White Working Class Males in British Higher Education
Employability is definitely the main thing [ reason for going to university ] for me . … Because obviously we see facts all the time about how graduates have more chance of getting a job , that ’ s the main reason for me .
I did look at ‘ Which ?’ as well and there ’ s over 90 % of students are either in employment or further education .
Better job prospects . Seems like these days a hell of a lot of people have a degree , so I think that if you have one , then you can compete as well . If you don ’ t have one , then it ’ s almost a disadvantage .
Specifically , a number of students mentioned the prospect of earning a higher salary as a university graduate as a factor in their decision to pursue a degree :
There ’ s many statistics on line that suggest there ’ s a higher salary at the end of it with a degree rather than without .
Having a degree just makes you a bit more employable , you normally go in at a higher pay grade than if you didn ’ t , so just generally better to come out with a degree .
Having a degree just makes you a bit more employable , you normally go in at a higher pay grade than if you didn ’ t , so just generally better to come out with a degree .
A few students discussed choosing university over an apprenticeship , focusing on the broad skills that could be acquired at university , as illustrated by this quote :
If I were to go into the world of work [ as an apprentice ] then I would only be taught what that company need from me , whereas with a degree I ’ m taught the broadest spectrum of stuff .
Within the survey , respondents were asked “ What are your career goals ?”. The question included the guidance statement : “ Whether you are still developing or thinking about your career goals or you have a specific career plan in mind , please write about where you are in the process of considering your future career .” An answer to the question was required and responses fell within three categories : uncertain , in which students wrote things like “ no idea ” and “ not sure ”; deciding , in which students indicated that they knew in which field or industry they hoped to work but were still exploring specific job options ; and certain , in which students specified the exact job they intended to pursue after graduation . Student responses are explored below within the sections of the spectrum of career certainty . Understanding prospective students ’ process of career exploration and which point they have reached along the spectrum of decision-making , may contribute to more targeted , more specific , and more meaningful recruitment and outreach strategies .
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