NUS Graduate Employment Survey 2024: Strong Outcomes Amid Global Challenges

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has released its 2024 Graduate Employment Survey results, revealing encouraging news for fresh graduates despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. The Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES) 2024 demonstrates that NUS graduates continue to command competitive salaries and maintain strong employment rates, positioning them well in an increasingly challenging job market.

Key Highlights: Employment Rates and Salary Growth

The 2024 survey results paint a picture of resilience and adaptability among NUS graduates. Close to nine in 10 NUS fresh graduates in the labour force (88.1%) were employed within six months of completing their final exams, representing a slight decrease from 90.5% in 2023. While this modest decline reflects broader economic headwinds, the employment rate remains robust by international standards.

Particularly noteworthy is the performance of specific programs. Accountancy and Dentistry achieved 100% employment rates, while Accountancy (Honours) and Materials Science and Engineering recorded 96.9% and 95.7% employment rates respectively. These figures underscore the continued market demand for graduates with specialized skills in these fields.

Salary Trends: Upward Trajectory Despite Challenges

Perhaps most encouraging for prospective graduates is the sustained growth in starting salaries. The mean gross monthly salary of NUS fresh graduates in full-time permanent employment increased to S$5,101 in 2024, up from S$4,875 in 2023. Similarly, the median gross monthly salary rose to S$4,600 in 2024, compared to S$4,400 in 2023.

This salary growth is particularly impressive given the challenging economic environment. Graduates from 35 courses across Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Dentistry, Design and Engineering, Law, Nursing, and Science secured either higher or similar starting salaries compared to the previous year. This represents a significant improvement from 2023, when only 25 courses achieved similar outcomes.

Faculty-Specific Performance

The survey reveals interesting trends across different faculties. Median starting salaries for graduates from Arts and Social Sciences, and Science have risen continuously over the past three years, suggesting that these traditionally lower-paying fields are gaining market recognition and value.

The diversity of programs achieving salary growth demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available to NUS graduates. From traditional fields like Accountancy and Law to emerging areas in Computing and Design, graduates across the spectrum are benefiting from the university’s reputation and the quality of education provided.

Preparing for the Future: Skills and Adaptability

Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, emphasized the university’s role in preparing graduates for an evolving job market. As he noted, the modern workplace is being reshaped by artificial intelligence and big data, requiring unprecedented adaptability from graduates.

The survey results suggest that NUS’s approach to education – emphasizing resilience, creativity, and practical skills – is successfully preparing graduates for this technology-driven future. The university’s focus on developing well-rounded individuals capable of embracing new opportunities appears to be paying dividends in terms of employability and earning potential.

Success Stories: From Classroom to Career

The survey includes compelling success stories that illustrate how NUS graduates are translating their education into career success. Ms. Woo Ling Ling, a Business School graduate, leveraged her entrepreneurial experiences and overseas programs to secure a position as an investment analyst at Blauwpark Partners. Her story highlights the value of NUS’s global programs and co-curricular activities in building the networks and skills necessary for career success.

Similarly, Mr. Muhammad Rossyaban Bin Rosman’s journey from Chemical Engineering student to Process Engineer at Micron demonstrates how NUS’s emphasis on practical application and sustainability prepares graduates for technical roles in leading companies. His experience with the Innovation and Design Programme and community service through Engineers without Borders exemplifies the holistic education that NUS provides.

Support Systems and Career Services

The survey also highlights the crucial role of NUS’s career support services. The Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) and faculty-specific career offices provide essential support ranging from resume writing to interview preparation. These services appear to be making a tangible difference in helping graduates navigate the competitive job market successfully.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the 2024 results are encouraging, they also reflect the ongoing challenges facing the global economy. The slight decrease in employment rates serves as a reminder that graduates must remain adaptable and continue developing their skills throughout their careers.

The survey’s emphasis on courses with significant salary increases – with 10 courses seeing increases of 10% or more – suggests that the job market is becoming increasingly specialized. Graduates in high-demand fields are being rewarded with substantial compensation improvements, while those in other areas may need to focus on developing additional skills or pursuing further education.

Survey Methodology and Participation

The 2024 survey included responses from 5,269 out of 7,382 fresh NUS graduates from the Class of 2024, along with 427 out of 806 follow-up graduates. This high participation rate lends credibility to the findings and provides a comprehensive picture of graduate outcomes across the university.

Conclusion: Resilience in Uncertain Times

The NUS Graduate Employment Survey 2024 results demonstrate that quality education and comprehensive career preparation continue to pay dividends, even in challenging economic times. The combination of strong employment rates, growing salaries, and diverse opportunities across multiple fields positions NUS graduates well for success in their chosen careers.

For prospective students and current undergraduates, these results offer reassurance that their investment in NUS education is likely to yield positive returns. However, the survey also underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and leveraging the full range of opportunities available during university years.

As the job market continues to evolve, NUS’s commitment to preparing graduates for a technology-driven future appears to be the right strategy. The university’s emphasis on practical skills, global exposure, and entrepreneurial thinking is creating graduates who are not just employable, but capable of thriving in an increasingly complex and dynamic economy.

The 2024 results serve as both a celebration of achievement and a call to action – for the university to continue innovating in its educational approach, and for graduates to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development in an ever-changing world.