Influential business leaders across the UK are calling for an increase in graduates with geography skills to support long-term economic growth, according to a survey by ESRI UK to mark Geography Awareness Week.
New research shows that four in five (80 per cent) of UK businesses say only some or few graduates are equipped with the skills they need for the world of work. The key skills they are looking for include critical thinking (nominated by 78 per cent of businesses leaders as key for graduates), advanced analytical skills (76 per cent) understanding and interpreting complex data (71 per cent), advanced technology skills (57 per cent) and understanding socio-economic environments (54 per cent) – all skills gained from a geography degree.
Nearly all (97 per cent) of employers said that they would like more employees with these skills in their organisations. This will help them to address their priorities such as making processes more efficient (nominated by 73 per cent of businesses as important) and delivering more for less (66 per cent).
The figures are released as the proportion of unemployed university-leavers reached 9 per cent[i], putting greater pressure on graduates to boost their employability. Geography graduates are some of the most employable of all graduates with just 7 per cent out of work compared to 15 per cent of Media Studies graduates and 16 per cent of IT graduates[ii].
The survey of 200 business leaders across the public and the private sectors showed that nearly one in five (18 per cent) of business leaders have a degree or equivalent in geography. A further two thirds (67 per cent) would recommend a geography-based qualification to their children.
Richard Waite, Managing Director of the UK’s leading Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provider ESRI UK, said: “Business leaders across the UK want more geography professionals to help solve business, governmental and societal challenges now and in the future. It’s clear from the survey that businesses expect more from universities in providing graduates with the key skills they need to help them through these tough economic times. As an industry it’s our job to continue to work closely with business leaders and the education sector to improve our graduates and encourage more people to take up a geography-based career to help assist businesses through the economic recovery.”
The research was commissioned by ESRI UK, to celebrate Geography Awareness Week. The week includes GIS Day on 17th November which aims to promote geography, inspire future careers and encourage the learning of new geographical skills by both teachers and pupils. Today’s GIS Day research follows on from ESRI UK’s recent partnership announcement with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) to help support and promote the Society’s Geography Ambassador Programme that encourages young people to plan careers in geography.
Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), said: “It is encouraging to see that business leaders cite geography skills as a key attribute to greater employability in the graduate sector. The Society is working closely with schools and ESRI UK to inspire even more young people with the relevance and applications of geographical knowledge, skills and technology. With the help of businesses and universities, we hope to grow our support for tomorrow’s geography professionals in getting a foot on the job ladder and a rewarding career.”
The survey also found that:
- 95 per cent of firms say location-based decisions are important to their business at present
- However, only one in five (18 per cent) firms use key technologies such as Geographic Information Systems across their whole business
What is GIS?
GIS (Geographic Information System) is a powerful technology which allows location based data to be visualised, analysed and shared.
GIS encompasses the hardware, software and data that allow layers of information about a location to be analysed, helping organisations to think geographically and turn the information to their advantage.
GIS is invaluable for solving many real-world problems – from managing assets and analysing crime patterns to tracking disease and monitoring climate change.
About ESRI UK
ESRI UK is the leading provider of GIS technology, helping businesses become more profitable and public service more efficient through a better understanding and analysis of location-based information. ESRI UK employs over 300 people across six offices and offers GIS technology and an extensive range of consultancy and training services. It is the only company in the UK able to provide a complete and entirely integrated GIS technical solution.
ESRI UK has been providing GIS solutions for over 20 years to a wide range of markets including Central & Local Government, Commercial, Defence & National Security, Education, Public Safety, Utilities & Telecommunications, as well as catering for system integrators and application developers through the ESRI Developer Network.
[i] Higher Education Careers Unit Service, What do graduates do?, November 2010
Source :Geo common
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