insights What are the pros and cons of a graduate scheme?
Let’s be honest - it can be hard deciding on what to do after university.
If you’re in the process of thinking about your next steps, you might end up thinking ‘Is it worth doing a graduate scheme?’.
What we’re here to do is give you a transparent look at some of the pros and cons of graduate schemes so you can make an informed decision about where your next chapter will take you.
We recognize that graduate schemes might not be for everyone and that’s completely fine. Whatever your experience and background, it’s vital to make informed decisions when it comes to your career path.
If you’re ready to find out more, then read on.
The pros of graduate schemes
You’re wondering ‘What can I get out of a graduate scheme?’, well, here are four advantages of graduate schemes to factor into your decision.
1. Expand your skills to enhance your career
During your graduate scheme, you’ll learn valuable transferable skills throughout.
From project management, team building, understanding client expectations, and problem-solving, there really is no cap on what skills you’ll develop and refine, especially when taking into account the hands-on experience you get in different areas of a company.
Don’t just take it from us though, take it from Emma, one of our Graduate Electrical Engineers.
2. Follow a structured training programme
Learning valued transferable skills aside, graduate schemes also equip you with industry knowledge and experience. That means a step into a graduate scheme is one step on the ladder to becoming a specialist in your chosen field.
Our Graduate Development Programme is a framework that helps to bridge the gap between finishing your degree and practical application, seamlessly transitioning you into the professional world. This on-the-job learning provides you with a plethora of training and development opportunities from day one.
At AtkinsRéalis, our structured training programmes provide endless opportunities to take your career in the direction that you want.
Whether the scheme is in rail consulting, surveying, civil engineering, software, environment, (or many more), there are a lot of opportunities here for graduates from a wide range of disciplines to start their journey.
3. Rewards and benefits
You’ll be building up your career and advancing your prospects all with supported career development.
Here at AtkinsRéalis, we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements to all of our employees.
We also offer a settling-in payment for those joining our graduate programmes, and company-wide development programmes to name just a few rewards and benefits you can expect.
4. Engineer a better future with likeminded people
If you care about making a meaningful difference in your future career, then look no further than AtkinsRéalis.
We’re on a mission to make the planet a better place for future generations and we’re driven to create sustainable solutions while connecting people, data, and technology.
When you’re on a graduate scheme with AtkinsRéalis, you can take pride in knowing you’re on a dynamic, vibrant like-minded team as well as in an active early careers community that’s pushing the boundaries of design, project management, and engineering.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to build a professional network of people with similar interests while learning from mentors with similar academic backgrounds.
The cons of graduate schemes
While it’s true that graduate schemes offer many opportunities, there are some things you should keep in mind before going down this path. We’ve explored three below.
1. Competition
Getting into a graduate scheme can be highly competitive.
With higher entry requirements, relevant work experience, and sometimes testing or presentations, it can feel like there are a lot of hoops to jump through to secure a position.
But try not to worry too much about it.
Every application process helps you familiarize yourself with what’s expected as well as giving you a taste for finding out what interests you most. And once you get on to a graduate scheme, it’s worth it for the hard work you’ve put in.
2. Higher expectations
Compared to some entry-level roles, graduate schemes often have higher expectations once you start, this is in part due to the competitive process it took to get there. It could give a chance for some imposter syndrome to creep in.
Don’t stress about this though, as you’d have really earned your place there and you’ll be surrounded by other graduates in the same boat to build lasting connections with. In our supportive environment, you’ll be championed by buddies and mentors, taking comfort in the knowledge that everyone wants you to succeed.
3. Challenging projects
Competitive graduate schemes can involve working on some pretty high-impact and challenging projects.
It might take some time to adjust and adapt to working with some high-profile clients on some groundbreaking projects but you’ll have constant support in your growth, experience to make your resume shine, and a real sense of accomplishment.
Make big things happen with AtkinsRéalis
We hope we’ve answered your question of ‘is it worth doing a graduate scheme?’.
Now you know both sides of the graduate scheme debate, you’ve got the resources to weigh up if it’s a good fit for you.
If working on projects that have a positive impact on communities and our planet, working alongside mentors and like-minded peers, and refining your skills is something that resonates with you, then you might just have your answer.
We’re always searching for curious minds who do things differently while asking questions to work on our groundbreaking projects.
Learn more about our Graduate Development Programme today to see if AtkinsRéalis is where you’ll take the first step on your career journey.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/18/2024
Summary
Hello! I'm Oscar, an AtkinsRéalis apprentice heading into my third year on the Apprentice Consultant Development Programme (ACDP). I help our clients manage projects, programmes, and portfolios,
Preview
GeneralContent type
ProjectsPublish date
10/17/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Matilda Davis, and I'm based in the AtkinsRéalis Bristol office. I joined AtkinsRéalis last September, straight after my A-Level studies, and I'm now in my first year of the Pro
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/14/2024
Summary
Welcome back to our Digital Her blog series! As Digital Her sponsors, we're committed to empowering young women like you to pursue careers in digital and tech. We aim to break down barriers an
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/14/2024
Summary
When you think of the construction industry, what word springs to mind? Innovation? Resilient perhaps? Despite facing economic challenges, the market perseveres, offering a promising landscape for as
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
Unprecedented global events have caused delays and constraints on the construction of infrastructure projects worldwide. However, by being agile, managing expectations, and identifying viable soluti
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
So, you’re looking into AtkinsRéalis early careers opportunities, are you? You might have come across a graduate scheme, placement, or apprenticeship and you’re keen to apply, but what happens if yo
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi, I'm Lesley, an Assistant Nuclear Safety & Reliability Engineer in the Nuclear Safety and Licensing team at Power New Build, Nuclear & Power. I joined AtkinsRéalis in 2022 on the graduate sch
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/26/2024
Summary
Apprenticeships are a popular route into a plethora of disciplines, including engineering. In the 2022/23 academic year, 752,150 people were participating in an apprenticeship in England alone, com
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/18/2024
Summary
Meet Electromechanical Degree Apprentice James, who is based in our Bristol office. In his everyday role, he gets to explore the high-tech meeting of electrical and mechanical engineering, learn
Related jobs
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Electrical and EC&I Engineering Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Cities & development
Clean power
Environment & geoscience
Transportation
Water
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Birmingham
Derby
Nottingham
Whitehaven
York
Leeds
Manchester
Sheffield
Chelmsford
Croydon
London
Epsom
Bristol
Exeter
Glasgow
Cardiff
Description
As an Electrical and EC&I Engineering graduate, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects and experiencing different aspects including consulting and design.
Reference
GR-192
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Cities & development
Clean power
Environment & geoscience
Transportation
Water
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Birmingham
Derby
Whitehaven
Stockton-on-Tees
Manchester
Sheffield
London
Epsom
Bristol
Belfast
Glasgow
Grade
Grades 1 - 8 (UK, Middle East & India)
Description
Ready to launch your engineering career? Join our Mechanical Graduate Programme and work with a top-tier team renowned for engineering excellence and innovation.
Reference
GR-201
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Cities & development
Clean power
Environment & geoscience
Transportation
Water
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Cambridge
Peterborough
Birmingham
Crewe
Derby
Whitehaven
York
Stockton-on-Tees
Leeds
Manchester
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Sheffield
Chelmsford
Dartford
Croydon
London
Epsom
Leatherhead
Swindon
Trowbridge
Bristol
Exeter
Belfast
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Cardiff
Swansea
Aylesbury
South Mimms
Description
As a Civil or Structural Engineering graduate, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects with the opportunity to explore different career pathways including consulting and design.
Reference
GR-188
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Human Factors Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Clean power
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Derby
Manchester
London
Bristol
Glasgow
Description
Our Human Factors graduate programme has been designed to give you an insight into a wide variety of areas of work and the chance to explore where your own skills and interests lie.
Reference
GR-197
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Management Consultancy Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Graduate
Location
London
Bristol
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Description
Are you ready to be part of a world-leading, inspiring and ambitious team? As a Management Consultancy Graduate you can get insight into a wide variety and explore where your skills and interests lie.
Reference
GR-200
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Software Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Clean power
Security, aerospace & defence
Transportation
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Birmingham
Derby
Sheffield
Epsom
Edinburgh
Cardiff
Description
As a Software graduate, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects and experiencing different aspects including consulting, design or overseeing construction.
Reference
GR-209
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Town Planning Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Cities & development
Environment & geoscience
Water
Category
Graduate
Location
Birmingham
Manchester
London
Bristol
Glasgow
Description
As a Town Planning graduate, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects with the opportunity to explore different career pathways including consulting and design.
Reference
GR-212
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Information Management Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Clean power
Project, programme & cost management
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Whitehaven
Manchester
London
Description
Join us as a Graduate Information Manager and enjoy exposure to a wide variety of industries, clients and projects.
Reference
GR-198
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Asset Management Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Transportation
Category
Graduate
Location
Cambridge
Birmingham
Manchester
London
Description
Our Asset Management graduate programme has been designed to give you an insight into a wide variety of areas of work and the chance to explore where your own skills and interests lie.
Reference
GR-186
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Data Intelligence Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Security, aerospace & defence
Category
Graduate
Location
Birmingham
Cheltenham
Manchester
London
Bristol
Description
Ready to join a leading engineering team? As a Data Intelligence Graduate, you'll dive into diverse, impactful projects with a top-tier, respected company.
Reference
GR-190
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Talent community
Would you like to know more? Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected and engaged with us at AtkinsRéalis.
Find out more