Management Trainee Review
at MDS
Graduate Scheme
Project Management
Multiple Locations
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
2.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.3/5
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Overview of the Role
2/5
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Experience & Company Culture
1/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at MDS?
Overall positive, you get to experience a variety of roles in a short period of time. This strengthens your adaptability and ability to work with people under pressure quickly.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Various responsibilities according to your placement. I enjoyed my role as a Projects Coordinator when I was placed in Carr's Billington for my second placement.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
1/5
Very basic salary, no benefits and very limited to no support on finding accomodation for your placements unless you are really struggling.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
Gives you great overview of the industry, however some placements are definitely better than others and it is hugely up to a trainee how much they want to get out of the placement by being proactive
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
1/5
Initial supports are good, there is sufficient communication from the People Officer, however towards the end, the support to secure a full time role with member companies are minimal to none, what they got were basically forwarded job ads.
When trying to reach out to MDS on issues/challenges or concerns regarding placements, we are often dismissed and accused of being unprofessional for bringing up concerns. My take is, we should be comfortable to reach out to them on genuine work-related concerns, but I have not felt this way throughout.
When trying to reach out to MDS on issues/challenges or concerns regarding placements, we are often dismissed and accused of being unprofessional for bringing up concerns. My take is, we should be comfortable to reach out to them on genuine work-related concerns, but I have not felt this way throughout.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
2/5
MDS is an inclusive organisation, however their approach in dealing with issues between a trainee and a member company is poor.
How would you rate MDS initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
2/5
Good initiatives, poor follow-ups
How would you rate MDS CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
1/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MDS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Would still recommend despite the lack of support MDS provides, gives grads a good overview of how companies operate
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
1/5
Lots of promises on 100% offer rate after the programme and great support throughout. Have not felt any of that
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to MDS?
This programme gives you great exposure to a variety of businesses. Like working in anywhere else, you need to be proactive and do not rely solely on MDS to provide support.
Expect to be thrown into a member company and feeling can be daunting. Trust yourself, ask questions and be proactive and you will build your resilience. MDS will not provide much support
Expect to be thrown into a member company and feeling can be daunting. Trust yourself, ask questions and be proactive and you will build your resilience. MDS will not provide much support
