Pareto Warns Employers not to put too much faith in Degree Subjects for Graduate Recruits

Employers could be missing out on a pool of talent if they assume that a degree subject will, de-facto, deliver certain skills in the workplace, according to graduate recruiter Pareto Law.

Managing director Jonathan Fitchew issued the warning in reaction to the recent publication of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) backed guide to courses, which linked degree subjects to specific skills you could expect candidates to have.

ìI agree that a fashion graduate should be able to run up a stylish little black dress but does that mean an economics graduate will be a better manager than a scientist, or that a theology student will be less analytical than a sociologist?î claimed Fitchew. ìThe real danger in promoting this kind of degree subject stereotyping is a restricted choice of the best talent available to employers.î

The answer, according to Fitchew, lies in a more scientific approach to skills assessment, together with training in the early career of the graduate recruit. ìBusiness skills such as time management, presentation and negotiation cannot be assumed, based on the degree subject. They will have to be taught,î he concluded.