Ah Autumn, the start of graduate scheme application season. In my third year at university, I decided I was going to apply for graduate schemes to feel better about ‘what was next’ after university. This was essentially like adding another module to my final university year. So to help those that have decided to do the same – and remember it’s not the route for everyone – over the next few weeks I will be sharing some resources for applying to graduate schemes. This first post starts with outlining some of the graduate schemes for 2021 that are hiring now. You can find a full list at the bottom but I’ve chosen a few to give a summary of too.
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Newton Europe
Newton is a “UK-based specialist in operational improvement, fuelled by a fundamental belief that even the best organisations can be better”.
There are currently two graduate roles open with Newton Europe; an Operations Consultant and a Digital Consultant. These roles will throw you into the deep end of consulting, working alongside organisations to design and implement solutions that make their operations more efficient by analysing large data sets and providing insight into the challenges that they could overcome.
The application process for both of these schemes are: apply online with an initial application form which then leads to online numerical reasoning and data interpretation tests; a video or telephone interview; a selection day which includes a range of exercises; meeting the team; and then final interviews.
Both roles at Newton offer brilliant benefits as well as the chance to have a real impact with your day to day work. The graduate scheme programmes ensure you have a clear development path and are provided with in-depth learning and training opportunities. To find out more about the company in general head to their website or Instagram and apply now.
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Civil Service Fast Stream
The Civil Service “supports the government of the day to implement its policies”. As a civil servant, you will be offered “the unique opportunity to contribute to challenging, fast-paced work that makes a difference to the whole of society”.
The Civil Service Fast Stream opens every year and welcomes new graduates to their 15 different schemes. Each of the 15 graduate schemes for 2021 offer a comprehensive learning plan and career path within a government profession. You can find a full list of the schemes here.
When applying, you can choose up to four to be considered for and the schemes are between two and four years in length.
The application process to all of the schemes is as follows: online tests; work-based scenarios; video interview; submitting additional information; an assessment centre; and a final selection board.
If successful, most schemes will start in September or October 2021. Find out more on the Civil Service Fast Stream website.
Finance and Accounting Graduate Schemes
Each year, a range of banks open their graduate schemes to a variety of analyst roles. These are not just limited to financial or data roles but span marketing, HR, operations and more.
The application process typically follows: application form; online tests; work based scenarios; assessment/experience days; and final interviews.
Here are a few graduate schemes hiring in the financial and accounting sectors:
HSBC; Barclays; EY; Deutsche Bank; Deloitte; KPMG; PwC.
Marketing Graduate Schemes
You can also undertake a marketing graduate scheme in a variety of sectors. The above financial graduate schemes can include marketing, as well as other large companies offering a dedicated marketing or business oriented scheme.
If you’re interested in taking the marketing or business route, check out L’Oreal; Sky; Virgin Media (closing soon); Nestle; Philips; and more graduate schemes here.
Other sectors to consider
Social Work
The ThinkAhead and Frontline programmes are a great way to start a career within social work, and offer in-job training and support to build a successful career path.
Teaching
The Teach First graduate scheme provides the opportunity to gain qualifications on the job. Over the two year placement, you’ll gain professional teaching qualifications while getting hands on experience in a school.
Police and Security
Programmes such as PoliceNow; MI5; GCHQ; and Unlocked Graduates are all other great options to consider. You don’t have to have a specific degree for most of these programmes so it’s an option for anyone.
The graduate schemes for 2021 mentioned above are not a full list, and there are a lot more to consider and that haven’t opened yet. You can find a full list of Graduate Schemes hiring now and their deadlines here.
Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for more graduate scheme and graduate job application tips in the careers category. Be sure to follow my Instagram to make sure you don’t miss anything.
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