‘Peter Pan’ graduates’ ambitions weather economic gloom

The results reveal that eight out of 10 surveyed are convinced they will eventually work in the career they have chosen and will take all necessary steps to reach their goal.

Fifty-six per cent said they chose their existing job because it will help in reaching their preferred career. Undergraduate students are proving to be particularly focused with 42 percent having decided on their career choice prior to applying to university with 67 percent of their degrees related to their ‘dream job’.  

The research also reveals that graduates are more proactive in seeking career guidance with 39 percent choosing their career on the back of their own research, and 13 percent as a result of work experience.  Just four percent say they were directly influenced by their school careers service.

Jamie O’Connell, marketing director at The Student Room, says: “The graduate jobs market is more competitive than any point in history, but the findings show that today’s students are becoming increasingly ambitious and taking a clear-sighted, long-term view.

“Generation Y has been called the Peter Pan generation — well, Peter Pan has woken up. They know what they want and they know how to get there. They are taking adult career decisions and taking them early and seeing them through. It’s remarkable how far they are taking responsibility for their own futures. This is probably the most dedicated and motivated generation for years.”