Graduate Programmes

What is a Graduate programme?

It is a programme available to graduates that offers paid work experience usually over a two- year period. There are many available, either run by government or industry bodies, throughout Ireland. They are an excellent way to develop your skills and knowledge, update your CV and get on the career ladder. Many people secure permanent employment upon completion of the programme. Entry is competitive and therefore research and preparation in advance of application is key.

Some of the most popular Graduate Programmes throughout the country are:

KPMG

KPMG accept graduates from any discipline including business, IT, engineering, maths, science, and arts courses. KPMG offers graduates places within audit and assurance, tax consulting, deal advisory and consulting. Students join a 3.5 year programme and take their ACA exams to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. The application process will open in early September and close in mid-October.

ALDI

Aldi’s area manager graduate programme accepts graduates from all areas of study who have/ or will attain a minimum 2:1 degree. The application process is made up of six stages from application to psychometric testing to interviews. Recruitment opens from September 1st, and the closing date for applications is November 30th. The starting salary is €65,000 per annum and graduates will also get a company car.

Lidl

Lidl’s graduate management programme is an 18-month scheme that is open to graduates who have/ or will have a grade 2:1 degree. A full driver’s license is also required. Successful applicants will receive a salary of €36,400 per annum. Applications for the programme open in early September.

Deloitte

Graduates are accepted from all degree disciplines including business, engineering, maths, science, law, technology and arts. They have seven graduate programmes available; audit & assurance, actuarial, rewards & analytics, apprentice solicitor programme, consulting, restructuring services, risk advisory, tax and technology. Application will open in the autumn time.

Arthur Cox

It is one of the leading corporate law firms in Ireland. Graduates are welcome from many disciplines including business, arts, music, psychology and science. The application process involves an application form, a CV and a cover letter followed by aptitude testing.

PwC

PwC offers graduates places within the areas of assurance, risk assurance, tax and consulting. It accepts graduates from all disciplines, including people from a science, technology, economics, engineering, law and business backgrounds. The application process consists of an online application and interview. The application deadline is October 13th.

EY

EY offer graduates places within tax, audit, consultancy and strategy and transactions (corporate finance). They have offices in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Belfast. Graduates from backgrounds in business, technology, science, engineering, law and humanities are welcome to apply. Application deadline is October 13th.

Accenture

Accenture offers graduate programmes within analytics, consulting, software engineering, cybersecurity, and business and technology integration. Salaries start at €35,000. Application deadlines are mid- July & August, depending on the programme you wish to apply for.

ESB

Graduates are welcome form various disciplines including engineering, commercial HR, marketing, finance and IT. The application process includes an online application, assessments and interviews.  Applications will open in September.

Jameson

Jameson currently has 60 graduates based in 35 countries around the world. It offers the international graduate programme and the engineering graduate programme. Graduates come from a variety of backgrounds – Business, Languages, Psychology, Arts, and many more. Graduates for the engineering programme come from Process & Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Design and Automation Engineering.  Applications open in September.

Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland accept graduates from a variety of disciplines including Business, IT, Arts, Engineering and Science. They offer opportunities to students who have achieved, or are expected to achieve, a minimum 2:1 honours degree or any master’s degree from all disciplines. Application involves online application form, assessments, video interview, group & individual activities and interview. Application deadline is usually the end of October.

The above is a sample of popular graduate programmes available. For a full list, go to www.careersportal.ie  or www.gradireland.com. Many of the deadlines are in the autumn time but now is the time to begin preparation.

Top tip

My top tip for making it onto any of the programmes is to make sure that you research the business that you are applying to. It is really important to show that you are enthusiastic and interested in the business. For more information, support and advice with graduate programme applications, contact McCullagh Careers today at info@mccullaghcareers.ie or 0872120527.