Careers, Employability and Skills What can I do with a non-vocational degree? Greta ODonnell Careers Adviser
The short answer is ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dispelling Myths Contrary to popular opinion the majority of graduate vacancies are open to any discipline Most students on non-vocational pathways assume the only career open to them is teaching In reality the majority of employment sectors are open to all disciplines including the Public Sector, Retailing, Consultancy, Accounting, Banking and Finance YOU can apply for most roles except (in the main) those in engineering, IT and Science
Where is the evidence? The largest recruiters of graduates in 2011 will be – PricewaterhouseCoopers (1200 vacancies) Deloitte (1000 vacancies) KPMG (900 vacancies) Teach First (780 vacancies) Ernst & Young (740 vacancies) High Fliers The Graduate Market in 2011
Further Evidence According to a survey of 500 Directors in October 2007, when recruiting, 64% said graduates employability skills were more important to their organisation than the specific occupational, technical or academic knowledge/skills associated with the graduates degree Institute of Directors skills briefing–December 2007 Graduates employability skills.
Why? Why are employers so interested in students studying non and less vocational subjects? Generic competencies such as interpersonal and organisational sensitivity, planning and organising, teamwork and communication are typically given more emphasis in the study of humanities than STEM subjects HESCU Graduate Market Trends Autumn 2010
What next? Explore careers that would suit you > Prospects Planner & Options with your Subject > Careers Report Look out for opportunities to gain work experience – internships, placements and part time work > Vacancieswww.gradireland.comwww.gradireland.com Consider volunteering to build your skills Attend Job Fairs, Skills for Success workshops and Employer Presentations > Events Calendar