Abstract:

The paper seeks to provide perspectives on how graduates access employment and postgraduate study. A total of 66 graduates from three separate HE institutions, studying three different subjects took part. Data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews (in person and via social media). The study found that ‘warm’ knowledge was the most popular form of gaining information regarding employment opportunities but results were inconclusive regarding the postgraduate study. Whilst there were subject differences, this data needs to be explored in more detail using the broad range of subjects from one institution to gain an understanding of the specific support needed. Practical implications of the study included the notion that higher education institutions need to develop strategies for engaging students in the career-seeking process early in their studies and promote the availability and utility of their services. Alongside this, Careers services need to develop more of a subject-specific knowledge.