POSTGRADUATE CAREER DAY 2015CAREER TALK FOR MPHIL AND PHD STUDENTSSESSION 2: HOW TO PREPARE FOR NON‐ACADEMIC JOBS

Date :  15 April 2015 (Wednesday)Time :  4:00 pm – 5:30 pmVenue :  Wang Gungwu Lecture Hall, Graduate House

Speaker: Ms. Jaime Fung, Director of Careers and Placement

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Outline

Postgraduate Employment Situation 2014

Non Academic Career Preparation

What do you need to KNOW?

What do you need to DO?

Typical stages of an interview

Resources available

Slide 2 of 41

Postgraduate Employment Situation 2014

2014

RPG Overall PG

Total Respondents 418 770

Population 595 995

Response Rate 70.3% 77.4%

2014 Postgraduates Employment*Response rate

* PG Survey, data were as at Apr 2015 subject to final compilation Slide 4 of 41

2014 Postgraduates Employment*

99.7%

98.2%

98.9%

99.7%

98.4%

99.0%

99.4%

98.8%

99.1%

TPG

RPG

Overall PG

201420132012

Slide 5 of 41* PG Survey, data were as at Apr 2015 subject to final compilation

Employment Situation

2014 Postgraduates Employment*Employment Sector of 2014 FT UGC-funded graduates

* PG Survey, data were as at Apr 2015 subject to final compilation Slide 6 of 41

Employment IndustryRPG Overall PG

2014 2013 2014 2013No. % No. % No. % No. %

Civil Service 7 2.6% 6 2.4% 37 6.7% 27 5.5%Education 182 68.4% 153 61.7% 262 47.6% 235 47.7%Community, Social & Personal Services 23 8.6% 24 9.7% 55 10.0% 35 7.1%Commerce & Industry 54 20.3% 65 26.2% 196 35.6% 196 39.8%Business Services 11 4.1% 13 5.2% 83 15.1% 72 14.6%Construction - - 2 0.8% 1 0.2% 3 0.6%Electricity, Gas & Steam - - - - - - - -Engineering, Architectural & Technical Services 12 4.5% 15 6.0% 73 13.3% 79 16.0%Financial Institutions 16 6.0% 8 3.2% 17 3.1% 10 2.0%Hospitality & Tourism Services - - - - - - - -Insurance 2 0.8% - - 2 0.4% - -Manufacturing 8 3.0% 14 5.6% 9 1.6% 16 3.2%Mining & Quarrying - - 1 0.4% 1 0.2% 1 0.2%Real Estate - - 4 1.6% - - 4 0.8%Trading / Marketing / Retailing 3 1.1% 4 1.6% 3 0.5% 4 0.8%Transport, Storage & Communication - - 2 0.8% 1 0.2% 2 0.4%Miscellaneous 2 0.8% 2 0.8% 6 1.1% 5 1.0%Total 266 100.0% 248 100.0% 550 100.0% 493 100.0%

2014 Postgraduates Employment*Time taken to Secure Employment (2014 May – 2015 Feb)

* PG Survey, data were as at Apr 2015 subject to final compilation Slide 7 of 41

Time to receive first job offer

RPG Overall PG

2014 2013 2014 2013No. Cumu % No. Cumu % No. Cumu % No. Cumu %

≦May 87 46.3% 77 45.3% 181 42.6% 150 40.0%Jun 14 53.7% 7 49.4% 54 55.3% 35 49.3%Jul 14 61.2% 13 57.1% 55 68.2% 45 61.3%

Aug 18 70.7% 21 69.4% 43 78.4% 48 74.1%Sep 12 77.1% 16 78.8% 34 86.4% 45 86.1%Oct 18 86.7% 14 87.1% 24 92.0% 24 92.5%Nov 8 91.0% 11 93.5% 15 95.5% 14 96.3%Dec 8 95.2% 7 97.6% 10 97.9% 10 98.9%Jan 4 97.3% 3 99.4% 4 98.8% 3 99.7%Feb 5 100.0% 1 100.0% 5 100.0% 1 100.0%Total 188 170 425 375

