Unlocking Career Possibilities: Why Gen Z in Singapore Should Consider Alternatives to Conventional Education Paths

Brian Wong
4 min readFeb 3, 2023

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Participating at Polygon at the Pit.

As a Gen Z and a co-founder at Continuum, I have experienced firsthand the benefits of exploring opportunities outside of traditional education paths. For many Gen Zs in Singapore, the conventional education path may seem tedious and uninspiring. But with the advancements in technology and the ever-evolving job market, there are countless opportunities to explore beyond the classroom and unlock new career possibilities.

In this article, I will share why I believe it’s important for Gen Zs in Singapore to consider alternatives to the conventional education path and how it can help them unlock new possibilities and opportunities.

Before we get started, let’s explore what’s alternative and convention education path.

Alternative Education Path: A Fresh Approach

The alternative education path is still a new approach to many.

This path focuses on developing skills and gaining real-world experience and it’s what I did. After dropping out of school, I took various courses online across different topics, participate in self-source internships, attending valuable workshops from industry experts.

An alternative education path provides opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. However, this path isn’t for everyone as well. Through this path, I made plenty of mistakes, met many interesting people, and spent money on different yet unnecessary courses.

Conventional Education Path: The Traditional Route

The conventional education path is the traditional route that most people follow.

It’s the typical route where someone completes a formal education from primary school to university or polytechnic. This education path focuses on academics and in my opinion best suited for careers, such as becoming a doctor or lawyer.

The most important aspect of choosing an education path is finding one that aligns with your interests and career goals. Both alternative and conventional education paths have their pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh them before making a decision.

Gen Z in Singapore today has the opportunity to shape their own future by exploring alternative education paths and unlocking a world of career possibilities.

So why should you explore an alternative education path?

Develop new skills as you explore

The fast-paced world requires us to have a set of skills that are both relevant and competitive. By exploring outside of school, we can develop new skills and stay ahead of the curve. This could be through taking part in workshops, joining clubs, or participating in activities that are distinct from our school curriculum.

I would strongly recommend signing up for an account with us on Continuum :) We are building a global vocational school for the next generation of digital workers. You can learn new skills through short-form courses created by established creators and industry leading brands.

Sign up right here.

Forge meaningful connections in your journey

Networking is an important skill that many of us find ourselves lacking.

Networking allows us to connect with like-minded peers, find new interests and build meaningful relationships. This can be done through activities such as joining a community group, volunteering, or participating in events.

Continuum host community events for digital workers. If you like to attend our next event, join our community on Telegram.

Gain valuable hands-on experience

School can only teach us so much about the real world.

After dropping out of school, I felt I had learned more freelancing than what was taught in my first six months of film school.

Read this article to see how far I have come.

Enhance creativity levels

Creativity is essential for success in today’s world. Taking an unconventional educational path requires you to think creatively in order to achieve your goals.

This could be through joining a creative writing club, learning a new language, or joining a accelerator.

Grow as a young adult

Exploring outside of school has a great impact on our personal growth. Since 2017, I have grown tremendously. Unique experiences give us the chance to learn more about ourselves and build our own identities.

Conclusion

Exploring outside of the traditional education path can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and possibilities for Gen Zs in Singapore. I have personally experienced the benefits and I hope that this article has inspired you to consider alternatives to the conventional education path.

However whether you choose the conventional or alternative education path, the most important thing is to follow your passion and find a path that aligns with your interests and career goals. So, embrace the opportunities and unlock the potential to achieve your dreams!

If you are building something new for creators, I would love to hear from you. You can reach out to me on LinkedIn and let’s connect!

Do you want to support me?

I am currently building a global vocational school for the next generations of digital workers and creating content on the side. I would be grateful for any support you can provide. (A tip via my link in bio)

If you are planning to travel soon, please consider booking your next trip with Trip.com using my link. You can also follow me on my Instagram for more travel related video content!

I also created marketing playbook for new marketers, get full access to it here.

Read my other articles related to the topic:

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Brian Wong

Founder. Digital Marketer. Helping businesses leverage organic strategies to grow. Connect with me - brianwongjh2803@gmail.com.