Here are the best graduate employers in 2023

Consulting and professional services

For UK students who are becoming graduates, the consulting and professional services sector can offer exciting and challenging career opportunities. These companies work with a range of clients across different industries, offering advice and guidance on how to improve operations and solve complex problems. As a graduate in this sector, you may have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from strategy consulting to financial advisory services. Many consulting and professional services companies offer graduate training schemes, which provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your role. Additionally, working in consulting and professional services can provide you with exposure to a range of industries and clients, helping you to develop a broad skill set and make valuable connections.

Best graduate employers in consulting and professional services

Accenture, Aon, Arup, Atkins, Bain & Company, BDO, Boston Consulting Group, Clifford Chance, Clyde & Co, CMS, Deloitte, Eversheds Sutherland, EY, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Grant Thornton, Hogan Lovells, KPMG, Latham & Watkins, Linklaters, McKinsey & Co, PA Consulting, PwC, Reed Smith, Slaughter and May, White & Case

Engineering and manufacturing

The engineering and manufacturing sector is a diverse and exciting area for graduates to explore. From designing and developing new products to maintaining and improving existing systems, this sector offers a range of opportunities for graduates with a passion for technology and innovation. Many companies in this sector offer graduate schemes, which provide you with the training and support you need to build a successful career. Additionally, working in engineering and manufacturing can give you the chance to work on large-scale projects, from building new infrastructure to developing cutting-edge technology. With a shortage of skilled workers in this sector, there is a high demand for graduates with expertise in engineering and manufacturing, making it an attractive option for those looking for a rewarding career.

Best graduate employers in engineering and manufacturing

Airbus, Arup, Atkins, BAE Systems, BMW Group, Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, Mott Macdonald, Rolls-Royce

Financial services

The financial services sector is a vital part of the UK economy, offering a range of career opportunities for graduates. From banking and investment management to insurance and accounting, there are many different areas to explore within this sector. Working in financial services can provide you with the chance to work with a range of clients, from individuals to large corporations. Additionally, many financial services companies offer attractive graduate schemes and training programs, which can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your role. With the ongoing growth of the financial services industry, there are plenty of opportunities for graduates to build a rewarding and lucrative career in this sector.

Best graduate employers in financial services

American Express, Bank of America, Bank of England, Barclays, Blackrock, Citi, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Jane Street, JP Morgan, Lloyds Banking Group, Natwest Group, Santander, UBS

Government and public sector

If you’re interested in making a positive impact on society, the government and public sector can be a great place to start your career. This sector covers a range of areas, from healthcare and education to law enforcement and national security. As a graduate, you may have the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Many government and public sector organisations offer graduate schemes and training programs, which provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a difference in your role. Additionally, working in the government and public sector can provide you with job security and stability, as these organisations are often funded by tax dollars and are essential to the functioning of society.

Best graduate employers in government and public sector

Army, Civil Service, GCHQ, Local Government, Mi5 – The Security Service, NHS, Police Now, Royal Navy

Retail and Consumer Goods

For graduates who are interested in sales and marketing, the retail and consumer goods sector can offer exciting career opportunities. This sector covers a range of industries, from food and beverage to fashion and beauty. As a graduate, you may have the opportunity to work on product development, marketing campaigns, or retail operations. Additionally, working in retail and consumer goods can provide you with the chance to work with a range of customers, from individuals to large corporations. Many companies in this sector offer attractive graduate schemes and training programs, which can help you to build a successful career in sales and marketing.

Best graduate employers in retail and consumer goods

Aldi, Lidl, Mars, McDonald’s, Specsavers, Tesco, THG

You can find out more about the Aldi graduate scheme here too!

Technology

The technology sector is a rapidly growing industry that offers a range of career opportunities for graduates. From software development to cybersecurity, this sector covers a wide range of areas. As a graduate, you may have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology projects, developing new software or hardware products. Additionally, working in the technology sector can provide you with the chance to work with a range of clients, from startups to large corporations.

Many technology companies offer graduate schemes and training programs, which can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your role. Additionally, working in technology can provide you with exposure to a range of innovative projects and ideas, making it an exciting and dynamic sector to work in. With technology playing an increasingly important role in society, there is a high demand for graduates with expertise in this area, making it an attractive option for those looking for a rewarding and challenging career.

Other

There are many other sectors and industries that graduates can explore, from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to publishing and law. These sectors each have their own unique challenges and opportunities, and offer a range of career paths for graduates. You may also be able to make a positive impact on society, whether it’s by developing new medicines or protecting the legal rights of individuals. A lot of the best graduate employers come from these sectors, and offer various graduate schemes and training. They’re also renowned employers, meaning you’ll have access to plenty of growth and opportunities.

Additional top graduate employers

AstraZeneca, BBC, Enterprise Rent-a-car, Frontline, GSK, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hugh James, Irwin Mitchell, Newton, Penguin Random House, Pepsico, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Savills, Shell, Sky, Teach First, TPP, Unilever, Unlocked.

So now you know who the best graduate employers are for 2023, you can start thinking about when to apply.