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What Do Graduates Do? 2008 Contents
1 Introduction 36 Social Sciences 38 First Degree Economics 2 What do employers want? 40 First Degree Geography 42 First Degree Law 4 Graduate employment review 44 First Degree Politics 46 First Degree Psychology 6 First degree all subjects 48 First Degree Sociology
8 Science 50 Arts, Creative Arts and 10 First Degree Biology Humanities 12 First Degree Chemistry 52 First Degree Design studies 14 First Degree Environmental, 54 First Degree English Physical Geographical & Terrestrial Sciences 56 First Degree Fine art 16 First Degree Physics 58 First Degree History 18 First Degree Sports Science 60 First Degree Media studiess 62 First Degree Modern languages 20 Mathematics and IT 64 First Degree Performing arts 22 First Degree Computer science and IT 24 First Degree Mathematics 66 Business & Administrative 26 Engineering and building management Studies 28 First Degree Architecture and Building 68 First Degree Accountancy 30 First Degree Civil Engineering 70 First Degree Business and management 32 First Degree Electrical and Electronic 72 First Degree Marketing Engineering 34 First Degree Mechanical Engineering 74 HND and foundation degrees
Acknowledgements Judith McIntyre (responsible for the Science article), Brunel University What Do Graduates Do was written by the following members of the David Gee (responsible for the Mathematics and IT article), University of Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) and the Education the West of England Liaison Task Group of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Guy Townsin (responsible for the Business and Administration article), Services (AGCAS) University of Portsmouth Charlie Ball (Project Manager for What Do Graduates Do?, joint HECSU Thanks also to Claire Cookson at the Higher Education Statistics Agency editor and responsible for the methodology, production of the statistics for help with the raw data. and the Introduction page), HECSU. Comments or questions about this publication should be directed to: Pearl Mok (joint HECSU editor, responsible for the Graduate Labour Charlie Ball, Editor, Higher Education Careers Services Unit, Prospects Market article and publishing What Do Graduates Do online at House, Booth Street East, Manchester M13 9EP, Judith Peel, Editor, www.prospects.ac.uk/links/wdgd), HECSU Sheffield Hallam University, Careers and Employment, Owen Building, Janet Willis (chair and co-ordinator of the Education Liaison Task Group, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, or Maureen Tibby, Editor, responsible for the Social Sciences and the What Do Employers Want? Careers Service, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET article), University of Manchester ISBN 978 1 84016 137 3 Judith Peel (joint AGCAS editor responsible for the Arts, Creative Arts and (C) HECSU/AGCAS 2007. Material from this publication may be Humanities article), Sheffield Hallam University reproduced for non-commercial purposes provided What Do Graduates Maureen Tibby (joint AGCAS editor with responsibility for the HND and Do? is acknowledged. If material is required for commercial use, please Foundation Degree article), Aston University contact HECSU in the first instance. Nicola Critchlow (responsible for the Building and Engineering article), Source of raw data: HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Manchester Metropolitan University 2005/6. HESA cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived from the data by third parties.
HECSU (the Higher Education Careers The Association of Graduate Careers UCAS is the organisation responsible for To obtain further copies of What do graduates do? Services Unit) is a registered charity that Advisory Services (AGCAS) is the managing applications to higher education 2008. supports the work of higher education association for careers professionals in courses in the UK. It provides an extensive For payment by debit/credit card, order online careers services in the UK and Republic of higher education. Membership is open to range of publications, online services and at www.ucasbooks.com. If you would like to be Ireland and funds major research projects both institutions and invividuals. Most of events to enable students to make informed invoiced for further copies, email your requirements that benefit the higher education careers its training programmes and products are decisions about their higher education choices, to [email protected]. Alternatively, sector. Graduate Prospects is the also available to non-members. See and which keep education staff up-to-date send a cheque to UCAS Publication Services, commercial subsidiary of HECSU and has www.agcas.org.uk for more information. with developments in the application process. PO Box 130, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3ZF. been bringing students, graduates and Price £14.95 plus £4 p&p for a single copy or £6 The UCAS website (www.ucas.com) is one of recruiters together for over 30 years. p&p for multiple copies. Cheques should be made the most popular websites in the UK and the most heavily used educational one, with over payable to UCAS Media. 1.5 million unique users a month, mainly applicants searching the database of courses. WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 1
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What Do Graduates Do? 2008 Introduction
Welcome to the 2008 edition of What Do Graduates Do? (WDGD). WDGD provides information about the destinations of first-degree graduates and HND and Foundation Degree qualifiers, profiling how many leavers enter employment (and what type of employment), the numbers going on to further study, and how many are unemployed six months after graduation. The publication aims to help those who are considering entering higher education, as well as teachers and advisers with responsibility for careers guidance, and parents concerned about their child’s future prospects.
What is WDGD? which already provides the two subjects as stand foundation degree, and of how a particular This edition profiles the destinations of leavers alone sections. subject might impact on your future career from the 2005/06 academic year. To complement We have also reinstated a separate editorial prospects. Looking at the subject lists, you can the data, there is an editorial for each subject area section for Maths and IT, which has been find out how many of the graduates secure where the data is discussed and interpreted. separated from the section on Science. employment and what jobs they go on to do, Where do the figures in WDGD come from? which might give you some ideas. You can also The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) How the pages work find out how graduates from other subjects fare. collects national first destination information on Each subject has two sets of data. The first data There is also more general information about how first and higher degree graduates on an annual set and pie chart look at what all those graduates to use your time at university to enhance your basis. The information for this report was who replied to the DLHE survey were doing six prospects and on the state of the job market. collected through a questionnaire sent out in months after graduating. This is the place to look winter 2006/07 to all UK- and EU-domiciled if yomu want to know, for example, how many …if you are a teacher or adviser offering careers students who graduated in the previous academic people studied a subject, the gender balance and guidance? year. The results of this ‘Destinations of Leavers how many were working or unemployed. You can use WDGD as a basis for a wide range of from Higher Education’ (DLHE) survey represent a You will sometimes see, most notably under the guidance work including one-to-one guidance, snapshot of the employment status and types of ‘Further Study’ category, courses listed. These are tutor groups, career sessions for parents and work of graduates six months after they illustrative examples of actual courses of further higher education evenings and events. graduated. study taken by graduates from the year in question. They are provided to help students and …if you are a parent? What the data tell us advisers understand the range of options You can use WDGD to get a better understanding The DLHE survey asks graduates what their available with the subject. of the graduate labour market so you can help current activity is, whether it be work, study, The second section looks specifically at the types your child prepare for what's ahead. You can also looking for work or even travelling. If employed, it of work that UK-domiciled graduates (who said review the subject level information to help your asks for the job description and the kind of that they were working in the UK) were doing six child make the best decision for them. company the graduate works for so that we can months after graduating. These jobs are arranged get a comprehensive picture of where graduates into a standard classification devised by the Other information are employed, and the kind of work that they are Editorial Team. You will see illustrative examples All of the information from this book can also be doing. It also helps us to get a picture of patterns of jobs that graduates from that subject were found on our web version, at of further study, and can tell us how many people doing in 2006/07. These are shown to www.prospects.ac.uk/links/wdgd. In addition to graduated with different degrees, as well as the demonstrate the kinds of jobs and employers that the subjects found in the paper version, we also overall numbers graduating. graduates enter with the degrees in question. publish the data for four biomedical subjects - Some employers are not named directly, but are medicine, nursing, anatomy, physiology and What the data cannot tell us described in terms such as ‘Marketing Company’. pathology, and pharmacology, toxicology and Since the data presents a snapshot survey of Many graduates start work in small businesses pharmacy - and link to supplementary material, graduates shortly after they have received their whose names may not be familiar to readers, or such as postgraduate destinations. qualification, it does not tell us what they will be which are so small that they only take on a few A useful supplementary source of information doing further ahead in their careers. The survey graduates a year. The names of these companies can be found in AGCAS Link-Up, a labour market does not ask for future career plans, and as a are not directly stated so that the anonymity of information bulletin produced once a year by the result cannot be used to answer questions about their employees can be respected. careers advisers behind WDGD, as an aid for the intentions of new graduates, nor of their tutors in schools and colleges. This is available in reasons for choosing some of the career options. How can WDGD help you…. photocopiable format on the UCAS website at …if you are a school pupil or student? www.ucas.com/advisers/adviser_guide, under What's new in this edition? You might be thinking about going to university 'Link-up'. This year, as a result of increasing graduate and may also have an idea of what subject you numbers in both subjects, we have split the old might like to study, or you may already be at We hope you enjoy this edition. section for ‘Art and Design’ into two subject university. By reviewing the information in WDGD, Charlie Ball/Janet Willis Joint Editors sections – Design, and Fine Art. This matches the you will get a better understanding of the options online website (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/wdgd), open to you from studying a degree, HND/
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What Do Graduates Do? 2008 What do employers want?
Leaving university with a good degree is a pre- leaving university. More than half of all education with higher qualifications, but did not requisite in the graduate employment market, graduates said that the reason they took their appear to be doing as well as might be expected but this alone is not enough to secure your first current job was that “It was exactly the type of in employment outcomes.6 Minority ethnic graduate job. work I wanted”, and over 80% stated that they graduates were also found to have less chance How does an employer choose the right person were satisfied with their career progress to date. of getting through each of the stages in the from hundreds of applicants, all with the same In addition, over four in five graduates were in graduate recruitment process of large class of degree? The skills you develop whilst at what could be termed ‘graduate jobs’. Many organisations than White graduates. school/college and university and the graduates also reported the advantages a degree Although these findings do seem negative, experiences you gain will all help to give you the brought to the workplace, in terms of writing, employers and institutions are working hard to edge over the next candidate. This means it is analysis, problem-solving and presentation skills, improve matters, and there is good reason to be essential not just to bury your head in a book all and these were skills most commonly felt to be confident that the labour market will evolve to the time while you are at university, but to used in graduate employment. be more equal. continue with your interests and work It is important to note that there is not always Other studies have also exposed difficulties experience, which help to enrich your life and a correlation between the level of graduate skills faced by older graduates and graduates from your CV. or qualifications required in a job and the salary. lower social economic backgrounds on entering As The Class of ‘99 noted, some of the lowest- the labour market. The good news is that So what do employers want? paid graduates were the most highly qualified, legislation outlawing age discrimination in Analysis of years of national employer surveys in areas such as academic research, librarianship employment and vocational training has begun suggests the desired skills for graduates fall into and journalism.3 For some graduates, the to take effect from 1 October 2006. Employers four broad areas. Table 1 lists some of these attraction of a psychologically rewarding career who do not seek or accept an age diverse skills, along with examples of how you can is greater than a “cash career”. workforce will, therefore, not only miss out on develop them. Take a look at the examples given valuable talents, but are also liable to be and take time to review your own skills. You may Widening participation in higher education and prosecuted. The Graduate Market Trends article, already have started this process if you have a the labour market ‘Age laws: what they mean for graduate Record of Achievement/Progress File. Many The widening participation agenda, which recruitment’, gives a useful summary on this university courses may require certain skills, encourages people from different backgrounds topic.7 especially vocational ones like medicine or law. to enter higher education, provides both Look carefully at prospectuses and entry profiles challenges and opportunities. However, it The university experience on the UCAS website (www.ucas.com) to find out remains to be seen how this agenda within According to the Student Experience Report what they are looking for. higher education will translate into a more 2007 from UNITE, 94% of the over 1,600 diverse and better representative labour market students surveyed reported that ‘going to The importance of work experience in years to come. The following examples university is a worthwhile investment and a A recent report, Employer and University highlight some of the issues. natural progression from school’.8 Looking Engagement in the Use and Development of According to the report What happens Next? beyond financial considerations, the process of Graduate Level Skill, from the Department for A Report on the Destinations of 2004 Graduates obtaining a degree and taking part in the whole Education and Skills, highlighted the fact that with Disabilities, although non-disabled and university experience is often life changing – a many employers preferred graduates from disabled graduates overall had parity in the type time when knowledge, skills and personality are sandwich degrees, because they have gained of industry sectors entered and in terms of the developed and values and networks are practical experience and have a better idea quality of graduate opportunities, graduates established. Obtaining a good degree along with about what the world of work has in store for with disabilities were more likely to be some work experience will be of great benefit to them.1 unemployed or found in part-time or voluntary your graduate job search, and probably work.4 financially lucrative too! ‘A degree’s not worth the paper it’s written on’ Similarly, a study of the destinations of Research evidence in recent years shows that graduates from ethnic minority backgrounds References this is certainly not true. A study of graduates reported in Graduate Market Trends found that 1. Employer and University Engagement in the seven years after leaving university in 1995 initial labour market attainment amongst Use and Development of Graduate Level concluded that the value of having a degree is minority ethnic graduates overall was not as Skills, T. Hogarth et al (2007) still considerable despite the ever growing good as that for White graduates, although Department for Education and Skills, numbers entering higher education each year.2 some specific minorities (eg Indian graduates) Research Report 835. A further report by the same authors, The Class fared rather better than others.5 Another study, 2. Seven Years On: Graduate Careers in a of ’99, also confirmed this.3 According to the Why the Difference? A Closer Look at Higher Changing Labour Market, Kate Purcell and latter report, 71% of men and 70.4% of women Education Minority Ethnic Students and Peter Elias, June 2004. See www.hecsu.ac.uk were working in a job related to their long-term Graduates, reported that Indian and Chinese 3. The Class of ’99: A study of the early labour career plans just three and a half years after students were more likely to enter higher market experiences of recent graduates,
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Peter Elias, Kate Purcell, Rhys Davies and Nick 6. Why the Difference? A Closer Look at Higher www.unite-group.co.uk Wilton, October 2005. See Education Minority Ethnic Students and www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ier/research/ Graduates, Helen Connor, Claire Tyers Useful Websites class99/ (Institute for Employment Studies), Tariq www.prospects.ac.uk – for a wealth of careers 4. What Happens Next? A Report on the Modood (University of Bristol) and Jim information specific to graduates. Destinations of 2004 Graduates with Hillage (Institute for Employment Studies), www.volunteering.org.uk – Volunteering England Disabilities, AGCAS Disability Task Group, 2004. www.employment-studies.co.uk www.do-it.org.uk – for local volunteering 2006. 7. ‘Age laws: what they mean for graduate opportunities. 5. ‘Ethnicity and graduates’ early outcomes’, recruitment’, Graduate Market Trends, www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk – for Graduate Market Trends, Winter 2005/06, Winter 2006/07, The Higher Education international volunteering opportunities. The Higher Education Careers Services Unit Careers Services Unit (HECSU). (HECSU). www.prospects.ac.uk/links/CSDGMT 8. The Student Experience Report 2007, UNITE.
Type of skill Employers’ requirements - Examples of how the skills can “Buzz” words be developed through interests, work experience and education
Self-reliance skills • Self-awareness – purposeful, focused, self-belief, realistic • Duke of Edinburgh Award • Proactivity – resourceful, drive, self-reliant • Young Enterprise Award • Willingness to learn – inquisitive, motivated, enthusiastic • Music band (play regularly at local venues) • Self-promotion – positive, persistent, ambitious • Participate in competitive sport • Networking – initiator, relationship-builder, resourceful • Public speaking/debating society • Planning action – decision-maker, planner, able to prioritise • Amateur dramatics
People skills • Team working – supportive, organised, co-ordinator, • Working in a shop/supermarket/ deliverer restaurant • Interpersonal skills – listener, adviser, co-operative, assertive • Fundraising for charities • Oral communication – communicator, presenter, influencer • Voluntary work • Leadership – motivator, energetic, visionary • Member of orchestra • Customer orientation – friendly, caring, diplomatic • Play sport for team • Foreign language – specific language skills • Guide/Scout leader • Air Training Corps
General employment skills • Problem-solving – practical, logical, results orientated • Young Enterprise Award • Flexibility – versatile, willing, multi-skilled • Project work through studies • Business acumen – entrepreneurial, competitive, risk taker • Mensa membership • IT/computer literacy – office skills, keyboard skills, software • Book club packages • Member of local club/society • Numeracy – accurate, quick-thinker, methodical • Music grades • Commitment – dedicated, trustworthy, conscientious
Specialist skills • Specific occupational skills – specialist relevant • European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) knowledge, eg languages, IT • Language skills • Technical skills – eg journalism, engineering, accounting, • Web design skills sales • Writing for school/college newspaper • First Aid at Work qualification • NVQ qualification
Table 1. Skills that employers want – and how they can be developed.
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What Do Graduates Do? 2008 Graduate employment review
What do 2006 graduates do? in the capital and the much lower costs graduate recruitment remains to be seen. The destinations of 2006 first degree graduates, associated with the latter three regions. as reported in the latest 2005/06 DLHE survey, As with last year, graduates who studied Outlook for 2008 show little difference to the two previous clinical medicine reported the highest average There is little sign of the graduate recruitment graduating cohorts - indicating that the salary, at £30,484. This was followed by pre- market slowing down in 2008, according to the graduate recruitment market remains strong. For clinical medicine (£29,177) and clinical dentistry AGR survey, although again, this has to be example, six months following graduation, 6.0% (£28,030). Table 2 shows some of the salaries by interpreted in light of the financial market of the first degree graduates from the 2006 occupations reported in the DLHE survey, which changes in August. Half of the employers (49%) cohort were believed to be unemployed (see p. gives an insight into the levels of pay for some of surveyed by the AGR expect graduate 6), compared with 6.2% for 2005 and 6.1% for the work categories covered in What Do recruitment levels to be similar to 2007, just 2004. The employment rate, including those who Graduates Do?. For all types of work (including under three in ten (28.9%) expect to recruit were working and studying, has also remained those not reported in Table 2), health slightly more graduates, and one in eight (12.3%) stable at around 72% for the last three years. professionals commanded the highest average anticipate recruiting many more. Measures of unemployment and employment salary, at £25,365, which ties in with the degree Employers’ predictions on 2008 salary levels are only give a partial view of the recruitment subject findings above. more cautious, however. At the time of the picture, however. In recent years, with the Occupations with salaries at the lower end survey, a quarter of the employers (24.9%) have expansion of higher education, many have raised include administrative work (not included in not yet decided on salaries for the next year, but issues about the quality of the jobs graduates Table 2), with pay typically around £15,000. for the rest: two in five (39.8%) are expecting are entering into. With the introduction of Many graduates take on these types of work only a cost-of-living rise, another one in five variable tuition fees in 2006 and increasing soon after graduation to get experience and a (19.4%) anticipate salaries to increase above this student debt, this has led to debates about the foot into the job market. Research, such as that level, and one in six (15.9%) are predicting no value of a higher education qualification. Using carried out by Purcell and Elias, however, has change from the 2007 rates. the graduate job classifications developed by consistently found that many of these graduates Several reasons have been identified by AGR Professors Peter Elias and Kate Purcell for their will gradually move into higher level occupations employers for the relatively modest increase in study “Seven Years On: Graduates in the Changing in months to come. recent salary levels: Labour Market”, the types of work that new • Salaries are fine as they are; ‘competitive graduates went into, as reported in the DLHE Graduate recruitment in 2007 enough’. surveys for the last three years, were analysed to According to a report from the Association of • Salaries have been increasing (too) fast and see whether there have been any changes in the Graduate Recruiters (AGR) published in July the slowdown is inevitable. Many employers percentages of graduates going into graduate- 2007, graduate vacancies are forecast to see a have raised the issue of consistency with level occupations. The results, shown in Table 1, year-on-year rise of 12.7% in 2007 - more than salaries paid to previous years’ graduate reveal that not only have employment and double the year-on-year increase of 5.2% recruits and to other employees within the unemployment rates stayed virtually unchanged reported for the 2005-06 recruitment season, organisation. There is also a concern that over the past three years, but there has also signifying that the graduate recruitment market graduate salaries could become out of line been a steady increase in the percentages of is going strong. Amongst the 219 employers with the ‘real jobs’ graduates are recruited for. graduates entering graduate-level occupations – surveyed, a total of 20,413 graduates are • Salaries accurately reflect what graduates are an indication that the graduate labour market, expected to be recruited. The median graduate bringing into the organisation. at least in 2005/06, has not yet reached starting salary is forecast to be £23,500, up 2.4% • There are plenty of graduates on the market, saturation. on the 2006 figure of £22,953. despite the rise in demand. No company/business sectors in the AGR study And how much do they earn? are anticipating a decline in vacancies in 2007, A ‘mirror survey’ of 1,633 UK university students According to the DLHE survey for 2006 and most are looking forward to a healthy approaching the end of their course by the AGR graduates, the average salary for full-time, first growth. The banking and financial services reveals that students are indeed realistic in view degree leavers entering full-time employment in sector is reported to be offering 465 more of their limited experience.4 They are conscious the UK was £18,501, an increase of 4.4% from vacancies in 2007 compared with the previous of the ‘lessening exclusivity of a university the previous year’s figure of £17,715. Male year – the highest increase in the absolute education’ and ‘certainly agree with employers graduates’ earnings averaged at £19,465, number of vacancies amongst all sectors, and that the rapidly rising numbers of graduates on compared with £17,845 for females. corresponding to a year-on-year percentage the market mean that salaries have no need to Unsurprisingly, graduates working in London increase of 22.9%. The survey of AGR employers, increase as rapidly as vacancy levels.’ reported the highest mean salary at £21,609, however, was carried out in May/June 2007, whilst the lowest figures were reported by those before the turmoil of the financial market in ‘The hidden graduate pool’ working in Northern Ireland (£16,334), Yorkshire August as a result of the US mortgage losses. The AGR study, being based on a survey of a and the Humber (£16,837) and Wales (£16,871). Since then, it was predicted that thousands of finite number of employers, can only give a When interpreting these figures, however, it is jobs may be lost in the City of London in months partial picture of the graduate employment important to bear in mind the high cost of living to come. What effects (if any) this will have on market. AGR employers are also mainly large
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organisations offering vacancies specifically less on on-campus campaigning in order to 2. More information about Seven Years On can aimed at degree holders. As a result, salary reach those graduates who are already in the be found at www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ figures reported by the AGR are often higher workplace. ier/research/completed/7yrs2/. than those sourced from student surveys such as For information on the graduate job the DLHE survey, as there is a bias towards larger Further information classifications, see SOC(HE): a classification firms and specific graduate jobs. • www.prospects.ac.uk of occupations for studying the graduate As revealed in the DLHE survey, many - a leading higher education careers website. labour market, available on the same page. graduates did not obtain a permanent graduate- The ‘How Much Could I Earn?’ 3. For example, see The Class of ’99: A study of level job or graduate training position (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/LMISalary) section the early labour market experiences of immediately after graduating. This ‘hidden includes What Do Graduates Do?, a searchable recent graduates, Kate Purcell, Peter Elias, graduate pool’, as called by the AGR, includes salary database, and other information on the Rhys Davies and Nick Wilton, October 2005. those who are in a temporary job not related to graduate labour market. www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/RRP/ their career and those who are in a permanent • Graduate Market Trends, a quarterly review of u013761/index.shtml job that is not part of a graduate training the graduate labour market published by the 4. The AGR Graduate Recruitment Survey 2007: scheme. An AGR study comparing these Higher Education Careers Services Unit. To Summer Review, produced for the AGR by graduates with those on formal graduate register for a free electronic copy, delivered by Trendence. training schemes has revealed that, perhaps email, please go to 5. ‘Market woes ‘to cost City jobs’’, Will Smale, surprisingly, those from the ‘hidden graduate www.ecomms.prospects.ac.uk/mk/get/ BBC News, 22 August 2007. pool’ are more likely to have been promoted to gmtregister http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/ junior manager positions, developing faster and 6958462.stm being assigned more responsibility. The AGR References 6. Reaching the Hidden Graduate Pool, AGR, suggested that this ‘hidden graduate pool’ is ‘a 1. For the destinations of 2005 first degree December 2006 high-quality source of talent but notoriously graduates, see What Do Graduates Do? 2007 difficult to access’ and has called on employers (HECSU/AGCAS); for the destinations of 2004 to change their marketing strategies to focus graduates, see What Do Graduates Do? 2006.
