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Graduation is a special time. It’s a chance to reflect on a well-earned degree and celebrate all that’s come before. For many of us, graduation also comes with feelings of excitement for what lies ahead – ideally, graduate employment. But what does that mean, exactly?
‘A graduate job is basically any entry level role that requires a university degree,’ says Michael McKenzie, manager of employer services and engagement at Deakin University’s career support service, DeakinTALENT. ‘An organisation needs to fulfil a specific role, so they look to a recently graduated student to fill it. Pretty simple.’
But while the concept of a graduate job is, as McKenzie says, pretty simple, applying and getting a graduate job isn’t always so easy. No matter what career you’re working towards, it definitely helps to have some friendly expertise to guide you in those next steps.
With the encouragement of McKenzie and DeakinTALENT senior engagement officer Gabrielle Paton, let’s take a look at when to apply for graduate jobs in Australia, and what can help you stand out from the job-hunting graduate pack.
Before we think about how and when to apply for graduate jobs, McKenzie has an important distinction to make: there are graduate jobs, and then there are graduate programs.
‘A graduate program differs from a graduate job, as the purpose of a graduate program, from an organisation’s perspective, is to find future leaders,’ he says. ‘It’s a full time, paid role but it’s more structured and often you’ll rotate into different departments. It also offers mentorship and development and the program generally lasts 12-24 months, in most cases leading to ongoing employment.’
A graduate job, on the other hand, is more of a ‘typical entry-level position within your industry’, according to Paton. But regardless of whether you’re dreaming of a graduate program position or a graduate job, when you apply can make a big difference to your prospects.
We all want to get a headstart, but how long before graduating should you apply for a job?
‘The best time of year to start applying for graduate roles is at the beginning of your final year in February and March,’ McKenzie says. ‘However, we strongly recommend researching and planning from the middle of your penultimate/second last year of study.’
While it might seem premature to be thinking about getting a job before graduation, McKenzie says getting a headstart can be a big help.
‘The reason for planning for roles this early on is because, typically, there are internship opportunities available for companies in the summer break, before you start the last year of your studies,’ he says.
There are a few key reasons to take advantage of these pre-graduation opportunities:
Not only can you potentially get an internship before graduation, but you might also be able to secure yourself a full-time job, too. According to Paton, applying for jobs while studying is a great choice – but that doesn’t mean it suits everyone.
‘You can definitely get a position and start working in it before you graduate, and we see many students take up these opportunities,’ she says. ‘But you should also consider what the role asks of you, and if you have the capacity to take on the work while also completing your studies.’
Even casual roles or summer positions can make a big difference when it comes to applying for graduate jobs after university. If you have the time and capacity (and, remember, it shouldn’t detract from your uni work), working while studying can be a smart idea.
Let’s be clear: the experts like McKenzie suggest applying for graduate jobs well before you graduate. But that doesn’t mean you can’t also apply for jobs after graduation. After all, graduate jobs are just roles open to university-qualified alumni. So, if you’re feeling like you’ve missed the boat on applying for a graduate job, don’t stress – the job search can start whenever you want it to.
‘Graduate jobs are open to you before and after you graduate,’ McKenzie says. ‘Often a lot of smaller to medium-sized organisations recruit as they have a need, so, there will always be entry level roles available for you to apply to after you graduate.’
Just like your journey at university, the path to applying and getting a graduate job takes time and dedication. Knowing when to apply for graduate jobs is an important part of the process – but it isn’t the only one. Here are some of Patton’s top tips to keep in mind when applying for graduate jobs:
Remember: it’s never too early to start thinking about your career. By learning when to apply for graduate jobs (TL; DR as soon as possible!) and the best way to approach your applications, you’ll give yourself the best chance for job success. Good luck, job seekers!
Looking for support and guidance securing a graduate job? The friendly experts at DeakinTALENT are here to help, so get in touch today.
