A recent report by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Universities UK has highlighted the importance of work experience for university leavers looking to secure a graduate job.
The report surveyed 581 recruiters, and found that 78% rated teamwork, problem solving, and self-management as some of the most vital employability skills.
Richard Lambert, head of the CBI, said: “To say that the class of 2009 won’t have it easy after graduation is an understatement – competition for jobs will be the most intense for many years. Of course businesses don’t expect graduates to arrive on day one fully trained, but what they do value in graduates are their people skills, a focus on the customer and a keenness to solve problems.”
Universities are being encouraged to offer training in workplace-based skills development to ensure that students leave university with the sought after skills that graduate employers are looking for. Similarly, employers are being encouraged to offer work placements to give students first-hand experience of work while still at university.