Graduate Options
While what happens after uni may not be the first thing on your mind, it’s never too early to think about the future. Welcome to “What Happens Next?”, your whistle-stop tour of some paths for employability to help you make informed decisions, and avoid those panic masters...
You can navigate to relevant sections using the contents below:
Career Journey for Undergraduates
Your Career Journey has been designed by the University of York to help you plan your time at York. Find suggestions for activities to get involved in, and actions you can take along the way. Make the most of your university experience, review what you have achieved, and move towards a career you'll thrive in.
Career Journey for Postgraduates Taught & Research
Your Career Journey is there to guide you through what you can get involved in during your time at York to best prepare for life after university. Remember that it’s just a guide, so it’s ok if you’re not where you want to be right now. Use the links in the Journey to explore what you can do and talk to Careers if you need to.
Career Pathways and Graduate Options
Click the drop-downs for definitions of each of these options, and scroll further for more details on each option.
Further Study
Graduates choose further study for various reasons, such as a deep interest in a subject, the need for a professional qualification required for a specific career, or the ambition to pursue an academic career. Pursuing additional academic qualifications after completing an undergraduate degree could be a fulfilling path.
Graduate Schemes
A graduate scheme is a work-based training program designed for recent graduates. These programs are typically offered by large organizations and last from one to three years, though some may be longer. Upon completion, participants often secure permanent positions within the company.
Placements / Year in Industry
A placement year is a structured work experience integrated into your degree, providing 9-12 months of recognized work experience. Offered by many organizations, these placements enhance employability skills and give insights into specific working environments. They are typically aimed at penultimate-year undergraduates.
Entry Level roles
An entry-level job is a position suitable for individuals with minimal relevant industry experience, including both graduates and non-graduates. These roles help graduates gain experience, explore specific sectors, work while studying, and navigate competitive industries with limited graduate opportunities. Entry-level jobs serve as a starting point for building a career and acquiring essential skills.
Enterprise
Pursuing enterprise as a graduate option means developing and launching your own business or entrepreneurial venture. This path allows you to transform your innovative ideas into a viable business. Enterprise at York supports students and recent graduates in this journey by helping them cultivate the necessary skills and confidence.
Year Abroad
A year abroad allows students to experience different academic and social environments, enhancing adaptability and intercultural skills. It can be an additional year spent abroad in the third year, returning to York for a final year, making the degree four years in total. Alternatively, it can replace the second-year credits, with the first and third years spent at York, and the overseas studies counting towards the final grade.
Internships
An internship is a short-term work experience aimed at students or recent graduates to gain practical skills and professional exposure. York Internships is a relevant program managed by the university which offers paid, project-based opportunities exclusively for York students across various sectors. Internships typically last 4 to 12 weeks and are available during summer, Christmas, Easter breaks, and occasionally during semesters. Last year, over 190 York students participated, enhancing their career prospects through hands-on learning.
YorkSU Elections
Elected roles, like the Full-Time Officers (Sabbs) at the Students' Union, are full-time positions with salaries, filled through student elections. Officers serve for a year, focusing on manifesto promises and representing student interests locally and nationally. They also act as trustees, ensuring student concerns are heard in university meetings. These roles offer a unique opportunity for graduates to actively influence campus policies and student welfare.
Further Study
What should I consider?
Commitment: Master's courses are known for their rigor and demands. Make sure that your are prepared to study at that level.
Financial Considerations: Further study can be costly, with varying fees per course. Investigate postgraduate loans and look into scholarships and bursaries. Explore funding options for your studies.
Career Alignment: Reflect and check that the course aligned with your career goals. Will it provide direction for your future steps and would it enhance your career?
Options
Academic courses (taught Masters and research degrees)
Vocational courses (offering professional qualifications and/or practical experience)
Semi-vocational courses (which may improve your employment prospects)
Part-time or by distance/e-learning (so you can combine study with employment)
Information for International Students
The following resources may be especially useful for International Students
British Council pages on scholarships
Phd Options
If you have a strong passion for your subject, you might be contemplating applying for a PhD. This path could pave the way for an academic career or open doors to other sectors. Regardless, it's crucial to begin early in exploring potential paths, universities, and funding options.
Find more information regarding further study on the University's further study page.
Graduate Schemes
What is a Graduate Scheme?
A graduate scheme is a work-based training program designed for recent graduates. These programs are typically offered by large organizations and last from one to three years, though some may be longer. Upon completion, participants often secure permanent positions within the company.
They are very popular and the recruitment process can be competitive, often including a multi-stage process with online tests, telephone interviews and assessment centers.
