The Graduates’ Choice Award (GCA) is a big honor given to the favorite employers of graduates in Asia-Pacific. It celebrates companies that are great at hiring new graduates, no matter what industry they’re in. The winners are chosen by votes from university students, which makes it a trusted guide for companies looking to hire from campuses.
Talentbank, an expert in hiring and employer branding, organizes the GCA with universities across Asia Pacific. The winners are announced at a special event, and the results are completely based on what students vote for, without any changes. The GCA started in 2018 and has become more and more important in the years since, helping shape how companies hire graduates across Asia Pacific. The results come straight from the students, so they give a fair picture of which employers are popular among graduates.
The Graduates’ Choice Award (GCA) serves as a light, illuminating the path for young talents seeking reputable and rewarding career opportunities. It is like a gold standard for graduates looking for jobs. Year after year, these companies have maintained their status as preferred employers, attracting and retaining top graduate talent within the country’s premier universities.
Who are they?
These companies have maintained their status as top picks for graduates in Malaysia for five consecutive years, according to the GCA 2024. Here are them:
- Uniqlo
- Top Glove
- Petronas
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sunway University
- AIA
What makes these companies successful at attracting these graduates?
The GCA acknowledges companies that are great at making a workplace that fits what Malaysian graduates want. These companies focus on things like company culture, benefits, being relevant to the industry, and giving chances for career growth, which are important to the new generation of workers. Because they’re so good at being attractive to employees, they’ve become popular choices for new graduates starting their careers.
Key Factors
Career Opportunities
Graduates prefer career opportunities over simply finding a job due to various factors such as career growth, higher compensation, better work-life balance, company culture alignment, geographic relocation, interest in new projects or industries, emphasis on professional development, the appeal of challenging opportunities, and the desire to avoid stagnation in their careers. These motivations drive individuals to seek roles that offer not just employment but also avenues for personal and professional advancement, fulfillment, and alignment with their values and aspirations.
Company Culture
Today’s generation, including Gen Z and millennials, looks for a company culture that prioritizes their well-being, ethical leadership, diversity and inclusion, and a sense of purpose in their work. They value organizations that care about their employees’ well-being, have ethical leadership, and are diverse and inclusive. Additionally, they want to work for companies that have a clear sense of purpose, offer fair pay and have clear expectations. Flexibility in work arrangements is also important to retain talent across all generations.
Industry Impact
When graduates are looking for jobs, they want to join companies that are doing good things. This could mean they care about the environment and want to work for companies that use sustainable practices. Or maybe they want to be part of a company that gives back to the community. Basically, they want to work for companies that make a positive difference in their industry and in society.
Are the graduates referring to Gen Z?
While Generation Z individuals may be included in this group, it encompasses a broader range of individuals who are transitioning from education to the workforce, including Millennials and potentially older generations as well.
Importance of Attracting Generations Other than Gen Z
Since we tend to find ways to prepare ourselves for Generation Z’s future workforce, what about other generations? For information, Gen Z also shares similar priorities with other generations regarding their desired work environment. The only difference is that they seek a healthy lifestyle, continuous learning, authenticity, technology and other benefits that are not only for them but for society as a whole. While it is true that Gen Z will make up almost 27% of the global workforce by 2025, based on Qureos, let’s take a look at what it will take to attract other generations:
- Older generations, like Baby Boomers and Gen X, bring valuable experience and knowledge, aiding the growth of younger workers.
- They provide stability and loyalty to the job, enhancing consistency in the workforce.
- Each generation offers unique perspectives based on their life experiences, fostering better decision-making and innovation.
- When different generations collaborate, knowledge and skills are transferred, preventing the loss of vital information during retirements.
To attract top talent, companies must adapt. Understanding and addressing these factors can help craft a compelling appeal to potential employees or graduates. By prioritizing growth opportunities, fostering a positive culture, and showcasing societal impact, companies can stand out as desirable employers in today’s competitive job market.
