In my experience (I am a recent graduate) and according to most of my uni mates, the preferred and common path into the workforce for graduates is to apply for graduate programs, sometimes known as graduate schemes. These programs are run by corporate companies, mid-tier companies and by the public sector. And, they recruit 'fresh meat' graduates.
Overview:So what makes graduate programs attractive? Well, they usually involve full-time, paid employment for 1–2 years. And, if successful, graduates usually have the opportunity to:
- take part in continuous and structured learning groups
- gain specific technical training
- receive advice and learn from a 'buddy' or 'mentor'
- complete a rotation of numerous divisions/departments in order to thoroughly understand the corporate/organisational culture.
So what’s the catch? Nothing much. Well, except for a very long, daunting and cumbersome recruitment process, which is popularly regarded as horrifying at times! It is not uncommon for graduates to compete with more than 1,000 other applicants for five positions! The recruitment process often involves the following stages:
- Online application (2–4 hours): submitting your personal details, academic achievements, extra-curricular activities and employment history via an online form.
- Online psychometric test (30mins – 2 hours): a timed assessment designed to measure your numeric, verbal and abstract reasoning levels.
- Telephone interview (10–20 mins): usually conducted by a Human Resource (HR) officer. They want to know about your qualities, confidence and whether you will fit into the culture of their company/organisation
- Assessment centre (3–6 hours): you’re pretty much locked in a room with other competing candidates to undergo an intensive work simulation exercise. This typically involves a team of 4–6 participants solving fictional issues for a company or organisation. You’ll be expected to demonstrate your analytical skills by working individually and in a small group. Successful candidates are often those who demonstrate leadership qualities, work effectively in a team and have good communication skills.
- Panel interview (20–45 mins): you've done pretty well to get to this stage, where 2–3 people in senior management will interview you. You'll need to know the company or organisation's background, culture and objectives back-to-front, as well as, demonstrate an understanding of the role and workings of specific departments and internal organisations.
Advice, adviceThe Careers and Employment division of your university is a good place to start for advice. You could also get your hands on any number of career guides
http://www.graduateopportunities.com; http://www.unimail.com.au), book yourself in for a careers counselling appointment (enjoy this free service while you are still a student!) and hunt through the Internet.
Act on it!A successful recruitment experience is determined by lots of different factors.
Academic achievement
- Grade average of 75%. Advisors usually say minimum 65%, but realistically, recruiters are looking for the 'cream of the crop'.
- Showcase any awards, grants, scholarships and congratulation certificates .
- Double degrees or honours degree/s are looked upon favourably
- The ability to speak more than one language is an advantage.
Extra-curricular achievement
- Solely participating in student clubs/societies doesn’t count! High executive roles such as President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary are what stand out. If you haven’t held any of these offices, run and tryout for one of these roles at your local student club now!
Community service
- A real bonus if you apply for a placement in the public sector.
- Showcase any community work, such as fundraising, planting trees, volunteering etc.
- Put your heart and passion into helping people and let your instincts guide you. Employers like to see candidates with a sense of focus and direction in what they do outside their academic studies.
Personal development
- Go travelling, explore and experience the world to broaden your perspective.
- Signup for leadership development workshops, seminars and programs.
- Register for leadership conferences and network with similar minded people.
Professional experiences
- In your final year at uni, try to undertake a project that relates to your field of study.
- Part-time jobs that involve your degree’s technical knowledge are a real bonus
The content written here is based on my own and my friends’ experiences during the application process for numerous Graduate Programs.