Benefits of a Graduate Scheme
Structured training program to help you develop
Likely to be in a ‘big name’ company which will look good on your CV
Generally higher starting salary than other graduate jobs
Where can I find these opportunities?
Graduate schemes are advertised on various platforms including
Handshake
Company websites
Prospects
TARGETjobs
Milkround
Gradcracker (for STEM-related schemes)
Bright Network
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
More than 300 graduate vacancies are advertised annually through KTP, lasting 12 months to three years and partially government-funded.
At KTPs graduates work on business projects using their academic expertise with support from academic mentors.
Job Fairs and Employer Events
Many large organizations with graduate schemes participate in university job fairs and host separate events on campus:
Events provide insight into graduate schemes and opportunities to make a positive impression on employers.
University of York hosts regular job fairs and smaller events with top graduate employers; details are available on the events page.
Student Societies
Various student societies also organize events with employers, enhancing networking opportunities for students interested in graduate schemes. Browse the list of societies on the YorkSU (York University Students' Union) website for more information.
Placement/ Year in Industry
What is a Placement or Year in Industry?
The Placement Year program is open to almost all courses at the University of York. Some departments have their own program, often called a Year in Industry. Check our Year in Industry or Placement Year Guide (PDF , 79kb) to understand what your option are and contact the relevant coordinator for queries.
Benefits of a Placement Year
Opportunity to accelerate into a graduate role
Apply your knowledge and skills in a professional setting
Gain industry insights aligned with your interests
Enhance essential skills and competencies valued by employers
Expand your professional network with industry contacts
Check out student placement year stories on this link.
Top Tips for Applying to Placement Schemes
Understand the recruitment process
Familiarize yourself with various methods like applications, online tests, and assessment centres. Access our online guide or schedule an appointment via Handshake for personalized advice.
Apply early
Many placement schemes open applications as early as September, with deadlines typically falling between December and February.
Understand the terminology
Placement opportunities may be labeled as 'Sandwich Years', 'Industrial Placements', 'Year In Industry', or 'Internships'. Be vigilant for these terms in job postings.
Skill development
Due to high competition, take advantage of on-campus resources to hone your application writing, CV preparation, interview skills, and readiness for assessment centers.
Seek guidance
Applying for placements can be daunting; reach out to our team for support and advice. Email careers-placements@york.ac.uk to schedule a consultation.
Get more information on the University of York's Placement programs site.
Entry Level Roles
Where to find graduate jobs?
Graduate job opportunities are listed on various websites, including:
General job platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Adzuna, and the government's Find a Job service.
Handshake, the University’s dedicated job board.
Sector-specific job sites, which may offer fewer but more relevant vacancies—refer to the Job sector pages for recommended sites.
Direct postings on company websites and their social media channels.
Listings from professional bodies and trade associations.
Opportunities showcased at job fairs and employer events held both on and off campus.
Hidden Job Market
A significant portion of job openings—anywhere from 30% to 70%, depending on the industry—are never formally advertised. Why? Advertising, screening, and interviewing candidates can be costly and time-consuming.
Instead, organizations often prefer to:
Await applications from suitable candidates.
Maintain a database of CVs from proactive individuals.
Utilize their networks to identify ideal candidates.
This approach is known as the hidden job market, where opportunities arise through networking and direct applications rather than public postings.
Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies are often utilized by graduates to secure employment. These agencies act as intermediaries hired by companies to identify suitable candidates for job openings.
Employers frequently rely on recruitment agencies, with some exclusively using them, potentially offering job opportunities that aren't advertised elsewhere.
Recruitment agencies generally fall into three main types:
High street agencies handle a range of job types, focusing mainly on local opportunities.
Specialist agencies specialize in specific sectors and often advertise both national and international vacancies.
Online agencies vary in the level of services they offer, catering to different recruitment needs.
Disclaimer: You should never be charged for using a recruitment agency!!! They make money by charging fees to employers.
Enterprise
How to Start-Up!
Define Your Business Proposition
Start by clearly articulating your business proposition in one or two sentences. Identify the problem or gap in the market your business will address.
Test Your Idea
Conduct market research to validate your business idea. Utilize techniques like The Mom Test to gather honest feedback and refine your concept.
Write a Business Plan
Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your strategy. Use tools like the Value Proposition Canvas to focus your thinking and structure your ideas.
Identify Your Customer
Determine your target demographic. Decide whether you'll operate as a wholesaler (business to business) or sell directly to consumers. Plan your marketing strategy to reach this demographic effectively.
Assess Your Skills
Evaluate if you have the necessary skills to grow your business. Consider joining the Explore Enterprise program to learn the basics or find a business partner to complement your skill set.
