Students see work experience as more essential than ever in the quest for a graduate job, according to survey by doctorjob.com.

The survey reveals that students want to do part-time jobs and vacation work that pay in experience, not just money. The rate of pay is not the main attraction for students looking for work experience, although students appreciate it when their good work is rewarded and recognised. Instead, the majority want to do work experience in order to enhance their skills and pep up their CVs. They’re motivated by the desire to make themselves successful applicants for graduate jobs: work experience has become as necessary as a good degree.

Chris Phillips, GTI’s UK and Ireland publishing director, says: “Providing good work experience is a real win-win situation. It benefits students who learn valuable skills and improve their CVs and it benefits employers who get a fast track to the best recruits. And, despite what people may think, money is not the major factor in students’ minds.”