INDUSTRY SECTORS
Public Sector T
he public sector is Singapore’s largest employer, employing an estimated 153,000 officers across 16 ministries and more than 50 statutory boards. As this sector’s all about influencing and helping people – and not just profit margins – most people find a career in the public service very fulfilling. There’s usually a great deal of training offered, work practices tend to be flexible and job security is typically less of a concern. There are many areas within the public sector. Moreover, it’s not all about paperwork – many positions offer handson experience that affects people’s lives and the society we live in. Due to certain cascading effects from efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, there’ll also be a significant redesign of the nation’s public sector IT systems, as steps are taken to safeguard citizens’ personal data.
You will need… • To be highly empathetic • Communication skills • Organisational skills • To be a team player • Good interpersonal skills
Types of employers • Civil service and government agencies • Higher education institutes
Types of jobs Public sector work is very varied and includes: • Accounting, administration and management • Media and communications • Healthcare • Research • Specialist roles (e.g. architecture, surveying, engineering, IT, among others)
Did you know? Singapore’s a republic with a parliamentary system of government based on the Westminster model, a series of conventions and procedures used in the Palace of Westminster, the location of Parliament in the United Kingdom (U.K.).
• Community care and welfare
Job-hunting tips • The public sector offers a diverse range of jobs, with good opportunities to transfer to a preferred area of work. As such, applicants should conduct some research beforehand so they can talk about their ideal career progression at the interview • Be prepared for psychometric tests and multiple rounds of interviews
Most popular employers 1. Ministry of Education (MOE)
Work experience
2. Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
Prior work experience isn’t particularly important as most ministries will provide on-the-job training.
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
Deadlines
6. Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)
The public sector recruits year-round. Check individual ministry and statutory board websites for details.
8. Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)
4. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) 5. Ministry of Health (MOH) 7. Ministry of Finance (MOF)
9. National Environment Agency (NEA) 10.Economic Development Board (EDB) Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2021 edition
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