Graduate programmes are dominated by men and it’s a common myth that this is because male candidates are better at making it through the selection process. However, the latest research by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) suggests otherwise.
The reality is that while female graduates are less likely to apply for the top jobs, if they do, they are more likely to be successful. This tells us that improving the gender diversity of graduate programmes is largely a challenge of attracting women in the first place.
More women graduate university, but less apply to graduate jobs
Women make up 54% of the student population, yet when we asked graduate employers to tell us about the makeup of their applications and hires we found that just 47% of those who apply are female. When women do apply they are more successful at getting job offers than men.
This trend reappeared time and time again throughout the data, regardless of which industry we looked at. Female graduates are consistently more successful in the selection process. If women do apply for graduate programmes they have a better chance than men of getting through to the final stages.
It was encouraging to hear that employers are bringing more gender balance to the workforce. It was among their highest priorities and many are taking positive steps forward. More than half of the sectors we surveyed had increased their gender diversity year-on-year. So, if employers want to hire more women, the bigger question has to be why aren’t women applying for this type of job?
Why aren’t women applying to graduate schemes?
Employers reported in the study that student perception of their industry was one of their greatest challenges in attracting a more diverse workforce. Anecdotal evidence from speaking with graduate employers and universities suggests male graduates are perhaps more willing to take chances while women may lack confidence.
This was reflected in a poll by the Girlguiding charity that suggests career confidence in young women drops as they get nearer to finding a job.
Only a third of 17- to 21-year-old girls felt they would have the same chance as boys at succeeding in their chosen careers, compared with 90% of the nine- to 10-year-olds. Confidence in their abilities also deteriorated as they got older – 63% of seven- to 10-year-olds said they felt confident in themselves, this dropped to 31% in the 17- to 21-year-old age group.
Encouraging women into graduate schemes
To tackle the gender issue, 83% of employers called for sector-wide investment. This means employers, universities and careers services must come together to positively encourage women to apply to graduate training programmes.
Graduate employers want to hire women, there are lots of opportunities out there and these candidates are more likely to successfully make it through the selection process than men. We just need them to realise it. We need to boost confidence and encourage more female graduates to reach their potential.
Just apply
If you are a female student considering your options post-university, don’t overlook a graduate training scheme. Offered by some of the world’s biggest and best organisations, they can provide opportunities to travel, a respectable salary and hands-on professional experience as well as exceptional training and development. You can also get the chance to try your hand at different roles, gaining experience in a variety of departments from management and finance to HR, IT and sales.
While they may be competitive, there are thousands of roles available each year and vacancies do go unfilled. Employers are increasingly casting their net wider, so many will recruit from any subject and fewer firms are asking graduates to gain a first-class degree or 2:1, turning their backs on minimum entry requirements as they look towards attitudes and skills.
Employers will look for graduates who have passion for their business, so find out everything you can. Look at their website, connect on social media, meet them at careers fairs, and always talk to your university careers service – they will give you advice for applying, getting through the selection process and reaching your potential.
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