UL records increasing graduate employment rates despite jobs downturn

28 Aug 2012

A survey of University of Limerick’s 2011 graduates shows that 88pc are either employed or pursuing further study. The university’s doctorate students are also in demand, with 86pc of last year’s PhD graduates currently in employment.

The survey, compiled by UL’s Careers Division, also found that the number of UL graduates seeking employment had decreased 1.5pc to 8.5pc, lower than the official unemployment figure. The number of graduates opting for further study or research also dropped slightly from 27pc to 25pc.

The percentage of UL graduates finding employment in Ireland increased from 45pc to 50pc, while figures for employment overseas remained the same at 13pc. Those that completed a postgraduate diploma in 2011 were particularly successful in obtaining employment on home soil, with more than 79pc finding a job in Ireland, while 10pc found work abroad.

“Traditionally UL’s graduate employment figures trend well above the national average,” said UL president Prof Don Barry. “Despite the challenging environment, UL’s graduate employment rate has continued to rise and our 2011 figure for primary degree-holders is now 16pc higher than the HEA’s most recently available national average figure, which is 46pc for 2010.”

Prof Barry attributes the increasing employment figures to the university’s continually evolving programmes and the growing number of employers actively recruiting UL graduates through its Careers Fair.

“It is encouraging to see that over the next week no less that 56 doctorates will be conferred on UL graduates in recognition of their advanced research. It is essential that we continue to exceed international benchmarks in the delivery of high quality, relevant research that will support Irish innovators and continue to attract foreign direct investment. More innovation and discovery and an improved response to commercial and industrial needs will mean more employment opportunities for our graduates and increased growth in Ireland’s knowledge economy,” he concluded.

Image of graduate job seeker via Shutterstock

Elaine Burke
By Elaine Burke

Elaine Burke was editor of Silicon Republic until 2023, and is now the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. Elaine joined Silicon Republic in 2011 as a journalist covering gadgets, new media and tech jobs. She later served as managing editor before stepping up as editor in 2019. She comes from a background in publishing and is known for being particularly pernickety when it comes to spelling and grammar – earning her the nickname, Critical Red Pen.

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