Table 1. Percentages of fresh graduates in graduate- and non-graduate occupations for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 first degree cohorts
Year of graduation 2004 2005 2006
Traditional graduate occupations 11.1% 11.2% 11.5% Modern graduate occupations 12.3% 12.6% 13.1% New graduate occupations 14.9% 15.5% 16.0% Niche graduate occupations 22.7% 23.3% 23.7% Non-graduate occupations 39.1% 37.5% 35.6% All 100% 100% 100% Total in graduate occupations 60.9% 62.5% 64.4%
Source: 2005/06 DLHE
Table 2. Average salarly of full-time, first degree leavers who entered full-time employment in the UK by type of work
Functional managers £22,727 Business and statistical professionals £21,626 Managers in distribution, storage and retailing £18,033 Business and finance associate professionals £21,157 Managers and proprietors in hospitality and leisure services £15,962 Teaching professionals £19,152 Science professionals £18,765 Legal professionals £19,046 Engineering professionals £22,041 Legal associate professionals £15,943 Science and engineering technicians £16,735 Architects, town planners, surveyors £19,733 Information and communication technology professionals £21,277 Social welfare associate professionals £16,969 IT service delivery occupations £17,670 Artistic and literary occupations £16,604 Health professionals £25,365 Design associate professionals £16,767 Health associate professionals £20,427 Media associate professionals £16,839 Public service professionals £21,610 Sports and fitness occupations £15,816 Public service and other associate professionals £19,062 Sales and related associate professionals £18,355
Source: 2005/06 DLHE
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All subjects SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
121030 Female 88215 Male i j 209245 Total responses 263050 Total graduates h 79.5% Response g f a 61.1% In UK employment Includes those listing their activity as ‘Full time paid work’, e Part time paid work’, 'Voluntary or unpaid work' or ‘Self- employed’, in the UK
b 1.8% In overseas employment d Includes those listing their activity as ‘as ‘Full time paid work’, Part time paid work’, 'Voluntary or unpaid work' or ‘Self-employed’, overseas a
c 9.0% Working and studying c Includes those listing their activity as ‘Full time work and full time study', 'Full time work and part time study', 'Part-time work and full-time study' and 'Part time work and part time study' b
d 6.1% Studying in the UK for a higher degree Includes those listing their activity as ‘Entered study or training’, in the UK, and describing it as ‘Higher degree by research’ or ‘Higher degree - taught’
e 2.8% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification Includes those listing their activity as ‘Further study', in the UK, and describing it as ‘Diploma or certificate' or 'professional qualification’ for teaching professionals
f 4.7% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Includes those listing their activity as ‘Further study', in the UK, and describing it as ‘Diploma or certificate (excluding PGCE) or professional qualification' for other than teaching professionals, ‘First degree course’, ‘Private study’ or ‘Other study or training’, in the UK
g 0.2% Undertaking further study or training overseas Includes those listing their principal activity as ‘Further study’, overseas
h 6.0% Believed to be unemployed Includes those describing their employment circumstances as 'Unemployed, and looking for employment, further study or training’ or 'Due to start a job within the next month
i 4.6% Not available for employment, study or training Includes those describing their employment circumstances as ‘Permanently unable to work’, 'Temporarily unable to work', 'Retired', 'Looking after the home or family' and 'Taking time out in order to travel'
j 3.7% Other
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) All subjects
86155 Female 60215 Male 146375 Total Q P A A 4.6% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Includes advertising writers and executives; auctioneers, buying and B purchasing officers; contract officers; estate, land or letting agents; fundraising, appeals and campaign organisers; market research analysts; O marketing professionals; media planners; public relations officers; sales C controllers, administrators, representatives and agents D B 9.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers Includes officers in the armed forces; general managers & administrators in national & local government, large companies N & organisations; production managers in manufacturing, construction, mining & energy industries; specialist managers; E financial institution & office managers, & civil service executive officers; managers in transport & storage; protective service officers; M managers in farming, horticulture, forestry & fishing; managers & proprietors in service industries; and other managers & administrators C 1.1% Scientific Professionals L K Includes chemists; biological scientists & biochemists; physicists, geologists F & meteorologists; and other natural scientists K J D 3.2% Engineering Professionals I G Includes civil, structural, municipal, mining & quarrying engineers; mechanical H engineers; electrical engineers; electronic engineers; chemical engineers; design & development engineers; process & production engineers; planning & quality control engineers; and other engineers & technologists E 13.3% Health Professionals and Associate Professionals Includes medical practitioners; house officers; registrars & consultants; pharmacists & pharmacologists; ophthalmic & dispensing opticians; dental practitioners; veterinarians; nurses; midwives; medical radiographers; physiotherapists; chiropodists; medical technicians & dental auxiliaries; occupational & speech therapists, psychotherapists & other therapists; environmental health officers; and other health professionals F 6.7% Education Professionals Includes university teaching professionals; further education teaching professionals; education officers, school inspectors; secondary (& middle school deemed secondary) education teaching professionals; primary (& middle school deemed primary) & nursery education teaching professionals; special education teaching professionals; examiners & moderators and other teaching professionals G 8.1% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Includes chartered & certified accountants; management accountants; actuaries, economists & statisticians; management consultants & business analysts; estimators & valuers; underwriters, claims assessors, brokers & investment analysts; taxation experts; personnel & industrial relations officers; transport and traffic advisors; events co-ordinators; recuitment agents; organisation & methods & work study officers H 4.0% Information Technology Professionals Includes computer systems & data processing managers; software engineers; computer analysts & programmers; computer & IT consultants; telecommunications professionals and network systems professionals I 5.8% Arts, Design, Culture, Media and Sports Professionals Includes authors, writers & journalists; artists, commercial artists & graphic designers; industrial designers & textile designers; clothing designers; actors, entertainers, stage managers, producers & directors; musicians; photographers, camera, sound & video equipment operators; professional athletes & sports officials; web designers and desk top publishers, assistants and operators. J 0.8% Legal Professionals Includes adjudicators, tribunal & panels members; barristers & advocates; clerks & officers of court; judges, magistrates, coroners & sheriffs; legal advisers, executives & paralegals and solicitors K 3.7% Social & Welfare Professionals Includes community workers; counsellors; drug workers; housing and welfare officers; clinical, education, occupational & general psychologists; probation officers; social workers and youth workers L 5.5% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations Includes general researchers; social science researchers; architects; town planners; surveyors; public service administrative professionals; registrars; clergy; librarians, archivists & curators; technicians; aircraft pilots, flight engineers & navigators; conservation, heritage & environmental protection officers; health and safety officers; industrial & trading standards inspectors; environmental health officers and careers advisers M 2.6% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Includes accounts & wages clerks, book-keepers, & other financial clerks; counter clerks & cashiers; and debt, rent & other cash collectors N 10.4% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Includes administrative & clerical officers & assistants in civil service & local government; filing & records clerks; other clerks; stores & despatch clerks & storekeepers; secretaries, personal assistants, typists, word processor operators; receptionists, telephonists & related occupations; and other clerical & secretarial occupations O 9.0% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Includes chefs & cooks, waiters & waitresses & bar staff; and sales assistants & check-out operators P 11.5% Other Occupations Includes assistant nurses & nursing auxiliaries; hospital ward assistants; ambulance staff; dental nurses; care assistants & attendants; nursery nurses; playgroup leaders; educational assistants; ncos and other ranks, armed forces; police officers; fire service officers; prison service officers; customs & excise officers & immigration officers; traffic wardens; security guards & related occupations; craft & related occupations (skilled and unskilled); other sales occupations; agricultural occupations; plant & machine operatives; and other occupations Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
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Science Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics and Sports Science
2007 university application figures showed an 2006. Environmental science graduates showed graduates earning £19,174 on average. This increase in interest in many science subjects. By the greatest improvement in employment compares well with an overall average full-time the end of June 2007, application figures for prospects, with unemployment falling from 7.0% graduate salary of £18,501, six months after biology were up by 5.7% from the previous year, in 2005 to 6.1% in 2006. graduating. However, biology (£16,402), chemistry by 11.3% and physics by 12.5%.1 A high profile campaign to recruit teachers in environmental science (£16,720) and sports According to the review of skills by Lord Leitch, science disciplines appears to be bearing some science (£15,963) all earned, on average, below ‘The need to invest in high level research skills fruit, with a rise in the number of chemistry the mean rate for all full-time graduates. This and knowledge is central to UK efforts to graduates going on to teaching courses. The partly reflects a relatively high degree of maintain and develop the knowledge base for campaign, however, has not been entirely voluntary work amongst graduates from these our economy, generating and propagating a successful, with a falling proportion of physics degrees – especially for environmental sciences – world class research community and provide the graduates opting to go into teaching. but graduates from many of these disciplines foundation for technological innovations will see salaries grow quickly as they get more required for a sustainable future.’2 This means Types of Work experience in their careers. that, more than ever before, science degrees are As mentioned, many graduates aspiring to enter A report entitled The Economic Benefits of being regarded as essential to national science research and development take Higher Education Qualifications published by prosperity. postgraduate degrees in order to improve their Pricewaterhouse Coopers and commissioned However, there is still concern over the job prospects. This means that although jointly by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) numbers of students studying some science scientific jobs remain important for many and the Institute of Physics (IOP) claims that subjects. Declines in the number of graduates in subjects, chemistry is the only course here where graduates in chemistry and physics earn up to chemistry and physics in particular over the science is the most important job outcome six 30% more than those with A-levels only.4 The years have been worrying education and months after graduation. In 2006, 24% of research also demonstrated that the Exchequer business leaders, and this year, the chemistry graduates were working as scientific can benefit from greater numbers of chemistry Confederation of British Industry (CBI) suggested researchers six months following completion of and physics graduates with graduates in these that students in science subjects should receive their degree. subjects paying £135,000 more in tax than those bursaries to stimulate interest in these One in five (19.6%) sports science graduates with two or more A-levels (or equivalent) alone strategically important areas.3 were employed as sports professionals, with and £40,000 more than the average graduate In 2006, biology, chemistry and environmental coaching and instructing jobs the most over their working life. sciences all experienced a year-on-year fall in the important in this area. One in nine, 11.1%, also Dr David Giachardi, the RSC Chief Executive, number of graduates. On the other hand, sports went into education, mainly as teachers, and commented “The tax man should be very science showed a strong rise, whilst a modest another one in twelve, 8.5%, went into concerned about universities not cherishing increase in the number of graduates in physics management – demonstrating the transferable chemistry and physics, while undergraduates in was recorded. nature of the degree. these areas will be looking forward to being Management was also very important for ahead of the field financially for the rest of their Destinations environmental science, with 12.3% of graduates lives after graduating”.5 In addition to a massive increase in numbers, starting a management role. Environmental sports science graduates also enjoy the highest science graduates, however, were more likely to References employment rate amongst scientists, at 62.3%, enter professional roles in surveying and 1. Table 8 in the UCAS press release ‘University and the lowest unemployment, at 4.9% (see planning, than roles in science or management. and college applicant numbers continue to Table 1). The types of work that physics graduates show consistent increase’, 19 July 2007. Six months after graduation, science entered were perhaps more like their www.ucas.com/new/press/news190707.html. graduates, especially those from physics and counterparts in mathematics than chemistry 2. Skills in the UK: The Long Term Challenge – chemistry, were more likely to have entered and biology. Physics graduates were much more The Final Report of the Leitch Review, 2006, further study/training than those from other likely to enter a role in the finance industry than HM Treasury, www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ disciplines. In 2006, 32.9% of physics graduates science. Nearly one in five, 19.4%, physics independentreviews/leitchreview/ and 34.4% of chemistry graduates went on to graduates went into a business or finance jobs, reviewleitchindex.cfm further study (as a sole activity) compared with in a range of roles such as accountants, auditors, 3. Confederation for British Industry press 13.8% of all first-degree graduates. Biologists analysts and actuaries. This displays the release, 13 August 2007. and environmental science graduates were also adaptability of many science degrees and shows 4. The Economic Benefits of Higher Education much more likely than graduates as a whole to that there are more jobs than the traditional Qualifications, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP. enter further study. These reflect the fact that to science occupations, that scientists can enter. January 2005. The report can be downloaded pursue a research and development career from www.rsc.org within science, a postgraduate qualification is Salaries 5. Royal Society of Chemistry press release, often useful, and in many cases, even a The changing nature of employment for physics 2 February 2005. prerequisite. graduates is reflected by their relatively high Although unemployment rates in some starting salaries. In 2006, physics graduates who Further Reading subjects are, perhaps surprisingly, a little higher were employed full-time were earning £20,035 AGCAS Signpost Sheets including: than the average for all graduates, most fell in six months after graduating, with chemistry • Your Degree in Biology … What Next?
