{
  "id": 6318153,
  "title": "Starting earlier, searching longer: How the first-job hunt has changed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/starting-earlier-searching-longer-how-the-first-job-hunt-has-changed",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-08T20:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/how-first-job-search-changed-fresh-graduates-swda"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Singapore, the journey to starting one's first job has evolved significantly, with young Singaporeans and parents reflecting on the changes in this critical transition period. The pressure to secure a well-suited first job begins well before sending out applications, involving securing internships, skill-building, and an essential question: what career path should one choose?\n\nChloe Lim, a 20-year-old Singaporean, finds herself unsure of her career path, a common sentiment among her peers who come from various educational backgrounds with differing approaches to career choices. Chloe's experience highlights the uncertainty faced by young individuals with a plethora of options, leading to increased anxiety.\n\nThis uncertainty is mirrored in the differing expectations between parents and their children. Roshini Kumaravelu, a 25-year-old tech consultant, points out the frustration this creates, as her parents' generation expected a linear path into a \"good\" office job, while their children's expectations are more complex. She notes that her parents might find it hard to understand her experience of applying for numerous jobs without landing a job.\n\nNeeta Vendargon's experience with her son Philip illustrates the length and complexity of the job search process. Despite Philip's educational background and previous internships, he had to submit close to 200 applications before securing his first role as a compliance associate. Mrs Vendargon herself was surprised by the lengthy process from application to offer.\n\nCareer coaches at the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) highlight the challenges fresh graduates face when encountering entry-level roles that demand experience they haven't yet acquired. They also note how adjusting to the uncertainty of a job search, especially after being accustomed to a structured school environment, can take time.\n\nThe pressure to perform and meet expectations is not only from external sources but also from within. Annabel Yee, a 20-year-old student, expresses feeling compelled to meet certain milestones in her career path, such as securing internships and finding a fulfilling career, a pressure amplified by social media influences.\n\nThis pressure is altering how young people prepare for their careers, even before they enter the full-time job market. One noticeable trend is the increasing number of young people opting for an internship before graduating. John Swee, whose son Timothy is also a university student, supports this trend despite his initial reservations. Timothy, in his second internship, is deferring a term to complete it, which means he will graduate later than his peers, a decision that John now understands is more aligned with current career and job-search landscapes.\n\nThe career coach's advice emphasizes the importance of viewing career planning as an iterative process rather than a linear one. They suggest engaging in traineeships, contract roles, or industrial attachments as stepping stones to gain experience and build confidence. Such experiences can help young people build transferable skills and expand their professional networks. Ultimately, the coach advises, a first job is rarely the last, and even if a job doesn't meet expectations, the experience can provide valuable insights into one's strengths, interests, and preferred work environment.",
  "summary": "As preparations for working life start earlier and career paths become less linear, young Singaporeans and parents of Gen Zs share their perspectives on the transition from school to work.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}