To ask for your experiences of graduate schemes?

[AwkwardPaws27]

I'm a mature student studying Biomed, on track for a 2:1/hopefully a 1st. I also work full-time as an EA. After some soul-searching and evaluating my strengths, I don't think I want to go into lab work. I'm looking at the Civil Service Fast Track, but wondered if anyone else could recommend a good grad scheme? My interest lies in health and disease, but I'm happy to consider other career options. Looking for a good progression route, and something that would be family friendly/potential for part-time work in future. I've looked at a lot of websites but it would be nice to hear some personal experiences. Thank you!

Hopeful bump

I did one at a FTSE 100 company. I didn't know what I wanted to do after I graduated and so this seemed like a good idea - the idea was to do 4 x 6 months rotations across different disciplines. I only did 3, I decided I liked the third and have been doing it ever since in various forms.

I had a higher entrance salary than I'd have had otherwise and I really took advantage of every opportunity to meet senior leaders/do 'team building'/ask other random seniors if I could shadow them - all which were encouraged as I was a grad.

Peers of mine didn't have such a good time as they weren't given meaningful roles for their 6 month rotations - I was and ensured I had clear goals/objectives each time.

I don't really have anything bad to say and I'd really recommend it - I was based at a satellite site though not head office - I think that has affected my career negatively but I still think I'm doing well for myself 9 years later.

Depends on where you live but I would look at what jobs are on offer within your local authorities especially county council or city councils rather than smaller district councils
DS did an internship straight from graduating and had progressed quite quickly since

DH FTSE 100 company, absolutely fab, 10 years later permanent job with them on 3x the salary. Now in charge of hiring graduates!

I assume you've considered the NHS Grad Scheme given your degree?

Dunno if people in graduate schemes are the same, but be very prepared for interviews, especially if you have to do group work. I found the people also being interviewed quite rude at times and a bit ruthless. You'll meet some interesting people for sure. Some are very nice of course.

I assume you've considered the NHS Grad Scheme given your degree?

I have, but I recently left an administrative job in the NHS after 3 years due to lack of progression opportunities - I was taking on work two bands above my level and I kept seeing roles being down-banded, so I'm not sure it is a good long-term prospect. I may still apply for Genomic Counseling though as I am very interested in the personal experience of genetic conditions and helping people, although this is highly competitive.

I'm based on the outskirts of East London, but would also consider relocation to Edinburgh.