The coronavirus outbreak has severely disrupted the economic activities and squeezed the employment market in Hong Kong. With an aim to enhance students’ employability and improve their job aspects, The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has set aside more than HKD 3 million to launch the project-based ‘Career HeadStart Programme’ to offer internship opportunities with full allowances for its senior business students.

The programme is a new initiative introduced by the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration of the OUHK for the period from June to September 2020. Supported by the School’s funding, the programme provides 200 internship opportunities for eligible years 3 and 4 business students to work at host organizations for two months with full allowances, bringing mutual benefits to both students and employers. All applicants are required to attend interviews so as to match them with suitable positions according to their interests and capabilities as well as the job requirements of the host organizations.

President of the OUHK Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong understands that students and graduates may feel anxious about the current situation of the job market. He said, ‘OUHK is always committed to providing support to students to sail through the storm with ease. This programme offers a precious learning experience for students during this difficult time when many companies are calling off internship arrangements. I hope that students would benefit from this opportunity and better equip themselves for the future.’

Dean of the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming said the programme has received enthusiastic responses from both the host organizations and students. Building on this year's success, the School would consider running the programme again in the next few years.

A total of 180 positions covering various types of work areas have been offered to the students so far. There are over 70 host organizations, comprising commercial and non-profit organizations, including Bauhaus International (Holdings) Limited, GS1 Hong Kong, and SmarTone Telecommunications, etc.

About the OUHK:
Established by the Government in 1989, The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has developed into a full-fledged university providing high quality and flexible university education at various levels to secondary school graduates and working adults. As a dynamic and innovative university, the OUHK currently offers programmes of different academic levels to about 10,000 full-time students and 9,000 part-time students. Our mission is to advance learning, knowledge and research that meet students' learning aspirations and society’s talent needs, focusing on practical and professional programmes.

OUHK comprises six Schools, i.e. School of Arts and Social Sciences, Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, School of Education and Languages, School of Nursing and Health Studies, School of Science and Technology, and Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE). LiPACE provides lifelong learning opportunities by offering full-time sub-degree programmes, community learning and professional programmes.

OUHK website: www.hkmu.edu.hk.