UK Graduate Careers: How to Land a Job After University

When you finish your degree in the UK, your UK graduate careers, the path from student to professional in the UK job market. Also known as graduate employment, it's not just about having a degree—it’s about showing employers you can solve real problems, adapt quickly, and add value from day one. Many students think a good grade is enough, but employers look for more: experience, initiative, and proof you can handle pressure. The truth? Your first job after university often depends less on your transcript and more on how well you’ve prepared for the real world.

One of the biggest hurdles is the graduate visa UK, a work visa that lets international students stay and find a job after graduation. If you’re not from the UK, you need this to legally work. It’s not automatic—you must apply before your student visa ends, and you need a job offer that meets salary thresholds. But even if you’re a UK student, the job market is crowded. You’ll face aptitude tests UK, standardized assessments used by employers to screen candidates for logical reasoning, numerical skills, and personality fit. These aren’t just quizzes—they’re gatekeepers. Companies like PwC, Deloitte, and even mid-sized firms use SHL or Kenexa tests to cut down applicants fast. If you haven’t practiced, you’re already behind.

And it’s not just tests. Employers want to see you’ve done something beyond lectures. Did you lead a society? Run a side hustle? Fix a problem in your student housing? These count. The best graduates don’t just list roles—they show impact. They explain how they saved money, grew a group, or turned an idea into action. That’s what gets you past the CV filter.

There’s no magic formula, but there are proven steps: know your worth, practice the tests, build real experience, and understand your visa options. Below, you’ll find guides that break down exactly how to do this—whether you’re applying for your first job, switching careers with a conversion course, or trying to stay in the UK after graduation. No theory. No fluff. Just what actually works.