So what exactly is it? Well, it’s a charity-funded tracking study that’s following a group of students from application, through university until they get their first job. If you started uni in 2006, it’s just possible you may be part of Futuretrack already. If not, here are five reasons why you should take part:
- Futuretrack is completely independent from political and commercial influence. The information collected is not being used to create university league tables or sensational news stories. Futuretrack seeks only to find out the reality of student expectations, hopes and experiences of higher education and career development.
- Futuretrack is helping the next generation of students receive better careers guidance. Jan Moore, Head of the Careers Service at Manchester Metropolitan University, says: “Futuretrack is helping us by revealing when and (more crucially) why students make career decisions. The information is deepening our understanding of students and the career paths they follow. In short, it allows us to provide more targeted advice and guidance."
- Futuretrack reveals who misses out on opportunities and the reasons why. It gives us a better understanding of why these barriers exist and how to widen access to opportunities to everyone.
- Futuretrack is busting myths. Newspapers love stories about unemployed graduates; politicians like to promote education as a great investment for individuals and the country as a whole; students are often portrayed as lazy and unfocused drifters who use university only to postpone getting a job. Futuretrack is revealing the truth.
- Futuretrack is making history. It is the biggest study of its kind ever in the UK. Don't miss out. If you’re eligible, you should have your say and take part. If you started uni in 2006, you should fill in the survey now so that research team knows what you’ve been up to. After all, you’ll be doing something worthy by helping out, and you’ll also be giving yourself a chance to win £1000.
For more information about Futuretrack, including current survey results and how to take part, visit the Futuretrack website.