THINGS ARE LOOKING somewhat better for the latest round of graduates who have finished up in college this year.
A study by GradIreland has found there is continued growth in the number of graduates being hired by companies and their salaries are on the rise. Last year, the survey noted a significant increase in the average number of graduates taken on by companies and it rose again this year to 39.
Most of the available jobs are in banking, insurance and financial services but the most growth has been in the retail, sales and IT areas. Generally, business confidence is on the rise, with 44% of firms saying they had an actual increase in business and this is linked to their willingness to take on more graduates.
On the money front, there is good news – the median graduate starting salary is up slightly on average, now €27,953. More than one fifth of graduates, in the right jobs, now have the opportunity to take home a starting salary of over €32,000.
Last year, the highest starting salaries for graduates were in Connaught. However the vast majority of graduate jobs remain in Dublin. The best paid positions are in investment, banking and fund management at a lucrative €53,550, though there are relatively few jobs proportionately.
Law, legal services and patents are the second highest at €37,000. Construction recorded a slight increase in salary to €22,000 but it remains stagnant in terms of the proportion of graduate jobs available at just 0.6%.
Are you a recent graduate? Tell us how hopeful you are about your job prospects here in the comments below…
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