Russell Group comments on AGR graduate recruitment survey
06 July 2010
Commenting on the Association of Graduate Recruiters’ Graduate Recruitment Survey 2010, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, said:
“Graduates face an extremely competitive employment market. However, a degree remains a valuable investment: graduates earn a considerable salary premium over those with two A-levels, and Russell Group graduates receive a 10% salary top-up over others. [1]
“Russell Group universities are constantly striving to ensure their students develop skill-sets that make them employable, entrepreneurial and experienced. For example, the ‘Leeds for Life’ programme students to recognise and articulate more effectively the skills which they have developed as part of their University of Leeds undergraduate education, matching the demands of employers. [2]
“Because of this, Russell Group graduates are among the most sought after worldwide. Nine of top 20 universities in the world as ranked by employers, including the top three, are Russell Group institutions. [3]
“It is more important than ever that students receive sound advice when choosing advanced level qualifications, maximising their chances of getting into the best university for them. Students also have a right to access clear information on the career prospects of particular degree courses and universities; they must be confident that university is a worthwhile investment.
“As competition for graduate jobs intensifies, many of the brightest graduates are gaining new skills and experiences by undertaking postgraduate study at Russell Group universities, with some taking advantage of fee discounts by staying on at their undergraduate institutions.”
• [1] Chevalier, A. and Conlon, G. Does it pay to go to a prestigious university? Centre for the Economics of Education, LSE (March 2003)
• [2] For further information on ‘Leeds for Life’, see https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk/login.aspx
• [3] World University Rankings 2008 - Employer Review, http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2008/indicator-rankings/employer-review