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The launch of TMPW’s inaugural Graduate Pathway Programme suddenly jolted something in my memory. 10 years ago, after months of toiling, I submitted my final year dissertation (keep reading to find out how I did). My ‘diss’, as I referred to it back then, was an ever-so-slight departure from the usual academic dissertation. I was among the first cohort of students to work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that wanted to collaborate with students to solve their pressing issues.
I worked with a small consultancy to conduct a product feasibility study on an app that could help students and graduates find work experience, such as internships, or placement years.
The app was to be self-funded, harnessing the concept of internships and the technology behind matchmaking to help employees connect with students and graduates for meaningful work experience opportunities.
To be honest, I don’t think the app ever took form. Nevertheless, writing my dissertation was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed, which I now recognise isn’t an experience shared by many! I managed to earn a 1st and presented my findings at a university exhibition.
While digging through my archives, I rediscovered my dissertation and its key findings. Drawing from my research and conversations with students, graduates, and businesses, I’ve highlighted a few key insights. Using recent data, I also explore how the post-university landscape has evolved for today’s students and graduates.
1. The transition from university to work is one of serious concern
Across 2023-2024, employers received on average 140 applications per graduate vacancy, the highest level since records began in 1991, according to the Institute of Student Employers. However, a recent study by Universities UK found that 86% of students surveyed in employment or future study, were positive about their career progression and agreed that their current activity fits with future plans.
2. Many students and graduates are in internships that offer little-to-no-pay
A survey of 1,200 recent graduates by the Sutton Trust found that unpaid or underpaid internships made up 61% of internships on offer. A further survey by YouGov, commissioned by the Sutton Trust found that 38% of employers in Great Britain were keen to ban unpaid internships. 30% of employers also wanted better enforcement of minimum wage legislation. Interestingly, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), who publish annual data on graduate outcomes, found that graduates who undertake any form of work experience (be it paid, underpaid or unpaid) are more likely to secure full-time employment, compared to those who don’t.
3. Students graduate with a lack of basic skills necessary to be more successful in internships
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Pearson found that graduates lacked essential workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork and resilience, according to 44% of employers. These employers found that while graduates typically have strong technical or academic knowledge, they often struggle with adaptability and problem-solving in work environments. However, the same survey also highlighted that employers do value graduates and their ability to challenge traditional ways of working and proposing new solutions. A recent report by Universities UK noted that graduates often lead the way in the workplace in areas such as data analysis, social media management and usage of AI tools.
Overall, the landscape is challenging. But it’s not all doom and gloom for students and graduates.
At TMPW, we’ve launched a two-year Graduate Pathway Programme, which includes working in six-month rotations across:
- Creative Services
- Client Services
- Social & Digital Strategy
- Employer Brand & Insight
Our programme was created in memory of Simon Wright, a much-missed colleague who embodied our outthink ethos. We’re looking forward to watching our first cohort of talented, energetic graduates hit the ground running and take the company that Simon helped develop into a new era.
