IN LEAP YEARS the female of the species is quite entitled to make marital over to the male. In turn, he is quite entitled to laugh uproariously, remind her that he hasn't started living yet and point out that if he wants to tie himself down for the rest of his life he can just wander out, shoot someone and wait for the police to arrive.

By contrast, the proposal for which most of this leap year's graduates are hoping will take the form of a letter or phone call beginning "We are pleased to inform you" and ending with a five figure number. January is usually the last month in which initial applications are accepted by big firms, so a visit to the careers office is probably in order if you're still aiming for that magic offer. Also available from most careers offices is the useful Directory of Opportunities jar Graduates in Ireland 1996, produced by FAS and the Association of Graduate Careers Services in Ireland.

Careers in journalism continue to be strangely popular, despite stress, penury and unattainable deadlines, all of which combine to make it seem remarkably similar to college without the laughs. For those not to be swayed by such considerations, the Financial Times Group, No 1, Southwork Bridge, London SE1 9HL has a number of three month placements on offer for graduates in the main FT group itself, the FT electronic publishing section and FT information systems, and its financial news wire service. A CV or standard form, with a cover letter, should be sent to Rashila Nama, training executive, at the above address before January 31st.

The FT is also recruiting a graduate for newspaper journalism. In this case, the application should be accompanied by an 800 word article. Applications should be sent to Martin Nielsen, assistant managing editor, by January 31st.

Closer to home, Lever Ireland, Belgard Industrial Estate, Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, is seeking management trainees for its marketing department. Applicants should have a year's experience or postgrad qualification. Applications should go to Denis Leahy at the above address.

Finally, Hewlett Packard (Manufacturing) Ltd., Blanchardstown Industrial Park, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 will recruit 1996 graduates with degrees in mechanical, production or industrial engineering.