Careers and employability

We're ranked in the top 10 in the UK for the employability of our graduates* - we invest in your future beyond the end of your programme.

Employers value our graduates for their intellectual ability and highly developed transferable skills.

Employers back our graduates

Employers want more than a degree holder - they want a graduate with a range of skills and attributes, who can thrive in the working world.

Employers from all sectors regard Edinburgh as an excellent training ground for high-flyers and value our graduates' intellectual ability and high-level attributes developed while studying here.

We are well regarded by recruiters seeking talented graduates. High Fliers Research ranked us as the 9th most targeted university in the UK for 2021/22. Our graduates are ranked 25th in the world by employers (QS World University Rankings 2022).

Edinburgh is one of the top campuses that we target for recruitment. If you are looking for a university that will give you the skills and experiences to have a successful career, then Edinburgh is a good place to start.

Building your employability

Studying here is an opportunity to enhance your career – to develop new skills and abilities, grow in confidence and learn about yourself.

The development and long-term success of our students is fundamental to our approach, and that includes encouraging your efforts beyond graduation.

Our graduate attributes describe the skills and mindsets that will set you apart.

Graduate attributes

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you realise your career ambitions, and offer practical advice about how to progress your career goals.

The service offers advice, guidance and careers information for all students and our recent graduates.

Careers Service staff can also help you to work while you study or advise on volunteering opportunities.

Internship opportunities

Internships can substantially increase your chance of you finding employment after graduation, and we proactively source quality internship opportunities for our students and recent graduates, including:

• on-campus summer internships
• part-time internships for PhD students
• opportunities with local employers in a range of sectors for final year students and recent graduates
• work shadowing with alumni based locally and nationally
• international summer internships, developed with our global network of employers

All of these opportunities are supported by a comprehensive development plan to ensure you benefit from the experience.

Careers Service: internships

Backing your bright ideas

We have one of the most entrepreneurial student bodies in the UK. We have helped launch more than 140 new start-ups in the last five years, with more than 10% being social enterprises.

Edinburgh Innovations' enterprise service for students, our award-winning programme for student entrepreneurs, embodies our strong enterprise culture. It brings together a range of support services including:

• one-to-one business advice meetings
• start-up workshops and bootcamps
• competitions and awards
• events and networking opportunities

The service is free, confidential, and available to any Edinburgh student for the duration of their studies and for up to two years after graduation. It aims to help you distinguish yourself in a competitive job market and create real entrepreneurial opportunities.

We recruit a high number of Edinburgh graduates and would happily recruit more, as we find their academic qualifications are supported with excellent extra-curricular experiences – it’s this balance which makes them successful.

The Edinburgh Award

The activities you pursue alongside your studies, such as running a sports club, part-time work on campus, providing peer support or volunteering in the community, can prove rewarding in many ways, including broadening and enhancing your skills and employability.

The Edinburgh Award recognises your involvement in a wide range of co- and extra-curricular activities, and the skills and attributes you demonstrate.

We will support you to get the most out of your experiences, to:

• increase your self-awareness
• make the most of existing strengths and develop new skills/abilities
• make an impact whatever situation you are in
• confidently sell and demonstrate what you have to offer to employers

Many employers expect something extra from today’s graduates and the Edinburgh Award helps demonstrate what it is that sets you apart:

The Edinburgh Award