Will attending a prestigious university get you a better graduate job?

Network Rail runs Britan’s railway network. Its graduate schemes usually get around 4,000 applications for only 300 roles.  

But does Network Rail’s recruitment team make their decision based on which university a graduate attended? “Not at all,” said Amarvir Munger, a HR business partner at Network Rail. “Even at the assessment process, it’s more about what you’re like as a person.” 

National Rail places a greater focus on its behaviours and values, advising graduates to learn these values and why they exist – particularly its approach to safety.  

“It shows that you've really taken the time to understand the company itself,” said Munger. 

Munger advises students to think about what you’re doing both inside and outside your university course  and consider where you’ve built skills such as teamwork and collaboration.  

“This will allow you to come across in interviews as somebody who's able to make the link in terms of what you're doing now and how you're able to bring these skills and benefits into the company,” he said.  

Rather than basing the decision to hire a graduate based on their university alone, some firms place a high value on a graduate’s willingness to learn and ask questions.  

Andrew Sharp, Head of Early Talent at Mars UK says that rather than only taking on graduates from the very top universities, Mars wants to recruit from a “diverse range of universities, students and future Mars Associates.” 

He said: “We want to recruit the best talent; people who are curious, self-aware, have a willingness to learn, develop and grow at pace.  

“This can come from any university and from someone with lots or no work experience – we have various routes and exciting career paths to take.” 

Passion for the industry and the specific role can really set you apart from other applicants – even those from higher-ranked universities.  

PR company Liberty Communications is always on the lookout for talented graduates. James Meredith, Head of External Relations at Liberty Communications said: “At Liberty we don’t place any specific emphasis on the university graduates have attended.  

“Far more important to us is what the applicant has studied and even more than that, why they are looking to pursue a career within the PR industry.” 

He added: “As a technology specialist PR agency, we’re also interested in finding out why the technology industry specifically appeals to prospective graduate hires.” 

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While attending a highly ranked university might help you gain these valuable skills and help you get the best possible internships, it seems that employers won’t offer you a job based on your university choice alone.  

Here’s our tool for searching for the right university for you.