Entering the graduate talent pool has numerous benefits for students, and with recent research showing that more than 75% of employers need a 2:1 degree before they would consider candidates for a role; there has never been a better time to consider becoming a graduate.
Recent figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) also show that the majority of graduates (90.3%) in the UK went on to further study or employment just six months after graduation.
Below are some key advantages of entering the graduate talent pool:
Graduate training schemes
Leading employers such as Mars, Microsoft and Lloyds TSB all offer schemes that are specifically targeted to graduates. These offer structured training and development opportunities and in some cases give you the opportunity to fast-track to management roles.
As an example of what to expect, Channel 4 has launched its first graduate scheme, which is currently open for applications, and will offer three budding graduates the chance to hone their skills during placements in the broadcaster’s insight teams and departments including marketing and communications or audience technology. Placements last for up to 20 months and also give graduates the chance to earn a earn a MA in Creative Media Leadership from Skillset.
Professional Skills
Some industries require employees to enter with degree level qualifications and this can include medicine, dentistry and fellowship roles at universities. As well gaining the academic credentials needed to succeed in a number of industries undergraduate study can also help you perfect your oral and written communication skills and give you practise of meeting regular deadlines.
Some courses also offer the chance to become members of professional organisations. As an example students taking the BA (Hons) Marketing and MA Marketing programmes at Liverpool John Moores University can now take advantage of student membership to the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Have you entered the job market in graduate IT consultant jobs?