For a final year Undergraduate student to make a clear cut decision about a certain graduate scheme can be really tough. Big names with reputation are the obvious choice, but sometimes may not be able to match what you are looking for. Are you looking for travel opportunities, career progression, higher studies, challenging environment or hoping retention, whatever you want, you need to address it in the selection process as there is no one size that fits all.
There are various graduate schemes available for graduates, from the top companies to various public sectors; all vie with each other to attract the best talent. A few of the top corporate recruiters according to the students are -
- Shell - This company doesn’t offer one generic scheme; it offers career opportunities in both technical and commercial areas. Internships and industrial placements find favour with the students
- Bloomberg - A well known financial news provider company and accepts both graduates and post graduates across most streams. One can enrol into the Bloomberg University classes and the co also provides funding for further studies and external training.
- Aldi - A UK supermarket chain offering an area management programme in retail management, which will include everything from managing the stores to trading and administration. It is a demanding one year training programme that will have lot of rewards attached to it.
- BAE Systems - It is an international company which is synonymous with defence and aerospace systems’ development and support. The graduate training programme is for two years where a mentor will guide you through the business process.
- Tesco - If you like e-commerce then Tesco is the one for you. It is one of the most well known and profitable e- commerce sites in UK. One can choose between distribution, office and stores graduation programmes. Other graduation schemes are available in IT and engineering as well. Available to graduates from different streams.
- Besides these the other top recruiting companies in the private sector are Capital One, Thales, Sainsbury, GCHQ, Carillion and RBS.
However the public sector isn’t far behind either, from HM prison service to NHS graduate schemes, Ministry of Defence graduate scheme, Civil Services, Security services (Mi5) and the Eurpoean union there are enough choices for graduates. The biggest advantage with the public sector is that it offers a job security and this is the only place where you can make a career in politics, teaching and national safety.
For example the HM Prison service offers graduate training schemes for a prison officer and within 2-3 years of joining, one can become the head of a busy unit. The scheme is open to graduates from all streams. The Ministry of Defence’s fast stream development programme imparts training and gives the recruits a chance to be in Geneva to attend an International security policy for 9 months. Besides this they also sponsor Master degree programmes.
