Fresh tech grads worry AI raising bar for entry-level jobs, as employers demand more skills
Employers are increasingly looking for entry-level hires who can solve business problems and apply their technical knowledge to real-world scenarios, while working faster, more efficiently and independently.
Employers in Singapore are seeking fresh tech graduates who can tackle business challenges, apply technical knowledge to real-world situations, and perform efficiently independently. A survey conducted by youth-led non-profit tech movement YouthTechSG found that 83.3% of 246 tertiary students desire assistance with technical skill development and problem-solving.
Career planning and professional growth came in second at 78.5%, while networking and building professional connections ranked third at 71.5%. YouthTechSG's vice-president, Lam Yik Ting, noted that AI has revolutionized software development, with "vibe coding" now allowing developers to generate code through natural-language prompts instead of writing it line by line.
However, employers still desire graduates who can work without relying on AI assistants, as they seek a more traditional approach during interviews. Tech students worry that their academic learning may become obsolete due to the rapid pace of AI development, prompting some to pursue multiple internships and extra credentials, even skipping lectures.
Despite these challenges, experts stress the importance of foundational skills, adaptability, critical thinking, and practical experience to succeed in an AI-driven job market. The Singapore Computer Society recommends that universities strengthen computer science fundamentals, embed AI across the curriculum, and provide more opportunities for students to work on industry projects and collaborate across disciplines.
Industry players must also provide structured mentorship, internships, and graduate development programs to help young professionals build confidence and learn how AI is applied in production environments.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
