Guide to graduate jobs and schemes 2023

• What is a graduate job?
• What to expect from a graduate job?
• Are graduate jobs paid?
• What are the best graduate jobs in the UK?
• When should I apply for graduate jobs?
• How to apply for graduate jobs?
• Is it hard to get a graduate job?
• How long does it take to get a graduate job?
• How long do graduate students stay in their first job?
• What is a graduate scheme?
• What are the benefits of graduate schemes?
• Are graduate schemes paid?
• What are the best graduate schemes in the UK?
• When should I apply to graduate schemes?
• How to apply to graduate schemes?
• Who is eligible for a graduate scheme?
• Is it hard to get a graduate scheme?
• How long does it take to get a graduate scheme?
• How long do graduate schemes last?
• The difference between graduate jobs and graduate schemes
• Graduate jobs vs graduate schemes: Which to choose?
• Why should you choose a graduate job?
• Why choose a graduate scheme?
• Key takeaways
• Search for graduate jobs and schemes

In this extensive guide, learn everything you need to know about graduate jobs and schemes - the two most popular avenues for students graduating from university. 

What is a graduate job?

Graduate jobs are typically full-time, permanent roles that you get after completing your studies. 

Unlike other forms of work like graduate schemes, work experience and internships, graduate jobs typically don’t have a defined end date where you would be expected to leave and find other means of employment. Therefore, your contract with the organisation only ends when either you or the company decides to end it. 

Graduate jobs exist in most industries and sectors so you can find the ideal position for you regardless of the job role you want.

Looking for a graduate job? Explore our graduate jobs and schemes.

What to expect from a graduate job

Choosing a graduate role over other types of employment can come with many benefits to you. 

Firstly, they’re typically a stable form of employment with an income each month that you can depend on. Some graduate jobs also include a bonus for meeting targets agreed upon between you and your manager. This is typically for jobs in the finance and sales sectors but can expand to other sectors which have tangible targets for you to achieve. Additionally, graduate jobs give you security with a permanent contract.

Here are some factors which can influence what you should expect from a graduate job:

• The amount of training required
• The starting salary you’re offered
• Any potential pay rises in the future
• The skills and growth opportunities that the job offers
• The networking opportunities available to you

Are graduate jobs paid?

Yes, graduate jobs are paid opportunities. This is usually done through a salary that you earn every month, typically being paid to you on the last Friday of the month, adding up to a yearly amount which is advertised when you apply for the role. 

Other jobs take a different perspective and offer salaries which are paid every two weeks, so be sure you know when and how you receive your payment before starting the job. 

Additionally, graduate jobs are always permanent. This means no end to the contract unless terminated by either the organisation you work for or you.

To give you an indication of the level of pay you should expect, the Higher Education Statistics Agency released that the national average graduate salary is £25,000 per year. 

As this is an average, this will depend on the sector you decide to work in, the organisation you work for and the area you work in. For example, jobs in London and the southeast of England tend to offer higher salaries than in other areas of the UK.

What are the best graduate jobs in the UK?

All sectors of employment offer graduate jobs. We have compiled a list of the areas in which you could secure a graduate job with a bit more detail about the sectors and roles. 

• Consulting graduate jobs are common as there are few sectors where consultants aren’t required. View graduate consulting jobs and schemes.
• Consumer, FMCG and retail roles require those with strong attention to detail and who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. Take a look at the leading employers in the Consumer, FMCG and Retail sectors.
• Engineering, energy and infrastructure are common choices for graduate jobs for those with great technical skills. Read more about working in Infrastructure and Energy.
• Financial services sector roles are perfectly suited for individuals with good maths abilities. Has this sparked your interest? Explore current financial services graduate jobs and schemes available right now. Are you considering the sector but not sure yet? Learn why you should choose the financial services sector.
• Investment banking and asset management may be the sector for you if you have a keen eye for detail and thrive under pressure. Interested in a career in investment banking and asset management? Browse available investment banking graduate jobs and schemes and asset management opportunities to take your first step towards a career in this rewarding sector.
• Law graduate roles generally work slightly differently from the other sectors. A training contract is a traditional way that law graduates become qualified lawyers. There are many different areas of law, see which area of law may be suitable for you.
• Management, HR and operations jobs for graduates are great for those who love working with people. If this sector sounds of interest to you, take a look at HR and recruitment graduate roles or management and business jobs. 
• Marketing, PR and media is a sector that generally appeals to creative and empathetic graduates. Has this sector sparked your interest? Explore the current graduate jobs and schemes in marketing, PR and media available to you right now. 
• Science and pharmaceuticals may be the sector for you to consider a graduate role in if you are passionate about science. Many roles in this sector may require higher level academic qualifications, such as a PhD. Learn what pharmaceutical firms look for in graduate applications and view the biggest pharma companies in the sector.
• Public sector and charity graduate roles may be in one of three different sub-sectors: public sector and government, education and teaching and, charity and social enterprise. If this sector sounds suited to you, view graduate jobs and schemes in the public sector and charity. 
• Sales and commercial jobs are well aligned with competitive, results-driven graduates. Skills such as time management, commercial awareness, marketing and communication are essential in this sector. View graduate jobs and schemes in sales and commercial.
• Technology is a sector that is ever-changing, making it an exciting sector to have a graduate role in. Leading employers in this sector include Apple and Google! View available technology graduate jobs and schemes.

When should I apply for graduate jobs?

Traditional graduate jobs will start in September after you graduate from university, so most applications open throughout the final year of university. 

Large firms may open applications between September and November, while smaller companies' application windows may be closer to the summer, in May and June. 

Some graduate roles are filled on a rolling basis so applications may close before the deadlines so try to apply as early as possible. 

It is important to start thinking about graduate roles in the summer before your final year. Consider what sector you would like to work in and what kind of organisation specifically. Stay up to date with the key graduate schemes' dates and deadlines.

How to apply for graduate jobs?

As graduate jobs can be highly competitive, it is crucial to submit the strongest application possible. The process of applying to a graduate role will include an initial application as well as an interview, or series of interviews. Many graduate jobs will also require psychometric testing and an assessment centre as part of the process. 

Preparing a great graduate CV and cover letter is essential to help you stand out which will give you the best chances of the company proceeding with your application. Unsure of where to start? See how to write a cover letter and our tips on how to create a CV. 

After initial applications will be an interview, see the top 10 most common interview questions for graduates. 

Is it hard to get a graduate job?

Over 500,000 students graduate every year, and this number is increasing. On average, 80 applicants apply for every graduate job vacancy. This is because there is a large overabundance of qualified graduates. 

Although this may sound daunting, there are always more graduate roles becoming available and you could always develop your experience and skills for the first year after you graduate and apply for graduate roles the year after. 

See our ten tips you need to know to help you get a graduate job.

As well as a degree, employers are looking for soft skills and some work experience or at least activities that show passion and engagement for a certain career path. 

How long does it take to get a graduate job?

The average time it takes to secure and then start a graduate job after finishing university is between three and 18 months. 

The standard recruitment process has many stages; the number of stages and time between each aspect of the process can impact how long it takes to get a graduate job. 

Smaller companies may have a quicker hiring process, while larger companies with a more established recruitment process may have longer hiring processes with additional elements. 

How long do graduate students stay in their first job?

The average time that graduates spend in their first job is 18 months. If you are considering leaving your graduate role, there are a few things to consider first. 

Be sure to read your contract in detail. Training new employees is expensive for a company, so they may have a clause in the contract about the length of employment, for example, you may have to stay for at least a year. 

If you are after a change, you could consider changing your role but staying with the employer. Speak with your manager and a member of HR to see whether a horizontal move may be possible.

When considering alternative roles, you should take other factors into deliberation, such as opportunities for promotion and chances to work abroad or in other departments, as factors such as this may extend the period you want to stay in the next role. 

Also, be sure to frame your experience thus far in a positive light and express the skills you developed through this role and what you learnt. 

What is a graduate scheme?

A graduate scheme differs from a graduate job because they are structured programmes of training mostly offered by large companies. In lots of ways, a graduate job is a normal job; you will get a salary and employee benefits. 

Graduate schemes, however, tend to have longer recruitment processes than graduate jobs. Graduate schemes also often involve an element of training as well as a rotation so you can test and try out different career paths, this differs from a standard graduate role. 

They are not permanent employment; they are usually a one to a three-year fixed-term contract. However, there is often the opportunity to stay in that role at the company if you perform well. 

What are the benefits of graduate schemes?

Graduate schemes have a variety of benefits, including:

• Introduction to a professional environment
• Professional development
• Networking opportunities
• Competitive salary
• Job security with the company for a certain amount of time
• Potential to stay with a job after the graduate scheme
• Company perks and benefits

Are graduate schemes paid?

Graduate schemes’ contracts are paid. In some cases, there will be one salary for the first year of the scheme which will then increase in your second and third year if there is a third year. 

The UK average graduate salary is reported to be £24,000. It is higher in London though, estimated to be as high as £28,000.

For more information on the average graduate salary for any job or sector in the UK, check our salary calculator tool.

What are the best graduate schemes in the UK?

All employment sectors will offer some form of graduate scheme, so there is definitely a graduate scheme to suit everyone's career interests. 

Saying this, a large proportion of graduate schemes are in the consulting, financial services, investment banking and asset management, or law sectors. 

Here we have listed some of the best companies for graduate schemes in the UK:

Aldi

The Aldi Graduate Area Manager programme is described as tough and like no other. With a starting salary of £44,000 and an Audi A4 included in the package, it is highly competitive. There is a promise of becoming an area manager for as many as four different stores as soon as you’re ready – even if you’ve only been there a year!

EY

EY works across 150 countries within four business areas; Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions and Tax, our teams work at the cutting edge, drawing upon fresh thinking and advanced technology to help make better business decisions. You’ll have the scope, scale, and challenges to unleash your potential with graduate schemes here.

PWC

PWC is a leader in accountancy and asset management; their graduate schemes include, but are not limited to, roles in consulting, finance, law and tax. 

Unilever

This three-year graduate scheme is designed to train future business leaders. They offer schemes in various different areas of the company. 

HSBC

HSBC offers graduate schemes in the global banking & markets, wealth & personal banking, commercial banking and digital business services areas. They provide great opportunities for career development as well as the usual graduate scheme pay package and benefits. 

KPMG

KMPG’s main area of graduate schemes is audit. They have innovative approaches to problem-solving and investment in advanced tech, they are a very popular choice as an employer. Starting salaries for graduates at KPMG vary according to programme and location. Average salaries in the company range from £22,500 to £73,500 a year.

Barclays

With highly competitive salaries, a healthy work-life balance, and a variety of roles all over the country and with applications open all year, the Barclays graduate scheme might be a great option to start your career as an analyst in Banking, Compliance and Finance.

Civil Service Fast Stream

This graduate scheme offers places in education, foreign affairs, economics, defence, environment, and health as well as many more there. They are aimed at people who are keen to take on substantial responsibilities. The starting salary is £25,000-27,000 potentially going up to £45,000 after five years. 

Deloitte

A graduate scheme here will provide you to work with meaningful projects for some of the world's largest clients. Deloitte also provides some of the leading salaries for graduates; the average Deloitte graduate salary is £28,601 per year. However, graduate salaries here can range from £19,039 - £93,904 per year.

Apple

In the UK, the Apple graduate scheme includes an Apple Store Leader Programme which takes in all aspects of managing and operating an Apple Store in a 2-year period. 

When should I apply to graduate schemes?

Most graduate scheme recruitment processes are longer than other graduate or entry-level jobs. Therefore, applications tend to open in the September of the final year of university. Some will open later on into the autumn of this year, but it is best to be checking regularly from the start of September to be sure you don’t miss any out. 

Some graduate schemes are filled on a rolling basis. This means it is best to apply as early as possible as they will close as soon as they have enough applicants. 

View our graduate schemes application deadlines page to keep track of upcoming deadlines as well as rolling applications. 

How to apply to graduate schemes in 2023?

The process of applying for a graduate scheme is often more detailed than entry-level jobs or other graduate jobs. 

It is common for initial applications to be psychometric tests, assessment centres and interviews, of which there may be multiple phases.

For the initial application, make sure your cover letter is well-written and demonstrates your skills and suitability for the role. Also, make sure your CV stands out from other applicants. 

See how to make your CV stand out.

Who is eligible for a graduate scheme?

The only requirement that is the exact same for all graduate schemes, is that you are a graduate. Some have slightly different requirements though. 

For example, many graduate schemes require a 2:1 in your degree or that you have graduated in the last 2 years. Despite this, many companies are now willing to hire people without a 2:1. With some companies even getting rid of required grades entirely. 

Some graduate schemes may also request specific degrees. This is mainly for science or engineering graduate schemes.

Is it hard to get a graduate scheme?

Due to the competitive and highly sought-after nature of graduate schemes, they have rigid application processes and there are sometimes hundreds of applicants per role. 

This number is predicted to be as high as 650 applicants per role for the most desired graduate schemes. Although this might sound intimidating, there are many actions you can take to put yourself ahead of the competition. 

Participating in work experience through internships, virtual internships or industrial placements can help you to develop your soft and technical skills for the working environment. Taking our free e-learning academy courses can help you to improve job applications and learn new skills.

How long it takes to get a graduate scheme

Most graduate schemes hire on a seasonal basis, meaning there is a set period for applications. If you miss out on the application window, you might have to wait for the application process to open up the following year.

The application process usually begins at the start of September in your final year of university, with start dates for the successful candidates being the next September. 

View our graduate schemes application deadlines page to keep track of upcoming deadlines and rolling applications.

How long do graduate schemes last?

Graduate schemes traditionally last between one and three years, with two years being the most common length of time. Many graduates stay at the company of their graduate scheme for years beyond the set one to three years. 

Depending on the contract, you may or may not be able to leave a graduate scheme early. As training is very expensive for a company to do, they may provide certain requirements in the contract. Such as having to stay for the full two or three-year training contract. 

If you are very unhappy, you could consider leaving, however, it would be recommended to discuss options to improve your current role before looking at other options. It is also worth noting that it will be almost impossible to then return to your previous role if you were to leave.

The difference between graduate jobs and graduate schemes

It isn’t unusual to have doubts about what to do next in your career, graduate jobs and graduate schemes are both great ways to get started in the working world.  

Graduate jobs require a degree and have the possibility to last for an indefinite time frame. 

While graduate schemes also require a degree, they involve structured training periods, and you may have the chance to do different roles in different areas during your time there, which may be between one and three years. 

Graduate schemes tend to offer a higher salary than other graduate jobs or entry-level roles as they often have the promise of an increased salary each year. 

Graduate jobs vs graduate schemes: Which to choose?

When considering between a graduate scheme or a graduate job, it is crucial to weigh up the factors that are important for you. 

Consider what transferable soft skills you have and where they can be utilised best, as well as potential opportunities your degree may set you up well for. 

Attend events to speak with employers to find out which paths may be suited to you. Take a look at our article, how to decide what job you want.

Why you should choose a graduate job:

There are many reasons why you may choose a graduate job, here are a few:

• You feel confident in the skills you learnt during your studies or other part-time work or internships
• You are going into a career related to your studies or existing work experience
• You are set on a job you want to go into at this stage

Set your eyes on a graduate job? See current graduate job opportunities you can apply to now!

Why you should choose a graduate scheme:

Graduate schemes may be better suited for you, if:

• You want to work in a certain company but are unsure of the exact role
• The idea of varied training excites you
• You would like to explore different areas of a business

Ready to apply? See current graduate schemes open to apply now!

Key takeaways

• Graduate jobs are essentially normal roles but aimed only at graduates
• Graduate schemes are fixed-term contracts designed to help graduates gain experience in different areas and develop their work experience
• Both graduate jobs and graduate schemes can differ greatly from role to role
• It is important to check the role in detail to ensure it is what you would like to apply to and tailor your application as much as possible

Search for graduate jobs and schemes

Not quite ready for a graduate role? See other opportunities such as internships, industrial placements and work experience opportunities.