Bachelor's Degree in German Studies and Then? The Professional Development of the 2008 BA German...

ISSN 2289-8506 © 2015 GATR Enterprise. All rights reserved.

Global Journal of Business and Social Science Review journal homepage: www.gjbssr.org

GJBSSR, Vol. 1 (2), January-March 2015: 499-509

ISSN 2289-8506

Bachelor’s Degree in German Studies and Then? The

Professional Development of the 2008 BA German Graduates

from Universiti Putra Malaysia

Schaar, T.1*, Selke, R.2, Ogasa, N.3, Lay Hoon, A.4

1,2,3,4 Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi, Universiti Putra Malaysia

43400 UPM, Serdang, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Objective – An ongoing tracer study project – January 2014 to October 2015 – aims to provide more comprehensive data on the professional development of BA German graduates from UPM.

Methodology/Technique – The group of 2008 graduates has been chosen to provide initial data via in-depth interviews, questionnaires and social media groups, which allowed the conclusion that studying BA German at UPM combined with a business-related minor subject is a proven formula for a successful and quick entry into the Malaysian job market.

Findings – Many have changed their career paths in order to gain higher incomes, face greater challenges and enjoy better career opportunities. Some graduates became language teachers (Mandarin, English, Bahasa Malaysia and German) at primary and residential schools, colleges and universities. Furthermore, several opted for Master’s degrees.

Novelty – The comprehensive study on the „Future Direction of the Language Education in Malaysia“ (2010) concluded that graduates of language majors from Malaysian universities do not have any problem in securing employment either in the public or the private sector. A survey related to the professional development of former Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages (German)-students confirmed that the majority of graduates from University Putra Malaysia found employment in the corporate or education sector shortly after finishing their studies.

Type of Paper: Conceptual

Keywords: 2008 Graduates; BA German Curriculum; BA German Programme; Malaysia Job Market; Professional Development of UPM Graduates; Tracer Study; UPM

__________________________________________________________________________________

1. Introduction

In January 2015, the 10th cohort of Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages (German) - students graduates from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and will join the challenging Malaysian labor

* Paper Info: Revised: December,2014

Accepted: January, 2015

Corresponding author:

E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliation: Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi, Universiti Putra Malaysia

http://www.gjbssr.org/

Schaar, T., Selke, R., Ogasa, N. & Lay Hoon, A.

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market. In today’s globalized world, Malaysian and international companies seek graduates who offer more than just a university or college degree. They look for “work readiness”, for practical skills, drive and the will to succeed, for an understanding of the commercial environment and, above all, for an enthusiastic and proactive work attitude. Important generic skills most sought-after by employers include computer literacy, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills and language competency (studymode.com, 2008, 09). Over the past years, however, there has been a growing concern in Malaysia regarding the persistent issue of high unemployment rates among local university graduates (since the financial crisis of 1997). Lim (2011) stated that the current graduate unemployment poses “a serious problem” to Malaysia “because it reflects a waste of the nation’s valuable resources and also implies a poor return on huge investment incurred by the government on public universities”. The Graduate Tracer Study by the Ministry of Human Resource reported in 2006, that 30.7% of graduates remained unemployed six months after convocation. In 2010, the newspaper “The Sun” published a statistic that the unemployment rate of public universities had reached 70%, whereas the private institutions had recorded 26%. (studymode.com, 2010, 06) The New Straits Times reported on 17th Mac 2013 that 65,500 graduates from local universities were searching for employment. The highest number of unemployed graduates especially in the fields of Computer Science, Business Administration & Management, Accounting, Engineering, Literature and Social Studies came from UiTM (16.2%), UUM (7.6%), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM (5.7%), UKM (4,8%), UPM (4,5%)… (Lim, 2010). The Malaysian Ministry of Human Resource compiled a list of complaints filed by employers about higher education institutions and their graduates:

the lack of quality education offered by universities and colleges which results in a lack of knowledge and skills;

a poor command of English and poorly developed communication skills;

the incompatibility of university curricula and the demands of the job market;

the irrelevance of university courses for the industry;

the unrealistic expectations of young graduates towards the job market

an unreasonable demand of high salaries;

the preference for jobs closely located to home,

the display of low self-confidence, especially in job interviews.

