Graduate employment programs

 

What are Graduate Employment Programs?

Graduate Programs are formal ongoing employment opportunities that many large private and public organisations offer to attract and train their leaders of the future. You need to apply for these programs at the start of your final year of study. Many applications close in March or April, even though you won't start working until January-February the following year. Some organisations do recruit throughout the year so it is important to keep reviewing closing dates.

Remember to regularly check application closing dates at Graduate Opportunities or Grad Connection.

Graduate recruitment programs usually include induction, training and work rotations in order to provide graduate employees with a through overview of the organisation. However they aren’t for everyone and they are by no means the only way to secure employment after you gain your degree, in fact only 5% of graduates Australia-wide are accepted into a graduate employment program.

The features & benefits of Graduate Programs

  • Structured induction and professional development programs designed specifically for new or recent graduates
  • Aim to develop professional skills and abilities of new graduates to suit the specific needs of a particular organisation
  • Generally 1-3 years in length
  • Many graduate employers recruit from a range of degree areas
  • May include rotational or fixed roles
  • Typically commence after completion of final year of study
  • Access to mentoring programs
  • Usually a number of graduates in the program
  • Successful applicants have the advantage of knowing before graduation that they have a job lined up 

Eligibility for Graduate Programs

  • Applications are typically open to final year graduates; most programs require completion of degree within the previous two years for student to be eligible to apply
  • Graduates who have completed a vacation scheme or internship with the employer are often more competitive
  • Some organisations are looking for graduates from specific disciplines, some recruit across a range of disciplines
  • Usually the case that organisations are looking for graduates with Permanent Resident status (and sometimes Australian citizenship)
  • International students can find information on graduate employment programs here

What employers are looking for

  • Strong academic results.
  • Industry-related experience (through work placement, volunteering, employment).
  • Leadership and teamwork experiences.
  • Extra-curricular activities (sport, charity, student societies).
  • Communication and inter-personal skills.
  • Demonstrated motivation to work within industry/discipline.

Applying for Graduate Programs

Activities to help you prepare:

Which companies offer graduate programs?

Many large and medium companies as well as federal and state government departments offer graduate employment programs. You can find out which companies offer graduate employment programs by attending expos or searching websites.

Expos

Big Meet Expo
  • Tuesday 12 March 2013; 11am - 3pm
  • Palladium Room, Crown Casino, Southbank
  • Open to all disciplines.
  • Over 130 companies attending, including government departments.

CPA Australia Career Expo

  • 21 March 2013; 5.30pm - 8pm
  • Palladium C & River Room, Crown Casino, Southbank
  • Suitable for accounting and finance students

CA Employment Evening

  • 13 March 2013; 6pm - 8pm
  • Crown Towers, Crown Casino, Southbank
  • Accounting opportunities, employers from corporate, government and public practice

Engineering Careers Expo 2013

  • 21 March 2013; 11am - 7pm
  • Etihad Stadium, Docklands
  • Over 80 employers from a range of industries recruiting engineering graduates

Websites