L A B O U R M A R K E T DY N A M I C S

AN INDEPENDENT REPORT BY BE NGUBENI

U N D E R G R A D UA T E E M P L O Y A B I L I T Y, PERCEPTION VS REALITY EXPOSITION

S T U DY A I M S T O AC C E S S U N E M P L OY M E N T O N A W I D E R P E N E T R AT I V E C O N T E X T, I T S C O M P H R E H E N S I V E S O C I A L & M AC RO E C O N O M I C I M P L I C AT I O N S . A S A C O N S E Q U E N C E , I N W H AT WAY S A R E N E W A N D U N D E RG R A D U T E S A D J U S T I N G T O THE REALITIES OF A RECESSION?

THISTLEDOWN CLOSE OXFORD

R A TI O NA L A ND C O N TE XT

Successfully run economies list consumption and spending as the key variables owing to their success. A direct function of achieving such satisfaction is the presence of employment. The number of people in work parallels with a given economy's income and output. A major challenge for governments is the formulation of policies creating and maintaining employment for its citizens. Employment, as it were, is the mainstay theme of the report. The study broadly explores the politically sensitive issue of increasing unemployment levels in the United Kingdom fixing on a particular group of key micro level participants. The attention is on undergraduate students who face difficulties in obtaining any sort of employment, later on graduate entry jobs in their specialist fields. The study further aims to link the unemployment issue on a wider context, its comprehensive social and economic macro implication on the entirety of the United Kingdom. The report will factor in sociology literature, as economics, a social science broadly warrants a philosophical cast. One factor I hope to address being that of long apprenticeships, perhaps, altogether unnecessary. Institutions of long apprenticeships, as it were, universities, are not forming the young to industry. Society assumes varying economic complexions depending on its advancing, stationary or declining state. The UKs in a diminishing state, as suggested by key economic indicators yet it continues to generate idle and worthless graduates, not of inability but misdirected labour demands. Of what purpose does it serve, to continuously provide a superabundance of graduates who find themselves involuntarily out of work. Barring a radical economic shift, just 1 in 3 graduates will have the luxury of pursuing careers in their specialist fields. Makes depressing reading. It would be interesting to quiz students about what they perceived beforehand compared to the real world circumstances The report adopted a soft positivism theoretical approach as a guide to carrying out the research. The paradigmatic slant best suits the case as it encompasses the science behind societal issues equally making provisions for limited objective conclusions in the context of employment and employability. The realisation is that deductions are not empirical and will be subject to question. Variables frequently change leading to different set of results in any given period of time. They are only unexpired for so long. The theoretical inclination espoused, so to speak, allows for contestable evidence, that is, knowledge acquired is partial. This realisation follows that there is a need to factor in a lot more variables to get the ultimate truth. In this view, soft positivism would suffice. Employment levels in the UK economy have massive influence on peoples social relations in group settings down to individual lives and behaviours. Particular views and ideas, especially in politics are translated and manifested through pitching ideologies on how to get the nation working. This is observed frequently among dominant groups i.e. political parties who use these platforms and link them with their reality of society based on their view of it. Employment alloys with ethical values, belief systems, preconceptions and indoctrinations especially in ideology comparison or critic against rival interest groups. A rather obvious, but relevant example being the old Labour Party and Conservatives who share opposite view and differing models in light of employment creation. The earlier is based on a Keynesian economic model and the later holds on to classicalist views. Debates in parliament have occurred with the earlier accusing the current Government keeping a pool of mass unemployment as a weapon to try and drive down wages. This demonstrates the sensitivity of the unemployment issue and how its supposedly used to engineer ideological preferences at the cost of national social despair.

