John Lewis graduate deadline looms
By Retail Technology | Tuesday November 26 2013
Final week to apply for the new technology scheme introduced by the department store retailer as part of its 2014 graduate intake
John Lewis is urging final year students and graduates not to miss the deadline for its 2014 graduate scheme. The scheme, which closes to applications on 1 December 2013, is part of the retailer’s commitment to investing in talent for the future.
The graduate scheme offers jobs in one of five diverse specialities; retail management, buying, merchandising, corporate finance and a new technology scheme.
The graduate programmes will set graduates on a fast-track career development programme to give them the skills required to progress to John Lewis’ most senior roles. Successful applicants will be constantly challenged by working in a variety of positions and given significant responsibility early on.
New generation of IT leaders
Carole Donaldson, John Lewis resourcing manager, said: “We’re looking for talented, motivated and determined graduates to apply for our scheme. Every year, we take on a variety of different graduates with diverse degrees and backgrounds, which strengthens us as an organisation in the long-term and this year will be no exception.
"There is still time left to get your applications in, so no matter what your degree is, come and take a look at what we have to offer. This year, we are delighted to offer a brand new technology scheme to develop a new generation of IT leaders and to help drive forward our ambition to become a leading omnichannel retailer.”
Donaldson added: “Over the years, we have seen many John Lewis graduates quickly move up to senior management roles within the company, which is testament to the quality of our training and development schemes.”
Hamzah Malik successfully applied for the John Lewis 2013 Technology Graduate Scheme and is currently an IT analyst in Partnership Services. He studied English at Leicester University.
Business and technology skills
Malik said: “My time at John Lewis so far has been amazing. It’s fast-paced and I’m developing new skills and learning new things about the business every day. I was attracted to John Lewis because of the training and support it gives graduates, and being able to do this in such a fun and varied environment has been fantastic. I’ve really enjoyed my time as a graduate so far. My goal is to move into an IT management position within John Lewis, but I would also like to try out a few different roles to broaden my experience as much as possible.”
The retailer said its newly-developed graduate technology training scheme will see graduates not only develop their skills within technology, but also build the qualities required to be a future leader of the business. It includes the chance to work with graduates from other schemes on business-focused projects, and to gain an insight into the impact technology has on the future of the Partnership.
The training – which includes an international placement during year two, as well as the opportunity to study for PRINCE2 project management methodology certification – is designed to give graduates a solid foundation on which to build a rewarding long-term career. Interested applicants should apply here.
