How are graduate jobs changing?

Despite the rise in the number of jobs targeted at graduates, the spectacular growth in student numbers in the last decade means that degree holders need to broaden their sights beyond securing a place on a blue chip company�s graduate recruitment scheme. Large recruiters now have to compete against a growing band of small and medium-sized companies who hire one or two graduates at various times during the year

The distinction between graduate and non-graduate jobs is also becoming blurred � Moving On, a recent survey of graduates three and a half years after graduation, found that nearly half of those regarding their current job as career-related had not required a degree on entry. Conversely, around a quarter of those who did not regard their job as career-related were in graduate-entry posts. Graduate opportunities have opened up in non-traditional areas such as retailing, and more than one in eight working graduates in the 1998 first destination survey started in secretarial and clerical posts. Even if their first job does not require a degree, many graduates quickly progress to higher level posts.

Employers no longer offer a job for life, and a graduate�s career is now likely to consist of a �portfolio� of jobs, with training and experience acquired through a variety of periods of employment. Employers increasingly expect graduates to have self-reliance skills and manage their own career and personal development. There is a lower emphasis on degree subject studied, with one third of all vacancies open to graduates from any discipline. Accountancy, for example is open to all types of graduates who are then trained �on-the-job�. 

Have employers� expectations of graduates changed?

Inevitably, a perceived glut of graduates has forced companies to re-think their recruitment strategies. Sorting applications is a time-consuming process and according to the Association of Graduate Recruiters survey, employers received 59.5 applications on average, for each vacancy. Some employers are responding by targeting particular institutions or departments which they think will supply good quality candidates. Others are raising their minimum qualification requirements, such as degree class.

But with so many degree holders clamouring for work, employers are now also concerned about whether graduate job applicants possess so-called core or personal, transferable skills. The skills in highest demand during the 1999 recruitment season were interpersonal skills, team working, motivation and enthusiasm, initiative and proactivity, and flexibility.

Employers regard a lack of business awareness as the primary deficiency amongst new graduates. Most recruiters recognise that work experience is the best way for graduates to acquire business skills, and regard candidates as more employable if they have had vacation jobs or sandwich placements.

INTERNET

Web sites which may be of interest to young graduates:
- Universities - www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo/uk.map.html
- Employment opportunities - www.prospects.csu.ac.uk

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

National newspapers:
- The Guardian, The Times, The Independent

Recommended reading:
- Local and regional newspapers like The Evening Standard (London), Manchester Evening News.

There is an English equivalent of Success and Career called � Prospects Directory �
www.prospects.csu.ac.uk

It is available at a cost of 25 CHF (plus extra for postage and packing) at Success and Career. [email protected]