Seven out of 10 graduates are prepared to fund extra qualifications to make them more employable, according to research by graduate recruiter elemense.
 
The research also found that if graduates were to use their own money to invest in personal development, their top priorities would be:

• Another academic qualification                                43%
• A vocational qualification                                          27%
• Networking skills                                                       22%
  

In investing time rather than money to aid promotional prospects, graduates would use their time to:

• Do job related studies                                               37%
• Network externally for knowledge and contacts      33%
• Socialise with bosses and colleagues                      21%
• Work longer hours                                                      10%

Keith Sammons, managing director at elemense, says: “Graduates are taking a lead in focusing on making themselves more employable by being willing to add to their collection of qualifications.  They can also see how to adjust this focus once in the workplace by using business and social networks.

“There’s lots of pragmatism with vocational qualifications and networking being given such high priority. Industry and commerce still need strong graduate intakes and this insight shows that there’s a clear understanding among graduates of how to standout in this competitive marketplace.”