The Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University has recently released the Employment Report for its Master of Finance (MF) graduates in 2024. The report highlights the continued success of SAIF graduates in the job market, with each graduate receiving an average of 2.2 job offers and maintaining a 100% employment rate. The majority of graduates have secured positions at prominent financial institutions, with 30% employed by leading foreign, joint venture, or overseas Chinese companies. Notably, 15% of graduates were employed overseas, demonstrating their strong international competence. In response to the growing demand for financial services to support the real economy, an increasing number of graduates joined real enterprises and key state-owned financial institutions this year.
Professor Tan Wang, Deputy Dean and Chair Professor of Finance, emphasized that despite the complex global economic landscape and the transformation of China's financial industry, SAIF graduates continue to excel in the market, making strides in internationalization, specialization, and marketization. This success reflects the widespread recognition of SAIF's teaching philosophy and talent cultivation model.
Alignment with Market Trends and Core Finance Functions
SAIF's flagship MF program has consistently led in employment data among comparable institutions and universities. In 2024, out of 80 MF graduates, one pursued further studies at the University of Chicago, another started an LNG import-export business, while the remaining 78 were successfully employed—predominantly joining top financial institutions.
The MF program has been at the forefront of curriculum development, management, and career services. In 2019, SAIF launched a FinTech track, focusing on AI, machine learning, and the impact of FinTech on the financial industry. This year, MF graduates in the FinTech track obtained offers from leading asset management enterprises and hedge funds in China and overseas, reflecting the program's wide recognition in the market.
SAIF has also proactively bolstered students' competence in the secondary market, aligning with evolving industry demands. This year, 60% of MF graduates successfully joined the secondary market, filling key roles across research, investment, and trading—with increasing interest in fields beyond traditional equities.
Enhancing International Competence
The international employment of SAIF MF graduates surged this year, showcasing their global competence. Leading foreign, joint venture, and overseas Chinese companies employed 30% of graduates, with 15% working in key financial centers such as New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
This outstanding performance in international employment is a testament to SAIF MF's long-term adherence to internationalization in its operations, curriculum, faculty, and its collaborations with top international institutions. The Career Development Center has also made targeted arrangements to promote students' international employment, including corporate visits to expand students' horizons and enhance their professionalism for future international careers.
Empowering High-quality Development with Finance
SAIF focuses on nurturing students' social responsibility and patriotism. This year, many MF graduates joined key employment guidance units—such as state-owned enterprises and government institutions—despite multiple offers, choosing these units for long-term development and national needs.
The institute also encourages graduates to support the real economy and tech enterprises with their financial skills. This year, 15.4% of MF graduates entered real enterprises, engaging in commodity trading or other functional positions, while others joined global executive trainee programs to become future key talent.
Forging Finance Leaders with Core Competence
Since its inception in 2019, the SAIF MF program has been ranked No.1 in Asia in the Financial Times Master of Finance Rankings for three consecutive times, and it ranks among the top eight globally for the first time in 2024. The program's "Career Guidance Service" ranks No.3 globally and No.1 in Asia, with a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation, showcasing effective career support.
The SAIF Career Development Center aligns with tech trends and industry needs, encouraging students to find career paths suited to their backgrounds. The center provides tailored skills training, partners with top platforms for advanced career assessments, and organizes alumni and industry resources through the Industry Think Tank Mentorship Program, bridging classroom and practice.
Professor David Li, MF Program Faculty Director and Faculty Director of the Career Development Center, noted that as China's economy enters a new stage requiring higher-quality development, there is a growing demand for high-end professionals with international perspectives, financial skills, and civic mindfulness. SAIF welcomes students from various backgrounds and encourages employer feedback to cultivate more financial talent for the country and for enterprises.
