When should you start applying for grad programs?

Spoiler: Sooner Than You Think

Internships Are Your Best Foot in the Door

Most graduate roles are filled through internship programs. That means you want to start thinking about internships in your penultimate year, which is your second-last year of study. Employers usually begin hiring for summer internships around July or August, with the internship starting in November. Securing an internship can often lead directly to a graduate role, so it is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door.

If You Miss Out on an Internship, Don’t Panic

If you don’t secure an internship or don’t want one, there is still plenty of opportunity. Graduate program applications mostly open early in your final year of university. Around February or March, many employers start hiring for graduate roles that will begin the following year. It is a good idea to have your resume and application ready well before then.

There Are Other Chances Throughout the Year

Some companies also run ‘top-up’ intakes in July or August or hire at other times during the year. Signing up for job alerts and regularly checking job boards will keep you in the loop. It is common for graduates to receive multiple offers, and sometimes companies need to refill spots if people change their minds or accept other roles.

You Can Apply After You Graduate Too

If you don’t secure a graduate position before or immediately after finishing university, many employers allow you to apply in the year following graduation. For example, if you finish university in November, you might be able to apply in February or March of the next year for a graduate role starting the year after that. This gives you time to take a gap year, do some part-time work or volunteering, or simply take a break before beginning a formal graduate program.

Keep Your Options Open

Remember, formal graduate programs are not the only pathway after university. There are many other graduate opportunities available, each with their own advantages. The key is to stay proactive, keep searching, and trust that you will find the right role for you.