Final year students, listen up!
Have you noticed all the employer events advertised on UniHub recently? Did you spot the Curtin Careers Fair online last week? This is no small coincidence – it’s graduate recruitment season! That’s right, time to start applying now for jobs that don’t start until next year.
Let’s get to it!
Graduate programs are an excellent way to gain industry experience, see multiple parts of a business, and can offer the added benefits of having access to senior management and your own mentor. Graduate programs differ from graduate jobs in that they are more structured, providing guided training within the organisation.
It really is worth taking the time to get your head around the myriad of graduate positions, graduate programs and international opportunities on offer.
Grad programs usually begin their recruiting process during first semester, often in March, with positions starting the following year. The length and content of these programs varies. For example, a one-year rotational program might require you to spend three months in four different departments. Alternatively, some graduate programs provide you with intense training in one area of expertise.
Upon completion, there may be the opportunity to relocate to another city, region, or state. While this may sound a little daunting, it’s a fabulous way to build your professional profile and gain valuable life experiences, all while meeting new people and developing your network.
Grad program recruitment can be long and rigorous, so it’s important to get in early and be prepared. The process normally requires you to submitan online application, undertake a skills assessment, and have one or more interviews, which could be virtual or face-to-face.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to networking events to meet more of the company staff, ask questions of previous graduates, and find out more of how the business works and whether the job is right for them.
GradConnection is a website aimed at providing you with everything you need to know to secure your first graduate program or job. They currently have 780 graduate opportunities* across Australia advertised right now! It’s a good idea to apply for multiple programs in order to improve your chances of securing a position.
UniHub is also worth a visit, with over 300 graduate opportunities currently advertised*. Plus, you’ll find industry events where employers are spruiking their programs advertised on UniHub, and a range of resources to help you with your applications.
Remember that, even though they may have only opened in March, graduate program applications can begin closing as early as the start of April!
So, what are you waiting for? Start applying now. Who knows where you might be this time next year?
