Marks & Spencer has now opened its 2014 Graduate Scheme and Business Placement Programme – offering over 200 opportunities across its stores and office locations.
Graduates can now apply for much sought-after retail management roles and specialist schemes such as IT software engineering, M&S.com, food development and supply chain as well general buying and merchandising programmes. In addition to the 140 graduate roles, 60 one year placements will be available to undergraduates as part of their degree course.
To support its multi-channel retailing ambitions, M&S is developing its in-house expertise in areas such as software development, e-commerce and IT business analysis. For the second year running, the IT software engineer scheme will be one of the company’s biggest programmes, with 15 places available.
As part of its commitment to this growth area, M&S has sponsored the Target Jobs IT and Computer Science Undergraduate of the Year Award and the winner will be offered a place on the 2015 graduate programme. Last year’s winner, Hassan Qulqass, is currently studying for a BSc in Computer Science at Aston University and will join the M&S IT software engineering scheme in 2014.
Kay Jones-Wolsey, Head of Recruitment at M&S said; "In a fast paced industry like retail it’s essential that we develop our expertise in growth areas through a pipeline of fresh new talent. The breadth of roles available shows just how varied a career in retail can be – with options for graduates studying all sorts of disciplines. Each of our schemes offers excellent opportunities for progression and many of our graduates have moved swiftly up the ladder at M&S."
Throughout the scheme, graduates are supported by structured technical and leadership training to help develop them as future business leaders. The Business Placement Programme also provides outstanding prospects, with on average 80 per cent of recruits subsequently offered a place on the Graduate Scheme.
M&S received over 12,000 applications for its 2013 graduate scheme. Applications for this year’s schemes will close in December. Successful applicants will progress to assessment days through January and February, with the first intake of graduates joining the business permanently from April 2014.
