New module on career planning for NUS students

About 600 students of the National University of Singapore (NUS) are attending a new course on how to map out their career and get the skills to land a job.

Its introduction is prompted by the fast-changing nature of the job market, which requires them to be nimble, said the university's senior deputy president and provost, Professor Ho Teck Hua yesterday when he opened NUS' Career Fest.

"This programme will help students kick-start their career planning early," he added.

Launched in mid-January, the 12-week module, called Career Catalyst, is offered to undergraduates in their second or third year.

It builds on a 12-week foundational programme, Roots and Wings, that was introduced in 2016 to teach first-year students life skills, such as self-awareness and communication.

The two-day career fair, the largest organised by NUS, features more than 260 employers from 21 industries such as financial services, engineering, retail and hospitality. In all, about 4,000 jobs are on offer.

Besides being an avenue for students and employers to meet, this year's event will focus more on self-development and career exploration for students.

For instance, one section features a "library" of individuals with stories on their personal journeys and lessons learnt from their careers. They include Mr Darren Cheng, chief executive of Direct Funeral Services.

Fashion experts from Estee Lauder and Uniqlo gave advice on professional dressing and wardrobe tips.

Number of NUS students attending the new course, Career Catalyst.

Students can also take part in talks with industry heads such as Health Promotion Board chief executive Zee Yoong Kang; Mr Claus Zieler, head of commercial operations at Bayer Pharmaceuticals; and Mr Lim Teck Yong, regional head of operations and people team at online shopping platform Shopee.

A forum on employment trends in such sectors as maritime, education and energy will be held.

Third-year architecture student Ryan Leong, who is taking the Career Catalyst module this semester, said he is learning "how to craft a professional image, create physical resumes and a LinkedIn profile that will be sought after and easily reached by recruiters".

"We also found out more about our personalities, which will help us seek suitable jobs," said the 24-year-old, who is seeking architecture or design-related internships.

Ms Christine Xiao, who oversees Uniqlo's graduate recruitment and training and development, said: "Our presence on campus is to encourage students to look beyond desk-bound jobs.

"The biggest stereotype is that young graduates should sit in an office and not work in retail stores."