Abstract

The First Destination Survey of new graduates provides only a snapshot of graduate employment. This longitudinal study explores more fully the career pathways taken by undergraduates from two programmes and examines which skills acquired at university contributed to successful employment and development of their careers. It was found that 99 percent of respondents made a successful transition from higher education to the workplace, with 56 percent in a job related to their first-degree subject. Career pathways were diverse and half of graduates undertook further study/training at various stages to improve their career prospects. Skills identified as most useful were oral and written communication, teamworking, personal organization, self-motivation and subject knowledge. Areas recommended for curriculum development were subject-specific practical skills, information technology and additional support with careers advice and guidance.