HKUST Graduates Maintain Good Jobs Record

Abstract

[evdate 1998-04-07] For immediate release 7 April 1998 HKUST Graduates Maintain Good Jobs Record More than 1,800 graduates received bachelor's degrees from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 1997. Of these, 98% were working full-time or pursuing further studies by the end of the year, according to a survey conducted by HKUST's Career Center. The survey showed that 86% had found full-time employment or started their own businesses by December 1997, an increase of 4% over the previous year. Commerce and business (74%) continued as the largest employment sector, followed by manufacturing and industries (13 and education (4 Only 2% of the graduates were underemployed or unemployed, a drop from 3% a year earlier. Of these, 21 individuals had received offers but declined them in search of better opportunities. "The employment record of our graduates remains highly satisfactory," said Cheryl Lee, counselor at the Career Center. "Programs here are practical and market-oriented, so our students are trained to be competitive in accounting, information technology, infrastructure, and other flourishing industries." "It remains to be seen how far the job market will be affected by the economic downturn," said Ms Lee. "The financial turmoil began last October, but most of our students had started job-hunting before May and secured a job by September." These graduates received more job offers than their predecessors on average. Nearly half, or 47%, received more than two offers, and 25% more than three. Their median basic monthly salary rose nearly 10% to $11,500. More than 10% of the graduates opted for further studies. Of the vast majority (93%) who did so in local institutions, more than three-quarters chose to return to UST. The survey covered 1,802 bachelor's degree recipients. The response rate was 99%. Note to Editors: Direct enquiries to Mr King Cheng of Public Affairs Office at 2358-6305 or email pamedia@ust.hk.

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