https://hodigital.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/25/graduates-accelerate-your-digital-and-data-career-on-our-dynamic-graduate-scheme/

Graduates: accelerate your digital and data career on our Dynamic Graduate Scheme

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An image of a group of graduates sitting around a computer

Apply for our Dynamic Graduate Scheme (DGS) in Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) now – applications are open until 7 July 2025. We have the following roles available:

  • Business Analyst
  • Technology Delivery Management       
  • Project Support Officer (Project Management)
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer (Year 2 only)

Apply here: Dynamic Graduate Scheme (DGS) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The DGS is a bespoke 2-year rotational graduate programme for our Digital and Data professions. Entry to the scheme is at the Higher Executive Officer level which attracts a competitive starting salary for London of £41,300. Candidates will require at least a 2.2 degree in any subject combined with a genuine passion for working in digital, data and technology.

Continuous development and learning are core elements of the scheme. During the first year, Associates learn to build foundational knowledge and skills. You’ll also gain broad exposure by supporting multidisciplinary product teams and projects during the 6-month placements. For the second year, you’ll complete a 12-month placement choosing one of the scheme’s career specialisms.

Past Associates on the scheme have told us that they’ve particularly enjoyed:

  • exposure to varied portfolios of work
  • the focus on their personal development  
  • working closely as a cohort to form a network facilitated through DGS events, Office Days, Show and Tells and bi-monthly catch ups
  • robust managerial support, coaching, mentorship and tailored training to support their development

At the end of the 2-year scheme Associates aim to secure a role within the Digital and Data profession on promotion. For the past 2 years 95% of Associates who have graduated from the scheme have secured promotion. Several are either acting as line managers or providing mentorship to new members of staff. 

Vanessa completed the DGS last year and has since been promoted. She tells us about the benefits of the scheme.

An image of Vanessa Edwards, a past Associate of the Dynamic Graduate Scheme.
Vanessa Edwards, Business Analyst, Enterprise Services, DDaT.

Highlights of the Dynamic Graduate Scheme

3 main highlights stand out for me. Firstly, the mentorship and support I’ve received on the DGS has been phenomenal. My line manager provides guidance on my career development and my team members help me navigate complex projects: there’s always a sense of team spirit and shared purpose.

Secondly, I’ve really enjoyed rotating through 3 specialist areas across 3 business units which has accelerated my technical and professional growth.

And thirdly, being part of an organisation that values diversity, inclusivity, and professional development is something that is very important to me.

What attracted you to the Dynamic Graduate Scheme?

I’d previously worked in project management but was keen to deepen my knowledge of areas like data and business analysis. I joined the DGS because the hands-on training and exposure to different technical areas within DDaT really stood out to me. When I saw the role advertised on Civil Service Jobs I immediately applied.

While the competitive salary is a bonus, it’s the diversity of experiences and professional development opportunities that have made the scheme the ideal platform for my career growth.

What is it like to work as a Data Analyst on the Dynamic Graduate Scheme?

I worked in the Migration and Borders Technology Portfolio in a past placement as a Data Analyst, extracting and analysing data to provide insights to stakeholders.

I used SQL to extract, manipulate, and analyse large reliable datasets then communicated the insights in an effective way for varied stakeholders. I created new dashboards and data pipelines, allowing better visibility into ongoing operations and performance metrics. I also reported service status to management.

What does a Business Analyst do on the Dynamic Graduate Scheme?

As a Business Analyst in Enterprise Services, I managed change requests through the front door process, overseeing requests from submission to approval. I worked with customers, facilitating workshops and meetings to ensure there was a clear understanding of the scope, objectives, and funding requirements for the change requests.

By conducting Impact Assessments I identified potential implications of the requested changes, including cost recharge and other factors that could affect timelines, resources, or project outcomes. I worked closely with the Cyber Security team to ensure that security implications were evaluated.

What advice would you give to a graduate who is unsure about joining the Civil Service?

In my opinion, joining the Civil Service is one of the best decisions you could make for your personal and professional development. When I was looking for career opportunities, I wanted something that was not just a job but a platform for continuous learning and growth, and the Civil Service has given me exactly that. What makes it unique is the diverse roles you can explore and the ability to move between different departments within the Civil Service.

What really surprised me is the level of support you receive. From the start, you’re surrounded by people who are invested in your success, whether it’s through structured training, mentorship, or just having someone to turn to when you need advice. The DGS, in particular, has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to experience different aspects of digital, data, and technology while receiving real-time feedback and guidance. You won’t just be sitting on the sidelines; you’ll be actively contributing to projects that have a real, positive impact on society.

I’m proud to be a civil servant. I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on society. The projects I work on have real-world significance, from improving digital services to deploying assistive technology for those who need it most. It’s rewarding to know that the work I do helps improve lives.

The 2025 Dynamic Graduate Scheme is open until 7 July. Apply for one of multiple roles in our Digital and Data professions on the Civil Service Jobs website now.

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