Where to Find Graduate Roles & What's Out There
Finding your first graduate role is all about knowing where to look. Here's a breakdown of the best places to search and the types of roles available to new graduates right now.
Top Job Boards & Platforms
- Gradcracker — Great for STEM graduates, with roles in engineering, technology, and science
- GradWhiz - A graduate specific job board giving you all the best grad jobs
- Prospects.ac.uk — The UK's largest graduate careers website with thousands of listings
- RateMyPlacement — Ideal for graduate schemes and internships with employer reviews
- LinkedIn Jobs — Search by role, location, and company; set up job alerts to stay ahead
- NHS Jobs — The NHS don’t just do careers in healthcare, they have a wide variety of management roles and graduate schemes.
- Milkround — Dedicated to graduate jobs and schemes across all industries
- The Guardian Jobs — Strong for roles in media, charity, public sector, and the arts
- Indeed — I am going to be honest , it’s a hit or miss, but good if you want to mass apply, it’s quick and easy.
Graduate Schemes vs. Direct Entry Roles
Graduate schemes are structured programmes run by large employers (e.g. Deloitte, NHS, Civil Service, Unilever) that rotate you through different departments over 1–3 years. They often include mentoring, training, and a clear career path.
Direct entry roles are standard job listings open to graduates. These are common at small businesses or medium enterprises and startups that can offer faster progression and more responsibility from day one.
Popular Graduate Role Categories Right Now
- Technology & Software — Software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, UX/UI design
- Finance & Consulting — Accounting, investment banking, management consulting, actuarial
- Marketing & Communications — Digital marketing, PR, content, social media
- Engineering — Civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering roles
- Healthcare & Science — NHS graduate schemes, pharmaceutical, biotech, and research roles
- Law — Solicitor training contracts and barrister pupillages
- Public Sector & Civil Service — The Civil Service Fast Stream and local government roles
- Education — Teach First, Milkeducation, ZenEducate, Engage Educate , School Direct, and other teacher training programmes
Company Career Pages
Don't overlook going direct. Many companies post roles exclusively on their own websites before listing them elsewhere. Make a list of your target employers and check their careers pages regularly.
University Careers Services
Your university careers service is a goldmine — even after you graduate. Many offer access to exclusive job boards, CV reviews, mock interviews, and employer events for up to three years post-graduation.
Networking & Hidden Opportunities
Up to 70% of jobs are never advertised. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and let your network know you're looking. A warm introduction can open the doors that job boards can't.