Get an early start in job search Alan Chan, graduate trainee, Oracle Systems Hong Kong After graduating last year with a double degree in business administration and engineering, Alan Chan Chi-shing is working for Oracle Systems Hong Kong as a graduate trainee, providing consulting services on system integration and implementation for various information systems. Chan interned at the University of Tokyo, where he conducted scientific research on complementary metal oxide semiconductor devices. 'The experience gave me an opportunity to taste the working environment in other countries and expand my career options. It also strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the technology field,' he says. Chan encourages students to get an early start in their job search. 'They should review their job-hunting experience with peers or others and learn from mistakes for each recruitment process.' Michael Taylor Appication letter reaps reward Junius Leung, building surveyor trainee, Swire Properties Junius Leung Wing-yee, a surveying graduate in 2008, appreciates the support the Student Affairs Office gave her in her job search. 'They taught [me] how to prepare a decent, informative and appropriate application letter, which is the essence of success,' she says. Leung is working for Swire Properties as a building surveyor trainee. Her duties include co-ordinating with different consultants and working out technical details for new development projects. She did her internship at Colliers International in Hong Kong, where she says she was able to reflect on her career path before graduating. 'The trainee programme that I am doing is my first job, and I only sent one application letter,' she says. 'I can tell you that the recruitment process was very sophisticated.' Michael Taylor Positive attitude helps Eric Au, director, Davis Langdon & Seah Eric Au, director of quantity surveying firm Davis Langdon & Seah (DLS), says Polytechnic University (PolyU) students are generally positive in their working attitude, a trait highly valued by the company. 'Employees with a positive mindset are happy employees who enjoy their work,' Au says. He adds that PolyU students are enthusiastic about being involved in on-the-job learning experiences and taking part in training seminars and sharing sessions with experienced DLS professionals. 'They are motivated to learn and also keen to acquire the professional qualification,' Au says, adding that his company typically hires PolyU students with a degree in surveying and building engineering and management. Nora Tong Passion for profession valued Margaret So, director, KPMG China As director for recruitment and resourcing at KPMG China, Margaret So has come across countless numbers of graduates and young executives. 'Like other universities, PolyU has produced some very outstanding students,' So says. 'Their graduates are typically very diligent and positive in their attitude.' So notes that PolyU has worked 'very hard' to prepare its students for career success, such as by arranging internships and job placements, and taking steps to nurture important attributes in them. As a result, So says PolyU students, who are recruited by KPMG, display the much-treasured qualities the firm looks for - a passion for the auditing profession, an awareness of events around the world and in the region, and logical thinking. Nora Tong