Partner Article

Graduate work experience 'essential'

Work experience will be essential for graduates seeking employment in an increasingly tough jobs market, according to the head of the CBI.

Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI, said that students must gain vital employment skills and first-hand experience of work while still at university.

He said: “To say that the class of 2009 won’t have it easy after graduation is an understatement - competition for jobs will be the most intense for many years.

“Universities and business must do more to meet the pent up demand that exists among students for doing work placements and internships during a degree, and developing the skills they know will be vital in getting a good job after graduation.

“There’s no substitute for experience gained directly on the job and offering placements can be a cost effective route to recruitment.”

Commenting on the assertion made by Mr Lambert, John Charlton, graduate recruitment partner at Deloitte in Newcastle said: “Internships and placements are fast becoming a must-have experience. The skills learned and experience gained carry real currency in the job market.

“Employers want to see hands-on experience. Students have to be quick to identify areas of work and then move to find internships that are open to them. Starting early is an essential part of this process.

“Students in their first or second year at university need to ask themselves what job do I want to do? It’s important that students do not wait until the final year at university to think about finding a job, especially in the current market.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .