Job / Career

Employability & the Role of the University

Should universities teach students how to find a job? Are employment skills a necessary requirement for higher education to deliver today?

photo by micn2sugars

With so many new graduates each year, employers are spoilt for choice on who to give a job. If a company wants to recruit graduates, it’ll have no difficulty. If a company wants to recruit graduates with specific skills, the choice may be more difficult.

It’s like with A-levels. Universities find it increasingly difficult to work out which students to give offers to, because so many A-level students are receiving good grades. More unis are asking for at least one A* grade to help identify students of the highest calibre. But what happens when this grade fails to identify anything useful? And is this still a reasonable and effective method of finding the most able students?

There was a time when simply ‘being a graduate’ was enough to help you stand out from the crowd. Securing employment wasn’t as tough, because there were fewer graduates in the same position. Regardless of actual ability, having a degree was a notch above many.

Yet today, with so many graduates in the mix, employers look for more than a grade. Even a First at a prestigious university isn’t enough to grab whatever you desire.

Where does that leave you upon graduation? Should universities be responsible for ensuring a certain level of competence or employability before allowing you to graduate?

I’m not convinced it should be obligatory. As a place of learning, university isn’t solely about business and career. And it’s not possible to attain a particular level or type of ’employability’.

For instance, Boden & Nedeva highlight differences between Anglia Ruskin and Oxford:

“It is likely that local interpretations of notions of what makes graduates employable would be different for the University of Oxford and Anglia Ruskin University. The University of Oxford website does not contain an employability statement but, despite this, Oxford graduates are widely regarded as highly employable. Moreover, education at Oxford has not been changed in accordance with the employability agenda: broad-based knowledge and cultural capital are still the currencies that students accumulate.”
[Employing discourse: universities and graduate ’employability’]

Despite this, I believe students should be assured the following, whatever institution they attend:

Guaranteed availability of assistance and preparation for life after graduation if a student should request it;
Continued support from careers services, including a more detailed and personal service in some cases;
Clear information & explanation on improving employability and transition into work;
Before going in to HE, give students awareness that a degree is not an automatic passport to a job or career;
Give those pre-HE students guidance on the alternatives to university, along with general pros and cons to each.

I’m uncertain who would be responsible for supplying the resources for the last two points…universities, schools, government department, outsourced…? But it is necessary. Harriet Dunbar-Goddet at 1994 Group makes a simple, yet entirely valid point:

“Information is not enough, prospective students also need advice and guidance on how to make use of it.”

Any number of tools can be offered to students, but it counts for nothing if there is little awareness and an inability to make proper use of those tools.

In response to Harriet’s point, I said that it’s like being given all the separate components to build a car and then being expected to build it yourself with no fuss. You’d recognise some of the parts, but they would mean nothing in isolation. There is similarity in this:

“As Tomlinson (2007) points out, students nowadays no longer anticipate a clear link between their merit in education and its reward in the labour market.”
[Less time to study, less well prepared for work, yet satisfied with higher education]

A selection of courses at some universities allow a year in relevant industry. This helps many graduates stand out both on their CV and in terms of actual experience, which is often lacking upon graduation. Bullock et al, say:

“Our study confirms other findings that an extended work placement enhances the likelihood of a good degree and preferred employment. Although the sandwich model preferred in this university is not perfect, the perception shared by students, academics and employers is that benefits outweigh drawbacks.”
[‘Work placement experience: should I stay or should I go?‘]

Even if work placements and generous employability support are provided by universities, is it enough? A recent paper by Hinchliffe & Jolly examines broader knowledge, identity and well-being as possible keys to greater employability. They look at a more holistic approach whereby students focus not solely on employability, but on the bigger picture:

“Our studies suggest that universities and government would be better employed promoting student employability indirectly through the promotion of graduate identity and well-being (through the provision of opportunities for functioning) rather than directly through employability skills.”
[Graduate identity and employability]

Given the issues discussed above, it’s no wonder that a degree doesn’t automatically result in magical employment.

