Stepping into the world of work after completing university can seem daunting. There are a number of options to choose from, and it’s not always easy to know which one is right. However, if applying to a graduate scheme is among them, it deserves more consideration. As Massimo Acquaviva, 2R Capital Investment Management Limited co-founder and co-CEO will know, joining a graduate scheme can offer the opportunity to build skills and experience relatively quickly.
Many graduate schemes will follow a structured path to expose trainees to different projects and areas of an organisation within a certain period. They will also typically enrol trainees in cohorts so they can find out where their interests lie and which aspects they would like to focus on to grow their careers. At a deeper level, the graduate scheme will have a training programme that mixes job-specific tasks with exposure to management and leadership training.
Beyond the training and exposure, a graduate scheme can also be beneficial for the following reasons.
Potentially Higher Earnings
Graduate schemes, especially those run by major companies, can offer relatively higher starting salaries compared to other options, with the figures rising with experience. Alongside good pay, graduates can also benefit from a range of company benefits, which range from private medical insurance to holiday allowances.
Work opportunities through graduate schemes tend to be offered on a fixed-term basis, meaning that for a defined period the graduate has the benefit of job security. Provided the individual has picked the right role and is committed to making the most of the opportunity, they can learn and grow into more advanced roles.
Choose from Various Options
Many industries offer graduate schemes, and these come with different types of roles, benefits and contract lengths. The variety continues even after a graduate chooses a scheme because a good number of opportunities will incorporate diversity into the role, meaning there will be opportunities to work and build experience and relationships in multiple business areas. Some companies make it a requirement to work in different roles, meaning that for a recent graduate, there are options from which to grow their skillset.
Future Prospects
Many schemes deliberately integrate interactions with senior leaders and executives into the programme to allow graduates to learn from their experiences and insights. From one-to-one discussions to mentorship sessions, these opportunities ensure that graduates network and learn from some of the best in the industry.