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Choosing the right course or specialisation can be a highly stressful decision for many high school graduates. Because it not only determines the course of your tertiary education but also plays a significant role in future careers.Ìý

In this article, we will explore the high-value jobs within the job market of Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States of America. Providing the recommended courses and specialisations needed to land the jobs listed.Ìý

(Note: All lists are ranked in order)

offers a melting pot of opportunities across various industries. According to recent data, the following jobs are currently in high demand in the Malaysian market.

(source: Jobstreet, Malaysia 2021)

1. Customer Service Specialist

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 2,900 to RM 3,600.

b. What you can study:

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ AdministrationÌý
• Psychology
• Communications
• ±á´Ç²õ±è¾±³Ù²¹±ô¾±³Ù²âÌý
• Tourism ManagementÌý
• ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Social SciencesÌý

2. Online English Teacher

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 2,400 to RM 3,600.

b. What you can study:

• English Language and LinguisticsÌý
• ·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý

3. Company Nurse

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 2,300 to RM 3,000.

b. What you can study:

• ±·³Ü°ù²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Occupational Health ±·³Ü°ù²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Public Health
• Health and SafetyÌý

4. Executive Assistant

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 3,000 to RM 4,500.

b. What you can study:

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ administrationÌý
• Office AdministrationÌý
• °ä´Ç³¾³¾³Ü²Ô¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Database managementÌý

5. Accounting Staff

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 2,200 to RM 3,000.

b. What you can study:

• ´¡³¦³¦´Ç³Ü²Ô³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• ¹ó¾±²Ô²¹²Ô³¦±ðÌý
• ´¡³Ü»å¾±³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• °Õ²¹³æ²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý

6. Brand Assistant

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 3,200 to RM 3,400.

b. What you can study:

• ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Public relations
• ´¡»å±¹±ð°ù³Ù¾±²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• °ä´Ç³¾³¾³Ü²Ô¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Digital marketing/Digital media
• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ administrationÌý

7. Multimedia Designer / Graphic Artist

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 2,200 to RM3,800

b. What you can study:

• Media studies
• Multimedia design
• Digital mediaÌý
• User Experience (UX) designÌý
• Graphic DesignÌý

8. IT support

a. Estimated Salary (monthly): RM 2,800 to RM 3,800.

b. What you can study:

• Information TechnologyÌý
• Computer ScienceÌý
• Network AdministrationÌý
• °ä²â²ú±ð°ù²õ±ð³¦³Ü°ù¾±³Ù²âÌý
• IT service managementÌý
• Information ScienceÌý

As the list states, customer service, teaching, and nursing remain in high demand. Other emerging demands include executive assistance, accounting, and brand assistance. Whilst graphic design and IT remains on the list of skills sought after.

is known for its vibrant economy and diverse job market, which offers excellent employment opportunities for Malaysian students. The following jobs are particularly in high demand.

(source: Ministry of Manpower, Singapore, 2022)

1. Management Executive

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$4,285

b. What you can study:

• Finance
• ³¢±ð²¹»å±ð°ù²õ³ó¾±±è/³¾²¹²Ô²¹²µ±ð³¾±ð²Ô³ÙÌý
• Organisational psychologyÌý
• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ AdministrationÌý
• Operations ManagementÌý
• Human Resources ManagementÌý
• Strategic ManagementÌý
• Entrepreneurial Studies

2. Software, Web & Multimedia Developer

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$6,201

b. What you can study:

• Computer ProgrammingÌý
• Multimedia ComputingÌý
• Software EngineeringÌý
• Game DevelopmentÌý
• Human-computer InteractionÌý
• Computer Science

3. Commercial & Marketing Sales Executive

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$3,943

b. What you can study:

• ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Sales
• Market research
• Communications
• ´¡»å±¹±ð°ù³Ù¾±²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Brand managementÌý
• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Administration
• Digital ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý

4. Teaching & Training Professionals

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$4,059

b. What you can study:

• ·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Adult educationÌý
• Instructional designÌý
• °ä´Ç³¾³¾³Ü²Ô¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õÌý
• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ AdministrationÌý

5. Administration Managers

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$6,207

b. What you can study:

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Administration
• Economics
• Organisational LeadershipÌý
• Office AdministrationÌý
• Project ManagementÌý
• Finance
• Strategic ManagementÌý

6. Software & Applications Manager

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$9,250

b. What you can study:

• Computer ScienceÌý
• Information TechnologyÌý
• Software Development ManagementÌý
• Software Quality Assurance
• Electrical EngineeringÌý
• User experience (UX) design

7. Registered Nurses & Other Nursing Professionals

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$4,450

b. What you can study:

• ±·³Ü°ù²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)Ìý
• Nurse practitionerÌý
• Nurse anaesthetistÌý
• Nurse educatorÌý
• Nurse informatics Ìý

