Impact of COVID-19 on Recent Graduate Career Decisions and Outcomes, 2020-2021

This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on university graduates' career decision making and planning, their transition into the job market and early career outcomes. The study will further address whether there are inequities across the graduate population on the effects of this crisis in terms of drawing upon resources that may influence their career decision making, including social networks and ties, career planning and resilience. The project utilises a mixed-method research design based on a longitudinal survey and interviews over the course of a year. The outcomes of the project will inform practitioner guidance and policy-making around enhancing graduates' readiness in a challenging labour market, as well as raising policy implications for employer organizations in best-supporting graduates' transition into the economy.