What you study is more important than where you study, according to a new survey of graduate employers

Research shows employers value a graduate’s skills, subject studied, and vocational experience gained during their degree ahead of grades achieved.

Choosing the right degree is a significant decision for students, especially as exam results are released. A recent report by CBI Economics and University Alliance highlights that employers prioritise graduates’ skills, the subject studied, and vocational experience over grades achieved.

Key Insights from the Report

According to the survey, the most important factors for employers when evaluating graduates are:

• Enthusiasm for the role (68% of employers)
• Transferrable skills such as communication (55% of employers)
• Relevance of the subject studied (52% of employers)
• Vocational experience gained during the degree (42% of employers)

These findings suggest that practical experience and a passion for the field are crucial for career success.

The Value of a Marketing Management Degree

Gaby Pearson, a Marketing Management graduate from the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law, is a testament to the importance of practical experience as part of a university education. Gaby’s experience highlights how a degree that integrates real-world projects and professional accreditation can significantly boost employability.

“My course, marketing management, is the sort of degree that some people don’t really understand the importance of. It was a great degree though because it was really vocational, I was working directly with employers almost from day one and it’s professionally accredited. Just a couple of months after finishing my studies I am managing marketing projects professionally. I hope this report will help people understand how important degrees like mine are”

Gaby Pearson, Marketing Management BSc(Hons)

Practical Experience at the University of Brighton

At the University of Brighton, the Marketing Management course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience from the outset. Students engage in live briefs and projects with local businesses, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

“My course was really vocational,” Gaby recalls. “I was working directly with employers almost from day one.”

This approach not only helps students develop their marketing skills and knowledge but also builds their confidence and career readiness. The University Alliance report indicates that 85% of employers believe real-world experience enhances performance during interviews.

Enhancing Employability

The combination of enthusiasm, transferable skills, and real-world experience is vital for graduate success. Gaby’s reflections underscore the importance of choosing a degree that offers practical experience and direct engagement with employers.

“Getting a job after uni is definitely something that students and anyone considering doing a degree will worry about. It’s sometimes hard to know exactly what employers will be looking for and what the right choice is for your career,” Gaby reflects.

Her experience shows that degrees with live briefs with employers, like our Marketing Management degree, can significantly enhance employability by providing relevant, practical experience that employers value.

As course leader I strive to encompass as much real world experience through the course as possible. We use strategic partnerships from across the marketing spectrum to provide examples, case studies and material for live briefs for assessments. We also arrange several guest speakers to provide opportunities for our students to hear industry professionals speak and to ask questions.

Liz Hawkins, Marketing Management BSc(Hons) Course Leader

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’re looking for a course that combines relevant theory with practical experience, consider applying for a place on our Marketing Management course through Clearing. Our degrees not only provide you with a quality education, but they also prepare you for real-world challenges and opportunities.

Clearing is a chance to decide what’s right for you and become who you’re meant to be.

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