For fresh graduates in Macau, job hunting can result in mixed experiences, with opportunities concentrated in certain industries while many graduates are struggling to find stable work that matches their aspirations.
Six interviewees comprising young professionals and job seekers told the Post about their experiences, reflecting a mixed bag of struggles, opportunities, and lessons.
Bryan, 26, who works full-time as a multimedia coordinator, noted that “if you are not in the STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] field, it seems like the only opportunities are in the gaming, hotel, food and education industries”. He credited his varied part-time experiences during his university years for giving him an edge, even if salaries remain lower compared to other job opportunities.
Others like Anthony, 26, commented on the competitive reality. “I think the biggest challenge right now is competing against many other people in any company, because many fresh graduates believe that they are more than qualified but companies don’t want to risk taking a chance on them”. He added: “The jobs that we’re looking for are either not hiring and/or do not pay well enough to sustain us.”
For those still hunting like 23-year-old Karen, the frustration feels higher. She noted that even trilingual applicants face challenges. “Despite being able to speak Mandarin, Cantonese and English, another requirement of having at least more than two years’ experience always blocks the path of getting a job,” she said, adding that internships often serve as the only gateway to full-time roles.
Herrol, 22, working part-time while searching for a full-time role, noted how competitive applications can be. “If you’re not the best, you’re tossed away with the rest”, highlighting how overseas workers are often preferred for being cheaper hires.
Similarly, 21-year-old Khaela described the scarcity of opportunities beyond Macau’s dominant sectors: “This creates a gap for graduates looking to pursue careers in more diverse or specialised fields”, she said.
The obstacles are not just about getting in, but also about staying motivated and for 20-year-old Mina, she admitted her search has been brief and discouraging, summarising the issue simply as “challenging”.
Advice from the youngsters
When asked what advice they would give, the sextet offered different takes. Bryan urged peers to invest time and build skills, while Anthony stressed language learning.
Herrol encouraged trial and error, saying: “Don’t be afraid to try new things even if you end up hating them. Everyone runs their own race”.
Meanwhile, Khaela advised networking and persistence, saying: “Focus on building a strong professional foundation by strategically planning your career path, gaining relevant skills, and remaining persistent in your efforts”. Mina suggested volunteering to boost one’s CV, while Karen urged university students to treat internships seriously because they “could be your only option in the future.”
Despite their different journeys, their stories converge on the same point: Job hunting in Macau demands resilience, adaptability, and patience to overcome barriers in a market that remains tough for aspiring youngsters.
This handout photo provided by the University of Macau (UM) shows students and companies participating in the UM Career and Internship Fair in March 2023.
