Sonja Stockton, head of student recruitment at Price Waterhouse Coopers

We are approaching graduate recruitment in a mood of cautious optimism. We are not increasing the number of graduates we hire, but we are not reducing it either; this year we expect to take on about 1,000.

The big thing that has changed as a result of the economic downturn is the number of students interested in joining us. We have already had 50% more applicants than at this time last year. This is almost certainly because people who may previously have chosen City jobs are now looking elsewhere for finance-related training positions. We recognise that some may move on to the City or other roles when the economy picks up, but we are confident that those who do will still retain links with PWC.

Students are listening more closely than usual to our advice about the nonacademic skills we want to see with a good-quality degree. They are keen to talk to us about what we want to see on application forms.

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