Seven in ten graduates would use their own money for extra qualifications to make them more employable
Also, networking cited ‘almost as important as studying' once in a job
13 January 2010
Following recent research which showed that millions of adults have invested in their own skills development during the recession, a new poll gives valuable insight into university graduates' attitudes to using their own funds to help them secure work.
Research by specialist graduate recruiter elemense found that if graduates decided to use their own money to invest in personal development their top priorities would be:
- Another academic qualification: 43%
- A vocational qualification: 27%
- Networking skills: 22%
When it comes to investing time rather than money, in order to improve promotional prospects, graduates would use their time to:
- Do job related studies: 37%
- Network externally for knowledge and contacts: 33%
- Socialise with bosses and colleagues: 21%
- Work longer hours: 10%
Keith Sammons, managing director at elemense commented: ‘As the tide seems to be turning employment-wise in some sectors, graduates are taking a lead in focussing on making themselves more employable by being willing to add to their collection of qualifications. They can also see how to adjust this focus once in the workplace by using business and social networks. There's lots of pragmatism with vocational qualifications and networking being given such high priority. Industry and commerce still need strong graduate intakes and this insight shows that there's a clear understanding among graduates of how to standout in this competitive marketplace.'
Passing on the benefit of their own experience, more than one in two graduates would implore undergrads to study harder. One in five would reassure them that if they focus on enjoying university the results will follow, one in six would tell them to make friendships to last a lifetime but just one in ten would caution ‘be careful with money'.
Elemense uses the data from its annual research programme to develop services for its clients. The company provides tailored recruitment process outsourcing services ranging from recruitment planning consultancy, candidate attraction, response handling, assessment and interviewing through to employee retention programmes. The graduate attitudes survey is part of an annual research project looking in to the various key elements of the world of work.