When should you start looking for a graduate job?

It can be stressful to know when to start planning and prepping for your graduate scheme application.

There’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to online research surrounding the question “When should you start looking for a graduate job?” and the truth is, it really depends on a lot of factors.

Whether it’s the type of industry you’re looking to break into, your own personal commitments, or the size of the companies you’re weighing up, a lot of things can affect when the best time to apply is.

In this article, we’ll break down advice that’s specific to graduate jobs at AtkinsRéalis so you can take out the guesswork and know what’s right for you.

Graduate jobs 2024/2025 with AtkinsRéalis

Our peak time of the year for graduate applications is between September and November, which is generally when, third and fourth-year students apply to our roles to start work the year after they graduate.

Some students may start researching in year one of their degree, if you’re in that position, make sure to read up on our student placement opportunities too.

In recent years, we’ve observed a change with an increasing number of students waiting to apply until after they’ve graduated. Some take a gap year out to travel or to do another type of work first.

We don’t advise applying to one of our graduate jobs if you have more than two years of relevant experience in your chosen career field as our graduate route wouldn’t be appropriate. However, if you end up in a completely different job, you can apply at any time.

How is the graduate job market?

Despite socio-economic conditions and having emerged on the other side of the pandemic, the graduate market is reasonably strong according to the ISE. The ONS reports that the graduate employment rate was 87.7% in 2023, an increase of 0.4% from 2022 figures.

Graduate recruitment cycles are moving to ‘always on’ which means that some graduate scheme jobs can be applied to throughout the year. This allows organizations to be more agile and attract graduates who don’t follow the “traditional” timeline. Some of our graduate schemes are open year-round to apply to – though many aren’t – please check the ads for details.

Keep in mind too that at AtkinsRéalis our schemes will close when we have enough applicants, so don’t delay and be mindful of the time you need to complete applications and assessments and factor that in.

The benefits of applying before you graduate

• Job security: securing a job before you graduate can give you peace of mind as you transition from student life to the workforce.
• Proactive career planning: applying early shows potential employers you're organized when it comes to your career path.
• Utilize university career resources: while still at university, you can have easier access to career services, guidance, and support for interview preparation, networking, and application reviews.
• Smoother transition into the workforce: getting your applications and offers in earlier can help you plan the logistics of post-graduation life.

The benefits of applying after you graduate

• More time for career exploration: delaying your applications means you can have more time to reflect on your career goals and interests. 
• Opportunity for skill development: after graduating, you can take time to improve or acquire new skills to make you a more competitive candidate. 
• Gaining real-world experience: you can build practical experience to further strengthen your application.

How long does it take for graduates to find a job?

The answer to this varies and depends on a lot of factors, for example, how many schemes you apply to at different organizations, and when you decide to apply.

Graduate schemes are often quite competitive, you might find you find one within three months of applying or you might find one a year or two after your degree.

Whatever your unique case, don’t be discouraged and keep working on your application, transferable skills and experience where possible.

Make an impact at AtkinsRéalis

Our graduate programmes have been designed to give you an insight into the wide variety of areas in our field along with the chance to explore where your own skills and interests lie.