AI Screening and Career Prospects for Graduates in Hong Kong
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation has created a mix of confidence and concern among graduates in Hong Kong about their future careers. According to the CFA Institute 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey, 87% of Hong Kong graduates feel confident about their career prospects. This is higher than the global average of 81% and remains consistent with last year’s data.
Career Choices and Skills
Graduates in Hong Kong are primarily focused on finance and STEM fields, with 46% and 22% respectively feeling secure pursuing careers in these areas. Additionally, 90% of these graduates believe they understand what employers want, compared to 83% globally.
The skills they identify as key to standing out include:
- Soft skills (66%)
- AI skills (56%)
- Quantitative skills
AI skills are especially important. Over half of Hong Kong graduates say these skills give them a competitive advantage, well above the global figure of 40%. Moreover, 96% are confident they can use AI tools effectively after completing their undergraduate studies (global: 88%). Interest in roles offering AI training is strong, at 65%.
Concerns About AI and Automation
Despite their optimism, 82% of Hong Kong graduates feel AI and automation will make it harder to secure their preferred jobs. This concern is notably higher than the global average of 67%, and has increased from 66% the previous year.
The top worries for Hong Kong graduates are:
- AI screening in recruitment (22%)
- Disruption from AI and automation (21%)
On the other hand, global graduates are more concerned about the lack of jobs in their chosen sectors (15%), which ranks fourth for Hong Kong grads at 13%. Job availability worries have also grown in Hong Kong, rising from 8% last year.
Value of Professional Certifications
Professional certifications remain crucial. Nearly all Hong Kong graduates (98%) see upskilling and postgraduate qualifications as essential for career growth. For HR professionals, this highlights the need to support ongoing training and certification opportunities to help new talent stay relevant.
For companies and HR teams looking to support graduates in strengthening their AI skills, resources like Complete AI Training offer courses that align well with these demands.
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