In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, employers are not only looking for students with a 2:1 degree or higher. 

While a 2:1 degree or higher can open many job pathway opportunities, a 2:2 degree is not as limiting as many perceive. As part of application and job interview processes, employers will want to know about your other qualifications you have, whether they be from your A-Levels, diploma programmes or other academic achievement such as awards, research you’ve worked on, etc. 

Regarding skills and abilities, employers are looking for mixture of technical and soft skills. Technical skills can be developing databases, risk management processes or writing reports, whereas soft skills focus on aspect of teamwork, leadership, communications, commercial and cultural awareness etc. 

An up-to-date, detailed CV presents your journey from academia to the job market, so it’s important your CV demonstrates your participation in extra study activities on and off campus to show your various applied skills e.g., being a member of a university society, work experience, research study groups, etc. 

Many prospective employers want applicants to show an aptitude for the job in combination with your personality and values which fit with the company culture.  

Therefore, prior research about the company vision, ethics and culture are as important as understanding the job descriptions and roles. Try searching social media, reading articles online or watch interviews given by senior staff to get a better insight into the company’s history and strategic plans for the next few years. 

From the recent Graduate Recruitment & Placement Fair 2021 Sponsored by EY, below are some examples of various graduate programmes, internships, or entry job level positions. Be sure to check out more here. 

Accounting  

• ASM Chartered Accountants – Graduate Trainee Account 
• Raylo - Graduate Trainee Account 
• CavanaghKelly - Graduate Trainee Chartered Account 
• Harbinson Mulholland - Graduate Trainee Chartered Account 
• EY – Belfast Assurance Graduate Programme and more
• PwC UK – Graduate Audit Belfast Autumn 2022 

Economics 

• Energia Group - Trainee Trading Analyst 
• Baker McKenzie – Graduate Programme (2-year programmes for any discipline) 
• Musgrave – Buying Graduate Programme 
• BT – Openrach Graduate Business Scheme 

Finance  

• BT Group – Finance Graduate Programme 
• BT Group – Openreach Graduate (Finance) 
• First Derivative – Financial Engineering (Data)
• Dunbia UK – Accounting & Finance Graduate 
• EY – Tax & Finance Operate Associate 
• Johnson & Johnson – 2022 Finance Leadership Development Program (FLDP) – EMEA 
• Vox Finance Partners – Data Analyst (Financial Services) 
• Vox Finance Partners – Investment Banking Consultant 
• Vox Finance Partners – PMO Financial Services 

Management 

• BT Group – Strategy & Transformation Graduate Programme 
• EY – Technology Consulting Graduate Programme 
• Grant Thornton - 2022 Graduate Training Programme (People & Change Consulting) 
• EY – Turnaround & Restructuring Strategy Graduate Programme 
• PwC UK – Graduate, Consulting Technology (Belfast 2022) 

Whist employers are looking for graduates that have specialised skills, some accept students from various disciplines as those transferable/integrated skills are also highly valued for certain roles. If your subject area is in accounting, finance or economics, but you do not wish to take your employment in those fileds, some management-related roles may be suitable for you to start your future career.  

Final tips: stay open-minded, research as many job opportunities as you can, make a decision of the path you wish to take and narrow down your options based on your personal experiences and situation. Have your CVs ready and apply early!