Navigating the evolving job market: NUS graduates excel with strong capabilities and diverse skills

Navigating the evolving job market: NUS graduates excel with strong capabilities and diverse skills

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Graduates from the NUS Class of 2025 continue to make their mark in the global job market, securing competitive salaries and establishing a strong career base. This positive outlook reflects their rigorous, holistic education, which has instilled the passion and resilience to navigate challenges with confidence.

Turning computing skills into meaningful impact

Yong Wei Ning, who graduated from NUS School of Computing (NUS Computing) with a Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems with Honours (Distinction), attributes her academic and personal growth to NUS' emphasis on multi- and inter-disciplinary learning. She now works as an Associate in the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)'s Data and Technology Architecture Department, collaborating with business and technical teams to drive AI adoption by translating capabilities and overcoming constraints to develop workable solutions. She chose this role at MAS as it offers her the opportunity to be at the forefront of Singapore's financial sector, contributing to Singapore's economic future whilst being a part of an organisation that invests deeply in people's learning and development.

Her undergraduate studies fostered resourcefulness and independence, particularly through courses where she could experiment with new tech stacks for development projects. These practical skills were further honed through a course where she worked directly with caregivers and healthcare professionals to identify frontline challenges in public hospitals and design practical, user-centred technical solutions.

Beyond academics, Wei Ning actively contributed to the Developer Group @ NUS Computing, a student-led tech group for peer-learning and community-focused projects. As a Business Analyst for Project Sight Words, she collaborated with designers, developers, and end-users to build a digital learning system for the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, applying her skills to community-focused projects.

Reflecting on her journey, Wei Ning said, "As I was interested in roles rarely offered to fresh graduates, the job search was challenging and opportunities were limited. However, my university coursework blended technical depth with hands-on application, which helped to build my adaptability and resourcefulness. These qualities prepared me well for job interviews and continue to serve me well in the workplace."

Gearing up for a career in clinical research

As a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Clinical Research Unit at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, recent graduate Candice Yeo, who has a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences with Honours (Highest Distinction), ensures that research studies are conducted smoothly and comply with study protocols and regulatory requirements. In this role, she collaborates closely with sponsor companies, study investigators, and multidisciplinary teams.

Her long-standing dream of pursuing clinical research began in polytechnic, where she discovered the intricacies of drug development and the vast scope of clinical research across fields such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology. This fuelled her motivation to pursue her degree at NUS, aiming to deepen her understanding of human health and disease at a cellular level.

A summer internship at NalaGenetics, a biotechnology company, proved pivotal. Sourced through NUS TalentConnect, this clinical research intern position offered invaluable exposure to real-world clinical research operations. She also honed transferable skills such as data management, participant coordination, and teamwork, which prepared her for the technical aspects of her current role and enhanced her confidence.

Candice shared that her current working experience has been positive and rewarding. "I am thankful for the opportunities to be exposed to different types of (research) studies across various medical fields, which have broadened my understanding of clinical research. The work allows me to apply what I have learnt during my studies and internships in a real clinical setting, while also developing new practical skills, such as venepuncture, and gaining deeper insights into the day-to-day conduct of research studies."

Starting strong in public service with career guidance

The pathway to Mohamed Irfan Farid's first job was no long and winding road - but it certainly had unexpected twists and turns. Armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours (Highest Distinction), the NUS Business School graduate is now a Management Associate at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, where he is undergoing structured rotations across different divisions over a two-year cycle.

Several months before graduation, Irfan tapped on his School's Career Office (BIZCareers) to refine his resume. The advisors provided constructive feedback on its structure, clarity and impact, guiding him to optimise for recruiters and applicant tracking systems, especially given the increasing use of AI tools in screening. With their help, Irfan also evaluated job offers, gaining clarity on his long-term interests and ultimately choosing a role that aligned best with his career goals and personal strengths.

Irfan credits BIZCareers for helping him make a confident and well-informed career decision. He shared, "Although moving into the government sector was not part of my original plan, the experience has been rewarding. The role allows me to work with colleagues from various backgrounds in an engaging and dynamic environment. The mentors are also approachable and supportive, and helped me adjust to the organisation."

High employment and competitive starting salaries for NUS graduates

NUS graduates continued to command high employment rates and earned competitive starting salaries in 2025, according to the Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey 2025. Please refer to the press release for more details.

5,159 out of a total of 7,567 fresh NUS graduates from the Class of 2025, and 169 out of 577 follow-up NUS graduates, participated in the joint survey.