The pressure is on for the thousands of students going back to or starting university this year, as recent statistics found by The Centre for Economics and Business Research have showed that six months after graduating in 2010, 40% of young graduates were 'underemployed' - working in lower-skilled jobs after failing to find suitable graduate careers. Thus, it is a good idea to get ahead of the game and start applying for jobs, internships and work placements as early as possible - even from first year.
Top companies will soon begin to launch searches to find the best recruits for graduate programmes and internships, so keep up to date with businesses you are interested in and their graduate schemes. Many companies will have deadlines in December and January, so it is a good idea to polish and improve your CV now, before you submit it. Although, while some companies set deadlines, many will accept applications all year round, so make sure you check dates carefully when researching and applying for internships.
If you are struggling to find internships and job prospects, a careers fair is a good place to start. Most universities will have a careers fair where top companies and recruiting agencies will have a stand and can provide you with information about their businesses and their application processes. Websites like The Graduate Recruitment Bureau can also be a helpful guide when finding information on graduate jobs and prospects. Businesses like Tescos, Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, BT, Vodaphone, Shell and The Co-operative are well known for their respected graduate training schemes and are top recruiters, so check out their websites to find out about applying.
Therefore, remember to apply for internships and jobs as early as possible, as leaving applications to the last minute can lead to 'underemployment' and disappointment. It is easy to find out about top recruiters and their application processes by researching on the internet and visiting your local careers fair. You have nothing to lose by applying for graduate schemes and jobs early, and getting ahead of the game.
Kate, GRB Journalist
