University of Manchester Careers Blog

For me October always feels  a F1 race – It’s all go go go  on Campus as term gets into full swing and here at the careers service we are all (fifth!) geared up for the busy graduate recruitment period.  I’m sure many of starting to apply for graduate scheme are feeling the same so here are some tips to ensure you’re in poll position to win the race!

Understand what you are applying for

A graduate scheme is a graduate scheme right? Wrong! Graduate schemes come in all different shapes, sizes and sectors but tend to be offered by larger organisations. Graduate schemes are often given different names, including; graduate leadership programme, general management trainee programme, graduate fast track, and executive development programme.

Graduate scheme are one of the many options open to you when you finish your degree you can find out more about them here. 

Find Employers

There are a number of ways you can find out about different graduate schemes. Publications such as The Times Top 100, Guardian 300 and Prospects Career Guide can be a good place to start as they detail a range of schemes across different sectors.  All of these directories are available to pick up for free from the careers library If you are interested in applying to a particular employer have a look on their website directly many have a careers and/ or graduate section.

Apply as early as possible

My Colleague Hannah has produce a great list of closing dates for the graduate schemes listed in the directories mentioned above.  You can search schemes by employer name or by closing date. To ensure you application is considered we always recommend applying well in advance of the closing date. Depending on the number of applications employers have been known to close schemes early.

Tailor your application

Remember for that each graduate scheme you apply to you’ll have tailor your application to meet the criteria laid out in the employer’s job description. Each employer will be looking for a unique set of skills and qualities in their applicants and it’s your job to demonstrate you have them.

Remember that as a recent graduate from The University of Manchester you may be eligible to get feedback on an applications before sending it off by using our Applications Advice service – Just think of us as your pit crew!