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One in three graduates unhappy in their job

A “clear gap” has been revealed between what graduates expect from their jobs and what they actually experience, with one in three feeling disenchanted as employers fail to meet their expectations, according to research.

The study, carried out by the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HESCU) also showed that while opportunities to progress are important to nine in ten graduates, fewer than three in five are actually satisfied with their prospects.

The survey collected responses from more than 24,000 graduates, and now Graduate Prospects, the UK’s leading provider of graduate services, and the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), the recognised national voice of graduate employers, are calling for more business action.

Mike Hill, chief executive of Graduate Prospects said: “Graduates have the ambition to drive the UK economy forward, but what we’re hearing is that some employers may be holding them back.

“Whilst not ignoring the fact that most graduates are happy in their work, particularly those on a graduate training scheme, we have to stand up and take notice of the third whose experiences simply aren’t living up to expectations.”

Chief executive of the AGR, Carl Gilleard, said: “Organisations which create a ‘misery culture’ for graduates by stifling innovation and progression or ignoring work/life balance risk losing their best talent as soon as there is any sign of an economic upturn.”

Barbara Phillips-Kerr, Assistant Director at Newcastle University Careers Service, said: “Here at Newcastle University Careers Service we advise our graduates to research companies thoroughly before applying and continue to support them for three years after graduation.

“We are now able to offer our services to all unemployed or underemployed graduates who have studied outside Tyne & Wear and are returning to the region.”

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