How to improve your career prospects in Singapore

Article

Upskill with in-demand skills
Strengthen your personal brand and network
Consider a career pivot or side hustle
Seek career coaching and mentorship
Master work-life balance while growing your career

In a world where youth seems revered from every angle, it can be easy to assume that everything from looks to achievements will plummet after the age of 35.

For mid-career professionals (ages 35-50) in Singapore, this can make the business world a scary place, especially when you’re feeling stuck or considering a career transition.

Crossing the age of 35 might feel intimidating – sure, you might have to contend with younger competition or changing industry demands, but rest assured you can continue to thrive.

Still don’t believe it? Still, feel as though you’re running out of time?

It might come as a surprise, but there are plenty of successful entrepreneurs who didn’t find their success until after the age of 40.

Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at the age of 40.

Arianna Huffington co-founded The Huffington Post at the age of 54.

Colonel Sanders franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken at the age of 62.

It’s never too late to level up your career – if you’re wondering how to improve your career prospects, read on.

Join us as we explore the five key strategies to boosting your career prospects in Singapore so that you can find success at any life stage.

Related: 6 ways to jumpstart your career in Singapore

How to improve your career prospects – The 5-step guide

New data on Singapore’s labour market, released by the Manpower Research and Statistics Department (MRSD) of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), has indicated that the country’s labour market has become a more inclusive space.

Susan Koh, Senior Practice Director at Robert Half, says the results of the Labour Force in Singapore Advance Release 2024 are promising.

“For a specialised human resources recruiter like myself, this data is encouraging. It shows that the income inequality gap has been narrowing and the employment rate for persons with disabilities has risen.”

Due to the rising proportion of seniors, labour force participation continues to decline for the third year in a row. Interestingly, the findings showed that Singapore remains the third top country to have a high labour force participation rate among other major cities with an aging population.

Susan implores mid-career professionals to be proactive when it comes to advancing their careers.

“I meet many candidates between the ages of 35 and 50 who feel generally disheartened. They deeply value professional development, leadership roles and job security but can’t help feeling anxious about career stagnation, age discrimination and irrelevance.”

“If you are wondering how to improve your career prospects, know that youth isn’t a ticket to success - experience matters! Turn your concerns into motivations and actively focus on implementing tried and tested career advancement strategies to succeed at any age.”

Ready to elevate your career? Let’s take a look at five key strategies to boost your career prospects in Singapore.

How to improve your career prospects in Singapore

1. Upskill with in-demand skills

Scared of becoming irrelevant? Invest time into STAYING relevant.

This starts with a commitment to continuous learning.

“Industries and technologies are evolving rapidly, and the most proactive professionals are set to benefit. Businesses must stay ahead of the curve – they must find people who can refine their expertise, adapt, embrace new skills and keep abreast of emerging opportunities,” says Susan.

Sharpen your competitive edge by:

Leveraging courses and certifications

Industry certifications, practical training and short courses offer valuable ways to build your expertise with specific tools, platforms and emerging technologies.

Taking the time to invest in LinkedIn Learning, Coursera and NTUC’s e2i programs can pay dividends!

Similarly, by taking advantage of government-supported programs such as SkillsFuture Singapore, you can acquire new skills in emerging fields like digital marketing, data analytics and cybersecurity to boost your marketability.

Focusing on high-growth areas

High-growth areas offer great opportunities for career development. Understanding areas of national interest is key.

Following Singapore's national interest in emerging technologies, skills in digital, leadership, AI, automation and data analytics have become focal points for most organisations.

Susan says the unveiling of the 2025 Budget gives a good insight into significant focal points for the year ahead (and beyond).

“It’s very clear from Singapore's 2025 Budget that the nation is actively trying to enhance its standing as a digitally savvy and cyber-secure nation. With the tech sector poised for continued growth, it’s little surprise that areas like cybersecurity, GenAI and cloud solutions are in demand right now.”

“These would be very worthwhile areas for mid-career professionals to explore,” she says.

Related: Why a second language can boost your career

2. Strengthen your personal brand and network

If the concept of ‘personal brand’ has you confused, simply ask yourself, “What are you famous for?”

