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Applying for a graduate programme is rewarding in so many different ways. Throughout the process, you will be challenged to think and innovate as you grow in your career journey. Here at nxtstep, we believe taking on a new challenge can lead to endless opportunities, new skills, and great connections. Are you ready for your career gamechanger? A graduate programme might be the perfect fit.
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1. Graduate programmes are great for personal development and growth
From the application process to initial interviews and your first day on the job, you will be challenged to innovate new solutions and new ideas every step of the way. With a new job and a new environment, you will be given the opportunity to take on more responsibility, leadership roles, and speak your voice at meetings. As a graduate student in one of these programmes, you will get to develop skills in public speaking, improve your communication, learn how to work independently and within a diverse team, and learn skills such as conflict resolution and developing a more analytical mindset. Graduate programmes allow uni students to acquire self-confidence in their work abilities and provide plenty of opportunities for students to explore and grow as young career professionals.
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2. Graduate programmess offer career exploration and professional development
While graduate programmes are great for personal growth and development, they also play a huge role in professional development. Graduate programmes provide Uni Students with the opportunity to try out careers and different jobs beyond entry-level-type roles. In these roles, you will be given responsibility and will get the chance to enhance your skills and talents in areas beyond your studies. The range of programmes on offer are incredibly diverse and offers students entry pathways and careers into all kinds of sectors. If there was ever a career or a role that you wanted to try out, taking on a graduate programme will give you the complete experience of that job and expose you to new areas and ways of working within that position. These programmes are fully immersive, and they allow Uni students to experience all areas of the role and the business. In these roles, you can test all the good and challenging aspects of the job before committing to the industry.
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3. Graduate programmes offer ongoing support and mentoring.
One thing that is truly special about graduate programmes is the level of support that you receive. Graduate programmes provide the perfect transitional opportunity from University to the world of work. Many programmes offer 1:1 mentoring with career professionals currently in roles that align with your future aspirations. As a Uni student, you will get to work in an industry that you are interested in and passionate about, forge new connections, and extend your professional networks. Your mentors will provide you with opportunities to grow while challenging you to take on new projects and put yourself and your skills out there. Graduate programmes offer wrap-around support with regular check-ins and feedback opportunities to ensure that you get the most out of your experience. You will also get to work closely with the other students in your graduate programme cohort to share experiences while supporting each other through the programme.
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4. Graduate programmes may offer career progression beyond the programme.
If you love the work and industry that you are in, you will be first in line for any openings that align with your experience within the company. Because of the lengthy application process and testing, graduate programmes invest a lot into the students they take on board. If you are passionate and align with the company values, your opportunity for growth can lead to a long-term career within the company. If you are looking to increase your responsibilities and climb up the company ranks, entering through a graduate programme can give you that step-up and an advantage over students that enter through the mainstream. Because of your internal connections and demonstrated work ethic and skills, you will be the forerunner for any leadership and advancement opportunities.
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5. Collect on the benefits of the work rotation
In many graduate programmes, work rotations are offered. These provide an expansive overview of the organisation as a whole. While you might have experienced skills in a particular area, with the work rotation model, you will get to adapt and learn new skills across all areas of the company. Not only does this provide a great networking opportunity, but also gives you the chance to experience different aspects of the company. While this will push you to think more creatively and diversely, you may also get the opportunity to adapt to different work environments and work within different teams. In large organisations, some travel opportunities may be involved, allowing you to check out different work-sites, factories, and other locations of interest to the business.
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6. Lastly, Graduate programmes offer some great incentives!
While reaping all the benefits we’ve listed above, most companies offer a competitive starting salary rate for all graduates in the programme. Depending on your work requirements, some companies may also give technology packages, wardrobe allowances, travel opportunities, and sometimes even phone credit. Many of these larger organisations are also really invested in staff well-being. You may get the chance to attend all sorts of events and functions, from casual Friday night drinks to conferences and staff functions. All of these provide a vast opportunity for you to bond, network, and collaborate with industry professionals and get a sure taste of “ life in a career” in your chosen field.
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As you can imagine, these programmes can be pretty competitive and in high demand! At Nxtstep, we are here to empower you every step of the way. We’ll keep you in the loop as new grad programmes drop and provide you with insider job application tips to land you that dream job!
Ready to take the NxtStep? Sign up now - https://nxtstep.co.nz/signup
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