Tom Davie, director of professional development on the board of the Association for Graduate Careers Advisory Services, said that university leavers are thinking about corporate social responsibility, work-life balance and their beliefs and values along with salary benefits.
His words come as a survey by Graduate Prospects of 14,000 former students who had found work, revealed that just six per cent of candidates were drawn to a position based on the pay on offer.
Mr Davie, who is also head of careers at the University of Durham, stated that graduates at high-flying academic institutions, were turning down jobs in which they could command large wages.
“Some of the students are still saying … money isn’t everything and therefore they are willing to take £21,000 or £22,000 rather than £35,000,” he added.
By Cameron Thomson
