Best Career Paths in Malaysia

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best career paths in Malaysia

Best Career Paths in Malaysia

So, the time has come for you to start a career? While this is an exciting time, it also comes with a lot of uncertainty and questions. So, what career should you pursue? What qualifications do you need? How much money can you make? Ultimately, these questions are extremely important in finding the best career for you. 

In this post, we’ll look at these questions in more detail and show you the best career paths in Malaysia. 

How to Start Your Career Path in Malaysia?

Let’s start by looking at how you would start your career path in Malaysia. To do this, you’ll need a plan that will keep you on track and ensure that you’ll be successful. Typically, your plan will have these steps:

  • List your interests and talents. The first step is creating a list of your interests and talents. So, write down a list of things you like to do, are good at, or know how to do. By analyzing all these aspects, you will be able to identify patterns that will help you determine which career is best for you. 
  • Figure out your career preferences. The next step is to determine the type of job you’d like to do and what you want out of your career. Knowing this will not only help you determine the positions you could apply for, but also the type of education you’ll need. Moreover, think about what you want in a job, like how long you’d like to travel to work, where it is, how much you’ll earn, and when you’d like to work. Knowing these things can help you figure out what you want and help you find what you’re looking for.
  • Review your skills and qualifications. Every job requires either specific skills or qualifications. So, once you know your career preferences, you’ll also need to consider your skills and qualifications. Doing this will help you determine the next steps of your career growth, which we’ll deal with below. Another benefit is that it can also help you figure out what jobs you might be able to get with your current qualifications.
  • Research industries. The next step is to do some research on jobs and industries that align with your skills, qualifications, and interests. To do this, you can use a search engine online to research different jobs and industries. From this, you’ll learn more about each job, the responsibilities it involves, and the skills you’ll need to land the job. 
  • Get the right qualifications. Once you’ve chosen the career you’d like to pursue, you’ll need to research the qualifications for the job you’re interested in. When you know what qualification a specific career requires, you’ll need to obtain these qualifications if you don’t have them already. 
  • Apply for jobs. Once you’ve obtained the qualifications you need, you can start researching available jobs. When you find any jobs that align with your skills, interests, and qualifications, you can apply. You’ll typically do this online or by sending the hiring manager an email. It is important to note that different companies might have different requirements for the same job. So, you should carefully review the description for the job you’d like to apply for to ensure you meet the specific requirements for that role.

It’s important to remember that this strategy is not set in stone and there are no hard-and-fast rules you should follow when starting your career. So, the steps you’ll follow might differ based on your unique needs and requirements. No matter what steps you follow, though, there are some things you’ll need to consider when starting your career:

  • Strong resume. No matter what job you’re applying for, you’ll need a strong, effective resume that communicates who you are, what skills and qualifications you have, and what value you can offer. This is the surest way of improving your chances to land a job. 
  • Transferable skills. We’ve mentioned earlier that you should have the right skills and qualifications. However, there are also some soft skills that apply across industries. So, you’ll have to develop these skills as well. 
  • Teachability. One of the most important qualities you can have to land your dream job is a willingness to learn. With this skill, you’ll remain teachable, be attractive to employers, and be able to grow your career. 

Which Career in Malaysia is Best?

Now that you’ve seen how you can start your career in Malaysia, the next question we need to consider is: Which career in Malaysia is best? This is quite a challenging question to answer. This is simply because what makes a career best for you depends on various aspects. For instance, when choosing the best career for you, you’ll need to consider:

  • Your interests. Obviously, for a career to be best for you, you need to be interested in the subject matter of the career. 
  • How much money you’d like to earn. It’s simple, some careers earn more money than others. So, if this is an important consideration for you, a career will be better if you can earn more money. 
  • Your aptitudes. Finally, you should also have an aptitude for the career. For example, if you’re simply not good at math, being a scientist or engineer will likely not be the best choice for you. 

Ultimately, when you find the perfect balance between these factors, you’ll find your best career. However, what we can do is look at some of the careers that are most in demand and those that offer the highest salaries. 

What Career Makes the Most Money in Malaysia?

Let’s start by looking at some careers where you’ll be able to earn the most money. 

C-Suite positions like Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer are responsible for the effective and proper management of companies across all industries. It’s no wonder they’re some of the highest-paying jobs in Malaysia. 

  • Average salary: The average salary for C-Suite positions is about RM450,000 per year. 
  • Salary range: Salaries for C-suite positions range between about RM300,000 to RM620,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Management, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Companies hiring: Elabram Systems, Pmb Tijari, Avisena, Healthcare Sdn. Bhd, Hunters International Sdn Bhd. 

In managing a company’s sales teams and processes, Heads of Sales play an important role in how much revenue the company can generate. 

  • Average salary: Average salaries for Heads of Sales range between about RM450,000 to RM500,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Sales, communication, persuasion, and negotiation skills.
  • Companies hiring: Idenon, Perbadanan Pr1ma Malaysia, Respond.io.

Marketing Directors manage marketing teams, campaigns, and strategies to ensure that they’re as effective as possible at generating awareness about a brand or product. 

