FDM’s Graduate Programme offers you the opportunity to launch a successful career in business or tech. You’ll gain in-depth training from our experienced academy trainers as well as the opportunity to work on client site with our prestigious clients on exciting projects.  

There is a range of pathways to choose from on the FDM Graduate Programme such as Software Development, Technical operations, Cloud Computing and more.  

Your career with FDM begins with a comprehensive training period to equip you with the skills you need to work with our clients as an FDM Consultant. Once you’ve completed the training period, we will place you with our clients where you will work as a fully integrated member of their team. You’ll put your training into practice and gain real-world experience working on leading-edge projects. What’s more, we will be here to support you every step of the way.  

Our support and development initiatives are designed to help you at every stage of your career journey. From learning and development to mentoring to wellbeing. We have a dedicated team to support you and continued professional development opportunities. 

Discover Your Tech Career! FDM’s Graduate Programme can help you stand out from the crowd. Explore a career journey with unlimited possibilities. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3RtnUU6

Diversity, social mobility and inclusion are an essential part of who we are. We are proud to be creating and inspiring exciting careers in Singapore and around the globe that shape our digital future by embracing talent from different backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities and experiences.  

A core value at FDM is that ‘together we are stronger’ and it is the differences that exist amongst us that make FDM stronger as one. As a people business, fostering an inclusive recruitment process that leads to a diverse working environment has always been key to our success. 

Inclusivity is one of our core values which is driven from the top down and therefore has become part of our DNA. 

FDM is proud to be leading by example in our efforts to create a more gender-balanced workforce. We are committed to supporting and encouraging women to pursue a career in IT and to break the executive barriers.

We are strong supporters of the Gender Pay Gap Policy and have reported a 0% median pay gap for two consecutive years. Read our gender pay gap report

At FDM, we firmly believe that #TogetHERwearestronger and drive for balance and equality across industries every day.

At the forefront of our business are our people. From day one you will become part of the FDM family and will be supported throughout your career. Shaped by our core values, we have built a vibrant culture where ideas can flourish, talent is nurtured and achievements are recognised and rewarded. 

You will be part of a global network and have access to our Support and Development initiatives, designed to help you at every stage of your journey with FDM. These include:  

Wellbeing Programme

Across the FDM community, we have a number of Mental Health First Aiders who provide support and coaching. We also have various wellbeing events and campaigns happening throughout the year available to all employees.   

We have a Wellbeing Network that allows passionate people to have meaningful discussions, educate and raise awareness of wellbeing topics. There are also a variety of useful resources on our online portal.  

Consultant Experience Partners 

Our dedicated Consultant Experience Partners are in regular contact with our consultants to check-in, promote wellbeing and provide career guidance to ensure they thrive during their journey with us.  

Mentoring Programme

The Mentoring Programme matches people based on their career aspirations with those who have demonstrable experience and expertise. It is designed to help people unlock their full potential and to provide support for long term career development. The programme is online, allowing matches to be made throughout our global organisation.   

Online Learning and Development 

Our consultant shave access to a range of virtual training sessions, webinars and discussions shared through Yammer and our learning management platform where they can build their own development portfolio to reflect their learning journey. They also have access to e-learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning and Intuition Know-How and have the option to speak to our technical experts at any time.  

FDM Networks 

FDM Staff Networks are employee led resource groups to support and raise awareness around specific shared characteristics. The objective is to provide a community for discussion, create change in the organisation and support its implementation with our overall People Strategy.   

Employee Recognition Awards 

At FDM, we take pride in our consultants' achievements and make sure to celebrate them with company awards, such as ‘Consultant of the Month’ and ‘Consultant of the Year’.                                      

Consultant Collaboration Platform (Yammer) 

Yammer is the virtual platform we use to provide somewhere for the FDM community to socialise with each other, as well as access helpful resources and learning aids to support their career journey.  

Consultant Experience Events 

We host a variety of virtual events to connect with our people and ensure everyone feels a part of the FDM community. These activities include quizzes, mindfulness and yoga sessions, social events, pet meetups and many learning and development opportunities.   

We are looking for people who have a real passion for tech and innovation, and you don’t need any prior experience to apply. There has never been a more exciting time to join the tech industry, so why not start now? 