Other generic skills missing in Malaysian graduates identified by corporate sector managers and experts were the lack of planning, organising, and decision-making skills, a deficiency in problem-solving, creativity, leadership, critical thinking, project management, networking and conceptual skills, as well as poor character and attitude (Hairi, 2007, Lim, 2010). Therefore, national strategic actions have been designed to alleviate this issue: extension of length of higher education programmes, skills retraining programmes, entrepreneurial coaching, and counselling of graduates on improving soft skills (studymode.com, 2008, 09 / 2010, 08 / 2011, 03 / 2013, 09).

Since language skills have been recognized as a vital factor for the nation’s identity-building and as a major contributor to the country’s economy, the study of languages plays an important role in the Malaysian education system. Departments of Malay, English and third languages were set up at public and private institutions of higher learning throughout Malaysia. A number of Asian and European languages such as Arabic, Japanese, French and German were introduced in the universities to enable Malaysians to compete on a global scale.

A report titled “Future Direction of Language Education in Malaysia” (2010) prepared by a study committee from ten Malaysian universities headed by Prof. Datin Dr. Hajibah Osman (Dean of the UiTM Language Academy) on behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education compiled and examined a comprehensive database of Languages-, Linguistics- and Literature-programmes offered at different universities in Malaysia. The study aimed to provide the ministry and the public with an overview of the subjects encompassing Malay (as the national


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language), English (as the second language), and other languages. It reviewed the status of language programmes offered at Malaysian universities and explored future directions for these programmes. One of the specific objectives also was to “trace the success of these programmes in terms of demands and employability”. The data of unpublished tracer studies from UM and UPM were analysed to examine the employability of Language graduates.

The tracer study of 107 graduates (2007/2008) from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics (Universiti Malaya) reported that 52.3% of the total number of graduates found employment in permanent positions or on temporary or contract basis within four months of graduation. The employment rate of the students who majored in Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Spanish and Japanese was more than 50%, while the employment rate for graduates who majored in other foreign languages was considerably lower – English 44%, Arabic 38%, French 38% and German 32%. Graduates of Languages from UM work in teaching positions (56.1%), in sales and marketing (14.04%). About 12 % are employed in executive and administrative positions in the private sector, and 7% work in editorial fields.

UPM reported “a high percentage of employment rate” in its 2008-survey: 88.7% of graduates of Malay Language, 93% of graduates of English, 81.8% of graduates of English Literature and 77.5% of graduates of foreign languages were employed less than three months after graduation. The types of employment secured by the graduates however were not included in the UPM tracer study, although it said that UPM-Language Majors found jobs in “almost similar sectors” as the UM-graduates. The study concluded:

„Because language transcends all boundaries, graduates from language programmes are faced with a ready job market. It is up to the graduates to find their niche in the different careers ahead of them. Language is crucial for communication in both the public and the private sectors and graduates in any languages can contribute in these sectors. All language programmes at bachelor level identify a number of popular career paths for the graduates. These include writing or authoring and editing, publishing, public relations, etc. Graduate of Languages can seek employment in the above fields within the public or private sectors locally or abroad. Graduates who are interested in teaching languages will certainly find employment in schools and tertiary institutions.“

1.1 Studying German Language in Malaysia

In 2014, approximately 10.000 Malaysians studied the German language at several institutions in the country: at the Goethe-Institut Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, the German-Malaysian-Society in Penang, at 30 secondary schools, at almost all major public institutions of higher education, at several private colleges/universities and the International Languages Teacher Training Institute. Most language programmes at schools and academic institutions offer German language at the levels A1/A2. (Beginner/Elementary, according to definitions by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment – CEFR). The A-Level-German programmes at International Education College (INTEC) and the German-Malaysian-Institute (GMI) prepare their students to pass the DSH/TestDaF-exams, which are requirements for entering any study programme in Germany, in which the language of instruction is German. (B2/C1 – Upper Intermediate / Advanced, CEFR). Apart from elective proficiency courses, Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have been offering Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programmes with German as the major subject since 1998 and 2001 respectively. UM offers two BA programmes: 1) “Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (German Language)” and 2) “Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (German with Education)”; UPM offers one BA programme: “Bachelor in Foreign Languages (German).

