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A new report by High Fliers Research shows that students are hunting for graduate jobs much earlier. The trend is likely to lead to a decline in the number of gap years being taken by students.

With competition for places increasing, over 40 per cent of final year students had already applied for graduate job positions last September or October. Only 1 in 8 of the students said they would be taking a gap year before looking for a graduate job, a figure that will have declined by over 60 per cent in the last ten years.

The research took into account the career plans of almost 18,000 students and highlights the level of competition for graduate jobs in the current climate.

Managing Director of High Fliers Research, Martin Birchall, said of the report’s findings: “Three years ago, when the recession first took hold, many students felt there was little point in looking for a graduate job in such a tough employment market and instead opted to take time off, go travelling or enrol for further study at university.

“Today's students aren't necessarily much more confident about the graduate job market but have been fighting really hard to secure the jobs that are on offer from employers,” added Mr Birchall.

The survey also revealed that the typical final year student of 2012 will have applied for an average of seven graduate jobs before completing their degree and will leave university with debts of around £20,000.

Get ahead of the curve by looking for a graduate job before everyone else in your year. We advertise graduate positions all over the United Kingdom so we should have some opportunities right on your doorstep. Apply for Graduate Jobs in your area now!