Today’s graduates are quickly becoming the most valuable asset for top companies, in terms of talent and productivity. But what are companies doing for newly graduated candidates?
Millennials are set to take over 40pc of the global workforce by 2020. In particular, the ICT industry is hiring younger employees, so it’s only natural that companies should do everything they can to lure top talent in from the get-go.
That’s where graduate programmes come in. There are plenty of attractive employment perks that organisations offer experienced candidates, but it is also important to bring in new graduates and encourage them from the beginning.
Version 1 understands the importance of nurturing graduates right from the start with its SuperGrad programme.
“We like to think we can offer something different with our graduate programme,” said Nicola Synnott, graduate programme coordinator at Version 1.
“We invest in people rather than a production line of grads. Day 1, you’ll learn by building and doing in a dedicated continuous development programme, where you will grow as an IT consultant.”
Version 1 is looking for driven and committed candidates who are up for a challenge.
One of the main things graduates look for after college is practical experience and learning opportunities. Storm Technology’s graduate programme provides hands-on opportunities for graduates with exposure to all the technologies within the company.
“This results in the graduates getting real satisfaction in their role, affording them the learning and development they crave,” said Colm Molloy of Storm. “Our programme is built around the Microsoft technologies and tools, and we aim to ensure that our graduates get real exposure when they join us.”
At AOL, graduate recruitment happens all year round. “We have developed strong relationships with various universities and colleges and have onsite software development presentations throughout the year.”
AOL’s graduate programme is designed to give exposure to all aspects of the engineering side of the business. Graduates even get to build code in live production. “Throughout the programme, we assign a tech buddy to the graduates and constantly gather feedback for their optimal performance and development.”
For graduates who are looking to go further afield after graduation, Fidelity International offers programmes in other countries. “Some programmes include international rotations in Europe or Asia, which provide great exposure to different cultures and markets and of course, the chance to live and work abroad, which for some is a key goal,” said Marianne Streete, graduate development manager at Fidelity.
At Fidelity, all graduate programmes offer sponsorship for industry-recognised qualifications relevant for the career path. Marianne said that in addition to formal qualifications, Fidelity offers an extensive skills development programme, which helps bridge the gap for other core soft skills.
“Business communication, presentation skills, strategic thinking and meeting management are all covered during these sessions, culminating in a management development course at the end of the scheme, to set them up for a future with us,” she said.
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