Because sometimes, your strengths shine in roles you haven’t even considered yet.
Figuring out what job truly fits you isn’t always straightforward. For many in Singapore, especially those at a career crossroads such as graduation, a mid-career transition or post-retrenchment, the idea of finding the perfect fit can feel unclear or even out of reach.
But what if the challenge isn’t your experience or background? What if you simply haven’t been shown the full range of roles that align with your strengths?
Here are six practical insights that can help you uncover roles that may suit you, even if they’re not what you originally imagined.
1. What you studied doesn’t define you — your skills do
It’s common to think your diploma or degree dictates your career. After all, you spent years studying for it — shouldn’t you stick to what you trained for? But what you learned doesn’t have to limit what you do. In today’s world, your abilities, experiences, and mindset matter just as much, if not more, than your qualifications on paper.
A Mass Communication graduate, for instance, isn’t limited to journalism or PR. They might thrive in roles like UX writing, public policy, or learning design — fields that value storytelling and audience insight.
Likewise, someone with an engineering background might find a better fit in product management, where technical know-how meets big-picture thinking. It’s a growing field in Singapore’s tech scene.
In a skills-first job market, it’s not about where you started but how your abilities can flex across roles.
2. Emerging roles are closer to you than you think
According to recent reports by MOM, Singapore’s job market is shifting, with growing demand in areas like sustainability, digital transformation, and the care economy. You might already have the foundation for roles in these sectors. Sometimes, it just takes a closer look, alongside a willingness to explore new possibilities.
For instance, sustainability roles can appeal to those with backgrounds in operations, procurement, or hospitality, where knowledge of processes and compliance is already part of the job.
Similarly, data-related roles such as data analysis or UX research are increasingly being taken up by individuals with backgrounds in education, marketing, or business analysis. They then build on their existing strengths through short courses.
Jobs in the care sector, such as healthcare coordination, may suit individuals with experience in customer service or social work, especially as Singapore responds to the needs of an ageing population.
3. Some tools can spot your potential for you
It can be challenging to spot alternative career paths when you’ve been in the same role or industry for some time. This is where AI tools can help.
For example, the CareersFinder feature on the MyCareersFuture platform looks at your work history and skills to suggest job roles you may not have considered, focusing on what you can do rather than just your previous job titles. The best part? It’s tailored to your profile, so the suggestions you receive aren’t generic — they’re practical, relevant, and aligned with your goals.
Step 1: Go to CareersFinder and log in with your SingPass.
Step 2: Respond to the quiz questions.
Step 3: Receive recommendations for suitable occupations and job vacancies within each occupation.
This is one way Singapore is evidently moving towards a more skills-based approach to hiring. For those feeling stuck or unsure, it can offer a helpful starting point for exploring new directions.
4. Mid-career switches are not a setback — they’re a strategy
Switching careers can feel intimidating if you’ve spent years working in a particular field. You may wonder if it’s too late, or whether all your experience will still count. These are valid concerns, but making a career change doesn’t mean starting from zero. It means building on what you’ve already gained.
Many mid-career professionals have transferable strengths, such as leadership, communication, and adaptability, that are highly valued across sectors. With the right upskilling, such career strengths can be redirected into new and growing areas.
If you’re considering a career switch but unsure how to bridge the gap, structured initiatives like the Career Conversion Programme (CCP) can make the transition more manageable. CCPs offer training and salary support to help mid-career individuals move into roles in growth sectors such as tech, healthcare, and sustainability, which provide new opportunities for you to stay relevant in the workforce.
Take this quiz: Are You Ready for a Mid-Career Industry Switch?
5. The right job might be the one you’ve overlooked
It’s easy to be drawn to familiar or impressive-sounding job titles, but titles don’t always reflect what a role truly offers. In fact, a “less flashy” job name could lead to greater career growth, better alignment with your skills, or even a more fulfilling career path.
Instead of focusing only on labels, read the job description. Understand what the role entails, its impact, and how it fits where you want to grow.
To stay ahead, keep yourself informed. Follow industry updates on LinkedIn, explore career articles on sites like CareersCompass by MyCareersFuture, and check in regularly with workforce reports or job trends from LinkedIn and the SkillsFuture Jobs-Skills portal.
In a fast-changing job market, the best opportunities often hide behind unfamiliar names. Stay curious, stay open — and you just might find a role that surprises you in the best way.
Final thought: Don’t wait to be stuck to start exploring
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s something more out there for you, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point in their careers where they feel ready for something different, but they aren’t sure what that could look like or even how to begin.
The good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. What matters is taking the first step to learning about a new industry, updating your skills, or simply being open to roles you hadn’t considered before.
Remember, you’re not defined by your past roles, degrees, or time in one area of work. What counts is what you choose to do next.
Because the right job for you might not be the one you had imagined initially, it could be something better — one that fits who you are now, and where you’re ready to go.
