Q I HAVE been in Australia for the past six years. After concluding my part-time MBA studies with a graduate diploma in business administration in December 2005 and completing my full-time PhD studies in information security in February last year, I worked as a research analyst in the areas of cybercrime and anti-money laundering.
I hope to gain more experience in my current portfolio and eventually work in the banking and finance sector in Singapore.

I wonder, however, if my overseas work experience will be relevant in Singapore's job market and whether I will be over-qualified. For example, a typical job advertisement in the local papers requires only applicants with a bachelor's degree.

A THE areas of work you are currently involved in, namely cybercrime and anti-money laundering (AML), are very relevant in today's market and professionals in these fields are often in demand, not only in Australia and Singapore, but around the world. AML compliance is required not only of banks, but also of other financial institutions such as securities firms, independent financial advisers and so forth.

While each country would have its own laws and regulations on cybercrime and anti-money laundering, these laws are fundamentally similar as they must adhere to international standards. As you are already a cybercrime and AML research analyst, your transition to a career in Singapore in these areas should therefore be relatively straightforward.

To prepare for your return to Singapore, you should keep yourself updated and informed of the relevant legislation related to these two areas, specifically in the financial services sector.

While an advertisement may state that the job requirement is a Bachelor's degree, an applicant with Master's or in your case, a PhD, could still apply. If a prospective employer requires applicants to possess at least a basic degree or specific professional qualifications, those without the minimum qualifications would generally not be considered.

Besides academic qualifications, prospective employers also look at candidates' relevant working experience, their ability to do the job, career track record, how they can bring value to the organisation, as well as whether their personality would fit into the corporate culture.

Meanwhile, you should try to gain greater exposure in your areas of specialisation with your current organisation, particularly hands-on operational experience.

Your overseas working experience is likely to be an advantage when you return to Singapore.

Evelyn Teo
Managing Director
HeadStart

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. E-mail questions to a1admin@sph.com.sg.

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