If you’re on the hunt for a marketing graduate scheme to kickstart your career, you’re in luck. Right now, there are plenty of graduate schemes for marketing available across the UK. We’re here to break down everything you need to know about marketing graduate schemes 2025.
Choosing a marketing graduate scheme is a great way to gain hands-on experience from day one. These schemes often include rotational opportunities, allowing you to dip your toes into various aspects of marketing, such as digital, brand, and social media. Plus, you’ll get structured mentorship from industry leaders, which is invaluable for building your professional network and learning the ropes.
Why Opt for a Marketing Graduate Scheme?
Well, for starters, you’ll get to work on real campaigns right from the beginning, which is fantastic for building your portfolio and gaining practical experience.
Many schemes also offer rotational opportunities, so you can explore different areas of marketing to find what suits you best. For instance, you could work in areas like digital marketing, brand management, and social media strategy, helping you identify your strengths and interests.
Additionally, the mentorship you receive from experienced professionals is priceless. They can guide you through challenges, provide feedback on your work, and help you navigate the industry.
Check out our blog on graduate schemes and their benefits for more information.
Top 6 Marketing Graduate Schemes 2025
If you’re looking for the best marketing graduate schemes in 2025, you’ll find everything from global Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) giants to cutting-edge tech firms offering programmes. Below, we’ve broken down some standout options across different sectors.
Volkswagen’s Marketing & Customer Experience Programme
This two-year scheme in Milton Keynes offers a deep dive into automotive marketing. You’ll rotate through digital content management, CRM for customer loyalty, performance marketing for campaign optimisation, and customer management to improve service centre operations. It’s perfect for motor enthusiasts who want to shape the future of sustainable transport with brands like the electric ID. Buzz.
➡️ Apply here.
Nestlé’s Global Brand Accelerator
This two-year marketing graduate scheme lets you work on iconic brands like KitKat and Nescafé. Expect to develop limited-edition product launches, analyse shopper data from 186 countries, and present campaign results to senior managers. Nestlé particularly values graduates who can balance creativity with spreadsheet skills.
➡️ Apply here.
Samsung’s Digital Marketing Rotation
Tech enthusiasts should eye Samsung’s “Class of 2025 Emerging Talent” programme, where you’ll work on AI-driven campaigns for products like the Galaxy Z Fold. The scheme includes stints in social media crisis management (think handling viral complaints) and emerging tech like AR shopping experiences. You’ll likely split time between their Chertsey base and London agency partners.
➡️ Apply here.
Virgin Media O2’s Commercial Programme
Perfect for hybrids who love both marketing and business strategy, this two-year commercial, product and marketing scheme involves everything from pricing psychology for broadband bundles to TikTok challenges for student SIM deals. You’ll get exposure to their £10m+ campaigns and access to their Paddington HQ’s rooftop terrace (very handy for networking lunches!).
➡️ Register your interest here.
Vodafone’s Commercial Programme
This two-year marketing graduate scheme lets you rotate through three key areas: marketing & brand, customer experience & operations, products & services, and big data. You might shape marketing strategies reaching millions, enhance customer engagement across retail stores and digital channels, develop next-gen products from smartphones to TV offerings, or unlock the power of data with state-of-the-art AI. This scheme offers a broad view of Vodafone’s commercial operations and a chance to influence key business decisions.
➡️ Apply here.
JCB’s Business Graduate Scheme
This 18-month programme (£30k salary) offers marketing experience within a broader business framework. You’ll rotate through HR, Purchasing, Marketing, and Logistics, contributing to real projects like new product launches and dealer network support. While not exclusively a marketing graduate scheme, you’ll gain hands-on experience in campaign development and market analysis for construction equipment. Based in Staffordshire, it includes UK/international travel opportunities and mentorship from industry experts.
➡️ Apply here.
These graduate schemes for marketing show the sheer variety available. The key is matching your strengths (data geek? creative storyteller?) to the right company culture.
Not into marketing? Check out our blog on the Top 10 Graduate Schemes Hiring in the UK Right Now for opportunities in a range of different sectors.
London vs Regional Opportunities
When choosing between marketing graduate schemes London and regional options, consider your priorities. London roles typically offer higher salaries (averaging over £35,000) and access to global campaigns, but the competition is intense.
On the other hand, regional schemes, like JCB’s Staffordshire or Volkswagen’s Milton Keynes programmes, provide faster career progression and deeper operational insights. For example, JCB’s 18-month scheme gives graduates hands-on experience with construction equipment launches, while Nestlé’s hybrid opportunities combine global brand work with local market focus.
Hybrid setups, such as splitting time between Samsung’s Chertsey base and London agencies, can offer the best of both worlds.
What Employers Look For
As you can imagine, getting into a marketing graduate scheme is no walk in the park. There’s stiff competition, with thousands of marketing graduates looking to get their foot in the door at one of the greats. So, when applying for marketing graduate schemes, it’s essential to know what employers are looking for.
Key skills include data analysis (think Google Analytics), content creation, and basic SEO knowledge. If you have a portfolio, make sure it showcases campaign results, even if they’re from university projects. During interviews, expect competency questions about trend analysis and crisis management. Being prepared to discuss these topics will show your potential employers that you’re serious about your career in marketing.
Want to know more? Find out How To Nail Your First Graduate Job Interview.
Final Thoughts
The best marketing graduate schemes in 2025 combine digital innovation with traditional brand-building, offering a fantastic way to launch your marketing career. Whether you’re interested in marketing graduate schemes London or prefer a regional setup, now’s the time to make your move. With the right preparation and a bit of luck, you could find yourself working on exciting campaigns and building a successful career in marketing.
Are you an employer?
If you’re trying to find fresh talent for your company’s graduate scheme, our experts at Developing a Student can support you.
Here are just some of the services we offer:
- Advice and support – Our website is packed with guides for employers, including advice on attracting graduates and building a diverse work environment. Find the latest industry insights on our blog.
- Attract graduate talent – Get in touch to advertise your roles on our dedicated graduate jobs board.
- Find diverse graduate talent – Our job advert inclusivity screening tests your ad against our “Inclusive Language Checklist” to remove potentially discriminatory language.
- Advertise your business – Our talented team of writers work with you to create a company profile that documents your efforts as a top graduate employer.
Call 03458724501 or email info@developingastudent.com to learn more about our bespoke packages.
