The UK job market is showing strong signs of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the UK unemployment rate for June to August 2022 fell to 3.5, the lowest rate recorded since December to February 1974. This is great news for graduate job seekers. As new positions open up across the UK, we look at the trending jobs in 2023 for graduates.
Here are 8 trending graduate jobs in 2023.
8 Trending Jobs In 2023 For UK Graduates
Graduate job opportunities are popping up all over the UK, but there are certain industries in high demand. To help you, we’ve rounded up the best jobs for recent graduates.
1. Project Manager
Project management is one of the top trending jobs in 2023, especially for graduates. As the name suggests, a project manager oversees projects. To succeed in this role, you must be able to plan projects, break large workloads down into manageable tasks, delegate work, and communicate effectively with all project team members.
A great project manager is also responsible for keeping the project on track, managing the budget and timeline, and motivating team members.
Related degrees: Business, business administration, PMP certification
Top employers: NHS, IBM, Network Rail, and Accenture
Average salary: £33,350 to £135,500 p/year (depending on experience and project scope)
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2. Graphic designer
Graphic design is one of the most in-demand skills in 2023. In a world where content is king, more businesses than ever need a graphic designer. As a result, there is a sea graduate graphic design jobs available in the UK.
Graphic designers use their technical and creative skills to design brand logos, packaging, advertising materials, and employer branding material. As well as a keen eye for design, you will also need to be a dab hand at graphic design tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Related degrees: Creative arts, graphic design, computer graphics
Top employers: Google, BBC, Fishfinger Creative Agency, and The Yard Creative
Average salary: £18,000 to £33,000 p/year
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3. Software Engineering
Software development is one of the top trending jobs in 2023. As such, the fast-growing industry looks set to remain one of the most lucrative and in-demand graduate careers out there.
As a software engineer, you will use your technical skills to build apps and websites or work on in-house team projects within a business. Software engineers need to be comfortable with different coding languages, such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. In addition, being familiar with agile working practices is highly beneficial.
Related degrees: IT, Software Design, Computer Science, or Coding qualifications
Top employers: Tesco, Amazon, JP Morgan, Barclays, and IBM
Average salary: £21,000 to £155,000 p/year
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4. Business Analyst
This is one of the most in-demand jobs for graduates. A business analyst helps businesses improve their performance by analysing current workflows and suggesting ways to make them more efficient. This could involve updating processes, developing new systems, or streamlining procedures.
To succeed as a business analyst, you will need strong analytical skills, the ability to spot patterns, and sound knowledge of business practices.
Many business analysts are experts in a specialist area, like IT, finance, or data analytics. They consult in the early stages of projects to help businesses come up with optimal processes.
Related degrees: A degree in a business-related field such as business administration, finance, e-commerce, or management
Top employers: Robert Walters, Deloitte, Barclays, and Accenture
Average salary: £27,000 to £80,000 p/year
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5. Cybersecurity Specialist
Another one of the top trending jobs in the UK is in the world of cybersecurity. Nowadays, businesses are moving online. And with this shift comes a strong demand for cybersecurity specialists to facilitate the shift and manage cybersecurity in the business.
If you’re looking for a graduate cybersecurity job, you’ll need to use your skills to keep business data safe and avoid breaches.
There is a huge demand for graduate cybersecurity specialists in the UK, so there’s never been a better time to break into this career (pardon the pun). In this role, you will need sharp problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of computer forensics. It’s a big plus if you’re familiar with the specific industry your employer is in.
Related degrees: A degree in IT, information systems, cyber security, or cybernetics
Top employers: Ministry of Defence, PwC, KPMG, and Cyber Tec Security
Average salary: £25,000 to £37,000 p/year
6. Sales Account Manager
Graduate sales jobs are in high demand in the UK. Sales Account managers are talented leaders who can keep their sales team motivated and hitting their targets. To thrive in sales, you need to have excellent communication skills, strong negotiation chops, and a thick skin. You should also have good industry and product knowledge.
As certain industries, such as SaaS, flourish, there is a plethora of sales account manager jobs in the UK. This is great news for Sales graduates looking for their big break.
If you don’t have experience in sales management, you may have to earn your stripes as a sales representative and work your way up.
Related degrees: A degree in business, marketing, management, or commerce
Top employers: Salesforce, Oracle, BT, Cisco Systems, and Amazon
Average salary: £23,000 to £45,000 p/year
7. Care worker
Health services and residential care are hotly in-demand jobs in the UK. The NHS employs 1.7 million workers in the UK, which doesn’t include care jobs in private healthcare companies. As the UK population continues to age, care work is one of the top trending jobs in 2023.
You don’t need a degree to start a career as a care worker. That said, it will stand you in good stead if you plan to apply for management roles in healthcare services or residential care. As a care worker, you are responsible for looking after residents either in a care home or in the community. You will help them keep as much independence as possible, supporting them with household tasks, personal hygiene, and reminding them to take their medication.
Related degrees: A degree in health care, nursing, or public health (you don’t need a degree to become a care worker)
Top employers: NHS, Top Care, Care Plus, Home Instead, and Care UK
Average salary: £16,575 to £38,000 p/year
8. Construction worker
Construction is one of the most in-demand industries in the UK. And while you don’t need a degree to forge a career in construction, it will certainly help. As a construction graduate, you are eligible for jobs such as a construction site manager, safety officer, quantity surveyor, or building control officer. As the industry sees a post-pandemic boom, there are plenty of graduate construction jobs available in the UK.
To succeed in the fast-paced world of construction, you will need to have strong organisation skills, knowledge of health and safety regulations, good time-management skills, and deep industry knowledge. What’s more, you’ll need to be a strong communicator and a dab hand at negotiating.
Related degrees: A degree or apprenticeship in building and construction
Top employers: Balfour Beatty Plc, Morgan Sindall Group Plc, Interserve Plc, and Laing O’Rourke Plc
Average salary: £30,852 to £69,302 p/year
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In closing
These are 8 of the top trending jobs in 2023 for graduates. The UK job market is showing strong signs of recovery after the global pandemic, and with it comes a host of new in-demand jobs. This is great news for recent graduates who are looking for the right career path.
Be sure to check our dedicated Student and Graduate Jobs Board to find the top graduate jobs in your area. Our resource hub is packed with advice and tips to help you land your first graduate role.
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