FDM’s dynamic Graduate Programme kick starts the careers of thousands of people each year, transforming them into tech and business professionals. 

As an FDM consultant, you’ll be equipped with the latest professional and technical skills as well as a foot in the door to some of the world’s leading brands. FDM welcomes graduates from all degree backgrounds and look for people with the aptitude and attitude to succeed. Graduate Programme applications are open all year round and there are multiple start dates throughout the year. Sound good? 

So, what does FDM’s recruitment process involve? Here’s a handy guide with tips to help you get one step closer to your dream job! 

1. Online Application 

The first stage of the FDM recruitment process is completing an online application. Graduates have the option of choosing their preferred training pathway, either the business or technical stream. 

Recruiter’s tip: When applying, always tailor your CV to the role and the organisation that you are applying for. Highlight the key areas in the selection criteria from your previous experiences. Adding a cover letter which demonstrates your interest for the role is a bonus as well! 

2. Telephone Screening 

After applying online, a member of the Recruitment Team will contact you for an informal chat to discuss the programme and opportunities, and to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Essential criteria:

• Graduated with minimum of bachelor’s degree 
• Eligibility to work in Singapore for a minimum of 2 and a half years 

3.  Video Interview 

In the next step of the recruitment process, you will be asked a series of strength-based interview questions so that we can get to know you better. This can be completed from your computer, table or mobile phone.  

Recruiter’s tip: Make sure you provide detailed examples from your professional, personal and academic experiences that demonstrate your aptitude for the role. Ask lots of questions. As much as the recruiter wants to know you, it’s also your chance to get to know the company! 

4. Online Tests 

Here you will undertake an IT aptitude test to assess your skill sets, so we can make sure you are aligned to a role that matches your strengths. 

5. Assessment Centre 

This stage involves an FDM Introduction presentation, followed by three strength-based interviews. They will focus on your ability and potential rather than previous experience. This is also your chance to meet the other graduates you could be training with and find out more about the programme. 

Recruiter’s tip: Read the Assessment Centre Guide and work through the Strength-Based Question Workbook thoroughly. The Assessment Centre is designed to assess your capability and motivation. We’re not looking at your CV at this stage so make sure you are able to articulate your experience.  

Finally, be yourself and have fun! 

For more information on available roles, check out FDM’s Graduate Jobs

We understand that interviewing for a new job is tough. You know in the back of your mind that there could be dozens, sometimes even hundreds of other applicants vying for the same open positions and that pressure can be a bit overwhelming. How do you stand out from the crowd? How do you earn a second interview? Here at FDM Group, our application process begins with submitting your CV, followed by a telephone interview. We conduct thousands of phone interviews each year as the first step in the interview process for our Graduate Programme. In other words, we have a pretty good idea of what you need to do to make a great first impression. From our experts, this is how to prepare for an FDM phone interview.

Before the call

There are many things you can do prior to your call to make the experience as slick and professional as possible. Thorough preparation will help make the FDM telephone interview far less stressful, which in turn will help you to perform to the best of your abilities.

Do your research

Make sure you research the company and its history. If possible, it’s always useful to know about the person conducting the interview. Check out the company’s channels to learn about any recent company news and get a feel for the company culture. Find something interesting about them to bring up. By mentioning something that is specific to the company when you get this question, you’ll stand out from others who have generic responses, and it will show your interviewer that you’ve really done your research.

Explore the role and match your skills to the position

You should have received a job description before your FDM phone interview. Your recruiter has read your CV, so you already know that your skillset is in line with what they are looking for. Make sure you have a firm understanding of exactly how your skills and experience align, as well as what transferable skills you may have that would help you in the role.

Have a copy of your CV, notes on the role and notes on the company to hand

With the exception of your CV, you will want to keep your notes short and high level. Make bullet points from your research and use these as prompts to jog your memory. Try to keep paper rustling to a minimum so it doesn’t interfere with the quality of the call and make sure it does not sound like you are just reading everything from a script. We may not be able to see you but, trust me, we’ll know!

