Fresh out of university and feeling overwhelmed by the job market? You're not alone! The transition from student life to the professional world can feel daunting, especially when you're competing against hundreds of other graduates for entry-level positions. But here's some good news: graduate schemes might just be the perfect launchpad for your career.

This blog will cover:

• What a graduate scheme is and how it works
• The benefits of doing a graduate scheme early in your career
• How to choose the right graduate program for your goals
• Tips for applying and standing out as a graduate applicant
• Graduate scheme success stories
• Where to find graduate schemes and early career opportunities in 2025

What is a graduate scheme? 

Think of graduate schemes as the express lane to professional success. These structured programs are designed specifically for recent graduates, offering a unique blend of training, mentorship, and real-world experience that can fast-track your career in ways that traditional entry-level roles simply can't match.

The benefits of doing a graduate scheme early in your career

Accelerated learning and development

Graduate schemes aren't just jobs. They're intensive learning experiences designed to transform you from a university graduate into a skilled professional. Most programs offer comprehensive training that would take years to acquire through traditional employment routes.

You'll typically get formal training in essential business skills, industry-specific knowledge, and leadership development. Many schemes also include external qualifications, professional certifications, and access to exclusive learning resources that would cost thousands if pursued independently.

Structured career progression

Unlike many entry-level positions where career progression can feel uncertain, graduate schemes give you a clear pathway for progression. Most programs outline exactly where you'll be after 12, 18, or 24 months, giving you confidence in your career trajectory.

Many schemes guarantee progression to specific roles once you have completed the scheme, removing the uncertainty that often comes with traditional graduate employment. This structure means you can focus on learning and performing rather than worrying about your next career move.

Exposure to senior leadership

One of the most valuable aspects of graduate schemes is the access you'll have to senior leaders within the organisation. Regular mentorship sessions, leadership presentations, and project work with executives provide insights into strategic thinking and decision-making that you'd rarely experience in standard entry-level roles.

This exposure not only accelerates your learning but also builds your internal network from day one, setting you up for long-term success within the organisation.

Tips for applying and standing out as a graduate applicant

Research like a detective

Before applying to any graduate scheme, invest time in thorough research. Understand the company's culture, values, recent developments, and industry challenges. This knowledge will be crucial for both your application and interview performance.

Look beyond the company website. Read recent news articles, follow the company on social media, and connect with current or former graduate scheme participants on LinkedIn. This deeper understanding will help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest.

Tailor your application story

Generic applications rarely succeed in competitive graduate scheme processes. Instead, craft a compelling narrative that connects your experiences, achievements, and aspirations to the specific scheme you're applying for.

For example, if you're applying to a consulting firm's graduate scheme, don't just mention your part-time retail job. Instead, highlight how managing difficult customers developed your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. These are qualities that are needed for consulting success.

Master the assessment process

Graduate scheme selection processes are typically multi-stage and highly competitive. Common elements include:

Online applications: Focus on demonstrating your achievements with specific examples and quantifiable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Numerical and verbal reasoning tests: Practice these extensively using online resources. Many schemes use similar test providers, so familiarising yourself with the format can significantly improve your performance.

Video interviews: Prepare for both pre-recorded and live video interviews. Practice speaking clearly and confidently while maintaining eye contact with the camera.

Assessment centres: These often include group exercises, case studies, and individual presentations. Focus on demonstrating collaboration, leadership potential, and analytical thinking.

Showcase your potential, not just your experience

Remember, graduate schemes are designed for people without extensive work experience. Recruiters are looking for potential, not perfection. Highlight your achievements from university, internships, part-time work, volunteering, and extracurricular activities. Focus on demonstrating key competencies like leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through specific examples from any aspect of your life.

Thriving once you're In

Embrace the learning mindset

Graduate schemes move fast, and you'll encounter new challenges regularly. Approach each experience with curiosity and enthusiasm. Ask questions, seek feedback, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. They're part of the learning process.

Keep a learning journal to track your development, challenges overcome, and skills acquired. This will be invaluable for performance reviews and future career planning.

