careers@Gov

• SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes

Quick tips

• Broaden your job search
  Don't wait for your dream job. Try related roles, including jobs from your internship company or positions that help you get a foot in the door.

• Set realistic salary expectations
  If the salary is lower than expected, focus on learning and growing. Strong performance can lead to future opportunities.

• Keep going
  Job hunting takes time. Apply to multiple roles and prepare well for each interview. Stay positive and persistent.

• Tap into your network
  Let people know you’re job hunting. Ask for advice and keep an open mind about the roles that come your way.

Talk to us

Feeling unsure? You don’t have to figure things out alone.

If you're an RP alumnus within three years of graduation or NS completion, you can still access our ECG services.

Book an appointment to speak to an Education and Career Coach and get help with planning your next move.