Plan out where you will take the FDM phone interview in advance

Picking the best location for your phone interview may seem trivial, but it really is important. I once decided to take a phone interview in a park. It was a nice day, so I figured why not? This was a plan that clearly, I didn’t think through. Speaking over the traffic of the cars driving by, the sirens of an ambulance, a baby crying, and the dogs barking made it incredibly difficult to communicate properly. Here are some factors to consider when picking a location for a phone interview:

• Noise – Make sure it’s quiet. You don’t want to have to yell over the surrounding noise or ask your interviewer to repeat a question because you couldn’t hear.
• Comfort – Don’t take an interview outside if it’s freezing cold. By the end of it you’ll be miserable and want it to be over so you can get back inside.
• Reception – Nothing will ruin a great interview faster than dropping a call.

The tone in your voice is everything

By interviewing over the phone, you leave out all visual aspects that can normally help make or break you. You can’t show professionalism by walking through the door in a nice suit. You don’t get to show interest and intrigue with your body language while answering questions. It all comes down to the tone of your voice. Don’t go to a concert the night before and lose your voice singing at the top of your lungs. Have a glass of water next to you so you can refresh your throat. Make sure you sound confident and compelling in all of your answers in order to make a great impression.

Prepare and rehearse your answers to the FDM telephone interview questions

“Tell me a little bit about yourself” With this question, the recruiter wants to learn more about you. Your responses will give them a good idea of the things you enjoy, what motivates you and your personality. Your response can include a mix of academia, work experiences, and personal achievements. “Why are you applying for this programme?” This tells the recruiter how serious you are about the role you have applied for. No employer wants to hire someone who isn’t genuinely interested in the job they have applied for, and it can be pretty obvious when this is the case. “What do you know about the role?” This question aims to tell a recruiter not only whether you have spent time to carefully read the job description, but what your interpretation of the job and responsibilities are. “Why do you want to work for us?” This may seem like an obvious question but think about all aspects of the company. This could include the company culture, a certain initiative you’ve read about, something you’ve seen on their social channels. There are lots of reasons why you might be interested in a company beyond pay and benefits. “Can you take me through your CV?” This is an opportunity for you to build a narrative around your education, career and extra-curricular achievements. CVs can only say so much, so this is a chance to bring it to life. Furthermore, how you answer this question will show how passionate you are about your achievements to date. “Do you have any questions for us?” Interviews are very much two-way conversations. The process is also a chance for you to decide if you are the right fit for the company and also if the company is for you. We highly recommend asking questions during your FDM phone interview as it shows that you are engaged, thoughtful and interested.

Keep answers short and concise

Without preparation, it can be easy to lose track of your response and ramble on. Remember to keep your answers focused and to the point, avoiding unnecessary “ums” and “ahs”, and try not to let yourself tail off at the end of a response.

After the FDM telephone interview

With the right preparation and effort, you should have a stress free and enjoyable phone interview. It’s always good to take a few moments to reflect on your performance, ask yourself were there any questions you could have answered better? Or were there any that just stumped you all together? Take note of these while they are fresh in your mind and think about how you would answer them better in future. Feeling confident enough to make an application? See what roles we have for you in the business and technology sector today.

When it comes to launching a career in technology, there are many paths to choose from. One of the most exciting is Technology Consulting. Also known as an IT or Computer Consultant, or IT Advisory, you may have already heard about this role before, but what does it actually mean? What does a Technology Consultant do exactly?
Here’s everything you need to know about following a Technology Consultant career path.

What does a Technology Consultant do?

Technology Consultants play a vital role in the way businesses transform their use of technology. A Tech Consultant has the opportunity to get involved in a range of exciting projects to help businesses keep pace with the ever changing world of technology.

Businesses may choose to use Technology Consultants for a number of reasons. Firstly, they can be beneficial when a business is interested in implementing the newest piece of business technology and needs advice on how to best transition their systems. Similarly, they might be necessary when a business is facing a particular challenge. A dedicated Technology Consultant knows the company inside out, therefore can assist employees and clients with any issues that may arise.

Working as a Technical Consultant is a very versatile role: each day will bring new challenges and provide many opportunities to learn new things and expand your skill set. This could be working in Software Development, Quality Engineering, DevOps, Software Testing or lots more. A Tech Consultant has the chance to get creative in their role and think outside the box to help improve business processes and make a real difference to help achieve business goals.

