Myth 2

Our data shows that 68% of university applicants were anxious about getting into the ‘right’ kind of university. Many feel they won’t be as attractive to graduate employers if they don’t attend a highly selective institution.

So, why is this a myth?

Only 8% of employers say the university a candidate went to is important to them when hiring.

(Source: CBI Economics, 2024)

A survey of graduate employers by CBI Economics found that:

68%

said that an applicant’s enthusiasm for the role was important

85%

said that having some vocational elements as part of their degree improves graduate’s performance at interview.

55%

said skills and competencies other than academic knowledge were important.

Additionally, Kingston University’s Future Skills study found that the top skills employers are looking for are:

of 2021/22 graduates across all higher education providers were in paid work or further study just 15 months after graduation. Only 5% were unemployed.

(Source: HESA graduate outcomes from 21/22)