Is an MA worth it?

Stephen IsherwoodChief Executive

Association of Graduate Recruiters

Graduate vacancy changes

2014 (predicted)20132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000

10.5%4.3%

-8.2%1.7%

8.9%-8.9%

0.6%12.7%

5.1%5.1%

15.5%-3.4%

-6.5%14.6%14.7%

UK graduate hiring

• Degree discipline doesn’t always matter• UCAS tariff and degree grade part of the mix• UK recruitment practices more complex than

elsewhere• University targeting an allocation of resources• Graduate hiring teams a cost centre• 75% of vacancies not degree specific

What does good look like?

1. An ability to work collaboratively with teams of people2. Excellent communication skills: both speaking and listening 3. A high degree of drive and resilience 4. Ability to analyse make sense of complex situations5. An ability to embrace multiple perspectives and challenge thinking 6. A capacity to develop new skills and behaviours according to role

requirements 7. A high degree of self-awareness 8. An ability to negotiate and influence 9. An ability to form professional networks10. Awareness of issues affecting sector applied to

What does good look like?

• Practically intelligent problem solver• Can get things done with and through

others• Passion to do the job• Resilient and flexible

Early targeting

Internships

Sandwich or industrial placements

Work placements

Other types of placements

77.3%

53.4%

30.7%

6.8%

Back to a sellers market?

Base population 735,000Base GDP 2012 - £1,541,000mSource: Office for National Statistics

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018640

660

680

700

720

740

760

780

16-yr olds ('000s)

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 20181400

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

GDP Projection (£bn)