Career Zone
Career ZoneCareer Research and PlanningSupporting Equality and DiversityLow Socioeconomic Background

Low Socioeconomic Background

Many employers are seeking to diversify their work force and are actively seeking to recruit candidates from low socioeconomic backgrounds. There are a number of internship and graduate opportunities to help students gain experience and access to a variety of sectors.

Help & Advice

  • 93% Club - Network of state educated university students and looks to support students getting into work as well as providing clubs/societies through Universities.
  • Aspiring Solicitors - aims to increase diversity in the legal profession through providing assistance to students from underrepresented groups.
  • Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) - SEO's Career Programme partners with 50+ firms across eight leading industries to prepare students from low socioeconomic or ethnic minority backgrounds for career success.
  • upReach - a comprehensive professional development programme for students from less advantaged backgrounds. Associates of the programme gain access to workshops, video forums and 1-1 support from a designated Programme Coordinator. The programme is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. upReach also provides exclusive opportunities for professional exposure including insight days, work experience and internships.

Jobs & Opportunities

  • Applications for internships and graduate applications open on 8th December for the Civil Service Fast Stream. Find out about the Fast Stream and the Civil Service by joining the Summer Diversity Internship Programme (SDIP). The SDIP is a great way to prepare for a place on one of our Fast Stream graduate programmes, which could lead to many different career paths at the heart of the UK Government. Our award-winning Fast Stream programme develops talented, high-potential people to become future Civil Service leaders. Offering access to roles in just about every government department, the Fast Stream opens up a huge range of opportunities for you to explore. And because we look at your talent, not your background, age or degree subject, there’s nothing to stand in your way. For more information and to apply visit the Civil Service Fast Stream webpages.
  • British Council Generation UK - Two month internships in China for students who would not normally have the means to do so.
  • Civil Service Early Diversity Internship - a one week, paid placement. Students are placed in a government department with a mentor.
  • Civil Service Summer Diversity Internship - a 6-9 week paid placement which gives people from diverse socioeconomic or ethnic backgrounds the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like.
  • Creative Access - aims to support students with a lower socioeconomic status in securing jobs and paid training opportunities in creative companies.
  • Discuss Law - training programme sponsored by five top City firms for first and second year students from lower socioeconomic status groups. Programme includes mentorship from expert coaches and sessions hosted by participating firms.
  • Government Communication Service (GCS) - 6-12 week paid internship opportunities to work with media and campaigns, strategic engagement and internal communications.
  • Inclusive Graduates - match students from low socioeconomic backgrounds with top employers.
  • Pegasus Access and Support Scheme (PASS) - a leading programme designed to support aspiring baristers from underrepresented backgrounds with the experiences they need to be able to thrive at the Bar.
  • Penguin Random House - two weeks paid work experience opportunities, internships and paid Editorial Traineeships for 6 months for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds and BAME students.
  • Scott Trust Bursaries - The Guardian Foundation offers a number of bursaries for students aspiring to study a MA in Journalism. Applications from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 
  • The Scheme - eight paid six month traineeship schemes available with a variety of publishing houses at Penguin Random House.
  • The Sutton Trust - Pathway programmes that give students practical advice.
  • Worthwhile - graduate schemes with innovative small charities and enterprises.