It
will be another tough year for graduates, but better times are ahead, according
to the Graduate Trends Survey 2003/4 produced by graduate careers publishing
firm GTI.
In
most sectors, actual vacancies have either fallen only slightly or remained the
same, with only the engineering sector reporting an increase in vacancies.
Last
year’s survey reported a significant fall in the number of vacancies on offer
to graduates.
However,
the research shows work experience and internship opportunities continue to
fall, despite the huge importance that the Government is placing on the value
of work experience as part of degree study.
The
major findings of the survey:
•
In most sectors, students responded to a challenging market by delaying their
applications, often until after graduation.
•
In the IT, built environment and property sectors there has been an increase in
applications, but all other sectors report a lower number of applications.
•
Salaries have remained steady, but there has been a general increase in the
benefits packages offered to new graduates.
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•
Despite the high priority given to work experience by the Government, employers
are offering fewer opportunities.
