What a graduate degree is worth

From Mr Derek J. Gradwell

Sir: After reading your article "Graduates 'are forced to take low-paid jobs' " (22 June), I was amazed by the arrogance and short-sighted opinion of the employer who said such jobs are "very suitable for a 2.2 from a new university who's only ever worked part time in Sainsbury's".

As I am one of those graduates with a 2.2 degree from a new university and currently working in a clerical position, I know I am capable of much more than the position I am in. Some of the new universities offer courses far more in tune with the real world than are offered at the older institutions, and if an employer said the courses are easier, then I can tell him they are not. I know because I have also studied for a degree at a redbrick university, and I found very little difference in the standard between the courses.

Secondly, how is one expected to gain experience in a relevant job when one is studying on a full-time degree course? It is the old story of employers requiring experience before they will employ you, but how do you get experience in the first place if they won't employ you?

Sooner or later, unless jobs of graduate calibre are provided in the market place, the bubble of higher education expansion will burst. Potential students will realise that sacrificing many years of salary will not be worth the investment, as a similar level of jobs could be obtained by gaining GCSE examinations.

After applying for well over 300 jobs and studying the legal practise course, it is disheartening to be in such a position. However, I am determined to achieve my goal of becoming a solicitor and will continue churning out applications.

Yours sincerely,

Derek J. Gradwell

Westhoughton, Lancashire

22 June