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Transitioning from university to a professional career can be exciting with the right opportunities. Graduate schemes, jobs, and internships offer varied ways to build experience. Networking and ‘speculative’ applications can also uncover unadvertised opportunities in the 'hidden' job market.

Graduate schemes and jobs

Graduate schemes

Graduate schemes are employer programmes typically lasting between one to two years, with applications opening in the final year of university. They include:

• training and structured rotations across departments
• a competitive hiring process
• competitive salaries and a fast track to more senior positions

Graduate jobs

Graduate jobs are available all year round in various sectors and may be open to a wider range of candidates They include:

• a less structured approach, with progression and training based on your strengths and weaknesses
• fewer stages in the recruitment process and less competitive
• wages which tend to be less competitive than graduate schemes

Find a graduate scheme or job

 (STEM)










 (start-ups)
 (relevant recruitment agencies)
 (inclusive talent platform)

Graduate internships

Graduate internships are short-term periods of work which may lead to permanent employment. The provide:

• opportunities to gain industry specific experience and transferrable skills
• a transition period from study into work
• useful contacts for the future

Find a graduate internship

Use the graduate job links for internships by filtering down the search using ‘internship’.

 (filter by ‘work experience’)

The hidden job market

The 'hidden job market' refers to job opportunities which are not advertised on company or recruitment websites. Access this market with:

Networking

• Maintain consistent, professional, and updated social media profiles.
• Connect and follow people and companies you admire.
• Attend insight events, fairs and conferences to network with employers and peers.
• Discuss job postings through personal connections at organisations where friends or acquaintances are employed.

Speculative applications

• Approach employers directly to seek unadvertised opportunities.
• Tailor your letter and CV specifically to the organisation after thorough research.
• Treat the approach seriously - as if you were responding to a job advert.
• Always be reasonable and respectful and not too pushy.

Further advice on .

Graduate jobs by sector

There are sector specific job sites which advertise vacancies for applicants at all levels,
including entry level graduate positions.

As a starter use the  to locate a relevant profile then search under ‘Work Experience/Employers’ for suggested vacancy websites.

Further support

For more information, advice, and support with job searching, email careersinfo@essex.ac.uk or visit  to book an event or 1–1appointment.