Prospects forIT graduatesare looking bleak, with fewer than ever
choosing to go into IT and unemployment climbing to 13.7%.
The number of graduates going into IT fell, with students
choosing IT consultancy, software and computer programming roles
falling 18% from 2,980 to 2,450. The number choosing IT technician
and helpdesk roles fell 15% from 795 to 675.
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HSECU) surveyed
220,065 students in January 2009. The students all graduated in
2008.
The average starting salary for IT professionals was £22,941, a
3.1% increase from 2007. The average salary for IT service delivery
occupations has remained the same at £18,579.
Mike Hill, chief executive of HECSU, said, "We're now starting
to see the extent of the impact the recession has had on graduate
employment. Despite unemployment increasing, for those who have
found a job, salary levels are holding up.
"Any signs of economic recovery may not be reflected in the
destinations of new graduates until the 2010 graduating cohort. In
fact it's likely that unemployment for 2009 graduates may be even
higher than that reported here.
"However, graduates should not feel disheartened. Many
organisations continue to recruit and a degree will certainly
remain valuable for many years to come."