Social class and nepotism play a key role in students’ access to both formal and informal work experience, a recent study by KPMG, a global network of accounting firms, found. Only 40% of young people from lower socio-economic statuses have participated in work experience, compared to 47% of young people across all socio-economic backgrounds. Work experience – the opportunity to learn about a certain profession, and acquire new skills – is a valuable tool that can make a real difference in the lives of young people. Fortunately, an increasing number of businesses are working to even the playing field, offer students equitable opportunities, and highlight the importance of work experience as a tool for social mobility for diverse students.
Most important diversity characteristics: class and socio-economic background
In particular, KPMG’s survey found that 71% of students hold the opinion that it’s easier to break into certain professions (think: lawyer, doctor, or accountant) when they have a parent or guardian who works in the same or similar profession. Additionally, 45% of students who’ve participated in work experience were able to arrange it via a relative or friend, rather than through school (30%). Moreover, a previous KPMG study also found that class and socio-economic background is the most influential diversity characteristic when it comes to career progression – far more so than ethnicity, gender, or sexuality.
“So many young people face an unlevel playing field and it’s limiting their long-term prospects. The reality is, without access to decent and fair work experience and someone to show you the ropes, it can be hard to break into some professions. And talented individuals are therefore being ruled out of the running for jobs, at a really early stage of their career”, said Jon Holt, Chief Executive at KPMG. “Businesses, including our own, need to play an active role to change this. If we want to nurture the talent of tomorrow, we need to open our doors and offer the opportunity to come and see inside our firm to learn what work is like. And to help the next generation succeed, we need to equip them with skills that are highly valued in the workplace, such as problem-solving and creative thinking.”
The problem of dangerous jobs
Previous research has also found minorities are more likely to work dangerous jobs. In the United States, for example, tree cutting and logging ranks as the most dangerous job, with 82 fatalities per 100,000 employees annually. Construction is also a risky industry, which racks up 26 fatalities per 100,000 workers per year. In the UK, on the other hand, just three fatalities in the construction sector occur every year. Conversely, professions like accountant, historian, actuary, and executive assistant are known as some of the safest. Improving social mobility via work experience can help more students from minority backgrounds enter professional roles.
Opportunities for diverse students
Fortunately, a number of universities are committed to boosting graduate employment rates for underrepresented students, including black or minority ethnic students, students with disabilities, and students from low socio-economic backgrounds. For example, City, University of London has launched a micro-placement scheme for first and second-year undergraduate students. These placements last two to five weeks, and allow students with zero past professional work experience to explore their career options. Aston University also has a professional mentoring scheme in place; second-year undergraduates are partnered with business professionals to provide them with first-hand insight into the working world.
And, the University of Ulster provides accredited employability modules to students. These modules are delivered through course teams that provide support to students as needed. Birmingham City University, on the other hand, holds speed-recruitment events designed to connect disengaged or vulnerable with businesses. Such hard-to-reach students can therefore benefit from contact with employers they otherwise may not experience. After these initiatives were launched, all universities reported great successes: more students from underrepresented groups were able to find placements. Students also reported greater confidence, self-esteem, and resilience following the experiences.
Work experience is a valuable tool in terms of social mobility. By taking advantage of available placements, diverse students can gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the professional world.
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