The BA German programme at Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi / Universiti Putra Malaysia (FBMK/UPM) was introduced as a three-year-programme in the academic year 2001/2002. To graduate from the BA German programme (until 2013) neither comprehensive final exams were required nor did the students have to complete a final year research project. The students were also not given the opportunity to gain work experiences in an internship.


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Since 2001, 141 Malaysian students have studied the BA German curriculum - a combination of language instruction, more traditional philological subjects and market-oriented courses: German Language I-III, Communication Skills I-II, Writing in German, German for Specific Purposes: Tourism / Commerce / Science and Technology, Historical Survey of Germany, Introduction to German Literature, Introduction to German Linguistics, Introduction to German Culture, German 20th Century Art, Translation of Text, Research Methodology in German, and Teaching German as a Foreign Language. Several courses such as Historical Survey of Germany, Introduction to German Linguistics and German 20th Century Art are taught bilingually – German and English. Recently, the BA German experienced several substantial changes such as the introductions of an eight-week Industrial Training, and a Final Year Research Project as well as an additional seventh semester. Students are required to take up a minor course as well. The minors offered by the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication are Malay Literature, Communication, Arabic Language, English Literature, Chinese Literature, Translation and Interpretation, while courses offered by other faculties are Business Management, Resource Management, Business Administration, Hotel Management and Hospitality & Recreation just to name a few. Thus far, no comprehensive research has been carried out to investigate the professional development of BA German students from UPM after their graduation.

1.2 The Tracer Study

An initial survey into the whereabouts of 30 former students (graduated in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012), conducted via Facebook-chat in August/September 2013 allowed the assumption that the majority of the BA German graduates from UPM had no problems in finding employment in industry or academia shortly after finishing their studies. Their areas of employment included marketing, tourism, finance, banking, counseling and sales, as well as teaching languages or science-subjects. Several have completed Master’s degrees or are in the process of completion. A few continued their studies in Germany or have – at their own expense – taken language courses there. Several have founded their own businesses. Findings from the initial survey did not reveal unemployment and professional issues. There was however a need to conduct a survey that further investigates the professional development of at least 60–70% of the BA German graduates in order to gain a comprehensive insight. The tracer study was initiated in January 2014 and will be concluded in November 2015. The project which is supported by Universiti Putra Malaysia Grant GP/2013/9421500 is based on the structure and methodology of similar tracer studies carried out in social sciences programmes in Germany (Briedis, Fabian, Kerst, Schaeper, 2008; Kräuter, Oberlander, Wießner 2009; Schomburg 2009).

The objectives of the tracer study are:

to identify comprehensive data on the professional whereabouts of BA German graduates from UPM (2004-2014) in industry and academia in order to suggest changes to the existing BA German curriculum

to verify and to evaluate the aspects of the studies at UPM, the relevance and usability of the German language and the academic knowledge that contributed to the graduate’s professional or academic career.

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

How did BA German graduates evaluate the link between the contents of their studies at UPM (major and minor subjects) and the expectations and challenges of a changing labour market in Malaysia?

Was the BA German curriculum “in accordance with the requirements of the current job market” and does it comprehensively address the skills and qualities sought after by the Malaysian economy?

From the results, the authors might be able to suggest a more market-oriented direction of the existing BA German study programme at UPM. A curriculum which takes the challenges of


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human resource development in Malaysia with regard to a globalised market into consideration would certainly contribute to the training of much sought after experts in their respective fields and further improve the employability of BA German graduates. The study will focus on fields of employment, job opportunities and income development (also related to postgraduate degrees), the relevance and usability of the German language in professional settings. The study aims to show, that studying BA German as major in combination with e.g. a business-studies related minor subject is a good strategy for a successful entry into the Malaysian job market. The tracer study is conducted in several stages.

