Find the right job and career after you graduate

Leaving college and starting work is a big change and a challenge. How should you prepare? The following tips may help:

• When choosing a job don’t just think about whether it’s interesting or suits your ideals. Also consider the salary and the job’s prospects. For example, are there promotion opportunities? Is your wage based on a fixed rate or commission? Is it self-employed or contract work? Is there double pay or bonuses? You should also find out about the terms of the employment contract.
• Making a budget for income and spending is a good habit. Once you start work your finances and spending habits will be different to what you are used to as a student. For example, there won’t be public transport discounts and there’s no subsidised student canteen. Daily costs are going to be higher, such as meals, transport, clothes, work expenses, even your social life.
• When you work you must pay taxes and contribute to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF). It’s wise, therefore, to put this money aside before thinking about how to spend the rest of your salary. If you are smart, you will save first, then spend. This way you have money for emergencies or to spend on holidays or on further studies.
• Repay on time your student loans and debts like credit cards. Keeping a good credit record is important to your life and work.
• Learn about investing by managing your MPF account. Although retirement seems a long way away, start working on investment plans early and you will achieve your goals more easily throughout your life.