Boden & Nedeva are concerned that matters go beyond employability. Is higher education in danger of giving too narrow a focus to learning when it should be giving a wider perspective?

“Universities should be the critical friends to civil society, enlightening, informing and engaging, as part of their service. The growth within universities of pedagogical approaches based around the ‘delivery’ of ‘teaching materials’ in a narrow set of ‘skills and competencies’ bodes ill for the execution of this wider public intellectual role. This, we argue, is perhaps the most alarming of implications.” [Source]

And the take home point?

When you identify any goal, career or otherwise, strike out using your own initiative and find who and what can help you around your own actions.

Whatever your university has to offer, take responsibility for your future. Look beyond the grades and beyond the reputation of the institution. Look to yourself and what you have to offer. It’s often a lot more that you think.

Look Back, Look Forward: Part 5 – 14 steps to a stress-free future

In the final part of this series of posts on the future after your degree, let’s look at taking the stress out of your plans.

The future is uncertain, mainly because it hasn’t happened yet. Invariably, this can lead to worry. Or panic. Or full-blown hysteria.

If only you could get the future to play by the rules you set. I know that’s never going to happen, but you can use the present to nudge the future into dealing with you more reasonably.

photo by Ranoush.

14 steps to a stress-free future

Plan what can be planned – Just because you don’t have all the information doesn’t mean you can’t start making a rough sketch of the future. You don’t get anywhere fast without a sense of where you are going.
Don’t leave it for later – The more you sit on things, the more you have to do later on.
Expect possibilities, not guarantees – Confidence is good, absolute certainty is not. Expecting the worst isn’t necessary, but it’s wise to be aware that events don’t always go the way you want. Expect nothing in particular, but hope for the best outcome and be prepared for the worst.
Deal with common needs beforehand – Get what you can out of the way. Many matters are best dealt with as you go along. Your CV, where you’ll live, summer plans, and so on, are pretty standard. Very little will surprise you. Get on with these necessary tasks as soon as they arise to keep disruption down to a minimum.
Look at the blank canvas with hope, not fear – I’m still surprised at how people greet creative uncertainty with dread. You have responsibility for what you do with your life and you’re being handed a free shot at what you want. It gets better, because any time you mess up, it’s easy enough to start on another blank canvas. You’re luckier than you think. Stuff like money gets in the way, but a lot of what really blocks us are our own mental blocks.
Consider what you’d like to do and where you want to branch out – Before you get too serious (or before time starts making decisions for you), make an effort to hone in on the life you’d most like to lead. Small steps in the first place can become large strides, so don’t knock them. When you don’t spend enough time on the initial steps, you knock your dreams off course.
Look at job adverts, consult agencies, forums, conferences, job fairs, specific companies – You’ve probably been told this a lot already, but it’s worth mentioning. The more preparation you do, the more you’re prepared…good, huh? Study the jobs and opportunities currently out there, check jobs ads and appointments, view promotional docs from companies in the field you’re looking into. Fairs and events allow for networking, further questions, more ways in, new thoughts that you hadn’t yet considered. If you’re already doing this, keep it up. Don’t give up.
Whatever you feel in the dark about, make it your aim to shed light on the subject.
Work out budgeting needs for the year ahead – You need money. Whether it comes from you, the bank of mum and dad, or a lottery win(!), be sure to budget regardless.
Start a blog and join conversations online – This is especially important if you have a clear career in mind. Start a blog about your chosen field, even if it’s just about finding a job in the first place. It all helps. I know loads of graduates who set up their own website like a CV, but it goes stale and doesn’t mean anything. A blog lets you update, explain, entertain, converse, stay relevant, and stay visible.
Find people associated with the work you want to do on social networks and online forums. There are so many wonderful, helpful, accessible, kind people out there. In time, you can be one of those very people. Get involved and start spreading the love further!
Talk to parents and loved ones about future living arrangements if you’re not renting yourself – Some people are surprised at how much their parents want them to move out quickly, or start paying rent, or make massive change to living arrangements. Get it sorted in advance so you’re not surprised.
Keep scheduling, even when you don’t have a lot going on – Practice your time management by keeping a schedule or diary or to-do list or anything that lets you keep an eye on the day. It not only opens your eyes to the amount you can do when you put your mind to it, but also gives you momentum to achieve more. A lot can be said for the humble to-do list.
Have some down time – Already scheduling like crazy? Have a lot on? Avoid the stress of burnout by scheduling time for yourself too.
Regulate your sleep – Student days are behind you. If you enjoyed the prospect of a day-long lie-in, you need to train yourself out of it. Try waking up at the same time every day. Having no clear sleep pattern can be stressful. The occasional lie-in is fine, so long as it is only occasional!
Don’t waste time doing nothing at all – Losing momentum is a big problem here. From the moment your study comes to an end, start working on the next stage.

