Preliminary figures from the annual first destination survey of NUI Galway's 2008 Graduates' Survey indicates that nearly 91 per cent of the University's graduates entered employment or further study on completion of their degree. The data contained in the preliminary report is an annual survey of almost 4,000 graduates on NUI Galway full-time programmes. The survey is conducted nine months after graduation and gives an invaluable insight into employment opportunities and further study trends.
The survey found that the proportion of primary degree graduates seeking employment is 3.7 per cent. The numbers of primary degree graduates entering further study is, as expected, up on last year, to nearly 51 per cent.
John Hannon, Head of the Career Development Centre in NUI Galway, commented: “At a time when national unemployment figures approach 12 per cent, we are delighted to see that NUI Galway graduates have particularly high standing among employers. Graduates are our future leaders and their energy, skills, knowledge and contribution to enterprise and innovation will help bring us back on the road to economic recovery”.
Mr Hannon added: “NUI Galway statistics are very positive when compared to the national average. However, we cannot forget how challenging the current economic climate is for graduates who are looking for employment. Students who take postgraduate diplomas, masters and PhDs not only enhance their learning they gain additional evidence of transferable skills that improve employability such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication and leadership.”
The University is particularly proactive in supporting those looking to improve their employability. NUI Galway will offer a total of 68 free university places to the unemployed under a new initiative announced by the Minister for Education, Batt O'Keeffe TD as part of a Government plan to help improve the work-place skills of the unemployed and assist them with returning to work.
