KUALA LUMPUR: Male and female undergraduates prioritise salary and bonus in their search for the ideal employer, a survey finds.

According to a survey by graduate recruitment company, Talentbank, these were among their top five priorities besides career development opportunities, good bosses and leaders, learning and development opportunities, good company culture and flexible working hours.

Talentbank founder Ben Ho in a statement said most of the respondents expected a starting salary of RM2,500 – RM3,500 in their first job and a monthly internship allowance of RM1,000.

“Male respondents chose career development as a second priority, while female respondents wanted good bosses and leaders,” Ho said.

Over 24,000 Malaysian public and private university undergraduates took the survey held in parallel with the 3rd Annual Graduates’ Choice Awards (GCA), where they voted for the “Top 10 Most Attractive Graduate Employers To Work For in 2021”.

Preferred employers include Maybank, Google, Microsoft Malaysia, Petroliam Nasional Bhd, Shopee Malaysia, Intel Malaysia, CIMB, Shell Malaysia, Celcom Axiata Bhd and PwC Malaysia.

They were selected from 700 companies across 35 industries over a 12-month period from Sept 1, 2019 to Aug 31, 2020.

Ho said besides recognising the commitment made by employers, the awards also serve as reference for fresh graduates when they apply for a job.

“The importance of a great employer brand image cannot be underestimated. It helps organisations become a talent magnet and attract the right talents,” he said.

The survey also revealed that banking and technology are among the top five preferred industries for both male and female undergraduates.

Details of the fourth edition of GCA is available at www.award.com.my/vote. – BERNAMA

Source: News Straits Times