One in five would work in public sector – but just one in 50 would consider housing
Just one in 50 graduates would work in housing, a survey has found.

The survey, carried out by recruitment company Bernard Hodes, found that although one in five graduates wanted to work in the public sector, just 8% of those would consider a job in housing – a tiny 2% of the 860 people who responded to the survey.

It was the least popular area of the public sector. Most popular was central government, with 59% of graduates wanting a career there.

The graduates were not required to give reasons for their choices.

"It is a huge wake-up call for the housing industry," said Helen Rosethorn, chief executive of Bernard Hodes, which conducted the survey via the Doctorjob.com website. "In order to attract people, they need to promote their reputation and their image. Many people are attracted by social responsibility reasons but it is not enough. They need to promote its potential for career development."

Martin Winn, director of professional development at the CIH, said: "The image of housing at the moment doesn't reflect the reality. There are people out there interested. At our Forum3 recruitment fair last year, around 12,000 people came and we had so much interest we ran out of information."

Twenty-four British universities, including the London School of Economics (see below), offer a degree in housing. Nationwide, 4000 students are studying housing.

The National Housing Federation is in the midst of a lengthy rebranding intended to change the way the public, including graduates, see the sector.

How do LSE students feel about a career in housing?

Housing Today conducted a straw poll of student opinion outside the London School of Economics, where leading housing authorities professors Anne Power and Christine Whitehead teach. Of the eight students questioned, most said they were unaware of the possibility of a career in housing.

Stephen Gurman, law undergraduate

“I might look at going into government but I doubt I’d look at housing. It’s not very glamorous and I’ve never really heard of it before. It just doesn’t appeal and no one does anything to make it appealing.”

Madeline Fagan, undergraduate in mathematics and sociology

“Housing has just never crossed my mind. I don’t think it’s really something I want to do though to be honest, I haven’t thought about it until it was just mentioned.”

Gerardo Villoslado, masters in environmental development

“I would certainly think about it. I am going to work for the government and will look at everything. I wouldn’t mind working in housing but I wasn’t aware it was an option.”

Source

Housing Today