IN ITS analysis of the first destination of award recipients, the Higher Education Authority found there was an increase in the proportion of commerce and business studies primary degree graduates who gained employment in Ireland. The figure went from over 43 per cent in 1994 to over 50 per cent in 1995.

The HEA also found that a large proportion of commerce and business studies graduates enter the labour market directly on graduating. In 1995 this was the first destination of over 67 per cent of primary degree graduates. Of those who gained employment in Ireland, over 29 per cent entered the insurance, financial, business and commercial computer services sector and over 29 per cent entered this sector overseas.

Research carried out in 1994, based on 568 graduates from three colleges, shows that a relatively high proportion of business and commerce graduates, especially those from three-year degree courses, undertook a one-year Master's programme, which enabled them to specialise in the study of a particular business function.

Based on a survey of these graduates three years ago, the research, carried out on behalf of the Association of Graduate Careers Services in Ireland, also shows that a large number of business graduates start work as trainee accountants in public practice or industry and commerce, continuing with further professional studies. Some of these initially take the Masters in accounting degree course while sponsored by their future employer.