Should parents compare actual graduate destinations rather than university reputation?
Yes. Comparing the actual destinations of graduates from a relevant faculty, department, or course is useful, rather than relying on university reputation alone. However, look beyond employer names: check the year covered, number of graduates, definition of the employment rate, industries and occupations, career support, and educational content, and consider how well they match the student’s goals. Past outcomes do not guarantee an individual’s employment, so use the latest official information.
Key points
- Look at outcomes from a faculty, department, or course relevant to the student, not only university-wide figures.
- Check the industries and occupations as well as employer names, and examine the year, sample size, and definition of the employment rate.
- Compare educational content and career support alongside employment outcomes and personal fit.
Things to check
- Universities and faculties may publish outcomes differently and use different employment-rate definitions, so confirm that figures are comparable.