Transitioning from university to the professional world is an exciting time but can also be a little nerve-wracking. If you’re an upcoming or recent graduate, why not broaden your career search from entry-level roles to graduate programs?
Not only can graduate programs make your move go more smoothly, but they’re also a powerful way to jumpstart your career.
Many programs provide tailored inductions explicitly designed for new graduates, with structured rotations enabling you to explore different business areas. You can also gain extra opportunities beyond those in entry-level and other roles, such as additional training, career coaching, mentoring, and networking events.
We spoke with Rolina Aboeid, a recent marketing graduate currently completing Schneider Electric’s graduate program.
“The program has been so helpful in guiding me through all the twists and turns of professional development – from mentorship to gaining hands-on project experience. The learning curve has been steep but rewarding, too. I’m part-way through and have gained so much from it so far.”
In our Q&A with Rolina, we get her firsthand take on moving from uni to the working world, the culture, values, and people at Schneider Electric, and how others might achieve similar career success through a graduate program.
Q: What was it like navigating the change between your university campus and your new office?
A: After I graduated, leaping into the corporate world did feel a bit daunting, but being part of the grad program made this transition so much easier.
Schneider Electric provided support and guidance every step of the way, particularly through a great onboarding process. All successful applicants were invited to a three-day induction at the Schneider Electric Sydney headquarters. In this induction, we were introduced to all things Schneider through various mediums, including discussion panels, presentations, speakers, team-building activities, networking, and much more. After our induction, we were placed in our teams. We were onboarded into our specific business units through one-on-one meetings with our managers, and we were undertaking a number of educational onboarding courses on a platform called MylearningLink.
The program was instrumental in helping me navigate the transition and enabled me to adapt quickly and thrive in my first rotation.
Q: How has the graduate program supported your professional growth and development?
A: The program has offered countless opportunities for my personal and professional growth.
So far, I’ve undertaken a number of new responsibilities and projects to grow my experience. Each one has pushed me to do and be better than I was the day before.
I’ve been able to master new technical skills (although I use the term “master” quite loosely; I still have a complicated relationship with Microsoft Excel, unfortunately!) and develop my skills in teamwork and leadership.
The program has been an invaluable training ground for launching my career while gaining real-world experience. The company is also a great match for my values.
Take the next step in your career and be a catalyst for sustainable change at Schneider Electric.
Q: What is the company culture like? Are there any perks or benefits that have meant the most to you since joining?
A: The amazing people I get to connect with are one of the best things about coming to work each day. I’ve had the chance to learn from tenured professionals and leaders and build relationships with people in different teams and fellow grads in my cohort. It’s a really diverse, welcoming bunch of people.
The sense of community you get working here is amazing. I particularly enjoy grabbing coffee with mentors and brainstorming ideas with my peers. For me, these opportunities aren’t just about networking but about building lifelong connections and friendships and finding my place in my working life.
Something else I have to mention is that we have fun, too! There are a bunch of games for us to enjoy and relax (although I can get pretty competitive about foosball). When you visit our cafeteria, you’ll usually hear the ping-pong ball being smacked around. We play games together quite a bit.
Q: You mentioned sharing aligned values with the company – can you tell us more about this?
A: For me, at least, I think it’s essential to find a workplace with shared values. I love working for a company that’s not solely in it for profit but cares about the planet, too.
Schneider Electric is one of the world’s leading companies in sustainability, contributing to making the world a greener, cleaner place. Our mission is to be the trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency.
It’s something that aligns with my personal values, so I come to work feeling inspired to be part of this mission.
Q: What is your best advice for others to achieve success in a graduate program?
My best advice for success in a graduate program is to stay curious and proactive. Embrace opportunities to learn beyond the desk, engage with your people leaders and colleagues, and seek opportunities that align with your interests. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and leverage the resources available to you.
Remember, success is a journey, so stay resilient and adaptable as you pursue your professional goals. Your determination and willingness to learn will undoubtedly pave the way for a fulfilling and successful graduate experience. Good luck!
Make your move
What’s great about graduate programs is that they’re not limited to set disciplines.
Graduates at Schneider Electric have many opportunities in many business areas. From marketing (like Rolina!) to human resources, finance to IT, there are plenty of pathways to choose from.
