Students hit by recession
Students hit first by recession
Record numbers of graduates are chasing fast-disappearing jobs in recession-struck practices. Will Henley lends an ear
Graduates are set to be among the first victims of the recession — with architecture students particularly hit this year, according to leading recruiters.
The problem has been exacerbated by the sheer numbers graduating in architecture since the last recession. Latest figures show a fivefold increase in graduates between 1990 and 2007, according to Hecsu, the higher education careers services unit.
The double whammy of more competition and a recession means firms can be much more choosy, and many are opting to recruit older, more experienced staff.
One of the biggest graduate recruiters, BDP, confirms that it will take on a third fewer part I and part II graduates this autumn compared to last, while the number of applicants has gone up by 10%.
BDP HR development director Debra Larkman says graduates need to go the extra mile to be considered. “They should attend architectural events, networking opportunities and do voluntary work if need be. They need to be seen to be active and have an interest in what is going on in the architectural world.”
Peter Browne, director of recruitment consultant SIV, says that job cuts across the profession have lead to much greater competition from more experienced architects. Browne estimates job losses during September were up by 30% compared to six months ago in February, and by 80% on February 2007.
At Hunter Dunning, managing director Roger Dunning also confirms it is tougher now. “Part IIs are going to find it really hard. They are more attractive than part Is because they have more experience. But they cost more.”
A concern among recruiters and graduates is that the situation may get even worse next year….. continued
Article courtesy of Building Design, read more here
9 Responses to “Students hit by recession”
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Mark Ellery on October 26th, 2008
Recession will hit the UK –
http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3125925&c=1
nick on October 27th, 2008
its surprising that just this year there was a report on how record number of students enrolled in architecture courses:
http://boidus.co.uk/?p=206
Jim on October 27th, 2008
is it surprising?
i thought that a lot of people got made redundant: so what better use of their time than going back into education?
“weathering the storm” so to say…
killion on October 27th, 2008
well who knows when this will last…? and the last thing I would want to do is graduate into ressesion…with hordes of qualified unepmloyed people roaming the streets in competition….
Mark Ellery on October 27th, 2008
hoards of unemployed people = more training/education = high standards of design
more architectural companies competitng against eachother for a fewer number of jobs = higher quality design
competition = innovation
Lisa on October 30th, 2008
a warning to anyone working in practice…
an “unoficial” statistic predicts one fifth of architectural practices will close down after christmas
nick on October 31st, 2008
I know a friend of mine who was laid off and the whole firm of 12 people went down!
killion on October 31st, 2008
Diversity is the only way for architects to survive…Pity we can’t all go into teaching…that’s like the safest place to be right now.