Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and a hub for diverse career opportunities—here are five top careers you can land after a master’s in Singapore.
Singapore isn’t just a global hub for innovation and economic growth—it’s one of the most sought-after destinations for business schools. This is for good reason: Singapore ranks among the top cities for quality of living globally.
The dynamic city offers a plethora of job opportunities across digital transformation, sustainability, financial technology, and artificial intelligence. With a master’s in Singapore, you’ll be well positioned to landing a career within one of these exciting sectors after you graduate.
Here are five careers you can land after a master’s in Singapore, and how a specialized business university can provide you with a competitive edge.
5 Careers You Can Land After A Master’s In Singapore
1. Data analyst careers
One of the most popular jobs for master’s graduates is a data analyst—especially for the more technical-oriented students.
This is why the Master of IT in Business (MITB) at Singapore Management University (SMU) School of Computing and Information Systems offers several specialized tracks catered to students with their eyes set on a stimulating career in data analysis.
The most relevant tracks for this career path include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Analytics.
“We teach students the tools and technologies relevant to the industry,” says James Koh, senior data science instructor and AI practicum manager at SMU School of Computing and Information Systems.
These tools include programming languages such as Python and SQL—tools which James says are practical skills needed for “the real world.”
Nine out of 10 graduates from the MITB program are employed within six months after graduating. They gain full-time employment across different sectors such as technology, banking and financial services, e-commerce, FMCG, manufacturing, and many more.
2. Data scientist careers
Another popular career path for students with a specialized IT and business master’s from Singapore is a data scientist—a highly sought-after role which involves working on innovative ways to store, capture, manipulate, and analyze complex data.
Graduates from the MITB program who aspire to be data scientists often find such opportunities across diverse sectors.
“We largely see our students enter the technology sector, e-commerce, financial institutions, consulting, and manufacturing,” says Dawn Tan, Assistant Director, SMU Career Services Centre.
In the MITB program, students can take electives such as Deep Learning for Visual Recognition and Applied Machine Learning—crucial skills for anyone wanting to make their mark as a data scientist.
To apply the skills gained in the MITB program, students can pursue internships in sectors like financial services, technology, and digital marketing with prominent companies such as Shopee, UOB and the Big Four accounting firms.
The SMU Career Services Centre also plays a crucial role in enhancing students’ career readiness. “We observe that most of our students tend to gravitate towards technical positions where the recruitment process typically includes multiple rounds of technical interviews and assessments.
“So, at SMU, we prepare them to tackle these assessments through organizing interview preparation workshops,” she says.
"Through a combination of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and robust career support, MITB graduates are poised to thrive as data scientists in a competitive job market," she adds.
Product managers take ownership of a product or product line, which means they typically work on strategy, identifying features of the product, and designing a roadmap.
Big tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, and Google all hire product managers to lead their various product lines, so it’s unsurprisingly a highly sought-after role for ambitious graduates.
In the Digital Transformation track in the MITB program, students can gain valuable knowledge and skills that will be helpful as they navigate a career path to product management. These include electives such as Digital Organization and Change Management and (digital) Product Management.
James explains that SMU is aligned to three core areas: Digital Transformation, Sustainable Living, and Growth in Asia, with many of the courses in the MITB program reflecting these values.
“Students can prepare themselves to take up roles in key areas such as ESG and creating a sustainable digital future,” he says, adding that the MITB offers a course on Digital Transformation and Sustainability, which is geared to students with an interest in this field.
For students with a penchant for problem-solving, a career as a business analyst might just be the right fit. Business analysts work to understand a business problem and analyze new opportunities.
With the MITB program training tomorrow’s leaders to be equipped with soft skills such as communication and presentation proficiency alongside technical skills, James says that graduates feel prepared to enter roles within business analysis after graduating.
Aside from the courses, the SMU Careers Services Centre also plays a role in providing graduates with a competitive edge.
SMU students are expected to undergo the Postgraduate Professional Development (PGPD) course.
Dawn says that the PGPD helps to “create well-rounded students” as they can choose from workshops which focus on honing one’s soft skills, for example networking, business etiquette, and leading with emotional mindfulness.
“The skills developed in these workshops complement their academic skill sets, which are what employers seek during hiring,” says Dawn.
5. Jobs in fintech and digital banking
As a technologically advanced country, Singapore offers a wealth of opportunities in fintech and digital banking.
James believes that the MITB’s focus on experiential learning is one of the major reasons why master’s graduates are ready to enter a variety of fast-paced and innovative careers in Singapore, and globally, after graduating from SMU.
The Financial Technology and Analytics track offers electives tailor-made for students with their heart set on fintech and digital banking. The track offers courses in Fintech Innovations and Startups, Digital Payments and Innovations, and Quantum Computing in Financial Services.
Aside from the strong job prospects which grads can access after a master’s in Singapore, students can benefit from living in a safe, modern, and multicultural city, explains James.
“SMU’s city campus is strategically located right next to the CBD, offering unparalleled convenience for students,” he says. “Not only does the prime location make it easy for students to attend job interviews, it also ensures a smooth commute during their internships – whether they’re returning for classes, using campus facilities or participating in university activities."
Singapore Management University School of Computing & Information Systems
Nikita
Verified
12/07/2023
On Campus
A Peek Behind SMU
Located in the middle of the Central Business District, SMU is surrounded by a plethora of different bars and restaurants to try. Unlike its other counterparts, all buildings are within a walkable distance of each other.
However, depending on the course you do, you might find the courses incredibly engaging or somewhat dull. Most political science courses have incredible professors, however, specific mathematical or computer science courses might have duller professors absorbed in teaching high-level content, resulting in a necessity for self-learning. At the end of the day, your experience depends on the course you take and your willingness to put in the hours required for harder courses.
Student
Verified
19/06/2023
On Campus
Holistic Business Curriculum
Exposure to diverse range of projects train students to adopt a holistic view and experienced generalists. Weightage are allocated evenly between exams and projects so it trains students to be an all-rounded and practise good time management. Professors have real working experiences and shares valuable insights.
Despite developing graduates that are competent for real jobs, SMU has yet to receive certain certifications which is a disadvantage in job application process.
Aditya
Verified
23/10/2019
Flexibility of courses
The number of courses that SMU provides is really nice. One can choose a variety of courses from various disciplines. A person can also choose their minors from different disciplines. For example one can do a Major in Economics and a 2nd major in Finance etc.
