How to Land Your First Job After University
My Story
I thought I had made it.
100s of applications and a similar amount of rejections later, I had made it to the final interview stage of EY’s (one of the biggest consulting firms in the world) technology graduate scheme.
But I flopped.
Bombed the interview so hard the interviewer asked me how did I possibly make it this far in the application process.
That felt like a big blow at the time. But now I could not be more grateful that it didn’t workout. That rejection changed my trajectory completely and since then I’ve managed to work as a software engineer at big companies and also a startup as small as just 2 people.
But how did the door open for me?
Soon after that rejection I went to an event at my university that was called something like “Technology careers with a STEM degree”. There I found out about this cool new up and coming company that takes STEM graduates and teaches them how to code. It was called Academy (sadly no longer around).
My Academy application also had multiple stages but thankfully this time I didn’t crumble. The programme lasted 4 months and it was amazing. I learned how to code and much much more. They had fantastic leadership skills workshops that proved to be very useful.
When I joined Academy, I promised myself that I would write code every single day until I land a job offer. And that’s exactly what I did.
Thankfully that hard work paid off and by the end of 4 months I had a cool little portfolio website for a Junior developer.
I applied loads (once again) and finally managed to land my very first job as a Software Engineer!
Tips for current students
Random pieces of advice I wish I knew when I was a student. In no particular order.
Application for graduate schemes open literally 12 months before the start date. A grad scheme starting in September 2026 would have applications open in September 2025. Have your CV ready to apply.
Practice psychometric tests. Almost all companies use these as the first step to filter candidates out. There are loads of websites you can find on the internet to get better at these. In today’s age, ChatGPT can also help you prepare for this.
Practice interviewing skills. This is a given. Look into answering questions with the STAR method.
If you’re a first year students try to land an insight week.
If you’re a second year student try to land an internship.
Companies that have graduate schemes usually also have insight weeks and internships. Candidates who do well in these usually get an offer for the graduate scheme.
Some websites that I used to look for graduate schemes and internships:
Try to find internships on your university’s careers portal. Sometimes local companies advertise here and competition is low for these.
Try cold messaging companies you like even if they are not hiring. Cold messaging people on LinkedIn can also work. Try to find a third door that most others may not be thinking about.
CV template that worked for me
I’ve created a CV template that you can download and use for yourself. I used this at the time for my own applications and the feedback was positive from recruiters.
Download my CV template (Word document)
And most importantly…
This period of life feels really stressful because it’s that liminal space of transitioning from being a full-time student to an adult participating in the “real world”. Be kind to yourself, things will workout.
Do not give up.
It’s a numbers game.
When you start applying you might face a lot rejections. This is completely normal. You are not alone.
Giving up is the only way you make sure you don’t land a job. So no matter what, keep applying.
