Incredible graduate schemes and job opportunities are amongst the many reasons that attract students from all over the world to study in Ireland. Over 70,000 students graduate from higher education institutions annually in Ireland, with many of them opting to apply for a graduate role. Leading multinational companies are commonplace across Ireland, with many of them basing their European headquarters here.
In recent years, graduate recruitment programmes have increased in popularity in Ireland. It is no wonder, as those partaking in a graduate programme have the opportunity to gain valuable infield experience while also utilising the skills, they learnt in the third level. They also offer access to some of the most recent developments in technology and process, which is an exhilarating prospect for those breaking into an industry. People from a variety of degree disciplines can usually apply for a graduate scheme, as employers ultimately want candidates who can learn and be trained.
Here we have compiled a list of the top graduate recruiters in Ireland along with all the information you need to know about the graduate scheme.
Top 5 Graduate Recruiters in Ireland
1. KPMG
KPMG International Cooperative is a multinational professional services firm, and one of the Big Four accounting organisations. Specialising in audit, tax and advisory, they are the most successful and fastest-growing tax consulting firm in Ireland. They have Irish offices in Dublin, Cork and Galway while also having offices in over 150 countries.
KPMG hires 300 graduates every year from all degree disciplines as part of their graduate scheme. The aim of this graduate programme is to mentor the graduates so that they become a chartered accountant.
Training and Education
KPMG has a dedicated business school which provides access to market-leading training. A team of top professionals will be mentors to graduates who will be advising clients from all industry sectors. As part of the programme, graduates will pursue the ACA qualification of which KPMG has the best exam results in the country.
Benefits
Several benefits make applying for the graduate programme at KPMG so appealing. They encourage a work-life balance by organising events, outings and sports events for their employees. There is 22 days annual leave, but one of the flexible benefits is the ability to get more!
2. Pfizer
Pfizer is one of the world’s leading research-based biopharmaceutical companies. They are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, and their scientists are among the best in the world. Ireland is the leading manufacturing base of Pfizer globally, and exports to global markets. They have 6 locations across Ireland in Dublin, Cork and Kildare.
Pfizer hires engineering and science graduates for their graduate programmes which are in multiple locations across Ireland. It is a two-year graduate scheme that often includes structured rotations across various departments.
Training and Education
Full training will be provided through a comprehensive induction programme. They have structured mentoring and coaching, which is specifically tailored to the graduate’s needs. Graduates will be given the responsibility of the management of various day to day operations across the plants and will be assigned specific projects.
Benefits
Those who partake in the graduate schemes at Pfizer have the opportunity for internal advancement after completing the two-year programme. They are rewarded for the contributions they make to the business. Pfizer has developed a health and wellness programme of which all team members can avail of.
3. PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is a multinational professional services firm that is among one of the largest employers in the world. As one of the Big Four, they employ over 276,000 people across 157 countries. They have offices in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford.
PwC recruits more than 300 graduates across all degree disciplines to work in all parts of their business. It is a three-year programme which is a steppingstone for a life-long career at PwC.
Training and Education
PwC offers industry-leading coaching along with a buddy system and dedicated coach who mentor throughout the scheme. They support those in getting a professional qualification through in-house and external exam support. The pass rate for these exams in PwC is higher than the national average. Also, in the lead up to the exams, there is paid study leave!
Benefits
Throughout the scheme, there are opportunities for salary growth and grade progression. There are opportunities to gain international experience by working in one of their offices in numerous locations across the world. During the summer months, there is a flexible 3pm finish on Fridays. A 24-hour on-site gym along with other social, health and wellbeing facilities and programmes are among the many benefits of working at PwC.
4. Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific is a world leader in innovative medical device solutions which improve the health of patients around the world. They are the largest medical device employer in Ireland with 5,700 employees nationally. They are based in Clonmel, Cork and Galway in Ireland.
Boston Scientific hires graduates from science, technology, engineering and maths-related degrees. It is a two-year programme where graduates get first-hand knowledge and experience in the field of medical technology.
Training and Education
Graduates will receive on-the-job training and mentoring from senior colleagues. The cutting-edge technology that exists within Boston Scientific allows for countless opportunities to expand technical ability and broaden skills.
Benefits
While there is an extremely competitive salary for those enrolling into the graduate scheme at Boston Scientific, there are also opportunities to receive a bonus based on performance. They have developed systems which helps create a work-life balance such as health, wealth and life.
5. Deloitte
Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory and tax. It is one of the Big Four and employs almost 3,000 people across its Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Galway offices. It has a global network across 150 locations.
This three-year internship is open to graduates from all disciplines who are results orientated and confident. There are seven pathways as part of the graduate programme at Deloitte which support professional exams.
Training and Education
Graduates are supported by a structured induction programme before becoming part of the Deloitte Academy, where graduates are supported both professionally and personally. They offer lots of exam support, including paid study leave and lectures.
Benefits
Deloitte offers a compressed working week during the summer months where they can finish at 2pm on Fridays. There are also health and wellness programmes, along with sports and societies. There is a range of in-house courses of which employees can avail of to further advance their career.
