June 5, 2025, by Jackie Thompson
Why graduate outcomes matter
By Andy Smith, Careers Consultant
Each year, the government conducts the Graduate Outcomes survey through the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). It’s the biggest UK annual social survey and captures the perspectives and current status of recent graduates.
The survey results can help you make better career decisions and, in return, when you are being surveyed, it’s important that you respond to support future graduates. Read on to find out why!
The survey asks graduates about what they are doing 15 months after completing their higher education course. It also asks some subjective questions about how they feel about their current situation and general wellbeing.
The next survey takes place in September 2025 and is targeted at graduates who completed their undergraduate degree between May and July 2024. This could be you!
More than just statistics
Graduate outcomes are more than just statistics—they represent the success of students transitioning from university life to professional careers. These outcomes serve multiple purposes, they:
- measure the university’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market
- provide valuable insights into the graduate recruitment sector
- offer guidance for current students exploring their future career paths
The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects this data on behalf of all UK universities, 15 months after you graduate. This timing allows for a comprehensive view of early career progress, capturing key information such as:
- employment sectors
- job titles,
- salary ranges
- geographic locations
The breadth of data paints a clear picture of where you, as a future alumnus, have launched your career or pursued further education.
Helping you to make career decisions
As a current student, this anonymised data is a valuable resource. It helps you to understand potential career trajectories, identify popular industries, and gain realistic expectations about salaries and job markets.
The data can show trends in job roles and sectors as well as identify academic and commercial organisations that have been favoured destinations for University of Nottingham students. It can help you make informed decisions as you plan your next steps after your degree.
You can access the Graduate Outcomes data by booking an appointment with a careers advisers using MyCareer.
Helping others to make career decisions
If you completed your undergraduate degree between May and July 2024, you will be sent the Graduate Outcomes survey in September 2025.
As well as using the data to help you plan your next step, your future participation in the Graduate Outcomes survey is crucial. About 15 months after you graduate, you will be invited to take part in the survey.
You will receive the survey via email (from universityofnottingham@graduateoutcomes.ac.uk), you may also receive an SMS from GradOutcome, or even a call from a friendly researcher reaching out to ask you to answer the survey over the phone.
If you are on LinkedIn, you are also likely to see a host of LinkedIn posts promoting the survey and encouraging your participation.
By responding, you will be contributing to a growing pool of knowledge that not only highlights your personal achievements but also aids future students in shaping their careers. Sharing your experience can inspire and guide others navigating the transition from university to the professional world.
In summary
Graduate outcomes data benefits everyone: universities improve their offering, employers understand talent trends, and students gain clarity on their future possibilities. So, when the survey request comes your way, take a moment to contribute—your story can make a difference.
We’re very proud of the graduate outcomes our alumni continue to achieve. Their success in entering highly skilled work is testament to their knowledge and ability, alongside the outstanding academic and extracurricular support they receive while at the University of Nottingham.
Pauline Maden, Director of Careers and Employability at the University of Nottingham
If you want to find out what graduates from your course did and where they are working or studying, book an appointment with a careers adviser and they will take you through the data. We’re here all summer and we offer appointments online.
If you are being surveyed this year, find out more about the survey by watching a one-minute video and don’t forget, as a graduate of the university, you can use us for life so keep in contact!
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