Graduate and Trainee Programs: How They Work and How to Apply

Graduate programs, trainee programs and management trainee roles are designed for people with little or no experience. They usually combine training, rotations between departments and a real job at the end.

How the process usually works

• An online application with your CV and sometimes short written questions
• Online tests: numerical, verbal or logical reasoning, and sometimes a language test
• A recorded video interview or a phone screen
• An assessment day with group tasks, a presentation and interviews
• An offer, often starting on a fixed date

When to apply

Many programs open once a year and close early. Follow the careers pages and LinkedIn pages of companies you like, and turn on job alerts, so you apply in the first weeks.

How to stand out

• Tailor your CV to the program's focus, for example finance, engineering or sales.
• Practise reasoning tests with free practice tests before the real one.
• In group tasks, listen, build on others' ideas and help the group finish on time; assessors watch collaboration, not only who talks most.
• Prepare examples of leadership and teamwork from university or volunteering.

If you are not accepted

Ask for feedback when possible, note which stage you reached, and apply again next cycle or to similar programs. Many people get in on their second try.