For mid-career professionals like yourself, it’s important to remember that you have a distinct advantage over your younger counterparts - years of experience and valuable industry insights.

Personal branding is the vehicle by which you can define and promote your unique identity and value proposition. It’s a way to leverage your strengths, experiences and values to engineer a compelling narrative that reinforces your credibility in driving organisational success.

Susan says while a strong personal brand is essential, it’s useless without the right visibility.

“Visibility in your professional community is the key to maximising your personal brand (and your professional network). Make a conscious effort to forge connections and amplify your voice – this will make you more recognisable to potential employers while helping you to stand out in the competitive job market.”

Looking to strengthen your personal brand and your professional network?

Attend networking events

There is great value in attending industry events.

Susan says, “It provides an opportunity to grow your connections, stay up to date with industry trends and discover job openings.”

“It can be tempting to skip a networking event, but it’s hard to replicate the kind of connections that can be forged. You never know what career doors it could unlock – plenty of my candidates have found referrals, mentors and LinkedIn connections through these events.”

Join professional communities

In Singapore’s interconnected business environment, the importance of a strong community of professionals cannot be understated.

Joining professional communities and industry groups such as SGInnovate and General Assembly, can facilitate meaningful relationships with colleagues, industry peers, and potential mentors.

Trust and rapport with these individuals can open doors to new roles, collaborations and freelance projects, helping you to stay agile in a rapidly evolving job market.

Invest in YOU

It’s easy to get trapped in your comfort zone. But we know that great things never come from comfort zones.

“It might sound cliché, but believing in yourself and your unique value will go a long way in differentiating yourself from your competitors,” says Susan.

“Transitioning into new roles or industries can be hard for mid-career professionals IF they don’t have a solid brand or network. I always encourage them to step out of their comfort zone to establish themselves as a key player in their industry. This could be something like curating your LinkedIn profile to build a stronger online presence or taking the plunge and speaking at industry events to establish yourself as a thought leader.”

One thing’s for sure: investing in your brand and your professional network is sure to pay dividends!

3. Consider a career pivot or side hustle

Are you no longer passionate about your career? Are you feeling burnt out? Or are you feeling drawn towards a new challenge?

These scenarios are signs that it may be time for a career switch.

Susan assures mid-career professionals that career transitions aren’t frowned upon as they once were.

“In Singapore, we already have one of the most career mobile workforces globally. Today, career pivots are being embraced for their power to deliver diverse experiences – it can be a strategic way to enhance your career prospects by expanding your skill set, your network and your marketability,” she says.

“A career pivot shows that you are competitive, agile and adaptable. Not to mention, you can enjoy greater job security and growth potential by moving into more future-proof industries. The 2025 Singapore Salary Guide shows that tech, sustainability, fintech and healthcare are among some of the largest growing industries in the nation.”

Want to test new industries or interests without giving up the stability of your primary job?

Perhaps a side hustle could be the answer.

Consider contract or freelance opportunities that allow you to grow your skills (and your income) while minimising your risk.

“Side hustles allow you to grow your confidence (and your portfolio) and ‘test the waters’ before you take any major leaps. Whether you switch careers or start a side hustle, know that both will showcase your drive, initiative and determination, which can only enhance your career trajectory,” says Susan.

Wondering how much you should be earning? Check out our Singapore Salary Guide

4. Seek career coaching and mentorship

Unsure how to improve your career prospects? Well, it pays to ask the right people.

Susan says enlisting the help of a career coach or mentor can be invaluable.

“Qualified coaches and industry leaders are a wealth of knowledge! They can provide golden insights into everything from industry trends and job search strategies to career transitions and insider opportunities.”

Whether you want to finesse your leadership skills, gain new perspectives or soundboard ideas, a coach or mentor could be the answer.

LinkedIn, company networks and government mentorship programs are all viable ways to track down your perfect match!

Susan says, don’t discount the power of the right guidance.

“Even the most prominent business tycoons have changed their careers with a guiding force in their corner. Take Mark Zuckerberg (Co-Founder, Facebook) and his mentor, Steve Jobs (Co-Founder, Apple). Zuckerberg has spoken openly about the influence Jobs had on his career – particularly in regards to business and innovation.”

