Most of this year's graduates are not yet seriously looking for work, according to a new survey, even though the vast majority are worried about the intense competition they believe is waiting for them.
Only 27% of final year students are currently looking in earnest for work, according to the Graduate Prospects survey, with 58% of the laid back cohort claiming to be 'just getting a feel' for the job market.
Over half (54%) are considering whether it wouldn't be prudent to undertake further study given the increase in degree educated applicants hitting the marketplace, a finding supported by the 78% who say they are concerned by competition for jobs.
According to the recent Graduate Careers Survey of 15,915 students only a third leaving university this summer believe they will find a graduate level job during the summer, the lowest level recorded for over a decade.
Research from GTI suggests that students value work experience above all other methods of gaining business related skills and although firms offering paid placements are falling, many students still appear to be securing places.
Almost nine in 10 (86%) has managed to undertake work experience during their degree - although the survey did not elaborate on how or what a finding that pleases Graduate Prospects' chief executive, Mike Hill:
'It's encouraging to see work experience is so prolific; we have worked hard to push both students and employers to reap the benefits of placements for students. What is worrying is the fact that students do not seem to be capitalizing on their own forward planning.
'While there is no question that degrees are still valuable, the job market is increasingly competitive and students need to start looking seriously for jobs much earlier if they are to find the right position' he said.
Employers told the survey that what they were most looking for from graduates was individual personality (56%) this was above university, subject and course type and 68% said they expected to offer between £15,000-£20,000 as a starting salary.
