As we feel the financial squeeze of the last few years and look to prosperity in the future, it becomes apparent that job security and longevity is vitally important to a fulfilled life. There are many different factors at work, including globalization and outsourcing, making it harder than ever before for young graduates to enter the job market meaningfully and sustainably. It is for this reason that graduate training courses are often deemed to be valuable stepping-stones as you begin your career.

These graduate training plans will quite naturally differ from company to company, not only in their content but also in their format and length. There is no standard time allotted to these plans, but you can expect that most will run to about a year. These plans can enable you to experience not only working within the company, but what will be expected from you in your role as well as helping you to learn about the company as a whole. By spending time within the company, learning its structures, culture and standard operating procedures, you may find yourself growing much faster than if you had to come in cold.

Graduate training courses are most often a combination of on-the-job experiential training, as well as formal training programs; helping get you up to speed with everything you need to know about the company. Understandably, there are limited places available in each graduate training scheme and there are minimum qualification requirements – this can ensure that companies are getting in the best graduates to groom for their eventual roles within the company. As with all things in life – if you want to succeed, you should ensure that you are working hard; this can stand you in good stead when they are looking for graduates.

Once you have worked as hard as possible to get the grades you need at college and if you are picked up for a graduate training scheme, you can expect to deal with the following format (although each company is unique):

Induction

A basic introduction to the company for which you will be working, including its corporate culture, structure, vision and mission. Some companies will have internal brand-bibles, which explain all of this, others are more informal.

Location

Many companies these days have operations all over the country or the world, this could mean that you would have to travel or relocate yourself. As someone working for a large company, you should also realize that this might not be the last time you have to relocate for work.

Training

This process involves teaching vital skills that may be necessary within the company. Often graduates are introduced to the disparate arms of the company and given work to do within each of them, enabling the company to assess strengths and weaknesses. Graduates will often circulate between Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Strategy, Sales and Internal Communications (to name a few) so they can get a feel for each. Obviously, personal preference of the graduates is taken into account when it becomes time to assign them to a role within the company.

Professional Qualification

Depending on the company you have joined, you may need a further professional qualification, although most companies do not enforce this. If you would like to do so, many companies will give you the advice and support you need to make this happen. It is quite common for graduates to wait until the end of their training scheme to make this decision, as it the qualification will be related to the area within which they hope to specialize.

Mentorship

Often, graduates are assigned a senior manager or director as a mentor. Their role is to help you along the way and give you advice should you need any. As they understand the organization intrinsically, they will best be able to guide you within the company. You could also be assigned a ‘buddy’ – someone who has recently completed the course. They provide support and guidance.

Completion

Once you are done, the company will strive to place you into a role that suits all parties best, taking into accounts your strengths and weakness and particular skills and knowledge. Often this can be in the role of a junior manager, which can allow you to show your worth and move upwards quickly if you have what it takes.

To conclude, there tend to be no downsides to graduate training courses. If you have the ability to apply for one with a company that you would like to work for, you should take the opportunity with both hands. The intense training you receive can be invaluable. To be honest, there may be few better ways to begin your career.

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