When a young adult completes university, their next goal is to start looking for a job. There are many things to consider when finding a job. The real deal breaker however, is whether the bosses or leaders, are any good.
Every year, GTI Media Malaysia will perform an annual survey among Malaysian students and graduates to discover who they think is the most ideal employer. This year, according to a total of 32,180 students and graduates, Maybank has won that honour – again!
The results of the voting, which took place between January and September this year, were announced yesterday (17th November). Maybank claimed the top spot, as it has for the past four years. Rather unsurprising, as the banking industry is fairly popular among graduates. And this clearly hasn’t changed, even with the epidemic. What was surprising was that RHB Banking Group rose to second place after being ranked 10th last year (2020).
Aside from the banking industry, there has been a surge of interest in the technology industry as well. After all, technology became our best friend during the epidemic! Shopee Malaysia, which ranked 29th last year, made a great leap and shot up to 5th place in 2021. Several others, such as Keysight Techonologies, Microsoft Malaysia and Samsung Malaysia also rose significantly in rankings.
For those curious, here are the top ten leading graduate employers:
- Maybank
- RHB Banking Group
- PETRONAS
- Bank Negara Malaysia
- Shopee
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- Intel Malaysia
- Keysight Technologies
- Nestle
Of course, the students and graduates had logic and reasoning supporting their choices for the rankings. Isaac Hee, Managing Director of GTI Media shared some of the data they collected to shed light on why these few companies made it to the top.
According to the survey, most preferred to work under a good leader. They also prioritised their personal development and growth and looked for training and up-skilling opportunities. Additionally, many felt that having good career progression prospects was important. The fifth and final factor mentioned was a good work-life balance.
As seen from the factors, graduates and students are looking for ways to invest in themselves and grow both professionally and personally. Mr. Hee suggested giving those who will work alongside them a chance to engage with students and graduates. “So that they can actually see who they will be working with and what kind of leadership culture you have in your organisation,” he explained. After all, what better way is there to prove to potential employees you can match their needs than to show them?
Clearly, priorities have changed for many students and graduates as they are now looking to the future rather than day-to-day survival. For those employers who are able to meet the requirements, the likelihood of them attracting and obtaining talented employees is high.
Well, it certainly is interesting data for employers to look over and for potential employees to know. Also, congratulations to Maybank for winning the overall ranking this year! Check out the full award ceremony here:
Sources: China Press, Facebook
