I am pretty much 18 months into my 2-year grad scheme, by the time this post comes out. And wow how the time flies. I remember my first day thinking “Geez 2 years is long”. I feel like it’s time I reflect on my grad scheme before the end, and suggest how to make the most out of it.
What is a graduate scheme?
I have written a previous post which mentions the definition, but as a refresher, “It’s a job that introduces you to an industry and potential roles within it, that you might like”. It’s different from a graduate job, which is specific to a job role and you gain specific experience and skills in that area.
What have I done with my grad scheme?
So, I know I haven’t mentioned where I work or what I do, but it’s unnecessary information, so I’m not going to tell. However, I feel like I have been making the most out of my grad scheme, and I will share the details of that. Here is a timeline of what I have done so far:
The way my specific graduate scheme was laid out, was that I am placed in the role that the company will employ me in, after I finish the scheme. This means if they have the space for a resource, they will employ me in that team/department. The benefit of this is that I will already know my co-workers, know my job, and be well versed in the role and work. The disadvantage was that I didn’t get to experience a different part of the company as much. The latter was a big hit for me.
My day to day, was pretty standard, using my capabilities and skills to support the development of the company. I can’t honestly say that I used my degree at all, but I got the role thanks to it, so that’s a small win.
18 months on, what I have learnt to be the point of a graduate scheme is to Develop myself from a student to a skilled employable individual. And so that’s what I have done with my graduate scheme, reap those benefits to better myself.
How did I make the most of my grad scheme?
Even though I was placed in my potential career, the employer still knew the benefit of letting the graduates explore different parts of the company. So, I was allowed to visit 1 place throughout my scheme to learn a bit more. I decided I wanted to learn more about project management, as I felt I had a natural skillset for it, and I wanted to see what it’s like in a corporate environment.
I did get quite a few questions, as I am a chemist, so it’s a little weird if my first chance to develop a skillset, was to be a project manager. My current role is not lab-based and after labs in uni, I need to take a break from bench-chemistry. Thankfully, I spent my first 6 months, telling my line manager, that project management was my next steps. And she was an amazing advocate for me and helped me find places who could take me.
I specifically wanted project management roles, where I could look over the entire industry that I work for. Not necessarily the projects that happen within 1 company. This automatically meant, that I was looking for a role outside of the company who pays me. The thing is this, company is still trying to build valuable connections with other companies in the industry. So, my business case to be a project manager, was that I would build strong links with other companies in the industry (and beyond), to bring back. This was true.
I ended up getting a contract drawn up for this project management secondment at a different company. This role is amazing. I’m so glad I followed my gut instinct and did this. There is nothing that could top the experience I am getting in this role. The terms of my contract are that I am still employed and paid by my grad scheme company, but the other company is liable for my safety. Also, they can’t poach me without a giant lawsuit.
What were my benefits?
In my graduate scheme I didn’t have any training. The role doesn’t involve any. So, I can honestly say I didn’t develop any skills related to my role, as it didn’t stretch me beyond my current abilities. This secondment though, has stretched me beyond my normal chemistry skillset. I was aiming to try and get an APM qualification but was a little short for time. But the skills that I have gained, have plumped up my CV and given me a different edge. I am a chemist with project management experience, 18 months in my career journey. Amazing benefits!
I have had the chance to experience a different environment, without having to change my employment. It’s a low-risk way of testing something that you don’t have any experience in. Whether you like it or not is a different thing. At the end of the day it ticks the box that you experienced a different part of the company, as per the terms of your grad scheme. And you also found out whether you liked the skills that you gained or not. I had the basic skills for project management, but had never officially studied or pursued it, and ended up loving it. It was a worthwhile secondment, by giving me insight to my potential career paths.
Post graduate scheme
I haven’t finished mine yet, so I am talking based on future perspectives here. Just because you have learnt skills from them, it does not mean you owe them full time employment. If you want to leave, leave. I talk more about this in my previous post.
The best thing you can do is look back on your graduate scheme, and feel fulfilled that you made the most out of it.
We’ll find out where I am at in 6 months’ time, when my scheme is officially over. Until then, Good luck.
Moral of my story:
- What is the point of your grad scheme- to make you a skilled employable person. Remember that.
- Free-trail as many times as you can– They provide you with experience, free-trail whatever piques your interest. Life is too short to be in 1 career or to not experience a variety of them.
- More official training, the better– Training always looks good on your CV, so wherever you can, get official documented training. I can help in your future.
- You don’t owe them employment in return– They don’t owe you either. Pursue what interests you.
