Careers and alumni

Graduate outcomes

What do Oxford graduates do and where might an Oxford degree take you? The most recent Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) with data collected from 2017-18 research graduates approximately 15 months after graduation shows the possible routes and careers paths.

The survey was sent to 1,286 recent PGR graduates; 721 responses were received giving a response rate of 56%. Further details and key figures from the survey response data are shown below.

Summary

• Almost 80% of recent PGR graduates were in paid work for an employer; less than 3% were unemployed and looking for work.
• Almost all employed graduates were in graduate level jobs, mostly in education, research and development, or health industries. 
• More than half of those reporting said they took their job as it fitted with their career plans or was exactly what they wanted to do. 
• 52% of graduates in paid work for an employer were on a fixed-term contract lasting 12 months or longer, and 42% were employed permanently.
• Average annual salary was £41,600, with a median of £35,700 (from 320 graduates that disclosed annual salary in pounds).
• Almost 89% of graduates agreed their current work was meaningful and that they were utilising what they had learnt in their studies.

Survey results

Main activity 15 months after graduation

• Paid work for an employer: 79.6%

• Engaging in a course of study, training or research: 6.1%

• Unemployed and looking for work: 2.6%

• Self-employment/freelancing: 2.6%

• Caring for someone (unpaid): 1.9%

• Running my own business: 1.8%

• Doing something else: 1.7%

• Developing a creative, artistic or professional portfolio: 1.4%

• Taking time out to travel: 0.8%

• Retired: 0.7%

• Voluntary/unpaid work for employer: 0.7%

The main reason to take the job*

• Fitted into my career plan/it was exactly the type of work I wanted: 57.4%

• To gain and broaden my experience to get the type of job I really want: 13.1%

• It was the best job offer I received: 8.6%

• It was the right location: 7.0%

• In order to earn a living: 5.7%

• To see if I would like the type of work it involved: 4.9%

• It was an opportunity to progress in the organisation: 2.0%

• The job was well paid: 1.2%

Top industries of employment (accepting more than 10 graduates)*

• Entered education: 45.8%

• Entered scientific research and development: 13.6%

• Entered human health activities: 7.3%

• Entered computer programming, consultancy and related activities: 5.6%

• Not known: 4.4%

• Entered activities of head offices including management consultancy activities: 2.8%

• Entered financial service activities (except insurance and pension funding): 2.8%

• Entered activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies: 2.1%

• Entered public administration and defence including compulsory social security: 2.1%

Top occupations (more than 10 graduates)*

• Natural and social sciences professionals: 46.0%

• Teaching and education professionals: 13.4%

• Business, research and administrative professionals: 11.1%

• Information technology and telecommunications professionals: 5.7%

• Health professionals: 5.1%

• Not known: 3.8%

• Business, finance and related associate professionals: 3.0%

*Limited to respondents in paid work for an employer.

Further graduate destinations data:

Previously all undergraduate and postgraduate alumni have been surveyed approximately six months after they leave Oxford as part of the Government's Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey. 

The report includes:

• Overview of destinations
• Destinations by course
• Sectors and roles
• Employment locations in the UK
• Salaries
• Type of further study by division and department
• Type of further study by course.

The results of those surveyed between 2012-17 (those who left in the academic years of 2011/12 - 2016/17) can be viewed at DLHE Survey 2012-2017. 

Skills and employability

Oxford is one of the top 10 universities in the world for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2020). Our graduate degrees are highly regarded by employers. During your time at Oxford, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and enhance your career prospects.

In addition to the valuable experience you’ll gain as part of your degree, our Careers Service can help you identify your needs and improve those skills through programmes that emphasise real-world experience and problem-solving.

Exclusive internships

You’ll be able to apply for internships offered exclusively to Oxford students. These are a great way to gain experience, build your CV and explore possible career paths. 

The Summer Internship Programme offers access to global internship opportunities during the summer vacation. Hundreds of 2- to 12-week summer internships are available in more than 40 countries (including the UK), and in a wide variety of sectors.

Here are just some of the exciting funded opportunities that have been previously offered:

• internships with world-leading international development organisations, such as the UN Development Programme and development charities in Africa, Asia and Latin America
• placements at multinational firms like Sony in Japan and boutique finance companies around the world
• scientific research internships with universities and institutes in India, Brazil, Russia, Germany, China and more
• teaching positions in schools around the world
• arts and heritage internships, from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to the Naval History Museum in Washington DC.

The Micro-Internship Programme offers convenient, short-term work placements with organisations in the UK and Europe. Placements can be research-based or professional, and host organisations range from investment banks and consultancy firms to tech start-ups and heritage sites. Your travel and lunch expenses will be covered, and they’re an excellent way to fit valuable work experience around your studies. 

Development opportunities

The Oxford Strategy Challenge (TOSCA) is a team-based experiential learning event with participants working on real strategy-focused client challenges over a week. It offers an opportunity to develop a broad range of transferable skills including teamwork, leadership, communication and business awareness. These along with the client relationship experience, will help you demonstrate your potential in applications, on your CV and in interviews.

Progressing from the Oxford Strategy Challenge, the Student Consultancy is an innovative scheme that can help you gain demonstrable skills in consultation and collaboration, as part of helping local business, charities and community organisations with their real business challenges. Since the scheme’s launch, over 3,000 students have taken part, helping more than 250 clients.

As part of a team, you’ll work over eight weeks to address a strategic issue or business problem for a client organisation in Oxford or the surrounding area. Students at every level can benefit from the programme—you’ll have the chance to develop your skills in strategic thinking, self-management, team working, commercial awareness, problem-solving and communication.

For DPhil students, the Researcher Strategy Consultancy can help develop the core employability skills you’ll need to transition into analytical, business or policy roles in the public or private sector. Working in small teams over a 3-month period, you’ll address a strategic issue or business opportunity for a client organisation. The programme offers huge benefits, whatever your career plans.