Many students no longer looking at what they want to study, but what will pay the best upon graduating

plagiarism rife 150Students choosing their university course will have to consider the earning potential of their chosen subject

Previously Media studies degrees were very popular, however it has all changed after the tuition fees hike, with many graduates having to consider the repayment prospects and jobs they are likely to obtain upon graduation.

“When you first go to university, start thinking about what you’re going to do once you have graduated,” says Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters(AGR). There is also the argument that university is just about obtaining a degree, nowadays students must take up voluntary work, internships or work placements to obtain graduate jobs.

Gilleard points out that raw statistics are only one of many factors school-leavers and their families should take into consideration. “They need to be aware of where the growth areas lie. For instance, in waste management and environmental jobs, renewable energies and agriculture, or specialisms such as Mandarin and linguistics, cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence will be major recruitment factors in the 21st century.

“School-leavers should also explore what is available at small and medium-sized businesses and in areas they might never have thought of, such as procurement. Most people are unfamiliar with this sector, but the person doing the buying plays a major and often global role in affecting a company’s bottom line.”

Many companies are blaming schools where students don’t take maths or science A-levels which many university degrees rely upon, such as engineering, economics and medicine. Dr Piatt says that subject choices are crucial. “It is still true that too few students from state schools are opting for science (and particularly single science), technology, engineering and maths subjects at GCSE, and advanced and university levels. All students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, must have access to appropriate information and guidance about the choices that will maximise their potential from an early age.”

Salary and benefits are becoming the biggest factor for graduates when they are looking for a graduate job, with the best paid jobs being specialised subjects at university such as law, there will be a sharp decrease in the popularity of ‘Mickey mouse’ degrees.

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