How to find the right company to start your career
When you’re coming to the end of your studies , there’s a lot of pressure to make the “right” decision about what comes next. But how do you know if a company is the right fit when job adverts all start to blur into one?
Whether you’re applying for actuarial graduate schemes or figuring out your direction, here are 5 things to look out for when choosing where to start your career.
1. Values and behaviours that match yours
Almost all companies say they care about things like collaboration, inclusion or innovation but the real test is how those behaviours show up day to day.
Look at LinkedIn posts, employee blogs and Glassdoor reviews to get a sense of the culture behind the words. Are people proud to work there? Do they support each other? Would you feel comfortable asking questions and learning from your mistakes?
2. Support for graduates
A strong graduate programme should offer more than a job; it should give you structure, support and development.
Find out if the company offers:
- Professional qualifications
- Study support
- Mentoring or buddy schemes
- Clear progression pathways
- Networking opportunities
- Meaningful work from day one
At Just, our graduates combine technical training with soft skills development, and exposure to senior colleagues across the business.
3. Hybrid working
The world of work is changing and so are expectations. If hybrid or flexible working is important to you, it’s worth checking how a company approaches this.
Some graduate roles offer hybrid working and flexible start times, whilst others will have more structured routines. But don’t underestimate the value of being in the office, especially early in your career. In-person collaboration can be key to development, help you build relationships and give you access to spontaneous mentoring moments that are harder to replicate remotely. Being surrounded by experienced colleagues can spark ideas and help you feel part of something bigger.
4. A sense of purpose
It can be easy to assume that in sectors like finance, insurance or investment that it’s all about the numbers. But the best companies show you why those numbers matter.
Just is a financial services company with a clear purpose to help people achieve a better later life. That means our work has real-world impact, particularly as we support people approaching or in retirement. Knowing that your work is making a difference can be a huge motivator.
5. Growth opportunities
You don’t need to have your 10-year plan figured out but a good employer will help you explore different areas and discover your strengths.
The best graduate schemes will include rotations, the chance to work on cross-team projects, shadow senior leaders and get involved in internal initiatives.
By asking the right questions and paying attention to how companies make you feel, you’ll be able to find a graduate role that’s not just a good fit on paper but a brilliant start to your future career.
Interested in financial services or actuarial careers? Our 2026 graduate scheme opens soon. Keep an eye on our graduate page for more details and to apply.