Is a Degree Enough to Get a Foothold on Today's Competitive Corporate Ladder? - Part 3

20 July 2006

In the final of our trilogy looking at the consequences surrounding the fact that 70% of the UK’s workforce intends to move job in the next year, corporate performance improvement consultancy, Facilitators UK, turns the focus on graduates. Colin Champion, an Associate of the company, explains that prospective employers are now looking for more than just a good degree when considering graduates for job opportunities.

Although the oil and gas industry is suffering from a well-documented shortage of skilled staff at present, the same cannot be said for many other industry sectors not just in Aberdeen and Scotland, but across the UK. For example, the financial, IT, retail, education and health industries sectors all currently suffer from a shortage of skilled employees. When you consider that 70% of the UK workforce is unhappy with their current circumstances, it should be easy to appreciate just how competitive the job market is. So what chance do graduates have, with little hands-on experience, but with an expectation of securing a reasonably high foothold on the career ladder?

Well not great, unfortunately. More than 80% of the graduates attending recruitment fairs or seminars run by major employers - the milk round - are estimated to have not only poor self-presentational skills but also a significant lack of understanding of what a company is looking for in future employees.

As more and more young people opt for university education, the resulting increase in graduates competing for available posts offered by prospective employers increases. It is all the more surprising that, as competition increases, the importance of self-presentation and an understanding of what employers seek becomes more important than the degree in itself.

Any employer undertaking the recruitment process is looking for candidates that can demonstrate 'added value'. This is what an employer can expect over and above the basic contract requirements. Good standard grades, highers and a reputable degree, although highly desirable, are not all that an employer is looking for - qualifications alone will no longer secure a good position. Employers are increasingly searching for 'extras' such as presentation skills, initiative, originality, thought, and the ability to communicate well – all crucial in today’s corporate world. These 'extras' are seen as an investment in a company's future.

However, companies are finding that such 'extras' are missing from many of the increasing number of graduates. Amongst a large number of equally qualified people, what is it that is going to make them stand out from the crowd?

Added to which, there is an increasing awareness now that many undergraduates will take into their post-university life the substantial debt which the degree has cost, making it ever more important to get on the career ladder. However, graduates must realise that when competing in the 'milk round' and in the general job market, they are participating in a very aggressive, cut-throat environment. For many graduates securing a good job can be much more challenging than securing a good degree.

So, are there any solutions? Clearly secondary schools, colleges and universities have an obligation to address the issue, although ultimately, the responsibility lies with individual graduates. However, forward thinking graduates as well as some parents are particularly anxious that a lack of both interpersonal and self-awareness skills may hinder chances of selection and employability. Indeed many are now seeking professional help to provide that added edge.

Facilitators UK has launched its career management service focusing on the needs of all those involved with careers - whether that be advising organisations on how best to retain key staff or helping individuals manage their careers. In addition, Facilitators UK is already working with graduates to provide the 'extras' now looked for by employers in the job market. The graduate specialist development programmes offers individually tailored courses providing personal skills and awareness. This gives a tangible edge to young graduates in both inter-personal skills and an understanding of the selection criteria set by many of the major global employers.

Before embarking on their career search opportunities, graduates must ensure that their weaknesses are strengthened and their strengths become key marketable assets. These 'extras', which are sought by increasingly selective employers, will make a remarkable difference to the potential to secure the desired career. Gaining a degree is hard work and a tremendous accomplishment. However, graduates must keep up the momentum and investigate what employers actually expect or recognise that a hard-earned degree may be wasted. With the majority of the population unhappy in their job, the market in recent times has never been so aggressive. Graduates need to realise that a degree is often just the start of a rocky journey to secure a good job and that positive proactive action must be taken if they are to successfully pursue their desired career path.

Further Information

Please contact Colin Champion for further details.

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