The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has risen one place to rank 13th worldwide and No. 1 in Greater China in the high-profile annual Global Employability University Ranking this year. HKUST graduates have been constantly ranked the world’s top 20 most employable and the most employable in Greater China over the past four years.
HKUST President Prof Tony F Chan is pleased about the ascent. “I am very proud of our graduates who continue to be ranked amongst the most competitive and desirable employees in the global job market. Our whole person education model has been successful in inculcating in our graduates the qualities accentuated by the survey, such as international exposure as well as research and education excellence. These are exactly the missions that we have devoted our efforts to,” he said.
“The multi-cultural and innovative learning environment at HKUST, which emphasizes creativity, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary education, has equipped our students with the vision and abilities to handle challenging situations. HKUST will remain a place where global leaders grow,” Prof Chan added.
In its polling of over 5,900 recruiters and executives from 20 countries, the seventh annual survey outlined a number of criteria of what makes top universities attractive to global recruiters, including the quality of teaching staff and research facilities, expertise in one’s field of competence, international exposure, reputation of the university and past experience with graduates. On employers’ criteria for selecting graduates: flexibility, motivation, communication skills, adaptability, multi-cultural sensitivity and the ability to deal with pressure are important factors to consider. Conducted by Emerging, a French human resources consultancy, and Trendence, a leading research institute, the survey has polled employers from the United States, China, Japan, Britain, Canada, Australia, Brazil, India and others – over half of them recruited internationally.
In grooming desirable employees, HKUST has leveraged on its strong global partnership network of over 250 institutions – including some 200 exchange partners – to enhance its students’ global experiences through exchanges, internships and community services. Over 50% of HKUST students now spent at least a semester overseas through the University’s regular exchange program.
HKUST’s Career Center facilitates students' career planning by identifying their interests, keeping abreast of requirements in the ever-changing job market, and understanding employers’ expectations. The University also leverages on its extensive network of employers, professional bodies and alumni in its programs and initiatives to enhance graduates’ employability. “HeadStart@HKUST Program”, for instance, is one of the University’s latest initiatives to offer junior undergraduate students a “head-start” in an increasingly competitive market through early workplace immersion and career development scheme.
For the full results of the Global Employability University Ranking 2016, please visit
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/global-university-employability-ranking-2016
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