Despite the uncertain economic outlook, demand for local university graduates continues to be strong. Results of the first joint Graduate Employment Survey (GES) conducted by SMU, NUS and NTU revealed that the overall employment rate of graduates from the three universities was 91 per cent. The median starting salary had also increased from $3,000 in 2011to $3,050 in 2012. In particular, SMU law graduates received a median starting pay of $5,000. Zhang Xi An, a graduate from the pioneer cohort of SMU law currently employed by Rajah & Tann, said that although he was among  the first batch of SMU law graduates, he was always confident of his career prospects. SMU required every law student to complete 10 weeks of internship as part of the degree requirement, and through the internships he had acquired much practical work experience and hence could handle interviews well.