DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

There has been a lot of talk about Generative AI (GenAI) in recent months, and many speculations about how AI tools like ChatGPT will change the landscape of work. As with any breakthrough technology, GenAI brings both excitement and apprehension. Many of us have high hopes that GenAI tools will make our lives simpler by automating mundane tasks, while others worry that their jobs are at risk of becoming obsolete.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the impact of emerging technologies will be more pronounced than ever as the pace of technological adoption accelerates rapidly. We can anticipate further advances in AI that will transform jobs at scale. This will affect everyone, even for those who are not in tech industries.

In this volatile and fast-changing world, how do you ensure that you are able to keep pace with the evolving needs of employers when you step into the workforce? You may be surprised to know that many of the in-demand skills today are not technical in nature. Soft skills such as Creative Thinking, Resilience, Flexibility and Agility, Analytical Thinking, Social Influence, and Curiosity are some of the skills that Singapore employers are focussing their reskilling efforts on.

As a student, engage with the Career & Attachment Office (CAO) to establish a solid foundation for success in tomorrow’s workplace through our authentic learning programmes. Here are some examples of our offerings:

Embark on NTU’s Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) programme. 

This is the University’s alternative degree pathway that is co-developed with industry partners to increase our graduates’ industry relevancy. The programme takes on a skills-based approach, allowing our students to learn through workplace immersion and multiple on-the-job training experiences throughout the course of their study.

Embarking on this programme gives you the opportunity to gain relevant industry skills and cultivate an understanding of real-world practices that will enhance your readiness for the workplace. Not only will you benefit from exposure to a real-world work environment, you will also gain early access to employers who are looking to hire fresh graduate talents.

Get an overseas experience.

Employers are now more aware of the value that diversity and global perspectives can bring to the workplace and are seeking workers who have cross-cultural awareness to thrive on a global scale. For jobseekers, career opportunities are no longer confined to within Singapore as more employers adopt skills-based hiring and are open to having qualified staff work remotely from all over the world.

Your NTU education provides you with numerous opportunities to gain global perspectives, from exchange programmes to overseas internships and experiential learning programmes run by CAO, such as NTU PEAK ASEAN.

Learn from a mentor. 

Mentors offer valuable advice on life skills, increase career clarity and industry knowledge, and help build connections. CAO’s network of alumni and industry mentors provides a supportive and nurturing environment where our students can find answers to their questions and work towards their aspirations. Through mentorship, our students have honed critical skills and gained a clearer understanding of their strengths and goals.

To the Class of 2024, congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your life. As you embark on the next phase of your journey, whether you are stepping into the workforce, pursuing entrepreneurial aspirations, or continuing your education as a graduate student, remember that having the right mindset will help you navigate difficult situations. Be curious, be adaptable and be resilient. Leverage the transformative power of technology and embrace opportunities to steer your career towards a future where possibilities are boundless. Above all, we invite you back as a valued member of our Career Community where you can be an alumni-mentor or an industry partner.

Your future begins now, and CAO is here to help you impact your tomorrow.

Loh Pui Wah
Director
Career & Attachment Office