Less
than a third of this year’s graduates are at the stage where they are looking
seriously for jobs.
A
survey released today by Graduate Prospects reveals that well over half (58 per
cent) of graduates are still ‘just getting a feel’ for the job market as their
degrees come to an end, with 54 per cent still considering further study.
These
results are particularly surprising given that nearly four in five (78 per
cent) of the same students said they were worried about competition for jobs,
and almost 90 per cent claimed they wanted to start earning as soon as
possible.
The
good news for potential employers is that despite this apparent reluctance to
make more concrete efforts to secure a job, current graduates are at least
aware of the value of work experience, with 86 per cent having acquired such
experience.
Mike
Hill, chief executive of Graduate Prospects, said: “It’s encouraging to see
work experience is so prolific. We have worked hard to push both students and
employers to reap the benefits of placements for students.
"What
is worrying is the fact that students do not seem to be capitalising on their
own forward planning. While there is no question that degrees are still
valuable, the job market is increasingly competitive, and students need to
start looking seriously for jobs much earlier if they are to find the right
position. Those who leave it too late could get left behind.”
Surprisingly,
salary only ranked fourth in a list of student priorities, coming behind a
sense of fulfilment, training and progression, and work-life balance.
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