Sunday, 25 March 2012

My Top Five Graduate Programmes to consider - Your goal: Make THEM consider you!

--updated post on Graduate Programmes in Ireland (2015)--

Having shared the overview of my research about digital marketing courses in Dublin with you last week, I am now presenting you with some ideas
Graduate Programmes Dublinaround marketing graduate programmes. Some of these also incorporate some sort of post grad qualification which makes these placements ideal opportunities to gain further specific theoretical knowledge and get the unique opportunity to gain practical experience with one of Ireland’s most recognised brands. Plus – all of these are paid roles which is why competition for these is incredibly fierce.



Most importantly though, many of these placements give you the chance to work in a company branch abroad. Think of the greatest cities in the world: NY, Dubai, Sydney, Amsterdam, Munich...These are just some of the exciting places you could be sent by one of the placement companies.
On the bottom you will find an overview of all 5 programmes for you to download.

1.  IBEC EOP Graduate Placement Programme

This programme is Ireland longest running and most successful graduate placement opportunity and a ‘must-apply’ for marketing and tourism graduates. Why? Because in many cases this programme is the only way into brilliant companies such as Tourism Ireland, Bord Bía and Glanbia.

The hiring process seems fair but keep in mind that the competition is really high. Some questions asked on the online application:  
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- Give an example of a situation where you worked as part of a team and describe the role you   played.
- Describe a situation where you used your own initative and what you learnt from the situation.
- Please give details of a written college project: The title? How did you carry out your research?  How did you measure your success?
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If you were successful you will be invited to an interview with the EOP crowd which then will put you on a shortlist (150 places). Once you have managed to get on the list EOP will be the middleman between you and the company arranging interviews for you depending on your suitability to the company. 
More tips on the first interview stage will be added soon, as I am doing next week. One thing can be said already. These people do not look at your marks from college but are rather interested in your personality. You are not asked for references, you are not required to bring a CV to your interview (nor do you upload it in the online application) and languages are key to some roles but not necessary for all of them.
The guys running this programme are hosting frequent information sessions in colleges, so keep an eye out for one of the presentations or contact you careers officers.

      2.      Google’s OMAP

I decided to include Google’s OMAP (Online Media Associate Programme) into this list because it is the best company to work for according to Fortune and we are lucky enough to be living at the doorstep of the European HQ. This programme however is the one with the highest competition as the OMAP is aiming to attract skilled people from around the world.
The interview process seems daunting consisting of several phone and onsite interviews, not only consisting of HR members but also possible future team members. Some bloggers revealed some of the unconventional questions asked at interviews with Google.

As Google is a very innovative company it is clever to display one’s own creativity in the initial application form.

A video résumé such as Matt has done can be a good idea.  Another idea is a PowerPoint presentation such as these guys have done.
Finally this link will provide you with some valuable tips as Bryan Power, a HR Manager in Google is questioned on what they watch out for specifically when they recruit for new Googlers.

      3.      Bord Bía Marketing Fellowship

This intensive 12-month action learning programme gives successful candidates the combined opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with some of Ireland’s most respected food companies and also gain a postgraduate qualification. Participants’ time will be split between working in foreign locations, supported by Bord Bía, and studying for an MSc International Marketing Practice at UCD Smurfit School.
While this opportunity sounds amazing there are only 25 places in this programme. It also requires two years previous work experience which does not really make it a graduate programme as such. I though it is crucial to mention in this list though because students can work towards applying for this opportunity after graduating.

4. Graduates 4 International Growth (G4IG) - Enterprise Ireland

As well as securing an entry level job with an internationally focused Irish company successful applicants will also undertake a Diploma in International Growth in conjunction with UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. 
After an initial online application you will be prompted for a psychometric online test. The interview process then involves an assessment centre.
This programme as well as the Bord Bía Fellowship have the incredible advantage of providing their successful applicants with post-grad opportunities from UCD Smurfit Business School, one of the leading institutions in the country.

      5.      The Jameson Graduate Programme

Last but not least the Jameson Graduate Programme gives graduates the opportunity to work as brand ambassadors in an international market. This is an excellent opportunity to kick start your career in sales & marketing and gain international experience with excellent opportunities for career progression.
The interesting and in many ways challenging part of this application is that you are asked to submit a video of yourself. Check out the videos from previous successful applicants. This could be a good idea to apply for any of the previous programmes.

Of course these 5 programmes are not the only programmes available to students in Ireland. Here is a list of further graduate opportunities.

Here is a quick overview for you of all 5 programmes. 

by Julia Zittlau

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