40pc of graduates land ‘ideal job’

The figures have been published by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) as the Government launches a week long Make Your Future Happen: Discover Higher Education campaign. The findings build on a report by BIS, earlier this year, which showed that students who progress to university can expect to boost their lifetime earnings by more than £100,000.

A poll of graduates in Leeds shows that 40 per cent of graduates are either doing the job they’ve always wanted to do or are working towards it.

This compared with just 24 per cent of non-graduates who were surveyed in the city. Results also show that 39 per cent of those who have studied at degree level in Leeds think their job gives them the opportunity to use their talents and expertise, compared with 19 per cent of those without a university qualification.

Universities Minister David Willetts said: “It’s great to see that so many graduates are doing the job they’ve always wanted to do.”