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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience and develop skills across various organisational areas.
- Company: Join Invest NI, driving economic growth in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexi-time, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Become a confident professional ready for future leadership roles.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2.2 degree by August 2026 and a full driving licence.
- Other info: Dynamic programme with mentorship and clear career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 33542 - 46758 £ per year.
Our 2-year Graduate Gateway Programme will give you practical experience across different areas of the organisation, exposure to meaningful projects, and opportunities to develop broad organisational knowledge. With mentorship, continuous learning, and clear pathways to career progression, you will develop the skills and knowledge to take on future leadership roles.
Invest NI drives Northern Ireland’s economic growth by helping businesses innovate, compete and succeed. Our new Graduate Gateway Programme is designed to develop ambitious graduates into confident, capable professionals, ready to take on future Client Officer roles. Over two years, you will gain hands-on experience from our expert teams, building both specialist skills and a deep understanding of how the organisation operates. If you are driven, curious and eager to make an impact, this programme is built for you.
You will rotate through structured placements, gain real-world experience and build the skills needed to thrive in a client-facing role. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to overseas trade missions. You will be supported every step of the way by experienced mentors, expert-led training and a network of fellow graduates. Graduates will be initially placed in our Belfast headquarters with placement opportunities in our regional offices.
Working within our client teams and sectors you will learn about how Invest NI operates and helps client companies of all sizes from start-ups to small and medium sized enterprises, contributing to the success of our client companies. You will gain valuable contacts, develop your interpersonal skills and increase your understanding of local and global markets.
At the end of the programme, you will have an opportunity to showcase everything you have learnt and celebrate your achievements. Subject to final assessment, you may be offered a role as a Client Officer at one of our locations in Belfast or across the regional network.
You will have:
- a minimum of a 2.2 degree or post-graduate qualification in any discipline achieved by August 2026
- Possess a full current driving licence and access to a motor vehicle. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants who have a disability and cannot hold a driving licence
- the right to work in the UK
We are looking for:
- individuals who are passionate about contributing to the success of our client companies with the ability to build and develop strong stakeholder relationships
- individuals who are driven, curious, confident and keen to make an impact
We reserve the right to enhance the criteria if there is a large volume of applications such as only accepting a minimum of a 2.1 qualification.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including:
- Hybrid working
- Flexi-time
- Access to NICS Pension Scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days
Closing date for receipt of applications is noon on Monday 23 February 2026 (GMT).
Invest NI is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community. At this time, it particularly welcomes applications from females, people with disabilities and from minority ethnic groups.
Graduate Gateway Programme in Belfast employer: Invest NI
Contact Detail:
Invest NI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Gateway Programme in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni or current employees at Invest NI through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for client-facing roles and practice your answers. We want to see your passion and how you can contribute to our clients' success.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant projects or experiences, be ready to discuss them. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles or studies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the Graduate Gateway Programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Gateway Programme in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Gateway Programme. Highlight your passion for helping client companies and your eagerness to learn and grow within the organisation.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t be shy about sharing your accomplishments! Whether it’s academic achievements or relevant projects, let us know what you’ve done that makes you a great fit for this role. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in your previous experiences.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your journey and aspirations without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Invest NI
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research Invest NI and its role in driving economic growth. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss how your degree and experiences align with the skills needed for the Graduate Gateway Programme. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated curiosity, confidence, and the ability to build relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme, mentorship opportunities, and potential career paths. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in how you can grow within the organisation.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common interview questions. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more at ease you'll feel during the actual interview!
