There is no single recipe for us to follow in the successful acquisition of job after we become degree-holders.  Even if we are of high calibre, having a great personality and proved to be cordial in team setting, our chance of being hired is affected by many variables.  World economy, market condition, staff turnover, seasonal need……all count.  Perhaps the fundamental lies in "matching" - matching between the disposition of an individual candidate and the company culture; matching between the type of graduates churned out and what trades are most eager to bring in manpower; matching between our educational philosophy and the perception of talent in the real world, etc.

Earlier this month, many human resources consulting firms commented that the local manufacturing, freight and re-export businesses had borne the brunt of the US-China trade war, but technology sector, innovative startup and financial services were lucky to remain unscathed, buoyed by our government's support to the China's Greater Bay Area initiative.  At that time, Huawei was still consented to use Google apps on its devices and the US Department of Homeland Security had not yet warned about the threats posed by Chinese drones (insinuated as DJI).  I wonder if the I&T graduates, who have originally prepared for harvest in the labour market, will feel like falling into a rough patch when seeing some tech giants probably shrink down their recruitment because of the economic uncertainty.

If the headcount revision really occurs in the trade concerning your field of study, don't despair.  All kinds of industries have ebb and flow, and a certain number of jobs will likely disappear in the next 20 years due to AI.  Bear in mind that "critical thinking" and "communication skills" have long come first or second on the poll of recruiters' expected qualities of the candidates vying for the job offer.  To keep learning new knowledge and to widen the vision are also mentality necessary in the workplace.  All these elements are essential for us to cope with the economic change and future society.

Graduates consider different factors in deciding their vocational development but there is always one thing in common.  They want their career be chosen according to their interest and to have the chance to fulfil themselves.  I wish all of you every success!

Sincerely yours,

Irene Ng
Director
I·CARE Centre for Whole-person Development