Need a job? Try a graduate Scheme

Employability Service

Category: Student support services

4 November 2022

Have you thought of applying for a graduate scheme? There are many to choose from and something to suit most students looking for their next step after completing their degree.

What is a Graduate Scheme?

Basically, it is a paid training programme offered by an employer and can last anything from 18 months to three years. Students in their final year can apply and all eligibility requirements will be listed on the individual company websites. Yes, they are competitive in that there will often be many students applying but if you do your research and take time to put in a great application there is a good chance you will be considered. And yes, the selection process can be long (for example, initial video interview, psychometric tests, assessment centre) but if you are well prepared at each stage you may win that final interview. And let’s face it – it’s the same for any job – preparation and enthusiasm will shine through when you are really interested in working for a company. We certainly hear of student success stories!

What to do next

Some programmes are open now and many will close before end of December (but not all) so if you will be ready for to start work full-time next September, start looking for Graduate Schemes of interest – and apply. Choose and consider carefully as each application may take 2-3 hours to complete. Applying to say 5-10 companies may be more focused and stand you out from the crowd than 20 hurried and incomplete applications.

If you would like the Employability Service to look over your application, before you press the Submit button, just email us at [email protected]. So, if you have companies in mind that you would really like to work for, check their website for a Graduate Scheme and then check the close date! Or there are other ways to find out which companies are offering these opportunities including:

  • the Employability Service’s Futures Festival includes a Graduate & Placement Expo on 9 November 2022 with several great companies visiting both Chelmsford and Cambridge campus including Redgate Software, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, IBM and many more. Meeting organisations face to face is a great way to find out more about how Schemes work, so you are prepared when considering graduate jobs. We strongly recommend you do your research ahead of meeting them at the Expo so you can show your knowledge and potentially have questions you would like answers to. You can book your place through Handshake.
Advert for a Graduate Scheme and Placements Expo at Anglia Ruskin University, with photo of a student, event date of 9 November 2022, and web link to arul.ink/graduate-expo

Still not sure?

If you want to know more about how to get paid while you train and the opportunities Graduate Schemes have to offer, speak to an Employability & Careers Adviser by emailing [email protected] or visiting Drop-In at your campus:

  • Monday–Friday, 11am–2pm Queen’s Ground Floor, Chelmsford; LAB Open Access Area, Cambridge
  • Monday–Friday 12pm–2pm, Student & Library Services, Peterborough

Good luck with your applications and interviews!

By Kim Holbrook, Employability & Careers Adviser




Our Employability Service works with students throughout their time at ARU and after they graduate. The Service offers careers advice, online resources, and help with job searches, applications and interview preparation. Our Employability & Careers Advisers may mention some of these resources and services in their blogs, to give you an idea of the careers support that's on offer at ARU. Some of these resources sit behind a log in and can only be accessed by current students.

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Anglia Ruskin University. If you've got any concerns please contact us.