SINGAPORE — A growing number of overseas-educated architecture graduates are finding themselves caught between a rock and a hard place as they return to Singapore to fulfill government bond obligations. Despite holding degrees from prestigious international institutions, these fresh entrants are meeting a “frozen” entry-level market where “Junior” roles paradoxically demand years of experience, and starting salaries remain stubbornly detached from global inflation and peer benchmarks.
Job market for a fresh grad is terrible
I just finished my degree in Australia and have to come back to Singapore and work for 3 years as part of my government bond.
I know it is going to be a hard, underpaid, overworked life as an architect in Singapore but I am willing to grind it out for 3 years.
The problem is, it is extremely difficult for me to find a job here. Most ‘entry level’ jobs require at least 2 years of experience and most companies want experienced architects.
I have tried all the avenues, cold emailing companies, applying for all the available jobs on my careers future, linkedin, jobstreet etc. but to no avail.
The jobs on these websites often low-ball with salaries as low as 2.5k per month for a degree holder. The companies who do get back to me and ask for an interview ghost me afterwards even though the interviews went pretty well.
I guess they are holding out to find the best person for the job but it is super disappointing, especially after my peers who stayed in Australia have starting salaries of 70k per year.
Also, if you search up the top architecture firms in Singapore on glassdoor, the reviews are terrible. Sorry, just wanted to rant.
THE FINAL VERDICT: A Blueprint for Disaster?
As the city-state continues to reach for the clouds with shiny new skylines, the foundation—the young architects themselves—is beginning to crack. For these returnees the dream of shaping Singapore’s future is quickly turning into a nightmare of 2.5k paychecks, endless OT, and HR ghosting that would make a Tinder date blush.
While their lucky mates down under are “living the dream” with 70k salaries and weekend surf trips, our local grads are stuck in a cycle of “Entry Level” job ads that demand “Senior Level” souls. With Glassdoor reviews warning of a “toxic grind” and firms holding out for “The One” while leaving talented grads in the lurch, one has to wonder: Is Singapore’s architecture scene building a future, or just burning out its best and brightest?