Graduating in a Recession: how flexible are you?

Graduating in a Recession: how flexible are you?

I am conducting research on the trajectories of students from north Wales who graduated within the last five years. Many I have spoken to suggest they have been worried about the impact that the recession is having, and may continue to have, on their options post graduation. They are specifically concerned whether they will be able to get the job they want or access the postgraduate course they have identified. Advice from the University of Sheffield Careers Service suggests that graduates could be more flexible when considering their options. I wonder how many graduates have considered any of the following:

• changed (or thought about changing) where you live for a job or a postgraduate opportunity?
• worked for or looked at different types of employers, postgraduate institutions or even types of careers?
• entered further study whilst waiting for the employment situation to improve?
• taken lower paid employment in order to be employed or to gain skills?
• gained work experience of a workplace, client group or skills?

– Have a Plan A, B, C and even D?

My own early graduate career has involved looking at all of these options at some point, but I am interested if YOU have/have not thought the same. You are welcome to leave a comment on this blog; send me an email at sos403@bangor.ac.uk or DM me at @Beyond_Grad. Thank you, Teresa