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• Your Degree in Chemistry … What Next? job because of the practical experience I gained field of weather modelling. There are two main • Your Degree in Environmental Science … What during my final-year project and my year in divisions of weather modelling: one is Next? industry, so it’s important to do some international, the other more local, based around • Your Degree in Physics … What Next? independent lab work during your degree Great Britain and Europe. His role involves whenever possible if you want to work in analysing and testing recommended AGCAS Signpost Sheets are available online at research. developments in weather modelling and helping www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Signposts After three years, I decided my heart wasn’t to implement changes to current systems. Detailed information about types of work, really in research, so I moved across into Piers has held a keen interest in physics for written by AGCAS higher education careers scientific publishing where I could be more many years, taking physics A-level and, after advisers, can be accessed at creative. Publishing is a form of science finishing his first degree, progressed on to an www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Occupations - communication - it’s very important that MSc. He completed a final year project in occupations especially relevant to science, discoveries are made known so that other neutron diffraction and after graduation went mathematics and IT graduates can be found scientists can use the information to develop on to complete a PhD in physics. This was under Scientific Services, Natural Resources and new technologies. I worked as a managing editor followed by postdoctoral work, after which Piers the Environment, Education, Teaching and but there are lots of other types of jobs within joined the Met Office, following its move to Lecturing, and Engineering. the sector, such as desk editor, editorial Exeter. These AGCAS publications are also available in assistant, commissioning editor, production His current role involves testing any your local higher education careers service, or manager and marketing manager. recommended changes to existing climate from Graduate Prospects, tel: 0161 277 5274. I am currently working as an education officer. modelling techniques and he works on areas Science communication is a very broad career such as analysing cloud formation, rain and Useful Web Sites and can involve explaining science to the public snowfall patterns, and atomic dispersion related • www.prospects.ac.uk - for a wealth of careers and schools (e.g. in a science museum, science to air quality. The work is largely office-based, related information specific to graduates centre or at science festivals), writing about involving extensive use of computer software. It • British Trust for Conservation Volunteers science (e.g. as a science journalist), working as a requires a systematic and rational, yet (BTCV) – www.btcv.org science press officer (who bridges the gap imaginative, approach to solving problems and • Chartered Institution of Water & between scientists and the media) or, like my the ability to be able to analyse a wide range of Environmental Management (CIWEM) – current role, working as an education officer. I complex information. There is also a need to www.ciwem.org.uk run workshops and activities at our science produce information in report form for use by • Department for Innovation, Universities and conferences to help scientists learn how to others. Skills - www.dius.gov.uk communicate their science effectively to the • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research public and to the media. I also run outreach Quotes Council – www.epsrc.ac.uk events at science festivals and in science Medical physics • Institute of Biology – www.iob.org museums, in partnership with other science ‘Get some experience of working in a hospital • Institute of Physics – www.iop.org communicators. department, be it as an optional part of your • Nature – www.nature.com If you want variety and creativity combined degree or even some voluntary work; subscribe to • New Scientist – www.newscientist.com with science, this is a great job. The career path a suitable medical journal, and join a relevant • Royal Society of Chemistry – www.rsc.org is rather ‘crazy’ as many jobs are short term, and society.’ you may have to move on to another Case Studies organisation if you want to get on. There is quite Anatomy and Human Biology Sarah - BSc Biology. Education officer. I took a a lot of travelling involved within the UK and “While the subject of my degree is not relevant at four-year sandwich degree in applied biology, occasionally abroad, and you get to meet lots of all to banking, the skills gained by studying and which meant that I spent a year working in interesting people. through extracurricular responsibilities most industry during my third year. Following my certainly are relevant. During the recruitment degree, I worked in a research laboratory where I Piers – BSc Physics. Mesoscale research scientist process, I was able to demonstrate self-motivation, carried out experiments in the lab to find out Piers works as a mesoscale research scientist at discipline and balancing aspects of student life.” how minerals are taken up by plants. I got the the Met Office in Exeter and is employed in the
Table 1. First destinations of science graduates from 2006
Numbers graduating Entering Entering Further Working Unemployed at Other (survey respondents) Employment Study/Training and Studying time of survey
Biology 3235 53.5% 23.1% 7.0% 7.9% 8.5%
Chemistry 1935 46.0% 34.4% 6.7% 5.9% 7.1%
Environmental, physical geographical and terrestrial sciences 3250 56.9% 20.4% 7.2% 6.1% 9.5%
Physics 1755 41.6% 32.9% 9.5% 8.2% 7.9%
Sport Science 4865 62.3% 16.2% 8.4% 4.9% 8.1%
All subjects 209245 62.9% 13.8% 9.0% 6.0% 8.3%
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Biology SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
2055 Female j 1180 Male i 3235 Total responses 3965 All graduates h 81.6 % Response g f a 51.7% In UK employment e b 1.9% In overseas employment
c 7.0% Working and studying
d 13.2% Studying in the UK for a higher degree a PhD: d Virology MSc: Molecular Life Sciences Community Health Nursing Social Work Immunology c
e 5.6% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification b PGCE: Primary
f 4.0% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.3% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 7.9% Believed to be unemployed
i 5.6% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.9% Other
Disciplines included Applied Biology Cell Biology Freshwater Biology Applied Cell Biology Developmental Biology Marine Biology Behavioural biology Developmental/ Marine/freshwater Biology Biodiversity Reproductive Biology Parasitology Biology Ecology Population Biology Biology not elsewhere classified Environmental Biology Reproductive Biology Biometry Evolution
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Biology
1200 Female 695 Male P Q A 1895 Total B A 4.3% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Accounts Manager Isis Telecom B 7.9% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers O C 11.6% Scientific Research, Analysis & C Development Professionals Development Scientist Oxoid/Thermofisher D Laboratory Analyst Westward Laboratories Clinical Research Associate Assistant Parexcel E D 0.7% Engineering Professionals E 3.1% Health Professionals and Associate F Professionals N G Cardiologist Hospital Clinical Scientist NHS Regional Genetic Service H F 4.7% Education Professionals I M J Librarian Local Authority K G 5.3% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate L Professionals Graduate Trainee Investment Banker Landsbanki Teather & Greenwood Trade Marketing Executive Drinks Company H 1.0% Information Technology Professionals I 2.3% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Assistant Commissioning Editor Science Magazine J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 1.8% Social & Welfare Professionals L 13.1% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations Production Assistant Media Company Laboratory Science Technical School Countryside Ranger Scottish Estate M 3.0% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 12.3% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations O 14.7% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 14.0% Other Occupations Assistant Tour Operator Tour Group Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Scientific research, analysis & development professionals C Biochemists, medical scientists 4.2% Bacteriologists, microbiologists etc. 0.8% Scientific researchers 2.4% Other biological scientists and biochemists 0.7% Biologists 2.0% Other scientists 0.6% Physiologists 1.1%
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Chemistry SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
885 Female i j 1050 Male 1935 Total responses h 2275 All graduates g 85.1 % response f
a 44.8% In UK employment e
b 1.2% In overseas employment
c 6.7% Working and studying a
d 25.8% Studying in the UK for a higher degree PhD: Chemistry Molecular Enzymology MPhil: d Chemistry Engineering Materials MSc: Polymers for Advanced Materials
e 5.8% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification c b PGCE: Primary Secondary Teaching
f 2.8% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 5.9% Believed to be unemployed
i 4.3% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.8% Other
Disciplines included Analytical Chemistry Crystallography Organometallic Chemistry Applied Chemistry Environmental Chemistry Petrochemical Chemistry Biomolecular Chemistry Industrial Chemistry Pharmaceutical Chemistry Bio-organic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry Physical Chemistry Chemistry Marine Chemistry Polymer Chemistry Chemistry not elsewhere classified Medicinal Chemistry Structural Chemistry Colour Chemistry Organic Chemistry
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Chemistry
475 Female 515 Male P Q A 990 Total O B A 3.5% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Advertising Accounts Manager Haymarket Media Group N B 6.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers M C 24.0% Scientific Research, Analysis & Development Professionals Bench Scientist GlaxoSmithKline C Product Development Chemist Syngenta. Research Scientist Johnson Matthey ICP-MS Method Development Chemist Analytical Services Employer D 2.9% Engineering Professionals L Environmental Field Engineer Environmental Engineering Specialists D E 1.5% Health Professionals and Associate Professionals K E F 3.8% Education Professionals J F I Learner Support Administrator UK University H G G 9.3% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Financial Adviser Financial Services Employer Chartered Accountant Moore Stephens H 1.5% Information Technology Professionals I 1.4% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.3% Legal Professionals Trainee Patent Attorney Intellectual Property Attorneys K 1.0% Social & Welfare Professionals L 19.6% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Quality Control Analyst Sanofi Aventis Democracy and Communications Officer Spanish University M 3.1% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Assistant Auditor National Audits Office N 6.6% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Office Administrator Office Angels O 7.2% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 7.4% Other Occupations Chaplaincy Assistant UK University Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Scientific research, analysis & development professionals C Chemists 8.1% Analytical chemists 3.9% Scientific researchers 5.5% Biochemists, medical scientists 1.0% Research/development chemists 4.7% Other scientists 0.7%
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Environmental, physical geographical and terrestrial sciences SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1525 Female j 1725 Male i 3250 Total responses 3875 All graduates h 83.9 % response g f a 54.3% In UK employment
b 2.6% In overseas employment e
c 7.2% Working and studying
d 12.7% Studying in the UK for a higher degree a MSc: Hydrogeology d Environmental Health Microbiology Environmental Analysis MA: Spatial Planning Management c e 5.0% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: b Primary Secondary (Environmental Science)
f 2.4% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.2% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.1% Believed to be unemployed
i 7.1% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.4% Other
Disciplines included Applied Environmental Sciences Geographical and Environmental Meteorology Biogeography Sciences not elsewhere classified Physical Geography Cartography Geographical Information Systems Pollution Control Climatology Geomorphology Remote Sensing Environmental Geography Hydrology Soil Science Environmental Sciences Maritime Geography Topography
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Environmental, physical geographical and terrestrial sciences
Q A 915 Female P 1080 Male 1990 Total B A 4.3% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals UK Marketing Assistant Business Consultants C O B 12.3% Commercial, Industrial and Public D Sector Managers Trainee Manager ASDA E C 3.2% Scientific Research, Analysis & F Development Professionals Environmental Scientist Environmental Consultants Technical Consultant Land Treatment Specialists G Meteorologist Meteorological Consultants H Development Chemist Direct Laboratories D 2.9% Engineering Professionals N G I Graduate Engineer Environmental Engineers J I E 0.3% Health Professionals K L F 1.5% Education Professionals M Learning Support Worker LEA G 8.0% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Investments Advisor Building Society H 1.6% Information Technology Professionals I 2.3% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 1.3% Social & Welfare Professionals L 16.5% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations Planning Officer District Council GIS Analyst Local Council Map Editor Ordnance Survey M 3.9% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers General Administration Assistant Mortgage Advisor N 13.8% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Booking Clerk City Council Administrative Assistant Planning Inspectorate O 13.5% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 14.2% Other Occupations Recycling Warden Borough Council Junior Officer British Army Q 0.2% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Other professionals, associate professional and technical L occupations Conservation, heritage and environmental protection Research professionals 1.5% officers 4.3% Inspectors and health and safety officers 1.2% Science and engineering technicians 3.8% Building and architectural technicians 1.0% Town planners and surveyors 3.6% Other professionals and associate professionals 1.1%
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Physics SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
385 Female j 1370 Male i 1755 Total responses 2110 All graduates 83.2 % response h
a 39.7% In UK employment g b 1.9% In overseas employment f a c 9.5% Working and studying e
d 25.6% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MSc: Nanotechnology Radiation and Environmental Protection Magnetic Resonance Imaging Meteorology PhD: Nanotechnology Nuclear Physics Medical Physics d b e 3.8% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification c PGCE: Secondary
f 2.4% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 1.0% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 8.2% Believed to be unemployed
i 5.1% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.8% Other
Disciplines included Acoustics Environmental Physics Physics Applied Physics Laser Physics Physics not elsewhere classified Atmospheric Physics Marine Physics Quantum Mechanics Chemical Physics Mathematical & Theoretical Physics Radiation Physics Computational Physics Medical Physics Solid state Physics Electromagnetism Nuclear and Particle Physics Engineering Physics Optical Physics
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Physics
200 Female P Q A 660 Male 860 Total B O A 2.5% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals C B 8.3% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers C 5.8% Scientific Research, Analysis & N D Development Professionals Graduate Physicist Atomic Weapons Establishment Research Scientist University E Research Technologist Fuel Cell Researchers M D 6.3% Engineering Professionals F Graduate Engineer Atkins Process Technologist Precision Engineers E 0.9% Health Professionals and Associate L Professionals G F 5.1% Education Professionals K G 19.4% Business and Financial Professionals and J I Associate Professionals Analyst Business Consultancy H Finance and Administration Officer The Law Society Investment Assistant Marks & Spencer H 8.7% Information Technology Professionals Graduate Software Engineer Space Industry Software Tester Semiconductor Manufacturer Database Administrator Lexis Nexis I 2.4% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Editor Study Guide Publisher J 0.5% Legal Professionals K 0.6% Social & Welfare Professionals L 9.1% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations Data Technician Political Party Civilian Support Police Force M 2.9% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Accounts Clerk Norwich Union N 10.5% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Personnel and Business Administrator Local Council O 8.1% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 8.9% Other Occupations Assistant Pipe Fitter Cooling System Manufacturer Q 0.0% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Business and financial professionals and associate G professionals Chartered and certified accountants 4.9% Examiners/auditors 1.1% Finance and investment analysts/advisers 4.4% Management accountants and consultants 1.0% Business analysts and actuaries 2.5% Taxation advisors and experts 0.8% Brokers and estimators 1.3% Other business and finance professionals 2.2% Personnel and recruitment professionals 1.2%
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Sports science SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1980 Female j 2885 Male i 4865 Total responses h 5915 All graduates g 82.2 % response f
a 60.9% In UK employment e b 1.4% In overseas employment a c 8.4% Working and studying d d 5.5% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MSc: a Sport and Exercise Science Exercise and Nutrition Sports Physiotherapy Counselling c Sports Injury
e 7.1% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: b Secondary
f 3.4% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Certificates & Diplomas: LSSM Sports Massage
g 0.2% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 4.9% Believed to be unemployed
i 5.4% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.7% Other
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Sports science
1370 Female Q 1995 Male A 3370 Total P B A 4.1% Marketing, Sales and Advertising C Professionals D Accounts Executive Millward Brown E B 8.5% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers Fast Stream Civil Servant DEFRA F Retail Manager Asda Walmart Team Leader Mitchell and Butler O C 0.6% Scientific Research, Analysis & Development Professionals Scientific Officer Ministry of Defence G D 0.4% Engineering Professionals H G E 1.9% Health Professionals and Associate H Professionals N I Physiotherapy Assistant London PCT F 11.1% Education Professionals M L Sports Teacher School K J G 4.2% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Portfolio Collector Aktiv Capital Associate Price WaterhouseCoopers H 0.7% Information Technology Professionals I 19.6% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Ice Skating Professional Skating Academy Sports Coach Youth Football Scheme Fitness Instructor Total Fitness Senior Sport Coach Primary School Fitness Providers Sports Science Officer British Swimming J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 2.6% Social & Welfare Professionals L 2.1% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations Research Assistant St. Martin’s College Police Officer Metropolitan Police M 2.0% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 10.2% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations O 11.0% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 20.7% Other Occupations Remedial Massage Therapist Clinic of Complementary Medicine Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Arts, design, culture and sports professionals I Sports coaches, instructors 7.4% Outdoor pursuits instructors 0.3% Fitness instructors 6.9% Sports and fitness occupations not elsewhere Sports officials 3.2% classified 0.8% Sports players 0.7% Media and design professionals 0.4% WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 20
20 What Do Graduates Do? 2008 Mathematics and IT and computing
Following several years of decline, growing five to eight times faster than other from £19,342 in 2005, whilst the average salary unemployment for IT graduates six months after sectors and needs 150,000 new entrants each for computer science graduates rose to £19,589 graduation in 2006 has not changed year.3 from £18,801 the year before. These were both significantly from the previous year’s figure. The It is the mix of jobs that is changing within IT: above the average figure for all subjects, at main issue facing the IT sector is the declining while jobs for lower-paid professionals such as £18,501. number of graduates completing IT degrees, help-desk and operations staff are migrating, the provoking fear of a possible skills shortage. demand for higher-level jobs such as software References By contrast, destination statistics for engineering and project management, is on the 1. Computing, 14 June 2007 mathematics graduates reveal a fall in rise in the UK.4 This general ‘up-skilling’ is 2. Computer Weekly, 18 January 2007 unemployment, supporting the idea that reflected in the salary data for IT which is above 3. Computing, 14 June 2007 employers value the high levels of numeracy the average for all subjects and continues to 4. Computer Weekly, 1 August 2006 these graduates can offer. grow. 5. Computer Weekly, 13 March 2007 It should also be pointed out that many IT 6. Computer Weekly, 4 January 2007 Destinations directors would rather hire computing graduates 7. Computer Weekly, 14 June 2007 Unemployment levels for mathematics and spend money on training them than buying graduates fell 1.2 percentage points from 6.6% in in experienced contractors.5 Further Reading 2005 to 5.4% in 2006, and was below the The IT sector continues to be a growing and AGCAS Options Series including: average unemployment figure for all subjects potentially lucrative industry, but students must • Accountancy and Finance (6.0%). At 46.5%, the level of employment for choose the right course if they are to reap the • Computer Science/IT mathematics graduates was significantly below rewards. A recent survey by FDM group revealed • Mathematics the average for all subjects (62.9%), but this is that 47% of IT graduates felt that their degree • Multimedia due to the relatively large percentage in the course had not provided them with the latest IT • Statistics further study/training category (24.3%) (see skills.6 This emphasises the importance of Table 1). researching courses thoroughly. Potential AGCAS Options Series are available online at Six months after graduation, 73.4% of IT undergraduates should also choose courses that www.prospects.ac.uk/links/options graduates from the 2006 cohort were in equip them with the business skills that Detailed information about types of work, employment (including working and studying). employers look for, such as communication and written by AGCAS higher education careers This compares favourably with the average for all teamwork. Research by sector skills body e-Skills advisers, can be accessed at subjects of 71.9%. However, IT graduates were found that 40% of employers consider the level www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Occupations - less likely to be in further study (as a sole of business and non-technical skills of the IT occupations especially relevant to mathematics activity) and more likely to be unemployed. graduates they recruit to be inadequate.7 and IT graduates can be found under IT, Following several years of decrease, Completing an industrial placement within a Economics, Statistics and Management Services. unemployment figures for IT rose, albeit only course can also be a distinct advantage. These AGCAS publications are also available in slightly, from 10.3% in 2005 to 10.4% in 2006. your local higher education careers service, or The main concern facing the IT sector is a Types of Work from Graduate Prospects, tel: 0161 277 5274. significant decline in the numbers entering IT- An examination of the types of work that based courses. Only 15,145 students graduated graduates went into six months after graduation Useful Web Sites from IT courses in 2006 compared with 15,930 reveals that in 2006, 43.2% of IT graduates were • www.prospects.ac.uk - for a wealth of careers the year before. Indeed, the figures have halved working as IT professionals. This figure related information specific to graduates since 2001.1 This trend has raised concern about represents an increase for the forth year in • British Computer Society – www.bcs.org a skills gap opening within the IT sector in the succession and provides further evidence of an • e-Skills UK – the Sector Skills Council for IT near future, and the British Computer Society expanding IT sector. and Telecoms – www.e-skills.com reported the possibility of the demand for skilled Mathematics graduates entering employment • National Computing Centre – www.ncc.co.uk IT professionals being frustrated by a 25% comprised 37.9% in business and financial • Institute of IT Training – www.itt.org.uk shortfall of computer science graduates by positions at a professional or associate • Institution of Analysts and Programmers – 2009.2 professional level. This is a 4 percentage points www.iap.org.uk The ‘offshoring’ of IT jobs to countries in the increase on the year prior. • British Interactive Multimedia Association - developing world is among the main concerns www.bima.co.uk dissuading students from choosing IT courses at Salaries • Institute for the Management of Information university, the perception being that this will The average salaries for computer science and Systems - www.imis.org.uk make job opportunities harder to come by. mathematics graduates who were in full-time • Institute of Mathematics and its Applications However, there is evidence that the IT sector is employment in the UK six months following – www.ima.org.uk growing at a relatively fast rate. A recent report graduation rose in 2006. Salaries for • Royal Statistical Society – www.rss.org.uk by Microsoft showed that the IT industry is mathematics graduates increased to £20,212 WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 21
