Many top companies across all industries offer graduate schemes. Discover the benefits of joining one of these training programmes and hear some valuable tips for tackling the application process.

About our contributors:

Thank you Monica, Jill, Ross, Rebecca, Michael, Chris, Mark
 
Monica joined Unilever’s graduate scheme in their international research department. She had such a wonderful varied experience, that she stayed there for 11 years! She says it gave her a solid grounding for setting up her own consultancy. She is now a Business Adviser for brands and retail.
 
Jill began her career on the Proctor & Gamble fast track programme in sales. She says the training was invaluable for her career. Jill is a Sales and Marketing Director and self-confessed travel addict, who has worked in travel, tourism and the charity sector in domestic and international environments.
 
Ross deferred his place on the Ernst & Young graduate scheme to take a year out travelling before joining as a graduate research associate. His EY experience taught him many useful skills and he eventually co-founded an award-winning app and mobile development company. He is now a Strategic Adviser to several businesses.
 
Rebecca started her career on the Tesco food buying training programme and is now a Food Product Developer at the Co-op.
 
Michael joined Willis Towers Watson on their graduate scheme and after several years working in insurance, he studied for an MBA. He is now an Innovation Consultant for the insurance industry.
 
Chris is an experienced HR professional and headhunter who has worked with multinationals to small start-ups and now runs his own consultancy business.
 
Mark is an experienced career coach, who set up Career Thinking, to support people looking to begin or change their career.
 
 

Find out more about graduate schemes

Graduate training programmes can provide a fantastic kickstart to your career, but there is generally fierce competition for places. Find out how to tackle the various stages of the selection process to give yourself the best possible chance:
 

Graduate Schemes
Need-to-know info about the selection process plus top tips to boost your chances of success

Grad Bites: Psychometric Tests & Personality Questionnaires
What are psychometric tests & personality questionnaires, plus tips on how to tackle them

Interviews
Interview tips – preparation, making a good first impression, how to handle awkward questions

Grad Bites: Assessment Centres
What employers are looking for at assessment centres, & how to give it your best

Grad Bites: Presentations
Assessment days often involve delivering presentations, so here’s how to polish up your presentation skills