Graduate hiring in the UK doesn’t end after autumn or spring. It carries on throughout the year, particularly in SME recruitment. While larger graduate programmes tend to grab the headlines, there are plenty of companies hiring all year round for graduate jobs and early careers roles. Many bring people in mid-year when they expand, or if they didn’t fill all their roles the first time around.
At Step, we work in SME recruitment, with innovative employers across the UK who hire graduates and interns throughout the year. These include businesses like Jacobs Douwe Egberts, who offer roles in FMCG; V&A Museum, offering creative placements; and Incomm, who provide opportunities in tech and digital sectors. You can see more examples on our Featured Employers page.
Forget the seasonal mindset
It’s easy to assume graduate hiring is done for the year because the most visible programmes tend to run in the autumn and spring. But there are still plenty of roles available year-round.
According to Jisc’s mid-year 2025 assessment, sectors like IT, engineering, and education continue to recruit, and over 60% of graduate employers plan to maintain or increase their hiring in the second half of the year.
So if you’re searching for a graduate job or internship right now, you’re not too late!
SME recruitment is year-round, not just during graduate season
We often hear from grads who think they’ve missed the boat if they don’t land something by the autumn. But the truth is, plenty of employers. especially SMEs bring people in throughout the year. If they need support and you’re the right fit, they’ll move quickly, no matter the month.
Unlike big companies that tend to hire at fixed points in the year, SMEs recruit whenever they need someone. If a team member moves on, a new project kicks off, or the business is growing, they act fast, and that means graduate roles can pop up any time.
If you’re ready to move quickly, this can work in your favour. These roles:
- Often get filled within a matter of weeks
- Usually have shorter, more straightforward application processes
- Are ideal if you can show flexibility and enthusiasm
And because they’re not advertised as widely, there’s usually less competition, giving you a better shot at standing out.
When the larger graduate programmes wrap up, new opportunities still emerge
Even if the larger graduate programmes have ended, that doesn’t mean hiring has stopped. Companies frequently reopen roles or expand their teams when the business case is there.
Some common scenarios include:
- Businesses growing faster than expected
- Projects requiring more support mid-year
- Initial hires not working out and positions reopening
Why smaller employers are quicker to hire
One thing that stands out when applying to SMEs is how quickly things can move.
These businesses often don’t have layers of HR or lengthy hiring processes, they need someone who can get stuck in and add value right away. That doesn’t mean it’s easier to land the role, just that once you’re in the mix, the process tends to be more straightforward and faster than with larger companies.
That can mean:
- Interviews within days of applying
- Quick decisions and short timelines
- Less red tape and more direct conversations
If you’re someone who’s motivated, adaptable, and ready to learn, this kind of pace could work brilliantly in your favour.
How Step helps you uncover year-round graduate opportunities
We’re here to support graduates in finding meaningful roles beyond the larger, well-publicised programmes. We partner with SMEs, project-based employers, and startups looking for talent now.
We’ll support you with:
- Matching you with live roles that aren’t widely advertised
- Helping you tailor your application
- Offer advice on timing, strategy, and positioning
Graduate hiring in the UK is not just a September thing. If you’ve been told to wait until autumn, you’ve been given the wrong advice, speak to us and we’ll help you.
Instead:
- Set alerts for year-round roles
- Reach out to SMEs directly
- Keep your CV up to date and ready to go
- Think smaller, act faster
Let us help you discover those under-the-radar opportunities. Get in touch with Step today for support with graduate roles and internships that fit your goals.