Job-seekers optimistic about prospects

Handset newcomer Chi Mei Communication Systems Inc (奇美通訊), an affiliate of Chi Mei Opto-electronics, is also in urgent need of engineers and research people.

"We don't set a specific goal. We'll hire as many as we can get," said Josephine Wu (吳菁惠), a manager in Chi Mei Communication's operation division.

Eyeing the better-than-expected job opportunities, Huang Jui-pin (黃睿斌), who will graduate from National Taiwan University this summer, said he does not plan to go to graduate school; he wants to go to work first.

"There are so many opportunities out there. I've learned lesson that you cannot let any opportunity slip away," said Huang, who was forced to return to school in 2000, when it became difficult for college graduates to land a well-paying job amid the worldwide recession.