Wednesday’s advice: Smaller companies can offer great jobs!

Despite what everyone seems to think, the graduate job market isn’t all about Graduate Schemes! Grad schemes only account for around 14% of graduate vacancies, which means a whole lot of room for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In fact, the vast majority of graduates find employment with an SME, and as they can cover all business sectors, going directly into an SME after graduation can be the best option for loads of people and working for a smaller organisation can offer a higher degree of job satisfaction. So don’t panic if you’ve not applied for a grad scheme, or you’ve not got through the recruitment stage – they’re just the tip of the iceberg. There’s lots of opportunities available with smaller companies, and recruitment can happen at various points throughout the year, with many companies accepting speculative applications as well.

Helpful resources:

– Have a look at our webpages on SMEs
– Search for graduate vacancies through Careers Gateway – we advertise hundreds every year!
– Check out ‘10 Minutes With‘ – free access when you sign in with your York email address to gain insider knowledge from top professionals and browse company profiles
– Read our information sheet Successful networking and start building your network, in person and using social media

Someone like you
Hannah – 3rd year Psychology

What do you want to do after graduation?
To get a graduate job (rather than a graduate scheme) in marketing in Newcastle

What have you done during your time at York to help you achieve this?

Second Year
– Researched different business areas and decided on marketing as my ideal career path

Third Year
– I’ve researched relevant companies in the Newcastle area and made a note of their details
– Had a meeting in Autumn Term with a Careers Advisor to target my CV towards the marketing industry
– I sent some speculative emails to marketing firms in the Newcastle area to build a rapport with them and arrange work experience prior to graduation
– Spoke to my manager at my part-time retail job in York to discuss transferring to the Newcastle branch if necessary whilst applying for jobs
– Contacted recruitment agencies to register my details

We’ve also put together a handy ‘hints and tips for final year students‘ flyer to help you think about what to consider in your final year at university.

Would you like to chat to someone but don’t think you need an appointment?

You can speak to our Brand Ambassadors on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday week 9 in the library foyer for information and advice.

Want to be in with a chance of winning a Christmas hamper?! Follow this link to our quick quiz to enter the draw, with the winner to be announced in week 10!

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