Exploring the Graduate Scheme Alternatives

Graduate schemes. They are the words on every student's (and no doubt parent's) lips, the prescribed yet ever-more elusive 'golden ticket' for a graduate to begin their career. Of course, securing a graduate scheme is a fantastic achievement, the instant distinction, the training, the more than agreeable wage packet. It is all very nice, but the reality is that this is a particular success that only a very, very few will taste, leaving the rest of us with a rather large amount of pressure to figure out just exactly what our next move is. So, what are the alternatives? Is there really a world outside of the graduate scheme bubble that we are all incessantly told about? The answer is yes! SME's, which stands for small and medium enterprises are a really great option to consider, they can give you everything a graduate scheme can offer and more. Working for SME's given their size, only works in your favour, offering you a chance to gain some meaningful hands-on work experience given that it will have a direct effect upon the business and its success, (as well as a decidedly less troublesome job application). What's more, you also have the opportunity to build up a rapport with your colleges and senior staff members alike which gives you a network of contacts that may well come in handy later on in life, not the mention the fact that SME's are much more likely to give you more responsibility and quicker than larger companies. 

Another option is to get some unpaid work experience or some form of internship. 'No!' I hear you cry, 'I have enough debt and I need money!'. Of course, the debts are there, your bank balance is going to be turning your stomach and the thought of no longer getting your student discounts is enough to make you angry at the world, but getting this work experience has long term benefits. Though it may delay you a little in landing your perfect job this will increase your chances of actually getting it, the experience these can offer is invaluable so be open minded and do not close an open door of opportunity!

Queue jumping. If you are set on working for a particular company, ones that are even running graduate schemes, apply to them direct. You never know what may happen, it is a well known fact that many positions that a company may be looking to fill are not advertised, so be proactive and send off a speculative application. Even if you are unsuccessful, the personal attributes you will have shown in doing such may well see you on the shortlist for the company to contact next time an opening is available. Fancy jumping the queue all together? Never dismiss the potential of being able to work for yourself. If you have a particular set of skills that people will want to use (and pay you for it) make the most of this! There are countless free and easy to use websites which you can use to advertise your services, and though at first this may be alongside another job, it can also end up as your only job, with you as your own boss.

And so, there you have it. Options outside the graduate scheme sphere, which are also much less hassle than the long winded graduate scheme applications! Also, now that you will have a little extra time on your hands, make sure you check out our website http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk where there is plenty more handy advice on things like how to structure your CV and dress for job interviews to be found.