Tech grads finding it harder to land job in IT

The number of IT graduates able to land a job in the industry has slumped, according to new research.

A survey of 2008's IT grads around six months after they'd graduated found the number finding roles in IT-related fields has fallen markedly in some areas.

The number of tech graduates landing roles as IT consultants, software professionals and computer programmers fell by 18 per cent year-on-year, while those getting jobs as technician/helpdesk support dropped by 15 per cent, a research report published this week by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (Hecsu) found.

IT grads are struggling to find a job in their chosen industry
(Photo credit: Herkie via Flickr.com under the following Creative Commons licence)

More resilient were web developers or designers, where numbers remained static compared to the year before.

The unemployment rate for 2008's IT students around six months after graduation was 13.7 per cent - up from 9.5 per cent the year before.

For those that have succeeded in finding a new job as an IT professional, there is some good news - graduates' salaries were up 3.2 per cent year-on-year.

"Computer science graduates continue to be sought-after as employers recognise that, in an increasingly competitive market, IT is a vital tool for commercial success. Whilst there is evidence of a reduction this year in those entering employment after graduation, there is also an increase in those undertaking further study," the Hecsu report said.