The UK is under threat of a brain drain as students look abroad for jobs

High achieving graduates are looking abroad for their first graduate job.

Half of UK students are considering leaving the country as the job outlook is set to worsen. Figures taken from the Trendence Graduate Barometer UK edition have found that of the 15,000 students surveyed, the top five countries that they would relocate to are the US (63%), Australia (47%), Canada (38%), France (35%), and New Zealand (33%).

Among the students surveyed was a category of high achieving students which 32% of this group said they would leave the country to find a graduate position abroad. Only 9% of the respondents said they would not relocate to anywhere.

Trendence UK accounts director Kathryn Callow said: "We're at high risk of losing some of our most talented and hard working students to other countries. Our data shows many of these students are willing to work more than 55 hours per week and want to perform highly in their jobs, yet they feel they want to go abroad because they can't find opportunities to further their ability in the UK.

"We're at risk of a 'talent drain' because of the current job market and the impact of constant bad news which tells students and graduates there are no jobs available and that future prospects are bleak."

A survey by SHL has found that many graduates would be prepared to work unpaid to be able to gain experience in their chosen field in order to get their preferred graduate job.

Sean Howard VP Business Solutions, SHL, comments, “The UK is failing its graduates. School leavers are faced with difficult decisions, not only has the cost of going to university risen, but UK employment options are bleak. Graduates are also under pressure to undertake unpaid internships in order to gain a foothold on the career ladder. It’s not just university that carries a high price, but gaining work experience too. This could mean a future where the best jobs are reserved for those that can afford to attend university and clock up the most unpaid experience. Understandably our graduates are open to the idea of seeking their career abroad, and the UK industry is faced with a potential brain drain.”

He continues, “What also really strikes me about these results is that graduates are missing a trick when it comes to social media, yet they are the generation that uses this communication channel so much in their personal lives. It appears the potential for social media to aid job hunting has not yet been realised by graduates.”

Source: Pareto.co.uk, Monday 9th January 2012