22 Jul Money Matters: Exploring Finance Internships in Singapore
If numbers make you tick and there’s nothing that makes you happier than analyzing a spreadsheet of market data, then finance might just be the career path for you.
These careers certainly aren’t for everyone. They can be high-stress, high-stakes, and at times, a little monotonous – but if you are passionate about this field, you’ll find the work to be more than rewarding. Not to mention the fact that finance majors are some of the world’s highest earners.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, finance professionals earn an average of $79,050 per year, with the highest earners bringing in more than $137,000.
Why Should I Intern in Singapore?
First, here’s the bad news – you’re probably not going to get paid if you choose to intern in Singapore.
Like most countries, including the United States, Singapore does not require interns to be paid, and most companies who hire interns do so with the understanding that experience=compensation.
In some cases, you may qualify for a stipend, but in general, expect to tap into these many other benefits instead. Trust us, they’re worth more than gold:
Gain Industry Experience
Interning in Singapore means diving headfirst into a vibrant and dynamic industry scene.
Whether you’re into finance, tech, or any other field, Singapore offers a melting pot of industries where you can gain hands-on experience and learn the ropes from industry experts.
The City is Growing Faster Than Ever
Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world, and home to some of the world’s most expensive buildings. Think Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade concert hall, and the ArtScience Museum.
These buildings aren’t just testaments to the nation’s amazing architecture – but also to its phenomenal wealth. As a result, there’s no better place to learn more about how money makes the world go round.
Explore New Career Paths
Singapore is home to all kinds of different industries, including those in sports, hospitality, technology, and – you guessed it – finance.
Hundreds of companies in Singapore offer internships to undergraduates, meaning there’s no shortage of places where you can get your feet wet.
Interning in Singapore as a finance major is a wonderful way to figure out what interests you and where you want to take your career. Do you want to become an analyst? A financial planner? A wealth advisor? There’s no better way to figure it out than by spending time actually doing it.
Tap Into Mentorship Opportunities
Picture this – having a seasoned pro by your side, guiding you through the ins and outs of your chosen field. In Singapore, mentorship opportunities abound.
You can connect with experienced professionals who can share their wisdom, offer advice, and help you navigate your career path like a pro.
Build Industry Connections
Networking is key in today’s professional world, and interning in Singapore opens doors to a vast network of industry connections.
From networking events to workshops and seminars, you’ll have ample opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, potential employers, and industry influencers who can help propel your career forward.
The Weather is Amazing
A lot of the benefits of interning in Singapore are the career-focused, more practical ones. But let’s not ignore the obvious here – Singapore is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to visit. If you want to leave behind the cold of the Northern Hemisphere, Singapore is a great place to do it.
Leave your sweaters and scarves at home. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and usually, you’ll enjoy temperatures right around the 65 to 90 degree Fahrnheit mark. It’s perfect for soaking up the sun!
That said, be sure to pack at least one nice jacket – you may feel the chill when you head into Singapore’s always-air conditioned office spaces!
Enhance Your Soft Skills
Apart from industry-specific skills, interning in Singapore can also supercharge your soft skills. Think communication, teamwork, adaptability – all crucial skills that employers look for in candidates.
By working in a diverse and multicultural environment like Singapore, you’ll sharpen these soft skills and become a well-rounded professional.
Grow Your Language Skills
You might be surprised to hear this, but English isn’t the national language of Singapore. It’s actually Malay.
However, English is spoken by practically everyone, as is Mandarin and Tamil. You’ll likely pick up at least one or two phrases in other languages while you’re here – but more than likely, you’ll find yourself chirping away in a non-English language on the regular before you leave.
What Does a Finance Intern Do?
As a finance intern in Singapore, you’ll be like a financial detective, unraveling mysteries and diving into the world of money matters. Your days might be filled with exciting tasks like:
Crunching Numbers
Get ready to put your math skills to the test! As a finance intern, you’ll be crunching numbers, analyzing data, and creating reports to help the team make smart financial decisions. It’s like solving a financial puzzle where each number tells a story about the company’s financial health.
Assisting with Budgeting
Budgeting is key in finance, and as an intern, you’ll have a hand in crafting budget plans, tracking expenses, and ensuring the company stays financially sound.
Conducting Financial Analysis
Delve into the world of financial analysis by examining trends, evaluating performance metrics, and providing insights to help the company grow.
Collaborating on Projects
Teamwork makes the dream work! You’ll collaborate with colleagues on financial projects, share ideas, and work together towards common goals.
Which Internship is Best for Finance?
If you’re still working on your finance degree, you might have already found yourself feeling overwhelmed by the vast number of potential career paths out there.
Do you want to be an analyst, working day in and day out to analyze data and trends? Would you rather work in investment banking? Risk management? Financial planning?
There’s no shortage of options – and it can be tricky to find the perfect fit fresh out of college. But without a doubt, one of the best ways to explore these many paths is to complete a finance internship. Singapore serves as one of the best destinations for aspiring finance professionals, due in part to its strategic location, and also because of its premier status as one of the world’s top cities for business.
An internship will help you gain real, boots-on-the-ground experience in the field, providing you with valuable insights about what you enjoy doing (and perhaps more importantly, what you don’t).
Absolute Internship can help you find the ideal placement for a finance internship. Singapore is one of the many destinations we serve, and we’re happy to pair you with the experience of a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Start your career with a finance internship this summer!
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