Align your interests and strengths with marketable skills for career success, say experts
STUDENTS today face a challenging landscape when choosing tertiary courses due to the wide range of options available, from traditional fields to emerging digital careers.
Many find themselves graduating in fields that don’t align with their interests, leading to difficulties in finding satisfying and well-paying jobs.
Management and Science University (MSU) engagement manager Sharul Azwan Hamzah said when students consider which tertiary courses to pursue, they often focus on the job prospects that follow.
He, however, stressed that the primary question should not be how many jobs are available, but rather, what one is truly passionate about pursuing for the long term.
For instance, while cardiovascular technology is an excellent and highly regarded programme – focusing on heart diseases, which are the leading cause of death both in Malaysia and globally – pursuing it would be unwise if the student is not genuinely interested in the field.
Therefore, before considering job prospects, it is crucial to first understand your true interests, he said, encouraging parents and students to consult academic counsellors who can guide them in selecting courses that align with the students’ character, interests and career aspirations.
Sharul Azwan
“When you attend education fairs and career talks, take the time to assess your strengths, weaknesses and personality,” he advised, adding that whether one is more introverted or extroverted can influence the type of career and course best suited for the individual.
City University Malaysia Faculty of Business Management dean Assoc Prof Dr Masri Abdul Lasi, however, said interest can evolve through exploration and reflection.
“The question is no longer just about ‘What do I love?’ but also ‘What can I love that’s future-proof?’.
“The key is to identify fields where personal interests overlap with marketable skills.
“For example, if you love helping people, you might find a good fit in careers like healthcare, based on the skills you choose to develop.
“Some industries offer different kinds of roles that cater to a range of interests, so even if you are passionate about something like art, you may enjoy a creative role in marketing within the tech industry, where there is high demand for digital skills,” he explained.
Masri
While passion is important, he advised students to explore and develop an interest in digital and technology-driven fields.
“These are high-demand areas. The course you choose now will be the foundation for your future endeavours, moulding your skills and perspectives, while opening up possibilities you can explore.
“It has the power to redefine your potential and pave the way for exciting growth opportunities, so it is important to ask yourself why you are choosing a particular course, and if you can see yourself being in it years down the line,” he said.
Many who now excel in technology once started with zero knowledge but found that the excitement of innovation and problem-solving sparked their interest, he said.
“The key takeaway is that students don’t need to choose between passion and employability; both can coexist when approached with the right mindset,” he said.
Find your niche
Masri said clues to long-term interests lie in subjects, hobbies and tasks one has enjoyed most during their education or free time.
“For instance, if you enjoyed subjects like Maths in Form Five, you might thrive in fields like engineering or data science.
“Similarly, hobbies like photography or video editing might inspire you to pursue a diploma or degree in creative arts or multimedia,” he shared.
Short-term online courses, he said, are also a great way for students to explore new fields before committing to higher education.
“For example, taking a short course in entrepreneurship, programming or digital marketing can help you assess if these areas are right for you.
“These courses give you practical exposure and can guide your decision on whether to pursue a related diploma or degree in the field without immediately committing to a long-term tertiary programme,” he said.
Adopting a niche skill, in addition to the skills in their core disciplines, he said, can also help fresh graduates stand out from the job-seeking crowd.
“Take for example those within the business industry with niche skills like marketing.
Sharifah Aisyah
“Students who have just completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia or diploma can consider adding niche skills like digital marketing, coding or data analysis – which are in high demand in industries like information technology, marketing and finance – to their resumes,” he suggested.
Masri said the average monthly salary of some of the highest-paying careers in Malaysia (see infographic) can even be in the five-figure range, depending on the role.
“For example, surgeons are one of the highest-paying careers due to the critical nature of their job.
“A surgeon’s profession involves high risk and requires extensive knowledge and a long learning path, which is necessary for a high-paying career,” he said, adding that high-paying careers do, however, demand significant responsibility and expertise.
United Kingdom Education Centre (UKEC) senior education counsellor Sharifah Aisyah Syed Yahya stressed the importance of researching high-demand jobs and cultivating professional versatility.
“The workforce is constantly evolving, and employers are looking for candidates who not only have strong professional competencies but also demonstrate personal growth and adaptability,” she said.
Explore options
Masri said students can make sure their core strengths match the needs of the industry by carefully reviewing the course syllabi and choosing institutions recognised for excellence in the field they are keen on pursuing.
“Look into the current trends and future projections for the industry you’re interested in, including the skills and qualifications that are in demand.
“Check if these skills are incorporated in the subjects offered by your chosen institution and if they provide other relevant subjects that are also in high demand,” he said.
Sharul Azwan said an industry-embedded education approach, with an advisory panel that includes professional industry partners from across Malaysia working closely with the university, ensures that the syllabi and curricula are balanced and aligned with industry needs.
“Global mobility programmes that offer students the chance to study abroad and gain international exposure are important in providing students with valuable networking opportunities and in helping them acquire skills that can enhance their portfolios.
“This sets them apart from others who may only have straight-A results when they enter the job market,” he said.
Twin talents: (From left) Amin and Abid posing for a photo after their talk at the Star Education Fair 2024.
Influencer twins Muhammad Abid Othman and Muhammad Amin Othman, both 24, who studied industrial design (majoring in transportation), won the “Education Creator of the Year” award at the TikTok Awards Malaysia this year. Here, they share how students can align their interests with emerging fields like social media influencing before fully committing to a career path.
“Passion and understanding industry needs play a crucial role today, especially when deciding what to pursue after school. Even if you face challenges, having passion for something makes it enjoyable. You won’t feel stressed despite the difficulties. That was what kept us going during our diploma and degree studies. We managed to maintain good grades while producing content.” - Abid
“A common misconception among school-leavers is that becoming a content creator offers a quicker route to generating income compared to pursuing tertiary education. Students must understand that only one in 10 content creators succeed without a good education. The chances are slim if you’re relying solely on passion without understanding industry needs. The future is unpredictable, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), which requires talents who are more knowledgeable and skilled than ever before. This is why students need to consider the future job market and understand the role education plays. Education equips us with knowledge that can be applied to many areas of life, so even if you don’t become full-time content creators, you can leverage the knowledge gained to start a business.” - Amin
Note: City University Malaysia Faculty of Business Management dean Assoc Prof Dr Masri Abdul Lasi; Management and Science University (MSU) engagement manager Sharul Azwan Hamzah; United Kingdom Education Centre (UKEC) senior education counsellor Sharifah Aisyah Syed Yahya; Mahsa University Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing and Education School of Nursing head Assoc Prof Dr Lim Gek Mui; and SEGi University and Colleges Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology department head Dr King Yeong Jin were presenters during the talk sessions at the Star Education Fair 2024, held at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre from Aug 24 to 25. They shared their views on education topics ranging from the job market and career success to the future workforce and opportunities in the age of AI.
