Study shows good prospects for college’s graduates

ALMOST 85% of students who graduated from the University of Limerick last year are either working or pursuing further studies, according to a college study.

As a total of 2,602 students graduate this week, UL president Professor Don Barry said the study showed a growth in demand for the university’s students among employers.

He said: “Traditionally UL’s graduate employment figures trend well above the national average. Despite the challenging environment, UL’s graduate employment rate continued to rise and our 2010 figure for primary degree-holders is now 10% higher than the Higher Education Authority’s most recently-available national average figure which is 48% for 2009.”

Prof Barry said the college’s high graduate employment figures reflect UL’s evolving programmes.

“These programmes offer our talented students the kind of educational and research experiences that will best prepare them for their careers,” he said.

“Additionally, the growing number of employers actively recruiting UL graduates through our careers fair is testament to the high esteem in which our graduates are held. UL graduates have shown themselves to be ready for the workplace, highly-skilled and more employable than their peers from other Irish universities.”

Prof Barry said 94% of last year’s PhD recipients now in employment.

“It is essential that we continue to exceed international benchmarks in the delivery of high quality, relevant research that will support Irish innovators and continue to attract foreign direct investment,” he said.

“More innovation and discovery and an improved response to commercial and industrial needs will mean more employment opportunities for our graduates and increased growth in Ireland’s knowledge economy.”

UL chancellor Peter Malone said UL graduates have shown themselves to be ready for the workforce.

He said: “They have the vital combination of in-depth academic enquiry coupled with hands-on work experience through the largest co-operative education programme in the country.

“UL graduates are well-armed to face these difficult times. The most important thing now is that you never lose heart. Never lose focus on your dreams and aspirations. Things will move on, recessions will come and go but it will be your attitude that will set you apart and ensure your success.”