What Type of IT Company and Job is the Best Fit For Me?

The IT and technology sector is one of the biggest and most diverse in the world. Although the good news is that there’s always something for everyone, the bad news is that it can be difficult to figure out which area you should zero in on.
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The gradsingapore Team
Nurhuda Syed
Editor, gradsingapore
What Type of IT Company and Job is the Best Fit for Me

One way to find out about the opportunities in the IT and technology sector is to understand the present trends, because they definitely guarantee employment due to high demand but these trends aren’t the end-all-and-be-all.

Big-name IT and technology companies (like Google, Apple and Microsoft) and other smaller companies offer a wealth of diverse roles that you can pump to for job opportunities. And these don’t even include the IT and technology roles organisations that aren’t considered to be in the IT and technology sector have.

But before you start shooting off (customised) applications to all the companies you’re looking at, it’s recommended that you figure out which roles (and companies) are the best fit for you. This will help you raise your success rate in the recruitment process, and also better facilitate the research you do into companies you’re interested in (and impress recruiters with your knowledge, too)!

Step 1: Figure out who your potential employers are

Due to the sprawling nature of the IT and technology industry, companies tend to specialise in a particular area. So, first find out which area of IT and technology you would like to go into (like IT and technology services), and look into companies that move in that sphere (for instance, Accenture is considered a top IT and technology service company).

Areas and corresponding companies you can look at include:

IT and technology solutions providers: Businesses here promote service bundles and software suites that help clients successfully tackle and resolve (occasionally very complex) issues. Bigger companies in this area are Hewlett Packard (HP) and Cxrus Solutions. But if you’re looking for smaller enterprises, consider Insight Technology Solutions and Infinite Technology Solutions.

IT and technology services organisations: IT and technology service providers offer technology-oriented solutions that typically integrate the functions and processes of electronics, telecommunications, networks, hardware and software. Services can be specialised and keyhole, depending on the needs of the client.

As mentioned before, Accenture is one of the top service providers. Other big companies include Fujitsu, Infosys and IBM. But if you’re looking at a smaller scale, you’ll find your options in more niche areas. For example, eVantage Technology only specialises in computer services, while TYPENT Singapore keeps itself in the area of computer security.

Telecommunications companies: As the name suggests, telecommunications companies provide customers with the infrastructure (broadband) that allows the transfer of data through audio and video options on a global scale (normally through phones and computers). These can take place either wired or wirelessly (cables or airwaves). Because there are different types of phone services (like mobile phone services and landline services), services and products usually vary. Larger companies in the sector normally offer telephone, cable and internet services.

Big-name companies include SingTel, StarHub and M1. Smaller companies, like those in the IT and technology services sphere, tend to be more niche. As such, Baycom Electronics supplies the equipment needed for telecommunications services, and ae connectZ only deals in office phone systems.

IT and technology consultancies: Whenever consumers and businesses need a unique solution to an IT and technology problem, they turn to their friendly neighbourhood (or multinational) IT and technology consultancies. These consultancies advise clients on how best to use present IT and technology solutions for their benefit (with the added advantage of not getting new software, in this case). Otherwise, consultancies may introduce new technology (like necessary cybersecurity software) and advice consumers and businesses on their design, implementation and management.

While large consultancies include TCS Singapore and Capgemini, smaller ones consist of Rina Technology Singapore, PointStar and Appzgate Solutions.

These aren’t your only options, though! IT and technology has penetrated every sector in the world, so you can also look to applying for IT and technology roles in other industries. For example, due to their international nature and connectivity, IT and technology professionals are in high demand in accounting, finance, insurance and retail sectors.

