Each year, the Careers Service collects information about the 'First Destinations' of UL graduates. During the April/May period following graduation, we survey those who have completed full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses for details on their current status. This information can be a useful indication of the career opportunities available to graduates in the various disciplines.
The most recent survey, conducted in April/May of 2011, provides information on the employment and further study record of the graduating class of 2010. The survey covers over 2,500 who completed full-time programmes of study during 2010, and achieved a response rate of over 80%.
The key features of the survey findings are as follows:
Primary Degrees
- 58% of graduates went directly into employment, 45% in Ireland and 13% overseas. This is a 5% increase in employment levels on the previous year. It is not possible to make comparisons with the national employment level of graduates as that data is not yet available but the employment record of UL graduates has always been consistently higher than that national average.
- The percentage of graduates finding employment in both Ireland and overseas increased in the past year, from 41% to 45%, and from 12% to 13% respectively. This is encouraging and demonstrates the employability of UL graduates even in a recessionary climate.
- There was a decrease in the number of graduates opting for further study or research, from 32% to 27%. This may be attributed to the general decline in disposable incomes in Irish households which makes postgraduate course fees unaffordable for many.
- There was a 1% increase to 5% in the percentage who were 'not available' for employment or further study. There has been very little variation in this percentage over the past five years, ranging from 4% to 6%.
- The results record a decrease of 1% in the number of graduates seeking employment which is now 10%. This is lower than the official labour market unemployment figure which is currently in excess of 14.4%.
- There has been no significant change in the salary levels for new graduates in the past year. The results record an average starting salary of approximately €24,400 with more than 27% of respondents earning salaries in excess of €29,000.
- One again, the public sector accounts for the highest concentration of graduate jobs, particularly Education at 26% down 4% on last year, and Health at 14% up 1% on last year. Despite the continuing problems encountered in the financial services sector, the Business, Finance and Insurance sectors between them accounted for the second highest proportion of graduates, 22% which is 2% lower than last year.
- The Mid-West continues to be the most popular region of employment, accounting for 31% of jobs, followed by the Dublin, at 30%. The most popular overseas location was the UK at 39%, followed by the Middle East at 24%.
- The overall employment rate for Education graduates increased by 3% to 82%, which is exceptionally strong considering that only 13% are teaching overseas. The number seeking employment is also significantly lower than average, at only 7%.
Higher Degrees
- The survey results record a significant improvement in the employment rates across the majority of postgraduate programmes, demonstrating the value of investing in further study as a means of improving employment prospects.
- More than three quarters of those who completed Postgraduate Diplomas in 2010 found employment. Of the 76% employed, the vast majority are working in Ireland with only 9% working abroad.
- A total of 657 graduates completed Masters Degrees in 2010 and 72% went directly into employment, 13% of these overseas. Some 9% continued with their studies primarily to PhD level.
- The highest employment rate was recorded by PhD graduates with 94% employed, an increase of 11% on the previous year. PhD graduates are also more likely to seek research opportunities overseas, and 19% are working outside of Ireland.
- Salary levels increase in accordance with level of qualification and, for those with postgraduate qualifications, average salaries range from €28,000 to €48,500, depending on type of qualification, sector of employment and nature of job.
The detailed statistical information for each course of study is included in the survey report, copies of which are available from the Careers Service. You can also access more detailed information here.
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