UK · CHAPTER 17
Finding a jobin the UK.
Graduate demand is strongest in technology, data, engineering, healthcare, finance and consulting. Big employers recruit through graduate schemes that open in the autumn a year before start dates. Target employers on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
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Typical starting salaries
| Field | Typical graduate salary / year |
|---|---|
| Software and data | £30,000–45,000 |
| Engineering | £28,000–38,000 |
| Finance and consulting | £32,000–50,000+ |
| Marketing and business | £25,000–32,000 |
Where to search
- University careers service and job board
- LinkedIn, Indeed, Prospects, TargetJobs, Gradcracker (engineering)
- Company graduate-scheme portals (apply from September)
- Home Office register of licensed sponsors
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Graduate recruitment calendar
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| September–November | Most graduate schemes and summer internships open and close |
| October–February | Online tests, video interviews, assessment centres |
| Spring | Smaller firms and start-ups hire closer to start dates |
| All year | Experienced and immediate-start roles |
How international graduates get hired
- Apply in the first term — schemes close early
- Filter for employers on the register of licensed sponsors
- Practise numerical and situational judgement tests
- Use your university careers service for CV checks and mock interviews
- Network at society events, alumni talks and LinkedIn
- Target sectors with shortages: engineering, health, data, cyber security
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
It is competitive. Students who apply early to graduate schemes, target licensed sponsors and use the Graduate visa time well have the best results.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
UK GUIDE
Graduate visa & staying on
UK Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, 18 months from 1 January 2027, 3 years for PhDs; then Skilled Worker sponsorship.
UK GUIDE
Part-time work
UK Student visa work rules: 20 hours a week in term, full time in vacations, minimum wage, National Insurance and common student jobs.
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