The world around us is rapidly evolving. Amid economic and global instability, and technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) now becoming part of our everyday lives, the future is uncertain. Can having a degree help with this uncertainty?

ased on analysis by Jisc’s graduate labour market specialist, Charlie Ball, this report sheds light on what the future of work may look like, areas of high employment growth, and the skills likely to be needed by employers over the next decade or so.

It follows our report on the value of going to university, which showcased the current benefits of getting a degree.

What are the current career opportunities for graduates? Graduates earn more, have more career options, and are less likely to experience setbacks at work compared to non-graduates. • At the end of 2021, 86.7% of graduates were employed, compared to 70.2% of non-graduates. • Of graduates who graduated in 2021, 78% were employed in high-skilled jobs 15 months after graduating. • 3.2% of graduates were unemployed, compared to 5.5% of non-graduates. • The median salary for a graduate in England was £36,000, compared to £26,000 for non-graduates.
 
Will graduates still be more employable than non-graduates in 10 years? Graduates are and continue to be employable. • In 2022, the number of people working in graduate level employment in the UK rose by 469,800. Jobs below degree level fell by 165,400. • Between 2004 and 2021, the number of people in the UK working in graduate level jobs increased by 4.75 million, whilst the number of people working in jobs below degree level fell by 865,000.

Valuing Careers

  • Individuals: Career development can support individuals throughout their education and career; facilitating positive transitions, building career management skills and fostering career wellbeing.
  • The economy: Career development can support the economy by improving the efficiency of the labour market and promoting effective skills/knowledge development. 
  • Society: Career development can benefit society by promoting social justice and equity in education and work for all members of the community.

do you need advice

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to arrange a careers interview or require further information. Mrs S Beeton, Head of Careers sbeeton@sphs.uk.com