Graduates want to be in the big cities to start their careers - and London is top of the list, according to a recent study by graduate-jobs.com.
A new study by graduate-jobs.com reveals university leavers prefer big cities over smaller regions when it comes time to start their careers. The data was gathered by analysing the preferences of registered users over the past five years.
London showed up as the most popular choice, with 77 per cent of graduates saying they would like to work in the capital - far ahead the second most popular region, Manchester and the North West, which was chosen by 50 per cent of registered users.
The research by graduate-jobs.com concurs with the High Flier's Graduate Market 2015 report, which found that 80 per cent of companies surveyed were offering graduate positions in London, while 50 per cent were offering roles in Manchester and the North West.
Top 5 most popular destinations.
London - 77%
North West - 50%
West Midlands - 48%
South West - 46%
East Midlands - 46%
Among the many graduates who have moved to London after university is Laura Carter. Laura graduated from Northumbria University in 2013 with a degree in Advertising and Media, and moved to London shortly thereafter.
She believes the capital has enough opportunities for everyone.
"London really is a global hub," she says. "There is so much on offer in London and you can find work in any kind of industry. I always wanted to work in advertising or marketing and, while there are advertising agencies and marketing companies in Newcastle, I knew London could match my ambition."
Laura works as an International Account Manager for Vibrant Media, a company which specialises in web-based advertising. She says Vibrant have helped satisfy her ambition to travel.
"Part of my role is working internationally and this is something I have always wanted to do," she says. "Working at Vibrant Media has allowed me to do this. That is not to say international opportunities are not available elsewhere in the UK, but being in London definitely helps companies collaborate overseas."
London boasts a thriving social scene, and Laura says the nightlife on offer is unlike anywhere else in the UK.
"You can go out every night of the year in London and never go to the same place twice," she says. "The nightlife didn't entirely influence my decision to look for work in London, but it certainly helped."
After London, the second most desired destination for graduates is the North West region. Manchester, Liverpool and the surrounding areas are home to many big graduate employers, such as Matalan and Hilti.
Location of Graduate Vacancies (High Fliers Report 2015)
London - 83%
North West - 50%
Midlands - 50%
South West - 47%
South East - 46%
Arthur Brown is among those who chose Manchester after university. He moved in June after completing his studies in Human Geography at Leeds Beckett University, and says he has felt welcome.
"There is a real friendly atmosphere everywhere in the city," he says. "When I first moved here it was scary, but there is a welcoming feel and that's helped me settle in quickly."
While considerably smaller than the capital, there is still a large variety of work on offer in Manchester. Arthur works for a charity called Red Sea Pedestrians which aims to help children in the North West.
"I'm a Charity Manager in Bury," he says. "I'm currently getting prizes sorted for our Spring Ball in 2016, but I also look after the Red Sea Pedestrians' social media channels and help manage events."
Arthur says Manchester and the North West offers a viable option for the more economically minded graduate.
"It's a very cheap place to live. Personally, I know the debt I accumulated over three years at university doesn't feel like it's getting worse. I feel like I'm saving money on rent, so can put the extra money towards paying off debt."
Arthur has been happy with his decision for other reasons, too.
"Manchester has a great social life and nightlife. I'm really enjoying living and working here," he says. "Minus the rain."
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