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Graduate Programme: Application Process and Top Tips

Thinking of choosing Columbus to kickstart your consultancy career journey? Read this page to prepare for the application process.

Starting your career journey is an exciting step and selecting the right graduate programme is crucial. The Columbus Graduate Programme offers an excellent opportunity to develop your consultancy skills in a supportive environment. This blog will guide you through the application process and provide invaluable tips to enhance your chances of success. We've outlined five steps you should take and equip you with insights to stand out as a new consultant applicant.

1. Check the eligibility criteria

First things first, you’ll need to check that you fit the requirements for the Columbus graduate programme.

We look for those who have or be expecting a minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent qualifications/experience) in one of the following subjects

  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Law
  • Business
  • IT
  • Psychology
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing
  • Supply Chain

For the first 6 months, you will need to be willing to relocate to Nottingham when our training is at its most intense. With a mix of self-learning and classroom-style sessions taking place during this period, it is expected that you will need to attend our Nottingham office at least 3 times a week. After this, you can work from anywhere in the UK.

Being a Business Consultant means you will need to have the flexibility to travel both within the UK and abroad due to customer expectations, so you will need to have a UK driver's licence and access to a vehicle as some customers can be in remote locations.

We are searching for those who can be proactive, confident and commercially astute and be able to influence key customers and drive results for their business.

2. Research the Columbus culture

Be sure to explore our website, careers pages, and social media channels to get an idea of what the culture at Columbus is like and use this to help you in your application process.

We have a dynamic culture and we like to encourage things like collaboration, trust and for our employees to be curious about the work they do to be able to deliver success to our customers.

Follow us on Instagram and see what we get up to by clicking here.

3. Personalise your application to the role

When customising your CV and cover letter, make sure you take the time to reflect on your key strengths and experiences and relate them to the specific requirements of the role that is being advertised.

Additionally, don't overlook the value of highlighting your transferable skills; detail them in your application. Remember, we want to see your enthusiasm shining through so make it clear why you would want to come and work for us.

4. Do your research

Across our website and career pages we discuss in detail the industries that we operate in and outline each of the functions in the business lines. We also illustrate how your role will contribute not only to our growth but to the success of our customers.

If you are invited along to our assessment day in our Nottingham office, we will be asking you to take part in various activities from presenting, interviewing and team-building exercises. More information will be given to you nearer the time, but just make sure you do as much prep as possible.

Click here to explore more about the business solutions we offer to our customers and the industries we specialise our services in.

5. Prepare for the assessment centre

Once the deadline for the job advert has closed and we’ve reviewed all applications, we will reach out to you to let you know the status of your application and whether you have been selected to attend our assessment centre. If, unfortunately, you’re unsuccessful we will also notify you as soon as possible.

If you are successful to join us for our assessment day then there are three key parts to the day.

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

  • Interview - Research common questions and practice answering these using examples from either your work or personal life.
  • Presentation - We will provide guidelines beforehand to ensure your presentation meets these core requirements. Be sure to investigate the content for your presentation thoroughly, ensuring a clear understanding of the material and building confidence in your delivery. Craft visually appealing slides, striking a balance between informativeness and simplicity – make sure you read the brief carefully!
  • Team building exercise - We look to see how you work with others, communicate, and use your initiative.

But most importantly be yourself! At Columbus, we value a unique workforce so your genuine passion and personality will shine through.

By following these steps and showcasing your unique qualities, your application will be fine-tuned and give you a good chance of success. Prepare diligently, be authentic, and let your personality shine. We look forward to receiving your application!

Ready to apply? See our open positions below. 

About Columbus Global (UK)

We’ve been helping businesses digitally transform, maximise their assets and futureproof their operations for over 30 years. With deep industry expertise we know how to make our clients more successful by adapting and implementing proven Columbus and Microsoft-based solution sets for immediate business impact.

Founded in 1989
Co-workers Over 200 in the UK, and 2000 worldwide.

Already working at Columbus Global (UK)?

Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.

@columbusglobal.com