Over a third (36%) of recent graduates were disappointed with the levels of responsibility given to them in their first job, and almost one in five (18%) feel they've never been given the right opportunities to take on responsibility, according to a survey by UKSP, an information site for careers in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism (HLTT) industry, run by sector skills council People 1st.
The survey carried out by OnePoll, interviewed 1,000 UK adults who had graduated within the last five years, between 3 and 8 November 2011. It found 45% believe they could have progressed quicker in their chosen career if given the right opportunities, with 22% feeling they have less responsibility now than they thought they'd have at this career stage.
As a result, 45% said that the lack of responsibility they are given has made them question whether or not they are in the right job.
Lesley Potter, communications director at People 1st, said: "At a time of high graduate unemployment, it's disappointing to also see that many employers are not making the most of the graduates they do take on - frustrating them by not giving them opportunity and leading them to become disillusioned with their jobs.
"For young people currently considering career options, as our recent State of the Nation report shows, managers in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries are often younger than average - especially those working in pubs, bars and nightclubs, restaurants and events. There's a wealth of opportunity - both at graduate and non-graduate level - within the sector for those who want to experience managing a business at an early age."
