While research suggests that there will be a rise in graduate job vacancies during 2012, graduates are still facing a fairly ominous struggle.
A report from High Fliers Research forecasts a 6.4% increase in graduate vacancies from 2011, a year in which 16,408 graduates were recruited. While this figure readily suggests optimistic progress in the employment market, this vacancy growth must be relativised alongside the less hopeful statistic that applications from graduates have risen 19% from last year.This rise in applications is largely based on the fact that people graduating university this year will be finding themselves in direct competition with graduates from last year and even further back - the High Fliers Study puts the proportion of 2012's job applicants who graduated in 2011 and earlier at a hefty third! These graduates have either struggled to make the desired impression on the work market in their year of graduation and continue to persevere with applications, or they have taken notice of a predominant trend. Recruiters are demonstrating a substantial preference for those with work experience or an internship and many graduates are recognising the long-term benefits of delaying their applications in favour of gaining crucial experience.
While many students see their holidays as an opportunity to finally relax during a year of academic toil, it is the long summer months and even the shorter inter-term holidays in which you can take serious measures to strengthen your employability. Whilst providing an opportunity for real world experience and allowing people to gauge whether they do in fact have the appetite for the career path they are intending upon, work experience is proving the crucial bargaining chip in securing employment. The High Fliers report suggests that a staggering 36% of job vacancies will most likely be offered to applicants who have already demonstrated their ability and commitment to a particular company, having already completed a placement with them prior to having fully graduated. It is therefore crucial for graduates to get their foot in the door as early as possible and attempt to develop a relationship with an employer before graduation pushes you fully into the graduate job market.
Most universities will advertise work experience or internship opportunities through their careers department or by putting students in contact with specialised companies such as GRB, but personal initiative and making direct contact with an employer, whether by phone or by email, can be just as fruitful.People are already aware of the value of work experience; however these new statistics stress just how important it can be in procuring a job.It is always important to keep a balance between working and relaxing, however, those who have grabbed the proverbial bull by its horns and acquire work experience whilst still working on their degree will find themselves with a distinct edge in the highly competitive and increasingly unpredictable job market.
Tom, GRB Journalist
