2011 has seen a continued media focus on record levels of competition amongst job-seeking graduates, but how has this affected the Bath region?
In the early summer the BBC reported that the average number of applications per job had increased to 83, dramatically higher than 2008’s average of just 31. These statistics indicate an applicant ‘backlog,’ with the latest graduates forced to compete against previous university leavers struggling to secure work.
Such findings led some to question the relevance of today’s university education in relation to graduate prospects.
Diane Hay, Head of Careers at the University of Bath, commented on how ‘most press reports on the state of the market are unhelpful – they are biased towards the negative and are often based on small samples of employers.’ The university has found the job market to be largely positive, with recovery varying by sector; those seeking work in the science, construction and public sector industries are currently facing the biggest challenge. Employer demand for Bath graduates is very high and the university’s autumn Careers Fair is fully booked.
Diane’s advice is for local students ‘not to be put off by press reports, and to think carefully and flexibly about what they want,’ highlighting the importance of effective applications which demonstrate a considered career focus, in addition to the most appropriate job-seeking strategy for each individual student.
Daniel Broadberry, a 2011 University of Bath Physics graduate, has already successfully secured permanent work within the Financial Services sector. He describes his initial search for temporary work as ‘harder than expected,’ yet was relieved to be placed in a permanent position soon after registering with a local agency.
Daniel remarked that a number of his peers had accepted non-graduate jobs for the summer period, with most working in areas unrelated to their degrees. While retrospectively Daniel may have been tempted to study a more vocational degree, he remains positive about his experience at the University of Bath, recommending it as an institution with ‘a respected name and good research reputation, in a fun and vibrant city.’
Daniel commented on the importance of selecting the right degree for each prospective student’s long-term plans, noting that a university education might not be the most appropriate route for all.
Local recruitment agency, Appoint Personnel Ltd, also report positive findings for the region’s students, with a marked increase in graduate openings compared to previous years. Rowena Smyth, Appoint’s Recruitment Manager, stated that ‘clients continue to strongly value the skills and experience offered by graduates, with a particular focus on those who have studied business specific courses. Candidates with related work experience are proven to hold a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.’
The University of Bath Career Service is open to current students and alumni: http://www.bath.ac.uk/careers/ / 01225 386009.
Appoint recruit for an array of commercial office vacancies throughout the Bath and Wiltshire areas: www.appoint.co.uk / 01225 313130.