UK Graduate Unemployment Highest in 12 years

March 5th , 2010 → 5:54 am @ Michael

Graduate unemployment has become a major problem in the UK, with uncertain economic conditions and increasing student numbers combining to mean many graduates are unable to find degree- relevant work for years after they graduate.

A recent survey in the UK found that 90% of SMEs don’t plan to take on any graduates in 2010, a fact that will worry many young people about to graduate in May.  The high competition between graduates will be intensified further by the fact that this year there will be large numbers of graduates from 2009 who are still searching for a position.

Having a degree of any class  is no longer the ticket to secure a good job and decent salary.  Employers recognize that academic smarts doesn’t mean a candidate will make a good employee.  The global accounting firm KPMG has changed its recruitment processes now so that they focus on finding all-rounders with the personal and professional skills that will mean they can begin interacting successfully with customers from day one.

The reality of the situation now is every vacancy attracts so many applicants that employers can afford to be choosey. They can focus only on the candidates that stand out.  The savvy university student or graduate will seek out ways to make sure they stand out when they submit an application.  One of the best ways to do this is with an International Internship – one that builds your professional skills and allows you to grow as a person and future employee.

Who knows, the organization you intern with might even love you so much they employ you! We’ve seen it happen a number of times.

Category : News