Data Analyst Graduate Scheme

At Jisc, we're proud to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every voice isvalued. Our September 2026 Graduate programme offers exciting opportunities to grow andthrive in the digital sector, with hands-on experience across various specialisms, three uniquebusiness placements, and rotations within your chosen track to explore different aspects of ourorganisation.

We live by our guiding principles and welcome applicants who share our values and are drivenby our mission to improve lives through digital transformation.

• Customer First - Take ownership, communicate effectively, and focus on qualitysolutions that deliver on our promises.
• Never Stand Still - Look ahead, welcome new ideas, and drive continuousimprovement.
• Make an Impact - Be confident, stay curious, and deliver meaningful, sustainable valuefor our customers.
• Always Inclusive - Collaborate openly, embrace diversity, and create space for everyvoice to be heard.

Your future team:

You'll be joining the Official Statistics team which is part of the Data Insights & Solutions department. Here, we turn complex data into powerful stories about UK higher education. We will give you the opportunity to work and gain valuable experience within the team who are responsible for the preparation and release of Jisc's statutory data products about UK higher education. These include official statistics releases and open data on topics such as the number and characteristics of HE students and qualifiers, the outcomes of graduates, the HE staff workforce, interactions between HE providers and businesses, and the finances and carbon emissions of the HE sector. These data products are released by Jisc under the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) brand and help to shape policy, inform the public, and support a stronger, smarter HE sector.

Find out more information about who HESA are here: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/about

A Day in the life of a Data Analyst Graduate:

During your placement, you'll rotate through three key areas of work that keep our team and department running smoothly. Each day brings fresh challenges and learning opportunities, whether you're contributing to our upcoming Data Publication Modernisation programme or supporting essential business-as-usual tasks. You'll be guided every step of the way by dedicated line managers and technical mentors who'll help you build confidence, sharpen your skills, and make a real impact.

What You'll Get Stuck into

Across your rotations, you'll dive into three exciting streams of work that blend innovation with impact:

• Crafting official statistics publications - Help shape the data releases that inform national conversations on higher education.
• Automating statistical pipelines - Streamline how data flows, making our processes smarter, faster, and more reliable.
• Designing dashboards and visualisations - Turn complex datasets into clear, compelling visuals that tell powerful stories.

You'll have flexibility across workstreams, spending around eight months in each to explore different facets of our data insight's function. You'll have the chance to contribute ideas, collaborate across data functions, and build skills in data manipulation, automation, and dashboard development. It's an exciting time to join us as we modernise our data insights offering., * Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed against the criteria outlined for the role.

• You will receive an email confirming whether you've been shortlisted or not selected to progress further.
• If shortlisted, a member of the Jisc Talent Acquisition team will contact you to arrange an initial conversation.
• Following this, you will be invited to submit a short video response to a selection of scenario-based questions, giving us an opportunity to learn more about you.
• Candidates who progress will be invited to an online interview with the hiring team.
• We aim to complete all interviews by the end of April 2026 and will contact you afterwards regarding any offers of employment.

If you have an inquisitive mind and a can-do attitude, our graduate scheme is your gateway to a thriving digital career. It's designed for anyone wanting to pursue a path forward in the digital world, offering hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and the chance to build future-ready skills in a fast-paced, innovative environment., * Strong analytical skills by extracting, manipulating, analysing, and quality-assuring data using advanced query languages or data tools.

• Excellent organising and planning skills by managing time and workload effectively, even under high volumes and tight deadlines.
• Ability to build positive working relationships within your immediate team to deliver key outcomes, demonstrating strong collaboration skills.
• Demonstrates continuing professional development through curiosity, eagerness to learn, and a genuine interest in discovering new information.
• Applies a strong level of analytical and critical thinking to solve problems with precision and insight, reflecting excellence in analytical thinking, problem-solving & accuracy.
• An interest in tertiary education would be preferable but is not essential.

Entry requirements

• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the entire duration of the scheme.
• Not in full-time education (you can of course be in education when you apply but must have completed your studies by the time the graduate scheme starts).
• You should have already graduated, or be on track to graduate this year, with a minimum 2:1 in a relevant discipline. (A master's degree is also accepted)
• Please ensure these are visible on your CV, or you may risk your application being declined.

Sponsorship

Please note that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. This decision is based on current Home Office eligibility criteria, which require specific conditions to be met in terms of job type, salary level, and other factors. As such, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Discover the amazing benefits we provide. Here's what you can look forward to:

• Hands-On Experience - Work on real projects.
• Mentorship and Support - One-on-one support from experienced professionals.
• Career Growth - Opportunities for advancement.
• Community - Join networks like Youth Network, LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity, Women's Network, and more.
• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) that includes three closure days over Christmas
• Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments
• Buy up to an additional 5 days leave during the flexible benefits window
• Generous flexible pension schemes
• A range of wellbeing lifestyle benefits including company paid health care cash plan, mental health first aiders and support
• Allocated allowance of up to £250 to equip your home office
• Financial well-being support including access to preferential loan and savings plans, mortgage advice, will writing tools and support and resources to help you make the most of your money
• A wide range of discounts and cashback from retailers and big-name high-street stores
• Support your volunteering with up to 3 days volunteer leave
• Claim back the cost of a Young Person's Railcard each year, saving 1/3 on rail travel