A survey released today 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.
