Jobs that pay you to travel the world
Having a job that allows you to travel the world for free is a dream that most Singaporeans think is out of reach. But before you shut that idea down, there’s hope just yet. We’ve come up with a list of jobs in various industries that’ll let you live the dream.
From working freelance as a graphic designer to impacting the lives of the underprivileged as an international aid, here are some positions for Singaporeans fresh out of tertiary institutions with permanent wanderlust to check out:
1. Freelance Graphic Designer
If there’s anything to know about graphic designers, it’s that they’re brimming with ideas and a whizz at Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Illustrator… the list goes on. And while many graphic designers hold full-time office jobs in publishing houses and agencies, there are many opportunities out there for graphic designers to work remotely as freelancers. This means you can work from anywhere in the world.
If you’re naturally creative, you might have the chops to dominate the real world as a graphic designer. As both the brains and brawn in any publishing house or ad agency, graphic designers often need to be well-versed in the New Media and Communication Design.
First, you’ll need a relevant degree, such as RMIT’s Communication Design bachelor’s degree. The programme is a fully accredited Australian undergrad degree which will equip you with the appropriate skills and train you to be a cross-disciplinary critical thinker with a distinct creative flair!
Find out more about RMIT’s offerings here.
2. Foreign Service Officer
Image credit: @mfa_sg
Those who religiously watch every one of PM Lee’s speeches and like to keep tabs on all the political happenings on our little island might find a career in International Relations to be right up their alley.
If so, your golden ticket to a life of travel lies in becoming a Foreign Service Officer. The job pretty much entails flying all around the world representing Singapore in meetings and bi- and multilateral negotiations, hosting diplomatic visitors and networking and building ties with influential people worldwide.
An International Relations degree from a reputable uni such as the University of London (UOL) will help you get one foot in that door. A high emotional quotient and good social skills also help!
Find out more about UOL’s offerings here.
3. Business/Economic Journalist
Don’t let the business in the title scare you off from pursuing a different form of journalism. In fact, business journalists travel almost just as frequently as travel journalists to cover everything from capital markets and financial projects to the economic state of different countries.
Better yet, if you’re recognised as an expert in your field, you’ll be in high demand for the best stories globally (Read: more sponsored trips)! And though you’ll need a burning passion for finance and econs, a solid background in journalism is what’s key.
The University at Buffalo (UB) over at SIM offers a double major in Communication and International Trade that will train you in interpersonal communication with an international focus on the global economy.
Find out more about UB’s offerings here.
4. International Aid Worker
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
Wanting to travel the world might seem like a selfish “millennial” goal, but if you’re looking to make a real change, then sign yourself up to be an International Aid Worker.
From facilitating the distribution of clean water and food to third world countries to fighting for better human rights, a career as an international aid with a charity organisation could possibly take you to countries like Ethiopia, East Timor and Laos.
To qualify for this job, you’ll need a basic bachelor’s degree with a specialisation in Social Work coupled with some actual internship and volunteering experience.
5. Software Engineer
This addition to the list might be surprising but not all software engineers work in an office from Monday to Friday. Travel opportunities also come in the form of overseas training sessions, conferences and to meet vendors, data science professionals, and senior systems architects. In some cases, you might even be tasked to take on a project in another country.
If deciphering HTML and building programmes is your cup of tea, check out IT programmes like Big Data, Cyber Security, Computing and Digital Systems Security. Expect a cool curriculum built around creating algorithms, data mining, data security, Internet of Things (IoT) and problem solving.
6. Bespoke Travel Curator
Image credit: @anywhr.co
We all have that one friend who finds joy in planning itineraries, and if you’re that person, you might want to consider being a Travel Curator. Not only do you get paid to put together the perfect itinerary, but you also get to do the trip recce for new exotic destinations too.
Bespoke travel companies like Anywhr are always on the lookout for individuals like you, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook page for more updates.
A general Bachelor’s degree is usually the bare minimum for a career in this field, but a post-grad qualification in hospitality and tourism might give you the technical skills you’ll need to function as a travel agent as well.
7. Travel Photographer
Image credit: @_s_h_y_a_m_
Being a travel photographer is a dream for most millennials. But if you’re not sure how to get started, don’t worry, we’ve found a way. You’ll want to start applying to media publications and tour agencies that deal with travel. Companies like ahem TSL, Klook or Chan Brothers are a good place to start.
But what’s more important than capturing these shots is your ability to market yourself as a travel photographer. If you’ve got no experience in the world of marketing, RMIT’s Bachelor of Business (Marketing) will teach you the basics of business strategies, marketing communications and consumer behaviour.
Travel the world with these degrees
Adulting is something that most fresh grads dread to think about, but with these degrees that the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) offers, you’ll have the chance to land yourself a job that will fund your travels and pay you at the same time. The best part is, SIM even offers overseas study exchange and internships for some courses, which helps increase the odds of you building a network and working overseas.
If you’re looking to pursue a course that will potentially give you access to an overseas career, head down to the SIM Education Fair on Saturday 6th July.
Pre-registering your attendance gives you a double shot at winning a Nintendo Switch
Besides personal course consultations and in-depth degree admission sessions, pre-registering here also lets you enjoy perks like a $3 Gong Cha voucher and a chance to win a Nintendo Switch!
Find out more about SIM Education Fair here
Address: Suntec City Convention Centre, Room 300-302
Date: 6th July 2019
Opening Hours: 11AM-7PM
Admission: Free
This post was brought to you by SIM.
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