8. Systems Analysts

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$6,370

b. What you can study:

• Information systems Ìý
• Computer scienceÌý
• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ analysis
• Data AnalyticsÌý
• Systems engineeringÌý

9. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Development Manager

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$9,083

b. What you can study:

• Organisational developmentÌý
• Human resource managementÌý
• Strategic managementÌý
• Operations managementÌý
• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ administrationÌý

10. Mechanical Engineer

a. Estimated Salary (monthly median): SG$5,175

b. What you can study:

• Mechanical EngineeringÌý
• Materials Science and EngineeringÌý
• Mechatronics EngineeringÌý

Management executive, marketing, and multimedia development continue to be in high demand within Singapore’s job market, with teaching, administration managing, and software application managing high tailing the top 3.

However, nursing, system analysis, business development, and engineering have been climbing up the ladder of demand within the Singaporean job market.

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The is a popular destination for Malaysian students pursuing higher education and seeking job opportunities.

The following jobs are currently in demand in the UK. (source: Skilled Workers, UK Government, 2023)

1. Programmers and Software DevelopersÌý

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP34,000

b. What you can study:

• Software Engineering
• Computer engineeringÌý
• Information technologyÌý
• Data Science
• Electrical EngineeringÌý
• Web DevelopmentÌý
• Computer Science

2. Cyber Security SpecialistsÌý

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP64,539

b. What you can study:

• Cyber SecurityÌý
• Computer ScienceÌý
• Network SecurityÌý
• Digital ForensicsÌý

3. Health Services and Residential CareÌý

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP41,300

b. What you can study:

• Healthcare Administration
• Health Planning
• Health Regulation
• Health Science Ethics
• GerontologyÌý
• Social workÌý
• Health services managementÌý

4. ArchitectsÌý

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP32,900

b. What you can study:

• ArchitectureÌý
• Architectural EngineeringÌý
• Urban planningÌý
• Landscape ArchitectureÌý
• Sustainable DesignÌý

5. Graphic DesignersÌý

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP23,000

b. What you can study:

• Graphic Design
• Visual communication design
• Digital media designÌý
• IllustrationÌý
• User experience (UX) designÌý
• Branding and visual identity designÌý

6. Physical Scientists

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP32,600

b. What you can study:

• PhysicsÌý
• ChemistryÌý
• GeophysicsÌý
• MeteorologyÌý
• Astronomy/Astrophysics
• Environmental Science

7. Sales Assistant

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP26,700

b. What you can study:

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ administration
• Communication studiesÌý
• Retail managementÌý
• ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• PsychologyÌý

8. Operations Manager

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP35,000

b. What you can study:

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ AdministrationÌý
• Operations ManagementÌý
• Supply Chain ManagementÌý
• Project ManagementÌý
• Operations ResearchÌý
• Human Resource Management
• Economics

9. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Analyst

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP37,600

b. What you can study:

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Administration
• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ AnalyticsÌý
• Information SystemsÌý
• EconomicsÌý
• Operations ManagementÌý
• ¹ó¾±²Ô²¹²Ô³¦±ðÌý

10. Customer Service Advisor

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): GBP24,600

b.Ìý What you can study:

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Administration
• Communication StudiesÌý
• SociologyÌý
• ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Psychology

Programming, cyber security, and health service have emerged in significant demand within the UK. However, architecture, physical science, and graphic design continue to provide attractive opportunities for students. Sales, operations managing, business analysts, and customer service advisors are also areas of specialisation with growing demand.

, known for its high-quality education system and thriving job market, attracts many Malaysian students. The following jobs are currently sought after in Australia.Ìý

(source: Australian Government Department of Employment, 2023):

1. Registered Nurse

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$80,000 to $85,000.Ìý

b. What you can study:

• ±·³Ü°ù²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Nursing specialisations (pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, critical care nursing, mental health nursing, community health nursing, etc.)Ìý
• Advanced practice nursingÌý

2. Software and Applications Programmers

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$110,000 to $130,000.

b. What you can study:

• ProgrammingÌý
• Information TechnologyÌý
• Data ScienceÌý
• Computer ScienceÌý

3. School Teachers

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$90,000 to $100,000.

b. What you can study:

• ·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Elementary ·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Secondary ·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Early Childhood ·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Educational PsychologyÌý
• or just having a subject-specific course

4. Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$70,000 to $135,000.

b. What you can study:

• Public Relations
• Communications
• ´¡»å±¹±ð°ù³Ù¾±²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Journalism
• Public AffairsÌý
• Market ResearchÌý
• Media Studies

5. Construction Managers

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$160,000 to $180,000.

b. What you can study:

• Construction ManagementÌý
• Civil EngineeringÌý
• ArchitectureÌý
• Construction Engineering TechnologyÌý

6. Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts Workers

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$75,000 to $85,000.

b. What you can study:

