New report about the value of recruiting Graduates and Postgraduates published
A new report from CIHE outlines the findings of a small-scale study co-sponsored
by RCUK which explored how the value of recruiting graduates and postgraduates is
measured by employers.
The report confirms that there is a need within UK industry for graduates and
postgraduates equipped with more business experience and commercial knowledge and
understanding. It suggests that all graduates should be given more information about
the skills and experience required by different sectors of industry, and in particular,
they should be provided with up to date and relevant advice on specific employers’
requirements.
The pilot study gathered information and identified key issues by looking at
research literature and interviewing a small number of businesses across a range
of industry sectors. Interviews focused on how different businesses assess the added
value that recruits with undergraduate and masters degrees as well as those with
doctorates bring to their company. In particular, questions were asked about how
businesses manage the talent of their employees; how recruitment and promotion criteria
are related; what additional value a post-graduate brings; and from which backgrounds
do the best graduate and post-graduate recruits come from.
The report states that employers would benefit from knowing more about the changing
nature of postgraduate supply and be supported to understand how graduates with
different qualifications could add value to their business.
The study aligns with RCUK aims to broaden and deepen current understanding of
the value and impact of doctoral training and it is expected that this report will
help inform future activities in this area.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
CHIE
The CIHE is a unique high-level partnership between leaders from businesses, universities
and colleges. They were established in 1986 so that businesses and universities
could talk, develop a shared agenda, influence Government policies and undertake
joint projects. CIHE want world-class learning and research in higher education
to improve our international competitiveness and raise the capabilities of graduates
and those already in the workforce.
A copy of the full report can be found
here

Research Councils UK
Research Councils UK is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils.
We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with
impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer
review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we
sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations,
and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled
researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable
contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To
deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the
public, business, government and the third sector.
www.rcuk.ac.uk
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).