Adzuna, the UK job search engine and labour market data platform, also found that competition among job seekers is rising, with an average of 2.14 job seekers per vacancy in July, up from 1.93 a year earlier.[1]
With competition for graduate roles increasing, Frances Li, Founder and Director of Biscuit Recruitment, says students starting university in 2026 shouldn't wait until their final year to start thinking about their employability.
“If you're starting university this year, 2029 probably feels a lifetime away, but it will come around quickly. The good news is you've got three years to get yourself ready for the jobs market,” Frances says.
“You don't need to have your whole career mapped out at 18, but you also can't leave employability until your final year. Use those three years to explore different industries, try things out and start working out what employers are looking for.”
Below, Frances outlines 5 tips for students starting university this year to help them land a job in 2029.
1. Get a job – any job
With summer and entry-level vacancies under pressure, Frances says students shouldn't be too selective about where they gain their first work experience.
“Don't underestimate what a part-time job can give you,” Frances says.
“Working with customers, turning up on time, dealing with difficult situations and being part of a team are all things you can take with you into your career.
“It doesn't need to be a prestigious internship. If you're working in a shop, restaurant or office, you're still learning how to operate in a workplace, and that's something you can talk about when you apply for your first graduate role.
“You'll also avoid that big shock of going from university straight into the world of work. You'll already know what it's like to have a boss, work as part of a team, deal with customers and be responsible for getting the job done.”
2. Don’t Only Apply to Graduate Schemes
With fewer graduate vacancies available, Frances says students shouldn't assume that landing a big-name graduate scheme is the only way to start their career.
“I think there's a danger that students hear ‘graduate job’ and immediately think of the big graduate schemes at well-known companies,” Frances says.
“Those can be fantastic opportunities, but they're not the only route into a career. Look at smaller businesses, start-ups, junior roles and internships that could turn into permanent jobs too.
“A lot of great careers start with a company that you've never heard of rather than one of the biggest names on the high street. Don't overlook an opportunity just because it doesn't have ‘graduate scheme’ written on it.”
3. Get on LinkedIn before you need a job
“You don't need to be job hunting to start looking at job adverts,” Frances says.
“Find a few roles you could see yourself applying for in 2029 and look at the skills employers are asking for. If you keep seeing the same things, you've got three years to start building those skills.”
Frances adds, “It's also worth following the companies, experts and people working in the industry you're interested in. Keep an eye on what they're talking about, what changes are happening and what skills are becoming more important.
“The more you do this, the more your industry knowledge will develop. When you eventually go into an interview, you'll have a much better understanding of what's happening in that sector and be able to show that you're genuinely interested in it.”
“LinkedIn isn't just somewhere to look for a job when you graduate. Use it throughout university to learn, build professional relationships and get a feel for the industry you want to work in.”
4. Don't wait for your dream job
Once they graduate, Frances says young people should also be realistic about their first step into the career ladder.
“Your first job after university doesn't have to be your forever job,” Frances says.
“It might not have the salary, title or company you've imagined, but getting into a workplace, learning how things work and proving yourself can put you in a much stronger position for your next move.
“Sometimes you have to get through the first door before you can open the next one, so don't spend months rejecting opportunities simply because they're not exactly what you pictured.”
5. Get AI-savvy – but don't become AI-dependent
With AI already changing the way businesses operate and recruit, Frances says students graduating in 2029 should start becoming comfortable with the technology now.
But she believes they should be careful not to rely on it at the expense of the skills employers will still need.
“AI is going to be part of the workplace graduates are entering, so there's no point being scared of it or ignoring it,”Frances says.
“Learn how to use it to research, organise your ideas and work more efficiently, but don't let it do all the thinking for you.
“Employers will still need people who can communicate, solve problems, think critically and use their judgement. Those are the skills students should be building alongside their AI skills.”
Frances concludes: “The days of getting a degree and expecting a job to land in your inbox afterwards are gone.
“Students starting university this year need to think beyond their grades. Get some experience, learn how to use AI, keep an eye on what's happening in the industries you're interested in and don't be afraid to take a route into work that looks different from the one you originally imagined.
“You don't need to become a career expert at 18, but you do need to give your future self something to work with.”
