Graduating from university is a significant accomplishment. However, many graduates find themselves struggling to secure a job in their field of study. The UK has a vast number of universities, and with the rising competition, the job market has become increasingly challenging to navigate. In this article, we will explore the statistics behind how many graduates work in their field of study in the UK.
Graduate Employment Statistics
The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is responsible for collecting data on student enrolment, qualifications, and graduate employment in the UK. According to their data, 72.6% of graduates who completed their degree in 2017/18 were working in a professional or managerial job six months after graduation. This is an increase from 71.4% in 2016/17.
The data also shows that 80.3% of graduates who completed their degree in 2017/18 were working in any job six months after graduation. This is an increase from 78.6% in 2016/17.
Graduate Employment by Field of Study
The HESA data shows that the employment rates for graduates vary significantly by field of study. Medicine and dentistry graduates had the highest employment rate at 98.1%, followed by veterinary science at 92.2%. Graduates in subjects allied to medicine had an employment rate of 88.7%, while engineering and technology graduates had an employment rate of 82.8%. On the other hand, creative arts and design graduates had an employment rate of 66.5%, and those in mass communication and documentation had an employment rate of 67.2%.
It is important to note that the employment rates do not necessarily reflect the job market’s demand for a particular field of study. For example, while medicine and dentistry have a high employment rate, there may be a shortage of doctors in specific regions.
Factors Affecting Graduate Employment
Several factors affect graduate employment rates. One of the most significant factors is the state of the job market. During times of economic uncertainty or recession, it is more challenging for graduates to secure employment. Additionally, the location of the graduate can also impact their employment prospects. Some regions have a higher demand for certain skills or professions, making it easier for graduates to find work in their field of study.
The degree class of the graduate is also an important factor. Graduates with a first-class or upper second-class degree are more likely to secure employment in their field of study than those with a lower class degree. Work experience and internships can also boost employment prospects, as employers often prefer candidates with practical experience in their field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the employment rates for graduates in the UK vary significantly by field of study. Medicine and dentistry graduates have the highest employment rates, while creative arts and design graduates have the lowest. Several factors affect graduate employment, including the state of the job market, location, degree class, and work experience. While it may be challenging for some graduates to secure employment in their field of study, the overall trend shows that an increasing number of graduates are finding work in professional or managerial jobs.