Transcript Document
Objectives
• To conduct an AHECS led Survey to inform on
current recruitment market trends
• To raise awareness of AHECS authority, on
Graduate Career development, learning and
employability
• To Promote AHECS links with Industry,
Students and Academics and the supportive
role it can play in devising policy and
recruitment activity.
Approach
• Survey completed summer 2013
• Companies selected from top recruiters in
2012/2013 period
• Questionnaire on numbers recruited, salaries,
and employability skills
• Identified 7 distinct labour market areas
Key Findings
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Graduate recruitment set to rise
Commerce & Engineering most sought after
Honours Degree minimum standard favoured
Salaries to remain static
Key Findings –Relevant Work Experience
• Relevant Work Experience as important as Academic
Results when short listing.
Relevance of Degree
Overall Academic results
Individual Subject Results
Leaving Cert Results
Proven Employability Skills
Relevant Work Experience
Other Work Experience
Work Experience with the Company
Extra Curricular Involvements
Involvement with College Societies
0
20
40
60
The most important criteria when shortlisting graduates
80
Key Findings:- Employability Skills
• Top: Team Work and Positive attitude,
• followed by Business awareness and Communication &
literacy
Self Management
Teamwork
Business & Customer Awareness
Problem Solving
Communication & Literacy
Application of Numeracy
IT Skills
Positive Attitude
Enterprise / Entrepreneurship
0
20
40
60
Employability skills which are most important in graduate recruitment
80
Key Findings:- Employability Skills
• Skills to be worked on Self-management and Business
awareness
• Along with Communication and Problem solving
Self Management
Teamwork
Business & Customer Awareness
Problem Solving
Communication & Literacy
Application of Numeracy
IT Skills
Positive Attitude
Enterprise / Entrepreneurship
0
20
40
60
Employability skills which need improvement in graduates
80
Development of Employability Skills
• Positive attitude: Should be “what I can do for
the company” and not “What can you do for
me”
• Involvement in a variety of activities essential
“ …Ask a busy person”
• Keeping up to date on what is happening in
industry rather then “cramming….”
What employers are saying
“ Competition is increasing…., to
secure a job.. Need to be a good all
rounder, .. Good results, get work
experience……”
“the more work experience gained,
the more real estate that a candidate
has when it comes to applying for
graduate roles”
“Attending training sessions
provided by careers services…
will help develop skills in areas
not addressed academically…”
“Positive attitude is everything
for a company and the right fit
will be a person with the right
attitude….”
“learn a language..” “attention to
detail” “Improve your IT skills
“learn how to sell yourself when
making an application….”
The way forward……Our Graduates
need to
• Be well-rounded individuals with a positive “can
do” attitude
• Achieve Strong Academic results combined with
relevant work experience
• Develop good team, and communication skills
• Have a good understanding and awareness of the
industry they hope to build successful careers
How…
Recommend:• Continued development of closer working
relationships with Academic Schools,
Employers and Employer Groups
Provision of:• Embedded Employability Skills Module in
Curriculum.
• Work Placement Option in all degree
programmes