Quitting A Graduate Scheme

Quitting a graduate scheme? Don’t panic, you’re not alone. Sometimes, despite the initial excitement, it’s just not the right fit.

Turnover rates for working graduates in the UK have been steadily increasing since the Institute of Student Records (ISE) began collecting data in 2011. Graduate retention rates are down to 72%, a 7% decrease since 2011. There are a variety of reasons for these higher turnover rates, but the predominant cause seems to be dissatisfaction with pay.

So, if you’d like to know how to quit a graduate scheme, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the factors to consider before making a decision, the pros and cons of quitting a graduate scheme, practical steps to take, and how to best move forward afterwards. This way, you can make an informed decision and take control of your career journey.

What Is A Graduate Scheme?

Graduate schemes provide structured training and mentoring programmes for new hires within a company. Most graduate schemes last around two years. During that time, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to start your career off in the right direction. There are many benefits for recent graduates, such as:

• the chance to get your foot in the door at a reputable company
• gaining hands-on job experience in your chosen field
• boosting your CV
• learning about different aspects of an industry
• the company may offer you a permanent position

However, there are also challenges and expectations that come with being accepted into a graduate scheme. You will be starting from the very bottom and be expected to work long hours for a lower salary. There’s also an element of competition as graduates battle for the opportunity to stay on in a permanent role.

It’s not uncommon, therefore, for graduates to consider quitting the graduate scheme. This, of course, is an important decision which shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Factors To Consider

Quitting a graduate scheme is a big decision, similar to dropping out of university. That’s why we’ve put together a list of factors to consider before taking the plunge.

Personal circumstances

Circumstances, such as health issues, family responsibilities, changes to your financial situation, or just general unhappiness with how the graduate scheme is going can impact your decision. When these circumstances arise, you may be forced to reevaluate your priorities.

Career goals

Another important factor to consider is career goals. The aspirations you had before you began the graduate scheme may have changed. Perhaps you’ve realised that the scheme is not aligning with your long-term career plans, or that the job simply wasn’t what you had expected.

The transition

For many individuals, graduate schemes are their first experience of a real job. Coming from university life, this can be a huge shock to the system. Long hours, a demanding workload, and limited time for personal activities can quickly create a poor work-life balance which many graduates struggle to deal with.

These are just some of the factors that may arise that could cause you to consider quitting your graduate scheme. If this does happen, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate these factors carefully and objectively. Consider the potential short and long-term consequences of your decision. It’s also wise to speak to your mentor, career advisor, or someone you trust to get their perspective and insight into the situation. Finally, creating a pros and cons list will help clarify things even more.

Pros And Cons Of Quitting A Graduate Scheme

Here’s a sample pros and cons list to give you a better idea of some of the factors to consider before making your mind up. We encourage you to customise this list by adding your own pros and cons:

It’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique; what may be the right decision for one person may not be for another. Therefore, careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks is necessary to make the best decision for your own career path.

Practical Steps To Quitting A Graduate Scheme

If you’ve followed all of the previous steps laid out in this blog and are certain that you want to quit your graduate scheme, here are some practical steps to follow.

1. Conduct Thorough Research

First of all, check your employment contract and any relevant documents to understand the process and potential implications of quitting. Consider factors such as notice period, repayment of training costs, and any legal obligations.

2. Plan Ahead

Once you’ve made the decision to quit, you’ll need to plan ahead for the transition period. Consider factors such as the timing of your resignation, potential handover of work or projects, and any necessary documentation or paperwork.

3. Maintain Professionalism

When quitting a graduate scheme, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism at all times. Avoid burning bridges or speaking negatively about the company or colleagues. Exit on good terms, as your professional reputation can impact your future career prospects.

4. Communicate Openly and Honestly

Be open and honest in your communication with your manager or HR representative. Clearly articulate your reasons for quitting, while remaining professional and constructive in your feedback. Prepare for potential questions or concerns, and be ready to listen to the company’s perspective too.

5. Handle Potential Challenges

Quitting a graduate scheme can come with challenges, both emotionally and practically. For example, you may feel guilt or doubt about your decision. Nevertheless, remember that it’s okay to prioritise your own well-being and career goals. Be prepared to manage the reactions of others, including colleagues and friends, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone your trust if you need support.

Moving Forward

As you leave a graduate scheme, it’s important to plan for your future career path. Begin by reflecting on the reasons for quitting and reassessing career goals. Now that you have this work experience under your belt, what alternative career paths align with your new interests and aspirations?

Next up, update your CV and start networking to explore alternative career options. Rebuilding and strengthening your professional network is essential at this time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, professors, or industry contacts for advice and potential job leads. It’s important to be proactive and use your initiative.

It’s also critical that you learn from this experience. Use it as a stepping stone to shape your career path in a positive way. Identify the lessons you’ve learned along the way and apply them to future opportunities.

In Conclusion

To sum up, as with any big decision in life, it’s important to consider all of your options before quitting a graduate scheme. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you’ll be able to carefully and objectively evaluate the situation and make the best decision for your future.

When you’re ready to begin your search for jobs, head over to our Graduate Jobs Board for all the latest opportunities near you. Explore our weekly blog for the most recent industry insights, guides, and tips to help you land your next graduate role.

If you’re a graduate employer, our services page has information on advertising on our specialist jobs board, creating a company profile, and more.

To see how we can support your business, get in touch or sign up for our free Developing a Student email newsletter by filling out the form below.