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Numbers graduating Entering Entering Further Working Unemployed at Other (survey respondents) Employment Study/Training and Studying time of survey
Mathematics 3380 46.5% 24.3% 14.5% 5.4% 9.2%
IT and Computing 11800 67.4% 8.4% 6.0% 10.4% 7.9%
All subjects 209245 62.9% 13.8% 9.0% 6.0% 8.3%
Table 1. First destinations of mathematics and IT graduates in 2006
Case Studies profitable because of this. schemes, giving advice to the scheme trustees or Friendy – BSc Computer Science. Software Friendy is hoping to become a project manager, the sponsoring employers. He was attracted to engineer/senior developer as he is gaining more experience in software the company because it seemed small enough to Friendy obtained a degree in computer science development and handling different types of value individuals, but sufficiently established and then went on to achieve a masters in projects. His advice to other students wanting to and ambitious to offer a variety of career business information technology. He is currently get into software engineering is: opportunities. responsible for undertaking IT projects and 'You must be passionate about what you do and An interview, drinks evening, and an delivering IT solutions to a variety of business be willing to learn as the technologies are assessment centre later and Russell was offered sectors. constantly moving forward. You must have a 'can a job. Friendy says that while he was studying at do' attitude and be self-motivated, as you will be At the same time as working in a full-time job, university, he took every opportunity to gain required to work on your own on some occasions.' you are also studying for your actuarial exams. relevant work experience. He worked for an IT This is something that Russell is sure would consultancy as a summer trainee and took part Russell – BSc Mathematics. Actuarial Trainee appear quite daunting, especially when you have in contract work for a variety of companies. When he left university, Russell had no clear idea only recently finished studying for your finals. After graduating in 2003, he worked for an IT what he wanted to do as a career, so he went However, most companies will offer a flexible consultancy company so that he could gain travelling around Australia and New Zealand. and generous study package and designate a some solid commercial experience in software However, on his return, it was decision time. He study mentor and supervisor to you. As long as development. After a few years, he joined his had always been good with numbers and also he uses his study days wisely, which works out at current employer: liked the idea of interacting with clients. With roughly one day per week, Russell finds that he “As a new member of staff, I was provided with this in mind, he eventually decided on a career in still has enough free time to have a varied social on-the-job training through a mentoring actuarial consultancy. He knew this would offer life. programme, where you work closely with a a rewarding career where there was always Without a doubt, a career as an actuary will member of senior management. I have also been scope for career opportunities. He was also provide a stimulating and rewarding given training to understand the different attracted to the idea of studying and working environment. Russell feels lucky to have a job business processes of our clients.” towards achieving a well-respected and valued where he is continually learning and developing. Friendy enjoys being able to work on many professional qualification. Every day brings new challenges and, as you different projects and technologies. He likes the Russell applied to several actuarial develop and gain more experience, you naturally satisfaction of knowing that many different consultancies, of which his current employer take on new responsibilities. businesses are using the software he helped was one. They mainly deal with the provision of develop and are becoming more efficient and actuarial services for occupational pension WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 22
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Computer science and information technology SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
2330 Female j 9470 Male i 11800 Total responses 15145 All graduates h 77.9 % response g a 66.1% In UK employment f b 1.3% In overseas employment e
c 6.0% Working and studying d
d 5.3% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MSc: a Network Computing Project Management c Information Security Forensic Informatics PhD: b Computer Science
e 1.3% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: Secondary IT
f 1.8% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 10.4% Believed to be unemployed
i 3.3% Not available for employment, study or training
j 4.5% Other
Disciplines included Artificial Intelligence Data Management Procedural Programming Artificial Intelligence not elsewhere Databases Programming classified Declarative Programming Software Design Automated Reasoning Human-computer Interaction Software Engineering Cognitive Modelling Information Modelling Software Engineering not elsewhere Computational Science Foundations Information Systems classified Computer Architectures Knowledge Representation Speech and Natural Language Computer Architectures & Operating Machine Learning Processing Systems Multi-media Computing Science Systems Analysis and Design Computer Science Networks and Communications Systems Analysis and Design not Computer Vision Neural Computing elsewhere classified Computing Science not elsewhere Object Oriented Programming Systems Auditing classified Operating Systems Systems Design Methodologies
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Computer science and information technology
1630 Female 6865 Male P Q 8495 Total A O B A 2.8% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals C Sales Executive ADA D Marketing Executive The Daily Mail N E B 10.0% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector F Managers G Trainee Retail Manager Tesco M Trainee Retail Manager Asda WalMart C 0.1% Scientific Research, Analysis & L Development Professionals K D 2.0% Engineering Professionals J Radio Engineer Multimedia Company I E 0.1% Health Professionals and Associate Professionals F 2.0% Education Professionals H Lecturer College G 5.9% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Management Consultant IBM Analyst Goldman Sachs International H 43.2% Information Technology Professionals Data Analyst Dell Computers IT Analyst Yell Ltd Systems Analyst BMW IT Consultant Cerner Software Developer Accenture Software Engineer Orange Computer Programmer BAE Systems Technical Manager Holt JCB I 4.8% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 0.6% Social & Welfare Professionals L 2.9% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations IT Technician Novatech IT Support Fujitsu Technical Support Engineer Microsoft M 2.0% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Bank Cashier Barclays Bank N 7.2% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Further breakdown O 7.5% Retail, Catering, Waiting Information technology and Bar Staff H Sales Assistant Vodaphone Sales Representative Smartwear professionals P 8.6% Other Occupations Software designers and engineers 10.1% Police Officer West Midlands Police Computer analysts and programmers 9.0% Q 0.1% Unknown occupations IT user support technicians (help desk support) 6.0% IT operations technicians (network support) 5.2% Web developers and producers 4.0% IT consultants and planners 3.8% Network/systems designers and engineers 3.4% Software professionals 1.9%
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Mathematics SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1390 Female j 1990 Male i 3380 Total responses 4070 All graduates h 83.0 % response g f a 45.1% In UK employment
b 1.5% In overseas employment e
c 14.5% Working and studying a d 12.0% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MSc: Statistics Applied Mathematics d Financial Economics Computer Science PhD: Mathematics
e 8.5% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: c b Secondary Mathematics Primary
f 3.5% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.2% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 5.4% Believed to be unemployed
i 6.4% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.8% Other
Disciplines included Applied Mathematics Mathematical Methods Numerical Analysis Computational Mathematics Mathematical Modelling Numerical Methods Engineering Mathematics Mathematics not elsewhere classified Pure Mathematics Industrial Mathematics Mathematical Mechanics
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Mathematics
870 Female 1140 Male P Q A 2010 Total O B
A 2.5% Marketing, Sales and Advertising C Professionals D Marketing Associate Estée Lauder N E B 7.8% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector F Managers Trainee Manager Matalan C 0.8% Scientific Research, Analysis & Development Professionals M D 1.7% Engineering Professionals L E 0.4% Health Professionals and Associate K Professionals J F 9.1% Education Professionals I Teacher Medway Council H G G 37.9% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Analyst Intelligent Finance Trainee Investment Analyst Mercer HR Information Analyst/Statistician NHS Scotland Statistical Analyst Office for National Statistics Trainee Actuary Argon UK Actuarial Analyst Cooperative Insurance Services Trainee Accountant PriceWaterhouseCoopers Statistical Modeller Bank of Amercia H 4.8% Information Technology Professionals IT Analyst Cognisco IT Consultant Logica I 0.9% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.2% Legal Professionals K 1.0% Social & Welfare Professionals L 2.7% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations Reconciler Capita SIP Services Pensions Administrator AG Bell Further breakdown M 6.6% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 9.9% Other Clerical and Secretarial Business and financial Occupations G Secretary TD Waterhouse professionals and associate O 6.0% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Supermarket Worker Asda professionals P 7.2% Other Occupations Chartered and certified accountants 9.8% Q 0.3% Unknown occupations Actuaries 6.9% Finance and investment analysts/advisers 6.2% Business analysts 2.0% Statisticians 1.7% Organisation, methods and business systems analysts 1.5% Examiners/auditors 1.3% Tax consultants, advisers 1.1% Management consultants 1.0% Others in business and finance 6.4%
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26 Engineering and building management Architecture and Building, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
This section covers four degree subjects which land their first job, unlike some of their peers www.ucas.com/new/press/news190707.html are closely linked, and graduates from these studying more general degrees. 2. WISE Campaign www.wisecampaign.org.uk disciplines often work together professionally. The unemployment rates for architecture and 3. ConstructionSkills www.cskills.org Figures from the Universities and Colleges building and civil engineering are both below 4. ‘Who will build the Olympics’, November Admissions Service (UCAS) released in July 2007 the average for all graduates (both at 3.4%, 2005. www.bconstructive.co.uk show that the number of full-time students on compared with 6.0% for all subjects). The figure 5. Engineering UK, Research Report, construction related courses is rising. Applicant for mechanical engineering is 6.7%, whilst Engineering and Technology Board, 2006 numbers to study civil engineering in 2007, one electrical and electronic engineering has the www.etechb.org.uk of the degree courses showing the biggest highest level, at 9.5%. percentage increase, were up by 16.3% over the The high employment and low unemployment Further Reading previous year, whilst applications for rates for civil engineering, and architecture and AGCAS Options series including: architecture, building and planning courses have building graduates are evidence of the strength • Civil Engineering increased by 10.4% since 2006.1 With major of the construction industry in recent years. • Electrical/Electronic Engineering infrastructure projects taking place, such as the The task of building the London 2012 Olympics • Mechanical Engineering Olympics, public sector building programmes will create a large number of jobs in the building and redevelopment projects, it is seen as vital industry, with civil engineering and a range of AGCAS Options series are available online at that these increases are sustained. specialist skills in particular high demand. Even www.prospects.ac.uk/links/options Both engineering and building management before London had won the Olympic bid, it was Detailed information about types of work, sectors seek to attract more entrants, estimated that the industry would require written by AGCAS higher education careers particularly women and ethnic minorities. For 88,000 new recruits every year to deliver on the advisers can be accessed at example, the Women into Science, Engineering massive demand the industry faces.4 www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Occupations. and Construction campaign have helped to Occupations especially relevant to engineering double the percentage of female engineering Types of Work and building management graduates can be graduates from 7% in 1984 to 15% today,2 and in The types of work entered by engineering and found under Engineering, Manufacturing and 2006, over 70,000 young people took part in the building management graduates are clustered Processing, Natural Resources and the annual National Construction Week organised by around the career areas directly relating to their Environment, and Construction and Property ConstructionSkills, designed to make them degree subjects, although a significant number Management. aware that construction is the UK’s biggest also go into a range of other careers, including The sector briefings for construction, industry, with over two million people employed business. manufacturing and oil, gas and petroleum are in more than 700 different types of jobs. Engineers are not only needed in the available online at ConstructionSkills have also introduced the traditional sectors of construction and www.prospects.ac.uk/links/SectorBs. “Inspire Scholarships”, a placement and funding manufacturing, they are also spread throughout AGCAS publications are also available in your scheme with the aim to attract applicants onto all sectors of the economy. A growth area has local higher education careers service, or from construction degrees and make them better been linked to sustainable energy. For example, Graduate Prospects tel 0161 277 5274. equipped to begin work when they have mechanical engineers have been instrumental in graduated.3 the development of renewable power, working Useful websites According to the UCAS website, there are over on turbines and blades, and converting energy • www.prospects.ac.uk – for a wealth of careers 290 foundation degree courses in engineering from wind to electricity.5 related information specific to graduates and over 280 for building construction and • Association of Building Engineers – property.1 These courses are supported by Graduate Salaries www.abe.org.uk graduate recruiters and government alike and According to the Destinations of Leavers from • Association for Consultancy and Engineering - will hopefully lead to more good candidates for Higher Education (DHLE) survey, six months after www.acenet.co.uk both sectors in the years to come. graduation, the average salaries for full-time, • Chartered Institution of Building Services first degree building and engineering graduates Engineers – www.cibse.org Destinations entering full-time employment in the UK were • Chartered Institute of Building - Employment rates six months after graduation above the average for all first degree graduates www.ciob.org.uk in 2006 for engineering and building (£18,501). Graduates from civil engineering, • ConstructionSkills – www.cskills.org management graduates were higher than the mechanical engineering, and electrical and • Engineering and Technology Board – average for all first degree disciplines (see Table electronic engineering earned on average www.etechb.co.uk 1). Engineering and building graduates were also £21,932, £21,696 and £20,934 respectively, • Institution of Civil Engineers -www.ice.org.uk less likely to have entered further study/training whilst architecture and building graduates • Institution of Engineering and Technology - as a sole activity, although for building and civil earned on average £21,372. www.theiet.org.uk engineering, relatively high proportions (15.8% • Institution of Mechanical Engineers – and 10.3%) of graduates were both studying and References www.imeche.org.uk working. This is an indicator that graduates from 1. ‘University and college applicant numbers these highly vocational subject areas may not continue to show consistent increase’, UCAS need additional postgraduate qualifications to press release, 19 July 2007. WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 27
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Numbers graduating Entering Entering Further Working Unemployed at Other (survey respondents) Employment Study/Training and Studying time of survey
Architecture and Building 4420 65.5% 9.7% 15.8% 3.4% 5.6%
Civil Engineering 1275 75.2% 5.8% 10.3% 3.4% 5.3%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2450 65.6% 10.8% 6.6% 9.5% 7.4%
Mechanical Engineering 2175 69.6% 9.1% 7.7% 6.7% 6.9%
All subjects 209245 62.9% 13.8% 9.0% 6.0% 8.3%
Table 1. First destinations of engineering and building graduates in 2006
Case studies Kiran – BEng in Electronic and Electrical I found the degree hard work, but very rewarding Paul – BSc in architecture. Trainee architect Engineering. Hardware engineer working for an after my two years in industry. I realised that if I Paul is currently half way through his electronics component design company wanted to make progress as a professional postgraduate diploma in architecture in order to I am one of three hardware engineers employed engineer I would need to have a degree. One of pass the Part Two. Paul says: 'I have really by a small electronics component design firm. I the main challenges that I experienced when I enjoyed my education in architecture as, unlike was fortunate to be able to quickly find joined my current employer was moving from many other courses, it involves varied employment after graduating in summer 2006, simple targets to tight deadlines. All 15 staff in assignments such as drawing, model making, and have now been working with my employer my company work to strict deadlines. This was a essay writing, research and history/theory. There for several months. culture shock for me as I had just come from uni are also many opportunities of field trips abroad Although I am only 23, I had spent two years where I was used to having much longer to work to see some impressive buildings.' working as a technician for Texas Instruments in on a project. I know my limitations and I am After completing his Part One, Paul was India, and had also obtained a Diploma in comfortable asking for help in my current required to complete the standard period of electronics from an Indian university. Having workplace. I know that I am making good work experience to gain a deeper understanding relevant work experience was a great help when progress as I have already been given of the practicalities and nature of the profession I started looking for employment. I really enjoyed responsibility for managing a project on my own. and to build upon his academic studies at his my degree course and it has helped me manage I feel that a degree in electrical and electronic first university. He spent a year working in a the transition from technician to professional engineering is a great foundation for a lifetime relatively small practice on projects of varying engineer. My course included 40 credits of career. I would like to stay in engineering and size, from data centres for a major media professional skills development each year, later maybe study for an MBA to help me move broadcaster to small extensions. Although including laboratory work, electronic into a senior management role. graduates looking for work experience can join a construction, personal and professional wide variety of approved practices in order to development, project planning, group work and Quote gain their required experience before proceeding report writing. I feel that I benefited a lot from Graham, BEng in electronic and microelectronic with their training, Paul believes that working the non-engineering skills elements of the systems engineering. Senior avionics engineer for a relatively small practice enabled him to do course as they have all helped me improve my “My advice is to get some industrial experience work of a very diverse nature and hence develop communication skills and confidence in applying either before or whilst you are at university. Treat 'a broad knowledge of the profession'. for jobs and coping with interviews. I would say problems positively - engineering is all about Paul acknowledges that training to go into that all aspects of my degree study have been improving and developing using today's architecture is a long road combined with a useful in my current job. In particular, my technologies for tomorrow's solutions.” financial commitment (materials and so on). analytical skills have greatly improved during my However, he says: 'The course is extremely studies and I am now more aware of why I need fulfilling and well worth the journey.' to do things as well as how. WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 28
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Architecture and building SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1205 Female i j 3215 Male g h 4420 Total responses f 5475 All graduates e 80.7 % response d a 63.8% In UK employment
b 1.7% In overseas employment
c 15.8% Working and studying c d 5.0% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MArch Architecture PGDip a Environmental Planning PGCert Development b
e 0.2% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 4.5% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.0% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 3.4% Believed to be unemployed
i 2.9% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.7% Other
Disciplines included Architectural Design Theory Housing Planning studies Architectural Technology Interior Architecture Quantity Surveying Architecture, Building and Planning Landscape Architecture Regional Planning not elsewhere classified Landscape Design Rural Planning Building Surveying Landscape studies Transport Planning Building Technology Others in Architecture, Building and Urban Planning Conservation of Buildings Planning Urban and Rural Planning Construction Management Planning (Urban, Rural and Regional) Urban studies
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Architecture and building
890 Female 2615 Male O P Q A 3505 Total N M B A 1.5% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals C D B 11.9% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector E Managers Management Trainee Transport Firm F Trainee Manager O2 G Project Manager Stroud and Swindon Building Society H C 0.1% Scientific Research, Analysis & I Development Professionals J D 4.7% Engineering Professionals K E 0.1% Health Professionals and Associate Professionals L F 0.6% Education Professionals G 1.7% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals H 0.2% Information Technology Professionals I 1.2% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 2.1% Social & Welfare Professionals L 68.1% Other Professionals, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations Architectural Assistant Bell Ingram Trainee Architect Local Council Quantity Surveyor EC Harris Town Planner Essex County Council Landscape Architect Graduate City Council Architectural Technician Severn Trent Water M 0.3% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 2.1% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Legal Secretary Solicitors Firm O 2.0% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff General Assistant Tesco P 3.3% Other Occupations Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Other professionals, associate professionals and technical L occupations Architectural technicians, assistants 23.1% Building and civil engineering Quantity surveyors 13.4% technicians 1.4% Architects 11.2% Chartered surveyors (not quantity surveyors) 1.1% Building surveyors 8.3% Others in building and surveying 1.8% General practice surveyors 4.5% Other professionals and associate professionals 0.7% Town planners 2.7%
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Civil engineering SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
180 Female 1095 Male i j g h 1275 Total responses f 1560 All graduates e 81.7 % response d a 72.5% In UK employment c b 2.7% In overseas employment
c 10.3% Working and studying
d 4.5% Studying in the UK for a higher degree b PhD Civil Engineering MSc IT a Renewable Energy and Architecture Structural Engineering
e 0.4% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 0.8% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.2% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 3.4% Believed to be unemployed
i 3.4% Not available for employment, study or training
j 1.9% Other
Disciplines included Civil Engineering not elsewhere Environmental Engineering Structural Engineering classified Environmental Impact Assessment Surveying Science Coastal Decay General Practice Surveying Transport Engineering Energy Resources Geotechnical Engineering Urban Studies Engineering Surveying Permanent Way Engineering
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Civil engineering
140 Female N 915 Male Q M O P 1055 Total A L B K C J I A 0.4% Marketing, Sales and Advertising H Professionals G B 5.5% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector F Managers C 0.3% Scientific Research, Analysis & E Development Professionals D 74.5% Engineering Professionals Civil Engineer Carillion Graduate Engineer Network Rail Civil Engineer Jacobs UK Site Engineer Costain Marine Engineer Mott McDonald E 0.1% Health Professionals and Associate Professionals D F 0.7% Education Professionals Secondary School Teacher Mathematics Science Mentor Local education authority G 2.0% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Accountant Trainee Mercer and Hole H 0.3% Information Technology Professionals I 0.3% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.0% Legal Professionals K 0.2% Social & Welfare Professionals Church Worker Church of England L 8.3% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Technical Assistant E.ON Recruitment Consultant Huxley Associates M 0.2% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 1.2% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations O 1.9% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 4.2% Other Occupations Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Engineering professionals D Civil engineers 49.1% Mining, quarrying and drilling engineers 0.7% Construction engineers 10.3% Water, sanitation, drainage and public health Mechanical engineers 4.9% engineers 0.6% Design and development engineers 3.8% Other engineers 4.1% Electrical, electronic and broadcast engineers 1.0%
