Latest Generation of University Applicants Focus on Career A

From the website http://www.webchats.tv

The traditional view of the laid back, fun loving, devil-may-care student lifestyle has disappeared and, as increasing numbers of students from all walks of life apply to university, a new picture has emerged of highly focussed individuals with a keen eye on their long-term employment prospects, a resolute aim to study a particular subject, and with a strong ambition to realise their full potential.

So claim the findings of an exciting and ground-breaking new study, Futuretrack, the largest research project of its kind, commissioned by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) and led by Professors Kate Purcell and Peter Elias from the Institute for Employment Research at the University of Warwick.

Futuretrack explores all aspects of students career and employment motivations and their reasons for applying to university and college. The study spans sources of information, key influences and influencers, attitudes to debt, sources of income, views on living away from home, and the reputation of their chosen institution; plus applicants thoughts on work experience.

The research revealed that seven in ten of last years university applicants claimed that going on to higher education was a part of their long-term career plan. Further, almost half of those questioned said they were going to university to realise their potential. The research also revealed some interesting perceptions on the cost of higher education: although three quarters of applicants agreed that student debts places an unreasonable burden on graduates, there appears to be a distinct lack of resentment amongst recent applicants over student loans with 73% agreeing that they are a good idea. Over a half of university applicants also agreed that students should contribute to the cost of their higher education if they can afford it.

It is clear that, as a more diverse population chooses to go to university, greater emphasis is being placed on long-term employment prospects when choosing institutions and courses; further, teachers and careers advisors in schools are playing a significant role in advising and encouraging those first generation students whose parents do not necessarily have the experience to advise them.

The initial Futuretrack online survey, which sampled 15,000 university applicants in 2005, is now being extended to all who are applying for full-time undergraduate places this year (more than 450,000 candidates) and will assess the wide range of influences on students career choices by following their progression over a six-year period, whichever paths they follow. Students entering HE this autumn who have not signed up to take part have until 30th October to do so to be included in a £40,000 cash draw.

Professor Kate Purcell, University of Warwick, discussed Futuretracks groundbreaking study that explores all aspects of students career and employment motivations and their reasons for applying to university and college.

Category:

Education

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• univeristy
• graduate
• graduates