Creative Graduates Creative Futures Survey Findings

Surprisingly positive findings from a survey into creative graduates' careers here from the Institute for Employment Studies.

Some key points:

• Creative arts graduates are satisfied with their higher education experiences and their working lives.
• 3 out of 4 graduates had worked in the creative industries and in their field of expertise since graduating.
• At the time of the survey, 9 out of 10 graduates were in paid employment.
• The majority were currently working in a range of creative jobs, within and outside of the creative industries, and achieving their career goals.
• Graduates were positive about their current work, enjoying the ability to be creative, having autonomy and the potential for future opportunities.
• Almost half of those working were self-employed, working freelance, or working in a micro-business (with 10 or fewer employees).
• Almost half reported multiple work activities – ‘portfolio’ working – typically combining employment and self-employment, and continuing to develop their practice in some way.
• Fewer than 1 in 20 were unemployed and looking for work.
• Graduates are true lifelong learners, with over half continuing to develop their creative practice and undertake further learning.