Deciding your first job as a fresh grad can be a difficult choice as it potentially determines the following years of your career. Therefore, it is important to have ample understanding and preparation before each step in your career path.
For fresh grads interested in entering the public sector in Singapore, fret not as there are plenty of entry points into the larger category of government work.
As a recruitment company in Singapore, we feel that it is our responsibility to assist fresh graduates in their career path. Having experience in handling jobs across various industries, we would like to provide some insight on some of the benefits that the public sector has to offer.
1. Job Security
This is a common concern shared by all working adults as nobody wishes to live under constant uncertainty. Contrary to popular belief, having the goal of gaining experience in your first job is a luxury as most recent graduates might be more anxious about paying off their student loans.
This is where the benefits offered by the public sector become more apparent as a government job ensures that your position is somewhat secure. However, it is important to keep in mind that no job is guaranteed to be fully secured. It just means that although there is a chance of losing your job, the odds are far less likely in the public sector.
This is because the government does not operate for profit, thus it is unnecessary to meet market pressure and the main duty of employees are to perform services that are consistently needed by the public.
Other than that, in times of economic recession, government jobs are likely much safer than private sector jobs as employers are not required to cut their workforce to reduce costs.
2. Job Satisfaction
While job security provides stability, job satisfaction is what delivers gratification in your work. Since government positions are sustained by public funds, it allows your career to be aligned with the interests of the general public.
This is especially the case for individuals that are enthusiastic about their line of work, as it gives them the opportunity to make a significant contribution to society while simultaneously making a competitive early salary.
Even though it could be simpler to concentrate on the monetary gain, the nature of the role would present situations that assesses your viewpoints on how your profession affects and contributes to wider society.
On the other hand, there are also other factors that contribute to job satisfaction, such as work flexibility. With its growing need in our current situation, it is one less worry as many public sector organizations offer flexible working options as a response.
Not to mention the work environment in these organizations are also typically calmer. As previously mentioned, the absence of needing to meet market pressure creates an atmosphere that is less demanding and competitive.
3. Career Progression
In the public sector, it is very common for organizations to invest in their employees. This includes subsidized training for those interested in improving their skills and developing their role.
This also paves the way for an increased likelihood of job advancement as training allows you to adopt new skills and gain credentials that will create opportunities for you to showcase your expertise.
At the moment, several public sector organizations offer graduate and development programmes or apprenticeships to encourage the development of those who are new to the job market.
Providing this opportunity to recent graduates directly benefits the development of their resumes. This is because having experience in various industries, government included, is a good start in creating a well-rounded profile.
This leads into our next point as working in the public sector presents many challenges of varying complexities that are distinct from other industries that develops and individual’s adaptability.
4. Career Opportunities
The focus of one’s career varies between each person while some may value the progress that they make within their role, others might want to explore different fields and develop a wider range of talents.
This is just one of the perks that the public sector has to offer as there are many opportunities that encompass a broad range of professions, spanning from social work to human resources and more.
In addition, there are degrees to the positions accessible, making it the ideal industry for those who are looking for stages that scale in mastery. In other words, this can also cater to those who remain unsure of what profession to pursue.
As the public sector consists of various industries to select from, including tech and healthcare, fresh graduates will be able to choose the one that best suits their skills and interests.
This can also be attributed to the wide assortment of roles available at all levels, meaning that regardless of the training, education or experience you have, there is probably a role that makes use of your talents and capabilities.
5. Regulated Working Conditions
Naturally, positions in the public sector are subject to stronger regulation and monitoring, partly due to ensuring that workers have the best working circumstances to prevent the misuse of tax dollars and because they have a civic duty to do so.
However, the benefits of a more solid legislation go beyond those that protect working conditions. Workplaces are better designed to shield employees from exhaustion, undue stress, and unjust working circumstances in efforts to boost productivity and improve retention rates.
Additionally, the public sector promotes more robust recruiting and firing processes that reduce the likelihood of unfair hiring practices that are made possible by better regulation. This is the main benefit that Singaporeans have as those dedicated to contributing to the country in the duration of their tenure are given priority.
Takeaway
The public sector can be a viable entry point for fresh graduates looking for the first step in their career. Not only does it provide all the benefits listed in this article, but also comes with opportunities that allow you to further develop your profession and build upon your already existing skills and experience.