Employment Destination

Slide 8 of 41* PG Survey, data were as at Apr 2015 subject to final compilation

Employment DestinationRPG Overall PG

2014 2013 2014 2013

No. % No. % No. % No. %

Hong Kong 149 83.7% 190 87.2% 354 91.0% 408 92.9%

Mainland China 17 9.6% 22 10.1% 18 4.6% 24 5.5%

Australia - - - - - - - -

Canada - - 1 0.5% 1 0.3% 1 0.2%

Macau - - - - - - - -

Taiwan 2 1.1% - - 2 0 - -

UK 1 0.6% - - 1 0 - -

USA 2 1.1% 1 0.5% 2 0.5% 1 0.2%

Other Asian Countries 5 2.8% 4 1.8% 8 2.1% 5 1.1%

Other European Countries 1 0.6% - - 1 0 - -

Others 1 0.6% - - 2 0 - -

Total 178 100.0% 218 100.0% 389 100.0% 439 100.0%

Non‐Academic Jobs of 2014 RPGs

Slide 9 of 41

Related to study discipline

Organisation Nature of business Post

Decision Resources Group Vital healthcare insights and analytics

Market Research Analyst(PhD Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine)

Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited

Engineer & Contractor Graduate Engineer(MPhil Civil Engineering)

Roma Group Limited Valuation and consultancy services

Geologist (MPhil Earth Sciences)

HKSAR ‐ Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

Civil service Health Inspector II(MPhil Biological Sciences)

CASH Financial Services Group Limited

Brokerage, investment banking, wealth management

Quantitative Developer(PhD Computer Science)

Alibaba Group E‐commerce Data Analyst(PhD Electrical & Electronic Engineering)

Bloomberg L. P. Financial software, data and media company

Reporter(MPhil Chinese)

Non‐Academic Jobs of 2014 RPGsNot directly related to study discipline

Organisation Nature of business PostSopexa Hong Kong Marketing agency for food, 

wine and lifestyleMarketing Executive(PhD Surgery)

DM Capital Investment management Analyst(PhD Microbiology)

The Prudential Assurance Company Limited

Insurance Underwriter(PhD Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine)

Hong Kong Ding Ding Tourist Tourism Assistant Manager (MPhil Physiology)

Asia Fortune Media Group Media Assistant President(MPhil Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering)

Tricor Services Limited Business, corporate & investor services

Officer(MPhil Modern Languages & Chinese)

Vibrant Inspirations Educational Psychological Services

Educational psychological services

Psychologist(PhD Sociology)

Slide 10 of 41

Non‐Academic Jobs of 2014 RPGsResearch jobs

Organisation Nature of business PostLee's Pharmaceutical (H.K) Limited

Biopharmaceutical company Clinical Research Associate(MPhil Biological Sciences)

Lenovo Group Ltd. Multinational computer technology company

Staff Researcher(MPhil Computer Science)

Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre

Independent policy think tank Research Analyst (Housing and Land Policy)(PhD Real Estate & Construction)

National Cancer Centre Singapore Tertiary specialist medical center for malignacies

Research Fellow(PhD Clinical Oncology )

Nano and Advanced Materials Institute Limited

Research in nanotechnology & advanced materials

Research Engineer(PhD Chemistry )

Decision Resources Group Vital healthcare insights and analytics

Market Research Analyst(PhD Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine)

Bank of Communications Retail & corporate banking Research Department Trainee(PhD Economics & Finance)

Slide 11 of 41

Non‐Academic Jobs of 2014 RPGsSales / Marketing / Customer Service & Management Trainee jobs 

Organisation Nature of business PostSun Life Financial Insurance & wealth management 

products and servicesFinancial Planner(MPhil Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering)

Roche Diagnostics (Hong Kong) Limited

Scientific research, clinical laboratory systems, patient self‐monitoring

Customer Service Officer(MPhil Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine)

Medtronic International Limited

Medical technology and services Associate Sales Representative(MPhil Surgery)

Westin International Trading Limited

Trading, products & suppliers Product Specialist(PhD Mechanical Engineering)

Novartis Pharmaceuticals (H.K.) Ltd.

Innovative medicine Medical Science Liaison(PhD Pharmacology & Pharmacy)

Uniqlo Co., Ltd. Casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer

Management Trainee(MPhil Anatomy)

Management Society for Healthcare Professionals

Professional and educational activities for healthcare managers

Management Trainee(MPhil Surgery)

Slide 12 of 41

What do you need to KNOW?