The difference in approach stems from sociological bias and such observations as the one above have significant and strong influence over the way people vote 18 to 24 year olds make up the bulk of undergraduate students. There is concern of a lost generation as described by labour leader Ed Miliband. These are the youth whose hopes of getting into employment and managing to acquire basics like buying a house or being self-sufficient are fading. Most of the youth are involuntarily unemployed as there is a lack of demand in the labour market since the economic downturn of 2008. This particular group will be the primary focus of our study. They have been identified as the people most vulnerable and exposed to the ill effects that come with unemployment. An attempt has been made to gain a profound insight on behavioural adjustments, attitudes, actions plan and expectations in placing themselves in favourable positions in a bid to attract prospective employers in the economic downturns. Statistics from the office of national statistics show that around 3.4 million 18 to 24 year olds are in work 1.7 are inactive and 700 000 are unemployed. The figures prompted the office to announce there was a record high rate of youth unemployment since 1992.The figure is predicted to keep rising as UK has officially entered a second recession meaning a shrinking economy and fewer jobs. All these variables feed in to the research. The study tries to interpret and define individual and similar expectations in the undergraduate fraternity. Penetrative questions, as to why students chose particular subjects regardless of scarce employment opportunity associated with studying particular fields are studied in detail. The purpose is to highlight the problem and approach it from a grassroots level through the isolation and forensic analysis of groups directly affected. Social disharmony has been observed in the United Kingdom since the start of the economic downturn. Employment levels have a role to play in the way society functions. Differing structures and frameworks make up particular views and assumptions toward several issues. For example, there are statistical correlations between crime rates and unemployment. Such relationships could be helpful in understanding underlying reasons behind committing crime. Another example is immigration and migration to the UK. Foreign nationals have been identified by some sectors of the community as the sole reason for high levels of unemployment. The study explores all these issues loosely or in great detail depending on its relevance to the subject. It is fair to conclude the report covers a length and breadth of different interlinked occurrences. Findings could be used by groups or individuals in making informed decisions about their circumstances .It could be of use to the Government in unearthing causes of high graduate unemployment. Students could make use of the study to and find out what actions their colleagues to make themselves employable and follow positive suit. Information attained could be made available to a wider audience in a coherent and simplistic manner for the purpose of encouraging independent thought as opposed to suspending personal belief and endorsing populist view made available by sectors such as the media.
M E T H OD A N D ME TH OD O L O G Y

The methodology construct of the report involved the process of picking particular methods that were most appropriate to the research. The main aim of the study rested in getting information relating to the action final year students are taking to make them more employable. There were a few challenges in compiling the report.
The Question

I choose the particular study in an attempt to explore an issue which relates directly to undergraduate students unsure about their future in terms of employment opportunities. The chance to engage final year students on their future plans including worries, certainties, actions, moods, thoughts, regrets and expectations to name but a few was central in gathering the required information. The context of the study was deemed to be relatively new and unexplored. The previous recessions including the 1973 oil crisis,1980 inflation crisis and 1991 savings and loans crisis were problematic but not as severe as the 2008 and onwards downturn. Moreover, previous economic downturns did not affect graduates as much owing to a steady demand for university qualified workers. The number of graduates has increased significantly over the years and possessing a degree is no longer a guarantee of getting a job as observed in the previous years.
Primary VS Secondary data

Primary data was our selected preference in methodology choices. Limited sources in secondary data which we could make use of, such as statistics and historical back-testing were unhelpful as the subject matter is relatively new hence there is not much recorded information available for use. Primary data collection also meant our study would be original and unique in satisfying our need and wants. The method did not risk misinterpretation as with second or third hand sources of information.
Qualitative VS Quantitative

Quantitative approach was employed in data collection. A number of people were selected to represent a wider population of students at the University of Northampton. The method is reliable in ensuring a systematic and structured research. This would in turn breed consistency and reduce chances of a flawed report.
Sampling

The primary data research method employed required us to employ a sampling method proportionate to research. The issue of students and employability needed a comprehensive inclusion of all student profile variations. The included male/female, age groups and ethnicity in order to capture a reliable representative picture of the student spectrum. The sampling method that suited us best was quota sampling as our study was not based on randomness but specific numbers. This method, citing is particularly useful as carrying out the survey is quick, a near perfect response rate and simple to carry out.
Method

Surveys in form of questionnaires were used to carry out the research. The bulk of the questions were closed-ended limiting respondents with a list of multiple choice questions and a few opened ended probes. The method itself like any other had its faults and flaws. Some students misunderstood the questions asked. Some questions went unanswered. However the quantitative responses made analysing the data simple and straightforward. Information obtained was representative of our target groups resulting in limited unreliability concerns.

For the purpose of penetrative detail, we choose three different faculties with the aim to questioning twenty final year students per class. Subjects interviewed were History, International Development and Entrepreneurship. A total of 13 questions were put forward to participants with question ranging on issues relating to their employment prospects and how they hoped to get employed after university. Am attempt was made to represent male and females for relaibility.Some of the information we were seeking out included ethnicity, sex, and age, actions taken to make one employable, subject studied, future plans, confidence levels and student classification.

FI N D I N G S A N D A NALY SI S

Findings across the three subjects were compiled and presented in graphical format. These were the major revelations that were found.

