Myths about graduate recruitment

The most recent labour market information appears to provide evidence that a degree on its own, without accompanying work experience, evidence of achievement, and/or transferable skills, is not enough. This is true especially against a backdrop of increasing participation in higher education, and the provision of new and different course choices. In this article we explore some of the myths and key issues surrounding graduate recruitment.

A degree guarantees a good job

Having a degree definitely opens up more doors than without one. People are twice as likely to be unemployed without a degree than with one. According to analysis of the Government’s Labour Force Survey by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (CSU), reported in CSU’s publication Graduate Market Trends, graduates have significantly higher earnings than non-graduates and the financial benefits of a degree increase markedly with age. During the period December 2000 to November 2001, young people aged between 21-30 with degree or equivalent qualifications have average annual earnings of £22,302 compared with £15,948 for their non-graduate counterparts, a difference of 39.8%. This difference in earnings rises to a staggering 63.1% at age 31-40 and 71.4% at age 41-50. However, although the possession of a degree offers an excellent starting point, prospective employers will look at what else graduates have to offer, including their skills, work experience and potential.

Employers always look for graduates from specific degree subjects

Some jobs demand a specific degree subject, especially in the fields of science and engineering. However, over 50% of advertised vacancies ask for graduates from any degree subject, which means that you will have lots of career options whatever you decide to study.

If graduates make the wrong choice of degree this will affect their future career

Most graduates view their degree as a key stepping stone, and many graduates end up in careers not related to their degree. Postgraduate conversion courses exist for many professions including accountancy, law, teaching, and social work, for those studying non-relevant degrees.

Students don’t need to look for a job until after they graduate

No! In fact, according to a survey report Graduates in the Eyes of Employers 2002, the majority of recruiters (57%) find that the most effective time to develop relationships with students is during their first or second year at university. In addition, 20% of employers think the most effective time is before students arrive at university.

Most graduates want jobs with high salaries

According to Diversity in the Graduate Recruitment Marketplace, the most influential factor on career decisions is the career prospects on offer. Salary is only of secondary importance, and it is more likely to be a deciding factor for male than for female students. When choosing an industry sector to work for, students are also more concerned about the relevance to their studies and their personal interest in it than the salaries offered.

The type of university chosen can affect a graduate’s job prospects

According to recent research, graduates from ‘old’ universities are more likely to get a job on graduation where they feel they are using their graduate skills and knowledge. However, graduates who have done a vocational course and gained useful work experience are the most likely to get early career satisfaction, irrespective of whether they attended an old or new university.

Graduates only work for large employers

Many graduates now work for small and medium sized organisations, ie organisations with fewer than 200 employees. There are opportunities with the UK’s blue-chip companies, but they are no longer the only option. In certain sectors, including IT and marketing, most of the opportunities are in smaller companies. Two million new jobs are predicted in the small business sector in the next ten years, and the small and medium enterprise sector will be a major driver of job creation in the UK.

References

Graduate Market Trends, CSU, quarterly.

Graduates in the Eyes of Employers 2002, Park HR.

Diversity in the Graduate Recruitment Marketplace, Park, 2001. Website as above.