24 Employment After Higher Education Is higher education a worthwhile investment? More than 40% of 18- 30 year olds are now participating in higher education and the trend is upwards, which means the number of graduates joining the labour market increases every year. However, there were fewer employment opportunities at graduate level in 2009 - the effect of the economic recession - meaning more competition for those jobs. With student debt now averaging over £ 5K for each year of study ( and increasing), it is important to weigh up the benefits of taking a degree - accelerated career progression, personal and social development - against the time it takes and the accumulated debt. Whilst there are some professions for which a degree is essential such as veterinary science, medicine, education - a degree is no guarantee of a job and salaries vary enormously from one career type to another. Doing a degree isn't only about earning potential; it may be your route to a fulfilling and well-rewarded working life. Higher education provides a unique opportunity to stretch the intellect, and time to develop and mature. And there's quite a lot more a degree course can equip you with - read on! Graduate skills sought by employers Higher education study methods encourage skills and abilities, e. g. in: . analytical research, logical reasoning and deductive thinking . creative problem- solving . co- operation, teamwork and leadership . clear presentation of ideas and projects . planning, organisation and time- management underpinned by the key skills of: . numeracy . communication ( oral and written) . information technology. Employers are also on the lookout for broader employability skills and qualities, such as self- confidence, initiative, reliability, enthusiasm, flexibility and the ability to manage your own development. How can you improve your employment prospects whilst in higher education? Higher education can give you opportunities for developing your: . team building skills - within practicals, field trips, drama, music and sporting events, summer camps, digs, even bar work . interpersonal skills - through RAG- week activities, schools and college liaison work, acting as course representative . problem- solving and negotiating skills - by project work, travel, being a careers convention steward, seeking sponsorship for events . commitment - voluntary activities, acting as a student ambassador, helping at Freshers' week, sitting on committees or working for the Students' Union . Work experience Work experience is valued. Graduates of any discipline, who have gained experience through part- time jobs, a year out, vacation jobs, a sandwich course, a summer internship or work placements, impress prospective employers more than graduates of a relevant subject with no work experience.

Employment After Higher Education 25 Does the subject of your degree affect your employment chances? Surveys of what graduates do show considerable variation in employment rates for different subject areas. Courses that include vocational training usually enable graduates to take up specific occupations immediately after completing their studies. Many 2009 higher education entrants chose subjects with a proven employment track record, such as engineering, law and medicine. However, for many students, a higher education qualification is simply the start of gaining professional recognition. Graduates often need to take a postgraduate course to enter professions such as social work, law, teaching and accountancy. Some may start in a job and gain professional status through experience in the workplace combined with part- time study. Key points . Well over half of graduate vacancies are open to degree holders in any subject. . Not all graduates enter the labour market at graduate level. . The average starting salary for new graduates entering full- time employment in 2009 was around £ 19,000. . The average starting salary for new graduates with leading employers, entering graduate- level jobs in 2009 was approximately £ 25,000. . Many graduate vacancies with leading employers are in London where salaries offered tend to be higher than in other UK regions. . Offering the right combination of skills, personal qualities and work experience can be as important as higher education qualifications. . Skills acquired through involvement in clubs, societies, committees, voluntary activities, part- time and vacation employment can be crucial when competing for jobs. . The employment rate for graduates is consistently higher than for non- graduates. . Many graduates find work with small or medium sized companies. Make use of the latest student employability profiles ( SEPS) at www. ucas. com/ seps to identify the employability skills that can be developed through your intended HE subject( s). For further information on how higher education can benefit you, check out the Aimhigher and Prospects websites at www. aimhigher. ac. uk and www. prospects. ac. uk