HKU publishes the Industry Report for Early Careers with an in-depth look at AI's Impact on University Students' Career Management

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The Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) - Careers and Placement at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has unveiled the "Industry Report for Early Careers", the first of its kind in Asia. This comprehensive analysis focuses on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping career management for university students.

This pivotal document explores the evolving job landscape in Hong Kong, especially how Generative AI (GenAI) is redefining employer expectations and reshaping employment across various sectors. Insights were drawn from a survey conducted in the 4th Quarter of 2023, encompassing responses from 296 employers, along with detailed interviews with industry leaders from engineering, legal services, consulting, healthcare, media, education, and more fields.

Key highlights from the report include:

• 80% of employers are either using, testing, or planning GenAI integrations within their operations.
• 70% of employers acknowledge the importance for university students and fresh graduates to possess GenAI knowledge and skills.
• 60% of employers have adapted or are planning to modify their human capital management strategies because of GenAI.
• 50% of employers are deploying or considering GenAI tools to streamline recruitment processes.
• The top challenge for employers in guiding university students and fresh graduates to work effectively in the jobs is the lack of practical experience with GenAI among students.

"By fostering awareness and forging the necessary knowledge and practical experience, the University aims to ensure that our students stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing global landscape," said Professor Ian Holliday, Vice President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) at HKU.

Furthermore, the report underscores the significant role of AI in modern workplaces and emphasises the need for a diverse set of soft skills such as problem-solving, data analytics, and creativity, and programming skills.

"To foster career development among HKU graduates, we must prioritise their acquisition of AI knowledge and skills," stated Professor Samson Tse, Dean of Student Affairs at HKU.

"We are proactively incorporating AI literacy into HKU's career education framework. Through close collaboration with employers and key stakeholders, we are dedicated to equipping our students to effectively leverage AI opportunities in the dynamic job market," said Ms Kate Lam, Director of Careers and Placement at HKU.

Other HKU Career AI initiatives, like the Career AIgnition Day and AiPEX@HKU - AI Internship Programme, are steps towards fostering this ecosystem for students to harness the potential of AI and ensure a prosperous future in their early careers.

For more details on the HKU Career AI initiatives, please visit: https://www.cedars-cp.hku.hk/careerai.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communication and Public Affairs Office, HKU
Ms Melanie Wan (Tel: 2859 2600 / Email: [email protected])
Ms Jaymee Ng (Tel: 3910 3612 / Email: [email protected])
Mr Kenneth Choi (Tel: 3917 2607 / Email: [email protected])