For instance, a business may have a good, working system however they believe they can make their customer journey even more efficient and improve customer experience. A Technology Consultant can provide insight and creative solutions as to how to do this effectively without disrupting the business in the process and delivering real, tangible results.

Some of the responsibilities of a Technology Consultant include: conducting training sessions for employees, reporting, resolving client issues, software testing, troubleshooting issues and developing innovative solutions that will drive growth.

Help clients reach their goals

When choosing a career as a Technology Consultant, you are taking on an important role that is vital to the success of a business. It requires much more than just tech skills. You need a comprehensive understanding of your clients business ambitions and are required to communicate and deliver bespoke solutions in order to reach their goals. This means you need to be a natural problem solver and should have excellent communication skills.

Working as a Technology Consultant is a rewarding experience and allows you to make a positive impact on businesses and their customers.

How to become a Technology Consultant?

If you’re passionate about technology and love to keep up with all recent advancements in the industry, then becoming a Technology Consultant could be just the role for you. Are you a people-person with strong analytical skills and a knack for problem solving? It’s never too late to start a career in tech!

At FDM, we offer acclaimed programmes that will equip you with the professional and industry-specific skills necessary to launch a successful career as a Technology Consultant with no prior experience. Our renowned programme begins with a training course, followed by invaluable hands-on experience working with industry-leading clients.

If you think a Technology Consultant career path is the right fit for you, check out our Graduate Programme to find out more!

Software development is a vast field and one that is creative, demanding and extremely rewarding. A career as a Software Developer gives you the opportunity to learn about the business as well as technology. Here are just a few reasons from some of our talented FDM Software Development consultants on why you should become a Software Engineer.

Why choose a Software Engineering career?

It is not uncommon to choose your career based on availability and salary offering, and when it comes to Software Engineering, you won’t be disappointed in those respects; Software Development is a booming industry and offers a career path with endless progression, opportunities and, depending on how good you are, decent pay. However, it’s not all about the money; there’s so much more to the role than that. So, if you’re thinking ‘should I become a Software Developer?’, here are just a few reasons why you should.

1. Test your problem-solving skills

There’s nothing more satisfying than solving a problem that’s been around for a while and nobody else knows how to solve. As a Software Developer you constantly provide solutions for users’ problems. You can be working on the occasional quick fix as well as more complex strategic solutions. Some problem-solving skills required to be a Software Developer include being able to split complex goals into smaller, more manageable ones. You should also be able to think in parallel. This means taking your smaller tasks, rearranging them and seeing if any are unnecessary so you can optimise your tasks and save time. Likewise, in an attempt to save time, a Software Engineer will need to design future-proof solutions that do not need re-designing each time a parameter change. Remember not everything needs to be designed from scratch too. Be resourceful and consider existing tools before you start on a new solution; you may find you can skip a few steps.

2. Get creative with code

Being in Software Development isn’t quite the same as being a Graphic Designer or Fine Artist, but that doesn’t mean it’s not creative in its own way. There are many ways in which Software Developers can be creative, including in the way you think to solve a problem: for example, you need to be able to put yourself in the users’ shoes in order to provide a solution, you need to create innovative new systems and functionality and you get to play around and learn new technologies. Creativity also comes into play when trying to design a well-thought complex solution to get the best out of computers. You begin with just a blank screen and a set of abstract ideas to construct your masterpiece using code. Creativity is just one of the many reasons to become a Software Engineer.

3. Project-based work structure

Another reason to become a Software Developer is the varied work structure which is project-based. Generally, you will be working on a huge variety of projects, both large and small, and there are so many advantages to this working style. Each new project that you work on brings a whole new set of challenges and gives you the opportunity to learn about new technologies, different systems, and explore various parts of the business. Project-based work also gives you a sense of structure as, most likely, you have a timeframe to work towards before you can finish and move on to the next exciting project.

4. Continuous learning opportunities

Technology is extremely fast moving, so Software Engineers need to be able to learn new programming languages and technologies and adapt to the continually changing environment. Alongside learning about technology, developers will often have the opportunity to develop their knowledge about the business and sector they are working in, as these are also ever-changing. This constant change is an amazing learning opportunity, keeping your mind fresh and the job interesting! What better reason do you need to get started in Software Engineering?

