Conclusion
This study can only be regarded as a pilot investigation into the experience of graduates in smaller
businesses. This is not so much because of the small-scale of the study, but rather because of its
innovative nature, ie the relational perspective adopted. The analysis of interview material is
continuing, but already it is possible to show that the approach has yielded useful insights into the
area of study. The trajectories taken by graduates, the situations and events they face, and the
choices and decisions they take, present a rich and varied arena for research. Traditional survey-based studies, by their nature, tend to obscure rather than illuminate this variety. There would
seem to be a prima facie case for drawing upon the kind of qualitative, relationally-oriented
research presented here, to complement survey-based research, for the development of policy,
initiatives and practices intended to help graduates in relation to their employment.
Recommendations
Although this has been a relatively small-scale and innovative study, we believe that some
recommendations are warranted. These are presented here, as a contribution to debate on the
ways to enhance the links between higher education and employment, particularly in smaller
companies.
- Smaller employers should be encouraged to give strong consideration to employing 'second-job'
graduates; such individuals are often seeking to gain affirmation of their graduate identity, and
bring a sense of wanting-to-achieve to their second job;
- Methods should be developed by the relevant agencies, for informing and advising students in
higher education about post-graduation experience of previous graduates; these should be based
on the 'graduate identity' approach, rather than on listing of skills and attributes;
- Institutions of higher education (through their careers service and in other ways) should seek
ways to provide pre-graduation advice and support, based on the 'graduate identity' approach;
- Relevant agencies, including Institutions of higher education and TECs, should develop ways to
provide post-graduation advice and support, based on the 'graduate identity' approach; the use of
electronic media, especially the Web, should be considered as a potential mode of delivery;
- Further research on graduates, particularly longitudinal studies, should be funded and undertaken,
using the 'graduate identity' approach; this should include studies of the experiences of graduates
in relation to issues of gender, race and socio-economic class.
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