Singapore Management University (SMU) graduates continue to thrive in a challenging job market, with 91.4% securing employment within six months of graduation, according to the 2025 Joint Autonomous University Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES). The survey, conducted by SMU and other Autonomous Universities, highlights the sustained demand for graduates with industry experience and applied skills, despite global economic uncertainties and increasing automation.
The survey, which saw a 73.4% response rate from SMU’s 2,331 graduates, introduced a new secured employment rate indicator. This measure includes graduates who have accepted job offers but have yet to start work, as well as those launching their own ventures. SMU’s overall employment rate stands at 87.1%, with a full-time permanent employment rate of 79.8%.
A significant factor in these positive outcomes is SMU’s mandatory internship programme. Nearly half of the graduates in full-time permanent roles received job offers through their internships. Specifically, 30.9% of these graduates are employed by the same companies where they interned, whilst 16.4% were offered positions but chose not to accept them.
These findings suggest that SMU’s focus on industry-linked education and internships plays a crucial role in preparing graduates for the workforce, even amidst a cautious hiring climate. Looking ahead, SMU graduates are well-positioned to navigate the evolving job market, leveraging their skills and experiences to secure meaningful employment.
