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UK business leaders should be pleased that a growing number of graduates are heading abroad for their first jobs, says one expert. 27/11/2012

It was recently revealed by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)  that close to 5,200 university leavers gained employment in Europe, North America and the Far East in 2011.

This is an increase of 1,000 since the start of the economic crisis.

Business leaders reacted with alarm to the figures, stating their concern that top graduates are leaving for competing countries.

However, Lizzie Fane, founder of ThirdYearAbroad.com , believes managers should actually be thankful for the news.

Writing for the Daily Telegraph, she said, 'International experience is incredibly valuable for a graduate's career.

'They are able to learn the local language, create an international network of contacts, and gain an intimate understanding of another culture.'

She added getting a job abroad will make business graduates much better candidates when they return to the UK.

'They are already equipped with the skills and experience to liaise with foreign clients and work in international teams.

'A first job abroad will quickly teach these skills and mindsets, which are immeasurably valuable to UK businesses wanting to expand or trade overseas.'