Build a career path using your SPM results

It is not uncommon for SPM graduates to choose the career route before embarking on tertiary education. Some may choose to work while studying and there's nothing wrong with gaining more experience.

Benefits to working before/while going to college or university

• Hands-on experience for your dream career
• Strengthen social skills
• Gain understanding of work politics
• Build important work networking
• Learn to multitask and prioritize responsibilities
• Fosters discipline and good time management
• A good way to boost your finance and investment in education
• It will definitely look good in your CV!

Here are the most common available jobs you can get with only SPM results and no experience whatsoever:

Sales

If you have an interest to pursue a career in management, accounting, business or finance you can choose to start in retail, sales, cashier and customer service.

Skills sharpened

You will be required to make stock checks, keep an eye on inventory and liaise with customers. Get ready to improve your fluency in English and maybe pick up another language or two.

Where to start?

Major supermarkets such as Tesco, Giant and Aeon and malls. Do a little window shopping and keep an eye out on signs in front of stores saying “JOB OPEN” or “WALK-IN INTERVIEW” and all you need is confidence.

Salary

RM 5-10 an hour or RM 200 to 1000 a month. Work dilligently and you will be climbing the corporate ladder in no time!

Tutor/teaching assistant

Interested in pursuing the academia route and enjoy working with children and teenagers? You need to have a competence of at least >80% for the subject you wish to teach.

Skills sharpened

Organizational skill and good time management skill and a growing appreciation of your favourite subjects. Negotiation skills and patience will improve and are useful in the working world.

Where to start?

Tuition or enrichment centers such as Kumon (math) or Blubricks (speech and drama). You may also place ads in Facebook groups for parents offering your personal service or ask your neighbours/relatives if they need a tutor.

Salary

Perhaps one of the best paying non-degree job out there, especially for popular subjects such as Maths and Science. Expect RM 1,000-RM 2,000 a month.

Waiter/kitchen runner/barista

Interest in food is crucial! The food and beverage industry is rapidly growing as we Malaysians just love to eat. You may need to have your own transportation.

Skills sharpened

Enrich your knowledge of food and ingredients involved. You also get to hone your social skills and definitely improve your physical fitness; expect to build core strength and develop some muscles.

Where to start?

Fast-food eateries such as McDonalds and KFC are always the safest bet and offer a clear career path. High-end restaurants are always looking for employees and it wouldn't hurt to just walk-in and ask if they have an opening.

Salary

Depends on the outlet, but RM6-10 per hour is normal.

Call center agent/receptionist

Do you like talking and solving problems? You will be hired based on personality, skill, fit and motivation.

Skills sharpened

Being calm under pressure, sharpen your attention to details and learn about effective communication skills. You will also learn all you need to know about the company you are working for be it construction, F&B, telecommunications or even law.

Where to start?

Like a career in Sales, there is a diversity of industries in need of call center agents and receptionists. Huge telco companies and banks usually outsource the call center work to institutions.

Salary

RM1000-2,500.

Share with us what careers are you pursuing and we can discuss which entry-level jobs might be suitable for you :)