Graduates put more importance on training and development than starting salary, according to research from graduate careers publisher GTI.

However, the exception was in finance and law, where students were much more influenced by the reputation of the employer.

The survey found that the banking and investment were the post popular sectors of work with students; while construction and retail sectors were the least popular.

Engineering, design, manufacturing and IT sectors proved popular with male graduates, the report found. Female graduates showed more interest in law.

It found accountancy, professional services and IT sectors are the most popular amongst graduates with an ethnic minority background.