Employability at the University of Derby
We’re No.1 for graduate employment in the East Midlands, with 96% of our graduates going into work or further study within six months of graduating*.
Our culture of real world learning means we work with employers to make sure your time here will give you the best possible start to your career. This includes:
- Degrees recognised by industry
- Work placements and study abroad
- Opportunities to turn theory into practice.
Our Careers and Employment Service can offer and advice and support with:
- Finding work placements
- CV writing and preparing for interviews
- Ongoing support for up to three years after you graduate.
At Derby we also have opportunities for students to work within the University, giving you the chance to earn some extra cash and boost your CV.
Exclusively for Derby students, our annual Graduate Recruitment, Internship and Placement (GRIP) Fair, is your chance to meet more than 60 local employers looking for graduates. Previous exhibitors include Boots, JCB, Rolls Royce, Thames Water and Next. Placements are guaranteed on some courses and actively encouraged on others – so you’ll graduate with relevant work experience and contacts to give you the edge in your career.
“While studying IT at University of Derby, I learnt a lot more than just IT. This led to my role at Pepsico.”
Mariam Chaudhary, student on placement at Pepsico
“GRIP is a great event for students. When I was a student here I came to all these events and it’s what led to me getting the job here at JCB, so it’s a no brainer really!”
Adam Collier, Mechanical Engineering graduate
“My placement year showed me the importance of getting early experience to help me find future jobs “
Rikki Arya, placement student
Our students go on to do remarkable things, big and small. We have successful graduates working at the BBC, Lego, Elemis, DCFC, Rolls-Royce, Network Rail and many other large organisations. Be inspired by our graduates and see where their degree has taken them. Here are a few of their stories.