Non‐Academic Career Preparation

Understanding the Reality

RPGs

‐ Proud of current academic / research achievement

‐ Superior academic standing → higher expectation of jobs

‐Mature personality and strong in your field / major

Reality‐Most jobs do not require PG qualification‐ Possessing a PG qualification may not be advantageous (same rank, same pay)‐ Employers focus more on job performance than education‐ Job search should also include openings for UG candidates‐ Be flexible to accept the first job at an entry / trainee level‐ See entry level jobs as an opportunity  ‐ to use your talent, knowledge and skills to make a contribution and to demonstrate your professionalism and potential

Slide 14 of 41

Understanding Employers’ ExpectationEmployer Survey

Importance Score

Performance Score

EDB result (2010 graduate)

Performance Score

Overall - 3.55 N/AWork Attitude 4.49 3.66 3.73Inter-personal Skills 4.4 3.57 3.53Numerical Competency 4.37 3.76 3.57Information Technology Literacy 4.37 3.83 3.73Performance in recruitment activities 4.33 3.92 N/AManagement Skills 4.33 3.57 3.26Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities 4.32 3.74 3.35Performance in job interview 4.26 3.84 N/ATechnical Skills Required for the Job 4.21 3.48 3.49Language Proficiency 4.18 3.98 3.65Performance in job application process 4.08 3.82 N/AKnowledge of Current Affairs and Business Issues, Self-learning Ability and Self-esteem

3.96 3.45 3.51Slide 15 of 41

• General appearance & attire

• Understanding of organization, jobs and requirements

• Passion and initiative• Networking &

communication skills• Ability to ask

sensible questions• Overall performance

in Campus Recruitment Event

Slide 16 of 41

Analytical/LogicComputer skillNumeric / QuantitativeRelated‐technical knowledgeLanguage

Tested by Assessment Centre

Accumulated fromExperience(e.g. research projects, extra‐curricular activities, internship/part‐time work experience, social interactions) 

Positive thinkingProblem solvingResponsibilityTeamworkTrainabilityCritical thinkingWork IndependentlyPlanning Open‐mindednessCan‐do attitude

PresentationCommunicationCreativityInterpersonal skillsLeadershipOrganization skillsTrustworthy / IntegrityAdaptabilityPassion / Drive

Understanding Employers’ Expectation

Positioning yourself ‐ skills to sell to employers

Slide 17 of 41

As a postgraduate

student, you might be concerned

about your lack of skills for jobs

outside of academia.

However, you have actually developed many skills that are

valued both in academia and in

private and public sectors.

Knowing the transferable skills gained from research

Adapted from Vitae®,©2010 Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Limited https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers-professional-development/about-the-vitae-researcher-development-framework

Knowledge and intellectual abilities

The knowledge, intellectual abilities and techniques to do research.

Domain A

Domain B

PersonalEffectiveness

The personal qualities & approach to be an effective researcher.

Domain C

Research governanceand organization

The knowledge of the standards, requirements

and professionalismto do research.

Engagement,influence & impact

The knowledge & skills to work with others and ensure the wider impact of research.

Domain D

Intellectual abilities:• Investigating• Synthesizing information• Critical thinking• Problem solving• Creativity • Open-mindedness

Communication skills:• Conceptualizing• Explaining • Writing• Presenting

Working with others:• Teamwork• Interpersonal skills• Leadership

Personal qualities:• Passion/drive• Perseverance• Can-do attitude• Adaptability

Effectiveness skills: • Organization• Leadership• Time management

Professionalism:• Trustworthiness / Integrity• Responsibility

Governance:• Strategy• Planning & delivery• Risk management

Slide 16 of 41

6. Result oriented with a can‐do attitude

5. Proficient in professional research writing & presentation

4. Effective communication & interpersonal skills

Identifying employer’s needsJob Description

1. Conduct cutting‐edge research and transfer advanced technology into Lenovo

2. Analyze the latest industrial trends and cultivate innovative and strategic research themes in the aforementioned fields;

3. Work collaboratively on algorithm and software development projects reaching final customers;

4. Write patent applications and publish papers at top academic and industrial conferences

Job Requirement (selected)

1. Postgraduate degrees, Ph.D. (preferred) or M.Phil., in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related majors;

2. 3+ years dedicated research experiences in Computer Vision or related fields with proven record;

3. Solid theoretical foundation and in‐depth analytical thinking ability;

4. Top‐notch development skills and high proficiency in one or more programming languages: e.g., C/C++, Matlab, Python, Java; industrial project experience is definitely a plus;

5. Strong commitment to project goals with positive attitude and high‐performance execution; Slide 19 of 41

LenovoVisual Computing Staff Researcher

What are they looking for?

3. Be innovative, proactive & able to plan strategically

2. Strong analytical skills & knowledge of industry

1. Proficiency in research & application

5. Able to adapt to different environments; be culturally sensitive

4. Willing to learn & take up new tasks

Identifying employer’s needsJob Description

1. Mother tongue in one oriental major language (Chinese, Korean and Japanese) is required for client communication. 

2. Provide analytic and research support to the directors in advising clients, in preparing presentations and board papers and assist in financial modelling. Associates will also assist in managing client relationships. 

