Graduates
Graduating from university can be both the most exciting, and the most daunting time in your career. With the whole job market in front of you, taking the first steps on the career ladder takes careful consideration and preparation.
Do you apply for a graduate training program and get paid to train in a blue chip company? Do you try to gain more qualifications at university or through outside training? Or do you throw yourself into the workplace, sending out applications and attending careers fairs, looking for that perfect job opportunity?
Whatever your approach, helpful advice and a little guidance can go a long way. Read on to find out more about the options available to recent graduates.
Graduate Training Schemes
- Overview
Graduate training schemes can provide a fast-track for recent graduates to enter a company and be provided with the training and mentoring to kick-start their career. Providing a combination of work experience and professional qualifications, graduate training schemes should be a serious consideration for anyone about to graduate.
- What to expect
Based over one or two years, graduate training schemes develop basic skills, moving towards more specialised experience, with the advantage of being paid to train. Competition for the graduate training schemes is fierce, but with the right advice you can gain the upper hand.
- Choosing a scheme
With tough competition, choosing the right graduate training scheme is important. Researching the company and possible future roles will help you decide if the company's graduate scheme is for you, alongside important background knowledge for interviews and applications.
Application processApplying for a graduate training scheme can be a complicated procedure, filling out application forms, attending interviews and visiting assessment centres. Preparation is key to the application process as your core skills, understanding of the workplace, industry and company will be tested and evaluated.
- Key recruitment dates
Recruitment dates for graduate training schemes will vary by company, but most will open in September. Research the graduate programs you are interested in and make sure you are ready for the application process.
