Across Hong Kong—and really, much of Asia—many parents go all out to help their children get into a top university. But what happens after they’ve made it in? According to a 2020 report by CTgoodjobs HK, 47% of Hong Kong graduates end up in jobs that have nothing to do with what they studied. Some who studied law ended up running tech start-ups; others with biology degrees switched to marketing.
Still, the obsession with getting into a “top” university hasn’t faded.
But this points to a deeper issue: we’ve started treating education as the final destination, rather than a journey. Without realising it, we’ve turned it into a trophy, instead of a tool to help our children find direction. Many parents focus heavily on rankings and grades, but rarely pause to ask: Will this actually help my child discover what they love and build a life they enjoy?
Let the Numbers Speak for Themselves
- A 2023 LinkedIn report showed that 40% of Asian graduates switch industries within three years.
- JobsDB found that 57% of Gen Z workers in Hong Kong are thinking about changing careers.
So even if your child gets into a top university, if they end up spending decades in a job they don’t enjoy, what was the point? Education shouldn’t box young people in—it should help them unlock their potential and figure out where they want to go in life.
A university degree might last four years, but a career can stretch forty. That’s why we believe academic planning should start with a simple but important question: What do I actually want to do with my life?
This isn’t just about data. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos once said something that really makes you think:
“We all have passions, and you don’t get to choose them — they pick you. But you have to be alert to them. You have to be looking for them.”
“And when you find your passion, it’s a fantastic gift for you. Because it gives you direction. It gives you purpose.”
So here’s the real question—how do I figure out what I’m truly passionate about?
Finding Direction Isn’t Guesswork—It’s Science: RIASEC & Big Data Can Help
In a fast-moving world where everything’s about efficiency and change, knowing your personality, interests, and ideal career path is more important than ever. That’s where the SDS (Self-Directed Search) test comes in. It’s a trusted tool backed by psychology and powered by big data.
The test is based on the RIASEC model, which puts people into six personality types based on what they’re naturally drawn to:
- Realistic – Good with hands-on work, e.g. engineers, architects
- Investigative – Enjoy analysing and solving problems, e.g. scientists, data analysts
- Artistic – Creative types who love expressing themselves, e.g. designers, writers
- Social – People-focused and helpful, e.g. teachers, counsellors
- Enterprising – Great at leading and persuading, e.g. entrepreneurs, lawyers
- Conventional – Like structure and detail, e.g. accountants, IT professionals
So, why does this work so well? Because it’s not just about vague interests—it’s backed by solid data:
- Big Data Validation – Even platforms like LinkedIn use similar algorithms to match people to the right jobs.
- Spot-On Career Matching – Say a student scores as "Artistic + Enterprising"—they might shine in creative business, not in medicine or law.
- Future-Focused – These tools also factor in upcoming job trends, like AI and sustainability, helping students connect what they love with where the world is heading.
Instead of pushing kids to “do medicine”, “study law”, or “go into finance for the money”, maybe we should be asking: Does this subject really fit who they are and what they believe in?
By taking the SDS test, students can gain clarity about their strengths and future direction—saving years of frustration and helping them avoid going down the wrong academic path altogether.
Grades Matter, But Success Should Mean More Than Just Numbers
Don’t get us wrong—grades and rankings have their place. But it’s time to rethink what “success” actually means. Should it only be about test scores and university names? Or should it be about helping our children discover a path they’re excited about?
Imagine this: your child gets into a top university, aces their exams, but spends the next thirty years dragging themselves to a job they can’t stand. Is that really the life we want for them?
Rather than leaving things to chance, let’s use science to make better choices. Book an SDS career assessment for your child today. When paired with our in-house big data matching system, we can help them:
- Replace guessing and second-hand advice with real insights
- Understand themselves early and start preparing for the right path
- Build a career that’s not just well-paid, but meaningful and fulfilling too
Because life shouldn’t just be about surviving—it should be about thriving. Every day, and always.
If students and parents want to know more about studying abroad, please call 2111 1480 or WhatsApp 5117 4380 to talk with our professional education consultant at Synchro!