2. Methods

The research team developed survey guidelines using similar tracer studies carried out at selected German universities. A focus group, consisting of 5 graduates from different cohorts (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009) who were employed in a variety of fields – teaching, finance, marketing, and sales – was set up. Group discussions provided in-depth understanding into the strength and shortcomings of the UPM study programme, the job application process, the demands, challenges and difficulties faced by the graduates in the labour market, the work-related role of German language, the income development. The results of the focus group discussions were analysed and the survey questions revised. The research team aimed to establish contacts to 60-70% of the 141 BA German graduates from UPM by applying the so called snowball-effect via Facebook (friends, groups) telephone and Email. Difficulties to contact graduates from the first cohorts (2004-2007 graduates) had to be taken into consideration. A survey with 85 to 100 participants (equals 60-70%) - carried out by electronic means – telephone, Skype, Facebook-groups, whatsapp-groups, wechat-groups – or as face-to-face interviews – will provide the necessary data to answer the research questions. Permission to conduct and record an interview was and will be obtained from each respondent. In-depth interviews for instance or purposeful conversations gave us immediate responses and the opportunity for clarification. Based on the qualitative data aquired during the focus group discussions, a questionnaire to obtain statistical data and Likert scale based assessments was also designed and sent out to graduates before the electronic survey. In line with the qualitative research methodology, data analysis is being undertaken simultaneously during the data collection process. Guided by the constant comparative method, data collection, sampling, categories exploriation as well as writing will all be included at the same time throughout the research.

2.1 The 2008 Graduates

Fourteen students – ten Chinese females (CF), three Chinese males (CM) and one Eurasian female (EAF), born in 1984/1985, graduated successfully from the BA German programme at UPM in 2008. One CF had left the study programme after semester 1, another CF, who was supposed to have graduated in 2007 joined the group to finish her studies after having sustained injuries in an traffic accident and a longer convalescence period. The 2008 group was chosen for an initial survey since 93% immediately provided data into their professional development, and gave quick consent to use the data for research reasons. With a ratio of 79% females (11) and 21% males (3), the group represents the typical gender distribution of BA German classes. From the 2001 to the 2011 intake Chinese females clearly dominated the ethnic composition of the classes, whereas in the last two intakes (2012, 2013) Malay females represented the largest ethnic group.

Out of fourteen former group members, thirteen (93%) participated in the survey, conducted in February/March 2014 and provided the answers via the questionnaire, face-to-face interviews or chats on Facebook. The 2008 graduates entered the BA German programme in 2005. Their first-choice-study-subject, however, was not German language but rather Business Management and Administration (7), Financial Management (1), Law (1), Education (1), Computer Design (1), Music (1) and (other) foreign languages (1). Eight (62%) had named German as one of their eight possible study priorities, five (38%) did not. Despite being absolute beginners - no student had any previous knowledge of German - the students (more or less successfully) learned the German language to level A2/B1 and achieved Cumulative


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Grade Point Averages (CGPA) between 3.8 (highest) and 2.9 (lowest). Business Management (8), Business Administration (2), English (2), Hospitality & Recreation (1) were chosen as minor subjects.

During the electronic survey the former students were asked to fill in a 27 statements-survey, in order to assess positive or negative aspects of the study programme at UPM in retrospect by applying the five-point Likert-Scale - 5 (I strongly agree), 4 (I agree), 3 (undecided) , 2 (I disagree), 1 (I strongly disagree). Students were asked to justify their assessment during the electronic survey. The non-static nature of memories however had to be taken into consideration when 2008 graduates were asked to report on their memories of their studies in February/March 2014.

3. Results and Discussion

The answers provided show the following general tendencies: studying at UPM was a positive experience for most of the 2008 graduates (mean 4.46) – based on factors such as having made great friends, the study atmosphere and environment, study success, and lecturers’ personalities. The overall assessment, whether – in their retrospective – the BA German programme adequately prepared them for entering the Malaysian job market only scored a mean of 2.76 (undecided/I disagree), whereas the contribution of the minor subject was regarded as slightly higher (mean 3.30, undecided). The justifications given in interviews/online chats were:

insufficient credit hours for learning the language properly,

no practical application of acquired knowledge in form of an internship,

too many subjects offered within the BA German programme which leads to only superficial knowledge in each of the subjects

no final thesis which would enable students to research, discuss, apply problem-solving skills and write a scientific text, and

a perceived mismatch of study contents and the availability of related jobs.

