The next steps
Your first job is an important opportunity to build real-world experience, make industry connections and earn money, so it’s useful to know what the options are and how to prepare for success.
This is your guide to graduate schemes, entry-level jobs, and graduate jobs, including what they are, how they work, and who can apply to them. For help with finding and applying to jobs, check out our dedicated guide to finding work in the UK.
Graduate schemes: what are they?
Graduate schemes (often called grad schemes) are also full-time permanent roles that you’ll need a relevant degree to apply for. Unlike graduate jobs, they're structured training programmes designed to give graduates experience in many different areas of the company and build key skills. The focus will be on your development as a skilled professional, rather than just the delivery of work outputs.
Graduate schemes are designed as a fast-track pathway towards advanced work, senior positions, and greater responsibilities. They can last anywhere from one to four years but are most often two years long. Graduate schemes are usually offered with the expectation that the graduate moves into a job at the same company when the scheme is complete.
Grad schemes are more common in industries such as:
- Professional services
- Accounting
- Engineering
- Finance
- Law
- Technology
- Government and public services
Application requirements
Like graduate jobs, you’ll need a relevant degree to apply for a grad scheme. You’ll usually need to have graduated recently (within the last two to three years is often preferred). Places on grad schemes are highly competitive, so good grades during your degree, plus extracurricular experience (such as through volunteering or an internship), are usually needed to apply successfully.
The application process for grad schemes is usually more in-depth than for graduate jobs or entry level work. You may need to complete online tests or answer additional questions, in addition to the standard CV and cover letter application process.
You may also be invited to an assessment centre where you’ll need to complete tests, exercises, presentations or group activities as part of the application process. If successful here, you’ll then be invited for an interview.
Graduate schemes are normally only open at specific times throughout the year, so be sure to plan in advance and check when you can apply for your chosen scheme(s).
As an international graduate, you’ll need to meet visa requirements for working a full-time role in the UK. Obtaining a working visa through employer sponsorship is more likely with graduate schemes, but not guaranteed.
Entry-level jobs: what are they?
Entry level jobs are full-time, permanent jobs that are open to any applicant. You don’t need a degree to apply for one. In many cases, you don’t need significant relevant experience either.
Application requirements
Anyone can apply for entry-level roles.
While they have lower application requirements, many entry-level roles can still be competitive. Previous experience isn’t usually a requirement, but it’s always useful to have and can put you ahead of other applicants.
Some employers will hire with your future development in mind. While your degree may not be required to apply for an entry-level role, having a qualification relevant to the role (or potential roles you may progress on to) is helpful.
As an international graduate, you’ll need to meet visa requirements for working a full-time role in the UK.
Graduate jobs: what are they?
Graduate jobs are full-time, permanent jobs that are only open to university leavers with a relevant degree qualification.
Application requirements
Most graduate jobs will ask for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field as a minimum, but some may require a postgraduate level degree on top of that. This depends on the industry you’re applying in, and the type of work involved in the role.
Graduate roles are often highly competitive, so having a relevant degree may not be enough on its own. Finding opportunities to build relevant experience through volunteering, work experience, internships or research activity are all good ways to boost your chance of success.
As an international graduate, you’ll need to meet visa requirements for working a full-time role in the UK. Obtaining a working visa through employer sponsorship is more likely with graduate roles compared to entry-level work but is not guaranteed.
Deciding which job type is best for you
Think about your visa requirements
If you're on a graduate visa, you’re free to apply to any kind of job for the duration of that visa. If your graduate visa is coming to an end or you want to live and work in the UK long-term, you’ll need to find a job with an employer who offers visa sponsorship. This will most likely be a graduate job or a graduate scheme.
Think about your current position
Reflect on your qualifications and experience so far. If you don’t have much previous experience, you may struggle to successfully apply for competitive graduate jobs or schemes. In this case, an entry-level job could be the ideal way to build experience while earning a wage.
Look at the opportunities in your industry
Each job sector can have very different job opportunities and progression routes. In some industries, graduate schemes are an excellent way to access more senior and specialised roles in a shorter amount of time. Other industries may not offer many graduate schemes at all.
Talk to your university careers service
Whether you’re unsure on your next steps or have a clear idea of what you want to apply to, talk to your university’s careers team. As experts in helping students and graduates build their perfect careers, they can offer everything from personalised advice and coaching to finding opportunities for you to apply to.
Check out our complete guide to career support for students for more details.