Graduate recruitment programs are for students who have recently graduated from university with at least a Bachelor's degree.
These programs usually involve one or two years of full-time employment, including training and development programs in a relevant organisation, like a government department, a consulting firm, or an international company.
Benefits of a graduate recruitment program
- During your graduate year you'll get to spend time in different areas of the organisation and gain experience working in various types of roles
- You'll get training, have mentors overseeing your work, and create a network of invaluable contacts
- Graduate recruitment positions usually lead to ongoing employment
When do graduate recruitment programs start?
It depends on the type of organisation. Law firms often recruit first, followed by consulting and other private companies. One important thing to remember is that recruitment can happen anywhere up to a year before your starting date.
As a general guide, application dates for positions starting the following year are:
- Law firms - January to February
- Consulting/accounting/engineering firms - February to March
- Government - March to April
Most universities hold careers fairs during the graduate recruitment season. At these fairs you can meet representatives from government and industry and talk about graduate positions in person.
Government graduate recruitment programs
Graduate recruitment positions in the Victorian Government are all advertised on the Graduate Recruitment Scheme (new window) website. You can apply online at any time.
Federal Government positions are advertised on the Australian Government Job Search (new window) website. Most positions will let you apply online.
Graduate recruitment programs with private companies
Graduate positions in private companies are advertised in a variety of places. You could try:
- Your university careers service
- Newspaper classifieds
- Directly contacting companies you're interested in working with
- Registering with employment services
- Websites such as:
o Graduate Opportunities (new window)
o Graduate Careers (new window)
You can also consult professional associations (new window), who often coordinate graduate programs in their field.
Applying for a graduate recruitment program
Graduate recruitment is competitive. Generally you need to submit a written or online application containing a cover letter, resume and/or a statement against the selection criteria. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and include all requested documentation.
Most employers use interviews, assessment centres and written tasks to help them work out whether you're right for the job. You may be asked back for more than one interview.
For information and tips on how to apply more effectively, check out our Applying for jobs section.
Links
Grads at VicGov
State Government site advertising graduate programs in government
Graduate Careers
Advertises graduate opportunities from across Australia
Graduate Opportunities
Advertises graduate opportunities in Australia and New Zealand
Australian Government Jobsearch website
Advertises graduate opportunities in the Federal Government.
