Graduate programmes give new graduates structured training, rotations and a mentor, usually for one or two years. Banks, auditing firms, mining houses, retailers and government departments all run them, and competition is strong.
Prepare early
- Check each employer’s careers page for opening and closing dates; many recruit months before the programme starts, often while you are in your final year.
- Have your CV, academic transcript and a certified copy of your ID or qualifications ready, as the application asks.
- Keep a list of where you applied, the closing dates and your login details.
The usual stages
- Online application: your details, marks and short motivation questions. Answer each one specifically, not with the same paragraph.
- Psychometric tests: numerical, verbal and logical reasoning, often within a few days of applying.
- Video or phone interview: questions about your motivation and examples from your studies or work.
- Assessment centre: group exercises, a case study or presentation, and interviews.
Builder tip: on a graduate CV, put your qualification and results near the top and your projects, leadership roles and part-time work below. Our graduate CV guide shows how.
Avoid: applying after the closing date, copying the same motivation into every application, and any “programme” that asks you to pay a fee to be placed.