In the past employers thought having a degree would imply success in employment. This is still the case, but employers are now more sceptical about the automatic value of Higher Education and want further proof that the graduates they recruit will also have the skills they require.

Transferable skills

For many employers, it is the transferable skills gained from degree studies rather than (or in addition too) the subject studied, which prompts them to recruit graduates in the first place.

The types of skills that employers look for include:

• Self-reliance skills: self-awareness, proactive, being wiling to learn, self-promotion, networking and planning action
• People skills: being able to work in a team, interpersonal skills, oral communication, being able to lead, being able to work with clients, knowledge of a foreign language
• General employment skills: being able to solve a problem, being flexible, IT skills, numeracy and commitment
• Specialist skills: specific occupational skills, technical skills

Work Experience

Gaining some relevant work experience to go with your degree is becoming increasingly important. More graduates are now employed by small to medium-sized companies. These firms cannot always afford the time and money spent by larger firms on formal induction and training schemes. They look for people who have gained some 'employability skills' through sandwich placements, the 'Year in Industry' scheme, internships, gap year or voluntary schemes, part-time jobs or unpaid work experience.

Organisations that can help you gain work experience during or after your HE course:

Go Wales - www.gowales.co.uk
Year in industry - www.yini.org.uk
Step - www.step.org.uk

Employers expect a lot - but you don't need to be perfect!

Most people have their strengths and weaknesses and not everyone is going to have a good degree, great skills and wide-ranging work experience. What you lack in one area you can try to make up for elsewhere.

For up to date information on graduate employment go to Prospects, the official UK website for graduates.

Jobs in Wales
Top ten subjects by highest rate of employment
Degree subjects
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