Opportunities available for career transitioners

Recent research by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) on labour mobility of tertiary educated workers in Singapore (those with Polytechnic diplomas and above) highlighted four mobility archetypes with different levels of career progression and transitions between jobs: those who achieve strong career progression (with respect to income and designation) through fewer (Stable Achievers) rather than more moves (Adroit Achievers), and those who experience comparatively weak career progression regardless of whether the transitions are frequent (Explorers) or not (Early Careerists/Plodders). Labour mobility here refers to transitions between jobs, occupations and/or industries. It encompasses career mobility, which examines the sequence of transitions in job roles within and between organisations throughout one’s working life. Such transitions may be voluntary or involuntary, temporary or permanent, that may or may not involve a change (increase or decrease) in income and job designation.

The research spotlighted the importance of developing and maintaining strong career decision-making readiness and career self-management capability as critical to achieving successful career outcomes. Career decision-making readiness reflects one’s capability to make appropriate career choices while taking into account the complexity of various external influences such as family, social, economic, and organisational factors. In contrast, career self-management is a dynamic process of developing, implementing and monitoring one’s career goals and strategies. Other factors that are significantly associated with mobility are age, gender, race, marital status, having dependents, education, upgrading, income, job designation, occupation, industry, type of company,employment terms, union membership, experience in internship and apprenticeship, and the availability of government support – CCP, SCTP, career guidance, online portal (MyCF, MySF).

To support career progression and job transitions, it is pertinent that individuals hone their career management skills and regularly upgrade and update their skills and knowledge over their career, including one’s domain knowledge as well as Critical Core Skills that can facilitate job transition (skills related to Communication, Collaboration, Influencing, Problem Solving, and Digital Fluency). Seeking career advisory support to improve career decision-making readiness may also be helpful for Early Careerists, Plodders and Explorers. Employers are strongly encouraged to support the skills and career development of the multi-generation workforce to reap the benefits of a skilled workforce and the demographic premium of an ageing population.

My journey in becoming a data scientist

“I appreciated the chance to embark on a targeted learning journey through a six-month Specialist Diploma in Business and Big Data Analytics at Nanyang Polytechnic. This course helped me gain Data Engineering, Data Ethics, Data Visualisation and Business Needs Analysis skills. Outside the classroom, I realised the importance of having a flexible learning mindset and learning on the job from various sources such as mentors and online platforms. This ability to integrate insights from different sources and apply them creatively to craft effective solutions matters to me.

“I agree with the timeless wisdom that “Change is the only constant.” This idea is especially true in uncertain times when change accelerates rapidly. In these situations, adapting and learning quickly is essential. It is about staying abreast of the ever-changing environment and remaining relevant. I believe that the real worth of learning is in its application and implementation. Becoming a data scientist is not just about gaining knowledge for its own sake but using it to improve things important to us.”.

Darryl Leong

jobs skills analyst with SkillsFuture Singapore

My journey in becoming a jobs skills analyst

“As a Jobs Skills Analyst, I use Big Data Analytics to analyse labour market intelligence and produce jobs-skills insights that inform stakeholders’ decision-making. However, communication is vital when discussing my research and findings with other government organisations, businesses, training providers and the public. I also need to tailor my messages to cater to their level of understanding and empathise with their perspectives to ensure effective communication. In this aspect of my role, I leveraged my skills in Communication, Learning Agility and Self Management, and my experiences engaging stakeholders from my previous job role.

“Technology is advancing faster than ever, as are the changes to the economy and industry. The knowledge and skills one has now will become outdated sooner. Therefore, to stay relevant or competitive, I urge everyone to keep their skills and experiences current and aligned with industry trends.”