I recently commented to the New Zealand Herald on why students go overseas, but how we should encourage them to stay.
New Zealand is getting more educated. Between 1986 and 2009 the number of Kiwis with a university degree rocketed from 100,000 to 538,000. But just what this means for the country is unclear. As the recession took hold a couple of years ago, jobs for graduates dried up and more students opted to stay at university and gain post-graduate qualifications. There are signs that the fortunes of graduates leaving university now are improving, but many still struggle to find work. However, I have seen a positive shift as more graduate jobs have been available this year than last.
ASB launched a new graduate programme in the past six months and is actively looking to recruit between 20 and 30 graduates a year. BNZ and AIG have also introduced new graduate recruitment schemes. "There's a need to bring youth into organisations for their different skills and experiences,". It is a competitive market for graduates seeking work, but also for firms. So what is the best course to guarantee a job? There is no such thing as a dud degree. I suggest to: "Do something you love, but throw in something that shows you've given some thought to what you're going to do afterwards".For example, round out a BA in Russian literature with an economics or statistics major.
Employers hire well rounded people so, although academic record is important, they will want to see evidence of part-time or volunteer work and extra-curricular activities. Breaking into the job market can be a hard slog but there are opportunities for graduates willing to look outside the main business hubs, particularly in regional areas such as Hawke's Bay and Tauranga. "It's a matter of applying yourself, being determined to get that job...Chances are most people will be rejected from multiple jobs before they get the right one. Fort hose who persevere they will find an entry-level role but they might have to adjust their expectations."
To read the full article go to: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/education/news/article.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10742034
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