This document provides information on graduate schemes, including what they are, how to find them, and tips for the application process. A graduate scheme is a structured training program offered by large employers that combines work experience with training over 3 months to 3 years, usually leading to a permanent role. They can provide valuable skills and experience. However, applying is very competitive with a long process involving forms, assessments, and deadlines. The document offers advice on finding schemes through careers fairs, websites, networks and internships, as well as tips for applications, CVs, interviews and resilience during the process.

1. What are Graduate Schemes
and How do I Apply?

2. o What are graduate schemes
o How can I find one?
o What’s the application process
o Further support
In this session, we will cover:

3. What is a graduate scheme?
“A structured programme that combines
working and training targeted to recent
graduates. Offered mainly by large employers
and can last for a period of 3 months to 3
years. Successful completion normally leads to
a permanent position and often a professional
qualification”

4. • On the job training
• Usually a good starting salary
• Valuable experience for next role…develop skills
and experience
• Structured and planned training
• Travel and work in a different country
• Builds contacts and confidence
Is it for you?

5. • Very competitive – long application process
• Mostly larger, “traditional” firms e.g. PWC, Unilever
• Rarely 9-5
• Application – form filling, assessment etc., time
consuming
• Often 2:1 (although don’t despair!)
• May have to be flexible on location
• Deadlines
But….

6. How can I find a graduate scheme?
• Careers fairs
• Websites – company and graduate
recruitment sites
• CareerHub
• Specialist publications e.g. Top 100
• Your own networks
• Recruitment agencies e.g GRB
• Internship/placement year
• Debut

7. Some websites….
Graduate schemes - http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/graduateschemes
Graduate job - https://careerhub.sussex.ac.uk/students/jobs
Sector specific - http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/careerchoices/researchingcareers
Location specific – UK: http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/where/regional
Sussex: https://www.diigo.com/list/sussexcdec/working-in-sussex
Int: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/careerchoices/international
Social media – Linkedin, Twitter etc.

8. Examples of Graduate
Schemes

9. •Self employment/entrepreneur
•Graduate internships
•Other graduate roles e.g. non-
graduate schemes, SMEs
•Further study
Other graduate
opportunities

10. Graduate recruitment process

11. Gather some clues by looking at:
• Job advert
• Job description
• Employer´s website
• Sector information
Think about how you match this
• Skills
• Experience
• Knowledge
• Motivation
Application forms

12. Filling in application forms….
• Work in draft first
• Follow tips for on-line applications
• Check for spelling and grammar
• Complete all the sections
• Check you have answered the question

13. Example Online Application

15. Evidencing your skills in an
application form
Competency questions
• Describe a time you've successfully used communication skills.
• Provide an example of a situation when you dealt with conflict in
your team.
Personal statements
• Please give us any information supporting your application and
provide evidence of any educational, employment and
extracurricular activities which demonstrate that you have
relevant skills for the role

16. STAR
Situation
Task
Action
Result
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/applyingforjobs/skills/writingaboutskills

17. KPMG Competencies
Behavioural capabilities….
1. Delivers quality (deadlines etc.)
2. Drives collaboration and inclusion (building relationships)
3. Continual improvement (seeks feedback)
4. Exercise professional judgement (decision making)
5. Makes an impact (communication)
6. Seizes business opportunities (commercial awareness)
7. Demonstrates innovation and curiosity (problem solving)
8. Resilience
9. Career motivation

18. On-line tests
May include…
1. Situational judgment
2. Psychometric
3. Numerical and verbal reasoning
You can practice these on our website!

19. CVs – What do you include?
Personal Details
Name / Address / Contact Information
Personal profile (optional)
Do I have something concrete to offer – qualification/experience?
Education
What, Where, When / Highlighting relevance
Work experience
Any experience or employment
Additional skills
IT, languages etc.
Interests
Make them relevant
Referees
1 academic and 1 work or personal

20. Use of language
• Use bullet points.
• Verbs at the start of sentences e.g.
“Doubled attendance at club meetings“.
• Use action verbs.
• Short sentences.
• Active not passive.
• Sufficiently formal.
• Check grammar and spelling.

21. Layout/Structure
•Logically ordered.
• Easy to read and not cramped.
• Use of underlining and bold.
• Font.
• Length.
• Try the 30 second test!

22. Selection tests and Assessment
centres

23. Interviews
Prepare:
• logistics
• knowledge of the job
• knowledge of the employer
• know how you match
• anticipate questions
• Practise (Big Interview)

24. Resilience while job hunting
• Job hunting takes time and potentially some rejection.
• Ask for feedback.
• Keep a positive attitude and self-belief.
• Fewer targeted applications = more effective than blanket
approach.
• Create a network of support – use CEC!

25. How we can help
Careers and Employability Centre support:
• For 3 years after you graduate
• Short interview with a careers adviser:
Mon – Fri from 9am ‘til 5pm, Vacancies – part time, work
experience, internships, graduate jobs
• Briefings and workshops
• Career Hub
• Attend events – listed on news & events page
Follow us on Twitter & Facebook
www.sussex.ac.uk/careers