[vanilla Soo]

I've got no idea about how to call the titles when people get their job for the very first time after uni. I've been looking for job lists on the web, most of the job titles sound 'officer', 'manager', 'specialist' and so on. Are they for undergraduates? What title should I apply for after undergraduate study?

[cpj1987]

Any you want.

[Mazija]

I know what you mean. Most of these higher 'officer' jobs usually require a few years experience and as a fresh graduate, sometimes can't apply. It's frustrating, and then you think there are zero graduate jobs out there!

My advice would be to sign up with your university's career service and sort it so you get email updates when jobs (in the field you are interested in) are available. Because they come from your university career service, the jobs are 99% directed at fresh graduates.

Also, draw up a list of all the big name companies that you know (from HSBC to L'Oreal to Cancer Research) and check out the careers sections on the websites. They almost always have special 'graduate schemes.'


If you do a search on the jobsite.co.uk for example, most of the jobs that come up are not graduate jobs. I can't remember but there might just be an option to search for graduate jobs. I think there is on Monster. Check it out. You could always try the search string 'graduate scheme'

I think the Times newspaper or something has a list of 'top graduate employers.' They are usually big name companies who offer great graduate schemes, so search for that list too.

I usually stick with my career service from my university as all the jobs are graduate roles.

You could also google 'graduate recruitment company' and send off some speculative CVs.

Good luck
x

[vanilla Soo]

Thank you, Mazija. You got exactly what I was thinking. Those titles sound difficult and highly skilled.

[randomgirl]

Are you wanting to work in a specific sector?

Your options are to either look on grad job sites (e.g. prospects, milkround, gradjobs etc.), search for grad jobs on normal job sites (e.g. tick the entry-level/grad option on Monster, guardian jobs etc) or explore a specific industry of choice, learn more about job types in that industry and search for those

But generally once you've read a few job descriptions etc you'll get an idea of job titles and the typical experience/qualifications needed.

[Essence™]

Look for jobs with "trainee" in the title, then have a look at the job description to see what sort of training they offer, study towards professional qualifications, etc.

[Pink Bullets]

If you're applying for them after undergraduate study, how are they undergraduate jobs?

In my field (publishing), graduate jobs usually have 'assistant' in the title: ie 'editorial assistant', 'marketing assistant', 'rights assistant', etc. I assume it varies a lot by industry.

[vanilla Soo]

Originally Posted by Pink Bullets

If you're applying for them after undergraduate study, how are they undergraduate jobs?

In my field (publishing), graduate jobs usually have 'assistant' in the title: ie 'editorial assistant', 'marketing assistant', 'rights assistant', etc. I assume it varies a lot by industry.

Oh, thanks. I was meaning that first career title after graduate. 'assistant' sounds alright and not confusing. I should keep an eye on the field and industry that I long to work for.

[dpb23]

Anything financial - you are looking for ANALYST roles. This is entry-level generally with training programmes.

Anything else - stick with big firms who will generally have careers sections on their websites. They usually have seperate areas for graduates and will make these clear. It may even be easeir just sticking "Tesco graduate" into google.

If you have done a 'graduate PROGRAMME' rather than a direct entry role, this may be looked upon positively in the future. You will receive broader training and will be on track for promotion. Alternatively, send a CV to temp agencies - many people 'temp' for years at a time, and in many areas the pay can be far better - but of course promotion is impossible.

As a grad, dont go to very small firms unless they are SEEKING grads actively. Not only are you probably wasting your own time, they are probably not the best place to begin a career with a broad industry overview.

Good luck!
D