5. Collaboration across teams

The stereotype of a programmer sitting in a room alone, coding all day, is actually very far from reality and very few developers work alone. In addition to technical skills, you need to be a great communicator and team player. You will often need to work as part of a team to share your knowledge and ideas and expand your understanding of good development practises, as well as how systems work to ensure you achieve the best end product. As a Developer, you will spend a lot of time collaborating with colleagues from multiple different departments, which means you have the chance to learn from others. “Communication skills are important. A great deal of my role involves communicating with my team mates, as well as other internal clients, effectively, whether you are discussing a bug that needs to be fixed, planning an upcoming release or talking to a client about a certain feature.” Michael, Software Developer in Macquarie’s Trade Service department Read more about Michael’s story on becoming a Software Developer.

Should I become a Software Developer?

If you’re a creative problem solver, team player and tech enthusiast, Software Development could be just the thing for you. Why not check out the FDM Software Development Graduate Programme to find out more?

Project Support Officers (PSO) play an integral role in a business, often managing multiple projects simultaneously and ensuring operations runs smoothly. Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Project Support Officer, including first-hand insights and experiences from three FDM Consultants working in Project Management.

What does a Project Support Officer do?

The Project Support Officer is responsible for the coordination and delivery of a business project, working closely alongside the Project Manager. The PSO organises the planning and execution of a project which includes scheduling tasks, risk and progress management, liaising with stakeholders, as well as monitoring finances and controlling budgets.

A PSO acts as the driving force and has a direct impact on the efficiency and overall success of the project. This requires excellent communication, organisational skills, logical thinking and problem solving.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Project Support Officer

Working as a Project Support Officer brings new tasks and challenges on a daily basis. Some of the main duties and responsibilities you can expect while working in the filed include:

• Reporting on progress, resources, finance or costings
• Overseeing projects, mitigating risks and solving issues
• Quality assurance, for example through collating data, auditing or compliance checks
• Scheduling meetings and setting agendas for the project team
• Internal and external stakeholder management
• Updating project records

A Day in a Life of Project Support Officer

We caught up with some of our consultants on-site to ask them about their experience, and the different roles and responsibilities that they have working in Project Management.

1.  What is your current role on-site and what do your daily activities involve?

Chloe: My current role is Member of the Office of the CIO at an international airline company. I work in a small team and my daily activities involve engagement with stakeholders, governance of the IT department, risk management and implementing changes that the CIO requires.

Loay: I have been working with a client in the public sector for three years now. I started as a Planner and Risk Manager and worked my way up to becoming a Project Manager. No two days are the same around here as projects vary a lot in size, complexity and technology used. My current day-to-day activities involve leading Agile project teams to deliver critical IT projects. This includes holding daily Scrum meetings, planning, risk and dependencies management, and stakeholder management.

Erica: I work as a Project Support Officer and my main focus is on risks, issues management and interventions. I engage with project and programme teams on a daily basis to guarantee compliance to the project framework and ensure that the right level of assurance is provided to the Programme Board. I manage portfolio dependencies, identify risks and issues to delivery, after which I develop and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies.

2.  What new skills did you learn during your work placement?  

Chloe: I have learnt many cross-functional skills that I can use for any role I want to pursue. I now know how to implement change on a large scale and how to work following Agile methodologies. I have also learned how to develop my skills and knowledge on the job in order to pursue my career path goals.

Loay: I have worked on a variety of projects and learned how to operate in both Waterfall and Agile environments. I have gained the confidence to plan, manage project risks and lead teams to deliver successful products.

Erica: I learned a lot about risk and issues management as well as how to approach, manage and communicate with the different stakeholders within the organisation.

3. Can you tell us about an exciting project that you’ve worked on?

Chloe: We have recently implemented a new risk management process across the whole IT department, including all operating companies. Although it was challenging at first, understanding how to identify, treat and accept risks across many different levels has been interesting and has really developed my knowledge of IT risks.

Loay: In my previous project, I was working on replacing a 30-year old system within the organisation, aiming to remediate the system to a more modern code and platform. The outcome of the project was enabling the continuation and enhancement of the services that we provided to citizens. Currently, I am working on the organisation’s contact centre and leading on various projects, such as introducing new capabilities, developing a new Information Management System and a self-service payment line.

