What is a Graduate Job?

Graduate jobs are for university students looking for their first permanent job once they get their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

These jobs give first-hand insight into an industry while allowing you to build relationships with colleagues, take on responsibilities and develop soft and hard skills vital in today’s competitive job market.

Graduate jobs do not have a fixed structure. They’re less competitive than graduate schemes and usually don’t require you to attend assessment centres. A strong CV, cover letter and interview will be enough to get you the position.

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What can you expect from a graduate job? When should you apply for a graduate job? Do graduate jobs require a degree? Are graduate jobs paid?

What can you expect from a graduate job?

Whether it’s your first job or your second venture in the corporate world, there is so much to look forward to in a graduate job. Here are a few aspects to expect.

Diversity in your role

While a graduate job doesn’t rotate you through different departments like a graduate scheme, you’ll still have varied responsibilities.

For example, In content marketing, you might write blog posts or create TikTok reels for social media. Or in software engineering, you’ll work on back-end systems so websites function smoothly for users.

Graduate jobs span a range of industries. These include:

Accounting
Architecture
Banking
Consulting
Finance
Healthcare.

Training

Graduate jobs aren’t as structured as graduate schemes, but you’ll have many opportunities to train, develop and upskill yourself. This can take the form of:

Training courses
Mentoring
Personal development programmes
Team away days
Conferences
In-house special guest talks.

For example, you might get to travel nationally (or abroad) to attend conferences and training sessions.

Progression

You won’t be a graduate forever. That’s why grad jobs tend to focus on getting you really damn good at the job so you can progress into more senior aspects of the role.

Whether you want to become a senior or eventually become a manager, there are routes and resources at your fingertips to help make that happen.

Getting involved in work culture

Even if you work in one department, you’ll collaborate with other teams in the company.

Whether it’s the staff Christmas party, the summer shindig or after-work drinks, you’ll very quickly get involved in the work culture too.

How long does a graduate job last?

Graduate jobs are full-time permanent positions. So you’ll be there for as long as you want.

Do graduate jobs require degrees?

A degree isn’t always a requirement for a graduate job. Let’s explore.

Many employers now focus on skills and attributes rather than just degree classifications, broadening their talent pool. This means that having a degree isn’t always necessary.

According to the Institute of Student Employers, fewer than 50% of employers require a 2:1 qualification. For example, Santander has removed the 2:1 requirement from its graduate programme, and Kellogg’s no longer requires a degree at all!

While some employers prefer candidates with a degree in a related subject, many are open to applicants regardless of the degree they hold.

You also don’t have to be a recent graduate either. Many employers accept candidates who have graduated within the past three years. It’s always a good idea to check the specific entry requirements for each job.

When should you apply for a graduate job?

Whenever you want.

You’ll be glad to know that graduate jobs are advertised all year round. They also have shorter application windows and start dates.

If you’re in your final year at university, it’s best to apply three months or so before you graduate so you won’t have any conflicting schedules with your studies once you get the role.

Your application checklist

Create an effective graduate CV - be specific about your experience, emphasise what impact you made on a business rather than just your responsibilities and add numbers to back it up.
Write a smashing graduate cover letter - don’t forget to add a sprinkle of personality!
Pull together your application documents - this includes a tailored CV and cover letter for each role. Plus, any forms you’ll need to fill out.
Start preparing your graduate interview questions - research is key!

Are graduate jobs paid?

200% yes.

Salaries for graduate jobs tend to be lower than graduate schemes, ranging from £18,000 - £24,000 a year depending on your experience, employer, and location. London-based companies tend to pay more than regional ones due to the higher cost of living in the capital.

Remember, the harder you work and the more experienced you become, the sooner you’ll get a promotion and climb up the salary ladder. Pretty sweet!