HKUST grads snapped up on average $26k salary

Anthony Ho

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said its graduates earned an average salary of over HK$26,000 last year, according to its employment survey.

Some graduates are working for world-class employers such as HSBC, Bloomberg and Amazon.

The university believes their graduates are gaining the highest income among eight University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong due to its continuous support for students' careers.

The personalized learning program from the university's career center is available in each semester. The program aims to assist students in getting back to the job market following the pandemic and to help students find clarity toward their career goals.

The program includes resume optimization workshops to provide student with individual mentoring from the instructor, and one-on-one tutoring based on students' unique needs offered both online and offline.

Janice Pang Ying-tung an assistant engineer at Dragages Hong Kong, was a civil engineering graduate last year.

Her daily responsibilities include generating project-related documentation, designing and inspecting works, coordinating procedures with the site crew, and preparing drawings, among other things.

Pang received offers from seven companies early last year, six of which are well-known construction companies in Hong Kong, and one is a consulting firm.

"Interpersonal skills I learned at HKUST and opportunities through the job board of the job centre has given me such success," she said, as she attended 16 different career-related lectures to sharpen interviewing skills and improvise resumes.

"My education and work philosophy is: try first if you have the opportunity," Pang suggested to future graduates.

Terry Hui Chi-to is now a system engineer at Lenovo PCCW Solutions Limited who graduated from electronic engineering last year.

His duties include the upkeep, update, and testing of IT systems for customers, such as MTR and Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority.

Hui said he took the opportunity to participate in the Innovation and Technology Internship Program of the Innovation and Technology Commission through guidance from the Career Centre during his fourth year, working as an intern for a startup.

"I even managed to work part-time with the company after the internship program as my superior was quite pleased with my performance," Hui said.

He also served as President of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Student Union, where he honed his interpersonal and leadership skills by delegating duties, managing events, and collaborating with members.

His current company's associate vice president of human resources praised him for his "cheerful character and helpful attitude."

"I believe having an outspoken attitude and the bravery to embrace difficulties has helped me stand out," Hui added.

He received offers from four firms last year, including the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute and his current company.