The Real Prospects Project Investigating graduate labour market experience Holly Higgins Senior Researcher HECSU

? What is labour market experience and why is it important?

Labour market information = what graduates are doing Labour market experience = how they came to be doing it Labour market experience vs. labour market information

2. The employability agenda Why is labour market experience important? 1. Careers information 3. Pre-HE advice and guidance

Who needs this information? Students and graduates Careers professionals Higher Education Institutions Employers Policymakers

How can you use information about labour market experience? 1. To evaluate the employability agenda 2. To inform students 3. To prepare students

The Real Prospects Project Q. How have previous generations of graduates succeeded in negotiating the labour market? Q. Are employers providing graduates with enough support once they are in employment?

Negotiating the labour market Dont give up on your dream, but at the same time be realistic and be willing to make a few sacrifices You are unlikely to get exactly what you want out of your first job; you just have to make the most of the experience and see it as a chance to learn and grow

Training and development I have had a really poor experience of PDR meetings in the past and I think this has hindered my ability to identify and gain support for appropriate training

Career management I feel really disheartened and demotivated with work. Theres been a lack of training and support and I dont get feedback. Ive lost confidence in my work

? How do we get these messages across to students? Workshop