The Class of 2007 is at peace with itself and optimistic about the future writes Brian Mooney

The typical graduate from our seven universities in 2007 is single, white (96 per cent) and female (55 per cent). Most of our final-year university students are studying in their home region (70 per cent).

They are as likely to pursue postgraduate study (32 per cent) as to start directly into employment (34 per cent), with a further 29 per cent planning to travel.

Final-year students have no shortage of decent experiences under their belts. Most have become fully immersed in college life, with over 40 per cent being members of a college society, club or sports team.

Most will also have worked part-time during term time (60 per cent), as well as during summer breaks. No less than 15 per cent work over 20 hours per week, a punishing schedule when combined with study.

On pay after graduation, students expect to earn on average €26,000 per year.

Their priorities? To get a professional qualification, to use their degree subjects - and definitely not to work evenings or weekends. For most, the working hours are more important than than the size of initial salary offered.

The survey tends to indicate that students in DCU and UL are more focused on entering the jobs market immediately after graduation.

The average final year is aged 21 to 22 years. Some 42 per cent expect to work in Dublin and expect, by the age of 30, to own their own houses or apartments (72 per cent), have lived and worked abroad for a period (62 per cent), to have acquired a professional qualification (61 per cent), to have obtained a postgraduate qualification (53 per cent), to have had at least 10 holidays abroad (55 per cent).

When seeking employment, most would prefer to work for an international employer because of the perception of better training and long-term career prospect.

Overall, the picture presented by this survey is of a graduating class at peace with itself; confident in its future. Students are in no particular rush to enter the jobs market but they are confident of doing well when they move from college to the workplace.

The Class of 2007 appears to be a confident and conservative group at peace with themselves, with this society and with no desire to rock the boat.