Graduate Schemes

jovichick123

Hi all,

Am in my final year of my English Degree now and am trying to decide what to apply for after graduation. I have totally gone off the idea of studying for my PGCE so have been looking for alternatives. The idea of a graduate scheme really appeals to me, I am especially interested in HR (I went to Uni as a mature student but prior to that worked in recruitment for over two years)...

My problem is that most companies I have looked at require you to have not only a degree but A Levels, which I don't have. Does anyone know whether graduate schemes tend to be flexible if you have a good degree result or am I going to have to complete A Levels to be in with a chance??

Thanks,
Sarah xx

dmg24

Hi Sarah,

Unfortunately many of the top grad schemes do ask for a minimum number of points at A Level, and will not budge on this. I know the NHS scheme and govt FastStream will not (or at least they wouldn't two years ago).

If you have a look at www.prospects.ac.uk, you will be able to see what schemes are available, and find contact details for them.

If you want to go into HR, maybe you would be best to go into a company as an HR Administrator, and then do your CIPD qualification? x

saintstreaky

Many that I've seen at least claim to be flexible for mature students. You may need to get in touch with them.

dmg24

saintstreaky wrote: »

Many that I've seen at least claim to be flexible for mature students. You may need to get in touch with them.

They can't claim that anymore as it is age discrimination. For instance, PGCE providers used to allow mature students just to take a Maths and English test if they did not have GCSE's in the subjects, but now they cannot, as it discriminates against younger students.

nasty_nas

Look around do some research there will be someone somewhere that will take you on. But i must warn you only 13% of the population are scceful on graduate schemees even oxbridge grads have trouble getting in

saintstreaky

dmg24 wrote: »

They can't claim that anymore as it is age discrimination.

Yes, I'd forgotten that, sorry! Amazing how quickly this stuff all changes.

scottn

Hi Sarah

I completed a business degree in 2006 and started work as an HR assistant that summer. Realised all adverts stated "must be cipd qualified" and that if i wanted work in HR i'd need it. I went back to uni for a one year post grad and got my CIPD.

I'm now on a grad scheme and have pretty much doubled my salary by going my post grad in HR. I don't have particularly good results from school, some average results.

Do your CIPD if you get the chance and don't turn down any offer of HR work experience.

Good luck!

IlonaRN

I found that even though I was about to finish a DPhil from Oxford, I was still at a disadvantage for online grad course applications because I couldn't give GCSE and A-level results (I did my secondary schooling abroad).

I'd say there's no harm in applying for things, but make sure you send a well-written covering letter and CV for the job. They can always get you to fill in a form later if they need it.