Job Search

Graduate Job Programmes

A Graduate job programme offers new graduates with  little or no experience a fantastic opportunity to get that first step on the career ladder. It gives you the opportunity to gain amazing experience across a range of business functions (e.g. Sales & Marketing, Engineering, Science, R&D, Manufacturing etc...) while all the time developing and enhancing your skills. Many programmes are project-based with key objectives and expectations outlined at the beginning. 

A 'graduate job', on the other hand, is where there's a specific job that needs someone with a degree to fill it (e.g. Software Developer, Civil Engineer, Accountant).

Graduate job programmes are unique to each employer - all offering you something different! The key areas that differ amongst employers are the duration of programmes, rotations available, training & development, levels of responsibility, travel, benefits + others. Some organisations may offer you a full-time position at the end of your graduate contract - so keep this in mind and perform your job to the best of your ability at all times.

GETTING INTO A GRADUATE JOB / GRADUATE JOB PROGRAMME:

Whether you are looking for a graduate programme, a job in your chosen field or temporary work while you decide on your next step, it's worth starting the applications process early so that you don't miss out.

Closing dates and application procedures vary between employers so keep a regular eye on CAREERS CONNECT (see left menu) to see what's new in! Sign up for regular emails by updating your profile so that you don't miss out.

Use the Career Development Centre website! Search our vacancy database in Careers Connect and sign up for weekly alerts (under your profile). 

Attend Company Presentations on campus - these will be listed in Careers Connect under "Events".

Attend our Graduate Jobs Fair in October or Teacher Recruitment Fair in second semester.  Gradireland also have a fair in October and a Summer Fair in June. RDS usually have one in January. 

Graduate Job Programme Presentation
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OTHER SOURCES FOR FINDING A JOB: 

The Careers Information Room has free publications covering Ireland and the UK. 
For example, Gradireland directory of graduate employers. And there’s much more – just call in and collect your copies!

Specialist magazines and journals often have classified adverts. Check the James Hardiman Library database to see if they hold any in your area of interest.

Newspapers - All public sector jobs have to be advertised and there can be graduate jobs for industry advertised also. 

Recruitment Agencies - Many recruitment agencies will take graduates on to their books. Online agencies also take CV’s and advertise vacancies.

Friends - Talk to everyone you know! Companies can have referral bonuses for staff which means that if your friend passes your CV on for a job in their company, and you are hired, then they get a nice bonus (provided you stay over 6 months).

Network - Even if there isn’t a referral scheme in the company, people hear of vacancies within their own companies or pass on your details to someone that is hiring. With up to 70% of jobs not advertised, this method could be the most lucrative! 

“On Spec” - The direct approach can yield results. You can search for companies in particular sectors online at either http://www.goldenpages.ie/ or http://www.ida.ie/ . Brush up on the company (the Library have many databases that could be useful - Kompass, Lexis-Nexus etc) and tailor your CV and cover letter to show you understand the company.

Students Union are sometimes contacted with part-time or vacancy jobs.

FÁS - Check the jobs notice board in their centre in Island House. Although not targeting graduates, it may yield interesting or temporary jobs. Community Schemes may also provide excellent and valuable work experience and give you that all important first step on your career ladder (these projects can provide research, history, cataloguing, data-entry, computer and writing/editing experience). Visit their website.

University Department - Sometimes jobs get sent directly to the department so keep an eye on their noticeboard. You can also ask staff about opportunities – there may be summer/short-term position available as a lab technician or researcher.

The Internet - Most companies are using the web to get their vacancies out in the public domain. 
See our page for online job vacancy websites. 

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presentations and job search documents

	Graduate Careers Ireland: 'Student Guide - Focus on Success in Challenging Times' (pdf)
	Career Development Centre: Graduate Support Day May 2010 Presentations.

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Useful links

Job hunting tips from Prospects

Guidelines for Employers and International Students
This information leaflet will be of interest to non-EEA graduates of Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who may be exploring the possibility of staying on in Ireland to work for some time after their studies.

IBEC The Irish Business Employers Organisation (IBEC) has launched a website to help graduates from recent years find jobs and get real life work experience. The initiative which is called Gradlink, is specifically aimed towards graduates who have been on the live register for three months. 

Gradireland - Register with gradireland for email updates on job vacancies.

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