Introduction

If you intend to look for a job after graduation but are not sure which one is for you then you may need to spend some time using other parts of this site. The job you choose will depend on what you want from a job and what you have to offer as well as other factors like geographical location, size and culture of organisation. We would advise using the "Where to start" menu on the navigation bar above or the Virtual Careers Adviser.

Who can I work for?

If you have decided on the career you want, the next stage is to identify the typical employers. The likelihood is that so far you have only scratched the surface of the possibilities. Yes, there are a number of graduate recruitment schemes that have a high profile on this campus. But these only represent a portion of the possibilities.It is said that only 40% of jobs are ever advertised and therefore you need to look at the widest range of employers in order to explore all your options. We are not saying that you should avoid the obvious, just make sure you look at all the possibilities before devoting a lot of time to making applications to the most widely advertised and therefore most competitive recruiters. Read the Graduate Training Schemes page in this section for more of an insight.

How do I choose?

Companies come in all shapes and sizes. Your task is to find out how they operate and if you will fit in. Do you share the values and attitudes of your potential employer? Do you like the company culture? Other factors you may want to take into account when choosing an employer are career prospects, company size and location, training and development opportunities and benefits package.

Spending time reading about the company and talking to their employees can clarify these issues. Employer presentations and fairs are valuable. When you meet company employees ask yourself the question: "Am I like them?". Gaining some work experience is even better for you to assess the fit. Remember the interview process is two-way so you have the opportunity to find out more. If you get a tour of the office during an interview then take a look at how people interact.

Many companies especially the bigger ones can look pretty similar and even appear to offer the same things. Your mission is to unearth their very different cultures and values so that you make the best choice for yourself. The clearer you are about what is important to you the easier your task will be. Remember that a discussion with a Careers Adviser can be very helpful at this stage of your career decision-making process.