A wave of driven graduates have responded to the recession-hit job market by showing some Alan Sugar-style entrepreneurial flair and working as Avon ladies.
The cosmetics company has reported a rise in degree holders signing up to sell make-up door-to-door as unemployment rises and the recession tightens its grip on graduates.
However, it extends beyond cosmetics, with a pattern emerging that shows graduates are getting into general direct selling as job vacancies for university leavers become scarce.
Gail Reynolds, an Avon sales leader, said there had been a big increase in graduate interest this summer.
She added: "Last year, 10% of all recruits into my team of 1,400 were recent graduates. In the last six weeks it's increased to 20%.
"Many have struggled to find work since leaving university so are looking to build on the skills they already have and gain some real-world experience."
The Direct Selling Association said 1,500 graduates have registered into the direct selling industry since the university term finished in June.
Richard Berry, director of the DSA, said: "These graduates are building up their CVs and making themselves stand out from the thousands of others seeking work in today's tough job market."
