Nobody is too old to learn. e2i and BGC Group tackle the stigma against seeking outside help in furthering one’s career, and give tips on making a career switch.

2020 may be behind us. But, something that has not changed is our shared desire to improve and achieve in our careers. We’ve grown in a society that has emphasised the importance and correlation of career and hard work.

Despite this, the stigma about jobseekers seeking help from outside remains prevalent. Seeking help may be perceived as acceptable if one is green in the workforce. However, for experienced workers, asking for help might be deemed as shameful.

Our friends at BGC Group, a recruitment agency, share our mission to provide jobseekers in Singapore with the right career guidance and advice. In this article, we explore different ways jobseekers and those employed can seek career support from, no matter the age.

Information for Fresh Graduates Seeking Career Guidance

After navigating the tough education system for years, most fresh graduates are surprised, and stressed, by how hard deciding on a career or job is. We know that far too many people are dissatisfied with what they do for a living.

​However, these career mistakes can be avoided when you consider these steps listed below: 

1. Do you truly understand your career needs?

Understanding your personality can help you identify careers and industries that you’ll be successful in. Identifying your true personality might sound complicated. But, this can be done through personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Enneagram and DISC tests. 

2. Have you spoken to a professional who understands your field?

A career coach will be able to identify the resources fresh grads might need. They can also help fresh graduates write their resumes, and give tips on how to network. Alternatively, speaking with a recruiter can also provide fresh graduates with career advice. All you need is an industry expert to guide you to land your first job. 

Some career coaches or counsellors in Singapore to check out are MyCareersFuture, and BGC Group.

3. Have you done enough research?

From speaking to people from all backgrounds, BGC Group has noticed that many fail to understand that research is crucial during the job hunting phase. This might sound daunting, but there are many free resources online for fresh graduates to check out! 

We recommend BGC Huddles or sites like MyCareersFuture and Jobs Go Here.

3 Major Tips for Mid-Career Employees Looking to Switch Careers  

Navigating and planning a career switch is a lot trickier. Most jobseekers stuck in this predicament often wonder if switching industries would mean discarding the skills and knowledge accumulated throughout their working life. However, this is a career myth and not the truth. 

Working with a good career coach can help mid-career employees transition better. In addition, if you’re suffering from job burnout, reaching out for help can manage your problems before it gets out of hand. 

1. Seek counselling

Unfortunately, older employees and jobseekers still consider seeking help for mental health to be a taboo. However, a licensed counsellor can help employees mitigate job burnout — stress caused by an individual’s working environment. Job burnout can eventually lead to more cynicism regarding one’s career and eventually depression.

A career counsellor can help burnt out employees by giving them tools to identify the root of their stress. In addition, working with a counsellor can help jobseekers manage a healthier lifestyle (e.g. managing proper sleep, adequate amounts of rest and exercise to name a few). 

2. Smart upskilling

Upskilling is a popular term amongst most mid-career employees. However, not everyone understands what smart upskilling is. Our working landscape in Singapore is ever-changing and incorporating more technology. Upskilling is becoming more important than ever for mid-career employees looking to advance up the career ladder. 

Below are some key tips to help job seekers upskill in a smart way: 

• Identify transferable skills: Transferable skills and abilities are relevant in more than one industry, such as project management, leadership and EQ skills. Self-assessment through a test is a good way to identify transferable skills. Once you’ve identified your top transferable skills, you can search for an ideal industry that complements your competencies.

For a guided assessment led by professionals, e2i’s Career Navigator workshop is something you can consider!

3. Explain your career goals and interests to a professional

Individuals working for bigger companies will have access to in-house career planners. Fortunately, a frank discussion with your supervisor can help you reset and plan some of your career goals and expectations. In addition, career coaches and recruitment agencies might be able to help you plan your career better.

Leverage e2i’s many career guidance services to get started on planning the next steps in your career! We welcome all jobseekers and employees in search of career help. Make an e-appointment now for a career coaching session, complimentary to all Singaporeans and PRs.

Article adapted from local recruitment agency, BGC Group’s blog.