Internship Vs Graduate Job: What You Need to Know

Have you recently graduated from university or about to finish your final year and now ready to take your first step on the career ladder? It’s natural to feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension at the thought of taking this huge step in your early adult life. Applying for your first professional graduate job is a huge deal and a decision that will have the potential to shape your future career choices.

During the job hunt, you may have come across two job terms – an ‘Internship’ and ‘Graduate job’ – but you may be asking yourself what the difference is between the two. We’ll give you all of the information you need to know.

What is an ‘Internship’?

An internship is a form of work experience offered by a company. It is usually a temporary placement of between 6-12 months on average. This is an extremely beneficial career option for new graduates with little or no experience in the world of work and looking to gain valuable practical experience to enhance their CV.

Internships are available in a variety of industries, therefore, you’re very likely to find a position that meets your interests and ties into your career goals.

In recent times, there has been a crackdown on unpaid internships, meaning most internships advertised will be paid at least the UK National Minimum Wage. On average, interns in the UK earn a respectable £20,000 per year or more.

If you’re wondering why you should opt for an internship, there are many benefits to consider. Firstly, you’ll have the chance to try out your desired career path for several months to give you some idea as to what the day-to-day working environment is like and of course, find out whether it would be a suitable long-term option for you. Other benefits include:

• The rare requirement for a specific degree subject qualification / previous experience
• You’ll gain valuable work experience in your desired field
• Getting a taste for the job and industry you’re interested in pursuing – (you may find that it’s simply not for you!)
• The potential to secure a job at the company in the future

What is a ‘Graduate job’?

The Office of Statistics states that graduate job positions “normally require knowledge and skills developed on a three-year university degree to enable them to perform the associated tasks competently.”

Graduate jobs are only available to those with a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Unlike internships, positions are typically permanent (however, you may be required to complete a prohibition period during the first few months).

The good news is that graduate jobs are available in almost every industry and are suitable for individuals who have the passion and motivation to succeed in a particular niche.

There is often confusion between Graduate jobs and Graduate Schemes, but the main benefit of a Graduate job is that you are not contractually bound to the company or committed to remain employed by them in the long-term. In most cases, this is because you won’t be required to undergo a  structured training programme that is funded by the company. As a result, you can move on and take on new opportunities whenever you desire.

Career experts have discovered that a graduate job could allow you to earn a higher salary than non-graduates; but this, of course, heavily depends on the sector you’re in and the company you’re working for.

If you are ready to start applying for jobs as an upcoming or new graduate, don’t forget to check out our large number of available internships and graduate jobs on our job board!