Build relationships strategically

Your fellow graduate scheme participants will likely become your professional network for years to come. Some may become lifelong friends, others future business partners or colleagues. Invest in these relationships from the beginning.

Similarly, cultivate relationships with mentors, managers, and colleagues across the organisation. These connections can provide guidance, opportunities, and support throughout your career.

Take advantage of mobility

Many graduate schemes include rotations across different departments, functions, or even countries. Embrace these opportunities, even if they take you outside your comfort zone. Each rotation provides new perspectives, skills, and network connections.

Use rotations strategically to explore different career paths within the organisation and identify where your interests and strengths align best.

Manage your well-being

Graduate schemes can be intense, and it's important to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Most programs include support systems and resources. Don't hesitate to use them.

Develop healthy routines, maintain work-life balance, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The relationships and habits you build during your graduate scheme will serve you throughout your career.

Graduate scheme success stories

Mondelez International
Katya, a Mondelez employee, shares her experience on the graduate scheme and the opportunities it’s opened up for her.

"I joined MDLZ in September 2017 after graduating from the University of Warwick with a BSc Economics and have so far worked in 5 different commercial roles, spanning a variety of functions and brands.

I started on the Commercial Grad Scheme, where my first rotation was in Sales Revenue Planning, helping to develop commercial plans for our gifting range and for Mini Seasons. I then moved into Marketing for the Dairylea brand, where I not only consumed an inordinate amount of cheese triangles (“for work”), but also discovered my passion for Marketing. My final year of the Grad scheme was in Sales, where I strengthened my commercial acumen by working on the Tesco account for Seasonal chocolate, negotiating plans with Tesco across Mini Seasons and Christmas.

After the Grad scheme, I returned to Marketing and joined the Easter team as Junior Brand Manager where I led the Mini Eggs brand and also worked on the Cadbury Easter campaign. The craziest thing about working on Easter was that you were working across so many different years – building your comms campaigns for this Easter, delivering your innovation projects for next Easter and developing strategies and bigger innovation ambitions 3+ years ahead. Again, ludicrous quantities of Mini Eggs consumed “for work”. "

You can read more about Katya's experience here.

Virgin Media 02

Amy Varley, a Finance Graduate at Virgin Media O2, shares her experience and top tips for succeeding on a graduate scheme.

"When applying for graduate schemes back in 2022, I was drawn to VMO2 as I knew it was a well-known and distinguished brand. When I attended my assessment day, it confirmed further what a supportive and friendly environment VMO2 was. 

The finance graduate scheme at VMO2 is three years long and you rotate around 3x 1 year placements, whilst completing a funded CIMA qualification. Throughout the graduate scheme, I have received amazing and genuine support from so many different sources. When I first joined, I was paired up with a Buddy who was a second-year finance graduate. She was there to help me with any of the “silly” questions we all have when starting. As I connected with my Buddy before I even started, it was nice to know someone ahead of time. When I joined I was given a Head of Year, who is there to support your growth throughout the scheme, discussing exams and development opportunities. In second year, I was also assigned a mentor to also help with development. In addition, all of my line managers have been super supportive, there are many colleagues involved with the graduate schemes, which not only include the scheme leads, but specific people who support with exams, development and recruitment. All in all, the support I have received has been incredible. Not to mention the friendships and support I have had from the other grads in my year and on my scheme!!!

Try and get involved in as much extra-curricular stuff as you can. Not only does this help you to develop and be seen within the company, but it also gives you the opportunity to work with other people/areas of the business. Also, keep a look out for competitions to win tickets for events, I had the opportunity to attend the box at the O2 arena in London and it was the BEST experience.

 Another key initiative I have been involved in throughout my time in VMO2 is the ambassador programme. This has meant that I’ve had the opportunity to visit various Universities to promote the company at career fairs, I have visited a secondary school along with other big companies to “interview” their students and help them prepare and also deliver material to work experience students virtually. Not only has this been valuable to the company and brand but also has aided me with my own personal development."