• PsychologyÌý
• Social WorkÌý
• Community DevelopmentÌý
• Arts Administration/cultural ManagementÌý
• Non-profit ManagementÌý
• °ä´Ç³¾³¾³Ü²Ô¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õÌý

7. Psychologists

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$90,000 to $105,000.

b. What you can study:

• PsychologyÌý
• Clinical PsychologyÌý
• Counselling PsychologyÌý
• Development PsychologyÌý
• Cognitive PsychologyÌý

8. Intelligence and Policy Analysts

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$85,000 to $105,000.

b. What you can study:

• Security/intelligence studiesÌý
• EconomicsÌý
• Public Administration
• International RelationsÌý
• Political Science

9. Advertising and Marketing Professionals

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$70,000 to $90,000.

b. What you can study:

• ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• °ä´Ç³¾³¾³Ü²Ô¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õÌý
• Digital ²Ñ²¹°ù°ì±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Market Research Ìý
• Media Studies

10. ICT Managers

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): AUD$125,000 to $145,000.

b. What you can study:

• Information TechnologyÌý
• Management Information Systems
• Software Engineering
• °ä²â²ú±ð°ù²õ±ð³¦³Ü°ù¾±³Ù²âÌý
• Computer ScienceÌý

Nursing remains a high-demand field in Australia, with a substantial number of job openings. Programming, teaching, advertising, and construction managing also offer appealing prospects for Malaysian students. Welfare, psychology, and all other fields can also be considered in providing ample job opportunities in Australia.Ìý

, with its diverse job market and world-renowned universities, remains an appealing destination for Malaysian students seeking employment opportunities. The following jobs are currently in demand in the US.Ìý

(source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

1. Nurse Practitioner

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$89,010

b. What you can study:

• ±·³Ü°ù²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• Advanced practice nursingÌý
• Clinical Experience

2. Data Scientist

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$115,240

b. What you can study:

• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Mathematics/applied mathematics
• Data Engineering/database managementÌý

3. Information security analyst

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$119,860

b. What you can study:

• °ä²â²ú±ð°ù²õ±ð³¦³Ü°ù¾±³Ù²âÌý
• Computer Science
• Information TechnologyÌý

4. Umpire, referee or other sports official

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$49,030

b. What you can study:

*This field of profession does not require any specific university course or major. However, to enter this profession, we recommend developing the following areas:

• Sport-specific knowledge
• Officiating techniques and mechanics (signalling fouls, officiating scrimmages or local games, making accurate calls, etc.)Ìý
• Quick decision-making skills
• Physical fitness
• Continuous learning/evaluation of rules and conductÌý

5. Web developer

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$87,580

b. What you can study:

• Web DevelopmentÌý
• Computer EngineeringÌý
• Full-stack developmentÌý

6. Choreographer or dancer

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$54,050

b. What you can study:

• Dance
• ChoreographyÌý
• Dance ·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Dance PerformanceÌý
• Dance EthnologyÌý

7. Physician Assistant

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$125,270

b. What you can study:

• Family medicine and general practiceÌý
• PsychiatryÌý
• BiologyÌý
• BiochemistryÌý

8. Home health aide

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$30,930

b. What you can study:

• Geriatric care
• Aging studiesÌý

*Formal education requirements are typically minimal to become a home health aide. However, the following certifications and training programs can enhance your skills and employability within this area of profession:Ìý

• Highschool diploma
• Certified nursing assistantÌý
• Home health aide training program
• First aid and CPR certificationÌý

9. Travel Agent

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$48,250

b. What you can study:

• TourismÌý
• Hospitality ManagementÌý
• °ä´Ç³¾³¾³Ü²Ô¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• Public RelationsÌý
• Area Studies
• GeographyÌý
• Foreign language studies

10. Animal care specialist

a. Estimated Salary (Annual): US$32,780

b. What you can study:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary TechnologyÌý
• Veterinary ±·³Ü°ù²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý
• ZoologyÌý
• Animal Behaviour

Nursing, data science, and information security offer many job openings for Malaysian students. Sports officials, web developers, choreographers, physicians, home health aides, tourism, and animal care are also fields to be considered due to their steady growth in demand.Ìý

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In Conclusion,

Choosing the right course or specialisation is a significant decision that can shape a student’s future career. And as shown within the lists, fields such as computer science, nursing, business administration, and information technology consistently appear as in-demand courses across multiple countries.Ìý

However, it is important to note that market trends can change over time. Hence, students should preferably stay vigilant about the latest developments to make better decisions for their future.Ìý

It is also important to note that thorough research on courses and universities should also be a priority, as provided content may differ depending on the country and selected university.Ìý

Remember, while job market demand is an important consideration, it is equally important to pursue a field that matches one's passion and strengths, which can take a great deal of reflection.Ìý

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Written by: Julia Tay
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