UL graduates beat national average on finding jobs

GRADUATES from the University of Limerick have a higher-than-average chance of landing a job.

Nationally, about 36% of graduates enter employment after university.

But over 41% of UL graduates have secured employment.

UL president Professor Don Barry said the employment record of UL graduates has always been higher than the national average, reflecting the benefit of their Cooperative Education Experience and UL’s strong interaction and relationship with employers.

“There is no doubt but that current employment challenges are making taking the next step more difficult for Ireland’s 2010 graduates, but it is very heartening to have the confirmation that UL graduates have an advantage and I urge you to use this advantage,” he told recipients at a conferring ceremony yesterday.

“Major graduate employers deliberately target UL graduates because of their combination of intellectual abilities, personal qualities and relevant work experience,” he said. “As a result, the employment rate of new UL graduates is significantly higher than the national average.”

The president was speaking as 2,352 graduates prepare to receive their parchments this week at the autumn conferring ceremonies.

They were met with the good news that, according to the most recent HEA comparative graduate employment data, UL graduates will enjoy an employment rate 8% higher than the national average for all other Irish graduates.

Graduation ceremonies will continue until Friday.

Furthermore, 12% of UL 2009 graduates secured employment abroad in comparison with a national average of 9%.