A guide to finding graduate employment opportunities

Your future is unfolding, and you’re wondering how to step into it with confidence. As you approach the final chapters of your university journey, the path ahead is full of possibilities.  

It’s a time of excitement, curiosity, and maybe even some nerves, and that’s okay. Because right now, you’re not just finishing a course; you’re preparing to launch into the career you’ve worked so hard for. 

To help you navigate this next step, Gabrielle Paton from DeakinTALENT shares the essential ingredients for discovering graduate employment opportunities, and unlocking a future that’s bright, bold, and entirely your own. 

How to enhance your graduate employability 

There are multiple ways you can enhance your graduate employability opportunities and uncoverexciting possibilities.  

The first steps on your path to success include crafting a professional CV and cover letter, developing your professional skills and experience, and securing a strong network within the industry you’re looking to excel in. 

To demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the role, tailor your resume and cover letter to what the organisation is asking for. Look for key words in the job advertisement such as collaboration, inclusivity, customer relations or specific skills such as Photoshop, Python or whatever else it may be, and aim to highlight your suitability in these areas wherever appropriate. Remember, employers often receive a large number of applications for roles so by following these important steps it will have you well-placed to capture their eyes. 

In the 2024 Australian Association of Graduate Employers Survey, employers stated that they look for candidates with proven teamwork, communication and interpersonal experiences.  

These skills can be obtained by joining Deakin clubs and sports teams, becoming a student ambassador or mentor, or by finding ‘stepping stone’ roles such as internships and casual work in industries that align with your studies and provide insights into your chosen field.  

These various opportunities will allow you to develop your transferable skills, provide you with confidence, and make you more marketable. This in turnwill enhance your graduate employment opportunities when you begin searching for jobs. 

Networking can be a powerful tool to open doors to graduate employment opportunities that are not advertised publicly or helping you secure that first interview.  

Attend the bi-annual DeakinTALENT Employer Showcase events to meet face-to-face with graduate employers, connect with Deakin alumni through the LinkedIn network and sign up for the alumni newsletter, stay connected with your classmates, and engage with your community in ways that drive you – you never know who might have professional connections into your dream industry. 

Distinguishing between graduate employment programs and graduate jobs

As you begin the journey of finding graduate employment, t’s important to understand the difference between a graduate program and a graduate job. Learning this distinction will help youchoose the right path to suit your goals. 

Graduate programs are usually structured learning experiences, displaying various functions of the business and providing a high level of mentorship. Lasting around 12-24 months, these opportunities involve a rigorous and competitive recruitment process due to the limited places available, with the aim that these graduates will eventually become fully integrated into the organisation.

A graduate job is typically an entry-level position, providing experience in a specific role rather than exposing you to the various departments of the business, and can be short term or permanent. Both graduate programs and roles will provide you with skills, professional connections and knowledge of the industry, it all depends on where you want to grow and want to achieve after graduation. 

How to find graduate employment opportunities 

You’ve crafted an impressive resume, you’ve developed those sought-after skills and you’ve met some industry experts through networking. You’ve learnt the different between a graduate program and a graduate job.  

Now, it’s time to find the perfect graduate employment opportunity. 

But where do you look – and when?  

Graduate programs are typically advertised in February and March each year, recruiting 12 months in advance of the role beginning, while graduate jobs can be advertised anytime during the year.  

To find graduate employment opportunities, utilise websites that specifically promote graduate programs along with internships, scholarships, cadetships and more early career opportunities such as GradConnection, Prospel and DeakinTALENT jobs board.  

Research industry specific jobs boards such as Ethical Jobs for not for profile roles or Careers.Vic for government roles. 

Navigating employment after graduation  

Sometimes it can feel like you’re doing everything right and still not making progress. Know that every experience you have, good, bad, or complicated, will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your dreams. The job market can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay flexible and open to different opportunities.  

Be willing to consider roles that may not be your dream job but can provide valuable experience and skills, or short-term contracts that can provide a foot in the door in your industry. With the resources outlined in this guide, you’ll be aware and prepared for anything that lies ahead.  

The learning doesn’t stop after graduation. Stay updated with industry trends and continue to develop your skills by obtaining micro-credentials, enrolling in LinkedIn learning courses, and other professional development opportunities. This will make you more competitive in the job market and can open up even more graduate employment opportunities which also expands your career options. 

As a Deakin graduate, DeakinTALENT career services are available to you at all stages of your post-study life. Offering career coaching, resume reviews, exclusive job opportunities, and a variety of online resources and tools, DeakinTALENT empower students and graduates to explore a broad range of graduate employment opportunities, build skills and experience to support your career journey.  

Sign up for job alerts, register to the career success webinar series, and stay up to date with the latest career news by following DeakinTALENT on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Finding the right graduate employment opportunity is a process that requires preparation, research, and perseverance. By enhancing your employability, carefully evaluating your options, and navigating the job market with a positive and flexible approach, you can set yourself on the perfect patch for a successful and fulfilling career.