Choosing a university degree is a difficult decision and many factors have to be taken into account, one of which is potential graduate job prospects. This means that students expect their hard work during those few years studying to eventually pay off with success in the graduate jobs market.
Recently a survey by a recruitment agency revealed that only 56% of graduates think that their degree helped them to find a job. Therefore, it seems that some students regret their choice of degree with the benefit of hindsight. However, this is by no means a universal trend. For example, 70% of those with medicine degrees thought that university was beneficial, while 44% of engineering students said they would have rather completed another degree. So, it seems that certain students have become disheartened by their lack of success in the jobs market and attribute this to their degree choice.
The most important thing is to not look back in this situation, but instead search for any potential opportunities. Of course it will be disappointing if you do not receive job offers initially, but it is important to reflect on which areas you can improve and not simply link this to your degree. Searching for jobs requires considerable research about the company and industry. Also, there are certain ways to tailor your CV and adopt a successful approach during the interview process. Developing these types of skills with guidance from careers services will help to increase the range of careers available to you. Employment security is important, but make sure you use your time searching for careers effectively, since you need to find a rewarding career too.
Indeed, a degree is only the basic foundation for a successful career. You also need to develop a variety of transferable skills, have good work experience and extra-curricular activities. It seems that the same message is always conveyed but that is because all companies are looking for well rounded individuals who do not 'pigeon-hole' themselves due to their degree. Flexibility is crucial in this challenging climate and will give you more of a fighting chance. For example, even if you have an engineering degree and are struggling to find work in that sector, perhaps consider another career that draws on your core skills. Your knowledge of maths could be equally beneficial in the financial services industry and you may enjoy that work as well.
Overall, you need to look forward to the next challenge in your graduate jobs search and not regret your choice of degree. Also, remember that applying for jobs means developing a good application technique and preparing well for interviews. So, if you work hard and improve your skill set, then there is no reason why you can't get a job in this difficult climate, even if it is not in the sector that you originally planned.
Arnab Datta
