NTU ASEAN Scholar’s Job Search Struggles in Singapore

I graduated🧑‍🎓 in June 2024, but I didn’t secure a job offer right away. During that time, I felt anxious, afraid, and honestly, quite inferior, especially as I watched my friends gradually land offers with salaries ranging from $5k to $8k a month.

If you’re nearing graduation, congratulations! 🥳 🥂

But if you’re still struggling to land an offer, and wondering whether you should stay in Singapore to continue your job search — I hear you. I’ve been there, and I know how painful and overwhelming it can feel.

As I mentioned, I received an ASEAN Scholarship to study at NTU, where I pursued a double major in Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science.

I was fortunate to achieve a double Dean’s List award in AY20/21, serve as the President of the Rotaract Club of NTU, and even receive the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award. 🥇

However, after graduation, the gap between my academic achievements and the harsh reality of job hunting hit me hard.

I felt lost — I had no clear direction when applying for jobs, I didn’t know how to properly prepare for interviews, and worst of all, rejections came one after another, crushing my already fragile confidence as a fresh graduate with no valuable skills.

After my graduation, I travelled 🏯🐉 for a few weeks to unwind. Once I settled down, I moved back to Malaysia, my hometown.

During that time, I didn’t have the courage to apply for new jobs. Most of my friends had already started working, while I was still stuck at home, feeling lost.

In denial, I blamed everything — the job market, my choice of degree, anything that could justify why I hadn’t secured a job.

I was Wrong About the Job Market in Singapore

I thought my degree and good grades were enough to land a job in Singapore. I was wrong. Here’s what really made the difference.

Job Hunter SGTang Yi Qwan