TKU’s Office of Alumni Services and Resource Development (OASRD) recently conducted a survey investigating employers’ views regarding TKU graduates in the workplace. To present their findings, the OASRD held a Questionnaire Feedback Forum – the first of its kind – on the 12th of October. Results showed that the workplace performance of 2008 and 2009 TKU graduates received positive appraisal from over 85% of employers. TKU graduates performed best in the categories “dedication to the job”, “moral responsibilities in the workplace”, and “team spirit”.
In addition, according to the “2008 Graduates’ Feedback and Employment Profile” report, conducted by the OASRD, 43% of graduates who completed their studies last year have already found employment. The professional fields in which most of these graduates now work are education, technology, and finance / insurance.
In terms of education, graduates ranked “teaching staff” as the best part of TKU education for three consecutive years. The majority of graduates offered a very positive assessment of the academic curriculum, citing the diversity of professional courses taught by each department, and the well-balanced mix of theory and practice provided in TKU courses.
Graduates also provided feedback on important extracurricular services not currently offered by TKU. The two most vital services identified were the provision of testing services for professional licenses and foreign languages. The TKU Career Planning and Placement Section has responded to the results of the survey, by researching the types of licenses required for each academic department, and designing incentives to motivate students to obtain such qualifications. The Career Planning and Placement Section plans to promote a career information system in the 2011 academic year, which will enable each department to more adequately prepare students for their future careers.
The Office of Academic Affairs is also doing its best to align course curriculum with practical employment considerations. In the 2009 academic year, the Curriculum Committee Meeting was attended by students, alumni, outside experts, and representatives from various professions. Their attendance reflects TKU’s goal of tailoring academic curriculum to cater for students’ needs and professional employment requirements. At the same time, the Office of Academic Affairs has set up a course map information system to help students navigate their way toward their ideal profession. In the future, TKU will continue to adapt and customize course content, equipping students with the skills and abilities required to perform well in the workplace.
