Graduate Induction Program: Ensure the Success of your Program and Develop Thriving Leaders

2017 has flown by and soon it will be a new year, a new cohort of graduates and the ever-important induction period.

When it comes to Graduate Induction there is a huge number of things that need to be considered to ensure your graduates are business-ready and well prepared for the rigour’s and requirements of their new environment.

On average, an induction will range from two-to-three days and consist of a combination of workshops, presentations and insights that relate to the organisation, the graduates themselves and begin to create the solid link between the organisation and the graduates.

There has been some exciting, forward thinking from organisations around the induction of graduates, some of which I would encourage you to consider, helping to make it the best possible experience for your graduates.

Leaders Involvement in the Induction

There is no better way than to motivate your graduates than giving them the opportunity to engage with and hear from some of the organisations leaders. A leader speaking on each day of the induction allows them to frame the theme of the day and to share their knowledge and passion for the business.

The all-important professional skill modules

Graduates are generally fresh out of university and many have never experienced a real, organisational environment. Their academic results may be impressive, they may have performed well in pre-employment testing and interviewed strongly. But now comes the time to develop these graduates into the ‘next wave of talent’ within the organisation.

Many organisations focus solely on an ‘induction’ that provides an overview for graduates of the organisation’s operations, culture, values and other legislative requirements. While this is an essential part of introducing graduates to the organisation, it neglects the required behavioural and skill capabilities that are essential for their success in the work environment.

The induction is all about making the transition into the organisation as smooth as possible, it is about informing the graduates while helping them to realise the incredible opportunity they have in front of them and giving them the skills to succeed in the first few months.

Soft or professional skills are a key to any induction period and the best way to do this is to keep the key themes of the day in mind.

Graduates need to understand themselves and delivering key modules such as personal brand, personal values, DISC methodology and first impressions is the best way to ensure they understand what drives them and the importance of making a great first impression in their new role.

Fresh faced and ready to make an impact, graduates need to understand the business they are walking into in detail so when designing your induction, think about modules like transition to business life, networking and setting realistic expectations.

Giving the graduates the opportunity to reflect is also key not only during the induction, but the entirety of their journey – it is a daunting time for many and reflection is key in an individual’s growth and development.

Make it fun

We have all been there, having to sit there in silence, listening to presentation after presentation. This is no way to introduce graduates into your organisation.

Make sure you make the induction period fun, make any learning interactive, provide networking opportunities, offer site tours, include team building afternoons and do whatever it takes to make your induction unique and memorable.

Whatever you choose to do in your 2018 induction, I encourage you to do one thing, and that is to build the passion within your graduates.

For more information on how best to conduct your graduate induction, please contact: