Occupations
With so much choice, deciding which kind of job you want can be difficult. Use our occupations information to become more confident about exploring your options.
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Veterinary and animal care
The veterinary profession is highly respected and generally well-paid. However, it requires significant qualifications and training.
Actuarial, insurance and pensions
While actuaries traditionally worked in the insurance and pensions industries, many now work in the areas of healthcare, banking, business management and enterprise risk assessment.
Advertising
Advertising is one of the most dynamic industries in the UK, with opportunities available in agencies or in-house.
Agriculture
The agri-food sector employs 4 million people, with agriculture accounting for nearly 500,000 employees. Areas of work cover everything from land management and production to animal welfare.
Applying to the Fast Stream
The Civil Service Fast Stream is an accelerated leadership development programme.
Architecture, planning and landscape
The number of architects registered in the UK has remained stable for the past few years. The Architects Registration Board (ARB) 2022 Annual Report shows there were 41,240 registered architects in the UK in 2022.
Armed forces
The armed forces of the UK are made up of the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. Their prime task is defending Britain, its interests and dependencies.
Banking and finance
Graduates working in banking and finance may work long hours in a pressurised environment. However, they can expect to earn one of the highest graduate starting salaries.
Charities and voluntary organisations
There were 163,959 voluntary organisations in the sector in 2023, according to The UK Civil Society Almanac. Most of these are small or micro organisations.
Civil engineering, geomatics and construction
This sector offers a variety of opportunities. This ranges from technical roles to those in management or engineering.
Community, advice and guidance
There are a huge range of companies you could work for, including public and private bodies.
Complementary therapies
Most complementary medicine and alternative therapy practitioners are self-employed. Opportunities are also available working in GP surgeries, hospitals, occupational health departments and sport and leisure centres.
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aims to ensure that companies conduct their business ethically. Graduates in this career encourage businesses to monitor their impact.
Counselling and psychotherapy
Counsellors and psychotherapists are trained to help their clients deal with a range of situations. These include issues like anxiety and bereavement, or relationship difficulties.
Creative arts, design and fashion
In the UK in 2023, there were 1.023m non creative jobs in the creative industries, 1.198 m creative occupations in creative industries, 1.297 creative occupations outside creative industries.
Customs and immigration
Careers in border forces and immigration are open to graduates from any degree discipline. Degree subjects in languages, legal studies, business or finance may be helpful.
Development
Working in development is a popular option with many graduates. There are a wide range of jobs available, from support staff based in the UK to overseas field work.
Economics and statistics
Economics and statistics is a lucrative job market, with many different job opportunities.
Education alternatives
If you’re interested in a career in education outside of a mainstream school, there are a wide range of options to consider.
Energy and utilities
The energy and utilities sector has a wide range of opportunities available to students and graduates, whether in large international companies or small organisations developing specialist technology.
Engineering
The sector is diverse with a wide range of disciplines and a variety roles. There is great demand for graduates with engineering skills due to a skills shortage in this sector.
Environment and sustainability
Careers in environment and sustainability are highly varied. They can range from recycling and waste management to environmental management and conservation, tackling climate change.
Event management and hospitality
The events industry is incredibly broad. It ranges from business conferences and meetings to weddings to music festivals.
Food science
Food and drink is the UK's largest manufacturing sector. It employs nearly 450,000 people and contributes about £25 billion to the economy.
Government, politics and public affairs
Graduates can find roles in huge variety of careers. This ranges from central and local government to intelligence and security agencies.
Healthcare
With over 1.28 million staff, the National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest employers in the world, and is the biggest in Europe.
HR, recruitment and training
HR, recruitment and training are a key business area in most organisations. Some employers outsource these services to dedicated companies.
Journalism and writing
According to the latest census data, there are over 50,000 journalists working in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. That figure for the UK as a whole could be around 60,000.
Language careers
People with language skills can add real benefit and value to their employers. Other skills such as team-working, organisation or commercial awareness will also be needed.
Law
The legal sector is a challenging and changing field. It requires a high level of commitment and perseverance. Graduates face tough competition, especially if looking for a pupillage or training contract.
