All about Graduate Programmes and where to apply for them

Graduate Programmes are a set of academic activities and schedules aimed at university and college graduates. Graduate training programmes are not a replacement for higher education, but rather, an opportunity to enhance the skills individuals have already obtained. Graduate programmes are open to many individuals, with some programmes allowing those who are not recent graduates (but rather, degree holders) to apply.

What is a graduate programme?

A graduate programme/ graduate scheme is an entry-level job opportunity that allows individuals to kickstart their career without the need of prior working experience.

The duration of graduate programmes range between one and two years and is targeted at aiding the individuals in establishing a pathway to a successful career.

Graduate programmes consist of specialist guidance and a study-focused training programme targeting the individual’s chosen career avenue.

Often, when completing the two-year placement graduate programme, the individual will transition into a permanent role within the company (however this is not always the case.) Therefore, if you are looking for a company that will employ you once you complete their graduate programme, you are encouraged to do research and check with the employer before applying.

Read the rest of our Career Guidance Articles and Tips here

Why to join a graduate programme?

By engaging in a graduate programme individuals are given the opportunity to gain first-hand experience, engage in professional responsibilities, work in functioning internal teams, and learn from industry professionals in real-life situations. This further helps the graduate by allowing them to enhance their industry knowledge and skill set, whilst engaging in their chosen career.

Graduate programmes offer many benefits for both the graduate and the employer. It benefits the graduate by allowing them to complete expert training whilst receiving a competitive salary, working in various business departments of their chosen field, and the opportunity to hone in on specific areas of interest. It benefits the employer by allowing them to gain a new team member who is passionate about the industry and can bring new value to the company.

The salary a graduate will earn will be based on a number of factors, such as the company that they work for, their chosen industry, and where the company is located.

What types of companies offer graduate programmes?

Whilst there are a number of sectors that offer graduate programmes (such as marketing, finance, retail, and technology), graduate programmes are typically found in larger international companies. This is due to these larger corporations having the resources, expertise, and experience to offer excellent industry training, coupled with their willingness to scout talented graduates for their business.

Sectors that offer graduate programmes:

Technology: The technology sector is one of the fastest growing industries to date, with both start-up businesses and industry leaders offering graduate programmes.
Law: Graduate programmes within the law sector are extremely popular as it allows individuals to test various legal areas, provide assistance in pro-bono, and gain professional experience.
Finance: Professionals within the finance sector are in high demand, as such, many banks offer graduate programmes to scout recent finance students.
Healthcare: The Healthcare sector offers a number of graduate programmes to individuals, allowing them to establish a foundation for a career within both the private or public sector.
Human Resources (HR): Many large corporations are in need of professional personnel within their HR department. As such, there are a number of industry giants searching for graduates to join their team. In turn, the graduate will not only receive professional training, but also a competitive salary.
Marketing: Marketing graduate programmes will allow individuals the opportunity to insert themselves into some of the leading media companies across the globe.
Retail: Whilst acquiring a job at a supermarket or clothing store may not require a university degree, many large retailers still offer a number of graduate programmes. Through this, graduates get the opportunity to start in more senior roles such as finance management, merchandising, and logistics.
Transport: There are numerous transport companies (road, airway, and rail) that offer graduate programmes. In the transport sector, graduates have the unique opportunity to engage in commercial, IT and finance roles with training.
Property: Within this sector, individuals will have the opportunity to engage in graduate programmes with estate agents and gain first-hand experience in avenues such as letting and selling properties. Some companies that are known to offer property graduate programmes are Foxtons, Savills and Stags.

How to apply for a graduate programme?

There are various ways to apply for a graduate programme. In most cases, the individual would need to apply via an online application, and submit their CV and cover letter. Once they have made it through the application phase, they will then need to engage in a series of interviews and aptitude tests- this will reassure the employer that the individual has the necessary skills and mindset to complete the job.

Where to find graduate programmes

** TIPS & ARTICLES **
Read our top tips on submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success.
Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here.
Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here.
Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa.
Read about the Public vs Private Higher Education Institutions and which to choose.
Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.

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