Graduate Jobs
For anyone studying at university, graduate jobs are an excellent way to turn your education into an income. The step from university to working life can be a big one, and graduate jobs can help you bridge that gap.
Many large companies offer graduate job schemes - it makes sense for a company, providing them with a steady source of high quality applicants early in their working life, giving them the chance to train them with the key skills they need to become valuable employees in the long term.
The details will vary from one employer to another, but most graduate job programs combine training in key skills with valuable on-the-job experience. Many also offer rotational placement schemes so that new recruits get to experience different areas of the company.
These schemes are always popular with graduating students, with the best ones attracting thousands of applications - that means you need to start the process early so that you can be sure not to miss any deadlines.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to these schemes. Advantages include:
- A supporting environment at the start of your career
- Lots of training and development
- The opportunity to study for a professional qualification, usually funded by your employer
- The chance to work in different departments within the company, giving you a variety of experience and skills
However, be aware that there are also potential disadvantages:
- You may be treated as a trainee during your first year or so, with no real responsibility
- Working in different departments might find you in areas you have no interest in
- A structured programme such as this won't suit everyone