What exactly is a graduate job?

What exactly is a graduate

job? You hear it a lot. But what does the phrase ‘graduate job’ actually mean? A graduate job can be defined in several ways but here are just two: it can be a job for which a degree is the minimum entry requirement or a job that a graduate does.

Fact file

The direct entry route

What is direct entry?

■ Often single vacancies with immediate start dates

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 or application form and an interview

Where to find vacancies?

■ MyCareer, our vacancy job board: mycareer.nottingham.ac.uk ■ National job sites, LinkedIn, national and specialist press sites, industry specific job boards, recruitment agencies ■ For links to graduate vacancies visit nottingham.ac.uk/careers/gradvacancies ■ For specialist job boards see our Types of Jobs pages nottingham.ac.uk/careers/typesofjobs

Fact file

Graduate training schemes

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?

■ 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: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/events ■ MyCareer, our vacancy job board: mycareer.nottingham.ac.uk ■ Graduate directories such as The Times Top 100 Graduate

Employers nottingham.ac.uk/careers/gradvacancies ■ Use the vacancy sources listed under the direct entry route

Ailya Syeda Hasnain

BA English (2017)

Max Cooper

BA History (2020) “During my degree, I participated in the Nottingham Consultancy Challenge which gave me a unique insight into the charity and social enterprise sector.

I was involved in projects to increase community engagement for AgeUK and set up a marketing campaign for Pulp Friction, a social enterprise. What really inspired me was the experience of collaborating with a group of people with very different skills, all working for the same purpose which was ultimately going to make society better. It took me a few years to pinpoint which area of business I wanted to work in, and I have moved roles a few times. I have now moved into a marketing and business development role for an education and social mobility charity. I am indebted to the Careers team who have patiently coached me through every daunting interview, every lull in my career and countless covering letters.”

“I applied for a place on the business graduate scheme at Lloyd’s of London. This programme consists of four different sixmonth placements.

What appealed to me most about this scheme was the rotations. As someone who doesn’t have a clue what he wants to do with his life, the more rotations, exposure and experience the better! The recruitment process was very long. I kept an Excel spreadsheet detailing my applications and what stage I was at, which was a great decision. The Careers team offered me some really well-structured advice and tips; and speaking to current employees of the company on LinkedIn allowed me to really hone in on what would be asked of me during the application process. My advice to students looking to secure a graduate scheme would be: keep on top of your applications, be proactive in your research and really try to get a sense of what is being asked of you at each stage of the process.”