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One of the most popular ways for students to enter careers following university is by applying for graduate schemes.

These fast-track positions offer a range of benefits: from a greatly increased chance of securing a permanent job to having a guaranteed salary straight out of university.

But the competition is tough and only a limited number make it through. On average, there are 85 applications for every single graduate scheme position. So we asked Manpreet Dhesi and Dave Carter from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Careers about the top tips for students thinking about graduate schemes.

The first thing to know is that a degree isn't enough on its own to secure a position. Employers are looking for qualified graduates who have also completed internships, volunteering experience or had involvement in societies. This gives them an example of your breadth of knowledge and interests.

Gillian Coe from HSBC noted: "We recruit up to 1,500 graduates on to one of our 70 graduate programmes around the world. For those jobs, globally, we receive around 100,000 applications. As 90% have a 2.2 or a 2.1, it therefore takes something extra to stand out."

When it comes to applying, don't leave it to the last minute. Some companies fill positions whilst recruitment is still happening. Go to the Careers Service to have your application reviewed by one of their specialist application advisers.

Due to the limited number of spaces, only around 7-10% of graduates manage to enter the workplace through a formal graduate scheme. To maximise your chances of success, preparation is incredibly important whether you're a first year or a finalist. The table below provides some handy tips on what to do in the new year if a graduate scheme is for you.

Manpreet said: "Conversion rates between graduate schemes and securing a full-time job at the same company can be as high as 70-80% in some companies. It's a great way to get the first foot on the job ladder.

"If a graduate scheme doesn't float your boat, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Careers can help you with other options. We check applications and can help you practice for an interview, all for free. The website also has a comprehensive amount of information for each step and you can pop-in personally and speak to the information team anytime."

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Timetable for Graduate Schemes

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Study Level	Spring Term (January - April 2014)	Summer Term (May - August 2014)	Autumn (2014) (Sept 2014 onwards)
First/Second year going into penultimate year	Start looking at careers/jobs you may be interested through International students should clarify Visa options in the UK Research entry-level jobs and find out about their requirements	Apply for internships/gain work experience during the summer	Career Planning Attend Careers Fairs and Employer Events Join societies and volunteer to bolster your CV
Penultimate going into final year	Identify your weak spots and address them Applying for internships for summer through	Attend Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Summer School Attend Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Focus on Management Look at company websites, many open applications for their graduate schemes between July - September. Gain work experience during the summer	Career Planning Attend Careers Fairs and Employer Events Identify Graduate Schemes and apply
Final year becoming a recent graduate	Apply for graduate level jobs / schemes - some companies have rolling deadlines. You can find most of these via the companies website or through Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø JobOnline	Apply for graduate level jobs Target unfilled Graduate Schemes Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Jobs Market 2014	Join (recent alumni) Follow steps above

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