Graduates have been urged to remain flexible on job location and sectors to work in by Sonja Stockton, head of recruitment at professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Stockton, who is recruiting 1,000 graduates this year for 41 PWC offices nationwide,  advises that great careers can start anywhere in any sector, in any location, particularly in tough economic times.

“We are still seeing graduates who think London is the only place to start your career; but your career can start anywhere so long as you are picking up the right skills that contribute to your career in the long term.

“The graduates who will come out of the recession strongest are those that know what skills they can offer to an employer in the downturn, and what they want in the long term.

“Look at different locations, different organisations and different opportunities beyond your first choices, because if you understand your goals, it will all contribute to building a great career.

“Starting out in the regions, whether it’s the West Midlands, North East, Greater London or the South East means you can have a great start to your career and a strong platform for growth. Think beyond London.”