NTU Graduate Shares Job Market Struggles

SINGAPORE: A graduate from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has openly expressed his distress over the current job market on social media, highlighting the daunting challenges fresh graduates face in securing employment.

In a candid post on the NTU Reddit forum, the anonymous graduate articulated that employer expectations have drastically shifted, creating an almost insurmountable barrier for new job seekers. "The job market is so bad right now, it’s scary. Most jobs now demand a master’s degree, coding skills, or at least three years of experience—sometimes all of the above—regardless of your major," he lamented.

As he shared his personal struggles, the gravity of the situation became clear. "I’ve been applying everywhere and receiving no feedback, not even from online portals. I’m unsure if my resume is too bland or simply uninteresting," he added.

Challenges in the Current Job Market

The graduate attributed the ongoing decline in job prospects to several contributing factors, many stemming from the aftermath of the pandemic. He forecasted that 2025 is likely to present the most formidable challenges for job hunters.

Firstly, even experienced professionals are facing an uphill battle, as many report sending out over 100 applications only to come up empty-handed after numerous interviews. "It’s not just fresh graduates who are struggling; mid-career professionals also find themselves in this tough crowd," he remarked.

Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence in recruitment processes has left applicants feeling even more sidelined. "Many companies now utilize AI to sift through resumes, meaning your application might never even reach an actual person," he explained.

Inefficacy of Traditional Job Hunting Methods

Career fairs, once considered valuable opportunities for networking and job placements, have also lost their efficacy. "Nowadays, HR personnel can be dismissive and often don’t respond to inquiries. Most resumes are redirected online, where they may never receive a second glance," he said.

Frustration with job portals was also voiced, as many applicants report being "ghosted" after submitting their information. "The NTU portals have become less helpful; aside from occasionally discovering new companies, there’s little assistance in making meaningful connections," he stated.

Generational Perspectives and Shared Experiences

The graduate also revealed that, against a backdrop of stagnant job availability, older friends, while optimistic, seem unaware of the increasingly dire circumstances since mid-2024. "It’s always been tough, but five years ago things were not as bad as they are today," he remarked.

His heartfelt confession resonated with fellow NTU alumni, many of whom shared their own job-hunting frustration. One commenter lamented, "I share your pain; the influx of newcomers lured by the allure of high tech salaries has worsened this situation."

Another echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the turmoil faced by graduates during COVID: "Those who snagged training roles back then spent an entire year getting minimal pay, only to find themselves up against another fresh batch the following year."

Advice and Hope for the Future

Suggestions for the frustrated NTU graduate included exploring positions outside of tech roles. One advised him to consider avenues in construction as a project engineer, signaling a strategic pivot while waiting for the job market to stabilize.

Despite the sobering tales shared, some glimmer of hope exists. A recent RHB report suggests that Singapore's labor market is projected to rebound in 2025, with significant growth anticipated in the manufacturing and services sectors. The report also notes that there has been a recent uptick in employment, with 24,100 new positions created in Q3 of 2024 and an encouraging dip in the unemployment rate to 1.8%, among the lowest in the nation’s history.

Navigating the present job market may feel overwhelming, but with resilience and adaptability, many are hopeful for a brighter future ahead.