UL graduates leading the way in jobs market

Employer demand for graduates from the University of Limerick is still powering ahead of all other third-level colleges, UL president Don Barry said yesterday.

Addressing a conferring ceremony at UL, Prof Barry highlighted the continued demand for UL graduates by employers.

He said: “Traditionally, UL’s graduate employment figures trend well above the national average. Despite the challenging environment, UL’s 70% graduate employment rate for 2013 primary degree-holders is now 18% higher than the HEA’s most recently-available national average figure of 52% for 2012.”

A survey of UL’s 2013 graduates showed 94% are either employed or pursuing further study.

Prof Barry said: “Our doctorate students are also very much in demand, with 90% of last year’s PhD graduates currently in employment — an increase of 9% on 2012 figures.

“Year-on-year our graduate employment figures are increasing as a reflection of our continually-evolving programmes that offer our talented students the kind of educational and research experiences that will best prepare them for their careers.

“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.

“It is encouraging to see that over the next week no less than 48 doctorates will be conferred on UL graduates in recognition of their advanced research.

“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.”

The First Destinations survey compiled by UL’s Co-operative Education and Careers Division also found that the number of UL graduates seeking employment is now at 5%, down from 8% in 2012, considerably lower than the official labour market unemployment figure of 11.5%.

In recent years, the Mid-West was the most popular region for employment and accounts for 35% of jobs, followed by Dublin at 32%. The most popular overseas location was Britain at 39%, followed by North America at 18%.

70% of graduates went directly into employment, 49% in Ireland and 21% overseas. This is a 7% increase in employment levels on 2012. Some 23% enrolled in postgraduate studies. It is down 1% on last year’s figure, notwithstanding the discontinuation of the postgraduate student grant.

More than 93% of those who completed a postgraduate diploma in 2013 found employment or proceeded to further study.