When I started my degree, I thought good grades were the golden ticket to landing a great job. But I quickly learned that while marks matter, they do not guarantee a job. What truly sets you a part is experience.
I wasn’t the top of my class and my WAM was not perfect. But I was deliberate about how I spent my time at university. I volunteered in student societies, entered competitions, and attended networking events. These experiences helped me grow professionally and personally—and ultimately led me to an internship that changed everything.
The power of internships
The Graduate job hunt can be overwhelming; It’s competitive, stressful, and often confusing. But there is one thing that can make it significantly easier— getting an internship first.
Internships are more than just a line on your resume. They help you:
- Build real-world skills that prepare you for corporate life.
- Gain confidence in a professional setting.
- Develop a network of mentors and peers who can support your career.
- Stand out in a sea of graduate applicants.
As a graduate now, I cannot stress enough how valuable my internship was. It gave me a head start, made the transition to full-time work smoother, and helped me land a graduate role I love.
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Why the Schneider Electric internship stands out
My internship at Schneider Electric was an eye-opening experience. Unlike many programs, Schneider offers a 6-month internship, typically 3 days a week. This structure gave me time to balance university, work, and life—without burning out.
What I appreciate most about Schneider is their genuine commitment to personal and professional development. They actively support your growth, recognize your contributions, and help you shape a meaningful career path. This became especially clear after my initial six-month internship, when I was invited to join a new team to continue my journey before transitioning into the Graduate Program the following year.
One of the standout aspects of the Schneider Electric Internship was its incredible flexibility. With the support from our managers, many people in my cohort were able to adjust their working days during the exam season to balance their university commitments. The level of understanding and encouragement I received from every manager I worked with was exceptional—it truly made my experience at Schneider both positive and empowering.
Networking
One of the most underrated benefits of an internship is the chance to build your network. During my time as an intern, I made a point to connect with people across different teams and roles—not just within my immediate group. These conversations gave me valuable insights into the company and helped me understand how different functions work together and figure out where I wanted to grow next.
Most importantly, it was through one of these connections that I met my current manager for my first graduate rotation. That experience showed me that networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about being curious, showing initiative, and building genuine relationships that can shape your career path.
Your degree is important, but experience is what brings it to life. Internships give you the edge, the confidence, and the clarity to navigate your career path. And if you’re considering where to start, I cannot recommend the Schneider Electric Internship and Graduate Program enough.
Take the leap. Get the experience. Your future self will thank you.
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About the author
Daniel Pocock, 2025 Graduate
Daniel began his journey at Schneider Electric as an intern in Customer Satisfaction and Quality, later moving into Employer Branding to support recruitment marketing. Now in a graduate role with the Residential Builders team, he continues to combine creativity and strategy to drive meaningful engagement.
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