What are key trends in Singapore's entry-level job market?

Only 12.8% of entry-level positions are offering remote or hybrid arrangements.

Analytics, engineering, and design are the top skills in demand for entry-level roles in Singapore in 2024, according to LinkedIn's Career Starter 2024 report.

Amidst global shifts towards remote work, the report also said Singapore maintains a preference for onsite positions, with only 12.8% of entry-level jobs offering remote or hybrid options.

“The number of on-site positions has held steady year-on-year, with a slight dip observed in hybrid roles,” the report stated. “This signals that employers in Singapore continue to prioritise onsite work for entry-level positions.”

For bachelor's degree holders, government administration leads as the fastest-growing industry, followed by education, accommodation and food services, hospitals and healthcare, and financial services. Meanwhile, master's degree holders find opportunities in government administration and financial services.

Various roles are also available for different educational backgrounds. Bachelor’s degree holders can explore software engineer, marketing executive, and audit associate roles. Master’s degree holders are increasingly hired as software engineers and teachers. Those without degrees can pursue careers as administrative assistants and service specialists.

Moreover, regardless of educational qualifications, several job functions are also experiencing rapid growth. Bachelor's degree holders can delve into fields like finance, healthcare services, business development, marketing, arts and design, and research, whilst individuals with master's degrees find promising prospects in business development.

“To remain competitive in the current job market, it is important to stay updated on industry trends and in-demand jobs,”  said Pooja Chhabria, LinkedIn career expert and head of editorial APAC.

She added the increasing presence of AI is driving a surge in tech-related roles across various sectors, prompting companies to seek professionals with diverse educational backgrounds.

Additionally, the expert noted that skills are gaining precedence over other factors in the hiring process.

“Pursuing a non-linear career path or even exploring roles that might not seem obvious at first, can widen options,” Chhabria said. “Many skills today are transferable across industries – by embracing a growth mindset and picking up new skills, job seekers can expand their horizons at the early stage of their careers,” he added.