Once upon a time, having a degree separated ‘the men from the boys’ but with more and more students graduating each year it seems perhaps a degree just isn’t enough? And for the poor graduates of 2010, this financial crisis we’re all caught up in is not helping; with fewer jobs than there are graduates… So, let’s get some advice on how future graduates can stand out from the crowd in the coming years…

Dan Hawes, GRB co-founder, observed, “Today’s graduates believe they face a classic Catch 22 situation. They worry that they don’t have sufficient work experience to land that all important first post but until they get into a job they can’t gain the experience. The message for future generations of graduates is to try and build up your work experience before you graduate through internships, part-time working and vacation work – not forgetting that voluntary work is also valuable experience.”

Anusha Everson, director for graduate employment at Hertfordshire agrees, “It’s clear that gaining real-life work experience as part of your course, or on your own initiative, is an absolutely key requirement for students getting ready to go to university this September.”

Robert Parkes, GRBs Marketing intern said “It is vital to pursue any work experience opportunities you get. Even if it is only for a week or so, work experience will tick a box on your CV and provide an interesting topic for interview conversation.”

So… there you have it, some words of wisdom each highlighting the growing importance of gaining work experience alongside your degree, whether it be an  insight, placement or internship. Get yours now and separate yourself from the thousands of other graduates who will be searching for your job!