In continuation of our recent response to The Guardian's video publication "Graduate class of 2012: A 2:1 just won't cut it anymore", we feel we need to reveal a few home truths that weren't aired in the short video to give graduates hope based on our experience of placing a variety of graduates over 15 years.The video suggested that Humanities graduates could only aspire to work in a call centre. Two points on this, firstly nearly 80% of GRB consultants have Business, Economics or Social Science backgrounds. The few who are employed with English, Philosophy or Media education specifically turned down alternatives for a job they thrive in. And who wouldn't for commission benefits starting around £30K which can then soar as high as £120k once experienced. Secondly, we have placed Humanities graduates into loads of different careers. Senior Consultant Ian Brine goes on to state that he frequently places humanity-based graduates into banking, accountancy and IT roles and they are by no means limited to the more traditional routes based on their discipline. And anyway, Recruitment is a good career too y'know and nothing like a call centre!With humanity degrees increasingly being related to 'softer' subjects we return to one of the most debated graduate issues to date: what and where you study.BA Sports Journalism, University of Brighton: "I can't get a job in journalism and I can't get a job in retail because I'm 'overqualified', so yeah I'm signing on, basically."Perhaps universities should be teaching a module or two on motivation rather than churning out students giving up at the first signs of hardship. Undoubtedly a reputable university and an academic base will give you an easier ride than less traditional options, but there are also thousands more reaching their aspirations without a scrap of education to their name. Talent, ambition and perseverance along with a healthy amount of experience will give as good a chance as any. Of course not everyone will strike lucky and being sensible with such huge choices is always essential. Yet if in doubt, make use of the free resources available to you.The rise in popularity for recruitment is no coincidence. Whilst jobs boards have their merits, candidates are now simply blending into the masses begging for a chance to shine. Help and support is becoming increasingly sought after and in true student spirit, free handouts are as always, the best foot forward. The Higher Education Statistics Agency found 39,470 graduates are placed each year through recruitment services, figures virtually equaling the 39,530 applying directly to employee websites. Having recently placed students from ancient history, theology, sports studies, criminology and history of art backgrounds, less traditional subjects have not held GRB back from placing them just as successfully as more traditional ones. They've also had huge success with graduates from lower ranked universities (based on The Times university rankings) including Northumbria University (66th), University of Westminster (98th), Buckinghamshire new University (117th) to name but a few. For every person telling you that it can't, shan't, probably won't be done, there will always be another ten working twice as hard keep you moving. All of the vital help, inspiration and exciting opportunities are out there somewhere; just make sure you're taking notice of the right people.Written by Charlee Owen, Graduate Recruitment Bureau Graduating the University of Sussex with 2:1 in English Language, 2012