Enjoy your life as a graduate. I hope you get the degree result you want and I wish you the best of luck for the future.

TheUniversityBlog isn’t disappearing over the summer months. The focus may not be so much on writing essays and dealing with campus life, but there’s still plenty to deal with, including more on life after uni.

Remember, if there’s anything you’d like to see covered on this site, get in touch!

How real is the graduate earning premium?

As we approach summer, there will soon be another group of graduates looking for jobs. Soon after, another set of students will hit campuses around the country for their Fresher year. Two very different starts, full of very different hopes and fears.

One of the reasons touted for going to university is that you’ll be better off. Statistics suggest that graduates earn more over their lifetime than those without a degree.

Is the vague term of ‘graduate premium’ a good enough reason to spend three or more years of your life in Higher Education?

Also, is the earning premium all it’s cracked up to be? What will it end up meaning for you? Do you expect to earn more than non-graduates over your working lifetime? If so, how much more?

photo by James Cridland

I’m sceptical about the overall relevance of a graduate earning premium. We are currently in a time of change, both economically and educationally. More people than ever are applying to universities. With huge intakes of students, there are still not enough places to allow everyone in, even if they’ve got good grades.

With so many people doing undergraduate study and collecting degrees, will the term ‘graduate premium’ mean as much in a couple of years? And a few years after that? And in 20 years?

I’m sure some people end up earning a lot more off their studies than if they’d taken a different route, but it’s not guaranteed. Far from it. Many students will graduate into more humble circumstances and may not achieve the dizzy heights they were hoping.

Indeed, students aren’t convinced about their future career prospects. According to a report by High Fliers Research:

45% of those leaving uni believe their prospects are ‘very limited’;
A third of those polled think most entry-level jobs will be taken by last year’s graduates;
1 in 6 students would have questioned university study had they realised how tough the graduate job market is.

If student numbers stay as they are, any premium is likely to slow to the point where it becomes misleading. Even if graduates remain, on average, better off than non-graduates, it won’t mean much if most of the population needs a degree. Any ‘premium’ would become a ‘norm’.

The High Fliers report suggests that students don’t expect to make as much money as they used to. Expectations are now an average of £22,000 for their first job. That’s down 3.1% on last year’s expectations.

Nevertheless, university is not about commanding a higher salary. It can certainly help you toward that goal, but using study in a vague attempt to make more money in nonsensical. Chasing a big pay packet is a time-consuming and pointless exercise when taken in isolation.

Uni Choices

The student experience can’t be judged based on future situations and perks that aren’t guaranteed. If money is the only thing driving a person, degree study may well be a mistake.

Personal choices over the institution you study at are often based on small points, uni facilities, and various random attractions. No matter, because they’re still based on what you see and what’s actually on offer. While you can check tables for suggested future earnings based on subject, it’s still a shot in the dark that’s frayed with uncertainty.

