A recent study by InvestinGoal has identified Armagh in Northern Ireland as a leading county for new finance graduates.
This analysis, based on nearly 9,000 finance sector job listings, offers fresh insights into the best regions in the UK for those embarking on a finance career.
Armagh, ranking seventh with a score of 71.46 out of 100, stands out as the only county from Northern Ireland in the top ten, boasting an impressive 67 job listings per 100,000 people.
Topping the list is Greater London, scoring 85.27 out of 100. The capital not only offers the highest median wage for new finance graduates at £46,500, significantly above the national average, but also has the greatest number of job listings. Aberdeenshire in Scotland takes the second spot with an 80.31 score, offering a median wage of £42,000, more than 30% above the national average.
Stirling, another Scottish county, ranks third with a score of 73.01, followed by Berkshire in England at fourth with 72.23. Lothian in Scotland, with a score of 71.76, takes the fifth place. Other top ten contenders include Bristol, Dorset, Lanarkshire, and Wiltshire.
Interestingly, the study reveals a near balance between England and Scotland in terms of representation within the top ten, with England claiming five spots, Scotland four, and Northern Ireland featuring with Armagh.
The analysis also sheds light on the broader landscape for finance graduates across the UK. The median wage for a new finance graduate is £31,956, with the average number of job listings per county standing at 11 per 100,000 people. However, Worcestershire emerges as the least favourable area for finance graduates, scoring just 39.44 out of 100.
A spokesperson for InvestinGoal said: “The study highlights diverse prospects for finance graduates across various counties in the UK. It uncovers distinctive patterns and dynamics, providing valuable insights into the varied economic landscapes and professional environments present in different areas.
“The findings serve as a comprehensive guide for recent finance graduates, offering a broad understanding of the opportunities and nuances prevalent within the financial sector across the country.”