As the end of your time at university approaches, you may be wondering about what to do next. Being a student in the UK means that you will have the chance to attend various webinars, career events, and orientation sessions. There are many opportunities available to you after you graduate. The best option is a graduate role, which includes graduate jobs and schemes.

Of course, there are many different types of graduate roles, and knowing which one is the right one for you can be tough. Two main options you’ll hear a lot about is

1. Graduate Schemes
2. Graduate Jobs.

We’ve put together this blog to help you explore both options and learn all the ins and outs of Graduate roles. Making an informed decision is important, so we will also learn about the difference between graduate jobs and schemes, the timelines for both, benefits, etc.

What exactly are Graduate Schemes and Graduate Roles?

What Are Grad Schemes?

Grad Schemes are usually tightly structured and time-limited programmes, designed to hire and train fresh graduates in large numbers. These programmes usually mix hands-on experience with rigorous training. They are only open to those with a degree because these schemes are designed to help students transition smoothly into the workforce.

Rotational Experience

Grad schemes also involve a lot of rotation, meaning you get the chance to experience many different career paths, which is super helpful if you are not sure about what you want to do career-wise.

Employment Nature of Grad Schemes

These schemes are usually offered by large companies (but not always!). They are not permanent employment opportunities. Instead, they’re usually a fixed-term contract of one to three years.

Opportunity for a Permanent Position

But if you perform well, there is a chance you’ll be offered a permanent position.

What are Graduate Jobs?

Graduate jobs and schemes are a bit different; for one, graduate jobs require the student to have graduated already. These are full-time and permanent roles.

Lack of Defined Structure

These jobs don’t really have a defined starting and ending date, and they are not as structured as grad schemes. They also don’t involve a lot of structured training. So, you’ll be learning on the job.

Advertised on a Need Basis

Grad jobs are advertised on a need basis. This means the company you are aiming to work for might not always have grad job openings, and even if they do, they have very low vacancies.

Quick Application Process

The time period of the job being advertised and the application process is very small. You probably won’t have a lot of time to apply, so you have to move as quickly as possible.

Limited Vacancies and Narrow Timeframe

Graduate jobs and schemes require you to have graduated already. This, in turn, means that the time period when you apply and when you secure the position is very narrow. The application process reflects that.

Opportunities Across All Industries

Grad jobs exist in almost every industry and sector.

Graduate Scheme VS Graduate job?

Graduate jobs and schemes are amazing ways to step into the industry and seek out your desired job, but they are not the same. Which is the best for you? Well,  it all depends on your needs.

For example, if you know exactly what position you want to work in, you can apply for a grad job, and if you are not sure about the position, but know what industry you’d like to work in, then a graduate scheme would be perfect for you.

Grad jobs are roles that require a degree and don’t have a structured time frame. They are great if you are sure about which role you want to pursue after university, jumping straight into a graduate job might be better because you will gain more specific experience from the start.

What is the difference between the Graduation Jobs and Schemes?

So now that we’ve understood the basics of graduate jobs and schemes. But to help you understand which one is the best for you, we are going to go ahead and compare them to find out what the major differences are between the two.

1. Graduate schemes follow a structured time period, graduate jobs do not.
2. Grad schemes only last up to 3 years. Grad jobs can last up to any number of years depending on the organisation
3. Grad schemes help you explore different areas in your preferred industry, grad jobs help you get the exact position you want,
4. Grad jobs help you build specific experience, grad schemes allow you to experience many varied positions.
5. Grad schemes might offer a higher salary than grad jobs
6. In grad jobs, the salary tends to increase each year, grad schemes might remain on a fixed salary
7. Grad schemes provide more opportunities to learn with the help of training.
8.  There is no regularity in grad jobs, they open on a need-basis, and grad schemes open almost every year, usually around September.
9. Grad jobs are not heavily advertised; grad schemes are.
10. Grad schemes are often very competitive to get into, with many tests you have to pass in order to make it to the final round.
11. The hiring process in grad schemes is very in-depth and may take several months, in comparison the hiring process of grad jobs is relatively quicker.

Graduate jobs vs Graduate schemes: Which to choose?

When choosing between the Graduate jobs and schemes, remember to consider the factors that are important to you.  What is right for someone else may not be right for you, so really take your time to research both options.

You can also attend events and job fairs to speak with employers, this will help you figure out which paths will suit you. Remember to do your research properly before hand.

Key takeaways

Graduate jobs and schemes are both good ways to boost your career prospects after uni. Both can be competitive, but if you do your research and prepare well, you’ll have a reasonable chance of success. Remember to not leave your application till the last minute. Enrollmate is here to help you, reach out now!

Good luck!