Your future is important. So important that you need to rely on yourself to push for the best employment terms. As a student or graduate, you’re in a great position. While the job market is tough, you are the most important piece of the jigsaw. The key isn’t where you did your degree or what you studied. That won’t help you command a huge earnings premium. You’re better off showing how you made use of and continue to make use of your learning and experiences.

A dedicated student who effectively pieces together their experience at one of the lowest ranked unis can easily sweep the floor with a half-hearted, uncertain student from a top ranked uni. Graduate premium doesn’t count for anything if the person doesn’t push their achievements and seek to do better with each new day. Your degree award doesn’t command a premium by itself. The piece of paper you get is more a sign of the skills you’re building up personally. Don’t let your achievement stop at that piece of paper…let it be the true start.

What does ‘graduate premium’ mean for you?

Your achievements are stepping stones.

Earlier this month, I was listening to Phill Jupitus co-presenting a breakfast show on student radio. I was listening out of curiosity.

photo by Andy McMillan

Lucky I did tune in, because I also got to hear Jupitus in conversation with James Ricci, president of Bournemouth University Students’ Union.

Ricci mentioned that being involved in SU and university activities is helpful to a graduate CV in an age when a degree alone isn’t qualification enough to enter the job market convincingly.

He’s absolutely right. So many people go to uni now that you have to do more than pass a degree course for employers to show an interest.

You don’t have to be president of a Students’ Union in order for your CV to shine, but you do need to show your achievements over the course of your degree. Yes, you studied for a few years, but what else did you do?

Even accounting for the hours spent on independent study, there’s a lot of time left over. Take away regular (but not TOO regular) leisure time and there should still be room to stand out. Whatever your subject is.

By ‘stand out’, I don’t mean like a sore thumb. Not unless that’s one of your endearing qualities…!

You should volunteer, participate in activities, have stories that identify you as a unique person, and so on. Through this, you’ll notch up various successes worthy of mention.

Success isn’t limited to gold medallists, elected SU officers, student leaders, and so on. Any achievement is a stepping stone that you should be proud of. Possible achievements and activities worth mentioning include:

Clubs/Societies you’ve joined;
Clubs/Societies you’ve made a difference in;
Clubs/Societies you’ve helped set up yourself
Part-time employment;
Online achievements that you founded, such as non-personal blogs, websites, professional networks, etc.;
Sporting achievements;
Voluntary stints;
Uni events you assisted in (paid or not);
Senior Student and outreach roles;
Charity work;
Relevant trade associations & professional groups you’re an active member of;
Campaigns you played a part in (unless controversial);
Personal hobbies & activities that go beyond casual interest (unless controversial 😛 ).

Three achievements stand out in particular in my own student past:

I was elected a Final Year Representative;
I was a Senior Student for a year;
I was a founding member of an English Society.

I mention these not because I did them for my CV. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t thinking much about it at the time. I did these things because I wanted to.

The student representative position was mentioned in passing to me. It sounded interesting and I felt it would enable me to see (and act) ‘behind the scenes’, as well as speaking on behalf of fellow students. The Senior Student position was a paid position and it helped me take up something more relevant, useful and exciting to me than a part-time job. It also meant I could live on campus on my final year with Freshers. I got to experience the first year again AND tuck in to my dissertation. Win! As for the English Society, my Academic Advisor suggested it to me and a few friends. We liked the idea, so we started the ball rolling. It wasn’t huge at first, but we managed minor successes, and the society grew in subsequent years. If it wasn’t for an initial push, there would have been nothing.

So I can mention these achievements to highlight various responsibilities and actions, yet the intention wasn’t just to look better on paper. You’re either in a position where you’ve already got some achievements worth mentioning, or you’ve got the time to experience more before you graduate.

What could you mention? Think hard. Something you may not consider an achievement may be more important than you think. If you’re still left struggling, it’s not too late. Start building a portfolio of achievements today. As I said just a couple of posts ago, “You have the power to stretch out wherever you want“.