Most graduates will be employed directly into individual positions within both big and small organisations.
Whilst a number of students will be employed through a graduate scheme, the majority of students will begin their career in a graduate entry-level role (where you are employed directly into an individual position). Whilst this is common within both large and small organisations, the majority of graduates will work for small or medium sized employers (SMEs) who will recruit anything from just one graduate to a few each year.
These opportunities are likely to appear later in the academic year (from around March onwards), with some roles continuing to be advertised throughout the spring and summer terms. There will be some roles that are never advertised at all and you can click here to learn more about The Hidden Job Market.
Not all organisations will promote their opportunities in the same way, so it is useful to extend your search widely – use the links listed below to get started but you may also want to consider looking at national or local papers, LinkedIn, recruitment agencies, or even organisations own jobs websites. There may also be specialist job websites and/or professional bodies linked to the area that you are targeting.
Another type of opportunity that falls into this category is the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which is where graduates are recruited to manage strategic projects within a company. The University of Reading hosts the Knowledge Transfer Centre, find out more.
A graduate entry-level job is likely to have a permanent contract, with the role involving a wide range of tasks. To apply for these types of opportunity, you will generally be required to complete an application form or submit a CV and a covering letter, with an interview later on if you are shortlisted – find out more about making a successful application here.
Use the links below to begin your search:
If you have a disability, you may find the following websites useful for vacancies and advice: