What is a Graduate Scheme?

What is the difference between a graduate scheme and a graduate job?

Graduate jobs. Graduate schemes. And even graduate programmes. So many names. What do they mean, and what’s the difference?

Let’s start with graduate programmes and graduate schemes. They’re the same. The only difference is their names. Phew.

Both help you:

• Start your career after university

• Build valuable skills

• Earn a solid salary.

However, there are differences.

How do I decide?

Whatever you decide, it’s important to think about what it is you want in the long run.

If you’re dead-set on a particular industry but a tiny bit unsure about where you’ll slot in, a graduate scheme is your opportunity to try different departments.

Know exactly what you want to do? Great! A grad job would be your best bet. You’ll gain experience and skills that align with your career goals.

Do graduate schemes pay you?

Absolutely! Graduate schemes are paid, full-time positions that give you the same workplace benefits as any other employee (think holiday and sick pay, health insurance and more).

With a graduate scheme, you can expect to earn anything from £25,000 a year upwards, though it all depends on your employer and the location of your role.

Aldi, for example, offers a very generous starting salary for its grad schemes: over £44,000 a year!

Which companies offer graduate schemes?

Luckily for you, there is no shortage of big companies that run graduate schemes. Whether it’s a career in law, HR, finance, consulting, engineering and beyond, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of the employers you could be working for:

There’s no need to struggle when it comes to finding a grad scheme. We’ve put together this really cool and very simple timeline outlining all the key months during the application process.

What happens when I finish a graduate scheme?

Wondering where your graduate scheme might lead? Let's break it down.

All grad schemes are different, and what happens once you’re at the end can vary. It’s always worth double-checking this during the recruitment process. It’ll help you manage your expectations and push you to work harder.

Here are some possible outcomes:

• Permanent position. Many employers design their schemes specifically to fill their talent quota. If you do well, they'll often offer you a permanent role.

• Competitive placement. Some employers have limited permanent positions at the end, so graduates compete for available roles at the end of the program.

• Reapply for a role. Some schemes will ask you to reapply for a permanent position at the end of the scheme.

If you’re not kept on, please don’t be discouraged. It doesn’t mean that you’re not great at your job. You’re already at a huge advantage as you’ve spent the last one to three years gaining valuable skills and experience that other employers are just waiting to snap up.

There are so many employers with some pretty awesome roles looking for talented graduates to join them.

How do you apply for a graduate scheme?

You can search for a graduate scheme right here on Higherin.

Then you’ll need to put together a cracking CV and cover letter. Make sure you tailor your application for every single role you go for. Employers can smell a generic CV a mile off.

Before sending out your application, list all your skills and qualifications to date. If you’ve never worked, you might still have some transferable skills you can bring to the table through volunteering or extra-curricular activities.

By evaluating your skills, you’re in a stronger position to choose a career path and see which roles align with your abilities and interests.

We’ve got loads of application advice to help you level up your graduate applications. Click below to read.

How can I be successful when applying?

With around 86 applications per scheme, graduate schemes are super competitive. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get one. There are ways to make sure you stand out.

• Grades - While some employers accept students who achieve a 2:2, those with a 2:1 have the best shot of bagging a place. Always make sure to check every job advertisement before applying.

• Internships - Did you know that lots of businesses offering graduate schemes also offer internships? If you need a work experience boost, it’s always worth doing an internship first. Companies tend to hire for their graduate roles from their current pool of interns. By doing an internship, you’ll increase your chances of a full-time gig.

• Placements - As a placement student, you’ll spend a whole year working for a company, making you the ideal candidate. You’ll already have tons of workplace experience and the skills and knowledge to work in an industry, ensuring your application for a grad scheme stands out.