Business Management

General graduate training schemes vary on what they offer so it is important that you research the company and the placements on offer before you apply.  Training schemes usually combine on the job training, modular training on the company, and training in a specific industry qualification.  You may do placements around a particular business function such as HR, Customer Relations, Marketing, or Finance.  It is rare that you will be placed in every business function so check what you are actually applying for.  Remember you will not start tomorrow as a manager, so it is important that you research the role you will actually be doing to make sure it is right for you; not every management scheme will be! You will find more information on finance and retail graduate schemes on the specific sector pages.

HR

Human Resources main function is to help an organisation to attract, maintain and manage employees effectively.  Typical roles may include: recruitment, training and development, performance appraisal and review, and all matters relating to payroll.  

Marketing

Graduate marketing roles are a fantastic way to be at the forefront of a business, and could involve market research, analysis or promotional marketing. Graduates in market research can expect to collect and analyse information relating to a product or service that a company is offering.  This could include strategic research, planning and designing questionnaires, writing detailed reports, and advising the business based on your findings.  Graduates in promotional marketing may be putting together a campaign that will promote a product or service and will have strong links with sales.

Customer Relations

Roles in customer relations allow you to use excellent communication and problem solving skills in a front end business function.  You could be offering technical support, or manage specific accounts, ensuring that your customers and clients receive the best possible service.  Graduates need to have excellent communication skills, a professional business manner, and not be afraid to diffuse a potentially tricky situation!