08 August 2024
What is a graduate scheme? A graduate scheme is quite simply an entry-level job with structured training. It allows you to explore numerous parts of the organisation you work for and get experience by working on a range of different projects that will help you determine what type of employment role you'd like to pursue full-time. It also offers you hands-on knowledge with how a company operates all together.
It's a great method to try out a variety of job responsibilities and figure out what you'd like to perform in the future and what you'd rather avoid. Graduate schemes typically span between one and two years and are targeted at recent graduates, with many starting shortly after graduation. So, if you're looking into graduate programs for 2024, you may start before the end of the summer.
In many circumstances, when your graduate course concludes, you will be offered a permanent contract, or you may be able to apply the skills you have gained elsewhere.
Our Top Five Schemes
Energy and Utilities Graduate Schemes: Graduate programs in energy and utilities are ideal for students with backgrounds in engineering, environmental science, business, technology, and other related subjects. Opportunities are available in all aspects of the sector, including engineering, trading, operations, project management, and marketing.
Finance Graduate Schemes: Finance graduate programs are designed for persons with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, and other related fields. These programs provide different prospects in investment banking, risk management, financial analysis, and corporate finance.
Healthcare and Management Graduate Schemes: These graduate programs, designed for persons with expertise in healthcare, management, business, and allied fields, provide a wide range of options in healthcare and business operations. Pathways include healthcare administration, strategic management, project management, and healthcare consulting.
IT Graduate Schemes: Software development, network and system administration, cybersecurity, data analytics, and business intelligence are among the specialisations available in UK IT graduate programs.
Retail Graduate Schemes: A good fit for those with degrees in marketing, business administration, management, logistics, or a related subject. Retail management, merchandising, purchasing, supply chain, customer experience, operations, ecommerce, and many other positions are available.
Extra Point: You can find out the best most relevant schemes to you using the Topgrad app to narrow down your best options for your future career!
So, what are the benefits?
Graduate schemes provide a well-structured training program that helps graduates transition smoothly from academic life to the professional world. This often includes a mix of on-the-job training, formal coursework, mentoring, and rotations through different departments.
A graduate scheme can also provide you with several networking chances because you will be working with a possible employer as well as other employees who share similar career goals. This can be useful in career development as additionally many graduate schemes give you a clearer idea of your desired career path.
By participating in a graduate scheme, individuals gain a deep understanding of the company's culture and values, which can help them integrate more effectively into the workplace. Even better, some graduate programs include international placements or projects, which provide valuable global experience and exposure to various markets and cultures.
The process of applying for a graduate scheme
Surprisingly, not many people are aware of the requirements required to obtain a graduate scheme advert. So, we're here to explain them to you.
1) Online Application: This includes sections for personal information, academic history, professional experience, and a series of competency-based questions.
2) Initial Screening: The recruitment team will review your application form, CV, and test results. Some companies may also conduct initial screening via pre-recorded or live video interviews.
3) Assessment Centre: Employers use several exercises, group activities, and interviews to measure diverse abilities such as teamwork, problem solving, and communication. This could involve group activities, presentations, case studies, in-tray exercises, and other psychometric exams.
4) Final Interviews: If you do well in the assessment centre, you may be invited to a final round of interviews with senior management or directors.
Prepare properly by studying the company, learning about the role, and rehearsing common interview questions.
5) Job Offer: If you're successful, you'll get a job offer. This will include information about the plan, the start date, the salary, and any other perks.
Review the offer carefully and answer within the window specified. Compare multiple offers before deciding.
Remember to check when applications are open, this most commonly occurs during September to December so be the first to apply!
Alternatives to Graduate Schemes
Graduate schemes aren’t always for everyone, so don’t feel down if it doesn’t work for you. Freelancing by using platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to find project-based work. This can help you build a portfolio and network.
Starting a business or a start up. This path offers the most control over your career but also comes with significant risks and challenges. Don’t forget to consider incubators and accelerators which are programs that provide funding, mentorship, and resources to new businesses.
Consider traineeships and apprenticeships which are industry-specific training programs that offer practical experience and often lead to permanent roles. By combining work with study to gain practical and theoretical knowledge in a specific trade or profession you can still earn high grade knowledge and certifications for particular roles and career pathways.
Take the first step towards your dream job. Visit Topgrad.co.uk and apply for top student and graduate positions now!
