Wasted Potential

William Hague today suggested we must all 'work harder' to drag the country out of recession, drawing parallels with Norman Tebbit's 'on your bike' message of the eighties, the suggestion being that many today are simply too feckless to do a hard day's graft. This idealised view of a depression era work-ethic is symptomatic of a wider problem associated with the current job market - that recent graduates are privileged, lazy and apparently know little of the so called 'real world'. While the man on the street has long perceived students this way, it seems employers are increasingly adopting a similar view. This brings me neatly on to this week's topic: that of demonstrable experience.

In my search for employment, it's particularly frustrating to see employers demanding two years relevant experience for supposed 'graduate' jobs. This is unfortunately a recent problem. In decades past candidates may have been employed based on their potential; a solid performance at university was indicative of the ability to grow into a job role (or so I am reliably informed!). Today, it seems recruiters are demanding fully fledged professionals immediately after graduation, as is demonstrated by the many demands from big employers to teach 'key business skills' - whatever they may be. It is entirely unreasonable of employers to expect candidates to have amassed a wealth of practical experience alongside their academic studies. Even those I know fortunate enough to have completed internships and summer placements (a significant financial burden for many) are struggling to land that all-important first graduate job.

The demands for 'experience' seem to be a problem for arts graduates in particular, where the transferable skills acquired are sidelined in favour of vocational qualifications. Employers want to minimise their risk rather than gambling on untested candidates. In my opinion, a balance must be struck. There will always be a demand for those with vocational skills, but the transferable skills acquired in more general degrees are equally important. These are graduates that can be shaped and moulded into a whole variety of job roles; it is the responsibility of employers to recognise potential and use it to their own benefit. There is a vast pool of talent out there but businesses seem increasingly unwilling to take a short-term risk for a long-term gain.

Instead, there are many talented graduates working in roles where their skills are either not needed or vastly underused. To take the example of my current minimum wage job, I work in a role that, in all reality, the vast majority of people could do with the right training. Many young, ambitious and talented people are working exceptionally hard in tough times, yet are not being offered the opportunities that will allow them to progress in their careers. In my layman's opinion, it is not 'working harder' that will drag the country out of recession, but investment in potential.

Desperate Times, Desperate Measures

Friends, Romans, members of the Blogosphere, lend me your ears...

I, Alex Hough, an erstwhile student and incumbent ride host at a *cough* unnamed Staffordshire theme park (there are two...), have decided to start a blog.

For those of you who do not know me, I graduated with an MA in History in September 2011 from a good University. While my historical studies interested me greatly, it is writing that has always been my passion; in recent months I have had little opportunity to exercise my scholastic muscles and that is why I find myself here... I happen to believe writing is not like riding a bike and is instead a talent that needs to be constantly refreshed.

I intend to write about the many trials and tribulations of finding a graduate job . In the months since my graduation I have come to the frustrating realisation that no matter how impressive your academic record, experience counts for everything. As a man with little experience of anything (such are the consequences of growing up in a quiet corner of rural Staffordshire), I have reached somewhat of an impasse in my search.

If anyone is prepared to listen, I'd also like to write about a few of my other interests from politics and current affairs to sport. Mix this in with a few observations on my current place of employment (the kind that won't get me fired) and perhaps this could become interesting, informative or even amusing. We shall see, particularly on that last one...

In all seriousness, if you are reading this and feel you are in a similar situation or would also like to comment on the struggles of recent graduates please get in touch. Many hands make light work and all.

That's all for now but I shall begin in earnest soon...

All the best, Alex