By Kate Wilson, Head of Membership & Community
One of the things I love most about our community is how willing people are to share what they've learned.
Recently, a conversation with a member sparked a question that many organisations are grappling with: once you've invested time, energy and resources into bringing graduates into your business, how do you keep them engaged, supported and motivated to stay?
Rather than trying to answer that question alone, we did what Manchester Digital does best. We brought people together.
Our latest Member Knowledge Exchange focused on engaging and developing graduate talent, bringing together employers from across the network to share experiences, challenges and practical approaches that are making a difference within their organisations.
The conversation included organisations launching their very first graduate programmes alongside others with years of experience developing emerging talent. What made the session so valuable wasn't that anyone claimed to have all the answers. It was the openness with which members shared what has worked, what they're still figuring out and where they could learn from one another.
Thanks to ICO, HPE, Axa, Autotrader, Booking, AJ Bell, Bet365, Zopa and Waters for contributing today.
Attendees discuss graduate engagement during the Member Knowledge Exchange meeting
What we heard
Several themes emerged throughout the discussion.
Community matters
One of the strongest messages was the importance of helping graduates feel part of something bigger than their immediate role.
Members spoke about the value of cohort-based programmes, peer networks and creating opportunities for graduates to learn together. These approaches help reduce imposter syndrome, build confidence and create support networks that often become one of the most valuable parts of the graduate experience.
Development goes beyond technical skills
Many organisations described graduate programmes that sit alongside day-to-day roles rather than focusing solely on technical capability.
Commercial awareness, communication, collaboration, project management and personal development were all highlighted as important ingredients in helping graduates build successful careers.
Support needs to come from multiple directions
Buddy schemes, mentoring and coaching featured heavily in the discussion.
Members shared examples of layered support models that provide practical guidance, career advice and space for reflection at different stages of a graduate's journey.
Retention starts with visibility
Graduates increasingly want to understand where they are heading and what opportunities exist for them.
Clear career pathways, development milestones and transparent progression routes were all highlighted as important ways to help people see a future within an organisation.
The transition into work shouldn't be left to chance
Several members spoke about the importance of explicitly supporting graduates as they move from education into the workplace.
Topics such as communication, workplace etiquette, time management, professional relationships and personal brand are not always taught elsewhere, yet they play a significant role in helping people thrive in their first professional role.
Practical ideas shared by members
The session generated plenty of practical examples, including:
- Structured onboarding and foundation programmes
- Business immersion projects that help graduates understand customers and commercial drivers
- Emerging professionals networks for early-career employees
- Buddy, mentor and career coach support models
- Clear progression frameworks and development milestones
- Approaches to managing increasing application volumes and AI-assisted applications
Perhaps most importantly, members left with new connections and new conversations to continue beyond the session itself.
Supporting the next generation of talent
The discussion also highlighted the role we can all play in strengthening the region's talent pipeline.
Manchester Digital's Grad Recharge programme supports final-year students and recent graduates who may face additional barriers to employment. Through workplace visits, mentoring, employability support, employer-led masterclasses and industry engagement, the programme helps participants build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
We're always looking for members who can offer workplace experiences, internships, placements, masterclasses or mentoring opportunities. Even small contributions can have a lasting impact on someone's career.
What challenge should we tackle next?
This session exists because a member asked a question.
That's exactly how many of our best conversations start.
If there's a challenge you're working through, a topic you'd like to explore with peers, or an issue you'd value input on from the community, I'd love to hear from you.
One of the greatest strengths of membership is having access to a network of organisations that are willing to share their experiences, ideas and lessons learned.
Often, someone else has faced a similar challenge before. Sometimes, they're working through the same one right now.
Bringing those conversations together is where the real value of community comes to life.
See you at the next one,
Kate
