Graduate Programme
Graduate Programme
Our programme is 6 months of intense learning and consists of project methodology, technical and consultancy training. You will also be given a mentor throughout the programme up until you have been with us for 3 years!
The scheme ordinarily focuses on one of the following business lines, details will be on the Job Advert.
Business Lines
Dynamics
D365 is a powerful suite of business applications designed to streamline and optimize various aspects of a company's operations. Imagine Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a superhero suite for businesses!
The suite covers 3 areas:
Customer Engagement (CRM) is a tool to keep track of customers to make sure the businesses are always there for them when they are needed the most.
Business Central (BC) is mainly used within smaller businesses and covers everything from money to keeping customers happy.
Finance and Operations (ERP) helps with managing money and resources kind of like a financial champion, it keeps an eye on how much money is coming in and out and helps plan for the future.
You will train to become a Microsoft Dynamics Business Consultant, you will meet with clients and work on projects to implement this market-leading software for their business.
Strategy & Growth
Here the team work closely with our customers by leading them to be more open to change and transformation specifically within Microsoft Dynamics.
You will train to become a Business Transformation Consultant, you will meet with clients and provide them with guidance on how to adapt to change and stay innovative in a competitive market.
Data & Analytics
This is where you get to help business leaders make informed decisions by providing them with complete control and visibility of their data. It's a chance to make a real impact in shaping future decisions through the lens of data.
With this, you can train as either a Business Intelligent Consultant or a Data Migration Consultant both require collaboration with clients on their potential growth.
Check out the below for more information on the types of industries we cover..
Here are a few of the industries we work with..
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Food & Beverage
In a world where the demand for food and drink is constantly on the rise, the industry faces challenges from every angle.
By embracing digital technology like Microsoft Dynamics businesses will be able to streamline their operations and automate manual tasks to transform their business needs.
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Retail & Distribution
In this dynamic industry where innovation meets customer satisfaction, our customers dont just sell products they immerse themselves in more just transactions, they build lasting relationships with their customers.
This is an ever-evolving landscape, staying competitive is key and we ensure that our customers are at the forefront of transforming the retail game.
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Professional Services
Within this industry, people are at the heart of every success. We help businesses from planning capacities to optimizing their workforces which is key to delivering exceptional customer service.
We acknowledge their challenges, and we strive to help them overcome them.
Want to hear more!
Watch the below videos to get some inside knowledge about the programme we offer!
Videos and Employee Stories
Timeline and Q&As
Here is a timeline outlining what happens in each year of your training, so you can see how we will support you in your career success at Columbus.
Plus we have gathered a few Q&As from our most recent graduates about what the recruitment process was like from their point of view.
Training Timeline
First 6 Months
Intense training programme, which will include:
- Classroom-style training, where you will need to attend our Nottingham office a few times a week. There will also be an opportunity for you to visit one of our Nordic offices where you will meet with others from the program.
- Self-learning elements, you will have access to our global internal learning academy as well as other software tools to help you grow.
- Consultancy skills, you will be enrolled on to our in-house training program which offers you communication and leadership skills training plus many more.
Year 1
- Upon successful completion of your initial 6-month training period, you will become an Associate Consultant. In this capacity, you will actively contribute to project work by supporting our senior level consultants.
- Within your first year, their will be a focus for you to study and complete the core Microsoft Exams.
Year 2
- By this point, you will become an expert within a certain area of the project you are working on, so you will be able to lead on that particular stream without too much mentoring.
- Focus on becoming an expert in a specialist area, what we mean by this is that you will start to see where your interests lie, for example, you may lean more towards Supply Chain rather than Finance.
- In your second year you will have completed all your Microsoft exams and become accredited as a specialist within your chosen module.
Year 3
- By year 3, you should be able to lead a bigger stream on a project without the need for a mentor.
- You will now be an expert in your specialist area and be able to talk to customers confidently about their requirements.
- You will at this point meet with your line manager and discuss our competencies framework to move into a Business Consultant position.
We also asked our Graduates...
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I was invited to attend the Nottingham office, where the atmosphere for the day seemed very relaxed and not at all intimidating. The process seemed very 2 way they wanted to know me as an individual but also what Columbus could do for me and how they could help me grow my career.
We also got the chance to talk to other graduates who are currently in the program and ask them any questions.
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My advice would be to ensure you research Columbus beforehand and understand what they do as a business. On the interview day itself you will be asked to take part in various activities from presenting, interviewing and team-building so make sure you do as much prep as possible!
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For the initial first 6 months of the program you will need to attend the Nottingham office at least 3 times a week this is for training purposes and to build a rapport with your colleagues, after the initial period you can work from wherever you choose, however, the position does require some travel and overnight stays so you will need to have access to a drivers license and vehicle.