Graduate Scheme

Upon graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in Politics & Philosophy, I was unsure as to how best start my career. Having spent countless hours looking into a multitude of professions, I eventually came across executive search and was instantly intrigued. Offering fast-tracked yet meritocratic career growth, unrivalled financial incentives and a competitive yet enjoyable atmosphere; the profession really seemed to be the right fit.

A few weeks later, I came across the Mackenzie Stuart graduate scheme online and applied instantly. Once I’d interviewed with the Directors, spoke with the managers of each sector and met nearly everyone in the office; it was clear that Mackenzie Stuart truly embodied the values that made executive search so attractive to myself.

From day one, there’s a real emphasis on entrusting consultants with complete responsibility over their own personal markets. You are doing full 360 recruitment from your own desk; working with some of the most noteworthy candidates and clients worldwide. Whilst being so hands-on from the start may seem daunting, the comprehensive training programme ensures consultants are well-prepared for any challenges they face. Your own hard work is rewarded directly and the graduate scheme’s opportunity to earn, progress and develop are truly unrivalled.

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Having finished my degree at the University of Leeds studying Geological Sciences I was able to take some time to reflect on what I wanted to achieve from my first step into the working world; an introduction to a fast paced environment that offers unparalleled personal and career development.

I read into executive search and Mackenzie Stuart’s graduate scheme appeared to tick all the right boxes so I made an application.

To date, I have been more than pleased with my decision, with the graduate scheme surpassing all expectations. There is a real emphasis on taking a hands on approach from day 1, including 4-6 months training and ‘on-the-job’ support and guidance from experienced peers and managers. I can’t think of any other graduate programmes that have such an immediate impact on one’s self progression and development. Particularly as a 360 recruitment company, there are multiple disciplines and skills to practice along with gaining a deep understanding of commercial and industrial markets. For myself, this is the Chemicals sector where I am confident that the relationships I have developed will be with me for the rest of my professional career.

It is also worth noting the meritocratic nature of Mackenzie Stuart where you will directly witness your hardwork and invested time paying of both financially and developmentally. I would recommend the opportunity to any driven and ambitious graduate.

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I graduated from the University of Leeds in 2015 with a BSc in Geography feeling uncertain about where best to direct my career. I knew that I wanted to be in a position of fast-tracked development and rewarding challenges and so after conducting some research in to Executive Search and Mackenzie Stuart, I took the plunge and applied.

I was pleased to learn quickly that Mackenzie Stuart’s graduate scheme surpassed my expectations. The company encourages graduates with a “learn-as-you-go” approach, well supported by sector management, which really lets you get stuck in from day 1 alongside a structured training programme. There is no time limit or cap on rewarding hard work, which really speaks volumes on the encouraged meritocratic environment in the office. I myself 2 years on have reached a position of Management and found the role to be very rewarding financially & developmentally.

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After completing my degree in Applied Biology from Northumbria University, I was keen to start a career that was focused around my scientific background. I joined a pharmaceutical company and worked there for just over a year but soon realised that this working environment wasn’t a good fit for my personality. I decided to look into different career paths and recruitment was an industry that I wanted to explore.

I started researching about recruitment companies in Leeds and the Mackenzie Stuart Graduate scheme caught my interest. It stood out to me because I liked the fact that the organisation is sector specific, meaning that I could still develop my scientific knowledge whilst learning a whole new set of skills that would be involved in Executive Search.

After applying for the scheme and meeting the team during the interview process I knew that this social, target driven environment that I wanted to be a part of. I was offered the position and joined the Medical devices team where I began my extensive training and building up my own personal market. As this was a completely new role for me, there was a lot of new information to take in. However, with the support from my manager and colleagues I was able to pick up the skills quickly and get started doing the job.

From here, I have built up an extensive network of candidates and have development long lasting relationships with clients in the industry. I really enjoy the fast paced and exciting nature of the job and find the day-to incentives set both motivating and rewarding.

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