Thinking of joining a graduate programme? These 10 companies could be a great source of inspiration.
When you leave education, even with your qualifications and a rough outline of the career you are aiming for, taking that next step can be difficult. There are likely dozens if not hundreds of companies or organisations to choose from, all with a different set of values and ambitions, so it’s a big decision deciding where you belong.
Graduate programmes and initiatives designed for early-career starters are an ideal route through which you can gain some experience, meet like-minded people and see how an organisation operates across the board, not just from one angle or department. While it is a job, it is also an opportunity to establish yourself post-education, helping you to firmly define your own goals.
So, which companies in Ireland are currently running an early-career or graduate programme?
Accenture
Professional services firm Accenture is looking for applicants to join the 2026/2027 graduate programme, which runs across four streams of development, business and technology consulting, data and AI, software engineering and cybersecurity.
There are also several early-career roles being advertised at Accenture’s Dublin office, for example there is a position as a content strategist and a CE functional consultant.
Amgen
Biotechnology company Amgen is looking for applicants to the Amgen Graduate Opportunities 2026 programme, to be undertaken at its Dún Laoghaire location. Opportunities exist for graduates across a number of key areas, including in manufacturing, quality, engineering, supply chain, process development, automation and digital technology information. The two-year programme will begin in September of 2026 and applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering or other relevant disciplines.
BearingPoint
For graduates looking to start their careers, BearingPoint has an open application process for its early-career positions. The organisation suggests applying two to six months before you would be in a position to begin the job and you can keep track of available entry-level roles via the company job portal.
BMS
Pharma company Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), runs a number of internships to support graduates as they begin their careers in the healthcare space. Its Cruiserath, Dublin facility is looking for applicants for a number of intern roles in procurement, electrical engineering, supply chain, QA technical/laboratory operations and lab digital sciences, among others.
The company also runs internships and college programmes. The applications for the summer programme are to be sent in between August and March. For the college-based programme, which is six months long, applications for spring should be finalised by November.
Deloitte
In Belfast, Northern Ireland, professional services firm Deloitte is running the 2026 BrightStart Apprenticeship Scheme for the audit and assurance division. The on-site programme will give successful candidates on the job experience, a network of peers and the opportunity for permanent work in the future.
Also in Belfast, the 2026 Future Leaders Academy: Tax and Legal programme has open opportunities for graduates and the 2026 Future Leaders Academy: ROI Audit and Assurance, Controls Assurance Graduate Opportunities programme is open to people based in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.
Fidelity Investments
Multinational financial services firm Fidelity Investments has a number of programmes throughout the year aimed at helping students and graduates establish themselves professionally. The Leap programme accepts applicants from all over the world, enabling graduates to develop their IT and technology skills.
Interested potential candidates should make note of the different application times throughout the year, for example, the technology graduate programme has two start points in August and January and runs for 20 weeks. There is a longer 21-month programme that begins in September of each year.
Grant Thornton
Professional services provider Grant Thornton is hiring graduates from various disciplines, including business, computer science, STEM and accountancy to join the Grant Thornton 2026 Graduate Programme. Available in four locations, Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway, the application window closes soon, so interested candidates should consider applying quickly.
Henkel
German multinational chemical and consumer goods company Henkel runs a four- to six-month students and graduates programme across 79 countries. It is an opportunity for successful candidates to work with a mentor, contribute to projects and collaborate with like-minded people. There is also the chance for students or graduates to become part of the career track and earn a more permanent entry-level position.
Mastercard
Payment services company Mastercard runs an 18-month development programme aimed at propelling graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree into their future careers. Participants will learn alongside their globally dispersed cohorts and will develop their skills through networking, career conversations, work assignments and rotational experiences.
Alternatively, there is an internship aimed at students currently enrolled in university who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or the equivalent), who are set to complete their studies in the coming year. In addition to receiving a salary, interns will gain hands-on experience, a growing network of peers and real-world skills to tackle future career challenges.
PwC
Professional services company PwC is currently accepting applicants for its graduate programme in Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford. Interested applicants will have to move quickly however, as some of the roles will close on 22 October. Applicants will need to be a final-year graduate or post-graduate student on track to achieving a minimum grade of 2.1 in their degree.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.
