20.03.2025

Grad lag? 72% of ‘pandemic graduates’ feel ignored by employers

A new poll from Robert Walters surveying 1,300 graduates across the UK reveals that the cohort of ‘pandemic graduates’ (those who graduated between 2019-2022) face significant struggles in the professional jobs market.

Employers don’t see them as a crucial hire: 72% of pandemic era graduates feel overlooked by employers, either in favour of fresher graduates or more experienced professionals.
Job satisfaction at an all-time low: Only 20% of those who graduated between 2019-2022 feel satisfied in their current role. Whilst the majority (71%) feel behind for their age.
Job droughts hitting this cohort the hardest: Key issues that this cohort of graduates have experienced so far in their professional journey include limited job opportunities (38%), increased competition for roles (31%), too high expectations from employers (15%) and low rates of pay (15%).
Professional development stunted: Indeed, those who graduated during this period feel their ability to learn soft skills (26%), learn through osmosis (in office) (22%) and develop key technical skills (31%) have been impacted by graduating when they did. 29% of this cohort of graduates feel that their career progression has been directly impacted by graduating when they did.

Death of the grad scheme?

Traditional graduate employers – the Big Four (KPMG, PwC, Deloitte and EY) all announced cuts to their graduate schemes last year – as part of wider efforts to boost cost efficiencies and trim headcounts.

This leads to even greater competition, with figures from the Institute for Student Employers finding that the average employer receives 140 applications per graduate job.

Furthermore, according to the most recent government release the median graduate salary is £26,000 – a decrease of £500 from 2022.

Institutions at risk

In Spring 2024 the then conservative government vowed to scrap ‘rip-off’ degrees, propositioning the merits of apprenticeships. Just over a month ago, Cardiff University announced plans to cut 400 staff and drop subjects like nursing and music to save on costs.

Whilst the Office for Students released figures underscoring the need for ‘bold and transformative action’ to stop 3 in 4 universities being ‘in the red’ in 2025.

Habiba Khatoon, Director of Robert Walters Midlands: “Today’s graduates face significant hurdles: record low pay due to high inflation and stagnant wage growth, reduced or frozen graduate intakes, and even the value of their degrees being questioned.

“However, 'pandemic graduates' bear an even greater burden. Their studies were disrupted and shifted online due to the global pandemic, and upon graduation, they entered a labour market teetering on recession. Economic instability, a rising cost of living, and inflation have further stretched their already limited salaries.

"Those fortunate enough to secure professional roles often found themselves in hybrid or fully remote positions, missing out on vital office experience and opportunities to develop soft skills. Further hindering their ability to face the fierce competition for job opportunities, often being overlooked in favour of newer graduates or more experienced professionals.

"This cohort should focus on building momentum within their careers by looking at the bigger picture of where they want to be in 5-10 years and making strategic decisions accordingly. They might find opportunities to carve out ideal careers within sectors they have not yet considered.

"Don't compare your journey to others or let age limit your opportunities—everyone moves at their own speed. Embrace sidesteps if they lead you to your dream industry or company."

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