Some companies you can apply to include:

  • Investment banks like BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley
  • Retail banks such as Barclays, Standard Chartered and Citibank. Alternatively, there are local banks like DBS Bank (and POSB Bank by extension), as well as OCBC Bank
  • Investment management firms including Franklin Templeton Investments and Aberdeen Asset Management
  • Insurance companies like AXA, Aviva, Prudential and AIA
  • Accounting firms such as EY, PwC, KPMG and Deloitte (the Big Four). IT and technology professionals are also in demand in smaller firms, from Mazars to DexinAssurance, and Quality Accountants
  • International and local retailers, from giants like Zara and H&M, to smaller local enterprises like The Closet Lover and Love, Bonito. This is a fast-expanding area, as the global pandemic has shifted retail customer attention online, and retailers need talented technologists to help them explore e-commerce options (including online and mobile shopping, as well as security and digital currency)

Other less-known areas of opportunity include roles in the media industry – you can gun for roles in publications like NXT Magazine and HWM. Otherwise, there are independently-run websites like Tech Wire Asia that you can consider. Games development is another option, and Singapore is home to companies like Ubisoft, Konami Singapore and Touch Dimensions. If empathy is your strong point, though, think about joining the public sector. Your skills will be put to good use in organisations like the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)!

Step 2: Think about the type of work you want to do

When you’ve finally come to a decision on a company (or several companies) you would like to work for, it’s time to think about the type of work you would like to engage in.

Start by considering the responsibilities you’re willing to take on. For instance, how much coding or programming are you willing to be involved in on a daily basis? If the answer is a lot, consider roles with IT and technology solutions providers.

Or do you prefer to work solely in the technical area, in a mix of commercial functions like sales, or both? Hint: If you like both, IT and technology consulting might be for you.

On the other hand, if you have an inclination for daily troubleshooting (as in, you love killing bugs of a different kind) and long-term projects, you may prefer to work with IT and technology services providers, or at least be part of a IT support team in either a non-IT, or IT, firm.

If these questions make no sense to you, or you’re still trying to figure out what you want, a good way to start exploring is to join graduate programmes as a new jobseeker. These programmes usually rotate you across different roles and departments, and let you experience different aspects of work before letting you settle in an area of your choice. Alternatively, if you would like to get to know your preferences when you’re still in school, you can apply for internships or part-time jobs over your summer breaks.

Step 3: Ask yourself how mobile you want to be

While most technology jobs are deskbound, some may require you to travel often and far – sometimes even to different countries. Think about this carefully, as this is one of the biggest influences in your job preference and satisfaction (for instance, if you’re not adventurous, you might not be so happy living abroad without friends, family and uniquely Singaporean comfort foods like chili crab).

So, if you’re someone who prefers to stay put in the office and country, stick to applying for technical roles that include those as developers and software testers.

But if you’re the adventurous sort, consider joining IT and technology consultancies. Consultants are almost always on their feet, travelling from one client to another. If you join a larger consultancy with an international presence (like Accenture), you’ll also travel from one country to another, taking care of clients. However, take note that this also depends on the respective country’s travel restrictions.

Business and management roles (like those in project management) typically fall somewhere in between the two. However, it’s highly dependent on your role and the firm’s requirements, as well.

Be sure to consider how you feel about keeping constantly on the move in the long run, too. While travelling is generally a fun experience, loaded with new cultural experiences and the chance to meet new people and expand your network, you may have to sacrifice your free time and personal life.

Moreover, the act of just getting from one time zone to another can be tiring (you’ll have to pack your travel bags, check in at the airport, fly to your destination and then finally find your bag at the luggage carousel before leaving the airport for your accommodations). At present, you’ll also have to deal with travel restrictions and requirements (like vaccination boosters) and occasional quarantine measures.

Step 4: Find out how much time and dedication you're willing to plunge into your role

It’s no secret that all employers ask for hard work and dedication. But leaner headcounts at smaller companies usually translate into more (and earlier) responsibilities, as well as picking up tasks completely out of your job scope. Depending on your work load and project deadlines (or seasonal peaks), late nights may even be regular occurrences.

Thus, it’s crucial that you do your research on the pace of work and culture of the organisation before sending in your application. Pick up some tips here to start off.

No matter the answers you’ve arrived at (every person is unique, and your answers are, too!), you’ve given yourself the best possible start to figuring out which company and role fits you best!