All you need to know about graduate schemes whether you're a first- or final-year student

By Michelle Hamlet , Student Professional Development Consultant (Careers Advisor)

If you’ve been thinking about your next steps after university, you’ll probably have heard about graduate schemes.

Often seen as the preferred option for many graduates, we’ll address some of the common questions surrounding these opportunities to help you make a more informed decision about your next steps.

“What’s a graduate scheme?”

A graduate scheme is a structured, work-based training programme that you can apply to if you have a degree. They usually last between one and two years but can be longer. Typically, a graduate scheme involves spending time in a specific role or shorter time periods on different placements within an organisation.

Although graduate schemes can be a valuable opportunity to quickly develop broad knowledge and skills, with many successful placements leading to a permanent position, they’re extremely competitive, so it pays to be prepared in advance.

Prospects offers additional insight on how best to prepare.

“Am I eligible for a graduate scheme and will I find one in my sector?”

Graduate schemes are available across an increasingly wide range of roles and industries, and while some require you have a degree in a specific subject, plenty are open to all degree holders.

Many will stipulate a degree grade of 2:1 or higher, but a smaller number do accept applicants with a 2:2. Most will accept applications from those who graduated in the last one to two years, and some will accept applications from those who graduated less recently, so it’s important to read the eligibility criteria carefully.

“How can I find suitable graduate schemes and when should I start looking?”

Typically, applications will open in the summer before your final year, with most closing any time between September and December that year and some recruiting until later in the year. However, some recruit on an ongoing basis until places are filled, so it’s a good idea to start applying as early as possible!

Strategies for finding graduate schemes

• Research companies of interest by visiting their website and by following them on social media (eg Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X).??
• Attend employer events and careers fairs to discover new companies.?
• Explore any sector websites, newsletters, professional bodies and learned societies related to your field, including any careers information, vacancy boards or opportunities to attend in person or virtual events.
• Use Prospects to find sector-specific vacancy sites, advertised graduate schemes and more with their “What can I do with my degree?” page and job profiles . Milkround , TargetJobs and Gradcracker are other useful places to start.??
• Sign up for alerts on job boards and vacancy sites to find out when new opportunities are posted.
• Reach out to your immediate network, LinkedIn contacts and those in your wider network, including UofG Alumni . This is one way to find out about opportunities as soon as they’re available and can be a great source of insider information on the company.

“How do I make my graduate scheme application stand out?”

Graduate schemes can be extremely competitive, so it’s important to make sure your application stands out. Here’s how:

1. Before applying, pursue relevant experience to give your CV a boost. This can be work placements or internships but also virtual work experience, part-time work, volunteering, extra-curricular activities, hobbies, additional training and more. Our Student Opportunities Hub hosts a broad range of part-time jobs and internships, both on and off campus.

1. Tailor your application carefully to the scheme description and eligibility requirements; Evidence any key knowledge, skills or experience required in your application and demonstrate your understanding of the company, including their values, how they work and what they do.

1. Attend a Masterclass or get application advice from someone on our team for help fine tuning your application strategy and tips on CVs, cover letters, interviews and assessment centres.

1. Understand the recruitment process and practise any relevant selection tests or application methods. As a UofG student or graduate, you have access to Graduates First , a platform with free practice tests, interview tools, employer recruitment guides and informative videos and articles.

Graduate schemes vs direct entry roles

You might be surprised to know that graduate schemes make up a very small proportion of all graduate employment opportunities. Most graduates go on to secure graduate employment in other ways , such as by direct entry to a company.

Direct entry is one way to explore opportunities with small- and medium-sized businesses that don’t typically offer graduates schemes. Moreover, some graduates prefer the working environment of a smaller team or the opportunity to take on more responsibility earlier on. You can read more about what it’s like working for SMEs (ie small- and medium-sized enterprises) on Prospects .

Need more opportunity to explore your next steps? Come along to our upcoming Masterclasses on getting started with your career thinking or graduate job searching.

Other resources

Careers & Internship Marketplace : Connect with loads of employers on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 to learn about their career opportunities, including graduate schemes, direct entry roles, internships and more

Student Opportunities Hub : Visit the Hub to find part-time jobs and internships that are on and off-campus

Peer Career Support Team : Learn how our team of 18 student Peer Career Supporters can help you and where to find them

Our "Support for international students and graduates" webpage : Check our resources on work visas and immigration routes as well as specific advice for your situation

“What can I do with my degree?” from Prospects : Explore the wide range of career opportunities are available to you