How to run a graduate programme

The sustained growth of a business depends on how well it can attract, develop and retain good people. A good way to plan for the future is to set up a graduate recruitment programme to ensure there is a pipeline of suitable, qualified young people to join the organisation.

Liesal Rudlin, human resources service delivery manager at brandhouse, said the graduate programme at the company "forms part of an holistic approach to talent management".

Rudlin has some advice on how to run a graduate programme:

• The programme must be rewarding for graduates in areas of the business to which they are exposed. Graduates are immersed in brandhouse's business across all departments from commercial to marketing and human resources, providing them with growth opportunities. They have to complete three 12-to-18-month rotations within their functional specialisation;
• Candidates need to embrace the skills and experience from previous years and use them to further develop the programme and make it even more beneficial. "We have engagement sessions with our current graduates as well as their managers to determine what's working well and what should be reassessed," said Rudlin;
• Teamwork is important so, if possible, graduates need to be part of a local team as well as the broader international network. This provides a chance for candidates to learn virtual teamwork as well as other important skills;
• View them as tomorrow's leaders who can help the business grow. "Our graduates are seen as part of our overall talent pool, so during the three-year programme we do not only focus on practical and theoretical learning across a variety of contexts, but also the important element of building their leadership skills," she said; and
• Feedback on performance and integration into the organisation is important and assigned mentors should support and coach graduates throughout the programme. "We do regular reviews and events are held throughout the year to help graduates raise their profile and learn from other, experienced leaders within the company."