‘What do graduates do?’ gets in-depth with Graduate Outcomes
Collaboration between Jisc teams analyses the challenges for graduates entering the labour market in the 2020s.
Published by Jisc labour market experts Prospects Luminate, the latest ‘What do graduates do?’ report charts the career paths of graduates in 2023 including trends and challenges in the labour market. While the report reveals a less chaotic picture for 2023 than for the COVID-19 years, it provides insights into pressing issues including mental health, work-readiness, and the explosive growth of generative AI.
Data in the report comes from the Graduate Outcomes survey and the accredited official statistics published by HESA, which became part of Jisc in 2022. Aided by Jisc’s data analytics team, Prospects Luminate analysed trends in the data, with insights from members of the university careers service professional body AGCAS. The report helps students, prospective students, graduates, and the people advising them, to understand the labour market for UK graduates.
Subject-specific analysis in the report includes the early careers of science, technology, humanities, arts, business and social science graduates. In-depth insight includes reflections on providing accessible career guidance for neurodivergent students and re-thinking support for graduates who aren’t in their preferred roles.
Dr Gosia Turner, head of surveys at Jisc, said:
“’What do graduates do?’ is an invaluable resource for students, graduates and careers and employment professionals. It is made possible by the thousands of graduates every year who share their own experiences through the Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates should check their inboxes 15 months after graduation for the chance to make their voice count and support future graduates with the information they need to succeed.”
Charlie Ball, head of labour market intelligence at Jisc, said:
“This report demonstrates the employability and adaptability of UK graduates. Despite largely studying during the pandemic and having limited work experience opportunities, this cohort enjoyed very similar outcomes to their earlier peers. The majority found permanent, full-time jobs in professional roles.
“While the labour market has worsened since the survey, we expect 2025 graduate job prospects to be only slightly less favourable. There will be plenty of jobs available for persistent and well-organised graduates, and careers services will become more important to help them navigate an increasingly competitive market.”