“We now know that Jobs encouraged Zuckerberg to focus on long-term impact vs business profitability in the early days. His mentorship ultimately helped Zuckerberg shape the attractive culture and upward momentum of Facebook,” says Susan.

5. Master work-life balance while growing your career

Achieving lasting business success isn’t necessarily about working harder, it’s about working smarter.

Susan says mastering the art of work-life balance is vital in achieving sustainable productivity, holistic well-being and personal fulfilment.

She says, “Singapore’s work culture is distinctly fast-paced – it can be easy to become burnt out if the right boundaries aren’t implemented. Nurturing yourself at work (and at home) may seem cliché, but it will allow you to sustain peak performance and grow your career.”

“Ultimately, it requires deep reflection– you need to consider what is important to you, personally and professionally. Set realistic career goals that align with your lifestyle and your aspirations.”

Don’t sacrifice your well-being in the pursuit of business success – instead, implement some time management strategies to help you mitigate burnout. Some examples include:

Prioritising with the Pareto Principle - Focusing on the 20% of tasks that deliver 80% of results.

Leveraging technology – Boost efficiency through automation (think Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar).

Implementing time blocking and scheduling - Setting designated time slots for work, breaks and family time.

Setting time boundaries – Implement clearly defined work hours to avoid excess commitments.

Looking for ways to get employer support for your career development?

Susan encourages all mid-career professionals to have a discussion with their manager.

She says, “Be sure to emphasise how your development aligns with organisational goals. Be open to any opportunities that can grow your skill set and your career pathways – for example, sponsorship, tuition assistance, internal training or external training opportunities.”

Related: Should temporary work be a career option for me?

Remember, the key to maximising these strategies is overcoming the common mental barriers that can create roadblocks in the pursuit of career success.

Next time you think, “I’m too old to switch careers”, remember that many professionals successfully transition at 40+.

Next time you decide, “I don’t have time to upskill”, take the time to integrate micro-learning (short daily learning habits) into your day.

Next time you wonder, “What if I fail?”, take comfort in the reality that small, strategic steps minimise risks.

If you’re wondering how to improve your career prospects as a mid-career professional, remember that age shouldn’t be a barrier to career growth. Whether you’re concerned about career transitions or being left behind, trust that your experience and abilities can help set you apart from the competition. With a commitment to upskilling, networking, coaching, career pivots and work-life balance, you can pave the way for career success at any age.

Looking for your next big opportunity? Let our Robert Half recruiters help.

FIND YOUR NEXT ROLE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I be doing to improve my career prospects?

Upskill with in-demand skills

Strengthen your personal brand and network

Consider a career pivot or side hustle

Seek career coaching and mentorship

Master work-life balance while growing your career

How to make a career in Singapore?

Explore opportunities in-demand industries such as finance, technology, and healthcare.

Review your current qualifications and take the necessary steps to align them with Singapore’s job market.

Boost your networking efforts.

Connect with a qualified recruitment agency like Robert Half.

Tailor your resume to highlight in-demand skills.

What are the best skills to learn for career advancement in Singapore?

Financial Services: Fund accounting, fund valuation, capital distribution, IFRS/GAAP, tax planning, financial due diligence and carried interest calculation.

Finance and accounting: Financial accounting and reporting (IFRS/US GAAP), FP&A/commercial finance, costing, consolidation, data analytics and financial modelling.

IT and Technology: Data governance, cloud security, VAPT, Technology Risk Management (TRM) and agile methodology.

HR and Business Support: Confidentiality, engagement, performance management skills, stakeholder management skills, business partnering skills, solutions-focused mindset, understanding DEI and empathy.

How to network effectively in Singapore?

Maintain visibility in your professional community.

Make a conscious effort to forge connections and amplify your voice.

Attend industry events.

Join professional communities and industry groups such as SGInnovate and General Assembly.

Invest in YOU and get out of your comfort zone.

What are the best certifications for career growth in Singapore?

Financial Services: Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Tax Professional (CTP) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).

Finance and accounting: CA/CPA, CFA, CIA and CTP.

IT and Technology: AWS/Azure, CCMP/CISA/CISM/CISSP/CRISC and PMP/ITIL/TOGAF.

HR and Business Support (technical skills): Workday, SAP SuccessFactors and ATS.

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