The University of Otago is divesting itself of nearly a tenth of its students this month, releasing 1,755 graduates into the empty void of unemployment. Graduation Ceremonies to mark the event are being held from May 6 to 19 in the Regent Theatre.
1,345 students are expected to attend the ceremonies, while 410 will graduate in absentia. The Science and Biomedical Graduates’ ceremony was held on May 6, followed by the Commerce Graduates’ Ceremony on May 12. The Graduation Ceremony for Humanities students will take place on May 19.
Speakers including Suzie Muirhead, Professor David Paterson, John Judge, Professor Andrew Bradstock and Professor Helen Nicholson have been invited to provide inspirational advice to students facing a bright future of job searching.
Findings from a Ministry of Education survey released in 2011 showed that 39% of graduates did not earn any sum of money for at least one of the first four years after graduating. 11% did not earn any money at all during that four-year period.
Critic spoke to one Otago marketing graduate, who agreed that finding a job with his qualification was proving a challenge. “The only well paid job I can get is in the mines. And I wouldn’t say mining creates a huge marketing industry.”
Grad Parties will also take place on the evenings of May 12 and 19 at Sammy’s, giving graduates one last chance to lose any remaining dignity.
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