Accountancy and tax
Accounting and professional services firms are one of the largest recruiters of new graduates.
Libraries and information management
Information comes in different forms, from different sources. Professionals in this sector find, sort and present information for those who need it.
Life science
The UK is a leading life sciences producer and exporter. Many world-class UK companies specialise in research and development and biotech products.
Logistics, supply chain management and transport
In 2020, the logistics and supply chain sector employed 2.2 million people in the UK. This sector also includes many transport roles. Roles can range from HGV drivers to port managers.
Management consultancy
A career in management consultancy can offer you variety, with the chance to work with a range of clients on different projects.
Marine science
Marine science is a broad-ranging field, and you can work in diverse areas and fields, ranging from biogeochemistry to environmental protection.
Marketing and market research
Marketing opportunities can be found across all sectors. This can range from banking and retail, to food, media and voluntary organisations.
Media
Sectors within media include film, television and radio. There are diverse career paths in each of these areas.
Museums, galleries and archaeology
The Museums Association (MA) estimates that there are around 2,500 museums in the UK.
Music and performing arts
The music and performing arts industry is tough to get into but can be very rewarding. It is also vital to the creative sector and the UK economy.
Patent work
Patent work can be described as a unique mix of science, law and language. You don't need a law degree; instead a science degree is strongly preferred.
Physical science
There's an extensive range of careers in physical sciences. From astronomy to materials, meteorology and analytical chemistry.
Police and emergency services
The emergency services includes: ambulance service, fire service, police and coastguard. There is also a growing profession of emergency planning. This includes crisis and disaster management.
Prisons and probation
HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) supports the operational delivery and effective running of prison and probation services in England and Wales. In 2023 they employed over 64,000 staff.
Project management
Project managers can work across most sectors. Common sectors include construction, IT, engineering, property, translation and the public sector.
Property and surveying
510,000 people are employed by real estate businesses in the United Kingdom in 2021. 114,000 of people are working for large real estate enterprises that employed 500 or more people.
Psychology
Psychologists apply scientific study of the mind and behaviour to real life problems. Careers in psychology cover areas including clinical, sports and exercise, research and education.
Public health
There are various career options within public health. This ranges from academic research and epidemiology to health promotion and policy. Roles can range from health visitors to directors of public health.
Public relations
Public relations (PR) practitioners work across a wide range of sectors and industries – from finance and fashion to government and charities. You can work in-house for a company or as part of a consultancy.
Publishing
Many of the large publishing houses are based in London, however there is a growing trend for independent publishers to set up outside the capital.
Research in academia
Many PhD graduates will begin a career in academic research as a research assistant or research associate. These roles are often temporary contracts and it can be difficult to gain a permanent job.
Retail, buying and selling
Retail and sales are competitive markets. Customer service is a key focus to help drive sales and create success for companies.
Science careers outside the lab
There are many careers open to science graduates who would prefer to use their science knowledge and skills outside of a lab setting. Opportunities exist across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Social research and policy work
Social research and policy work explores policies, institutions, and market forces. It looks at how these impact on society and social justice.
Social work
Working in the social care sector, whether as a social or probation worker can be challenging but very rewarding. You are likely to be helping with society's most complex issues.
Sports Science
The career opportunities in sport science are highly varied with many opportunities.
Teaching English as a foreign language
Teaching as a foreign language (TEFL) is a popular option for graduates wishing to spend time living and working abroad.
Teaching in FE and HE
FE colleges employ around 70,000 teachers in England. 28,500 teachers are employed by independent training providers. A further 15,500 teachers are employed by adult and community learning providers.
Teaching in schools
Teaching in schools can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. There are many opportunities for career progression.
Technology and data
According to Tech Nation's 2022 Report, nearly five million people are employed in the UK's digital tech economy. That's an increase from just under three million in 2019.
Leisure, sport and tourism
Most employers in the leisure, sport and tourism sector are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) although opportunities also exist in governing bodies, local authorities and sports associations.
