Graduate Scheme and Training Programmes.

So, you've done you research, found the career for you and now it's time to apply for that dream graduate scheme! Before you kick things off though it's worth noting that there two distinct paths you can take.

In every industry you'll have the big players with a formal graduate scheme. Then there are the smaller companies, often called SME's, who recruit graduates but don't have such a structured graduate scheme or application process. It's worth deciding which is right for you as both offer great prospects but you'll need to approach your applications a bit differently.

A formal graduate scheme is obviously more structured. You'll typical be one of a number of graduates recruited and will be put through a phased training programme to equip you with the skills you need. As a result it offers a good base level of experience and many graduate schemes have a cache which will boost your CV. The application process reflects the formality associated with a graduate scheme. It will be structured and several key criteria and competencies will be central to the process. The key to making it onto the graduate scheme is to find out what these are and to make sure you have a lot of examples to demonstrate experience that matches them.

The benefits of joining a SME are that you're likely to be one of a very small handful of graduates recruited. This means you have a much greater opportunity to make an impact on the business because you won't have to follow a pre-defined graduate scheme or training programme. The application process for SME's is much less formal than that of a graduate scheme and tends to be based less on core competencies and more on personality fit, enthusiasm and energy. Many SME's don't advertise their vacancies and so graduates with natural drive and the enthusiasm that is so attractive to SME's can get themselves through the door by approaching them directly. Social media sites like LinkedIn can be particularly useful with this.

A formal graduate scheme or the flexibility of working for a SME? Whichever you go for, we have all the tools to help you on your way. Take a look at our graduate scheme and job listings to get started.

.