Knowing the right people is still key to getting a graduate job, say university careers advisers

Updated: 05:43 EDT, 24 September 2026 Having the right connections is still crucial to getting a graduate job and leaves poorer students at a disadvantage, research suggests.The majority of university careers advisers, 79 per cent, said a lack of access to professional networks and 'social capital' was one of the top factors preventing some students from getting jobs. An example of social capital is knowing people who can set you up with a job or work experience opportunities, for example well-connected parents or family friends. In the study by the Graduate Futures Institute in partnership with the University of Leicester, 97 per cent of careers advisers said students from poorer backgrounds still faced disadvantages when it comes to employment.It was based on the views of 288 professionals working across 107 UK higher education providers. Unequal: Getting a graduate job can still be a case of who you know, not what you knowSome 63 per cent said that being unable to take on unpaid or low-paid work was preventing poorer students from getting graduate jobs. Internships offer a way in to many industries, but students often cannot afford to work for free for long periods without financial support from their parents. Claire Tyler, head of insights at the Institute of Student Employers, said: 'While employers have made significant progress in widening access to opportunities, inequalities can still persist because some students have greater access to professional networks, careers advice, and work experience through family connections. Claire says work experience is one of the most effective ways to develop skill'These networks can help individuals understand how recruitment processes work, identify opportunities earlier, build confidence, and make valuable connections with employers.'Dr Lindsey Macmillan, professor of economics at UCL, added: 'Research suggests that inequalities in access to professional careers reflect a broader set of advantages that can accumulate over time.'Family background can influence educational opportunities, access to information about careers, work experience opportunities, professional contacts and familiarity with recruitment processes, all of which may help young people navigate competitive labour markets.'How to build your own professional networkIt might not be as easy as simply calling on a family friend, but experts say students without family connections can still build up professional networks. 'Building a network does not have to rely on family connections,' says Tyler.'Students can engage with employers through careers fairs, insight events, mentoring schemes, professional bodies, student societies, and online platforms such as LinkedIn.'It is also important that students make full use of university careers services, which can provide tailored support with applications, interviews, assessment centres, and networking opportunities.'Macmillan added: 'Careers services, alumni networks, mentoring schemes, professional associations, internships and work experience can all provide valuable opportunities to learn about careers, meet people working in a sector and gain insights into recruitment processes.'However, the broader challenge for employers, universities and professional bodies is to ensure that these opportunities are available to all young people, not just those who happen to come from well-connected backgrounds.' How to build your network from scratch 1. Use your university's alumni networkFormer students can be a useful way to find out what working in a particular industry is really like.2. Go to employer eventsCareers fairs, insight days and employer presentations can put you directly in front of recruiters.3. Ask for advice, not a favourApproaching someone for advice about their career can be a much easier first step than asking them to find you a job.4. Don't dismiss part-time workIt can provide evidence of skills, commercial awareness and responsibility, even if it is not directly related to your degree.5. Look for paid internships and placementsPaid opportunities can be particularly important for students who cannot afford to work for free.6. Make LinkedIn work for youFollow employers, connect with people in your chosen industry and use it to keep track of opportunities.7. Use your university careers serviceCareers teams can offer help with applications, interviews, assessment centres and networking. 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