First Destinations of Undergraduate Comparative American Studies
students graduating in 2008/09
The response rate for CAS graduates remains high, with 92.3% (24) of those graduating in 2008/9 completing
the annual destinations survey. As such, the data provides an accurate record of graduate destinations in the
6 months following graduation, of which 20 respondents (83%) were employed (paid and voluntary) including
those combining paid employment with professional or further study.
The sample size is small so it is difficult to extrapolate trends and sector representation from the data, but it is
interesting to note that whilst some CAS graduates are engaged in temporary or ‘stop gap’ work there is clear
evidence that a significant proportion have secured professional roles (e.g. Market Research Analyst,
Journalist, Head of Customer Support). Others are working in voluntary or administrative roles that may
constitute interim employment whilst continuing their job search, or represent the first step to developing a
professional career (e.g. Volunteer, Amnesty International and Administration Assistant, Ambassador Theatre
Group).
There is a decline in the numbers pursuing postgraduate study 2008/9 with only 3 students undertaking
postgraduate qualifications (academic or vocational), a decrease of 4 from 2007/8. It is hard to ascertain
whether this is a meaningful shift i.e. a conscious choice by graduates to enter the job market earlier rather
than deferring entry through postgraduate study, or simply normal fluctuation.
At the time of data collection, there were no unemployed graduates from CAS, suggesting that whilst not all
have managed to identify or pursue a ‘graduate career’ they are taking sensible steps to maintain their
employability in an uncertain and competitive job market.
First Destinations of Warwick Comparative American Studies Graduates
2008/09
Overall response rate (Including Undergraduate and Postgraduates from all countries of domicile):
92.3%
Employment by Sector
In total 20 Comparative American Studies graduates entered
into employment six months after graduation. This includes
those working full or part time, and those who are studying
as well as working.
The numbers shown in brackets are the numbers of
graduates entering each sector. The job titles and
employers given are examples of graduate destinations.
Marketing, Sales and Advertising (4)
Head of Customer Support, Software Manufacturer
Market Research Analyst
Commercial Trainee, Emirates Airline
Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector (2)
Housing Benefit Officer, City Council
Further Study
Each year a number of
graduates enter into further
study or undertake
professional training
programmes. Courses taken
this year included:
Professional:
TEFL
Graduate Diploma in Law
Masters:
MA in Broadcast
Journalism
Arts, Design, Culture and Sports (2)
Information Agent, BBC
Social & Welfare (2)
Support Worker, Connection Floating Support
(Charity)
Other Professionals (2)
Reporter/Journalist, Daily Star
Administration, Customer Service (3)
Administrator, Children’s Charity
Executive Operations Administrator, Canadian
Government
Retail, Catering, Hospitality (4)
Sales Assistant, Goldsmiths
Other occupations (1)
Lifestyle Assistant, Concierge Company
How employed graduates found their jobs: