Job creation

AnnyHallsal

Does anyone know if there are any strategies or policies being developed for job creation? Are we just planning to sit it out until the rest of the world recovers and brings us with them? Like many people here, I've been doing everything in my power to get a job and am feeling despondent. I'm 27 with a first class degree and a PhD in the humanities, which seems to deter employers in other fields.

The_Honeybadger

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

Does anyone know if there are any strategies or policies being developed for job creation? Are we just planning to sit it out until the rest of the world recovers and brings us with them? Like many people here, I've been doing everything in my power to get a job and am feeling despondent. I'm 27 with a first class degree and a PhD in the humanities, which seems to deter employers in other fields.

The political parties all have job creation to the forefront of their policies apparently, but no specifics naturally as they genuinely don't know what to do. FAS are running a work experience program for graduates. I'm in a job (thankfully) but browsed through the jobs and there were some really good opportunities to gain experience, this is basically working for free but keeping your benefits, beats sitting at home I guess but I can see why some people might not be happy to do this. In short I don't think any political party has a credible job creation strategy and they are hoping enough people will emigrate to get the live register down as far as I can see.

Welease

Yes, organisation like the IDA etc. are working to bring jobs to Ireland, and the government announced a task force or whatever for this area. I wouldn't expect however a raft of new positions in the extreme short term.

You mention that employers seem put off by your qualifications.. That sounds like an issue that needs addressing.

My suggestion would be to have a serious hard look at what you are qualified to do (and I mean really qualified to do, not just fancy doing) and keep a close eye on those segments. Are there any jobs in those areas? is there any upturn expected in the market? In a worst case scenario will you need to retrain for something else?

I'll be honest, I don't know much about humanities, what application does it have within the workforce? Is it so general that you are always going to be at a disadvantage to people with more focussed training (Accountants, IT, Business etc)? If so, then I would start planning on how you are going to close that gap.

The_Honeybadger

I read that the task force they set up has only met once since it was formed in Jan 09. IDA and Enterprise Ireland have always done their best to bring jobs here and to be fair they are very good at what they do, but international investment is very difficult to attract when there is a global recession as bad as this one. We can but hope.

AnnyHallsal

mickeyk wrote: »

FAS are running a work experience program for graduates..

Thanks for the insight : ) I'd be happy to do a WPP but a PhD seems to arouse suspicion there too.

Welease wrote: »

You mention that employers seem put off by your qualifications.. That sounds like an issue that needs addressing.

My suggestion would be to have a serious hard look at what you are qualified to do (and I mean really qualified to do, not just fancy doing) and keep a close eye on those segments. Are there any jobs in those areas? is there any upturn expected in the market? In a worst case scenario will you need to retrain for something else?

I'll be honest, I don't know much about humanities, what application does it have within the workforce? Is it so general that you are always going to be at a disadvantage to people with more focussed training (Accountants, IT, Business etc)? If so, then I would start planning on how you are going to close that gap.

Yeah, you're right - each application is an opportunity to market yourself. There are some jobs in the field and you do have the power to make yourself a more attractive candidate through publishing and conferences. The danger is of falling between the two stools but retraining seems to be a necessary insurance policy.

Tiddlers

Also, check out IBEC'S Grad Links programme. The FAS work placement programme has been heavily criticised for not placing as many people in placements as it suggested it would or could.

What I think is unfair about many of these graduate work placement programmes is that many of them require previous experience.I know many graduates will have experience but surely the purpose of a graduate work placement programme or internship scheme is to offer this experience and not discriminate against graduates who have not worked?

I understand what the first poster means when she says that employers don't seem happy to hire someone with a degree or post grad.I particularly find this when I apply for jobs in retail or hotels/restaurants.It's possible they think that if they hire these people that they'll leave as soon as they find a job in their relevant field.It's such a bind and it really is a disadvantage to many college graduates who are probably applying for jobs these days with the phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' in mind.And I say this from first hand experience.

AnnyHallsal

"I understand what the first poster means when she says that employers don't seem happy to hire someone with a degree or post grad.I particularly find this when I apply for jobs in retail or hotels/restaurants.It's possible they think that if they hire these people that they'll leave as soon as they find a job in their relevant field.It's such a bind and it really is a disadvantage to many college graduates who are probably applying for jobs these days with the phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' in mind."


I spoke with some lecturers about this and the shocking thing is that universities are strongly encouraged by the government to increase the number of students on the "PhD track." For those who are self-funded that can amount to a serious financial commitment. What jobs do they think this is preparing them for? Most will hope to lecture but if they don't find a job there that three or four years could be a serious impediment. The onus is on the individual to think hard before committing but the strategy still seems unfair and illogical.

The_Honeybadger

I was talking to a fas manager about this as I have dealings with them in my work and he said the major problem in the program is that there is no provision for work related expenses (eg travel or accomodation) and basically unless the employees are within walking distance of a job they often refuse them. And yes you can definately be overqualified for certain jobs, probably because they think you will leave as soon as you get something better, but also you may be more qualified than the boss which might not go down well.

Tiddlers

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

"


I spoke with some lecturers about this and the shocking thing is that universities are strongly encouraged by the government to increase the number of students on the "PhD track." For those who are self-funded that can amount to a serious financial commitment. What jobs do they think this is preparing them for? Most will hope to lecture but if they don't find a job there that three or four years could be a serious impediment. The onus is on the individual to think hard before committing but the strategy still seems unfair and illogical.

I remember months ago reading something in a paper, The Guardian I think, about how there is a very strong culture of encouraging students to go into fourth level education.From what I recall,we have a much higher level of post grad students than most European countries.The article said that really this is a negative thing because in reality, there aren't enough jobs that require this.In my opinion it just creates a cycle of people who are only qualified or able to teach others in the same cycle.How many academics does one country need?!

AnnyHallsal

mickeyk wrote: »

I was talking to a fas manager about this as I have dealings with them in my work and he said the major problem in the program is that there is no provision for work related expenses (eg travel or accomodation) and basically unless the employees are within walking distance of a job they often refuse them. And yes you can definately be overqualified for certain jobs, probably because they think you will leave as soon as you get something better, but also you may be more qualified than the boss which might not go down well.

Both my parents were unskilled factory/retail workers and like many from that background believed that by giving their children an education they would help them find more fulfilling and financially rewarding careers. The irony is that the people I know who didn't go to college are the ones who are doing really well. No-one could have seen that coming. University seems like an expensive diversion at the moment.

Tiddlers wrote: »

I remember months ago reading something in a paper, The Guardian I think, about how there is a very strong culture of encouraging students to go into fourth level education.From what I recall,we have a much higher level of post grad students than most European countries.The article said that really this is a negative thing because in reality, there aren't enough jobs that require this.In my opinion it just creates a cycle of people who are only qualified or able to teach others in the same cycle.How many academics does one country need?!

Agreed. It's a very comfortable, quite well-paid, socially respected job with little pressure so it's hardly surprising there's a lot of competition. Before the recession there was the safety net of other career options. Now it's a much bigger gamble.