Preparing graduates for employment
ONE of the main reasons for pursuing higher education is to increase one’s chances in landing a rewarding job and improve one’s earning capacity in a progressively competitive marketplace. According to a report by the Khazanah Research Institute in 2016, fresh graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to hit the ground running because they lack soft skills that employers value such as analytical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities.
In 2016, Swinburne was ranked for the first time in the QS Rankings for its worldclass graduate employability.
As a university that focuses on graduate employability, both campuses in Melbourne and Sarawak place a strong emphasis on industry-engaged teaching and learning, providing students with a range of internship and attachment opportunities, career guidance and counselling as well as job fairs to help graduates realise their full potential.
Swinburne’s Sarawak campus, for example, recently reported up to 100% employability rates for selected programmes based on the most recent graduate tracer survey conducted by the university’s career office.
Boasting an impressive 93% overall employability rate, this is a testament to the university’s focus on high-quality teaching and learning with a strong emphasis on skills that match industry requirements.
Students are able to develop their communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving and other soft skills through an education with Swinburne Sarawak, which encourages graduates to apply for internships, work on industry-led projects and business challenges as well as going on field trips related to the course of study.
In addition, the campus is home to over 4,000 students from over 60 countries.
It also comprises highly educated and experienced academic staff from all parts of the world, promoting cross-cultural learning and understanding.
According to Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ deputy vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Janet Gregory, “Swinburne is a worldranked and internationally recognised university in Melbourne, Australia. As its only international campus, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus in Malaysia offers a world-class education. Our highquality teaching, research and industry engagement equips our students with the knowledge and capabilities they need for successful careers”.
Nishantainidevi Chandrasekaran made Swinburne Sarawak her choice in pursuing entrepreneurship knowledge and skills in order to continue the family business.
“My brother, who was studying robotics at Swinburne, convinced me that it is a great place to study – I made the right choice,” said the International Business graduate.
Kuching also became a second home to the Indian native.
“The atmosphere on campus is great for studying. With small classes, I’ve gotten many opportunities to work one-on-one with my classmates or do projects as part of a team. On top of it all, my lecturers are industry experts from across the globe, each ready and willing to share their professional experiences,” she added.
Along with its comparably low tuition fees and its location, which is adjacent to commercial and residential areas, the quality of Swinburne’s courses is another of the university’s drawing points.
With a range of undergraduate majors available in business, design, engineering, ICT and science, students have access to many degree options.
For biotechnology student Darrel Nadeng Dominic, Swinburne’s highly experienced lecturers played a big part in his decision to enrol at the university.
“I know that in Swinburne I can get the education that is up-to-date with the everadvancing scientific knowledge from lecturers who are in constant contact with the industry. This makes the course very interesting,” he said.
Since its establishment, Swinburne Sarawak has been partnering leading Malaysian and global organisations to offer students authentic workplace experiences.
Through professional internships and industry-linked projects, students build invaluable skills and gain confidence in their field by the time they graduate.
“Notions learnt in class and practical that we conducted in the laboratory are realistic and meets the knowledge requirements for careers in biotechnology,” said Darrel.
Through industry-linked projects, students also develop the range of skills and attitudes required of professionals in the workplace.
They become self-directed learners who are capable of independently seeking resources and offering peer and professional assistance when needed.
These experiences not only prepare students for their future careers and successful employment after graduation but it also represents a wonderful resource for industry and organisations.
From March 27, Swinburne Sarawak will be accepting applications for foundation programmes in engineering, business, computing, design and science.