Graduate Jobs Belfast

Belfast is a fantastic city for graduates looking for work after completing their degrees. With some of the lowest rent rates in the UK and no shortage of jobs, Belfast is a promising city for graduates fresh out of university and in search of their first professional job.

The capital city of Northern Ireland prides itself on having a diverse culture, bustling city life and a thriving industrial sector. And with 38.5 new start-ups per 1,000 inhabitants, Belfast is the best city in the UK for entrepreneurial graduates.

Living in Belfast

Despite being a capital city, Belfast is one of the most affordable cities in the UK. You can expect to pay 53% less on rent than in London and 42% less than in Dublin. It’s also well connected with Ireland (less than a two-hour drive to Dublin), Britain and mainland Europe. Belfast has 2 airports, 99 weekly ferry sailings as well as efficient bus and rail services.

Tourists and locals alike flock to Belfast’s plethora of bars, restaurants and cafés to make the most of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Check out the Cathedral Quarter for a bite to eat, a drink or to visit an art gallery. Then stroll down to Victoria Square for some shopping.

Top Industries in Belfast

The city has a growing tech industry with one of the highest “digital densities” across the UK (the percentage of tech businesses as a proportion of all businesses). Northern Ireland is also the number 1 international investment location for US cyber security firms. So, if you’re on the lookout for a graduate job in tech, you’ve most certainly come to the right place.

On top of that, Belfast has flourishing hospitality and tourism industries. It tops the list for hotel investment in the UK and was the world’s number one travel destination in 2018.

With all of this and more happening, it means that there are plenty of opportunities for graduates in Belfast.

Belfast’s Biggest Employers

The graduate jobs Belfast market is varied and growing, with top employers in a range of industries from retail to hospitality to engineering. Some of the biggest graduate recruiters in Belfast are:

• Tesco
• ASDA
• Moy Park
• Spirit AeroSystems
• The Four Seasons
• BT
• Marks & Spencer

Many of these companies offer graduate schemes as they seek to find the best talent to bolster their Belfast workforce. In order to apply for a role with any of the companies in Belfast, you may only need your university degree combined with some work experience or even a work placement.

Earning Potential in Belfast

Your graduate job salary in Belfast will depend on a number of factors. The graduate jobs market is highly competitive, so it can be worth taking what you can get initially. Once you have your foot in the door and have proven yourself as an asset to the company, you can then apply for internal promotions.

The type of graduate job you are looking for will also have an impact on your graduate job salary in Belfast. For example, the average graduate salary for software engineer roles in Belfast is around £27,500. Although this may be lower than a city like London, keep in mind that the cost of living is also significantly cheaper.

Finding Jobs for Graduates in Belfast

If you’re looking for graduate jobs Belfast, get started right away with Developing a Student’s live jobs board. It’s a great place to begin, with vacancies from some top companies that regularly offer roles to graduates. Check back often for up-to-date information and help in your area.

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