Daire Lydon explores what the job market may look like for graduates.
Are Graduates Still Finding Jobs?
The short answer is yes, but not without challenges. National graduate outcome data shows that roughly four in five Irish graduates are employed within nine months of finishing college. Graduate unemployment remains relatively low compared to the wider youth population, sitting at around six to seven per cent.
UCD’s graduate outcomes closely mirror the national picture, with most students progressing into employment or further study shortly after graduation. This reflects UCD’s strong links with large employers, particularly in Dublin.
However, employment rates alone do not tell the full story. Many graduate roles now attract hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applicants. Students without internships, part-time experience or relevant skills increasingly find themselves struggling to compete.
What About Salaries?
Graduate salary expectations remain high. Surveys of final-year students show many expect starting pay of around €40,000. In reality, most graduates begin slightly below this figure. For the Class of 2026, typical entry-level salaries range from the low to mid €30,000s, depending on sector and location. Law, consulting and financial services continue to offer some of the highest starting salaries, often approaching €40,000. Technology roles usually start slightly lower, averaging just above €30,000.
Graduates entering arts, media, hospitality and creative industries remain among the lowest paid, with many earning closer to €25,000 in their first year. Postgraduate qualifications can significantly improve earnings, with over 60 per cent of taught master’s graduates earning above €40,000 within their first year of employment.
Which Sectors Are Hiring?
Demand remains strongest in STEM-related fields. Technology, engineering, healthcare, life sciences and finance continue to dominate graduate recruitment. Major multinational employers such as Google, Microsoft, Pfizer and Deloitte regularly recruit directly from UCD through careers fairs and graduate programmes.
Healthcare has become one of the fastest-growing graduate employers, driven by staff shortages across the public health system. Construction, engineering and sustainability-related roles have also expanded as Ireland invests in housing and climate infrastructure.
The tech sector, while still hiring, has become more cautious. Mass recruitment has slowed since earlier in the decade, with companies now prioritising specialised skills such as data analytics, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. For UCD computer science students, this has meant fewer general entry-level roles but stronger demand for niche expertise.
Why Internships Matter More Than Ever
Internships are no longer optional extras. Over 60 per cent of Irish graduates now complete at least one internship before finishing college. At UCD, this figure is even higher in professional courses such as commerce, engineering and computer science.
Employers increasingly use internships as extended job interviews, often offering full-time contracts to former interns. Students without any work experience face a significant disadvantage when applying for graduate roles.
Graduate programmes remain popular but highly competitive. Large employers in finance, tech, consulting and the public sector continue to run structured schemes offering training, rotations and salaries in the €30,000 to €40,000 range.
Are More Students Staying in Education?
Yes. Further study continues to attract a significant portion of graduates. Around one in six undergraduate students now progress directly into postgraduate education. Popular pathways include master’s degrees in business analytics, law, public policy and STEM disciplines. For some students, further study is about improving employability. For others, it is a response to competitive job markets or a way to specialise in high-demand areas.
Where Are Graduates Working?
Most UCD graduates remain in Ireland. Over 90 per cent of employed graduates work domestically, with Dublin dominating as the main employment hub. More than 40 per cent of graduates take jobs in the capital, followed by Cork and Galway. A smaller number of graduates work abroad, often attracted by higher salaries and international experience. Remote and hybrid working has also allowed some graduates to live outside major cities while working for Dublin-based employers.
What This Means for the Class of 2026
The job market facing UCD’s Class of 2026 is not collapsing, but it is no longer effortless either. Employment remains strong, but competition has intensified. For students preparing to graduate, the message is clear. Applying early, building work experience, and developing in-demand skills now matters more than ever. While the transition from Belfield to the workplace may feel uncertain, opportunities still exist for those who plan ahead. Graduation may mark the end of college life, but for many UCD students, it is only the beginning of a far more competitive journey.