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Electrical and electronic engineering SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
240 Female 2215 Male i j 2450 Total responses 3040 All graduates h 80.6 % response g a 63.6% In UK employment f e b 2.0% In overseas employment d c 6.6% Working and studying
d 8.8% Studying in the UK for a higher degree PhD: Bioelectric Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering c MSc: a Electronic Engineering Management b Nanotechnology IT
e 0.5% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 1.4% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK PG Diploma: Law
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 9.5% Believed to be unemployed
i 3.0% Not available for employment, study or training
j 4.4% Other
Disciplines included Analogue Circuit Engineering Electrical Power Optoelectronic Engineering Bioengineering Electrical Power Distribution Robotics Broadcast Engineering Electrical Power Generation Robotics and Cybernetics Communications Engineering Electronic and Electrical Engineering Satellite Engineering Control by Light Systems Electronic Engineering Systems Engineering Control Systems Instrumentation Control Telecommunications Engineering Cybernetics Integrated Circuit Design Virtual Reality Engineering Digital Circuit Engineering Microelectronic Engineering Electrical Engineering Microwave Engineering
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Electrical and electronic engineering
165 Female 1555 Male P Q A 1715 Total B O A 1.8% Marketing, Sales and Advertising C Professionals B 7.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector N Managers Civil Servant Foreign & Commonwealth Office M Officer RAF C 0.1% Scientific Research, Analysis & L Development Professionals K D 31.2% Engineering Professionals D Design Engineer British Nuclear Group J Graduate Engineer Rolls Royce Group Instrument Engineer Exxonmobil I Graduate Engineer Siemens E 0.2% Health Professionals and Associate Professionals F 0.6% Education Professionals G 3.0% Business and Financial Professionals and E H F Associate Professionals G Financial Analyst Barclays Capital H 21.2% Information Technology Professionals Junior Programmer Computer Consultants IT Support Specialist IBM I 5.6% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Sound Engineer Butlins J 0.0% Legal Professionals K 0.6% Social & Welfare Professionals L 5.3% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Supply Chain Graduate Silver Spoon Company Trainee Clinical Technologist Oxfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust M 1.1% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 5.7% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Order Administrator 3M O 5.8% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Supervisor Co-Op Pharmacy P 10.1% Other Occupations Q 0.2% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Engineering professionals D Electronic engineers 8.0% Civil and construction engineers 1.0% Electrical engineers 7.8% Telecommunications engineers 1.0% Design and development engineers 3.7% Production and process engineers 0.7% Mechanical engineers 2.8% Plant and maintenance engineers 0.6% Avionics, radar, broadcast and communications Other engineers 4.6% engineers 1.1%
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Mechanical engineering SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
180 Female 1995 Male i j 2175 Total responses h 2570 All graduates g 84.6 % response f e a 66.5% In UK employment d b 3.1% In overseas employment
c 7.7% Working and studying
d 7.6% Studying in the UK for a higher degree c PhD: Rail Testing Structures a MA: b Industrial Design MSc: Aerospace Vehicle Design Thermal Power and Fluid Engineering Mechanical Engineering
e 0.3% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 1.0% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.2% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.7% Believed to be unemployed
i 4.5% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.4% Other
Disciplines included Acoustics Electromechanical Engineering Rail Vehicle Engineering Acoustics and Vibration Farm Engineering Road Vehicle Engineering Agricultural Engineering Fluid Power Engineering Ship Propulsion Engineering Agricultural Mechanics Heat Exchanger Technology Thermodynamics Automobile Assessment Marine Engineering Turbine Technology Automotive Engineering Mechanisms and Machines Vibration Dynamics Offshore Engineering
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Mechanical engineering
140 Female 1470 Male P Q A 1610 Total O B N A 1.6% Marketing, Sales and Advertising M C Professionals L B 8.4% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector K Managers J Graduate Manager One Railway Property Manager Estate Agency I Project Manager MACE H C 0.2% Scientific Research, Analysis & Development Professionals G D 61.6% Engineering Professionals F Graduate Engineer Ministry of Defence E Graduate Mechanical EngineerJacobs Engineering Mechanical Stress Engineer Rolls Royce Group Flight Systems Engineer BAE Systems Design Engineer Toyota E 0.1% Health Professionals and Associate D Professionals F 0.4% Education Professionals Lecturer Further Education College G 3.1% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Financial Advisor Barclays H 1.8% Information Technology Professionals I 1.2% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.0% Legal Professionals K 0.3% Social & Welfare Professionals L 5.5% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Production Technician Lockheed Martin UK M 0.9% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Insurance Clerk Norwich Union N 2.5% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Recruiting Assistant Staffordshire Police HR Administrator AstraZeneca O 5.2% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant Marks and Spencer Co-worker IKEA P 7.1% Other Occupations Q 0.0% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Engineering professionals D Mechanical engineers 32.2% Planning and quality control engineers 1.0% Design and development engineers 13.4% Plant and maintenance engineers 0.7% Automobile engineers 2.1% Marine engineers 0.5% Production and process engineers 1.9% Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified 5.5% Civil and construction engineers 1.8% Other engineers 1.3% Aeronautical engineers 1.3%
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36 Social sciences Economics, Geography, Law, Politics, Psychology, Sociology
Traditionally, graduates from these subjects have and studying six months after graduation. Of Trends a lower than average employment rate six these graduates, 15.5% went into commercial, The new job classifications developed by Peter months after graduation and tend to have a industrial and public sector management Elias and Kate Purcell in the Seven Years On higher than average representation in further positions. A further 15.2% entered business and report identify niche graduate occupations as a study/training. This is largely explained by a drive financial professions or associate professions. growing trend.3 For the 2006 graduate cohort, to acquire more specialist qualifications which 18% of politics graduates chose further nearly one in four graduates (23.7%) entering are necessary for certain careers such as law, study/training as a sole activity (compared with work went into niche graduate occupations. This social work, psychology and teaching. However, the overall graduate average of 13.8%). expanding area includes many occupations that as with all the data in What Do Graduates Do?, it Psychology - Psychology graduates had a strong do not require graduate level qualifications, but is important to bear in mind that figures representation in the other occupations category, contains within it specialist niches that do collected six months after graduation only tell a with 22.9% of graduates who were employed or require degrees as an entry requirement. Social partial story about career prospects. working and studying entering these types of science graduates are well represented within jobs. Examples of jobs included in this category this category, with 33.3% of economics graduates Destinations and types of work are the police and prison service, nursing (in jobs in the finance industry, such as financial Table 1 shows the destinations of 2006 social auxiliaries and assistants and educational analysis) , 32.2% of law graduates (many science graduates six months after graduation. assistants. This perhaps reflects the need for paralegal jobs fall into this category) and 25.9% Economics – Six months after graduation, many psychology graduates to gain relevant of politics graduates (in specialist management 68.4% of economics graduates from the 2006 experience prior to embarking on postgraduate and finance jobs) from the 2005 cohort entering cohort were either in employment or working psychology study. A further 13.3% of psychology these types of work six months after graduation. and studying. Amongst these graduates, there graduates entered social and welfare related was a strong representation in numerical and work, again, suggesting a desire to gain References financial occupations, with 43.5% working as experience in this field prior to embarking on 1. Royal Geographical Society, www.rgs.org business and financial professionals or associate further training. In addition, 8.3% were 2. So you want to be a Psychologist?, British professionals (compared with 8.1% for all first employed as commercial, industrial or public Psychological Society. www.bps.org.uk degree graduates). An above average percentage sector managers. Interestingly, the British 3. Seven Years On: Graduate Careers in a were also found to be working as commercial, Psychological Society (BPS) estimates that only Changing Labour Market, Kate Purcell and industrial or public sector managers (14.7% 15-20% of psychology graduates actually end up Peter Elias, June 2004. See www.hecsu.ac.uk compared with 9.6% for all first degree working as professional psychologists.2 4. The Class of ’99: A study of the early labour graduates). Sociology – As with psychology graduates, market experiences of recent graduates, Geography – Geographers demonstrated an sociology graduates have a wide variety of Peter Elias, Kate Purcell, Rhys Davies and Nick above average participation (19.6%) in further occupational destinations. A relatively high Wilton, October 2005. See study/training (as a sole activity), perhaps proportion (21.1%) entered the other occupations www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ier/research/ reflecting a desire to gain more specialist skills. category. A further 11% were found to be in the class99/ Under the authority of the Privy Council, since commercial, industrial and public sector April 2002 the Royal Geographical Society (with managers category. In addition, 9.5% fell into Further reading IBG) is able to award the professional status of social and welfare related work, which includes AGCAS Options series including: Chartered Geographer to suitably qualified social care and community roles. It should be • Economics individuals.1 Geography graduates who entered noted that a significant number of graduates • Geography employment were relatively highly represented in from these subjects were found in what could be • Law the commercial, industrial and public sector considered sub-graduate employment such as • Politics managers category (13.2%), which includes clerical and secretarial or retail and bar staff • Psychology positions in general graduate schemes, in occupations. Many graduates, especially those • Sociology business and financial professions and associate from non-vocational subjects, take transitional or professions (11.7%), and in the other stop-gap jobs before they find a job that more AGCAS Options series are available online at professional/associate professional category clearly utilises their graduate skills. The research www.prospects.ac.uk/links/options (11.2%). in Seven Years On and The Class of ’99 supports Detailed information about types of work, Law – 41.6% of law graduates in 2006 chose this view.3,4 written by AGCAS higher education careers further study/training as a sole activity compared advisers, can be accessed at with the overall graduate average of 13.8%, with Salaries www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Occupations. many opting for vocational study in law, ie the According to the Destinations of Leavers from Occupations especially relevant to social sciences Diploma in Law/Legal Practice and Bar Vocational Higher Education (DLHE) survey, the average graduates can be found under Administration, Courses. In addition, 10.2% were engaged in work salary for 2006 graduates who were in full-time Education, Teaching and Lecturing, Natural and study. Of those in employment, 18.1% employment in the UK six months following Resources and the Environment, and Counselling, entered legal professions, including legal and graduation was £18,501. Economics graduates Social and Guidance Services. paralegal occupations, and 10.6% fell into the commanded a well-above average salary, at ACCAS publications are also available in your commercial, industrial and public sector £22,781 – the highest of the six social science local higher education careers service, or from managers category. subjects covered here. Graduate Prospects, tel: 0161 277 5274. Politics –Two-thirds (66.3%) of politics • A Career in Law, Research and Policy Planning graduates were in employment or were working Unit, Law Society. www.lawsoc.org.uk WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 37
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Numbers graduating Entering Entering Further Working Unemployed at Other (survey respondents) Employment Study/Training and Studying time of survey
Economics 3605 54.2% 13.7% 14.2% 6.7% 11.2%
Geography 2485 57.8% 19.6% 9.0% 3.8% 9.7%
Law 9665 35.8% 41.6% 10.2% 3.9% 8.5%
Psychology 8855 59.9% 15.1% 10.1% 6.0% 8.9%
Sociology 4535 63.1% 13.3% 8.1% 6.4% 9.1%
Politics 3625 58.0% 18.0% 8.3% 6.7% 8.9%
All subjects 209245 62.9% 13.8% 9.0% 6.0% 8.3%
Table 1. First destinations of social sciences graduates in 2006
• What can I do with a Social Sciences degree? part-time during the course with organisations, and applied to several firms in her local area of Trotman. ISBN: 085660867X so that I would have both a postgraduate the North West and a few further afield. She • What can I do with a Law degree? Trotman. qualification and work experience by the time I worked as a paralegal for three months before ISBN: 0856608521 completed the year. This combination is usually starting her training contract with the same firm • Careers using Geography, Kogan Page. ISBN: essential if you want to find work as an economic and finally qualified as a solicitor in October 0749430699 development consultant, which was my aim. This 2005. She moved to her current position as she provided me with a broad spectrum of projects felt that the family law department at her old Useful websites rather than channelling me into one particular firm was not progressing. • www.prospects.ac.uk - for a wealth of careers- specialisation. Following my Masters, I worked as Although Louise does consider her law degree to related information specific to graduates a consultant for six years on behalf of be useful in some everyday skills she uses, she • British Sociological Association - organisations and government departments. does not consider it key. ‘I don't think studying www.britsoc.co.uk A year ago I decided to set up my own social law at university is necessary, and once you • Biz/ed – www.bizednet.bris.ac.uk enterprise called Striding Out, which I did with specialise in an area of law you may not use the • Economic and Social Research Council - some assistance from my former other aspects that you have learnt anyway. In www.esrc.ac.uk entrepreneurship lecturer at Southampton addition, non-law degrees can develop a lot of the • The Law Society - www.lawsociety.org.uk University, which I really appreciated - seven analytical skills that are required in the sector.’ • Intute – Social Sciences information - years on from my graduation! Louise's typical cases involve contract or www.intute.ac.uk/socialsciences Striding Out aims to support young residence disputes, but she also deals with entrepreneurs (aged 18-30) in setting up their divorce and matrimonial finance matters and Case studies own business by providing training workshops care proceedings involving social services. Her Heather: BA Geography. Managing Director, and one-to-one coaching. Alongside this, I role has developed significantly since qualifying, Striding Out continue to carry out consultancy work for the as she now undertakes more complex work and I can honestly say that the work I do now is a government on matters relating to deals with child abduction and care proceedings. direct result of the geography degree I took. My entrepreneurship. Unlike most other businesses ‘You need to be quite a strong person to advise in focus within geography was economic whose main focus is on making money, my family law as the problems that confront you day development i.e. employment, training and business is based on social values and making a to day are often quite emotional, and the people enterprise support and development in the UK. difference. My main motivation comes from the you advise are often vulnerable. You need to be Whilst studying this, I found out about my satisfaction of helping other people feel good able to give people clear advice even if you know favourite subject: social entrepreneurship. and confident in themselves. they won't like it. You need to be diplomatic and Social entrepreneurship centres on setting up accept their points of view even if they differ businesses with a social purpose, i.e. they aim to Louise: BA Law. Family law solicitor from yours. Being a family solicitor means that make a social difference and a positive impact Louise is a family law solicitor for a large law firm people tend to rely on you and can become very within the community (for example, Jamie based in Worcestershire. dependent upon you. Therefore, it's vital to Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen which focuses on the Louise was interested in a career in law from an recognise that whilst you are dealing with social regeneration of a local community). I early age, and was particularly interested in important aspects of their lives, you must be able initially chose to do geography at university as I family law as she liked the idea of helping to detach yourself from their problems or you had really enjoyed the A-level course and felt that somebody to overcome a problem in their won't be able to advise them properly’. the subject would allow me to keep my options personal life. ‘I chose family law as I could really Less favourable parts of the job include being open so that I wouldn’t have to specialise too motivate myself to represent people in this area. stuck in court when you have a pile of work to do soon. Although I chose to study for the BA rather Commercial law did not really appeal to me, as I at the office, dealing with particularly aggressive than the BSc, I still received a grounding in couldn’t give myself the motivation to represent clients or clients who are unwilling to take your technical skills such as GIS as well as a wide people in respect of non-human issues and profit.’ advice. range of other skills such as market research, Louise undertook work experience throughout “My three tips for somebody considering a career which has helped me in running my own secondary school at a local law firm. After as a non-commercial solicitor are: have a sense of business. studying for a law degree, she then completed humour, keep yourself detached, and always be After graduating, I followed on directly with a her Legal Practice Certificate (LPC) at the College honest with your clients - they won't thank you for Masters course in Economic Development to of Law in Chester. 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Economics SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1045 Female j 2560 Male i 3605 Total responses 4635 All graduates h 77.8 % response g a 52.1% In UK employment f
b 2.1% In overseas employment e
c 14.2% Working and studying d d 9.7% Studying in the UK for a higher degree a MSc: Real Estate Management Development Economics and Policy Finance and Economics MA: International Marketing and Management
e 0.9% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification c PGCE: Secondary Business Studies Primary b
f 2.6% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Graduate Diploma in Law
g 0.4% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.7% Believed to be unemployed
i 7.1% Not available for employment, study or training
j 4.1% Other
Disciplines included Agricultural Economics Economic Policy Keynesianism Applied Economics Economic Systems Macroeconomics Capitalism Economics not elsewhere classified Microeconomics Collectivism Financial Economics Monetarism Econometrics International Economics Political Economics
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Economics
710 Female 1675 Male P Q A 2380 Total O
A 5.4% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals N B Marketing Trainee HBOS Market Analyst Media Company B 14.7% Commercial, Industrial and Public C Sector Managers D Management Trainee Marks & Spencer M Commercial Graduate Trainee Rolls Royce E Research Analyst Civil Service F C 0.0% Scientific Professionals L D 1.0% Engineering Professionals K E 0.1% Health Professionals J F 0.8% Education Professionals I Teacher Teach First H G G 43.5% Business and Financial Professionals Economist Development Agency Trainee Catastrophe Modeller Insurance Company Credit Analyst American Express Adviser London Stock Exchange Investment Banker Citibank H 1.2% Information Technology Professionals I 1.3% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.6% Legal Professionals K 0.4% Social & Welfare Professionals Drug Worker Drug Rehabilitation Charity L 3.0% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Graduate Transport Planner Mott MacDonald Business Development Officer Local Council M 7.1% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Customer Adviser CIS Finance Assistant Bank of New York N 9.3% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupation Business Sales Adviser Vodafone Fundraising Assistant National Charity O 5.7% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 5.7% Other Occupations Runner BBC Q 0.2% Unknown occupations Further breakdown Business and financial professionals G Finance and investment analysts/advisers 13.0% Personnel and recruitment consultants/advisers 2.2% Chartered and certified accountants 10.3% Business analysts 1.9% Management consultants, actuaries, economists Organisation, methods and business systems and statisticians 5.7% analysts 1.1% Brokers 2.9% Other business and finance professionals 3.9% Examiners/auditors 2.5%
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Geography SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1310 Female j 1175 Male i 2485 Total responses h 2950 All graduates g 84.2 % response f a 55.0% In UK employment e b 2.9% In overseas employment
c 9.0% Working and studying
d 10.6% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MSc: d a Town & Country Planning Environmental Monitoring and Management MA: Regional Development International Development c e 5.9% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: Secondary Geography b Primary
f 2.9% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK PGDip Journalism
g 0.3% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 3.8% Believed to be unemployed
i 6.7% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.0% Other
Disciplines included Agricultural Geography Human and Social Geography not Australasia Cultural Geography elsewhere classified Human and Social Geography of Economic Geography Human and Social Geography of Europe Historical Geography Africa Human and Social Geography of the Human and Social Geography Human and Social Geography of Americas Human and Social Geography by area Arctic/Antarctic Political Geography Human and Social Geography by Human and Social Geography of Asia Transport Geography topic Human and Social Geography of Urban Geography
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Geography
825 Female Q 755 Male P A 1580 Total
A 6.3% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals PR Assistant PR Consultancy Marketing Executive Sports Marketing Company O B B 13.2% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers Officer The Army C Graduate Manager Enterprise Rent-A-Car D C 0.3% Scientific Professionals Water Analyst Environmental Analysis Laboratory E D 2.2% Engineering Professionals F Geotechnical Engineer Environmental Company E 0.2% Health Professionals N F 4.9% Education Professionals Associate Lecturer University G G 11.7% Business and Financial Professionals Senior Researcher Market Research Company H Transport Consultant Faber Maunsell M I H 1.3% Information Technology Professionals K J IT Adviser NTL L I 2.0% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.2% Legal Professionals K 3.0% Social & Welfare Professionals Community Support Worker National Charity Youth Worker Church L 11.2% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Graduate Training English Partnerships Regeneration Consultant Commercial Property Agents Planning and Development Officer Private Consultancy Trainee Surveyor/Valuer Local Council M 2.7% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Insurance Sales Representative CIS N 16.8% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Administrator Civil Service HR Assistant Local Government O 11.2% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant Virgin Megastore P 12.8% Other Occupations Nursery Nurse Private Nursery Community Support Worker Police Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Commercial, industrial and public sector managers B Retail and wholesale managers 2.0% Managers in charities and non-government Managers in travel and leisure 1.7% organisations 1.0% Managers and chartered secretaries in finance Managers and proprietors in other services not roles 1.5% elsewhere classified 1.1% Financial institution and office managers 1.1% Other managers 4.8%
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Law SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
j 6305 Female i 3360 Male h 9665 Total responses g 12265 All graduates 78.8 % response
a 34.6% In UK employment
b 1.1% In overseas employment a c 10.2% Working and studying
