Universities offer opportunities, increase social mobility and benefit economies across the length and breadth of the country. But what is the individual value of going to university for graduates and business leaders?
In collaboration with Censuswide, in June 2023, we surveyed 3,505 UK graduates and 3,506 UK business leaders to find out about the value of going to university. This data covered a range of topics including; employment, salary, industry knowledge and skills, transferable skills and the social mobility that going to university brings.
The benefits captured by this research are numerous – from job security and career ambitions, to earnings and social mobility – and highlight how highly UK universities are regarded not just by those who attend them, but also by those who hire their graduates and benefit from their skills.
Vivienne Stern
Chief Executive of Universities UK
We spoke to graduates across the country about the value of going to university.
"I met fantastic people, inspiring lecturers, had tremendous opportunities and even made world news!"
Cheryl Torano grew up in the care system and was a single mother of two when she came to Abertay as a mature student on their Ethical Hacking (cybersecurity) course, having earlier attended college.
"I was told I would never achieve anything when I was younger which made me feel sad, but because I have had support from youth services, teachers and my university lecturers, I believe that those people have helped me become who I am today."
Thomas Norris was once told he wouldn’t succeed in life. Now he's not only thriving in his dream job sector, he's a recognised autism advocate within the university and beyond – helping others to succeed and showing anything is possible.
"University is about much more than an academic education: it’s about meeting and working with people from every walk of life; about attention to detail; meeting deadlines; working under pressure; and developing the confidence to communicate with others.”
As the first in his family to attend university, Nathan gained more than just an academic education. It equipped him with essential life skills.
"Derby made it so easy to navigate. There was always a solution to every problem and help always available."
Tamzin was the first in her family to go to university. She achieved a first class degree and is now working as a social media manager. She credits her success to the support of university staff and resources available.
"Obtaining my degree through Teesside has enabled me to begin a career in something that I feel passionate about."
Returning to study later in life after the birth of her child allowed Megan Galuidi the chance to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an engineer. Megan credits her university with giving her the training and confidence to pursue her passions and enter her dream career.
Award-winning journalism graduate Hesham Abdelhamid, from an immigrant family from Egypt, is the first member of his family to attend university. He is the co-founder of Cheltenham Pride and has launched a mentoring programme for working-class young people to widen participation. He is currently studying a master's degree in communications, media and PR.
Conor is a mature student and first in his family to University. Attending University gave Conor self-confidence and knowledge of his sector. He has subsequently had his engineering career fast-tracked by Bowers Group.
Conor feels his university degree and experiences were essential to his career progression, giving him the skills, confidence and connections to pursue his first high-skilled job.
"University gave me a springboard to the creative industry, to a job that I love using my newfound skills, as well as financial flexibility. I can say with certainty that if I had not attended university, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Em Green, the first in his family to attend university, experienced a transformative journey. University helped them find a career they love, develop crucial skills, and make valuable connections through placements.
Growing up, Ted Lawlor remembers looking out of his bedroom in Bermondsey at the Shard and wishing he worked there. As somebody who wanted to become an entrepreneur from a young age, Ted learned from TV shows like the Apprentice and Dragon’s Den that the business world would be full of surprises and times that would test his character.
Ted's university experience ignited his inspiration and accelerated his career. Putting into practice what he learnt in his studies he launched the podcast If Only They Knew, which evolved into an award-winning platform. Ted attributes his success to his university journey.
“I was very happy at Aston. I was focused: I studied, went to lectures and trained because I wanted to be the best at boxing and in my studies."
Touted as the next Anthony Joshua, Delicious Orie (Economics and Management, 2020) is a boxer who is focused on greatness.
Determination could be his middle name. From even the youngest age, the native Russian who settled in the UK at the age of seven has not let barriers stop him. During Orie's university placement, he had the privilege of connecting with a diverse group of industry professionals who played a pivotal role in honing his skills and expanding his knowledge of the field.
A pioneering programme of work designed to ensure students from all backgrounds have the support, skills and opportunities to succeed in their graduate careers has been launched by Kingston University, in partnership with The Mohn Westlake Foundation. The Centre for Graduate Success will bring together and expand upon a range of activities across the university, from its sector-leading outreach work with schools, colleges and community organisations to personal development and targeted support for student groups who face additional obstacles in the labour market.
"The team at the LSBU Careers Hub were incredibly supportive and gave me the confidence I needed to apply for roles. I secured an 8-week internship in my first-year summer break which acted as a springboard for future success.”
