The economic turmoil has added much tension to the job market.
In September 1998, 423 fresh university graduates were unemployed, a 20 percent increase compared to September 1997.
Suria Kong, a Year-3 student studying Environmental Science at the University of Hong Kong, admits that it is not easy to get a job even though she has been preparing since last summer.
"Since September, I have sent about ten application letters. However, there are still no responses from some of the firms yet," Suria said.
"I equip myself by joining the ILOP (Intensified Learning Opportunities Program) organized by the university. I learnt skills of related issues and visited different business firms."
Since jobs available in the field of environmental science are rare, Suria adjusts her target to the business field." She admitted that the competition is very keen and the expected salary is not high. Also, one usually has to do aptitude tests which are long and time-consuming.
Vivian Tung, a Year-3 student studying Finance in the University of Science and Technology of Hong Kong, started looking for jobs last September.
She has also sent about ten application letters but she claimed that she is selective.
"Five letters were sent to the 'Big Five' and the others to banks. Until now there are four companies in contact," said Vivian.
Vivian's ideal job is being a management trainee.
Said she: "This job is open to all disciplines and in itself is interesting."
Vivian also applied for government jobs. She has applied for the posts of administrative officer, executive officer and assistant education officer. However, the two former applications were turned down.
Even so, she thinks she can find a job very soon if she's not selective.
In contrast, Ernest Lam, who is in his final year studying Chinese Language and Literature in The Chinese University of Hong Kong , started looking for jobs only after Christmas holiday.
"I have sent mail to different newspapers and magazines. I want to be an editor," said Ernest.
He has applied for AO and EO and has passed the first part of the examination. Meanwhile, he is waiting for further announcements.
He admits that studying Chinese could be an obstacle to finding jobs since it is a rather academic subject.
He is very interested in becoming a civil servant which ensures a decent salary and stability.
"Companies are recruiting less graduates nowadays," said he.
According to Ernest, becoming a teacher would be the last resort if he cannot get a job.
Facing the present difficulties, all three students admitted that there are stress and disappointments. But they are still optimistic. They feel they are not the only ones who encounter such problems when finding jobs. Moreover, each failure adds experience which becomes an advantage for them.
After all, the indispensable element for success is, as Ernest said, luck!
Examples of the services available are job listings, counselling
service and organizing seminars.
According to Mr. K.H. Leung, deputy director of Careers Education
and Placement Centre of the University of Hong Kong, they have organized an employment forum
and sent 2,300 letters to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) requesting for vacancies.
Mr. Leung said that the pay and benefits offered have been lowered by
around three to five percent.
Miss Melina Yu, from the Appointment Services of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, summarized employers' preferences as good analytical skills, common sense,
awareness of current affairs, knowledge of information technology, interpersonal skills and
proficiency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Associate Director (Counselling) of Student Development Services,
Mr. Joseph Chan, thinks that students should not be short-sighted when finding jobs.
They concluded: "Early preparation is essential."
Career Centers
Career centers in universities provide employment assistance for
students.