d 5.7% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: f Landscape Architecture Real Estate Management International Law MSc: Management b e 0.5% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: Primary c e d f 34.8% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Legal Practise Course (LPC) Bar Vocational Course (BVC) Masters of Law (LLM)
g 0.5% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 3.9% Believed to be unemployed
i 4.9% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.6% Other
Disciplines included Business and Commercial Law Law by Area not elsewhere classified Property Law Comparative Law Law by Topic Public International Law Contract Law Law by topic not elsewhere classified Public Law Criminal Law Law not elsewhere classified Scottish Law English Law Legal Practice Torts European Union Law Medical Law UK Legal Systems Jurisprudence Northern Irish Law Welsh Law Law Others in Law Law by area Private Law
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Law
2935 Female 1385 Male P Q A 4320 Total B A 4.1% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals O C PR Account Executive Advertising Agency D B 10.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public E Sector Managers Business Support Manager Inland Revenue F Graduate Manager Balfour Beatty C 0.1% Scientific Professionals G D 0.4% Engineering Professionals E 0.7% Health Professionals H F 1.3% Education Professionals Associate Lecturer University I N G 10.1% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals JJ Tax Adviser Deloitte Investment Banker JP Morgan Finance Adviser HM Prisons M H 1.0% Information Technology Professionals L K Network Analyst HSBC I 1.3% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Newspaper Reporter National Newspaper J 18.1% Legal Professionals Paralegal Clifford Chance Trainee Solicitor Eversheds Legal Associate/Secretary Addleshaw Goddard, Legal Adviser CAB K 2.9% Social & Welfare Professionals Social Worker NHS L 2.8% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Probation Officer Probation Service Project Administrator Victim Support M 3.3% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Finance Officer Local Government N 20.4% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Administrator HM Prison Service PA/Personal Assistant CPS Housing Support Assistant Local Government O 11.8% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant John Lewis P 11.0% Other Occupations Police Officer Police Force Chief Petty Officer Royal Navy Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Legal professionals J Legal executives and paralegals 12.0% Legal advisers in non-law firms 1.2% Solicitors 3.1% Other legal professionals 1.9%
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Politics SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1465 Female j 2160 Male i 3625 Total responses 4730 All graduates h 76.6 % response g a 55.1% In UK employment f
b 2.9% In overseas employment e
c 8.3% Working and studying
d 10.9% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: d a Political Science European Studies Creative Writing MSc: International Relations Computing Management c
e 1.5% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification b
f 5.1% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK NCJJ Postgraduate Newspaper Journalism
g 0.5% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.7% Believed to be unemployed
i 5.3% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.6% Other
Disciplines included Anarchism International Constitutional studies Politics not elsewhere classified Autocracy International Politics Politics of a specific country/region Commonwealth Politics International Relations Public Administration Comparative Politics Liberalism Socialism Conservatism Nationalism Strategic studies Democracy Oligarchy UK Constitutional studies Environmentalism Plutocracy UK Government/Parliamentary European Union Politics Political Systems Studies Fascism Political Theories War & Peace studies Feminism Politics
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Politics
940 Female 1345 Male P Q 2285 Total A
A 7.3% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Communications Officer Political Party O B 15.5% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers Assistant to Minister Civil Service B Graduate Trainee Local Government Assistant Manager Newspaper Group C C 0.1% Scientific Professionals D 0.5% Engineering Professionals D E 0.3% Health Professionals E F 1.4% Education Professionals F Teacher Teach First N G 15.2% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals J G Trainee Accountant Grant Thornton Auditor KPMG Trader/Investment Banker Anglo Irish Bank M H H 1.1% Information Technology Professionals L J I Analyst Technical Consultancy Firm K I 3.1% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals News Correspondent Media Group Producer and Journalist Radio Station J 1.4% Legal Professionals Judician Houses of Parliament K 2.7% Social & Welfare Professionals Social Work Assistant Local Government L 6.3% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Parliamentary Researcher House of Commons Assistant Immigration Officer Home Office M 3.7% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Finance Assistant Local Government N 19.0% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Executive Assistant The Leadership Trust Membership & Receptionist Assistant David Lloyd Health Club O 10.6% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Customer Service Adviser Arcadia P 11.6% Other Occupations Officer Cadet British Army Q 0.2% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Commercial, industrial and public sector manages B Officers for charities and not-for-profit Financial institution managers 1.2% organisations 2.4% Officers in armed forces and protection services 1.1% Managers in financial roles 2.4% Senior managers and officials 0.8% Retail, wholesale, storage and distribution Managers and proprietors in other services nec 1.3% managers 1.7% Other managers 4.6%
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Psychology SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
7330 Female j 1525 Male i 8855 Total responses 11290 All graduates h 78.4 % response g f a 58.7% In UK employment e b 1.2% In overseas employment
c 10.1% Working and studying d d 7.6% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: International Relations a MSc: Occupational Psychology Human Resources Psychology of Early Development c Organisational Psychology MRes: Psychology b e 4.1% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 3.2% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK DipHE Midwifery CIPD Professional Development Scheme
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.0% Believed to be unemployed
i 5.5% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.4% Other
Disciplines included Applied Psychology Experimental Psychology Psychology not elsewhere classified Clinical Psychology Health Psychology Psychometrics Cognitive Psychology Neuropsychology Social Psychology Developmental Psychology Occupational Psychology Educational Psychology Psychology
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Psychology
5080 Female 1005 Male Q A 6090 Total P B A 4.2% Marketing, Sales and Advertising C Professionals D Market Research Executive Market Research Consultancy B 8.3% Commercial, Industrial and Public E Sector Managers F Management Trainee Admiral Insurance Graduate Management Consultant BT C 0.3% Scientific Professionals G D 0.3% Engineering Professionals H E 2.1% Health Professionals and Associate O I Professionals Trainee Cardiac Physiologist NHS J F 4.3% Education Professionals AimHigher Liaison Officer University J K G 7.6% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Events Co-ordinator Young Enterprise Group N Trainee Accountant Baker Tilly M L H 1.2% Information Technology Professionals I 1.3% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Broadcast Assistant BBC Studio Engineer Self-employed J 0.4% Legal Professionals K 13.3% Social & Welfare Professionals Mental Health Support Worker MENCAP Drug Counsellor HM Prison Behavioural Therapist Self-employed L 3.8% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Quality Assurance Analyst BT M 2.7% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Deeds Administrator Barclays N 15.4% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Personnel & Training Administrator Local Government Invoice Administrator Taylor Woodrow O 11.9% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Housekeeper Ski Resort P 22.9% Other Occupations Nursing Assistant Mental Health Care Trust Care Officer David Lewis Trust Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Social and welfare professionals K Psychologists 3.0% Community workers 1.5% Education/learning support worker 2.1% Youth workers 1.2% Housing and welfare officers 2.0% Other social and welfare professionals 1.9% Social workers 1.6%
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Sociology SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
3405 Female j 1130 Male i 4535 Total responses 5930 All graduates h 76.5 % response g f a 61.7% In UK employment
b 1.4% In overseas employment e
c 8.1% Working and studying d d 5.5% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: Marketing a Law Social Work c MSc: Social Research Methods Sociology b Sociology with Research Training Management International Relations Computing
e 3.8% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 3.9% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Graduate Diploma in Law
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.4% Believed to be unemployed
i 5.2% Not available for employment, study or training
j 4.0% Other
Disciplines included Applied Sociology Political Sociology Sociology Disability in Society Religion in Society Sociology not elsewhere classified Ethnic Studies Social Hierarchy Sociology of Science and Technology Gender Studies Social Theory Women's Studies Men's Studies Socio-economics
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Sociology
2365 Female 790 Male Q A 3160 Total P A 4.8% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Marketing Assistant Further Education College B C B 11.0% Commercial, Industrial and Public D Sector Managers E Trainee Manager Majestic Wine Civil Servant GCHQ F C 0.1% Scientific Professionals G D 0.2% Engineering Professionals O Product Designer Industrial Company H E 0.5% Health Professionals I F 2.1% Education Professionals Drama Teacher HM Prison J G 7.8% Business and Financial Professionals and K Associate Professionals Insurance Broker Royal Bank of Scotland Bank Associate Coutts N L H 0.8% Information Technology Professionals M I 1.9% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Broadcasting Researcher Radio Station J 0.9% Legal Professionals Trading Standards Officer Local Government K 9.5% Social & Welfare Professionals Support Worker National Autistic Society Trainee Social Worker Local Government Trainee Probation Officer HM Prison Service L 2.9% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Anti-smuggling Inspector HM Customs & Excise Tourism Officer Local Government M 3.2% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Accounts Administrator Taylor Woodrow N 18.7% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Administrative Assistant Home Office Purchase Legal Clerk Small Business O 14.3% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant Sole Trader Travel Consultant STA Travel P 21.1% Other Occupations Cabin Crew BA Skipper Sailing Company Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Commercial, industrial and public sector managers B Managers in leisure and tourism 1.8% Managers in financial roles 0.9% Retail and wholesale managers 1.7% Other managers 5.2% Financial institution managers 1.3%
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Design, English, Fine Art, History, Media Studies, Modern Languages, Performing Arts
Courses in arts, creative arts and humanities secure initial entry to a chosen field. • Your Degree in Fine Art continue to be popular choices with students Unemployment for history (6.3%) and • Your Degree in Humanities who, according to recent research conducted by performing arts (6.1%) graduates have both seen • Your Degree in Combined Arts the Higher Education Academy, rated interest in a 0.5 percentage points year-on-year decrease. • Your Degree in Music the subject as the dominant factor in their choice Unemployment for modern languages graduates, • Your Degree in Performing Arts (Dance/Drama) of undergraduate study.1 however, was up by 0.4 percentage points. • Your Degree in English Although English, modern languages and • Your Degree in History Graduate destinations history have below average employment figures, • Your Degree in Media/Communication Studies The Destinations of Leavers from Higher they show a higher rate of further study and • Your Degree in Modern Languages Education (DLHE) survey reveals there are many training as a sole activity, at 21.2%, 19% and paths open to these graduates following either 22.1% respectively, compared with 13.8% average Detailed information about types of work, written vocational or non vocational courses: for all first degree subjects. by AGCAS higher education careers advisers, can • Direct entry into employment including jobs be accessed at and careers which are open to graduates from Types of Work www.prospects.ac.uk/links/occupations. Amongst ‘any discipline’. Apart from academic skills, it is Arts, creative arts and humanities graduates enter many other headings, occupations which may be important that other life and work experiences a vast range of occupations, including: of particular interest to arts and humanities can be identified and the related skills and • Marketing, sales and advertising – there has graduates are: Arts, Design and Crafts, attributes demonstrated to prospective been a slight increase from last year in the Administration (specifically Arts Administration), employers. percentages of arts, creative arts and Advertising, Marketing & PR and Publishing, • Training or further study. These are popular humanities graduates entering these Media & Performing Arts. routes for many of these graduates, often occupations. They are particularly popular for Essential information on the current state of a leading to a chosen vocational qualification. media studies and modern languages number of occupational sectors and advice on • Enhancing their experience either in a graduates, with one in ten graduates from each breaking into them can be found at workplace or via opportunities at home or of these subjects working in the UK entering www.prospects.ac.uk/links/sectorbs. Titles which abroad. This may be a transitional path for these types of work. are particularly appropriate to arts, creative arts & many graduates in their first year beyond • Commercial, industrial and public sector humanities graduates include: Advertising, university. managers – history and modern languages Marketing & PR, Creative Arts, Media Sector, • Self-employment is another option, particularly graduates both show higher than average entry Fashion and Design and Publishing. for arts and creative students to explore, either figures for these occupations, at 11.4% and AGCAS publications, including Using Your during, or in the immediate years beyond, their 12.3% respectively, compared with the all Language Skills and Self Employment, may also be studies. subjects average of 9.6%. Modern languages, in available from your local higher education careers particular, has seen a 1.1 percentage points service, on www.prospects.ac.uk or from Graduate According to the HEA report, “The HE experience increase into these types of work compared Prospects Tel: 0161 277 5200. furnishes (humanities) graduates with many skills with a year ago. • Careers Using Languages, Edda Ostarhild, they need in the workplace.”1 Preparation and • Other occupations - relatively high percentages Kogan Page, ISBN 0749437316 steps towards deciding and planning career of the graduates covered in this section are • Handbook for languages and careers. choice are encouraged from the early stages of employed in the ‘other occupations’ category, Languages Work (CILT) ISBN: 1 904243 39 8 undergraduate study. Most higher education reflecting the diversity of the work and • BFI Film Handbook 2005, Eddie Dyja (ed.) ISBN institutions now provide: interests of these graduates. Many skilled craft 1844570428 • Personal Development Planning support and occupations undertaken by design and fine arts • BFI Television Handbook 2005 : the essential activities enabling students to gain ‘a graduates lie within this category. For some, guide to UK TV, Alistair D. McGown (ed.) ISBN knowledge of their own employability skills these may be interim activities, as during this 1844570274 which can facilitate their transition.’2 early period after graduation, decisions and • The MediaGuardian Media Directory 2007:: an • Skill enhancement and enterprising activities to actions may be somewhat fluid for a variety of essential handbook, Janine Gibson (ed.) ISBN research and support self-employment. reasons. 9780852650592 • Careers & Jobs in the Media, Simon Kent, Kogan Students should engage with these practices or References Page, ISBN 0749442476 programmes which may be integral to their 1 A wider perspective and more options: • What Can I Do With…an Arts Degree?, Beryl course, optional resources or activities. investigating the longer term employability of Dixon, Trotman, ISBN 0856607223 Table 1 shows the first destinations of 2006 arts, humanities graduates. Higher Education • What Can I Do With….a Media Studies Degree? creative arts and humanities graduates. Academy, March 2006. Margaret Mc Alpine, Trotman. ISBN: The ‘creative’ areas of media studies, design and 2 English Subject Centre: Student Employability 0856608661 performing arts have employment rates at 71.2%, Profile. Higher Education Academy, October 70.9% and 63.6% respectively, which are above the 2004. Useful Websites 62.9% average figure for all first degree graduates. www.prospects.ac.uk – for a wealth of careers- These subjects, however, also have higher rates of Further reading related information specific to students and unemployment when compared to the ‘all AGCAS Options Sheets are available online at graduates. subjects’ figure of 6%. It is widely acknowledged www.prospects.ac.uk/links/options www.a-n.co.uk - resources for those looking for that in some of these areas, it may take longer • Your Degree in Art & Design work in the visual arts than the first few months after graduating to • Your Degree in Graphic Design www.artscouncil.org.uk - Arts Council England WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 2:59 pm Page 51
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Numbers graduating Entering Entering Further Working Unemployed at Other (survey respondents) Employment Study/Training and Studying time of survey
Performing Arts 6200 63.6% 15.9% 7.6% 6.1% 6.9%
English 7995 56.1% 21.2% 8.0% 6.2% 8.5%
History 7395 54.4% 22.1% 7.8% 6.3% 9.5%
Media Studies 3970 71.2% 5.9% 5.1% 8.5% 9.3%
Modern Languages 6595 57.9% 19.0% 7.8% 5.9% 9.4%
Fine Arts 2775 56.4% 11.4% 9.1% 9.3% 13.8%
Design 8950 70.9% 5.5% 5.7% 8.6% 9.2%
All subjects 209245 62.9% 13.8% 9.0% 6.0% 8.3%
Table 1. First destinations of arts, creative arts and humanities graduates in 2006
www.bbc.co.uk/jobs - getting into the BBC handsomely. I started to look more into working range of literature to look at. www.ism.org – The Incorporated Society of as an independent illustrator and found that it On a good day, teaching English is great as you Musicians was possible to earn a living. Actually, by the time have a variety of pupils every day, studying lots of www.cilt.org.uk - The National Centre for I sorted myself out I had carried out three other different texts. I have fun with classes, and Languages commissions for different organisations. So you extracurricular book clubs and theatre trips give www.artsadvice.com – free course and career could say I was forced into business really. school life another dimension. On the down side, advice I have produced work in 3D images for the the work load can be high, especially at certain www.ncge.com - National Council for Graduate games/film industries, business and the media. I times of the year, so it’s always busy and Entrepreneurship have also worked on the web creating all sort of sometimes stressful. Behaviour can sometimes be www.drama.ac.uk The Conference of Drama images with landscape, people, still life, streets, problematic depending on your school but there Schools wildlife, plants etc. I really enjoy my job. I like the are lots of good strategies around which really do www.design-council.org.uk Design Council idea of creating new things using different work.” www.skillset.org/careers - Sector Skills Council for platforms and tools. You also get to meet lots of the audio visual industries (broadcast, film, people. The downside, well, that has to be sitting Quotes interactive media and photo imaging). Careers down for long hours.” Rowena – BA English - Marketing and information on getting into the media. communications executive "During my studies my Donna – BA in English. Secondary school teacher writing skills improved substantially, which has Case studies “I finished my degree and decided to find some been crucial in my career. I developed my analytical Gary – BA in Arts. Independent animator way of going abroad. I had heard about Teaching abilities, which have helped me to adopt a “I studied for an arts degree because I was English as a Foreign Language and I enrolled for a practical, problem-solving approach to my work. interested in the arts industry, mainly animation. I five-week intensive course which I found quite My degree involved a great deal of independent have always liked drawing from as far back as I challenging. I went to China for just under a year study and research, which taught me to be could remember and wanted an opportunity to and worked in three schools, teaching children organised and self-motivated. I also learnt to combine this with new technology. This is what aged five to adults. This was a fantastic formulate coherent arguments and discuss attracted me to this particular course. I was not experience. concepts with others, which have helped me work quite sure whether I could get a job when I Before I went to China, it seemed to make sense more productively in a team." graduated, but the degree sounded interesting so to apply to do a Postgraduate Certificate in I applied. Education (PGCE) the following year. I wasn’t Keisha – BA Graphic Arts and Design – Artworker Towards the end of the degree, I started to apply entirely sure this was what I wanted to do but I for a graphic design and art direction company for positions advertised. I soon realised it was thought it couldn’t do any harm to make an “Subscribe to relevant journals and magazines to going to be difficult to get a job because application. When I got back, the Graduate give you a good grounding of what’s fresh in the competition was so fierce. I started to look for Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) had been in industry. other jobs in the business world, but found that touch to say that there were still places available Push your tutors to teach you more about none of them really appealed to me. Whilst on PGCE courses. I had enjoyed teaching abroad technical and other skills needed in the creative completing my degree, I took part in lots of and, in particular, I liked the variety of each day. I industry. It'll save you a lot of panic when you’re exhibitions and it was during my last exhibition took the plunge and decided then that it would looking for and starting your first job. that someone suggested working as an be the right job for me at home too. Don't be arrogant. So many students enter the independent animator. They said my work was Teaching English is very different to studying it. world of work full of their own self-importance. very good and would attract a lot of interest. I However, I was lucky that my PGCE tutor Don’t do it. Your employer has to like you, and didn't feel very confident about running my own demonstrated most teaching models by initially nobody wants to spend a 45-hour week with an business, so did nothing about it for a long time. using our class as an example of a secondary level unpleasant person. Part of my degree programme looked at setting class. The teaching placements were essential in Be realistic about how much you can earn. It’s up a business as an independent artist although I consolidating what we learnt at university, and not necessarily a big pay profession. If you love paid very little attention to that aspect until after really built up my confidence in the classroom. what you do and feel there’s no other path you'd graduation, when I got a phone call from an Many of the texts taught are very different from rather take, then great, but be prepared for a lot of organisation that had seen my work on display. 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Design studies SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
5530 Female j 3420 Male i 8950 Total responses 11440 All graduates h 78.2 % response g f a 69.1% In UK employment e b 1.9% In overseas employment d
c 5.7% Working and studying c d 2.3% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: b Fashion, Marketing & Communication a Textiles Cultural Studies Museum Studies
e 1.2% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 1.9% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 8.6% Believed to be unemployed
i 4.2% Not available for employment, study or training
j 5.0% Other
Disciplines included Ceramics Design Illustration Textile Design Clothing/Fashion Design Industrial/Product Design Typography Design Studies Interactive and Electronic Design Visual Communication Furniture Design Interior Design Design studies not elsewhere Graphic Design Multimedia Design classified
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Design studies
4160 Female 2530 Male Q 6690 Total P A B A 4.7% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals C Media Planner GMAP D B 6.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public E Sector Managers F Cinema Manager Odeon Visual Merchandising Manager BHS O G C 0.0% Scientific Professionals H D 1.7% Engineering Professionals E 0.2% Health Professionals Medical Photographer NHS F 2.6% Education Professionals Associate Lecturer FE College G 1.6% Business and Financial Professionals and N Associate Professionals H Mortgage Adviser HSBC I Recruitment Consultant Hays M L H 1.5% Information Technology Professionals K J I 36.8% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Photographer Photo Corporation UK Ltd. Illustrator Freelance Broadcast Journalist Chrysalis Group Design Assistant Jasper Conran J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 0.6% Social & Welfare Professionals L 3.8% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Media Technician College Compliance Assistant ITV M 1.2% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 7.9% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Admissions Officer University O 17.4% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Adviser Matalan P 13.1% Other Occupations Visual Merchandiser Gap Landscape Gardener Landscape Company Q 0.0% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Arts, design, culture and sports professionals I Commercial artists 8.6% Textile designers 1.0% Graphic artists and designers 6.6% Others in design 1.6% Clothing designers 3.5% Artists (fine art) 2.1% Interior decoration designers 2.9% Other professionals in arts and culture 1.1% Industrial designers 2.6% Photographers 1.1% Product, clothing and related designers 1.9% Other media professionals 2.0% Web designers 1.5% Sport and fitness professionals 0.3%