Saima Durrani is a Computer Science Student at LSBU (London South Bank University). Before university Saima worked as a Prison Officer and in the travel industry before being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FSD), which left her with mobility issues and no longer able to perform these roles. Following this she decided to start university as a mature student.
University career support helped Saima gain confidence, and the skills she gained at university help her gain employment. Networking opportunities proved instrumental in helping her broaden her horizons, learn more about the industry and meet fellow students and businesses, helping her to grow as a professional.
"Queen Mary's combination of academic excellence, interdisciplinary approach, and the availability of scholarships made it the ideal choice for my postgraduate studies. I am confident that this decision will enable me to contribute meaningfully to any industry while preparing me for a successful and impactful career."
Mughees Asif was the first in his family to attend university. At Queen Mary University of London, he studied Aerospace Engineering/Artificial Intelligence, and now works as a software engineer for Amazon.
“I went back to university and followed my dreams; I encourage anyone to do the same whatever that may be.”
Paige Zima graduated from Teesside University with BSc (Hons) Forensic Science whilst being a single mother. Paige, who grew up in County Durham, pushed herself to complete her dreams of studying after losing her father to suicide. After growing up on a council estate in County Durham, Paige decided to join the Metropolitan Police Service.
In her final year of studying, she won Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins where she pushed her mind and body to the limit to overcame psychological and physical challenges. Paige also co-founded Women Warriors, a business offering courses for women seeking military grade fitness training. Once graduated, Paige Zima launched her career as a neighbourhood police officer, as one of 148 new officers at Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme.
UCL has made a difference to undergraduates careers with a peer-to-peer buddying scheme with associated social and careers events developed and delivered in partnership with students belonging to Careers Extra, our programme of enhanced careers support for UK undergraduate students from backgrounds under-represented at UCL.
It supports students’ career exploration and decision-making through engagement with Careers Extra and UCL Careers as a whole, contributing to progression into graduate roles in line with their individual interests and aspirations.
“My placement year has been a real highlight. In addition to developing my skills in thinking about future work and understanding how to progress through a career, it has given me the confidence to put my hand up and offer ideas during class."
As a young carer, Megan had responsibilities that set her apart from a lot of her peers. This inspired her to learn more about how she can make a difference in society. She came to study Politics with Human Rights at Essex. Megan's placement proved to be a truly transformative experience, amplifying both her career skills and self-assurance. Along her journey, she encountered supportive individuals, including her tutor, who played a pivotal role in helping her overcome challenges in various aspects of her life – be it at work, university, or even within her personal life.
Rachael Bradford became a mother at the age of 18 when her peers were heading off to university. Now, she is among the first wave of apprentices to graduate with a degree in radiography thanks to an innovative apprenticeship at the University of Exeter. The University of Exeter’s degree apprenticeship programme offers an alternative route to radiography with students able to work alongside their studies. It is the first to be launched as part of an innovative “earn while you learn” model which the government is looking to roll out to reduce NHS staff shortages.
“I would definitely say my lecturers and the people on my course, who were constantly engaging and supportive. This has had the biggest impact on me, and definitely changed the trajectory of my career.”
Coming from a migrant family, none of whom had attended university, Tosin Lawal faced many roadblocks on his journey to university – including the legal system in place back in 2012. Faced with restrictions on access to student funding because of their immigration status, Tosin and other young migrants campaigned for a change to the law, which allowed them to receive government support in order to attend university. Having graduated with a first-class degree and made a successful start to his career, Tosin’s ambition is to grow and attain a leadership role in the business events industry. His journey so far is a shining example of the difference that access to higher education can make on a young person’s skills, network and career path.
"The experience showed me just how diverse my learning has been on the Surface Pattern course, as I am being challenged to apply the skills that I have been taught in a whole new way.”
Rebecca Davies, a MDes Surface Pattern & Textiles Graduate, secured a coveted paid internship with Rolls-Royce, spending 13 months as part of the company’s exclusive design team, which is based between Goodwood and Munich. She is now working as a bespoke designer at Rolls Royce.
"I would not have been able to achieve everything without the continued support of the lecturers at University of Gloucestershire."
Ellie's time at university provided her with valuable skills that opened doors to diverse post-graduation positions. She currently works as an Imaging Assistant at The Times, thanks to connections made through her degree program's alumni page. Ellie attributes her achievements to the support of her lecturers and the experience gained from her BA.
