HKU graduates still most coveted

News reported by The Standard according to a research done and published by HKU…

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=85474&sid=24717767&con_type=1&d_str=20090728&fc=2

By Beatrice Siu

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hong Kong University graduates continue to be the most sought after by employers, the latest survey has found.

But in a significant shift from a traditional to a more modern institution, graduates from the University of Science and Technology have overtaken those from Chinese University of Hong Kong to become the third choice.

In the annual poll, carried out by HKU’s Public Opinion Program between May 25 and June 15, the program’s research team canvassed 1,201 people in a random telephone survey, including 216 employers.

Respondents were asked about the overall performance of universities, and the most popular university head. Employers were also asked to name the university whose graduates they most preferred to hire.

HKU topped the latter list, chosen by 24 percent of employers, followed by Polytechnic University with 16 percent, HKUST with 13 and CUHK with 10.

Shi Mei-chun, chief editor of Education18.com, which commissioned the annual research, said the performance of HKUST graduates had impressed employers.

“Employers normally employ graduates of known universities, but are also influenced by the performances of graduates now in their employ,” he said.

Shi also pointed out that, with businesses now looking to expand into the mainland, more and more employers are looking for graduates from mainland universities.

Respondents said attitude to work attitude and conduct are still the main deficiencies of Hong Kong university students.

In the overall performance of institutions, HKU finished on top with an average score of 8.07 out of 10, followed by CUHK at 7.64, HKUST at 7.33 and PolyU at 6.9.

HKUST president Paul Chu Ching- wu was named most popular university head.