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English SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
6070 Female j 1925 Male i 7995 Total responses h 10070 All graduates 79.4 % response g f a 53.7% In UK employment
b 2.4% In overseas employment
c 8.0% Working and studying e
d 8.2% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: a Creative Writing English Literature d Web Journalism Medieval English
e 7.6% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification c f 5.1% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK NCTJ Journalism b Law Conversion Course
g 0.3% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.2% Believed to be unemployed
i 4.9% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.6% Other
Disciplines included English as a second language English Literature by period English studies English Language English Literature by topic English studies not elsewhere English Literature English Literature written as a second classified English Literature by author language
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) English
3795 Female 1125 Male Q P 4920 Total A
A 7.8% Marketing, Sales and Advertising B Professionals C Lettings Agent Property Company D Marketing Manager Manufacturing Company Classified Sales Executive IPC Media E Advertising Account Executive Loot Ltd B 7.9% Commercial, Industrial and Public O Sector Managers Project Manager The Linney Group F Retail Manager Marks & Spencer National Management Trainee Local Government C 0.1% Scientific Professionals D 0.2% Engineering Professionals G E 0.3% Health Professionals H F 10.9% Education Professionals H Graduate Teacher Training Programme Secondary School English Teacher British Council N I G 6.1% Business and Financial Professionals and J K Associate Professionals M L Trainee Accountant PriceWaterhouse Coopers HR Officer KPMG H 0.8% Information Technology Professionals IT Technical Analyst Opus Energy I 7.1% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Trainee Reporter Trinity Mirror Group Feature Editor National Music Press Junior Researcher BBC J 0.4% Legal Professionals K 2.7% Social & Welfare Professionals Youth Worker Red Cross L 2.2% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Sustainable Development Policy Officer Local Government M 3.0% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Bills Administration Officer NHS N 20.8% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Administrator HM Court Service Pensions Administrator Capita Hartshead O 13.7% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant HMV P 15.9% Other Occupations Library Assistant University Police Constable Police Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Education professionals F Primary teachers 6.1% Other education professionals 2.4% Secondary teachers 2.3%
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Fine art SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1930 Female 845 Male j 2775 Total responses i 3615 All graduates 76.8 % response
a 55.1% In UK employment h
b 1.3% In overseas employment g
c 9.1% Working and studying f d 4.9% Studying in the UK for a higher degree e MA: a Art Psychotherapy Fine & Applied Arts Fine Art d Art Gallery & Museum Studies
e 2.9% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: c Secondary Art and Design b f 3.4% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 9.3% Believed to be unemployed
i 6.3% Not available for employment, study or training
j 7.5% Other
Disciplines included Book Conservation Fine Art Conservation Printmaking Calligraphy Fine Art Practise Sculpture Contemporary Fine Arts Fine Art Restorations Fine Art not elsewhere classified Decorative Arts Fine Art Theory Drawing Painting
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Fine art
1230 Female 550 Male Q A 1775 Total B P C A 3.1% Marketing, Sales and Advertising D Professionals E Auctioneer Auctioneers and Valuers F
B 6.8% Commercial, Industrial and Public G Sector Managers Manager Calvin Klein H House Manager Hotel Group C 0.0% Scientific Professionals D 0.1% Engineering Professionals E 1.1% Health Professionals I I F 4.4% Education Professionals Art Teacher Secondary School O G 2.9% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Fine Art Valuer Auctioneers and Valuers Events Organiser Events Company J H 0.4% Information Technology Professionals K M L I 19.6% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals N Graphics Designer Freelance Photographer/Digital Artist Venture Portraits Artist Greetings Card Company Creative Director Online Retailer Art Development Worker Community Group Artist In Residence School J 0.2% Legal Professionals K 2.2% Social & Welfare Professionals L 3.4% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Library Assistant Borough Council M 1.2% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 11.2% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Receptionist Motor Manufacturers Administrative Assistant Home Office O 21.8% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant Orange Waitress Restaurant P 21.5% Other Occupations Teaching Assistant High School Front of House Assistant Entertainment Centre Clinical Support Worker NHS Q 0.2% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Arts, design, culture, media and sports professionals I Artists (fine art) 11.1% Commercial artists 1.0% Arts officers, producers and directors 1.3% Others in art and design 1.7% Other cultural professionals 0.6% Media professionals 2.3% Graphic artists and designers 1.1% Sport and fitness professionals 0.5%
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History SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
4055 Female j 3435 Male i 7490 Total responses 9585 All graduates h 78.1 % response g a 52.0% In UK employment f b 2.4% In overseas employment c 7.8% Working and studying e d 10.8% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: a Modern History International Politics Medieval History Journalism Town planning d MSc: Real Estate Information Management
e 5.2% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification c PGCE: Primary b f 5.8% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Graduate Diploma in Law
g 0.3% Undertaking other further study or training overseas h 6.3% Believed to be unemployed i 6.0% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.5% Other
Disciplines included African History French History Local History American History German History Medieval History Ancient History History by area Military History Asian History History by Area not elsewhere Modern History Australasian History classified New Zealand History Australian History History by period North African History British History History by Period not elsewhere Oral History Byzantine History classified Russian History Canadian History History by topic Scottish History Central African History History by Topic not elsewhere Social History Central American History classified South American History Chinese History Iberian History South East Asian History East African History Indian History Southern African History Economic History Intellectual History USA History English History International History Welsh History European History Irish History West African History Family History Italian History World History
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) History
2475 Female Q 1985 Male A 4460 Total P
A 6.3% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Sales Executive Haymarket BBB B 11.4% Commercial, Industrial and Public C Sector Managers Officer RAF D Retail Manager Asda O Procurement Trainee BAE Syatems E General Management Trainee Network Rail C 0.0% Scientific Professionals F D 0.4% Engineering Professionals E 0.4% Health Professionals G F 4.0% Education Professionals Teaching English as a Foreign Language Taiwan H G 9.7% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals I J Investment Banker Deutsche Bank N Commercial Management Trainee HSBC K Internal Auditor NHS L M H 1.3% Information Technology Professionals IT Technician County Council I 3.7% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Editorial Control Assistant University Press J 0.5% Legal Professionals K 2.3% Social & Welfare Professionals Trainee Probation Officer National Probation Service L 5.1% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Trainee Archivist County Council Research Intern MP M 3.3% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Payments Ledger Clerk Construction Company Financial Administrator HSBC N 21.3% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations HR Administator Rolls Royce Charity Administrator Charity Trust Data Input Administrator Home Office O 15.2% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 15.2% Other Occupations Museum Assistant National Museum Tour Guide Tourist Information Centre Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Commercial, industrial and public sector managers B Functional managers in business and finance 1.8% Financial institution and office managers 1.5% Retail and wholesale managers 1.6% Other managers 4.9% Managers and proprietors in hospitality and leisure services 1.6%
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Media studies SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
2290 Female j 1680 Male i 3970 Total responses 5120 All graduates 77.5 % response h g a 70.4% In UK employment f b 0.8% In overseas employment e
c 5.1% Working and studying d
d 3.0% Studying in the UK for a higher degree c MA: a Media/Communications b Film/Television Production a Advertising & Marketing Media Enterprise MSc: Digital Effects
e 1.1% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 1.7% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 8.5% Believed to be unemployed
i 4.7% Not available for employment, study or training
j 4.6% Other
Disciplines included Broadcasting Media and Communication Studies Paper-based Media Studies Communication and Media Studies Media and Cultural Studies Radio Production Culture, Media and Communication Media Practises Radio Studies Electronic Media Studies Media Production Screen Production Film and Cultural Studies Media Studies Television Production Film and Media Studies Media Studies not elsewhere Television Studies Film Production classified Film Studies Media Technology
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Media studies
1785 Female 1210 Male P Q 2995 Total A A 10.2% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals PR Officer University Market Research Executive UK Fieldwork Service B B B 8.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public O C Sector Managers D Trainee Retail Manager Wallis E Media Relations Manager Barclays Bank C 0.0% Scientific Professionals F D 0.4% Engineering Professionals G E 0.3% Health Professionals H F 1.4% Education Professionals Associate Lecturer College G 4.8% Business and Financial Professionals and I Associate Professionals E-Commerce Adviser FingerPIN Ltd Financial Management Trainee NHS N H 2.5% Information Technology Professionals M L J I 15.9% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals K Interactive Media Developer University Researcher CBBC Picture Researcher Press Association Camera Operator Freelance J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 1.3% Social & Welfare Professionals L 1.8% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Audio Visual Technician Self-employed M 2.4% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Vehicle Finance Administrator HBOS N 18.0% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Administrator BBC Personal Assistant Utilities Company O 18.1% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Chef Café Rouge P 14.3% Other Occupations Production Runner Endomol Care Assistant Care Home Q 0.1% Unknown occupations Further breakdown Arts, design, culture, media and sports professionals I Broadcasters (announcers, disc jockeys, Other media professionals 2.9% news readers) 3.3% Directors, producers 1.3% Media researchers 1.6% Others in the arts 1.2% TV and film camera operators 1.2% Graphic and commercial artists and designers 1.2% Editors 1.1% Others in design 0.9% Photographers 1.0% Sports and fitness professionals 0.2%
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Modern languages SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
4710 Female 1885 Male j 6595 Total responses i 8190 All graduates 80.5 % response h g
a 48.7% In UK employment f
b 9.2% In overseas employment
c 7.8% Working and studying e
d 7.0% Studying in the UK for a higher degree a MA: Journalism d European Union Governance a e 5.6% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: Secondary (French) c f 5.5% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.9% Undertaking other further study or training overseas b
h 5.9% Believed to be unemployed
i 6.6% Not available for employment, study or training
j 2.8% Other
Disciplines included African Language studies elsewhere classified studies African studies Coptic Latin Language Akkadian Cornish Latin Literature Ancient Celtic studies Eastern, Asiatic, African, American Latin Literature in Translation Ancient Egyptian and Australasian Languages, Latin studies Ancient Language studies Literature and related subjects Latin studies not elsewhere classified Ancient Language studies not European Languages, Literature and Linguistics elsewhere classified related subjects not elsewhere Linguistics not elsewhere classified Applied Linguistics classified Literature in its original language Aramaic French studies Literature in translation Australasian Language studies Goidelic group of languages Manx Australasian studies Hebrew Medieval Latin Brythonic group of languages Historical Linguistics Modern Celtic studies Celtic studies Irish Gaelic Modern Middle Eastern studies Chinese studies Irish Gaelic Literature Other Languages Church Latin Italian studies Other Literature Classical Arabic Japanese studies Other Societies and Cultures Classical Church Greek Languages not elsewhere classified Others in Linguistics, Classics and Classical Greek studies Late Greek related subjects Classical studies Latin American Language studies Phonetics Comparative Literary studies Latin American Literature studies Phonetics and Phonology Comparative Literary studies not Latin American Society and Culture Phonology
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Modern languages
2675 Female 1020 Male P Q 3695 Total A
A 10.5% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Advertising Account Executive Bartle Bogle Hegarty O Sales Executive Export Bookseller Marketing Manager L’Oreal UK B B 12.3% Commercial, Industrial and Public B Sector Managers Management Trainee Majestic Wines C Area Manager Aldi Graduate Trainee Enterprise Rent-a-Car D Project Manager Building Contractor E C 0.1% Scientific Professionals F D 0.5% Engineering Professionals N E 0.4% Health Professionals F 4.2% Education Professionals G Teaching Assistant British Council
G 12.0% Business and Financial Professionals and H Associate Professionals M L I Trainee Accountant Price Waterhouse Coopers K J Trainee Internal Auditor Abbey H 1.3% Information Technology Professionals IT Analyst (European) Bristol Myers Group I 5.8% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.7% Legal Professionals K 1.9% Social & Welfare Professionals L 3.3% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Trainee Estimator Birse Civil Engineers Operation & Logistics Planner Chep M 3.0% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Billing Analyst (Europe) Talk Talk Direct Ltd. N 21.6% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Insurance Clerk Norwich Union Legal Assistant Solicitors O 9.6% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant Lush P 12.6% Other Occupations Translator Emirates Airline Cabin Crew British Airways Q 0.2% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Commercial, industrial and public sector managers B Managers in finance roles 2.4% Managers in charity, government and Retail, wholesale and distribution managers 1.7% not-for-profit organisations 1.2% Financial institution managers 1.6% Other managers 4.3% Managers and proprietors in other services not elsewhere classified 1.2%
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Performing arts SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
3945 Female 2255 Male i j 6200 Total responses h 8205 All graduates g 75.6 % response f a 62.0% In UK employment
b 1.6% In overseas employment e
c 7.6% Working and studying d d 5.5% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MA: Music a Composition Arts Administration Musical Theatre c
e 5.2% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: b Primary
f 4.9% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Graduate Diploma in Law
g 0.4% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.1% Believed to be unemployed
i 3.8% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.1% Other
Disciplines included Acting History of Dance Stage Design Body Awareness History of Music Stage Management Choreography Music Theatre Design Dance Music not elsewhere classified Theatre studies Dance not elsewhere classified Musical Instrument History Theatrical Make-up Directing for Theatre Musicianship/Performance studies Theatrical Wardrobe Design Drama Musicology Types of Dance Drama not elsewhere classified Producing for Theatre Types of Music
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Performing arts
2735 Female 1570 Male Q A 4305 Total P B A 4.1% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals C D Research Executive Ipsos MORI B 7.3% Commercial, Industrial and Public E Sector Managers Recreation Manager Marriott Hotels F C 0.0% Scientific Professionals O D 0.3% Engineering Professionals E 0.3% Health Professionals F 13.3% Education Professionals Peripatetic Music Teacher LEA G Piano Teacher Musical Instrument Company H G 3.6% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Events Co-ordinator BBC H 0.8% Information Technology Professionals N I I 21.1% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals M Production Assistant Film Company L Orchestra Manager Orchestra K J Location Assistant Yorkshire TV Dance & Gymnastics Coach City Council J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 1.8% Social & Welfare Professionals L 1.5% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Lighting Technician Regional Theatre M 1.8% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Bank Clerk HSBC N 12.8% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Marketing Assistant Concert Hall Legal Secretary Solicitors O 16.0% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Customer Service Assistant Tesco Retail Sales Assistant Music Shop P 15.3% Other Occupations Trainee Prison Officer Prison Service Support Worker Arts Organisation Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Arts, design, culture, media and sports professionals I Actors 4.5% Directors, producers 0.9% Musical instrument players 2.9% Performing artists 0.7% Sound recordists, technicians, assistants 1.5% Broadcasters (announcers, disc jockeys, Dancers and choreographers 1.3% news readers) 0.7% Musicians 1.2% Others in arts, design and the media 6.3% Stage and studio managers 1.2%
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66 Business and administrative studies
Accountancy, Business and Management, Marketing
Business, management, finance and marketing or public sector managerial positions compared References courses continue to be popular amongst students with just 9.6% across all subjects. If readers are 1. The AGR Graduate Recruitment Survey 2007: entering higher education. An obvious question looking for this type of work, then a business Summer Review, produced for the AGR by follows and that is - does a large number of and administrative course could be for you. Trendence. graduates in these subject areas equate to a large Marketing, sales and advertising positions 2. The UK Graduate Recruitment Review 2007, number of graduate jobs once it is time to leave? continue to attract a lot of interest from Trendence, May 2007. Results from the Destinations of Leavers from graduates and the data reveals that whereas 3. The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers Higher Education (DLHE) survey reveal a positive only 4.6% of graduates from all areas were 2007/2008. answer: six months after graduation, more employed in this field, 30.9% of marketing www.top100graduateemployers.com/ graduates were working in the business, finance graduates successfully found work in this sector, top100.html and administrative sectors than any other sectors as did 10.9% of business and management 4. Enterprise Directorate, Department for The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) studies graduates. Of all UK-employed marketing Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform survey of 219 blue chip employers in the UK graduates, 18.1% were actually employed in (BERR). reported a 12.7% year-on-year rise in graduate marketing and advertising executive positions. www.berr.gov.uk level vacancies, an increase for the fourth Nearly 45% of all accountancy graduates 5. ‘Graduate salary and vacancy survey’, consecutive year.1 Of this year’s vacancies, 23% entered business and financial jobs, including Graduate Market Trends, Summer 2007. were provided by accountancy and professional accountancy, taxation and financial analyst www.prospects.ac.uk/links/CSDGMT services and 12% by banking/financial services types of roles, compared with a much smaller organisations, thus over a third of all vacancies 8.1% across all subject areas. Useful Websites were offered in areas ripe for entry by graduates According to the government’s Enterprise www.prospects.ac.uk of this chapter! Directorate, an agency of the Department for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – Evidence abounds that business, management, Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform www.acca.org.uk finance and marketing positions are prized goals. (BERR), 99.3% of UK businesses are classified as Biz/ed – www.bized.ac.uk A report by Trendence, The UK Graduate small (0-49 employees). One of the most Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Recruitment Review 2007, analysed the career important sectors in terms of numbers of – www.cimaglobal.com expectations of over 24,000 students across 111 companies is the financial services sector, so Chartered Institute of Marketing – UK higher education institutions and found that don’t just concentrate your thinking on the large www.cim.co.uk business, management and marketing were the blue chip employers.4 Chartered Institute of Public Finance and most popular career choices for students, with Accountancy – www.cipfa.org.uk over a fifth aiming for jobs in this area. Finance Graduate Salaries Chartered Management Institute – careers also attracted considerable interest.2 An analysis of graduate vacancies featured in www.managers.org.uk With this in mind, The Times Top 100 Graduate publications from Graduate Prospects and on Institute of Chartered Accountants in England Employers 2007/2008 lists accountancy and www.prospects.ac.uk reveals an average salary of and Wales – www.icaew.co.uk professional services firms £18,744 for the year to 31 December 2006. For Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland – (PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte and KPMG) as vacancies in finance, insurance, pensions and www.icas.org.uk the top three of a list of dream employers for the actuarial work, the average salary was £24,577, Institute of Financial Services – cohort who have most recently graduated.3 whilst the average salary for vacancies in www.ifslearning.com advertising, marketing and public relations was Destinations £20,253.5 Further Reading According to the last available statistics, there The AGR reports a median salary of £23,500 for Your Degree in Accountancy and Finance….What were over 26,000 graduates from business and the 2006-07 recruitment year, an increase of 2.4% Next? management courses in 2006. 77.8% of from 2005-06. Positions in financial management Your Degree in Business Studies….. What Next? accountancy graduates entered work or were reported a median salary of £26,500 and in AGCAS Signpost Sheets are available online at combining work and study in 2006 (see Table 1). accountancy as well as marketing, a median www.prospects.ac.uk/links/options This is the same figure as the previous year. For salary of £24,500.1 Detailed information about types of work, business and management graduates, this figure The most comprehensive survey of graduate written by AGCAS higher education careers rises to 78.4%, and is even higher for marketing salaries is carried out as part of the DLHE survey. advisers, can be accessed at graduates, at 79.6%. In comparison with the data For the 2006 survey, 49% of first degree www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Occupations - for all subject areas which shows that 71.9% of graduates (full - and part-time) in full-time occupations especially relevant to business and graduates entered work or were combining work employment in the UK disclosed salary finance graduates can be found under and study, one can deduce that business-related information. Average salaries by relevant subject Administration, Sales, Retail and Buying, Finance degrees continue to be attractive to employers. studied were as follows: business studies, and Management Consultancy, and Insurance £18,471; finance, £21,384; accounting, £17,175; and Pensions and Actuarial Work. Types of Work marketing, £17,682; management studies Careers in Accountancy (7th Edition),Kogan The DLHE data for 2006 leavers shows that over £18,610. These figures include those in graduate- Page one in five (22.4%) business and management and non-graduate level occupations, and as a Q&A: Accountancy (2nd Edition), Trotman studies graduates entered commercial, industrial result, were lower than those reported earlier. Accountancy Uncovered (2003), Trotman WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 3:00 pm Page 67
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Numbers graduating Entering Entering Further Working Unemployed at Other (survey respondents) Employment Study/Training and Studying time of survey
Accountancy 2785 52.3% 7.3% 25.4% 6.1% 8.8%
Business and Management Studies 15245 69.0% 6.2% 9.4% 6.2% 9.2%
Marketing 2235 74.2% 3.5% 5.4% 6.4% 10.5%
All subjects 209245 62.9% 13.8% 9.0% 6.0% 8.3%
Table 1: First destinations of business and finance graduates from 2006, six months after graduating.
