The process of applying for graduate programmes is now in full swing. However, the shelf life to apply for many programmes is short. Blink and you will miss the deadline.

The majority close in late October and for this reason October is a busy month for applicants. Some stay open until the new year.

In this week’s and next week’s edition, Irish Country Living will preview some of the most-renowned and best-known graduate programmes across Ireland and the UK – outlining when they close, how many places are being offered and where the programme will be based. Some of the sectors included will be dairy processing, meat processing, retail and financial services.

The programmes

Dairygold

Opened: September.

Application deadline: 26 October.

Number of places: 23.

Graduate roles: Engineering, operations, agri-operations, sales, finance, supply chain, quality assurance, quality, technical.

Based: Munster.

How to apply: www.dairygold.ie/graduate-development-programme

Glanbia: pure ambition graduate programme

Opened: September.

Application deadline: 25 October.

Number: 30.

Graduate roles: Engineering, production, food science, nutritional science and agricultural science, business support, digital media, accounting and finance.

Based: Nationwide.

How to apply: www.glanbia.com/graduates

Aurivo

Opened: September.

Application deadline: 26 October.

Number: Four to six.

Graduate roles: TBD

Based: Connaught.

How to apply: http://www.aurivo.ie/about-us/careers/vacancies/

Lakeland Dairies

Opened: September.

Application deadline: 31 December.

Number: Five to 10.

Graduate roles: TBD.

Based: Killeshandra, Baillieborough, Newtownards.

How to apply: www.lakeland.ie/careers-and-graduates

KPMG

Opened: September.

Application deadline: 17 October.

Number: 350.

Graduate roles: Audit, tax consulting and advisory.

Based: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast.

How to apply: www.kpmgcareers.ie

Bord Bia

Opened: To be decided (TBD).

Application deadline: TBD.

Number: 30 (as well as a further 20 master’s level students on other programmes).

Graduate roles: Supply chain, design innovation, origin green ambassadors, account management, etc.

Based: Dublin, New York, Dubai, Shanghai, Paris (and other locations) .

How to apply: www.bordbia.ie/corporate/careers

Jameson distiller programme

Opened: September.

Application Deadline: 31 October.

Number: Two.

Graduate roles: Engineering.

Based: Dublin, Cork.

How to apply: www.jamesongraduateprogramme.com

Jameson International Graduate Programme

Opened: September.

Application deadline: 16 January 2019.

Number: 28.

Graduate roles: Sales and marketing.

Based: Globally.

How to apply: www.jamesongraduateprogramme.com

Aryzta

Open: 1 January.

Application deadline: 30 April.

Number: 12-20.

Graduate roles: Operations, sales, marketing, IT, finance, supply chain, engineering, HR, procurement, quality and new product development.

Number: Six to 10.

Based: Dublin, UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, Poland and Hungary.

How to apply: www.aryzta.com/graduate-programme or follow on Facebook at ARYZTA European Graduate Programme

Jaguar Land Rover

Opened: September.

Application deadline: 31 December.

Number: 600.

Graduate roles: HR, sales, marketing, analytics, supply chain, logistics, purchasing, engineering, finance.

Based: UK.

How to apply: www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com

Three

Opened: 1 October.

Application deadline: 31 October.

Number: 14.

Graduate roles: Business, marketing, customer relationship management, data science, accountancy and finance.

Based: Dublin.

How to apply: recruitment.support@three.i

Graduate testimonials

Ruth Sheridan

Company: Bord Bia. College course: applied science in food science and business management.

I studied applied science in food science and business management (BSc) at St Angela’s College, Sligo, and was awarded a first-class honours degree thanks to the encouragement and help of my lecturers. Knowing I was embarking into an industry that demands growth and innovation, I applied for the IBEC global graduate programme with particular interest in the Bord Bia New York office. The ability to work in a unique environment and study for a postgraduate in global business development was an opportunity I could not refuse.

As a global graduate in the New York office, a busy lifestyle is to be anticipated, especially in the food industry.

Within my first two weeks of working for Bord Bia, I was engaged in the 2018 Canadian Trade Mission, which was an eye-opening experience providing a glimpse into how busy my new role would be.

As the year progressed, the events, workload and study did not cease, as Irish suppliers continued to strive for opportunities on the vast US market.

I’m over halfway through the programme now and with thanks to my colleagues in Bord Bia, I am comfortable in any situation to push the boundaries of my potential and manage projects that I previously would have dismissed as beyond my level of expertise.

Cliodhna O’Riordan

Company: KPMG

College course: animal and crop production at UCD.

I had always enjoyed business and maths throughout school and college. In our final year at UCD, we studied an accounting module which I really enjoyed and this fuelled my interest in pursuing a career in the field. I knew I wanted to work for a large firm and with KPMG being one of the most-renowned firms worldwide, the grad programme provided a great opportunity to work there.

Joining this leading firm gives the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients in different sectors, which provides a very broad and valuable experience for my career ahead.

The application first involves an online assessment, followed by a series of interview rounds. KPMG looks to recruit talented graduates and invites graduates from all fields of study to apply.

This is a three-year graduate programme, which is a blend of work and evening/weekend lectures in preparation for the professional chartered accountancy exams that graduates sit.

I have joined the audit department at KPMG and some of the other areas where graduates work include tax, financial services and restructuring.

I have just completed my first few weeks of training. The initial training we have received is focused on preparing us for work in the office, giving us the confidence to join our new teams in a busy office environment.

One of the best things about the programme is that all graduates start at the same level with regard to their knowledge of accounting.

The training we have received from KPMG’s business school has been second to none.

The next three years will be challenging, as we juggle our time between working full-time as well as studying for our exams, but it will be extremely rewarding when we receive our qualification at the end.

In KMPG, an ability to work as a team is a must, as your time will be spent working in teams.