No matter your age, it’s important to understand that learning doesn’t stop. On top of that, human beings are like sponges. We absorb new ideas, opinions, and interests. This can lead to different career goals and interests as we progress in age. That’s why we see people jumping into job roles, completely different to their qualifications and prior job positions.
As a job employment agency in Singapore, we want candidates to understand that whatever your evolving career goals are. It is best to focus on what you can and want to achieve first! Inspired by a Channel News Asia article released in 2019. We’ve listed some career milestones, questions, and goals to have at every age. From your first few years as a fresh graduate in your 20s, to your final few years before retirement. Ready to get started?
1. Starting Out in Your 20s
Congratulations! You’ve finally graduated out of Singapore’s stringent school system. Now what? Well, now that you’re finally beginning to embark on a lifelong journey to, it’s important to understand that these are your foundational years. In your twenties, you should be trying out everything and anything, picking up new skills that interests you. Try not to limit yourself to expanding your skill sets within one industry. Some advice for job seekers starting out in their twenties include:
A. Accumulate as much experience as possible
Whether it’s through internships, courses, or job experiences. The experiences that you accumulate in your twenties are extremely valuable. If you’re looking to switch careers or even industries during this decade, it is imperative to pick an experience that will give you good mentorship instead of just money. Check out this article by BGC Group on why job seekers should focus on other benefits instead of an annual salary, the next time they’re job hunting!
B. Network as widely and diversely as you can
Networking can sound daunting to some, especially if you’re an introvert. However, networking almost always leads you to better job opportunities and offers in the future. But try to avoid networking only with people in the industries you’re looking to break into. It’s important to get your fingers into all the booming industries.
Not only will a diverse network lead to better career opportunities. It can also help employees acquire diverse knowledge and more friends in your personal life. You’ll never know who you might just meet.
Some networking articles to checkout:
C. Know that your passion will run out
When you’re young, you believe that passion fuels hard work. But what happens when your passion runs out? How are you going to fuel yourself to reach new heights with your career goals? In an era where job burnout is prevalent amongst Singaporean employees, young job seekers will need to find factors to help fuel this passion.
Write down the features of your dream job in a notebook. What matters to you? Is it company culture or the ability to redeem free training and upskilling courses from work? Listing these down will help you narrow down your ideal career and dream companies.
More articles for young jobseekers to read include:
2. Start the Focusing and Refining Process in Your 30s
Most employees get overwhelmed when they realise that they will spend a good portion of their career life fumbling around and figuring things out. Especially when you’re in your twenties. The good news is that not all of us are aware of what career to pursue or skills to pick up in our twenties. The good news is that this isn’t as negative as it sounds! Or at least it shouldn’t be. As long as you have the curiosity and inquisitiveness of a child, you get to spend your 30s exploring other viable career options.
A. Research booming and trending industries!
Many employees in their 30s often try to switch careers. If you’re itching for a career change, it would be best to research the industries that are currently in-trend (e.g. Tech and IT). Usually booming and trending industries are more likely to be recruiting widely and actively. Additionally, it would be best to migrate to familiar industries. Ones where you have overlapping skills in!
Some articles for you to check out include:
The Best Industries for Job Security and How to Break into Them
7 Hottest Recession Proof Jobs and Industries in Singapore This 2020
B. Continue the upskilling process
Let’s be real, the times are changing. Now’s the time to continue fighting for your job and position, especially during the turbulent post-pandemic economy. One of the best weapons in your arsenal are the skills you pick up, both soft and hard skills. Some of the best soft skills that will help you be irreplaceable at work include leadership, teamwork, and time management skills.
While the best hard skills to pick up will differ according to your desired industry. These articles might give you some insight on the best hard skills and programs to pick up as a mature job seeker:
Which is Better – Soft Skills or Hard Skills? The Eternal Debate
5 Soft Skills That will Expand Your Job Prospects Post-Circuit Breaker
How Can I Increase My Job Security In The Age of Technology and Disruption?
4 Tips Mature Workers Should Take Note in Order to Survive This Covid-19 Pandemic
3. Pick Up the Learning Process Once Again in Your 40s
Like we’ve said, the learning doesn’t stop! As a seasoned and mature worker, your employers might be looking to you right now to mentor and lead a new generation of employees. Which is why it’s imperative to continue learning and picking up new information about your industry. Now’s also the time to start spreading your ideas out onto social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
Keep in mind that in order to be a great leader and mentor, you must also be an expert with advice and knowledge on hand. This allows you to share your experiences to an audience that will accommodate and absorb your advice.
Relevant articles for you to check out:
Looking for more interesting career articles and tidbits? Browse through the BGC Group blog for more articles by our content writers and contributors. Don’t see a topic covering your interests and questions? Share them with us in the comments section below!
Read More: 7 Tips for Twenty Somethings in Singapore Who Want to Get Hired Fast