Dear Jonathan, will there still be good graduate jobs for us?

"It’s good to be back for my second year, but over the summer the jobs market hasn’t got better. I read all these articles about AI taking all the graduate jobs so now I’m wondering what I’m going to do in 2 years’ time? Will there be any good grad jobs for us, even with an Oxford degree?"

- 2nd year student, Social Sciences

Well, welcome back to everyone returning, and welcome to those of you arriving for the first time as undergraduates, masters, or doctoral students. It’s always an exciting time, the start of a new year, the chance to try new things, pursue new activities, and explore more options. Particularly, welcome to everyone coming from outside the UK. 

You are right that the job market is not looking much better than a year ago, AI is becoming more prevalent in work and in job applications, reshaping entry-level work. Here at Careers, we don’t suggest you become totally preoccupied with getting a job, but we would suggest you make Careers part of your whole Oxford experience – not just when you’re looking for a job in 2 years’ time. 

However, despite the challenges of the job market today, Oxford graduates do continue to achieve strong employment outcomes, even if the transition into work is becoming more difficult. What we are hearing is that employers are placing increasing emphasis on experience alongside academic achievement. 

Over the next year, to make yourself more employable, seek opportunities for real-world experience. That might be volunteering, an internship or micro-internship, a consultancy or project-based programme, work with a student society, college or departmental activity, entrepreneurship, research, or simply trying something outside your existing experience. 

We believe there will be graduate level jobs next year and the year after: for example, employers are booking to come to our careers fairs in Week 0 and later in term, and you might want to come too – everyone is welcome. 

Remember you can book a one-to-one advice appointment with a Careers Adviser to discuss these and any career-related question: from where to start, to interview preparation, to discussing job offers. We have over 7,000 sessions each year – just book on CareerConnect. 

We look forward to meeting you during your time at Oxford. Best wishes for the term ahead, 

Jonathan Black - Director, Careers, University of Oxford 

For six years, the Careers Director at the University of Oxford, Jonathan Black, wrote a fortnightly column for the Financial Times answering readers’ careers questions - you can still find it here.

Now, the “Dear Jonathan" column has come to Oxford.

If you are an Oxford University student, send in your career question to [email protected] and each week of term, he will answer one of the questions in this feature. We’ll anonymise the author (but please tell us whatever is relevant) so you can be sure that readers won’t know it’s you.