Good news for graduates in engineering
Graduates in engineering – particularly those specialising in mechanical engineering – can expect to find jobs in which they will practice the skills they have learned.
What’s more, they can earn more than graduates in other subjects, especially those studying ‘soft’ options such as media studies and performing arts.
These are the conclusions of the latest “What Do Graduates Do? 2007” report, published by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU).
Of 2005 graduates in mechanical engineering, 66.5% are in UK employment, and of these, 54.9% describe themselves as “engineering professionals”. Of those not in UK employment, 17.3% are engaged in further study of some kind, and only 7.3% are “believed to be unemployed”. Only 2% are in “overseas employment”, so there is little sign of any “brain drain”.
Of those in UK employment, a further 9.8% have already progressed to become managers –shattering a myth about engineers not being able to get into management – and 10.5% are some other kind of ‘professional’.
Money for engineers is not bad either, with the average of jobs on offer for engineers coming out at £19,957 – compared with an average of £18,197. For publishing media and performing arts, the figure is £16032, £14,500 for arts design and crafts and £12,300 for education, teaching and lecturing.
Only three categories seem to do significantly better than engineers: economists and statisticians (£22,657), healthcare professionals (£22,512) and management consultants (£22,437).
More information from What do graduates do? 2007