For EAF1 and CM1 the “major issue” was “that most of us were unable to master the German language after graduation!”. The BA German programme should therefore be “reviewed to meet the needs of Malaysia’s job market” (Comments provided by EAF1 and CM1 via Facebook, 25/26 March 2014). The same tendency towards undecided becomes noticeable, when asked about the possibility of applying acquired knowledge in the job. The statement I can use the knowledge I have acquired in the BA German programme for my job scored a mean of 2.9, whereas I can use the knowledge I have acquired in the minor subject for my job scored 3.38. The six graduates, working as teachers or lecturers on the one hand felt even less prepared (mean 2.5) for the challenges of the education system by the BA German programme than their classmates who pursued a career in industry or finance, but on the other hand slightly agree that they were/are able to use the theoretical knowledge acquired in the study programme (mean 3.5).

Questioned about generic skills, the students stated that studying at UPM enabled them to develop “team spirit” (mean 4.23), communication skills (mean 4.2), and the ability to assess/judge and deal with different personalities (mean 4.15). They claimed to have learned how to work under pressure (mean 4.0), how to find and process information (mean 3.84), and how to develop organizational skills (mean 3.61). A repeated complaint however voiced by several graduates was the neglect of problem-solving skills in the (2005-2008) curriculum. CF7 stated: “Problem solving skills are important. Perhaps some case studies could be given in Business German! Here, at a private university, students learn a lot about business communication and business writing. Problem solving and creative thinking skills such as SWOT, Scamper, Mind Mapping we have never learnt before. I think all these should be included as well. And the classes should be more student-centred!” (Comment given by CF7 via Facebook, 25 March 2014)


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It was, however only slightly agreed that the BA German programme was in need of substantial changes (mean 3.76). Those suggested improvements, however, vary from student to student based on her/his personal interests, subject preferences, profession and work experiences. At the time of the study, 2008 graduates were employed in the education sector (6), in companies (3), in banks (2), and owned businesses (2). One CF was preparing for an important law exam and chose not to work. “Changes” mean a stronger focus on certain subjects – either market-oriented or philological – by adding more credit hours. It was stated that the BA German programme might benefit from a future dual focus on Translation of Text (mean 4.46), Teaching German as a Foreign Language (mean 4.3), Introduction to German Linguistics (mean 4.0), Introduction to German Culture (mean 4.0) on the one hand (preferred by lecturers and primary school teachers), and German for Specific Purposes (GSP): Commerce (mean 4.15), GSP: Tourism (mean 4.0), GSP: Science and Technology (mean 3.69) on the other hand – preferred by those employed in the finance sector, in industry or business owners. German 20th Century Art (mean 3.3), Introduction to German Literature (mean 3.23), and Historical Survey of Germany (mean 3.23) show a tendency towards undecided. Some voiced their opinion that the BA German programme simply offered too many subjects, which resulted in a lack of in-depth studies.

The students strongly agree that an industrial training (internship) in schools, companies, hotels etc. (introduced in June 2014) would prepare future BA German graduates better for the challenges of Malaysia’s globalised job market (mean 4.53) and that a similar positive effect was to be expected from writing a research-based Bachelor Thesis (mean 4.23). The 2008 graduates agreed that the combination of major in German and any minor subject – business related or a language study – is a successful combination for entering the job market (mean 3.92).

