Could an end to degree grades improve recruitment?
Could an end to degree grades improve recruitment
?
Traditional degree classifications could become old news if proposals by the Higher Education Policy Institute are implemented.
Its report, 'Comparability of degree standards?', suggests that institutions put an end to 2:1 and 2:2 classifications, instead providing future employers with transcripts of the courses students have studied, as well as a statement on their abilities.
This move could improve graduate recruitment as employers would be able to see clearer differences between candidates.
The institute argued that students studying for the same degree, such as an IT course at different universities, from ex-polytechnics to more established institutions, cannot be compared as standards of learning often differ.
Commenting on the report, Martin Pennington, director of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, said: "Clearly what employers have been asking for is something which enables them to discriminate a bit more easily between different graduates, because what we've seen over the last few years or so is increasing numbers of graduates coming out from all kinds of universities with a 2:1 and that not being sufficient for employer's purposes."
Instead, the proposed system would inform employers of the modules taken throughout the degree and the marks given, as well as activities performed outside of the degree.
Mr Pennington added that employers realise that degrees are more than what a student has learned "in the lecture theatre, the library and the examination room".
He said that it is "how else you spend your time, the opportunities you take up and the skills you develop that are arguably more important in determining what kind of an individual you are when you leave".
The report also suggests that cuts to the university system, as proposed by the coalition government, could lead to lecturers being pressured into awarding higher marks to students who may not deserve them.
To further increase the chances of landing a graduate career during times when there are large numbers of university-leavers, students could look to develop their career as soon as possible.
According to Lisette Howlett, managing director and founder of HireScores.com, graduates should start looking for internships and holiday employment as soon as possible to build a relationship with a future employer or industry.
Students could also look at taking a graduate training course to further develop their skills and put themselves above other candidates, as Ms Howlett explained that employers will be "less willing to invest in training and development and more likely to be looking for someone who is fully qualified for the work" as budgets tighten.
Taking a trip to a graduate careers event during the summer could also provide an opportunity for young people to get in contact with a company and network with future employers.
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