Not a brag post — just want to share the actual moves I made since a lot of people ask me this. 2022: Fresh grad, backend dev role at a mid-size company. RM3,500. Move 1: Got an AWS certification (paid for myself, RM40…
Biology degree. Self-taught Python and SQL over 8 months, built Kaggle projects, networked on LinkedIn. First DS role at RM5,500 after one year.
I'm in a weird spot. My current company pays well (RM7,500) and I'm comfortable, but the brand is not very well known outside the industry. Got an offer from a much more recognisable tech company (think top 5 most-known…
Left 7-year marketing career at 31 for a bootcamp. First dev job 8 months later at RM4,200. Now at RM7,500 after 2 years. Absolutely not too late.
I was all set to apply for a part-time Master's in Business at UM (RM35k total, 2 years). Then I started doubting myself. Arguments FOR I've heard: - Required for senior roles in some GLCs and government - Academic/rese…
In order: Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, SQL, Java. ML/AI adds premium. Go and Rust are niche but well-paid.
Timeline is long (3-4 years part-time) but employers in finance and audit value it highly. CPA or CIMA might be quicker for industry roles.
SG: 2-3x salary, brutal cost of living. KL: lower salary, cheaper life, more family time. Moved back from SG after 4 years. No regrets.
Start in a related role (BA, ops, marketing), build product thinking, document your decisions, then apply for PM roles.
JPA has better allowance (RM3,500-4,500/month overseas). MARA is more flexible on course selection. JPA bonding period is 10 years.
Document impact in numbers, request a formal meeting, come with written achievements. Ask what it takes to reach senior level then deliver that.
Applied to 40+ roles over 3 months. Got 12 responses, 6 interviews, 2 offers. Tailoring CV for SG market was the key.
If you want to practise law, yes. If keeping options open, it is risky — less versatile than people think.
Level 1 pass rate around 40%. Worth it if you want asset management, research, or global finance roles.
Same happened to me. Pivoted to SME roles and learned more. Two years later I joined an MNC with real experience. Not the only path.
3-month bootcamp, built 3 case study projects, applied to 25 roles, got 1 offer. 5 months from zero to hired.
Warm referrals convert at 5x the rate of cold applications. I got my last three roles through people I knew.
Got promoted to manager at 27. Not ready. Wished I had stayed IC for 2 more years. Leadership needs time, not just a title.
Ask about runway in the interview. Check LinkedIn employee count trend. Ask founders directly — clear answers signal a healthy company.
80% of people who accept counter-offers leave within 12 months. The company now knows you were looking.