Student confidence in finding graduate level employment

25
20 15 10 5 0 Very Confident Confident Doubtful No Idea International Development History entrepreneurship

Few individuals across the divide were very confident in securing graduate level employment. A third of students surveyed were confident. Another third were doubtful of graduate entry jobs and another third had no idea about their employment chances. A clear pattern of doubtfulness is immediately apparent. Forty students of the 60 students either do not know if they are going to be employed or they are very doubtful. Interesting to note is the fact that history students are the most doubtful and least confident in terms of getting a job.

Student confidence in finding graduate level employment (Gender)

15 10 5 Female 0 Very Confident Confident Doubtful Male

Male Female

The study narrowed down confidence levels in terms of securing employment to gender comparison. The observation concluded male and female are equally unsure and or equally confident in finding graduate entry jobs. This may suggest similarity in moods and feelings are similar. What is particularly interesting, in my view, is the fact that 80% of the participants who answered they were very confident in finding a job are foreign students who are going to work in their home nations after completion of their studies. Just 3% of students native to the United Kingdom are assured of going straight into graduate employment.

Actions taken by students to enhance employability

30 25
ID History entrepreneurship

20
15 10

5
0
Volanteer Work Placement Internships Position of Responsibility Other

Nothing

The next line of enquiry was asking students about actions taken to enhance their employability. Students were asked if they have undertaken either, voluntary work, placements, internships, positions of responsibility and an inaction category was also included. History students came out tops in engaging in activity that would make them more employable. There is a relationship formed with the sentiments expressed above in respect to history students. They are the group least confident in

getting graduate jobs. That has encouraged them to take more action in enhancing their CVs. Half the students interviewed have not taken any action and this could translate into a number of reasons. The first being the pressure of working and studying might be too much for some students hence they prefer to focus solely on their studies. The second being there is no jobs in the market in as much as they want may want to go into part time employment.
Actions taken by Students to enhance employability (gender)
15 10 5 0
Male Female

Judging from the graph above, females across all the surveyed subjects are putting in twice the effort than their male counterparts in making themselves more employable. Why this particular behavior. Do females feel sidelined in the job market to such an extent that they feel they need to go the extra mile or by some cognitive function, they are better aware of the implications of additional preparation??It could be the case that males feel there is alternative non-skilled employment options out there for them i.e. manual labour. Women perhaps feel there is just not enough opportunity made available apart from their chosen university career paths.

40 30 20 10 0

Students preferred location of work after graduating from university

Abroad In the UK Unsure

Home Student

International Students

Erasmus

Preferred work location was asked amongst participants and 85% percent of the home students want to work locally. International students predominantly want to return home. A few students are not sure yet meaning they are keeping their options open. The information provides an insight at the increasing number of home students prepared to leave the UK to find employment abroad. Approximately 15% of home students are willing to relocate. This is a key observation in the sense that students are looking elsewhere to boost their chances of getting a job.
Student concerns on job prospects during the current economic downturn
15 10 5 0
Entrepreneurship History International Development

Redundancy

Impact on Industry

Salary

Lack of Jobs (increased competition)

Another area asked to students was the effect the recession would have towards their personal situations. The majority of the students thought it the downturn was responsible for the lack of jobs. However, some noted redundancy fears were they to find themselves in a job. A good number also noted a possible reduction in wages due to the sheer demand of position with one in thirty six graduates in the job market. This serves to show that employment ,per se, is not the only problematic

No concerns

issue. They feel they face further complexities on the job such as lack of security and recompense rates. In conclusion the report highlighted concerns faced by final year undergraduate students on their last year of study. Half the students, especially females are taking action in differing sorts of ways in an attempt to be competitive in the job market. Students dont seem to be getting enough support when it comes to employment issues. The bulk of the students interviewed are aware of the problems they will face in the coming year but no decisive action has been taken by to improve their chances of getting a job. Government and universities alike seemingly need to address the issue through extensive programs aimed at job creation. It is the job of Government to guide people into courses or gaining skills they will be able to use in life and not spend three years in university and remain unemployed. Evaluation of the research question The research has enlightened my previously limited knowledge on undergraduate concerns about their future in a condescending job market. Lessons on the causes on unemployment and its wider implication have been noted in part of the research and during background reading. The importance of job creation cannot be understated on an individual and up to a national level. If half the undergraduates population, a group who are broadly considered as best source of skilled and qualified makeup of the labour force in UK are confused and uninformed about how best to go make themselves more employable, one can only imagine the complexities and challenges by those in the society who are not educated to graduate level. The research process was not without difficulties. Long hours were spent formulating question, creating graph, deciding the question itself took over one week of brainstorming. Apart from the afore mentioned issues, the profound insight was helpful and illuminating.