Do employers prefer local university grads as compared to private university grads (eg: SIM/Kaplan)? What can private university grads do to increase their chances of employment?

In Singapore, meritocracy dictates that if you succeed, it’s because you worked hard and therefore deserve your success. However, by extension, many mistakenly believe that the reverse holds true: if you fail, it’s because you didn’t work hard enough, and therefore it is your fault that you failed.

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As someone who grew up in the local school system, I used to be under the false impression that students who went to private universities did not study hard enough. I wondered if having too many colleges will result in a graduate glut.

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When I grew older, I gradually learned that many other factors influence a student’s performance such as family income and one’s parents’ level of education, not just laziness. Poor grades didn’t mean that someone did not study hard enough.

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There are many ways you can overcome this disadvantage. Here are some examples:

1. Build up your work experience
2. Develop the right skills
3. Leverage LinkedIn as a resource for learning and networking
4. Gain international exposure
5. Focus on soft skills

I've elaborated on the above points in greater detail here: https://www.jeraldinephneah.com/private-univers...

They do preferred local, i think private can increase their employability by taking more internships

Hey Anon, I came across a video on Zula which addresses this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTvKI0TkkPs

In a nutshell, employers generally favour local uni grads over private grads. However, I personally believe that one's experience/portfolio is more important over time. ​​​

Yes, local prefered. But what you can do to stand out is to get a Masters or PHD if you have the money or have scholarship opportunities