TY - JOUR

T1 - An evaluation of performance indicators based upon the first destination of university graduates

AU - Taylor, Jim

AU - Johnes, Jill

PY - 1989

Y1 - 1989

N2 - This paper evaluates various performance indicators based upon the First Destination Record. These indicators purport to measure the success or otherwise of graduates in different degree subjects in obtaining a satisfactory first destination after their graduation. It is important to evaluate these indicators of the graduate labour market since they are used by potential entrants into higher education and by those charged with controlling resource allocation in this sector. The present study draws upon information obtained from the National Survey of 1980 Graduates and Diplomates, which describes the experience of graduates during their first six years after graduation. First destinations are compared with salary levels and unemployment rates six years later. The main conclusion is that information obtained from the First Destination Record provides an accurate guide to the future career prospects of graduates only when highly aggregated statistics are used. The First Destination Record does not provide accurate predictions of the future career prospects of graduates at the individual subject level.

AB - This paper evaluates various performance indicators based upon the First Destination Record. These indicators purport to measure the success or otherwise of graduates in different degree subjects in obtaining a satisfactory first destination after their graduation. It is important to evaluate these indicators of the graduate labour market since they are used by potential entrants into higher education and by those charged with controlling resource allocation in this sector. The present study draws upon information obtained from the National Survey of 1980 Graduates and Diplomates, which describes the experience of graduates during their first six years after graduation. First destinations are compared with salary levels and unemployment rates six years later. The main conclusion is that information obtained from the First Destination Record provides an accurate guide to the future career prospects of graduates only when highly aggregated statistics are used. The First Destination Record does not provide accurate predictions of the future career prospects of graduates at the individual subject level.

U2 - 10.1080/03075078912331377516

DO - 10.1080/03075078912331377516

M3 - Journal article

VL - 14

SP - 201

EP - 217

JO - Studies in Higher Education

JF - Studies in Higher Education

SN - 0307-5079

IS - 2

ER -