With changing times and mindsets, a university degree is not the only ticket to a high-paying career. Singaporean students are now waking up to the idea of gaining practical experience rather than pursuing theoretical degree programs and pursuing skill-based certification courses.
These short-term programs, which can be pursued online from the comfort of your home, are unlocking lucrative career prospects for professionals in tech, finance, healthcare, and other fields, on par with what formal degrees can offer.
This is why we take a look at some of the best jobs without a degree you can consider in Singapore and prove that success isn’t necessarily defined by a degree or diploma. Your skills can take you places. We also highlight some of the best online certifications to pursue in this blog.
Top Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree
Not all jobs require a formal degree. Some only need specialised skills, while some prefer hands-on practical experience over book learning. And, these job roles are available in varied sectors and domains. Among the wide range of options available with professionals in Singapore today, on the jobs that don’t require a university degree, some of the best and most popular ones are tabulated below for your reference:
| Job Role | Average Salary Range (Approx) |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | SGD 26,000 – SGD 61,000 per annum |
| Real Estate Agent | SGD 10,000 – SGD 10,000 per annum |
| UX/UI Designer | SGD 85,000 – SGD 170,000 per annum |
| Sales Manager | SGD 24,000 – SGD 104,000 per annum |
| Project Coordinator | SGD 24,000 – SGD 72,000 per annum |
Sources: Payscale, Glassdoor, Morgan McKinley, Payscale
1. Digital Marketing Specialist
They are expert professionals who design and execute digital marketing campaigns to promote products and services across various online platforms and channels. These include e-mail, social media, and search engines, among others.
Some of their key roles involve:
- Managing campaigns by supervising their online ad budgets and allocating resources across varied platforms such as Meta Ads and Google Ads
- Developing and managing the entire content for social media, websites, and email marketing campaigns
- Preparing and presenting data-backed reports to stakeholders on overall campaign performance and ROI
Also read: Top Universities Offering Digital Marketing Master’s Programs
2. Real Estate Agent
Yet another of the top jobs that don’t require a degree is that of a Real Estate Agent – a rather lucrative and promising career path for many professionals in Singapore. Real Estate Agents primarily help with buying, selling, and renting residential and commercial properties. The agent’s skill sets and their on-the-job experience can come in real handy here.
- Analysing the market to offer accurate property valuations to prospective clients
- Designing and sharing offers on properties, and working out negotiable terms with the clients
- Staying updated on the latest real estate laws and ensuring adherence to them to guarantee the best work practices
3. UX/UI Designer
A UX/UI designer is responsible for ensuring both the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) of websites and applications. They thus ensure both the visual appeal and functionality of digital products. Some of their key responsibilities entail:
- Creating user personas and researching to identify and map their behavioural patterns
- Ensuring the overall functionality and accessibility of the product (website/app) to the users
- Developing wireframes and prototypes to design the flow and structure of a product
- Designing interactive elements such as menus, buttons, and forms
- Ensuring that the product’s final design is both visually appealing and easy to navigate
4. Sales Manager
They plan, guide, and ensure the final delivery of a product or service to the end customer or user. They also define clear sales goals for the business, analyse data, and design training programs for the organisation’s sales representatives.
- Setting sales goals and taking thoughtful steps to achieve them
- Encouraging the sales team from time to time to boost their efforts towards higher sales and earnings
- Designing effective sales strategies to complete the intended sales targets
Also read: Soft Skills That Will Make Your Resume Stand Out
Project Coordinator
The role of a project coordinator is administrative, and they are primarily responsible for assisting a project manager. They handle everyday tasks to ensure the project runs smoothly and is completed within the stipulated schedule and budget.
- Communicating and coordinating with the team to ensure timely completion of the project
- Tracking the allocated budget and other resources to ensure their effective utilization towards the project’s completion
- Taking the initiative to address any unexpected concerns or problems that may arise and prevent timely project completion
Also read: How to Become a Certified Project Manager
Skills That Can Help You Succeed Without a Degree
While it may be possible to secure a job without a formal degree or diploma, you do need a specific skill set to improve your employability prospects. These skills can help convince prospective employers of your ability to perform well in the job, even without a formal qualification.
Some of the key skills that can enable professionals in Singapore to chart careers that don’t require degrees are as follows:
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Basic knowledge of the foundational concepts of digital marketing – content creation and strategy, SEO, and email marketing
- Managing a project smoothly through its complete lifecycle
- Leadership potential
- Critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities
Also read: 5 In-Demand Technical Skills in Singapore
Advance Your Career with Online Programs through upGrad
As Singapore’s professional landscape gradually opens to skill-based employment, a large number of online learning programs are gaining popularity in the country. These programs enable learners of all ages to upskill at their own pace and secure a job of their choice.
upGrad Singapore, one of the best e-learning platforms in Singapore, facilitates courses in a tie-up with top international universities. These courses are designed to equip learners with industry-relevant skills and knowledge to excel in any field of service.
Some of the best course offerings on upGrad include:
- Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication from MICA
- Fundamentals of Communication
- Introduction to Social Media Marketing
🎓 Explore Our Top-Rated Courses in Singapore
Take the next step in your career with industry-relevant online courses designed for working professionals in Singapore.
- DBA Courses in Singapore
- Data Science Courses in Singapore
- MBA Courses in Singapore
- Master of Education Courses in Singapore
- AI ML Courses in Singapore
- Digital Marketing Courses in Singapore
- Product Management Courses in Singapore
- Generative AI Courses in Singapore
FAQs on Top Paying Jobs Without a Degree in Singapore
Yes! It is possible to obtain a decent job in Singapore with no formal degree or diploma from a study institution. Several top fields prioritise candidates’ skills over academic credentials. Moreover, online certification courses from credible e-learning platforms are in high demand in Singapore.
Some of the top industries that employ non-degree holders in high-paying roles include:
1. Finance
2. Sales
3. Technology
4. Manufacturing
5. Construction
No, certifications alone aren’t sufficient to secure a job in Singapore without a formal degree; however, they can considerably increase your employability prospects. This is particularly true for fields like technology, where hands-on experience is preferred over theoretical learning.
Some of the easiest job roles to secure without prior work experience in Singapore include:
1. Administrative Assistant
2. Customer Service Representative
3. Web Developer
Some of the most in-demand job roles in Singapore include in the domains of:
1. Engineering
2. Technology
3. Financial Services
