Some form of work experience is essential to secure a graduate management job, and there are many opportunities available. Internships and work placements are particularly desirable. These give penultimate- or final-year students the chance to work on actual projects, delivering set objectives to deadlines, usually with the aid of a mentor.

Often internships are used as testing and training for potential new graduate recruits. The skills gained vary depending on the industry, but graduate recruiters agree that the more work experience you have before leaving university, the better.

’Work experience enables you to get some practical, hands-on experience of work in the area you may want to pursue, but are not sure about because you haven’t done it before,’ says Nestlé recruiter Amanda Saywood. ’Equally, if you are pretty sure it’s what you want to do, it gives you the opportunity to either have that view confirmed, or to avoid making a mistake if you realise that it’s really not what you want to do at all!’

Available management placements

There are management work placements available in a huge range of sectors. Below is a sample of what’s available.

Arcadia Group
Human resources business placements offering structured training and development, and a 25% discount on all Arcadia Group brands. Successful business placement students are encouraged to apply for a permanent job after graduation.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
The management internships run by Enterprise Rent-A-Car can be taken part or full time, so they fit with students’ academic schedules.

Lidl
A 48-week management placement programme which covers all areas of the business and develops management and training skills.

Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s offers a range of placements, such as eight-week summer placements in the buying department. Any degree is acceptable and successful students may be offered a permanent job upon completion of their degree.

Go to the management career advice area.