Fresh Grad’s Guide to Social Services: Classrooms to Community

Your questions about social services answered

How to differentiate yourself in the social services job market
What supplementary skills or advanced skills provide an edge
What types of courses can help build those skills
How you can prepare to interview with confidence

Social issues in Singapore are becoming increasingly complex, from mental health pressures and economic disruption to rising loneliness and the demands of an ageing population.

Desmond Lee, Education Minister and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, spoke at the launch of Singapore University of Social Sciences’ (SUSS) new School of Social Work and Social Development and noted that these challenges are often “intertwined” and require a workforce able to respond to multifaceted needs.

“Today’s issues are increasingly complex, and the challenges people face are often manifestations of intractable as well as intertwined problems,” he said.

Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, who spoke at the closing event of Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals, added that changing family structures and emerging societal needs are placing greater demands on the social services sector.

“Families’ needs are evolving with new challenges such as mental health issues, digital inclusion and social isolation. We are also seeing more families with complex needs,” he said. “These shifts will likely result in increasingly complex demands placed on the limited manpower in our sector.”

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To address this, initiatives such as enhanced study awards and fully funded professional development scholarships are being rolled out to expand the workforce and prepare more practitioners for the diverse challenges ahead.

For fresh grads, this growth represents both opportunity and responsibility. But succeeding in social services requires more than academic qualifications. So how can you demonstrate that you’re prepared for the realities of social services work?

How to make your resume stand out to social service employers

When it comes to roles in social services, first impressions matter — a lot. According to Stef Chua, Managing Director and Principal Consultant at Vault Personnel, hiring managers often spend the first 10 seconds scanning through a resume to assess two main things: whether you’re ready for the role, and whether your values align with the organisation’s mission.

To stand out, it’s important that you focus on showcasing relevant exposure and intent, and not just your academic results.

Start by highlighting any internships, volunteer work, or community involvement, especially experiences involving seniors or elderly care, children with special needs, persons with disabilities (PWD), or vulnerable individuals or families.

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If you’ve completed certifications such as CPR, elderly care training, or programmes related to special needs support, be sure to include them clearly — even if they were undertaken outside of formal coursework.

Stef also recommends drawing attention to leadership roles in CCAs, community projects, or social initiatives you’ve participated in. These experiences signal initiative, empathy, and commitment, which are all critical traits in social services.

And if you’ve taken basic counselling modules or been involved in organising outreach events, be sure to include them under your internships or project experience. Details like that help employers see your readiness to work directly with clients and communities, which is a big plus.

Technical and soft skills that give a hiring edge in social services

Unlike many technical fields, social services place strong emphasis on both professional competence and emotional maturity.

Stef highlights that foundational understanding is critical. “Having a strong theoretical understanding of the social services sector is very helpful,” she says. “Courses offered by the Social Service Institute (SSI) allow individuals to explore the scope of social services work and better understand what to expect on the ground.”

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Given the sensitive nature of the work, ethics and confidentiality are non-negotiables too. Stef emphasises that employers expect fresh grads to understand these principles even at an entry level.

Beyond knowledge and ethics, emotional resilience is one of the most important soft skills employers look for. “Practitioners need to remain empathetic while staying emotionally grounded,” Stef shares. “You care deeply about the people you support, but you also need to ensure that you don’t become overly involved in the cases you handle.”

This balance — compassion with professional boundaries — is what helps social service professionals sustain long-term careers in the sector.

Courses that build the capabilities social service employers look for

For fresh grads looking to enhance and strengthen their employability, targeted courses can help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. The following sector-specific programmes can help broaden your experience in service areas and ethical considerations:

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Social Services by Nanyang Polytechnic
Build practical skills to navigate ethical dilemmas through real-life case scenarios, role plays, and discussions, while applying professional values and ethical principles in social services settings.
Cultural Competency: Engaging with and Bridging across Differences by SSI
Develop cultural awareness and practical tools to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and better understand how cultural differences impact service delivery.
Provide Support Level Service to Families (Care & Programme) by SSI
Learn to assess family needs, communicate effectively, and provide basic information on relevant social services and support for families facing challenges.
Provide Support Level Service to Children and Youths (Care & Programme) by SSI
Gain essential skills to identify needs, communicate appropriately, apply ethical standards, ensure safety and wellbeing, and maintain emotional resilience when supporting children and youths.
Provide Support Level Service to Seniors (Care & Programme) by SSI
Understand the ageing process, identify seniors’ needs, provide information on support services, and apply safety, mobility, and workplace health practices when assisting older adults.

How to make a strong impression during industry interviews

Interviews in social services often focus on how you think and respond, not just what you know. Stef advises fresh grads to prepare real examples from internships, volunteer roles, or school projects, particularly for scenario-based questions.

“Be ready to answer questions like, ‘Tell us about a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it,’” she says. To structure your responses clearly, Stef suggests walking your interviewers through this five-step framework:

What happened
Why it was challenging
How you responded
What you reflected on
Your key takeaway

“This helps demonstrate a logical and thoughtful approach,” she explains. “It shows self-awareness and how you learn from each experience.”

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Fresh grads should also prepare questions of their own. Asking about learning opportunities or support systems can leave a strong impression. “You can ask if a buddy or mentorship system is in place,” Stef suggests. “This shows your eagerness to learn and grow in the role.”

At the heart of it, working in social services is not about having all the answers, but showing readiness and a willingness to learn. As Stef puts it, employers are looking for individuals who understand the weight of the work — and are prepared to grow into it.

By presenting relevant experiences clearly, building foundational skills through the right courses, and approaching your interviews with reflection and intent, you can position yourself confidently and take your first steps into a meaningful career in social services.

Take your next step at Career XP for Fresh Graduates!

A career event designed to help you explore, connect, and start your career journey with confidence.

When: 23-25 January 2026
Where: Suntec City, Level 1 Atrium (Towers 3 & 4)
Time: 11am – 9pm daily

What you can look forward to:

Speak one-on-one with career advisors
Connect with mentors and employers
Grow and expand your professional network
Join interactive workshops and fireside chats
Discover new career opportunities

Social Services enthusiasts, don’t miss this talk!

Topic: Healthcare, Social Service & Marketing Insights
Date: 24 January 2026 (Saturday)
Speakers: Volunteer Career Advisor (VCA) Vimel Rajoo, alongside industry experts

In this session, you’ll: