Graduate programs from A to Z

October brings many things. Proper autumn weather, Halloween, Pumpkin Spiced Latté… But how about challenging opportunities and career growth? That’s right – it is also that time of the year when some of the best employers start to offer top-quality graduate programs!

First things first – how does a graduate program differ from an entry-level role, a student job or an internship? 

A graduate program or a graduate job is a structured program offered for a fixed period of time by companies that are large enough to require a constant flow of new talent. By the means of the graduate program, the companies are able to build up a “pipeline”. This is what HR calls a group of high-flying graduates who are expected to aspire to leadership positions and can be trained for future management roles. For graduates, a graduate program is the perfect entry-level job. It’s a great way to kickstart their career – they experience a structured program and get the chance to work within many different areas of the company. 

What else characterizes a graduate program?

• They are open for graduates with no more than a year of experience,
• They are degree-agnostic which means they are open for a majority of university degrees,
• They are usually from 12 to 36 months long.
• The structure contains one to four rotations in various areas of the company and often includes an international rotation in one of the company’s affiliate offices.
• The pay is often between DKK 35,000 – 50,0000 per month.
• While it is not a guarantee, most (90-95%) graduate programs end with the graduate being offered a permanent role in the company.

Starting salary of graduates.

Where can I find a list of graduate programs?

When the graduate program season arrives and companies start to search for new talent, there are several options how you can search for a graduate program:

• Follow companies SoMe profiles: If you have a list of companies you are interested in, you’d do well to follow them on social media or keep tabs on their websites – as a rule of thumb, they usually post their offers there.
• Network on Linkedin: It also pays to continuously build your LinkedIn network and be active among your connections which may lead you to interesting roles and opportunities.
• Job platforms: You can use a database website that compiles graduate programs – such as Graduateships and our own list of available graduate jobs!
• Graduateships newsletter: To get a comprehensive overview of the best companies offering a graduate program – and also of what it is like to be a part of one – sign up for our mailing list. Once the newest Graduate Guide is out, you can expect it in your inbox!

Overview of where the students find their graduate program.

How many graduate programs are there?

In the previous year’s graduate season, we compiled more than 300 graduate programs across industries. The number included 36 programs available for English speakers and 22 programs with an international rotation.

What companies offer graduate programs?

Whether you’re interested in marketing or you’re a frontend developer, you’re bound to find the perfect program for you. From financial institutions and consulting through healthcare and IT to energy, many industries use graduate jobs to seek new talent. 

Most graduate jobs are available within IT, finance, and marketing. 

In the 2020/2021 graduate season, we featured 64 companies offering a graduate program – an 18% increase compared to the previous year. 

When will the Graduate Guide 2021/2022 be live?

We expect the newest Graduate Guide to launch in November.

Where can I find the Graduate Guide 2021/2022?

If you join our mailing list, you won’t have to search – after it is released, we will send it straight to you! But to keep up-to-date about all the graduate jobs, interviews, career advice articles, and other content that Graduateships posts, make sure to follow us on social media:

• Follow Graduateships on LinkedIn
• Follow Graduateships on Instagram
• Follow Graduateships on Facebook

Can I do a graduate program abroad? 

Yes – there are several companies that offer a graduate program abroad. On top of that, quite a few graduate programs consist of different rotations, and one of those rotations can be an international one in one in an affiliate office of the company.

Last year, we featured 36 programs available for English speakers and 22 programs with an international rotation. The location of the graduate program is always stated in the job description – be sure to read it thoroughly before applying or consider reaching out to the contact person before applying. 

Do I have to speak Danish to apply for a graduate program?

The language requirements differ from program to program. However, the general requirement is a command of the English language and the right to work in Europe.  Just as with the location of the graduate program, check the job description of the program you are interested in  or reach out to the contact person.

How do I create a good CV for graduate programs?

Before the hiring managers meet you, before you get a chance to introduce your experience and your skills. it is your CV that lands on the recruiter’s table. Your curriculum vitae is your first contact with your prospective job – so make the most of it!

But a graduate program you will apply for can have hundreds or even thousands of other applicants. Here are some tips on what to do in order not to get stuck underneath a pile of CVs! 

• Make the CV unique to the job you are applying for. While using a template to make sure you have the correct formatting and include all relevant information, the content should be tailored to answer the job description. You don’t want the recruiter to treat you like one of many – so show the job the same courtesy. 
• Show your result, what actions you took at your previous jobs or in your education. Find out what the job you are applying for is looking for – and show them that you’ve got it. 
• Make your CV truly you. Include a short personal statement at the top of your CV which gives the message of how you can help the company, and why you are a great fit. 
• When you are done with your CV, try to take a look at it as if you were a recruiter. See what message comes across in 6 to 10 seconds – or the time the actual recruiter will spend looking at your CV.
• Do a spell check before attaching your CV to your application and sending it into the world.

We have sourced 4 of the best CVs out there:  Download 4 templates used by Harvard, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and Stanford here!

When do graduate programs start?

The graduate program season is generally between October and April. Most of the deadlines typically end in April, and the majority of graduate programs kick off in September. 

Make sure to check in the job description when the application is due, and when the graduate program starts.

What does a graduate program look like?

As every company is different, their graduate programs will differ, as well. But there are several general characteristics:

• the program offers a steep learning curve
• the graduate typically completes several rotations in different departments of the company
• especially in bigger companies, the graduates can take advantage of a graduate network and the learning opportunities and social activities that come with it

When asked about the key factors about a graduate job, 400 students shared that the structure of the program, good mentoring and learning opportunities, and the location of the program were the most important.

To make it easier for you to learn about the day-to-day of a graduate program, we interviewed these young professionals as they were involved in a graduate job in various companies and industries!

• Hoziar talked about her time at KMD
• Mette shared her typical day at PA Consulting
• Kristian gave advice on how to prepare for a graduate program at Valcon
• Aleksandra from KPMG shed some light on applying for a graduate program
• Paulina described her most challenging moments at Scandinavian Tobacco Group

How long is a graduate program?

The length of the graduate program varies from case to case, but generally, it is between 12 to 36 months.

The majority of graduate jobs (58%) were 24-months long.

Can I get a job after my graduate program is over?

Many graduates are offered a permanent position when they end their graduate program. It would still be best for you to check in with your potential employer to see what the opportunities to advance in the company are. 

Would you like some inspiration? Read the stories of a former graduate who not only stayed in the company after the duration of their graduate job was over – now, they are advancing through the ranks!

• Read the story of Emil from ATP

You are armed with all the information that you need, and a perfectly tailored CV. The time is now –  check our list of graduate jobsand start the application process!