Grad job banner. Text reads 'What exactly is a graduate job?'

 

You will hear that there are many different routes into a job after graduation. A graduate job can be a job that you need to be a graduate to do or job that a graduate does. Here we outline two different routes and how you can secure the right one for you.

 

Fact file: Graduate training scheme

What are they? 

  • A structured period of training lasting between one and three years 

  • There are general management schemes where you move around the business and then specialise 

  • There are functional schemes where you specialise from day one, for example HR, IT and supply chain management 

Who offers them? 

  • Companies across a range of sectors including the public sector, accountancy, engineering, IT and telecommunications, retail and pharmaceuticals 

When and how to apply? 

  • Half of the UK's leading employers now recruit graduates all year round 

  • For employers with a single deadline, most are either November, December or January 

  • The recruitment process is likely to include an application form, psychometric tests, interviews and an assessment centre 

Where to find vacancies? 

  • Attend our recruitment fairs and talk to recruiters directly 

  • MyCareer, our vacancy job board 

  • Graduate directories such as The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers available outside our office for free

  • Use the vacancy sources listed on our website 

Fact file: Direct entry

What are they? 

  • Often single vacancies with immediate start dates 

Who offers them? 

  • Companies of any size and sector 

  • Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recruit significant numbers of graduates. These firms make up 99% of all UK private-sector businesses 

  • In some sectors SMEs dominate and so direct entry is the route in. For example, within public relations, digital marketing and the environmental sector 

When and how to apply? 

  • Apply after the spring vacation so you could start after your exams 

  • The recruitment process is likely to involve a CV and cover letter or application form and an interview 

Where to find vacancies? 

  • MyCareer, our vacancy job board 

  • National job sites, LinkedIn, national and specialist press sites, industry specific job boards, recruitment agencies 

  • Use the vacancy sources listed on our website 

 
Ajeya
By beginning early, conducting strategic research, utilising the Careers Service, and transforming rejections into learning experiences, you’re paving the way for a triumphant journey toward your dream graduate job.

Ajeya Shyam Bhat, graduate

Read Ajeya’s blog post

Chen Kaixin 340x340
After weighing up my options, I felt that the most important thing for me was to stay in Nottingham, so I applied for the roles I could find that were relevant to my abilities and interests. I kept an eye out for external opportunities posted on the Careers job vacancy site, MyCareer, and subscribed to alerts.

Kaixin Chen, graduate

Read Kaixin’s blog post

 

Go to our website to find out about graduate jobs

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