Medical lab technicians work primarily in a science research lab. They play an important role in producing reliable and accurate data to support scientific investigations by performing tests and trials.

Working under the supervision of a medical technologist or a physician, lab technicians perform tests to help diagnose and treat diseases. Graduates working in this line of work are typically employed by hospitals, clinics, private laboratories, research and development organisations or pharmaceutical companies.

Clinical research officers, otherwise known as clinical research associates or clinical research assistants, are responsible in assessing the benefits and risks of using new or current drugs. As such, graduates in this field are required to organise and administer clinical trials of these drugs.

Research officers in clinical operations play a pivotal role in a range of matters, including data collection, trialling, production and marketing of vital new medical products, which are produced to enhance and prolong human life.

With most companies, including those in the insurance, retail banking and actuary industry, having shifted their recruitment efforts online, it has become easier than ever before to apply for any open role. In fact, it has now become standard for jobseekers to fill up an application form on a company’s website, and submit their resume in addition.

We’ve introduced some key technical terms used in the financial services and banking sector in Part 1 of this article. Here’s more to expand your vocabulary of jargons and how to use them correctly.

Middle office (n.)

What is it?

A familiarity with technical terms can impress employers and colleagues alike, but it is important that you use them correctly. Here’s Part 1 of gradsingapore’s A-Z jargon guide for graduates to understand key terms used in the financial services and banking industry.

Arbitrage (n.)

What is it?

The practice of making a profit from trading on two markets simultaneously. Such trades profit by exploiting price differences of similar financial instruments on different markets or in different forms.

Example:

A successful job application typically takes a lot of time and thought, lasting from the first draft you do up of your resume, all the way through the interviews, tests and assessment centres that are usually found in the hiring process, to signing on the dotted line and filling the position.

The banking industry is popular among multiple academic disciplines – not just finance and business graduates. And these don’t even count the veteran professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) looking to enter the sector. With so many coveting limited spots, competition is unsurprisingly heated. In fact, it’s so stiff, most graduates rely on graduate schemes to get into the industry, as well as completely avoid competing with their more experienced counterparts (and thus creating competition among themselves).

The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is one of the most attractive sectors to work in, due to the innovation, diversity of roles involved and access to personal and professional development. Because of this, graduate roles in the FMCG industry are highly sought-after, and competition among applicants is stiff.