The great graduate divide: Why the job hunt is a struggle for some fresh graduates

Getting a degree no longer guarantees a smooth start to a career, especially for fresh graduates in fields like the arts, humanities, and social sciences. While many graduates from disciplines such as engineering, computing, and finance receive multiple job offers within months, others spend up to a year searching for a position that matches their qualifications. This growing divide was highlighted in a recent study by the Singapore Ministry of Education, which found that 87% of graduates from the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University found full-time employment within six months, but that figure masks stark differences across courses. Graduates with degrees in information technology and business saw employment rates above 90%, while those with humanities degrees dipped to around 70%. The gap is not just about jobs but about salaries: starting pay for computing graduates averages S$3,800, while humanities graduates average S$3,200. Employers say they are looking for skills like data analysis, digital literacy, and problem-solving, which are not always taught in traditional lecture-based courses. The government has responded by expanding SkillsFuture credits and encouraging internships, but the mismatch between university training and industry needs persists. Experts say structural changes in the economy, including automation and a shift toward tech-driven roles, are making it harder for general degree holders to compete. For graduates who are struggling, the experience can be demoralizing, and some end up taking jobs that do not require a degree, which can delay their career progression. The divide raises important questions about how universities prepare students and how Singapore can ensure that its investment in higher education pays off for all.