Once the symbol of security, bank jobs seem to be losing their appeal for university students.
A survey that ranks the popularity of Hong Kong's major employers found that various banks, with the exception of HSBC, slipped up to 10 places this year. Stockholm-based consultancy Universum, which conducted the survey, blamed the grim economy for the slide in popularity of bank jobs, although accounting firms and management consultancies surged up the list.
HSBC retained its top spot as the most desired employer for the city's business students this year - despite its plan last year to cut 3,000 local jobs. It was followed by the city government, JPMorgan and Swire.
But nearly all other banks fell in popularity this year. Bank of China slipped from eighth to 16th, Hang Seng Bank from 11th to 20th, and Deutsche Bank 20th to 30th.
But accountancy firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte rose slightly in ranking.
Analysts have warned of a second round of job losses in the banking sector as low interest rates, slowing of initial public offerings and bond issues have squeezed banks' income. HSBC, for example, saw profit before tax fall US$22 million year on year to US$286 million in the first quarter.
