The STP research

Discover more about the STP model, concept development, research methodology, large scale pilot study and findings.

Download the STP White Paper

Our white paper on ‘The Student to Professional transition’ includes the full research methodology, findings and recommendations.

Missed the white paper launch? You can catch up on the full recording here

Research methodology

In early 2022 we developed and published the initial conceptual STP model . Following this, we adopted a rigorous, evidence-based, research methodology, following these eight steps across 2023-early 2025.

Our focus groups and interviews ran across November 2023 to January 2024 with over 50 careers professionals and early careers employers. After extensive research and model development the STP then ran as a pilot across May-December 2024 with 15 pilot partners in the UK. Our pilot partners included:

Aberystwyth University, Arcadis, Birmingham City University, Financial Conduct Authority, HSBC, L3 Harris, Marks & Spencer, Shepherd & Wedderburn, The University of Manchester, University of Derby, University of Hertfordshire, University of South Wales, Vodafone, Veolia and York St John University.

The findings in our white paper are based on the 1,087 participants who completed the psychometric, and the responses/data from over 700 participants across 22 different workshops, events and webinars, all undertaken between July 2024 to January 2025.

The nine shifts

Our research and pilot study have allowed us to fully validate the nine key psychological shifts from student to professional as:

STP summary research findings

  • 1. Those entering the professional world are finding Pragmatism and Task navigation the most challenging shifts to make.

  • 2. Hiring managers reported Self-sufficiency and Task navigation as the most challenging shifts for their early career hires to make.

  • 3. Those entering the professional world are finding Professional interaction and Diverse collaboration the easiest shifts to make.

  • 4. Hiring managers reported Diverse collaboration and Accountability as the easier shifts for their early career hires to make.

  • 5. When the STP psychometric was used in conjunction with wrap-around development support it had a much greater impact, specifically the greatest impact came from support for line managers.

  • 6. Those transitioning into the world of work consistently rated themselves as the most knowledgeable about the STP shift, prior to engaging in any learning on the topic, demonstrating a significant awareness gap.

How we can support you with the STP

To find out how we can support you, your team and your students, graduates or early career hires, click on one of the buttons below.