How to Make it in the City by Debbie Harrison, examinations (all but one of the foundation sales job imposed and he left this post after a Virgin Career Guide 2001 examinations and one of the intermediate level). year. Careers in the City by Joanna Minett, However, she has colleagues with degrees that During several months spent job-hunting he Management Books 2001 are not relevant to finance or accounting who talked with a number of Army friends and as a have progressed well. result he successfully passed the Regular Case Studies The company pays for Isabel's exam fees, the Commissions Board, RCB, (now called the Army Isabel – BA in Accounting and Finance. taught courses and the revision courses she Officer Selection Board, AOSB) and entered Royal Management accountant in her final year of attends (offered by the training provider, BPP). Military Academy, Sandhurst for officer training. training Some time off is given for study leave - two and He decided on an infantry career and was Isabel chose management accounting because a half days per course. However, this is for either accepted by the Royal Green Jackets. she wanted the variety of experience that a taught course or a revision course, so Isabel From Sandhurst he moved to Warminster for working in industry allows. ‘My training has spends some of her own time on study. At the the three-month 'Platoon Commanders Battle allowed me to experience working in different moment she attends two nights per week and Course' and then he joined his regiment. At the areas of the company, to get to know the some Saturdays. time the Royal Green Jackets were a battalion on company and be a part of it. There is lots of standby and within ten days he found himself in interaction with other departments’. Nick – BSc in Business Studies. Basra, Iraq. His unit was given the task of giving Now in the final year of her three-year training Captain, 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets basic training to the newly reformed Iraq Civil programme with Masterfoods (part of the Mars Nick is 2i/c (second in command) of a training Defence Corps (Army). He was expected to UK Ltd Group), Isabel joined the company after company at the Army Training Regiment, prepare a training schedule and run a three- graduating with a degree in accounting and Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire. New recruits into week basic training course for three consecutive finance. Each year of training has been spent the Army are initially posted into a training platoons of 60 Iraqis, who then went off for working in a different finance area of the depot, such as Bassingbourn, where, during a further military training. company. The programme is structured around basic training course of 14 weeks, they learn After a series of other postings, Nick received the practical experience required by the how to cope with the routine and discipline of promotion to rank of Captain and spent several Chartered Institute of Management Accountants military life and are prepared for the specialist months in 'conventional warfare training'. This (CIMA). This has included a factory-based role combat, technical or service training they will involved designing and running training with an emphasis on cost accounting, budget receive in their chosen regiment or corps. exercises at various locations in the UK, ranging management and capital control. Her current, In his Company, Nick is responsible for up to 200 from platoon level attacks to brigade level and favourite, placement, involves providing recruits, both men and women, from a variety of operations. He moved to the Army Training support to the sales and marketing backgrounds and cultures, ranging in age from Regiment, Bassingbourn in January 2006 to departments. This involves tracking the 17 to 30. command a training platoon. This job requires a performance of the company with emphasis on Nick left school with no clear career ambitions. significant level of 'welfare management' that is the brands, monitoring the market and providing In a gap year prior to university he spent a seven- often not necessary within a normal serving information to the sales and marketing month period in Nepal teaching English and platoon. Nevertheless, the challenges of training professionals. travelled across Europe. He then went to young lads to become professional soldiers is The company has offices in various sites university, graduating with a 2.1 honours degree immensely satisfying and rewarding. around the UK and trainees are expected to in business studies. His course included an Nick hopes to make a long-term career within move around to gain experience and insight into industrial placement year within a medium- the Army. He says that he really enjoys the the business. Isabel is currently based in the sized consultancy and software house. In his variety of jobs available in the infantry and the national headquarters. Her current focus is on final year he applied for a number of City-based responsibility that comes with them. He also the final year of the training and on the final posts and, on graduation, he immediately joined gets great personal satisfaction from the exams. Her degree subject was helpful, in an internet business supplier in London. comradeship of working with colleagues of all particular it enabled Isabel to gain some However, he became increasingly dissatisfied ranks. exemptions from some of the CIMA with the hours and lifestyle that an aggressive WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 3:00 pm Page 68
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Accountancy SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1305 Female j 1480 Male i 2785 Total responses h 3535 All graduates g 78.8 % response f a 51.7% In UK employment e b 0.7% In overseas employment d
c 25.4% Working and studying
d 2.7% Studying in the UK for a higher degree MSc: a Accountancy & Finance Audit Management and Consultancy a Business Economics c e 0.6% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification
f 4.0% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK LLM: Corporate & Finance Law b g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.1% Believed to be unemployed
i 4.3% Not available for employment, study or training
j 4.5% Other
Disciplines included Accountancy Accounting Theory Cost and Management Accountancy Accounting Auditing of Accounts Financial Reporting Accounting not elsewhere classified Book-keeping Public Accountancy
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Accountancy
1015 Female 1130 Male P Q A O 2145 Total B C D A 2.2% Marketing, Sales and Advertising N Professionals E B 8.1% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector F Managers Graduate Finance Manager Caterpillar B Corporate Banker Scheme HBOS Graduate Project Manager Nortel C 0.0% Scientific Professionals D 0.1% Engineering Professionals E 0.2% Health Professionals M F 0.6% Education Professionals G 44.7% Business and Financial Professionals and G Associate Professionals Public Finance Accountant NHS L Trainee Auditor BDO Stoy Hayward Management Accountant DHL K Globalbusiness Analyst Xerox J I Financial Analyst BNP Paribas H Corporate Tax Graduate Trainee Baker Tilly H 0.8% Information Technology Professionals Telecommunications Consultant BT I 0.3% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.7% Legal Professionals K 0.7% Social & Welfare Professionals L 0.8% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Trainee Quantity Surveyor PH Warr M 22.6% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Credit Controller GKN Aerospace Audit Assistant Servier Laboratories Investment Accounts Assistant Skandia N 7.3% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Administrative Officer National Probation Service O 5.0% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Assistant Waitrose P 5.8% Other Occupations Customer Service Adviser Sainsburys Q 0.0% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Business and financial professionals and associate G professionals Chartered accountants 21.4% Financial analysts 1.8% Chartered and certified accountants 4.5% Examiners/auditors 1.7% Management accountants 3.1% Certified accountants 1.2% Accounting technicians 2.2% Finance and investment analysts/advisers 1.0% Tax consultants, advisers 1.8% Others in business and finance 5.9%
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Business and management SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
7720 Female 7530 Male j i 15245 Total responses 19590 All graduates h 77.8 % response g a 67.0% In UK employment f e b 2.0% In overseas employment d c 9.4% Working and studying
d 3.1% Studying in the UK for a higher degree c MA: Marketing Human Resource Management a MSc: b Project Management Applied Statistics International Business Management MBA: Masters of Business Administration MPhil: Business and Management
e 1.0% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: Primary Secondary Business
f 2.2% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK Postgraduate Diploma in Law/CPE CIPD Diploma in Human Resource Management
g 0.1% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.2% Believed to be unemployed
i 5.5% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.7% Other
Disciplines included Business Studies International Business Studies Organisational Development Business Studies not elsewhere Land and Property Management Project Management classified Land Management Property Management Change Management Management and Organisation of Recreation/Leisure Management Creative Management Education Retail Management Domestic Management Management Studies Strategic Management European Business Studies Management Studies not elsewhere Valuation and Auctioneering Hotel and Catering classified Institutional Management Management Techniques
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Business and management
6005 Female 5610 Male P Q 11615 Total A
A 10.9% Marketing, Sales and Advertising O Professionals Graduate Marketing Trainee IBM B 22.4% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers Client Manager IBM Corporate Graduate Commerzbank Trainee Fund Manager Canada Life B Investment Analyst Lehmann Brothers N C 0.0% Scientific Professionals D 1.0% Engineering Professionals E 0.2% Health Professionals F 1.1% Education Professionals M C G 18.6% Business and Financial Professionals and L D Associate Professionals E K F Trainee Management Accountant Defence Procurement Agency J Business Planning Analyst Premier Foods I H Business Development Executive Rolls Royce Taxation Consultant Deloitte G H 2.4% Information Technology Professionals IT Database Manager Deloitte I 1.8% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals PR Officer Ogilvy Public Relations J 0.4% Legal Professionals K 0.8% Social & Welfare Professionals Education Welfare Officer Bristol City Council L 2.8% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Trainee Quantity Surveyor Balfour Beatty M 5.7% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Finance Assistant Fujitsu Siemens Computers Accounts Clerk Forestry Commission N 13.6% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Inventory Control Administrator Carte Blanche Greetings Cards Administrative Assistant The Law Society O 8.6% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Hospitality Sales Co-ordinator Premiership Football Club P 9.7% Other Occupations Police Officer Suffolk Police Q 0.1% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Commercial, industrial and public sector managers B Retail and distribution managers 3.4% Marketing managers 1.3% Managers in hospitality and leisure 3.1% Production, works and maintenance managers 1.3% Functional managers in business 3.0% Managers and proprietors in other services not Financial institution managers 2.3% elsewhere classified 2.9% Sales managers 1.6% Other managers 3.4%
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Marketing SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
1325 Female 910 Male j i 2235 Total responses 2885 All graduates h 77.5 % response g a 72.1% In UK employment f e b 2.1% In overseas employment d c 5.4% Working and studying c
d 2.0% Studying in the UK for a higher degree b MA: Marketing Management Design Communication a e 0.4% Studying in the UK for a teaching qualification PGCE: Secondary Business
f 1.1% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK
g 0.0% Undertaking other further study or training overseas
h 6.4% Believed to be unemployed
i 6.8% Not available for employment, study or training
j 3.7% Other
Disciplines included Advertising Market Research Sales Management Corporate Image Marketing Sponsorship Distribution Marketing not elsewhere classified International Marketing Promotion and Advertising
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) Marketing
1040 Female P Q 690 Male 1730 Total O A 30.9% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals Press Officer: Nottingham City Council Sales Account Executive: Zurich Insurance Marketing Assistant: Royal Institute for the Blind (RNIB) A Marketing Co-ordinator: Sony BMG Account Manager: Procter & Gamble Marketing Executive: HSBC N B 18.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Managers Graduate Project Management Programme: Airbus UK Marketing Communications Manager: BT Global Services Product Manager: Kenwood M Sales Manager: Majestic Wine Warehouse L Retail Management Scheme: Dorothy Perkins C 0.0% Scientific Research, Analysis & K Development Professionals J I D 0.3% Engineering Professionals H B E 0.2% Health Professionals and Associate Professionals G F D C F 0.3% Education Professionals E G 9.0% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals Recruitment Consultant: Reed Employment Business Adviser: Royal Bank of Scotland H 1.0% Information Technology Professionals I 1.9% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals J 0.1% Legal Professionals K 0.4% Social & Welfare Professionals L 1.5% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations M 2.9% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers N 16.2% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Administrative Officer: Norwich Union Library Assistant: University O 9.2% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff P 7.5% Other Occupations Prison Service Officer: HM Prison Service Q 0.0% Unknown occupations
Further breakdown Marketing, sales and advertising professionals A Advertising and marketing executives 18.1% Sales controllers, administrators and Sales representatives and agents 2.7% co-ordinators 1.2% Buyers and purchasing officers 1.6% Media planners 1.2% Marketing associate professionals 1.6% Market research analysts 1.1% Public relations officers 1.6% Others in sales and marketing 1.8%
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74 What Do Graduates Do? 2008 HND and foundation degrees
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a work- total, 7,915 (55.6%) undertook foundation and creative arts and design. According to related course provided by higher and further degrees, which is an increase on the previous HEFCE, in 2004-05, education, creative arts and education colleges. HNDs are available in a wide year when it was 5,090 (40.3% of the total business accounted for almost half (47%) of range of subject areas and can be used as a number of foundation degree and HND foundation degree entrants.1 route into employment, a related degree course qualifiers). Figures from the Higher Education The 27.5% year-on-year rise in the number of or as a stepping stone to gaining professional Funding Council for England (HEFCE) show that foundation degree enrolments at UK higher status. Applying for a degree-level qualification the numbers of foundation degree students education institutions in 2006/7 confirm that remains a popular choice for HND diplomates, have increased significantly since 2001/2 when this qualification is growing in popularity. In and many progress on to the second or even there were only 4,320 students enrolled.1 By 2006/7 there was also a substantial year-on-year third year of a degree course in a related topic. 2006/7 almost 61,000 students were studying growth (43.4%) in part-time foundation degree However, employment is also one of the main for a foundation degree (almost 34,000 on a full- provision, although the majority of students - pathways open to HND holders and statistics time basis) and this has occurred against a 58% - were in full-time study. The rise in the over the past few years has shown that background of declining numbers of students number of foundation degree entrants may also significant numbers are combining employment studying towards HNDs and HNCs. be attributed to the increasing choice of courses with study. HND courses have a high vocational and their flexibility and accessibility. Specialist content where the emphasis is on applying Destinations and types of work courses have been created to specifically meet knowledge to effective use in a work context, Destinations in this section of What Do the skills needs of employers - Foundation and thus, all HND courses involve work Graduates Do? are based on those who Degree Forward reported that as of December experience. They are also designed to offer responded to the 2005/06 Destinations of 2006, in addition to the 2,152 programmes flexibility and can be studied part-time, full- Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey - a already running, there are over 700 foundation time, as a sandwich course or by distance total of 11,565 HND and foundation degree degree courses under development.1 According learning. A HND takes two years to complete if qualifiers took part in it . Six months following to the Foundation Degree Task Force report to studied full-time. graduation, 30.5% of this cohort were in Ministers in 2004, the aim is to achieve 100,000 Foundation degrees were introduced in 2001, employment and 61.3% were engaged in further foundation degree places by 2010.3 the only new higher education qualification to study - either as a sole activity (37.6%) or be introduced in England in 25 years. A combined with work (23.7%), representing a rise References foundation degree is an employment related of almost two percentage points on the previous 1. Foundation Degrees: key statistics 2001-02 higher education qualification designed in year. The figure of 3.1% unemployed remains to 2006-07, the Higher Education Funding conjunction with employers to meet the well below the average figure for all first degree Council in England (HEFCE), 2007. demand for higher technical and associate graduates and has fallen since the previous year 2. The Information, Advice and Guidance professional skills. Foundation degrees have when it was 3.7%. Needs of Foundation Degree Students, been designed to be flexible and accessible and 6,490 (56.1%) of the respondents were The Association of Graduate Careers so can be studied in a variety of ways: full-time, foundation degree qualifiers. The majority of Advisory Services (AGCAS), 2005. part-time, through distance learning and via the these who undertook further study progressed 3. Foundation Degree Task Force report to internet. This means that study can also be on to the third year of an honours degree, thus Ministers, Department for Education and fitted in around employment. Entry following the established pattern of HND Skills, September 2004. qualifications are also flexible to support diplomates. The popularity of further study as an widening participation and relevant work option was also confirmed in a survey of 639 Useful websites experience is taken into account when applying foundation degree students carried out by Chris • www.prospects.ac.uk For a wealth of careers for a course. Jackson and Eddie Tunnah for the Association of and graduate labour market information Foundation degrees provide professional Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) in • www.fdf.ac.uk Foundation Degree Forward, for development in a broad range of vocational 2005.2 The study found that a large majority information on courses areas and enable you to keep your options open (83%) of those surveyed confirmed that they • www.dius.gov.uk Department for Innovation, as regards to professional development or wanted to progress on to an honours degree on Universities and Skills further study. A full-time foundation degree completion of their studies. • www.dcsf.gov.uk Department for Children, should take two years to complete or three to The employment destinations of HND and Schools and Families four years if studied part-time or by flexible foundation degree respondents mirror the • www.aimhigher.ac.uk Aimhigher, for learning whilst working. On successful previous year’s survey with a relatively large information on qualifications and routes into completion, there is the option to progress on to percentage (11.6%) working within the higher education an honours degree with a further 12 to 15 commercial, industrial and public sector • www.connexions-direct.com For information months of study. management fields six months after graduation. and advice on options and routes into higher education. The growth of foundation degrees Trends • www.ucas.com Universities and Colleges In 2005/6 there were a total of 14,230 HND and The majority of HND and foundation degree Admissions Service (UCAS), for foundation degree qualifiers (a rise of 12.5% on qualifiers completed courses in engineering and information on subject areas, routes into the previous year when it was 12,645). Of this technology, business and administrative studies, higher education and application procedures.
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Case Studies Kate really enjoys her job, although she would Ruth's HND enabled her to develop skills and Kate –HND Applied Chemistry. Equine nutritionist like to see more work done alongside vets; she acquire experience in the following areas: Kate is an equine nutritionist, working for a believes that clinical nutrition has as much a role organisation and time management, meeting worldwide supplier of equine feed supplements to play in the veterinary world as it currently deadlines, working under pressure, producing and care products. does in human medicine. reports, database design and implementation After her HND, Kate moved onto a BSc in Ruth – HND Business Information Technology. and advanced skills in MS Office Suite. In Equine Science. She was keen to find a job that Staff development adviser addition, by studying for the Certificate in made use of her degree subject and as her father The challenge of motivating and inspiring people Training Practice (CTP) (a Chartered Institute of worked as an animal nutritionist with cows and to develop their skills and abilities was one of Personnel and Development (CIPD) sheep, this attracted her to the role. Kate had the main reasons why Ruth initially considered a qualification), Ruth was able to gain an insight some experience of working in laboratories prior career in training. In her previous job as an IT into the theoretical basis of training which has to gaining her employment. technician, she gained a range of skills which impacted upon her work immensely. Kate's day-to-day tasks include training, writing have been transferable to her new role. Ruth's role has developed to cover all aspects of articles for magazines, developing new products Her role includes the development and delivery training and she is now responsible for over 300 and altering existing formulas (both alone and of IT inductions for new starters. This often training events per year. She has direct with company vets), attending events such as involves a training needs analysis which leads to responsibility for probation training, the shows/store evenings and giving talks. further IT training/coaching as required. She has appraisal procedure, applications for external A large part of her role is giving advice to also devised a training programme to ensure training, the analysis and development of staff consumers. Kate also works with British riding that all staff can effectively use a newly qualifications, and the in-house mentoring and teams, discussing product requirements with implemented database system that has been peer support schemes. She is also responsible for riders and team vets. She also has to keep up to adopted by every department of her the staff development budget. date with legal aspects of the job such as organisation. This led her to design a variety of Ruth particularly enjoys working with people European legislation regarding animal nutrition. individual training plans to suit these various and gains tremendous satisfaction from seeing For Kate, the best part of her job is the variety departments. She also recruits and trains the people develop and improve as a result of her of tasks and the contact with consumers, potential trainers, and has rolled out a training work. In the future she would like to continue to particularly when an owner contacts her to say strategy which involved continual delivery on a acquire new skills and responsibilities, initiate how much better their horse is as a result of her daily basis for a number of weeks. new training ideas and strategies, and ultimately input. move into a more senior role.
HND and foundation degrees SURVEY RESPONSE 2006
6415 Female h i 5155 Male g f 11565 Total responses e 14230 Total HND and FD graduates 81.3 % response
a 30.1% In UK Employment b 0.4% In overseas employment a c 23.7% Working and studying d 35.0% Studying in the UK for a first degree BA: d Leisure and Sport Studies Multimedia Film and TV Production Travel and Tourism Management Business Studies b BSc: Management Building Surveying Sports Science BEng: Mechanical Engineering c e 2.5% Undertaking other further study or training in the UK MSc: Information Systems Web Design f 0.1% Studying overseas g 3.1% Assumed to be unemployed h 1.6% Not available for employment study or training i 3.7% Other WDGD_inners_2008.qxd 15/5/08 3:00 pm Page 76
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TYPE OF WORK (2006) HND and foundation degree
2990 Female 2370 Male A 5360 Total
A 1.6% Marketing, Sales and Advertising Professionals O B Marketing Coordinator Engineering Company C B 11.6% Commercial, Industrial and Public D Sector Managers Site Manager Network Rail E Management Trainee Enterprise Rent-a-Car Contracts Manager NHS Trust Campaign Manager Medical Charity C 0.3% Scientific Professionals F D 3.5% Engineering Professionals Royal Engineer British Army G E 4.4% Health Professionals and Associate H Professionals Assistant Radiographer Hospital Trust N I F 6.0% Education Professionals Computing Lecturer FE College J Pre-School Teacher LEA K G 1.8% Business and Financial Professionals and Associate M L Professionals Contracts Buyer NHS Trust H 2.5% Information Technology Professionals Web Developer Office for National Statistics I 5.4% Arts, Design, Culture and Sports Professionals Jewellery Designer Self-employed J 4.0% Social & Welfare Professionals Housing & Homeless Officer Borough Council K 5.5% Other Professionals, Associate Professional and Technical Occupations Conservation Officer Wildlife Nature Reserve L 1.4% Numerical Clerks and Cashiers Customer Service Officer Royal Bank of Scotland M 6.3% Other Clerical and Secretarial Occupations Housing Assistant City Council N 14.2% Retail, Catering, Waiting and Bar Staff Sales Consultant Goldsmiths O 31.4% Other Occupations Police Officer Devon & Cornwall Police Assistant Special Needs Coordinator Birmingham LEA Health Care Support Worker Portsmouth Hospitals Trust Hotel Supervisor Thompsons
Further breakdown Commercial, industrial and public sector managers B Managers and proprietors in hospitality and Managers in distribution, storage and retailing 1.0% leisure services 1.6% Financial institution and office managers 1.0% Functional managers 1.3% Production managers 0.9% Health and social services managers 1.0% Other managers 4.8%
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