Erica: I am currently supporting the organisation in planning for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am working for the Strategy and Recovery team and producing the Recovery Plan, for which I have set up a reporting structure to ensure timely updates are sent to the Board.

4. What do you enjoy the most about your role?

Chloe: I have really enjoyed being part of a small team, while also having the chance to collaborate with the whole IT department. I have worked alongside very senior people, which has increased my network and gave me a better understanding of the IT department as a whole. It has been a great experience so far.

Loay: I enjoy the constant collaboration with various teams across the department. Being able to lead deliveries all the way from concept to going live, coupled with the fact that no two days are the same, makes it a great role!

Erica: Every day is different – I face a lot of challenges, which then I get the satisfaction to overcome.  I also had the chance to meet a lot of amazing and supporting colleagues.

If you’re looking to kickstart your career as a Project Support Officer, check out the FDM Business Analysis and Project Management Program find out more!

As a Business Analyst (BA), you play an important role in business and the IT industry, working with organisations to help improve processes and systems, conducting research and analysis, solving problems and mitigating risk.

How to start a Business Analyst career and what are the different routes you can take?

Getting your foot in the door of any career path can be tricky and time consuming. Here is an overview of the different routes into Business Analysis, how to get Business Analyst experience and how long it takes to become a Business Analyst:

Undergraduate degree

There are a number of useful undergraduate degrees that are desirable qualifications in the eye of an employer looking to fill a new Business Analyst position. This includes subjects such as Computer Science, Business Information Systems, Computing, Systems Development and Business Management.

With a bachelor’s degree in these or similar disciplines, which takes roughly three to four years to complete, it is possible to gain an entry level position as an intern or junior Business Analyst.

Certification

Becoming a qualified Business Analyst can help kick-start your career, as employers often look for recognised certifications of your skills from a professional body. Some of the most acknowledged certificates will come from the International Institute of Business Analysis UK (IIBA) or The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), whereas other recognitions include the ECBA (Early Certificate in Business Analytics) and CAB (Certified Agile Business Analyst Training).

Experience

Experience in relevant fields, namely IT and business, will certainly help in making the move to become a Business Analyst. The types of roles that can facilitate a career transition to a Business Analyst include: Programming, IT, Engineering, Business Development, Data Analysis, Statistics and others. Any experience, from six months to 20 years in a relevant field will go a long way when changing career.

Learning on the job

One of the ways of moving up through the ranks without any of the above is by learning on the job. You can do so by securing a position as an intern or Junior Business Analyst and undertake training (if offered by the organisation) or have regular catch-ups with team leads and managers to learn from their knowledge and experience.

The FDM Business Analysis Graduate Programme

The FDM Business Analysis Graduate Programme offers you the opportunity to kick-start your career as a Business Analyst without having previous work experience or a degree in a business subject. You will receive expert training and gain all the necessary skills and qualifications you need to become a successful Business Analyst in a comparatively short amount of time, before going to work with our leading clients as an FDM consultant. BA opportunities at FDM are available to undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as returners to work and service leavers.

How to get Business Analyst experience

Obtaining experience as a Business Analyst first requires the correct skills. A good BA will be a great communicator with a mind for data analysis, problem solving, critical and logical thinking and visual modelling. Hard skills in IT, such as awareness of programming languages, SQL and statistical analysis will also be very helpful.

Aside from solving business problems and designing technical solutions, modern Analysts are often required to work closely with business stakeholders, managers and staff to understand problems and operate in line with universal targets. Showing willingness to engage and learn will take a prospective candidate a long way.

When joining the FDM Graduate Programme, you will be professionally trained to industry standards and will be provided with valuable hands-on experience, working closely with our leading global clients.

Don’t stop learning!

The world of business is forever changing, adapting and progressing, often even on a daily basis, so it’s absolutely essential that keen-eyed Business Analysts keep up to date with industry-specific news and developments, whilst also honing and gaining new IT skills with constant practice and engagement.

Some of the best blogs and websites relevant to this industry include: Modern Analyst, BA Times, Bridging the Gap and Business Analyst Learnings.

The best software to practice your skills include Lynda, Udemy, Khan Academy and edx.