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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. Here we outline two different routes - graduate training schemes and direct entry roles - 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? 

  • Mostly offered by large 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
  • The advert may specify a degree is required

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 

 
Matthew Padgett smiling in an office

I am currently on the Civil Service Fast Stream. I will specialise in climate change roles ... and attempt to build up a knowledge base and career in this area.

My next role could be anything from delivering clean energy projects, working on hybrid vehicle rollout or helping to deliver net zero!

Matthew Padgett, graduate. Read Matthew’s blog post

Lilly Koranteng standing in front of a board with the logo on NHS Milton Keynes University Hospital

I currently work as a communications and engagement officer at Milton Keynes University Hospital.

I studied theology and religious studies. Initially, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I would say my career journey has not been quite linear or straightforward.

Lilly Koranteng, graduate. Read Lilly’s blog post

 

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