3.1 Joining Malaysia’s Job Market

In May 2008, the 4th BA German-cohort graduated from UPM and started their professional careers. For their first jobs, the former students applied as Research Assistant (FBMK), Part-time Teacher for German Language (UPM) or Primary School Teacher in the education sector (CF3, 4, 5, 7, 8), as Management Trainee/Junior Executive/Sales & Marketing Executive/Personal Assistant/Marketing & Event Executive in finance, service and industry (CF2, 6, 9, CM 1, 3), as online Translator (CF1) and Front Office Assistant in the hotel/tourism sector (EAF1, CM2). CF10 – according to former classmates – opened a flower shop in Georgetown/Penang. Ten graduates (71%) found employment within one month of graduation, the remaining three in less than three months. When asked about their opinion about qualifications their future employer valued the most (several choices were allowed), 61% (8) claimed that their personality in general seems to have mattered most, 46% (6) believed it was their communication and foreign languages skills, 38% (5) were convinced their future employer looked for a combination of both. 15% (2) gave credit to their minor subject, whereas only one graduate named her Bachelor in German as the main reason for employment (which is definitely reliable, since she applied for a position as a part-time teacher for German at FBMK/UPM). Table 1 displays the CGPA and minor-subject, the obtained academic degrees, their first (in some cases second) and current jobs since graduation and the approximate incomes.

Table 1. Professional Development of the 2008 Graduates

Graduate (CGPA)

Degree(s) (Minor

subject)

First Job

Second Job

Current Job

appr. Income

First Job Second Job Current Job

CF 1 (3.1)

BA (Business

Management)

Online Translator, TV Drama series

Founder, online business for cosmetics

Flight attendant, Middle Eastern Airline

RM 2000

RM 3000

RM 4040


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CF 2 (2.9)

BA / Diploma (Business

Management)

Sales Executive, Paint company

- Teacher, Chinese Primary School

RM 1900

-

RM 2500

CF 3

(3.2)

BA / Diploma (Business

Management)

(Untrained) Teacher, Chinese Primary School

Teacher, Chinese Primary School

Teacher , Chinese Pre- School

RM 2100

RM 2400

RM 3200

CF 4 (3.3)

BA (Business

Administration)


-


RM 2200 -

RM 3000

CF 5 (3.7)

2 BA (English)

Part-time Language teacher (German) at UPM

(Preparation for Certificate Legal Practice)

RM 800 n/a

CF 6 (2.9)

BA (Business

Management)

Maintenance Sales Assistant, Escalator building company

Sales Coordinator, Services providing company

Business Administrator, Services providing company

RM 2200

RM 2900

RM 3600

CF 7 (3.8)

BA / MA

(Business Management)

Part-time Language teacher (German), UPM

Part-time Lecturer, UITM,

Lecturer, INTI International University

RM 800

RM 1800 RM 3000

CF 8 (3.3)

BA / MA (English)

Research Assistant, UPM

RM 1400

CF 9 (2.9)

BA (Hospitality &

Recreation)

Marketing Executive, Bank

Personal Financial Consultant, Bank

Business Owner, Beauty Salon

RM 1800 RM 1800+

ndp

CF 10 (ndp)

BA (ndp)

Business Owner, Flower shop

ndp

EAF 1 (3.5)

BA (Business

Management)

Front Office Assistant, Tourist resort

Mortgage Credit Control Executive, Bank

Senior Executive, Bank

RM 700 RM 2200 RM 3800

CM 1 (3.1)

BA (Business

Administration)

Sales Executive, Steel processing centre

Sales Engineer, Steel trading company

Assistant Sales Manager, Steel processing centre

RM 3000 RM 3500 RM 4000

CM 2 (3.4)

2 BA (Business

Management)


Administration Housekeeper, 4 Star Hotel, Singapore


RM 2000 SD 1000

RM 3000

CM 3 (3.1)

BA (Business

Management)

Sales Executive, Development & Construction company

Mortgage Credit Control Executive, Bank Senior Executive, Bank

RM 1500

RM 2800 RM 4400

Several 2008 graduates have been promoted since finding their first job; others have changed their job titles, their companies, schools, institutions or professions altogether. Only CF4 and CF 8 have remained in their jobs since 2008. Twelve out of fourteen 2008 graduates (86%) currently hold the Bachelor of Arts from UPM as their academic degree. Two (CF7 & 8) have obtained a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics at FBMK/UPM. CF5 and CM2 studied a second Bachelor’s Degree – Human Resources (at Singapore NTUC Centre) and Law (at


