Job hunting's a breeze for these graduates
By Lin Yanqin, TODAY |
Posted: 12 May 2008 1008 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
They are finding better paying jobs and finding them
sooner, even though their graduating cohort of 711 graduands is
84-per-cent bigger than that of the previous year's 386.
Of the graduates surveyed by the Singapore Management University
(SMU), the top 20-per-cent wage earners enjoy monthly starting
salaries of $5,600.
Most of these highly-paid graduates are employed in investment
banking or management consulting. According to SMU, its top nine
highest wage earners draw between $8,000 and $10,000.
Overall, close to 100 per cent of those who responded to the annual
survey — 618 graduates — found a job before or within six months of
their graduation last year. Out of these respondents, 519
graduates, or 84 per cent did so within a month.
The average salary of those in full-time permanent employment is up
6.7 per cent to $3,040. Those who graduated cum laude (with
distinction) or better are getting monthly starting salaries of
$3,540, up 7 per cent from 2006.
About two-thirds of respondents had received multiple job offers,
ranging from between two and 10 offers.
Meanwhile, about 3 per cent surveyed are economically inactive,
pursuing postgraduate studies, travelling or other personal
choices.
Mr Bernard Chen, 26, an SMU graduate now working as a foreign
exchange trader at Citibank, told Today: "I think one reason more
graduates are finding better-paying jobs earlier is because there's
a competitive atmosphere at SMU.
"When you see your seniors getting jobs early, you will want to
work hard to do the same, or even better. The professors also
advised us to start looking early because you would want to be the
first person employers talk to, not the last."
About half the respondents are in the banking, finance, auditing
and accounting sectors, while the rest are employed in a range of
sectors including services and consulting.
Said SMU president Howard Hunter: "Over the years, our graduates
have earned the confidence of employers who saw the difference
provided by an SMU education. We will continue to ensure that our
undergraduates have opportunities for global exposure to widen
their perspectives as well as platforms for character development."
- TODAY/ar
Hi Forum,
From the above news, can anyone tell me from the above report,
how many of these students are poreans?
I like to read news and get clarity.
