According to the 2021 economy statistics by The Singapore Department of Statistics, 99 per cent of all 291,600 registered businesses in Singapore (approximately 288,600 registered business) are small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, SMEs contribute to about 44 per cent of the national gross domestic product (GDP), and employ 71 per cent of all workers.
Extrapolated, this means that up to 70 per cent of graduates will launch their careers in engineering SMEs!
With so many graduates beginning their career journeys with smaller engineering firms, it’s worth taking the time to find out how applying to smaller firms differs from gunning for bigger companies. After all, bigger companies aren’t the only ones capable of providing impressive opportunities – SMEs can offer similarly competitive prospects, too!
So, if you’re going to start your career journey in an SME, take these tips into account when applying!
Training and salaries in SMEs
Why: Because the headcount in SMEs tend to be smaller (below 200), and their annual profit turnover is typically less than $100 million, resources are limited when it comes to training new hires. Because of this, internationally-approved training schemes or programmes usually aren’t offered, though a lot of on-the-job training, as well as engaging cross-departmental tasks are common. In fact, some companies, like Yeo Hong Construction and Engineering, offer certified on-the-job programmes (COJTC)!
Instead: In an SME, you’ll most likely be given a variety of responsibilities right off the bat. That may sound daunting, but it’ll actually help you pick up a range of both hard and soft skills, including in-depth specialised industry knowledge, self-motivation and time management.
Advantages: Because of the wide range of work and steep learning curve, you may find yourself developing just as fast – if not faster – than with a graduate programme in a multinational corporation (MNC) like Schlumberger. In addition, recognition for your work may even come faster than you expect!
Take note: While SMEs aren’t typically able to match salaries from large companies dollar-for-dollar, the gap isn’t so big that most graduates are deterred. Instead, most smaller firms try to keep up with the market average, and what they can’t provide in monetary benefits, they usually make up for it in other ways, like offering flexible working hours, or a more casual dress code in the office.
Finding a job in an SME
Why: Many smaller engineering firms tend to specialise in a certain niche in order to compete with their larger counterparts. As a result, these smaller companies need deeper industrial knowledge to suit their highly-specific employment needs and requirements, rather than the more general sort engineering giants like Arup onboard.
Instead: Because of their specific needs, finding a job in a smaller engineering firm isn’t as simple as flipping to the right page on the newspaper and sending a resume to the relevant address, or even logging into a job search portal and submitting your documents.
Rather, smaller firms, such as Works Applications Singapore, prefer to recruit graduate engineers through collaborations with university careers services centres, as it allows them to pre-screen suitable graduates.
Take note: It should be worth noting that being “small” doesn’t necessarily mean doesn’t mean they’re any less prestigious! There are plenty of highly-specialised, renowned engineering employers that operate in Singapore as SMEs, either because of the niched nature of their work, or for the tax incentives they can get from being classified as a smaller business. An example of a hidden gem you may find is fire safety specialist IGnesis Consultants!
Tip: This method of applying to positions in smaller engineering firms is relevant to both internships and graduate employment opportunities!
Things to take note of when applying to SMEs
Why: No matter the industry, applying for a role in an SME calls for a more proactive nature, as they favour more experienced candidates who can immediately contribute to the company. Because of this, you may have to go the extra mile by gaining relevant part-time work or internship experiences (and adding them to your resume) to prove you can hit the ground running!
What you can do: Don’t just focus on selling yourself – job hunts are all about matching what you have to offer with what a company needs, no matter the size of the firm. So, be sure to show that your existing knowledge and skill sets can contribute to improving the company’s performance.
You can also consider finding out as much specific information about the company as possible, from their mission and vision on their website, to their corporate aims and objectives. During career fairs, take the initiative to approach company representatives and ask about the type of projects they take on, or if they engage in any corporate social responsibilities (CSR).
If you decide to send in an application, be sure to indicate your enthusiasm in working with them after, by following up with a phone call or email – just don’t spam their email inboxes and phones. For more tips, click here!
Take note: Recruitment processes for smaller firms generally tend to be less restrictive and structured as compared to larger organisations, like Obayashi Corporation. So, expect a more interesting and personal process!
Tip: Start early – and multitask! Engineering SMEs lean towards graduates who have demonstrated their ability to successfully manage several projects or responsibilities at the same time. Don’t forget to highlight instances where you juggled several responsibilities (hopefully with positive results!) in your resume, as well as during your interview(s)!
Things to take note of when applying to graduate apprenticeships
Why: Some smaller engineering firms, much like CW Aero Services, offer graduate apprenticeship schemes to initiate new hires into their roles. These tend to serve as their own scaled-down equivalent of the formal graduate programmes larger firms, much like engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, offer.
Advantages: As apprenticeships usually include on-the-job training, they consist of an introduction to the basic – yet highly-specialised – engineering principles needed for the job, as well as how to apply them to your day-to-day responsibilities. Moreover, they usually allow you to make use of the industrial year you spend working with your employer to earn credits towards your degree.
Take note: Although apprenticeships with larger firms, such as Singtel, may be bond-free, take note that this isn’t always the case with smaller employers! After earning your certificate and qualifications, you may have to continue working for your company for an agreed period of time.
Tip: Apprenticeships in smaller firms are usually enhanced with a variety of other benefits that the company offers, such as training sessions, seminars, or after-work activities. To learn more, take the opportunity to interact with representatives at career fairs!
Just because SMEs are smaller than their international counterparts don’t mean that there are fewer opportunities – the chances to learn and grow your expertise simply come in a different package!