Empowering Futures: Personalized Career Guidance at IFS Singapore

Helping Every Student Find Their Path

At the International French School (IFS) in Singapore, career guidance is not just a support service—it is an essential part of every student’s education. From Sixième (Grade 6) to Terminale (Grade 12), students follow a structured and evolving program designed to inspire ambition, build confidence, and prepare them for life beyond school.

Whether students are exploring career options or preparing for university applications, IFS ensures they are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to make informed choices and take advantage of exciting opportunities.

IFS’s career guidance program focuses on three core areas. The first is personalised support, ensuring that students can define and refine their career aspirations. The second is access to essential resources, helping students transition smoothly into higher education. The third is guidance on study opportunities in France and abroad, allowing them to find the best academic path for their future.

IFS works closely with students, parents, and industry professionals, creating a collaborative environment that helps students navigate their next steps with confidence.

Expert Guidance from a Dedicated Team

Career guidance at IFS is led by a team of four PRIOs (Resource Persons for Information and Orientation), each with specialised expertise in different areas.

Katherine Snider is an expert in English-speaking university applications in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. She also organises the International University Fair, helping students navigate complex admission processes.

Marie-Claire Meur and Emmanuelle-Claire Ongaro guide students from Seconde (Grade 10) to Terminale (Grade 12), ensuring they have the necessary resources to explore career paths. They also organize major events such as speed networking and the Careers Forum, which connect students with professionals and alumni.

Didier Delcassé works with Première (Grade 11) students and a third of Terminale students. He also manages the IFS alumni network, which provides a valuable resource for students seeking career insights and mentorship.

With backgrounds in sciences, humanities, and mathematics, the team delivers comprehensive academic, professional, and strategic support. They help students map out career paths, navigate university admissions, and develop the confidence they need to take the next step in their journey.

A Structured Career Journey Through “Parcours Avenir”

IFS follows the “Parcours Avenir” programme, which aligns with AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) guidelines. This programme introduces students to career possibilities through three core areas: self-discovery, professional exploration, and higher education preparation.

Students begin their journey with self-discovery, where they identify their skills, interests, and ambitions through structured guidance. As they progress, they engage in professional exploration, meeting experts across various industries, participating in workplace visits, and attending career conferences. Finally, they prepare for higher education by understanding academic pathways, entrance requirements, and application processes for universities in France and abroad.

Career exploration at IFS starts early, with structured career sessions in Middle School (collège). In High School (lycée), students benefit from weekly career guidance sessions, up-to-date information on university and industry trends, and direct engagement with professionals and universities. These experiences ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to make well-informed decisions about their future.

Major Career Events at IFS

Throughout the year, IFS hosts several key career events that give students direct access to professionals, universities, and industry experts.

The International University Fair, held every September, brings together over 70 representatives from top universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe and Asia. Students gain valuable insights into international study options, connect with university representatives, and receive personalized guidance on the application process. This event is led by Katherine Snider, who specializes in supporting students applying to English-speaking universities.

The Careers Forum (Forum des Métiers), which takes place every two years, allows students to meet over 80 professionals from industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, business, education, engineering, luxury, and the arts. They attend panel discussions, networking sessions, and career talks, giving them real-world exposure to various career paths. With strong engagement from the IFS community, this event helps students gain a better understanding of different professional fields.

Alternating with the Careers Forum, Orientation Week is a week-long event designed to expand students’ career awareness. It includes specialised workshops for Middle School students, a design and animation workshop in collaboration with École des Gobelins, and an introduction to administrative careers at IFS. Career talks featuring professionals from key industries provide further insight into potential career paths.

Encouraging Girls in STEM

IFS actively promotes STEM careers for female students through initiatives that provide mentorship, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities. The “Inspiring Girls” Project raises awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The school also hosts the “Elles Bougent pour l’Orientation” event, scheduled for December 5, which connects female students with industry professionals. An alumni meet-up focused on STEM careers will take place on December 18, offering further guidance and encouragement. In addition, subject specialisation workshops for Seconde (Grade 10) students, scheduled for 20 January, help students explore STEM pathways.

Through these initiatives, IFS ensures that female students feel empowered to pursue careers in science and technology, breaking barriers and expanding opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Preparing Students for University and Beyond

Beyond career exploration, IFS provides students with practical skills and experience to prepare them for university applications and future job opportunities. Mock interviews simulate real admission and job recruitment scenarios, giving students the confidence to succeed in high-pressure situations. CV and cover letter writing workshops, led by industry professionals, help students craft strong applications. Mandatory internship presentations in Grade 10 give students early exposure to professional environments. One-on-one coaching for university applications and interviews ensures that students receive personalised support throughout the process.

In their final year, students receive tailored career counselling. This includes assistance with navigating Parcoursup, the French university application system, as well as guidance on admission requirements and programme selection. By analysing past admission trends, counsellors help students make strategic choices that align with their academic strengths and career aspirations. This personalised approach ensures that students enter higher education with clarity and confidence.

Keeping Students and Parents Informed

IFS maintains a strong focus on communication by publishing the Gazette de l’Orientation, a weekly career newsletter that keeps students and parents updated on career and university news. The Gazette provides information on changes in university admissions, upcoming career and university fairs, and success stories from alumni. This resource ensures that students have access to the latest insights as they make important academic and career decisions.

An Essential Part of the IFS Experience

At IFS, career guidance is more than just a programme—it is an integral part of the student experience. Through structured workshops, one-on-one coaching, and real-world exposure to professionals and universities, students develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to make informed career decisions.

Students graduate not only academically prepared but also professionally equipped to adapt to an evolving job market. With a personalised approach, a strong alumni network, and access to global opportunities, IFS ensures that every student is ready to take their next step, whether in France, Singapore, or anywhere in the world