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!
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.