ClickAJob News

Female university leavers are more likely to settle for an entry level position at company and work their way up, whereas men aim for more highly paid positions, an expert has said.

Speaking to the Guardian, Catherine Benfield of the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa) remarked that male graduates would rather risk becoming unemployed than enter an unsuitable job.

She stated to the news source: "Women accept that they may take a job below their expectations and work up from there. Men would rather be unemployed and searching for that perfect job."

However, Ms Benfield, the head of research at Hesa, added that female graduates are more likely to be satisfied in their career.

Ms Benfield's comments follow new figures released by the organisation showing first degree male university leavers earn £1,000 more than female graduates after three years of finishing their education.

ClickAJob chief executive Yngve Traberg is more reassuring: "Jobseekers should think wider than the field their qualifications are in.

"The City for instance has numerous success stories of people who started in a completely new sector, made a go of it and are now among the movers and shakers."

Mr Traberg continues: "From an employer's perspective, a degree is a demonstration of disciplined thinking and the ability to apply oneself. Since many organisations have their own way of working - and training methods to achieve it - these qualities are often preferred to academic expertise in a particular field."

His advice? "Widen your search," he recommends, "Open your horizons.

"Just because you have a degree in a particular subject doesn't restrict you from working in another. There are all kinds of job opportunities out there, including some you may never have heard of. Keep looking, there is a job out there with your name on it - and respect for your gender too."

His advice for women is particularly encouraging.

"At interview point, it is very important to let your ambitions and drive shine though. Employers screen for individuals who are self-motivated, so make sure you draw their attention to your passion. It promises a future of excellent performance in whatever role you are interviewed for," he concludes.