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Brickfields Asia College KL), respectively – in order to gain the necessary qualifications to advance their careers. The Primary school teachers CF2 & 3 studied teaching related Diploma courses, while six former students (CF1, 2, 4, 9, CM2, 3) underwent required vocational training courses in various fields – education, airline, hotel, finance and motivation, beauty and skin care/professional aesthetician programme, and Certified Credit Professional (CCP). Asked, whether they plan to pursue another academic degree in the near future, six (46%) answered yes – five wanted to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education (3), Law (1) or MBA (1), one intended to study a PhD course in Translation or Applied Comparative Linguistics. Four (30%) had no further academic ambitions, while three (24%) were still undecided.

While conducting the survey in 2014, six (43%) of the fourteen 2008 BA graduates were employed in the education sector: CF2, 3, 4 and CM2 taught subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science, Mathematics, Ethics, Mandarin at Chinese Primary Schools. After completing her Master’s Degree at FBMK/UPM, CF7 was employed as Lecturer at INTI International University, where she taught German Language, Elementary English, Business English, Technical English, Public Speaking, Speaking and Listening Skills, Critical Analysis, and Learning Skills. CF8 remained as Research Assistant at UPM. CF5 held a second Bachelor’s Degree in Law and was preparing to obtain the necessary Certificate Legal Practice to become a lawyer (currently not employed). CF9 & 10 owned small businesses, a flower shop and a beauty salon, respectively. CF1 changed her career path several times. She started as an online translator for TV drama series. In 2010, she founded an online-business, which sold cosmetic products, and in 2014 she became a flight attendant at a Middle Eastern Airline. EAF1 and CM3 have chosen a career in finance; both work in Senior Executive positions at a leading Malaysian bank and enjoy the highest incomes and most comprehensive benefits.

The eleven employed BA German students (not business owners) were asked about job satisfaction and career perspectives. Not a single one was very satisfied, five stated to be satisfied, five were undecided and one was dissatisfied (with her school). CF7 claimed to have an excellent career perspective (at a private university), seven saw a good perspective in their jobs; three perceived their opportunities to advance professionally as limited. Eight (73%) voiced their intention to change their job and/or company/institution in the near future for a higher income, better career perspectives, greater responsibilities/challenges, out of boredom, or due to work-related issues. Three (27%) – CF3, EAF1, CM3 – the pre-school teacher and the 2 bankers - were contented with their work environment.

3.2 Languages in the Professional Context

Eight (62%) out of thirteen graduates used English and five (38%) used mostly Mandarin / Cantonese in their professional settings, while the German language played only a marginal role. Two (15%) applied (some) German: CF7 was teaching basic German at a private university and CF1 greeted German passengers who were using the airline she worked for. However 85% (11) did not apply their acquired knowledge of German language, literature or linguistics professionally.

4. Conclusions

The data provided by the 2008 BA German graduates (10% of all BA German graduates) showed the following (rather positive) tendencies: Despite a slightly negative perception of the BA German curriculum in retrospect and its apparent incompatibility with the demands of the Malaysian job market, all former BA German students (cohort 4, 2005-2008) have found employment in industry, finance or the education sector without great difficulties shortly after graduation (and before convocation). Therefore, our BA German graduates have not contributed to the high numbers of unemployed local university graduates reported in Malaysian publications in previous years. Almost 50% of the 2008 graduates have become educators of young Malaysians (preferably at primary schools) themselves; others work in responsible positions in financial institutions or industrial companies. 77% have obtained additional academic degrees – Master’s degrees, second Bachelor’s degrees, Diplomas – or underwent vocational training courses to further their careers or face greater responsibilities in their positions. Their income steadily improved, the majority earned between RM 3000 – RM


508


4000; some enjoyed even higher salaries and comprehensive benefits. Among the 2008 graduates, the German language, however only plays a marginal role in professional settings. It can be concluded, that studying BA German at UPM in combination with minor subjects (social sciences or business subject related) ensures a quick entry into the Malaysian job market.

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