Planning your next steps?
We can help you navigate the job market
Planning your next steps
If you are in your final year or have recently graduated, now is a great time to start exploring your career options.
Searching for your first professional role can feel overwhelming, but there is plenty of support available to help you understand your options, find opportunities and approach applications with confidence.
You can continue to access careers support for up to five years after you graduate.
Graduate jobs or graduate schemes?
There are two main routes into graduate employment: graduate jobs and graduate schemes. Both offer valuable experience, but they work in different ways.
A graduate job is usually an entry-level role that requires a degree.
These vacancies are advertised throughout the year, often when an employer needs someone to start within a few months.
When to apply:
Start searching around two or three months before finishing your course and continue checking regularly.
Where to look:
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MyCareer
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Prospects
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TARGETjobs
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Indeed
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Milkround
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Glassdoor
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Graduate Jobs
Graduate schemes are structured training programmes, usually offered by larger organisations. They typically last between one and three years and may include training, mentoring and rotations across different departments.
They are common in areas such as finance, technology, engineering, accounting and business. Many schemes welcome applicants from any degree subject.
When to apply:
Many schemes open from September for roles starting the following summer or autumn. Some have rolling deadlines, so applying early is recommended.
Where to look:
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GradTouch
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TARGETjobs
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Prospects
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Bright Network
Where to look for graduate jobs
General job websites are a useful place to begin your search. Most allow you to filter opportunities by role type, location and industry, making it easier to find vacancies that match your interests.
You can also set up job alerts so you are notified when suitable opportunities are advertised.
Some popular job websites include:
MyCareer Porspects Targetjobs Indeed Bright Network
Top 100 Graduate Employers Reed Milkround Glassdoor Graduate Jobs
Events and networking
Throughout the year, we organise events to help you connect with employers and explore different career opportunities.
Our careers fairs give you the chance to meet organisations that are recruiting students and graduates, ask questions and learn more about available roles.