Competition for training contracts can be particularly
fierce amongst law graduates and now this is set to get even stiffer according
to the latest survey from the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).
It found that solicitors' firms are predicting a 17% fall in
the number of graduate
jobs in 2012. These figures contradict AGR’s forecasts in January which
outlined that the number of available training contracts would increase this
year.
The fall in training contract numbers has partly been
attributed to the UK plunging back into a recession.
Further figures from the survey show that the ratio of
applications per vacancy in the law sector was also below those expected. While
the average for graduate trainee jobs is 73:1, this figure is 45:1 for the
legal sector.
However, more than 100 graduates are recruited each year by
firms such as Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy.
Salaries in the legal sector are also set to surpass the
average figures for graduate wages (£26,500) at a healthy £37,000.
If you are set to start your first graduate job this year,
here’s how you can get noticed at work.
Get to know your
fellow colleagues
Just because you work in the marketing department it doesn’t
mean that you can’t mingle with your colleagues in finance or HR. You may hear
of upcoming vacancies or learn new skills as a result of these contacts, and
will also be able to turn to your colleagues for support in any areas you are
weak in. The ability to work well within a team is highly prized by companies,
and in-house networking will ensure that you have fully demonstrated this
quality.
Join a professional
organisation
Students taking the BA (Hons) Marketing and MA Marketing
programmes at Liverpool John Moores University now have access to student
membership of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). This “increases the
professional value and employability potential of the degree” according to Joe
McGrath, Principal Lecturer at LJMU's Business School. There are a host of professional bodies that
you could join as a graduate, such as the Royal Institute of Chartered
Surveyors (RICS), that will help boost your industry qualifications and help
you better understand your role.