Made in Macao | University majors do not matter

Jenny Lao-Phillips

Most students in Macao are now halfway through their first semester, or in some high schools, have probably completed their first term. This is a time when the hustle of the beginning of the school year is over and everyone is settled in their new class, or new school for some students. For graduating classes, aside from preparing for all the external examinations, the soon to be high school graduates are being bombarded with information about universities as they decide where and what to study. Unless one is determined to pursue a licensed profession such as doctor, social worker, lawyer or psychologist, students’ choice of university major does not really matter in Macao.

In countries where the unemployment rate is high, choosing a major with high employability is an important consideration. However, there are more vacancies than available candidates in Macao. On top of that, there is ample support for young entrepreneurs to create an alternative career if they are not able to find the right job. There are also many kinds of scholarships and interest-free tuition loans that provide opportunities for most students to attend the institution or university of their choice. Most young people in Macao have the advantage of being able to enjoy their undergraduate lives studying something they like, be it philosophy, fine arts or even theology, and they do not need to worry about not being able to find a job after graduation.

In fact, there are more important things to do during the four years of university life, such as networking, partying and falling in love. Yes, these are more important than what one’s major is if the plan is to find a well-paid job in a large international organization. Why? Because these activities help develop the qualities that most employers are looking for.

According to different human resources professionals from large organizations, one of the most important qualities they look for in candidates is their attitude to work. But what constitutes a good attitude? The general replies are willingness to take on more tasks and pro-activeness in helping other colleagues. But good work attitude cannot be learnt in any major, it is rooted in the upbringing of a person. Someone who is not used to doing anything at home or fending for himself may not be willing to do much at work either. But meeting more people and seeing how others interact may change this attitude. That’s why it’s important to get out of one’s home, go meet new people and party in college. What’s more, having a fun time can develop a more positive attitude in life which would contribute to a better work attitude too.

Another important quality that managers look for in candidates in Macao is a strong communication skill set; more specifically the ability to carry on a conversation clearly and showing confidence when speaking to people. Even for back office jobs that do not require staff to communicate with guests or customers, the ability to convey information clearly between departments is considered an important trait. Surely communication skills can be learnt in the classroom, but it is better developed through practice. Participating in networking activities and accumulating experience in talking to strangers is a better way to improve one’s communication skills than taking a class in communication.

Finally, fluency in English is also in high demand, but one does not need to major in English to be fluent in the language. Most high school graduates from Macao have already gone through years of English lessons and what is needed is the opportunity to practice. And the best way to practice is, of course, to talk with non-Chinese speakers, or better yet, to date one.