Graduate intake size

Companies often give an indication as to how many graduates they take on each year. Large or small numbers are not objectively good or bad, but you may want to consider your preference. 

A large graduate intake hopefully indicates that the company has solid procedures in place to help manage the development of the cohort. You would likely assume that this includes comprehensive training courses and adequate resources to manage any issues relating to human resources or professional development. 

A large graduate intake should also mean that you’ll have access to a wider immediate network of like-minded peers, which can enable you to build personal and professional relationships with a greater number of people, many of whom you’re likely to stay in touch with throughout your career. There may also be a greater variety of – and more investment into - social events, sports clubs and interest clubs. 

However, you might feel more anonymous in a larger intake, and might have a less personalised experience during the training programme. Moreover, allocation to departments or roles may be more of a numbers game, aligning to company needs rather than your preferences (although it’s worth nothing that even with small intakes, business needs generally dictate where graduates are placed).

Being part of a smaller cohort may enable you to build more intimate relationships with your fellow graduates, and get to know everyone that joins at the same time as you. Some people would assume there would be more competition with a smaller intake, with fewer of the most desirable permanent positions available at the end. However, in my experience, there’s no consistent correlation with this.