Latest news: Graduates want more SME's

Graduates want more information on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 19/09/2011

The annual Real Prospects Higher Education report carried out by Graduate Prospects asked 22,000 graduates about the careers advice they received at university. The research revealed that more information and advice is needed on SMEs, with too much emphasis being placed on students applying to blue-chip recruiters.

‘The research shows that graduates would have liked more information on SME and niche sector careers when they were students. This could be due to realisation when leaving university that many of the positions available aren’t on big graduate training schemes,’ said Mike Hill, chief executive at Graduate Prospects.

Information in the report suggests how SMEs can begin to develop relationships with local universities to help recruit student and graduate talent. Building contacts with key university personnel along with using social networking media to link with employer engagement specialists at local universities were some of the tips suggested for forging relationships.

‘While many smaller companies provide diverse and rewarding careers for graduates, they often don’t know how to best approach universities or have the resource to spend marketing themselves to enable them to compete effectively against larger businesses.

‘Students don’t always want to leave their university town on graduation and by engaging and working with universities, SMEs can not only improve their access to graduate talent but help build graduate knowledge of their business and sector,’ added Mike.