  • Average salary: The average salary for Marketing Directors is about RM154,000 per year. 
  • Salary range: Salaries for Marketing Directors range between about RM130,000 to RM180,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Marketing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Companies hiring: Calian Tech Marketing Plt, Tourplus Technology Sdn Bld, Tong Eng Watches Sdn. Bhd. 

Procurement Directors are responsible for making sure that all purchasing done by a company is efficient and cost-effective. 

  • Average salary: The average salary for Procurement Directors is about RM400,000. 
  • Salary range: Average salaries for Procurement Directors range between RM300,000 and RM504,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Problem-solving, analytical, planning, and management skills. 
  • Companies hiring: Best Eternity Recycle Technology, Xsd International Paper, Orionis.

Heads of Banking oversee all the banking activities of a specific bank. As such, they ensure that the bank offers products that meet the needs of their clients and build lasting relationships with these clients. 

Medical Directors manage and coordinate all the services offered by medical practitioners and healthcare facilities. 

  • Average salary: The average salary for Medical Directors is about RM350,000 per year. 
  • Salary range: Salaries for Medical Directors range between about RM206,000 to RM390,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Medical, management, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Companies hiring: Malaysian Urgent Care Clinic.

College Deans manage colleges to make sure that they offer high-quality education to students and that they nurture students and help them develop and grow. 

  • Average salary: The average salary for College Deans is about RM210,000 per year. 
  • Salary range: Salaries for College Deans range between about RM130,000 to RM330,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Management, empathy, planning, coordination, and collaboration skills.
  • Companies hiring: All major colleges in Malaysia.

General Counsels generally manage companies’ in-house legal teams to effectively deal with the company’s legal obligations, responsibilities, and disputes. 

  • Average salary: The average salary for General Counsels is about RM204,000 per year. 
  • Salary range: Salaries for General Counsels range between about RM173,000 to RM234,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Legal, management, and communication skills. 
  • Companies hiring: Siemens Mobility, Airasia, Amex Group.

Engineering Directors are in charge of companies’ engineering departments. This means they’re responsible for hiring and training new engineers, managing projects, and planning.

  • Average salary: The average salary for Engineering Directors is about RM192,000 per year. 
  • Salary range: Salaries for Engineering Directors range between about RM59,000 to RM461,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Engineering, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Companies hiring: Openspace Ventures, Veolia Environmental Services.

Surgeons play a vital role in healthcare and use their surgical skills across a range of medical disciplines to restore and improve the lives of patients. 

  • Average salary: The average salary for Surgeons is about RM466,000 per year. 
  • Salary range: Salaries for Surgeons range between about RM305,000 to RM647,000 per year. 
  • Skills needed: Medical, surgical, problem-solving, compassion, and empathy.
  • Companies hiring: Surgeons often work in private practice or for hospitals and healthcare facilities. 

Which Career Has the Most Job Opportunities?

Let’s now look at the careers with the most job opportunities. In other words, which careers have the most demand?

Nowadays, everything is driven by technology and, as such, it’s one of the industries with the most job opportunities. 

Possible careers: Software Developer, Web Developer, Project Manager. 

A qualification in accounting and financial services can give you opportunities across several industries including banking, insurance, and business. 

Possible careers: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Manager. 

With a business qualification, you can get a job at almost any company across all industries. 

Possible careers: Manager, Director, CEO, COO.

Engineering plays an important role in several business processes like product development. It’s also important in several state activities like infrastructure development. 

Possible careers: Engineer, Technician, Engineering Director.

Legal practitioners are important in the proper functioning of any country’s legal system. They also provide valuable services to companies across all industries. 

Possible careers: Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Legal Counsel, General Counsel.

With the internet growing as it is and people using more types of communication, effective and efficient communication is becoming increasingly popular. 

Possible careers: Writer, Journalist, Marketer

Qualified professionals in the construction industry play an important role in a country’s development and expansion efforts. 

Possible careers: Quantity Surveyor, Architect, Engineer.

Let’s face it, hospitality, as an industry, will always create many opportunities simply because people love to travel and attend events. 

Possible careers: Event Manager, Chef, Tour Guide, Hotel Manager. 

Health Sciences have always, and will always be in demand, as it plays a vital role in the health of a country’s entire population. 

Possible careers: Doctor, Nurse, Dentist. 

Design is becoming increasingly popular because digitalization is happening at a rapid rate. This means that jobs in this industry are becoming more in demand. 

Possible careers: Animator, Graphic Designer, Game Designer, Multimedia Designer. 

Start Your Career Now

There you go, now you know which careers are in-demand and where you’ll be able to earn the most money. Hopefully, this will help you in deciding what career you should follow. Once you’re ready to get started, head over to GrabJobs. It’s the best job site available out there, with the widest selection of jobs and all the tools you need to find your dream job quickly and easily. 

To learn more about GrabJobs and how it can help you, register today. 

Photo by Sulthan Auliya on Unsplash

Valentin Berard

Valentin Berard

COO at GrabJobs. Valentin leads strategic and operational activities regionally. Background in Business Development and Recruitment. Passionate about social innovation, he constantly strives to find solutions to real-world problems through harnessing smart technology. Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeberard/