Graduate Jobs

Just coming to the end of my third year at university, and will probably be starting my honours year in September.

However I can't see a future for myself in this industry at all and with few jobs (unless you are volunteering like *) I need to look at other options.

Does anyone know what kind of companies look for graduates in any discipline ? I'm sure SKY do but I don't see myself in a call centre. Has anyone taken a similar route ?

 

It would help if we know what you are studying, anyway loads of companies don't actually specify a certain degree they would like, its mostly any relevant degree at 2:1 level or above. For example when i applied to Ernst and Young and got to the final interview stage i was told people who had studied archaeology were now accountants.

Its all about getting a decent degree at a good level, i.e 2:1. From there on its up to you to market yourself in the best possible way. You could also consider upgrading your degree with a masters to set you further apart from the majority with honours degrees.

 

To echo what EB says, my first full time job was as an investment grad trainee. My background was history and I know people on the same programme who studied medicine, biology, law, and even dentistry.

What is your uni, subject and likely level of degree? And what are you good at?

 

My major concern at the moment is the likelihood of me getting a job, while I have a 2:1 degree I don't think it helps me all that well.

 

Apologies, I'm studying Sport Development - if my current performance keeps up I'll be in with a good chance of coming out with first class honours. Looked at possibly doing a Post Grad in IT after it but I've yet to find out how a Post Grad is seen. I mean there's some year long Post Grads, how could I possibly learn the field in a year ?

 

Well generally masters are quite specific. I have been offered two masters courses, one in financial management and one in Petroleum, energy, finance economics.

If you look at the course guide you should see what it is you will learn, masters are different from undergrad degrees, its more about teamwork, dissertations, and more importantly getting acquainted with contacts in that line of business. I know for the masters course in petroleum economics we get given projects to do by companies like BP, Shell etc... so its more about increasing your knowledge and getting real life experience.

Masters are regarded very highly and they show the willingness to further knowledge and understanding. They have become what degrees were decades ago.

 

I get you, thanks for the information. It seems that an honours degree itself opens up many opportunities and it's just what you choose to further it with.

 

Yes they do honours will open up opportunities but remember its a competitive market out there for graduates, there are more of us than there are jobs available so anything to make yourself stand out will leave you in good stead, good luck.

 

I think Masters are worth it if it is a quick way to retrain towards something you want to do. Unless you are going down the academic route I wouldnt bother doing one in the same subject as your undergrad. A post grad in IT makes sense if you want to work in IT. For a non-specific grad role however that isnt related to Sports or IT, I dont think it would add much value.

Also consider that you have a whole year to go in your under-grad. That means you should be looking for work placements in relevant roles, work towards getting your work published, even try to present at conferences, etc. There is no reason to wait until your masters - you should do absolutely anything that makes you stand out by the time you get your degree.

 

Graduated in 2011 with a 2:1 in Politics and got a job straight away working as an account manager for large multi national, 2 years down the line I've found that I'm getting nowhere fast and I only took the job in the first place in the effort os securing full time employment. Currently in the process of applying to do my MA starting in Sept part time and have a 2 week placement lined up with The Times next month. My advice is to try work part time while doing a masters because this allows you free time to study and also, if the opportunity arises, the flexibility to take up short term internships/placements.

 

I'm about to graduate with an expected 2:1 in Politics as well. Feel like its been a waste of time to be honest. I've enjoyed the degree but I can't seem to see anything coming of it at this point, in terms of a decent job. Like everyone has said, the market is incredibly competitive and a post-grad is becoming more of a necessity if you want to get a decent job. Only problem is it costs a lot of dough which I simply can't afford on top of bills, etc. so I need to find FT employment pronto!

I'm sure everyone has heard this beauty, 'Looking for an experienced...'

 

Exactly mate that's why I've been trying to play the game a bit the last 2 years since graduating, trying to take on volunteering roles and now landed one with The Times newspaper. As I say, it's been 2 years since graduating and I'm still knocking on the door, it's a waiting game but I'm that frustrated in my current job because its supply chain/customer service and basically NOT where I want to be in 10 years, doing my masters part time as of Sept £5.5k split over 2 years should be feasible enough with a basic job.

 

The Times? Well done mate! Tory pap but you can't pick and choose...

I can completely understand about the voluntary thing and fair play to you but I'm restricted in that I need a full time number to stay on top of bills, etc. it'll be case of working a year or two to consolidate finances and then look for something that I want to do as a career. Hopefully the job market will be a little better (unlikely, but I'm an optimist!)

Good on you with the Masters as well, what you doing it in?