Students who graduated from four local universities last year earned a higher median starting salary, a survey showed, with those in the information and digital technologies sector posting the highest rates for full-time permanent jobs, as well as the highest median gross monthly salary. The annual survey, conducted last November, polled 11,400 fresh graduates from full-time programmes at NUS, NTU, SMU and SUSS. Universities here have been helping students increase their preparedness for the working world. SMU alumna Nur Syakirah found her degree relevant to her job, and said that school workshops prepared students with mock interviews, and equipped them well with useful soft skills. SMU Provost Professor Timothy Clark said that the University's academic curriculum, in addition to co-curricular programmes, has helped its students develop a range of critical skills through global exposure, community service, campus life and internships.