Graduate Retail Schemes
Firstly, massive well done for getting to your final year. That’s such a big milestone! If you’re looking to get into your first role after university, you should consider a retail graduate scheme.
These structured programmes are designed to help you build a strong foundation in the retail sector right after graduation. The UK's leading companies offer them specifically for ambitious graduates like you. They tend to last from one to three years and allow you to explore loads of different areas in a company.
DURATION: ONE TO THREE YEARS | AVG SALARY: £33,500 | WHEN TO APPLY: Sep - Mar
Something you’re interested in? Read on to find out more.
How do graduate retail schemes work?
Grad jobs in retail tend to last anywhere from one year to three years, with rotations between multiple departments and business areas. You can work for a retail company that has a physical store or is based online which will help determine what time of departments you will work in.
It’s also important to note that you can apply for grad jobs in retail up to two years after you graduate, so you can take some time off after university!
Quite often after your grad job, you will be invited to stay at the company as a permanent employee, however, if not you can apply for your typical jobs elsewhere.
Types of graduate retail jobs
There are so many different graduate schemes within the retail sector. Some business areas are:
Sales and Customer Service
This can include:
Sales Assistant/Associate: Working directly with customers, providing sales and customer service.
Sales Executive/Representative: Prospecting new clients, maintaining relationships, and closing deals.
Trainee Manager: Providing training in sales, customer care, and business management.
Merchandising and Buying
This can include
Assistant Merchandiser: Working with product selection, presentation, and placement.
Buyer: Specialising in a particular product category (e.g., fashion, food) and responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and pricing.
Visual Merchandiser: Creating visually appealing displays and layouts to attract customers.
Management
This can include
Assistant Manager: Supporting store managers in various operational and management tasks.
Retail Manager: Responsible for day-to-day operations, managing staff, and ensuring sales targets are met.
Other Areas
This can include
E-commerce Specialist: Managing online retail operations.
Digital Marketing Specialist: Developing and executing online marketing campaigns.
Loss Prevention Specialist: Implementing measures to prevent shoplifting and other forms of loss.
Which companies offer retail graduate schemes?
Here are a few options.
ALDI
ALDI wants graduates to bring the best version of themselves, in return for rewards with a fantastic package - and the rumours are true, it includes a fully expensed car!
READ MOREJohn Lewis Partnership
John Lewis Partnership offers 24-month Graduate Programmes. Gain hands-on experience, leadership development, and the chance to drive change.
READ MOREBoots
Boots graduate schemes support you in achieving your goals, creating an open and inclusive working environment.
READ MOREHow much do you get paid in a retail graduate scheme?
Always know that how much you get paid will depend on where you live and the company. If you’re in London or another major city, you can expect a little more to help with living costs.
On average, retail graduates earn anywhere between £29,000 to £50,000! So, there’s a lot of variety, but do note, earning more doesn’t necessarily mean that the scheme is better. You should take into consideration what the role entails and any other benefits you get from the role.
What qualifications do you need for a retail graduate job?
Most employers will require you to have at least a 2:2, however, some employers prefer a 2:1.
Sometimes employers will want specific degree disciplines like business, retail management or marketing, depending on the type of role you apply for.
It’s always best to check with the employer specifically what entry requirements they have.
Having an internship or placement year will also help you stand out, especially if you have done one in the retail industry.
When should I apply for a graduate job?
It depends on when you want to look for a job. If you want to go travelling for a bit, for example, after you graduate, you won’t need to start looking that early. However, if you want to start when you finish university, you should start looking at roles from September/October to start the following Autumn.
Don’t worry if it’s already past that, there are plenty of opportunities that recruit all year round.
READ APPLICATION TIPSHow to apply
So you have found the grad scheme you want to apply for (which there are hundreds of on our website every single year!). Now you need to ace the application process.
Usually, you’re going to expect to have to do the following:
Psychometric tests
Assessment Centres
We can support you through this process, but the most important thing is to apply to as many grad schemes as you can!
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