3. Employees are required to pass the FCA corporate finance certificate. Further training is encouraged, e.g. the CFA, etc. Training in financial modelling is provided if required. 

4. Overseas travel may be required from time to time 

Job Requirement

1. Prefer post‐graduate, Master/MBA/Doctor 

2. Prefer 6 months minimum working experience 

3. Prefer knowledge / work experience in finance/mining 

Slide 20 of 41

Cutfield Freeman & Co Analyst/Associate

What are they looking for?

3. Proficient in presentation & writing

2. Strong analytical skills & research ability; able to see from clients’ perspective

1. Strong communication & interpersonal skills

6. Overall: Organization skills; Detail‐mindedness;Strong time management & ability to multi‐task

5. Flexibility & open‐mindedness

Identifying employer’s needsJob Description (selected)

1. To liaise with colleagues on preparation of work plan and promotional strategy for the public education activities, including issuing invitations, consolidation of participants from departments, professional organisations or District Councils for joining the activities

2. To prepare and issue invitation letters to various organisations for organisingtalks/workshops/visits, as well as handling of relevant enquiries;

3. To liaise and coordinate with colleagues, venue management, government departments, professional organisations, external speakers and other relevant parties involved in the event;

4. To collect and analyse feedback forms on the events; and

5. To perform outdoor work as required and any other duties assigned by senior officers.

Job Requirement (selected)

1. Bachelor degree majoring in marketing, public relations, social science, communication or journalism is an advantage;

2. At least four years’ post‐qualification working experience in event organisation, corporate communications, public relations or media liaison;

3. Good command of oral and written Chinese and English; proficiency in Putonghua is an advantage;

4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills Slide 21 of 41

HKSAR Development Bureau Community Relations Officer

What are they looking for?

4. Analytical thinking

3. Strong writing skills; Sensitivity to different parties’ needs

2. Strong knowledge of marketing & promotional strategies; leadership & teamwork

1. Strong communication, language & interpersonal skills

Understanding Common Selection Criteria

Academic Result

• Symposiums• Conferences

• Award• Scholarship

• Part‐time/ Intern• Full‐time experience before PG studies

• Technical skills• Researches & Publications

• Volunteering• Competitions• Student Associations

APPLY THIS UNDERSTANDING TO WRITE YOUR CV & COVER LETTER WITH IMPACT! Slide 22 of 41

What do you need to DO?

Non‐Academic Career Preparation

Transitioning from University to Workplace

Adaptability Transfer skills you possess to the workplace Thrive in a competitive, fast‐paced, changing environment

Communication/Interpersonal/Language Skills Use layman terms rather than technical terms Listen to & interact with others with humility and an open mind  Observe & reflect Ask for feedback

Mentality Appreciate entry level work/tasks to build up employer’s trust in your ability Willing to explore different areas of work

Ambiguity Can you accept ambiguity? How do you manage uncertainty?

Academic

Non-academic

Slide 24 of 41

Slide 25 of 41

Improving your employment opportunitiesUsing networks

• Join seminars, conferences, professional groups, etc

• Use online social networks• Actively engage with your contacts

and sharing information to promotepositive relationships

Wide, professional networks may help bring your next collaboration, contract, or even change of career direction

Family, friends, neighbours

& their contactsDifferent staff in your 

institution: Professors, Career advisors, 

HR professionals

Classmates/Former classmates& their contacts

Members ofany professionalbodies to which you belong

Include but not

limited to…

Work colleaguesat all levels

& their contacts

Networking sessionsSmall Talks Circles

Alumni‐ Sharing sessions

‐ LinkedIn

Slide 26 of 41

Improving your employment opportunitiesRaising your profile

Build one :• within your research field• within the wider research

community• public domain

Building a professional profile is important for

researchers.It helps create career opportunities.

Ways to get yourself known: Networking Conference presentations Involvement in committees & associations Public engagement activity Blogging / being active on social media

Typical Stages of an Interview

Non‐Academic Career Preparation

The First Impression

Introduction and greeting Small talk (brief, informal conversation on a topic of mutual interest—keep comments short)

Employer is looking for  appearance and dress appropriate to the organization a firm handshake eye contact ease in social situations good manners poise

Arrive on time, bring extra copies of you resume and don’t forget to smile and be yourself.

