Now university has wrapped up for the year, many will be out in the real world for the first time. A great way to bridge the gap between education and a career are graduate schemes. We tell you all you need to know, as well as how to find the perfect one for you in the UK.
The journey from education to finding your dream job is a tricky one. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t happen straight away, as it rarely does. However, a step in the right direction can be a graduate job scheme.
Earning some money whilst getting experience and learning on the job; it can be a win-win situation if you find one that works for you.
What Is A Graduate Scheme?
Run by an employer, a graduate scheme is an entry-level position you can apply for if you have a degree.
Lasting up to four years, you’ll get a wide range of training in all aspects of the job and possibly a gateway into a higher position at the end.
Typically, graduates will need 2:1 to secure a place, but some employers do open them up to those who got a 2:2 as well. Many only recruit those who have graduated in the last year, but that’s not the case all the time. Check with the specific requirements for the graduate scheme you’re interested in.
Securing a place will usually require multiple interviews after completing an application form, tasks and other tests. It works very similarly to a job interview, but often with even more competition.
You will be paid and receive employee benefits, so it’s very similar to a regular job. However, once the scheme is over there is no guarantee of a job.
How To Make The Best Application For A Scheme
Competition will be high and you’ll want to make your application as irresistible as possible. There are a few ways to do that, so here are our handy tips.
- Research the company thoroughly: This shouldn’t just be basic facts, but extensive knowledge of what they do and have achieved. Go through their website and articles about them so you’re prepared to answer any questions they pose to you about the company.
- Get your application checked over: This shouldn’t just be by friends and family, though still important, but utilise your careers advisor at university as well. They may have experience with that specific company or sector to give you some helpful feedback.
- Read up on previous successful applicants: You can do this through LinkedIn or GlassDoor and it will give you some valued insight into what’s required. Connect with them if you can, but also just seeing what made them successful will be a great help.
- Experience: No doubt you’ll know that to get experience you need experience, which isn’t very helpful to students. However, even if you do an internship or free work experience then that will make you stand out against the rest.
How To Find The Best Graduate Scheme For You In the UK
Finding ones that best suit what you want to do can be the tricky part. However, knowing where to look and who to ask is the best way to start.
First of all, start with your university. Speak to your careers adviser who might know companies looking and get you an application. If you go through student services or the website, you’ll probably find that a page exists with links to graduate schemes in the UK with current openings. Normally, you can filter these by the field you’re looking to get into and location.
You should look for graduate fairs in your area. Here, employers offering schemes will be advertising themselves. It’s a great opportunity to see what’s out there and to ask some important questions face-to-face.
If you have specific companies you’re interested in, then follow them on social media, especially LinkedIn. They may post any graduate schemes here first, plus you’ll be keeping up to date with your potential employer. Plus, you can always reach out and enquire about what they offer. This will show your passion, intuition and enthusiasm, so you’ll have nothing to lose.
Lots of other sites such as The Guardian have a list of graduate jobs and schemes on offer in the UK. Keep pages like this bookmarked and regularly check them so you don’t miss out.