2008 Press Releases

UCC graduates continue to perform well in jobs market
02.07.2008

The preliminary figures from the annual first destinations of UCC's 2007 Graduates' Survey indicates that over 92% of UCC undergraduates entered employment or further study on completion of their degree.
These figures show no significant change on the 2006 graduate survey results. Employment figures for those primary degree students who continued on to further education in past years has remained very strong. The proportion of primary degree graduates seeking employment remained very low at 3.5% in line with trends over the past ten years.
 
Graduates continue to attract good starting salaries with 55% of primary degree graduates starting on over €25k per annum and 20% starting at €33k plus per annum. Starting salaries for postgraduate diploma graduates reflect their additional skill levels with almost 50% starting at salaries in excess of €33k per annum. Higher degree graduates also started at significantly higher levels than primary degree graduates with 43% starting on salaries in excess of €33k

The data is contained in the preliminary report of the UCC Careers Service First Destinations of Graduates' Survey. This is an annual survey of all graduates from full time UCC courses. The survey is conducted nine months after graduation and gives an invaluable insight into employment opportunities for UCC graduates. This year 4,173 graduates were surveyed by questionnaire, email and telephone. A response rate of 80% was achieved.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Séamus McEvoy, Head of the Careers and Work Placement Service in UCC stated: "We are delighted that once again these results demonstrate the high standing of UCC graduates amongst national and international employers. UCC graduates are a vital asset for the region and the country and it is important that we maintain this level of performance if we are to continue as a successful economy. The findings also highlight the value of fourth level education.  Students who pursue Masters Degrees and PhDs develop the skills and learning to enhance career opportunities both in terms of their employability and starting salary."
 
Commenting on the employment opportunities of this year's graduates, Mr McEvoy said: "The indications for students graduating this autumn continue to be positive. Strong numbers of graduate employment opportunities continue to become available with a record number of employers attending last year's graduate recruitment fairs and strong preliminary interest in our fair next October. Our undergraduate work placement programmes are fully subscribed which is another important indicator of the demand for UCC graduates."

More detailed information from the survey is presently being collated and prepared for publication in a booklet called - What do UCC Graduates do?  The Class of 2007.  This publication will be made available to second level schools and Career Guidance Counsellors in September 2008. 2007 graduates summary details and information for previous years' graduates is available on the UCC careers service website http://www.ucc.ie/careers

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