Sustainability, AI among sectors with higher demand for fresh grads

But even as opportunities grow, some students focus on roles that align with their passions

- Zenith Wong

Fresh graduates starting their careers in 2025 can look out for growing job opportunities in key sectors such as technology, sustainability, marketing and healthcare, career and recruitment experts told The Straits Times.

Ms Jessica Zhang, senior vice-president for Asia-Pacific at payroll and human capital management company ADP, and Ms Linda Teo, country manager of recruitment firm ManpowerGroup Singapore, both highlighted green energy and artificial intelligence (AI) as areas which are likely to see higher demand for fresh graduates in 2025.

Ms Zhang said Singapore's ambition to be a global tech hub, Green Plan 2030 targets and ageing population will drive demand for fresh graduates in roles involving AI, data science, cyber security, renewable energy and telemedicine.

On job search website Indeed, listings for sales and marketing roles have seen the most growth in 2024, climbing 127 per cent between November 2023 and November 2024, said Indeed career expert Saumitra Chand.

Machine learning engineering roles had the second-highest increase within the same period, rising 83 per cent, followed by digital marketing roles, which saw a 58 per cent increase.

Mr Chand said fresh graduates will have more opportunities in roles involving machine learning and marketing as Singapore increases its digitalisation and e-commerce efforts.

An entry-level marketing assistant is expected to earn $2,500 to $3,500 a month in 2025, according to recruitment firm Persolkelly's 2024-2025 salary guide.

Meanwhile, cyber-security and AI jobs typically offer a starting salary of $4,500 to $6,000 a month for degree holders, and $4,500 to $5,000 for non-degree holders, according to Manpower Group.

Data science jobs typically pay a starting salary of $4,000 to $5,000 a month to those with degrees, and $4,000 to $4,500 to those without.