As the end of your university studies approaches, if you haven't got a graduate job it can be easy to start feeling like you have left it too late. Especially with many graduate schemes having deadlines in the Autumn, so it might feel like everyone else you know is sorted. However, we are here to reassure you that it is not too late to find a graduate job. There are lots of options available to you.
Why it's not too late to find a graduate job
While it's true that many graduate schemes and jobs do have deadlines in the Autumn, it's important to remember that this isn't the case for all employers. Contrary to what it may feel like, graduate schemes make up a very small proportion of graduate recruitment. Many companies and organisations have ongoing recruitment for graduate roles throughout the year as they recruit on an as-needed basis with an immediate start date. Generally, we suggest applying to immediate start roles a maximum of three months before you are ready to start work. If you're in your final year of an undergraduate degree, you could start considering these roles now.
Even for those employers with structured graduate schemes, they may have second-round intake opportunities in the Spring and Summer. If there are employers you are interested in, it is worth keeping up to date with their vacancies and social media so you don't miss out.
Graduate schemes do also allow recent graduates to apply. If you feel like you missed out last Autumn, you can try again after graduation. However, with big graduate schemes, Autumn applications are often for a Summer/Autumn start date of the following year. You will need to think about what you want to do with that time in between if you are successful.
Graduate schemes and graduate jobs both offer a good start to your career, and one is not necessarily better than the other. Lots of great employers offer interesting graduate jobs and some companies that offer graduate schemes, might also offer entry-level graduate roles too.
Focusing on your studies
Maybe between your university studies, part-time work and general life, you don't feel like you have got time to think about your career plans. This is totally fine too. It is understandable to want to focus on your studies and exams right now. Searching and applying for jobs can feel like a job in itself. Many employers are aware that final year students may need to focus on their studies before applying for jobs. While it is important to start thinking about your future career, it is also important to prioritise your studies and do the best you can in your final year. So if you feel like your studies need to be your priority right now – that is totally fine! There will still be graduate opportunities available when you have finished your studies.
However, if you do want to start thinking about your career and are struggling to find the time, take a look at our blog on manging your career planning alongside your studies.
Here as long as you need us
It is worth noting that if you do want to focus on your studies right now, you are not going to miss out on careers support. In Careers we do not have a cut-off date for supporting graduates. We are here for as long as you need us. We will be here ready to help you every step of the way whenever you are ready.
Further help
If you need further help or have any questions we are here to help.
- You can search for jobs and find resources to help you with your plans on MyFuture.
- Drop-in and get help from at the Careers Centre on campus Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
- Email us via careers@bath.ac.uk
Find out more about how to get help from Careers
For more information on searching for work, check out our Get Started guide on MyFuture.
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