How to choose the right graduate scheme for you

Graduating is exciting. It’s also when you suddenly realise there are approximately a million graduate schemes out there. 

Marketing? Finance? HR? IT? Something completely different? And then there are the questions about placements, training, salaries, career progression… and whether you’ll actually enjoy working there.

So, how do you choose the right graduate scheme for you?

The good news is that you don’t need to have your entire career mapped out. You just need to know what matters to you and what you want to get out of your first step into the working world.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a graduate scheme. 

1. Start with the career you want to build

This might sound obvious, but the best graduate scheme for you is one that actually moves you towards the kind of career you want.

If you already know you want to work in marketing, for example, look for a scheme that gives you meaningful marketing experience rather than simply having “marketing” in the title.

At M&B, the Marketing Graduate Scheme gives graduates experience across central marketing, marketing innovation and Brand Marketing before they move into their first role. 

The Finance Graduate Scheme, meanwhile, includes placements across areas such as Pricing, Financial Accounts, Property, Procurement and Guest Insight.

The question to ask: What will I actually be doing, and what skills will I have when the scheme finishes?

2. Look at how the scheme is structured

Not all graduate schemes work in the same way.

Some are built around one role, while others give you the chance to move between teams and build a broader set of skills.

Our corporate graduate schemes at M&B have three main elements: placements, technical skills and development workshops. Every graduate also completes a pub or restaurant placement, giving them hands-on experience of the business. 

That variety can be useful if you’re still figuring out where your strengths and interests lie.

For example, M&B’s IT Graduate Scheme includes four placements across the IT function before graduates choose two further placements based on their interests and strengths.

The question to ask: Do I want to specialise quickly, or would I benefit from trying different things first?

3. Find out how much real experience you’ll get

A graduate scheme should be about more than sitting through training sessions and adding certificates to your CV.

Look for opportunities to work on real projects, take responsibility and see how your work contributes to the wider business. 

M&B’s schemes are designed around real-time business projects, with programmes tailored to individual development needs while still providing a framework for building the technical skills needed in each career area.

That hands-on experience can make a big difference when you’re ready to take your next career step.

The question to ask: Will I be trusted with meaningful work, or will I spend most of my time watching from the sidelines?

4. Check where the scheme could take you

Here’s a big one: don’t just look at the starting point. Look at the destination.

Find out what happens when the graduate scheme ends. Is there a clear pathway into a permanent role? What could your next position look like? How quickly could you take on more responsibility? 

At M&B, graduates use the experience they gain during their schemes to move into their first roles. On some programmes, graduates can even progress into their first role before the scheme officially ends, depending on their development. 

The question to ask: Where could this scheme take me next? 

5. Think about the people who’ll support you

Starting your career can feel like a lot to take on. Having people around you who can answer your questions, give you feedback and help you work out what comes next can make a huge difference.

At M&B, graduates have a buddy, Line Manager and Placement Manager, with coaching and mentoring also available throughout the scheme.

And don’t underestimate the value of having other graduates around you. M&B has a graduate community across the business, giving new starters the chance to connect with people going through a similar experience.

The question to ask: Who will have my back when I’m figuring things out?

6. Consider the practical stuff

Yes, career development is important. So is being able to afford your life.

When comparing graduate schemes, look at the full package rather than just the salary. Think about benefits, flexible working, holidays, professional qualifications and any extras that matter to you.

For example, M&B’s corporate graduate schemes offer a starting salary of £30,000, while undergraduate schemes start at £24,500. Depending on the scheme, benefits can include a company car, fully funded CIMA or ACCA training for Finance graduates, flexible working, an annual bonus, private medical cover and a 33% discount across M&B brands.

The question to ask: Does the overall package work for me, both professionally and personally?

So, what is the best graduate scheme for you?

There isn’t one answer.

The best graduate scheme for you is the one that matches your career goals, gives you useful experience, supports your development and offers a working environment where you can see yourself thriving. 

At M&B, our graduate programmes cover areas include:

• IT Graduate Scheme
• Finance Graduate Scheme
• Marketing Graduate Scheme
• HR Graduate Scheme
• Marketing Undergraduate Scheme
• Property Undergraduate Scheme

Take the next step with M&B.