scene from the Europe Graduate Trainee Scheme

Become a Trainee

Since 2009, CASE Europe has partnered with leading educational institutions to offer talented graduates the opportunity to gain experience in the advancement sector. Graduate Trainees develop a range of skills in a year-long residency at a host institution and benefit from professional development training with CASE.

Becoming a Trainee FAQs and Information

The Graduate Trainee Programme (GTP) is a one-year extensive programme for talented individuals to explore roles in the advancement profession, encompassing educational fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing.

CASE partners with world-class universities to offer a unique learning experience. Trainees gain valuable experience through 52 weeks of paid employment, complemented by CASE's programme of professional development opportunities, including online learning workshops, complementary in-person training and networking opportunities. As part of the programme, Trainees attend the flagship CASE Europe Annual Conference and one of CASE's foundational Institutes: the Marketing and Communications Institute or the Spring Institute in Educational Fundraising.

Furthermore, CASE encourages each graduate to share their valuable perspectives within the sector and connect with a range of sector professionals to explore the various career pathways.

The CASE Graduate Alumni Community boasts 118 past trainees, 82 of which remain in advancement or work in other supportive professions. A number of our graduate alumni also support CASE through volunteering.

Graduate Trainees will have a unique opportunity to attend a range of CASE programmes, enabling them to learn from practitioners across the sector, while also benefitting from tailored coaching to support them in their next career step.

Benefits for trainees

  • Hands-on experience working in an educational institution focused on fundraising, alumni relations, communications or marketing, or gaining experience across these disciplines.
  • A training programme and networking opportunities delivered by CASE.
  • Compensation for the duration of the programme.
  • CASE membership for one year, offering access to resources including CASE webinars, the CASE Library, Advancement Resource Catalogue (ARC), our e-Mentoring platform, Communities, and Career Central.
  • Regular communication to help find your next job post-programme.
  • Two global calls with Sue Cunningham, CASE President and CEO, and other high-profile professionals as guests to share their experience and insights on the advancement sector.
  • One year LinkedIn Learning licence upon availability.

The CASE Graduate Trainee Programme is open to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree (in any subject). 

Trainees should have recently graduated or are about to graduate. Alternatively, the programme is also open to those new to the advancement profession (with less than six months in post) or anyone with experience in another sector who wishes to transition into a career in advancement. 

Applicants must also have the following basic eligibility criteria:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Capable of working independently and as part of a team
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Demonstrable interest in the education sector, fundraising, volunteering, communications, or event management
  • Ability to build long-lasting relationships

7 October 2024: Applications open

26 January 2025: Applications close

17-28 February 2025: First-round interview with CASE

10-21 March 2025: Final-round interview with organisations

April-May 2025: Offer and contract signing

2 June 2025: Orientation Day

Please note, trainees will be required to complete an online course during the summer and attend additional workshops in London. 

Become a Trainee

Thank you for your interest in becoming a CASE Graduate Trainee. Applications for the 2025/26 graduate trainee programme are now closed.

Details for the 2026/27 programme will be released later this year.