Graduates with job skills preferred - graduate jobs

Graduates in financial and other disciplines are being urged to boost their practical skills to improve their employability.

HSBC has stressed that practical skills hugely compliment graduates' academic achievements, giving them the edge.

Academic qualifications are "the ticket to the game", but the successful graduate also needs to have some practical skills, confidence in their trade and knowledge of organisational values, said an HSBC spokesman.

"From a graduate perspective, it's about employability," said the bank.

Seeking an internship or getting some other form of work experience during your time at college or university is increasingly vital in today's job market.

HSBC is one of the UK's biggest employers and frequently advertises graduate jobs.