Are you interested in finding out more about what the job market looks like for university students in Wales? This snapshot will give you a good idea. The 2024 Cibyl Graduate Research provides some interesting insights into how Welsh students like you, view job opportunities, salary expectations, and preferences for where they’d like to work. Let’s take a look at the key points and see how things are shaping up for graduates in Wales.
Job market optimism
The good news is that Welsh students are feeling pretty positive about their job prospects after university. According to the research, 62% of students in Wales think finding a graduate job will be challenging, but that’s actually better than the national average of 67%. This optimism reflects a potentially more encouraging job market in Wales or a greater confidence among Welsh students in their qualifications and the effectiveness of their university’s career services.
Rising salary expectations
When it comes to salaries, your fellow Welsh students have high hopes. Salary expectations are growing faster than the national average. This could be influenced by a few things, including positive job market conditions, competitive sectors like technology and public services attracting talent with higher pay, or a general increase in the cost of living prompting higher salary demands.
Mobility and geographic preferences
The research highlights that even though many Welsh students such as yourselves are open to moving anywhere in the UK for the right job, a lot still prefer to stay in Wales after graduation. This could be due to good local job opportunities, lifestyle choices, or efforts by the area to keep graduates local. Alongside this, there remains a subset of graduates choosing to move away from Wales, reflecting the diverse aspirations and career paths of the graduate population.
Sector preferences
The public sector is a big draw for Welsh graduates, with nearly three out of ten students interested in this field. It’s likely because of the stable job prospects, the chance to make a societal impact, and government programmes encouraging young professionals to join. The tech industry is also a popular choice, especially among female students in Wales. This trend matches global patterns focusing on tech skills and highlights the strengths and focus areas of Welsh education.
Specific interests within the tech industry
While data science roles are in demand across the UK, Welsh students are particularly keen on becoming full-stack developers and information security experts. This shows that Welsh universities are doing a great job in these areas and that there are local opportunities and networking possibilities in these tech domains.
A dynamic graduate landscape in Wales
Overall, the graduate landscape in Wales is a mix of optimism, high salary expectations, and a preference for staying local, though many are open to exploring opportunities across the UK. Welsh graduates seem well-prepared to tackle a competitive job market with the right skills and a clear vision of their career paths.
This article is based on the 2024 Cibyl Graduate Research insights and gives a look into the current state and sentiments of university students in Wales. It highlights trends that set Welsh students apart from their UK counterparts in terms of job prospects, sector preferences, and geographical mobility.
