Work expectations post graduation Real Prospects: The reality of graduate employment

In spring 2010 Real Prospects surveyed more than 14,500 graduates working in 200 companies and organisations in the UK. The graduates were between one and five years from graduation. They had a lot to say.

Much of it was positive “My employer offers great feedback, great supervision and regular feedback.” “My job is genuinely rewarding and satisfying.”

“The company had the key qualities I was looking for in an employer: a friendly culture, huge network of support, good career progression, and well- respected in the sector.”

Some of it wasn’t “I feel really disheartened and demotivated with work. There has been a lack of training and support, and I don’t get feedback. I’ve lost any confidence in my work.”

“I work an average of 50 hours every week, I do not have any benefits, I do not get paid for the extra hours and I do not think my work here is being appreciated.”

We want to understand the reality of the graduate labour market, the ups and downs of those first years in employment, and whether the graduate dream has been realised in the working reality.

Real Prospects graduates  43% are on or have been on a graduate training scheme  36% hold a postgraduate qualification  The median salary of Real Prospects graduates is £22,000

Real Prospects graduates  65% are working for privately-owned companies  25% are working in the public sector  10% are in the third sector (e.g. charity, not-for- profit)

How do graduates feel?  83% were satisfied with their employer’s selection process  70% are satisfied with the support and supervision they receive at work

How do graduates feel?  57% are considering leaving their employer within the next twelve months  20% had previously worked for their employer as a student before they applied for a graduate role

How do graduates feel?  55% are satisfied with their pay and benefits  64% are satisfied with their work-life balance, but 47% feel that they are expected to work in excess of their contracted hours

Job hunting In addition to the internet, directories, employer visits etc, Real Prospects graduates found vacancies in many different ways, including:  Speculative applications  Voluntary work/temping leading to a full-time position  Direct approaches from employers

Job hunting Don’t lose heart during the recruitment process – graduates should be prepared to chase up applications if the company doesn't get back to them. Lots of Real Prospects respondents had to do this.

Job hunting Assessment centres are often not as scary as students think they'll be. Many Real Prospects graduates found them useful – fun, even.

Training and development  50% of RP graduates have completed professional qualifications with their employer  Respondents found this commitment to professional development can sometimes compensate for a lesser salary

Training and development Graduates think that studying for a professional qualification gives them a better understanding of their own role: “It has helped to focus my career choice... and helped me to gauge how well I’m progressing while giving me a target to aim for.”

Working reality Graduates need to be realistic about what their first job is going to be like/be able to offer – they will get much more out of it. The shouldn’t expect to secure their ideal role immediately just because they've got a degree – they will probably have to work their way up so they need to make sure their first role enables them to learn a lot/build up their CV.

Graduates speak “The company is a small developer, which means you get to know everybody in the office. It is a great environment and I feel that I could make a difference here.” Graduate working in IT sector

Graduates speak “My employer is a dynamic firm with high-profile work and clients, but it still retains a friendly and supportive environment in which to train.” Graduate in law firm

Graduates speak “I like working in an area where what I do makes a difference to people rather than just profits.” Graduate working in the public sector

Real Prospects and HEIs Careers services and alumni offices provided access to thousands of their graduates. This led to high levels of participation, e.g. Nottingham 411, Warwick 612, Surrey 312, Manchester 294.

Real Prospects and HEIs We have data on what your graduates are earning, doing, planning, studying etc up to five years from Graduation. Real Prospects provides you with valuable employability data and powerful marketing messages.

Real Prospects and HEIs Real Prospects 2011 will be launched next January. We need as many of you to participate as possible. Real Prospects Directory 2010/2011 will include 14 sections of Real Prospects content written to help students understand the reality of graduate employment in different industries.