University leavers ‘need to be more resilient’, says report

Feb 13 University leavers ‘need to be more resilient’, says report

If young people are to find work during the ongoing economic downturn, they need to be resilient and prepared to leave their comfort zone, it has been suggested.

Ernst & Young, the accountancy firm, said that although graduates are able to make friends very easily, they often lack the kind of attributes that employers value – namely a willingness to take risks and respond well to adversity.

The survey found that while graduates are good at making friends, they are often reluctant to take risks.

Devised by the Centre of Applied Positive Psychology, the survey polled more than 1,000 UK university students.

Reflecting on the survey, Stephen Isherwood, head of graduate recruitment at Ernst & Young, commented: "Relationship development and problem solving are key attributes that we look for in our trainees.

"But the candidates who end up with job offers also demonstrate determination and resilience, and are able to work hard and thrive in difficult situations."

Official data shows that more than one million young people in the UK are currently unemployed.