Check the Legal Requirements
Ensure your business idea complies with legal regulations. Visit the Gov.uk website to understand the legalities involved.
Analyze the Competition
Research your competitors to understand the market landscape. Knowing who else is in the space can provide valuable insights and help you differentiate your business.
Plan for Profitability
Create a clear financial plan. Outline how your business will generate revenue, including pricing strategies and potential funding sources.
Network with Like-Minded Individuals
Connect with other students interested in entrepreneurship. Join groups like the Entrepreneurs Society or Enactus to find support and share ideas.
Utilize Available Resources
At University of York you could also book an Enterprise Appointment via Handshake to discuss your idea with an advisor. Apply for up to £500 Proof of Concept funding to bring your business plan to life. Applications close in Week 11 each semester.
Past Enterprises supported by UOY Enterprise
Toby Cannon
Toby Cannon set up the York Technology Conference as well as his own business to support SMEs. He say the support he gained from UoY Enterprise was invaluable to the launch of these, and gives tips for students who want to launch their own business.
Resource and support
Check out the university resource and funding available for budding enterprises at University of York.
Programs and Networking
Where to start? (Book an appointment)
Expand Enterprise (3 day workshop)
Explore Enterprise (5 week course)
Year in enterprise (a year developing your business with support from the University and graduate with a "year in enterprise" as part of your degree)
Opportunities and partner programs (Apply for opportunities offered by our partners and take advantage of significant support and investment)
Potential Funds
Proof of concept fund (Submit a developed commercial or social enterprise idea and you could receive up to £500 to test your idea out)
York Venture One (offers between £5,000 to £10,000 as either advance subscription or seed funding to help the development of an MVP)
Summer Accelerator (Spend the summer developing your business idea with access to £2,000, workspace and professional business coaching. Made possible by Santander)
Year Abroad
Why go abroad?
Broaden Cultural and Social Perspectives
Taking advantage of study abroad opportunities will immerse you in different cultures and societies, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of global diversity. This experience enriches your worldview and fosters a more inclusive mindset, which is invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
Enhance Employability and Stand Out
Studying abroad helps you stand out in the job market, as fewer than 8% of UK students have this experience. Employers value the adaptability, problem-solving skills, and global awareness that come from international study. Additionally, you'll have the chance to work on skills identified in the York Strengths program, making you even more attractive to future employers.
Boost Personal Growth and Professional Networks
Going abroad boosts your self-confidence, independence, and ambition. You'll conquer challenges, solve problems, and discover new strengths and abilities. Moreover, this experience helps you develop language and communication skills while building a network of personal and professional contacts that can benefit you throughout your career.
Some of the programs available are:
Check this opportunity out and potential funding support at the University's Global You page.
Internships
What to expect?
Internships provide structured, often project-based work experience. Duration of an internship can range from a few weeks to several months. Opportunities are available throughout the year, with many taking place over the summer.
Internships offer Diverse Opportunities across various job sectors, especially popular with large organizations. Many summer internships target students between their second and third years, but some are open to a wider audience. Working on an internship will enhance your employability and develop industry-specific skills.
York Internships Program
York Internships is a program managed by the university which offers paid, project-based opportunities exclusively for York students across various sectors. Internships typically last 4 to 12 weeks and are available during summer, Christmas, Easter breaks, and occasionally during semesters.
Check a brief on York Internships and what some of past York Internship Alumni's have been up to.
Find more information on how to apply for this program here.
Unpaid Internships
While many internships are paid, some are not. If you're considering an unpaid internship, ensure you understand the legal implications. TARGETjobs provides information on your legal rights and the ongoing debate around unpaid internships.
Before committing to an unpaid internship, consider:
Company Reputation: Research the company and look for reviews from past interns on platforms like RateMyPlacement and Glassdoor.
Value of Experience: Evaluate if the internship offers unique skills and experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
Clear Responsibilities: Ensure the tasks are well-defined. If the role resembles regular employment, you should be paid by law.
Financial Transparency: Confirm if travel and lunch expenses are covered.
Duration: Ideally, unpaid internships should not exceed four weeks.
YorkSU Elections
Full-Time Officer Roles
The Full-Time Officers (also known as ‘Sabbs’) are elected to work at the Students’ Union for a year to deliver on their manifestos and represent students at the University and nationally. They serve as trustees of the organisation and ensure the issues that matter to you most are represented in meetings with the leaders of the University. These roles are unique - they are full-time jobs, with a salary, that are elected by students.
You can find out more in Semester 2, or by emailing elections@yorksu.org