Slide 28 of 41

Discussion of Background and Qualifications

Employer will be asking a variety of questions to better understand and assess your  education/training,  experience, and  skills as they relate to the job requirements. 

It’s important for you to review your resume and be ready to elaborate on any aspects of your background. Plan ahead what information should be shared with your interviewer based on your research of their needs.

Slide 29 of 41

Determination of your Career Goals

Employers will want to know whether this job aligns with your future career goals and whether you will be motivated to do the work. 

You want to convey a strong understanding of  the job/industry and how this work fits with your own goals.

Slide 30 of 41

Demonstration of your Interest in the Organization

Through the ways in which you both ask and answer questions, show your knowledge of, and genuine interest in, the organization. 

You can ask informed and relevant questions to learn more about the employer at any point in the interview, and especially at the end.

First interview:Do NOT ask questions about salary and benefits

Slide 31 of 41

Conclusion

Next steps in the interviewing process are discussed—ask for the organization’s timeline in the decision‐making process if one is not mentioned

Volunteer to provide additional information

Thank the interviewer for his/her time

Ask for a business card—this will be helpful when sending a thank‐you letter or email

Slide 32 of 41

Follow‐up

Send thank‐you letters to everyone who interviewed you Email them promptly within 24‐48 hours For a special touch, you may also follow up with a handwritten note

If you have interviewed with many individuals in one day and do not have everyone’s contact information, you could address the thank‐you to the person who served as your main contact or coordinator and ask him/her to convey your thanks to the others. The letter provides an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, build further rapport, and reiterate your qualifications, interest, and fit.

Review how the interview went. You will use interviewing skills again and again during your professional career. Learn from your mistakes and build on your strengths.

Slide 33 of 41

• CEDARS resources • Entrepreneurship resources• Industry news & updates• Online resources

Resources available

CEDARS ResourcesWhere can I find job postings & how can I get prepared?

Application

Directly send to employer

or

Via CEDARS:

Application

HKU Careers & Placement Websitehttp://cedars.hku.hk/sections/careersplacement/index.php

Daily E‐mail Announcementhttp://cedars.hku.hk/sections/careersplacement/News

JIJIShttp://www.jijis.org.hk

NETjobshttp://cedars.hku.hk/sections/careersplacement/NETjobs

Job Fairs

Job Market (JobsDB, etc.)CEDARS Employer

CEDARS support

Resources•Past interview questions•Career/ assessment guides

Workshops•CV & cover letter writing•Mock Interview practice•Assessment centre preparation•MBTI personality assessment…and more!

One‐on‐one Consultation•In‐house Career Advisors•Honorary Career Consultants

FIND APPLY WIN

Slide 35 of 41

Entrepreneurship resources CEDARS HOUSE (Hub of University Student Entrepreneurs)

A hub for students to develop individual entrepreneurial experiences through  accessing entrepreneurial resources networking  sharing ideas

Joint University Entrepreneurial Mentorship Programme (JUEMP)  Organised by alumni of different professions of HKU and other universities To promote entrepreneurial spirit among university students, from advancing their interpersonal skills to 

developing their leadership Hold regular Entrepreneurship Roundtable Training

Entrepreneurship Academy (http://www.tto.hku.hk/public/seminar/entaca2015/index.html) 

Co‐organized by Technology Transfer Office and the School of Business An eight‐week workshop to enhance your skills in building your first business for your research innovations Completed RPG students will have this recognized on their transcripts Slide 36 of 41

Latest industry news & updates 

Read newspapers, magazines, business journals

Online resources:McKinsey & Company (www.mckinsey.com/insights) Harvard Business Review (https://hbr.org) TED Talk (www.ted.com/talks) Vault (www.vault.com) 

Slide 37 of 41

Other online resources

Vault (www.vault.com) Also include: Sample CVs and cover letters Interview and other job search tips Career guides ‐ free access to all HKU students (http://cedars.hku.hk/showext.php?id=cp_cpr) 

WetFeet (www.wetfeet.com) Articles on job search tips

E‐quipMe (www.e‐quipme.com) Communication in the workplace Job/Industry specific templates Free access to all HKU students starting from summer 2015

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Are you really prepared?

Make sure you also understand yourself!

You may use the following resources (on handout): Understanding Yourself: GAPS Grid Reflecting questions From employer’s perspective From your own perspective

The handout will be given to you when you submit your evaluation form before leaving 

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Contact Us

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3/F Meng Wah Complex, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

2859 2314

careers@hku.hk 

http://www.careers.hku.hk