A graduate program is a form of employment targeted at recent graduates. Both public and private organisations commonly run these programs.

 

Graduate roles are usually full-time and run between one to three years. Many graduate programs also offer the opportunity to perform multiple roles in an organisation on a rotating basis, giving you more exposure to a range of different jobs within your chosen field. The support, ongoing training and mentoring you receive in a graduate program will usually be more intensive than in a normal graduate position.

 

 

You should start your application process at the start of your final year of study, with peak graduate recruitment season commencing in March. Government departments will advertise their programs between February and June each year, however it is highly recommended to keep checking their respective websites for openings. If you have applied for a graduate program at the beginning of the year and receive an offer, you won't start your new role until the following year.

Organisations often offer vacationer or internship programs for students in their penultimate year of study, which can lead to a graduate offer. Keep a look out for these being advertised March - August during your penultimate (second last) year of study.