Interested in applying for our Graduate Gateway Programme?

Apply now

Ready to kick-start your Graduate career and make a real impact?

Join the Graduate Gateway Programme at Invest NI and become part of a vibrant community where your ideas matter and your growth is our priority. Over two years, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build specialist skills, and discover how Northern Ireland’s businesses thrive—with plenty of fun along the way!

Why choose Invest NI

Invest NI drives Northern Ireland’s economic growth by helping businesses innovate, compete and succeed. We foster a supportive and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and contributions truly matter, guided by our core values:

  • Client Focus

    We deliver for our economy 

  • Integrity

    We are honest and accountable

  • Excellence

    We set high standards

  • Respect

    We value everyone

  • Collaboration

    We work together

Our Graduate Gateway Programme gives 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. All members of the programme can benefit from:

  • A competitive salary starting at £33,542 (EOI, August 2025)

  • Hybrid and flexible working options in an inclusive work environment

See a full list of our employee benefits.  

Who we are looking for

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and curious graduates who want to make a difference. If you love building relationships and are keen to learn and grow, this is the place for you’.

You will have a minimum of a 2.2 degree or post-graduate qualification in any discipline achieved by August 2026, a full current driving licence, and the right to work in the UK.

About the programme

Our two-year Graduate Gateway Programme designed to give you real responsibility, meaningful experience, and the confidence to thrive in a client facing role. You’ll rotate through structured placements that expose you to a wide range of teams and projects, helping you build the skills and insights that matter most.

Based at our Belfast Headquarters to begin with, you’ll work on impactful initiatives across our solutions and sectors teams, support international activity including overseas trade missions, and gain hands on experience in our regional offices in Omagh, Derry/Londonderry, Ballymena, Newry, and Belfast.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to step into a Client Officer role based at any of our locations across Northern Ireland, where you can continue to grow your career and make a tangible difference.

Year 1 - build your foundations

Months 1–6: induction & deep learning

Start strong with a comprehensive induction programme delivered in a group setting. You’ll gain:

  • A deep understanding of Invest NI and our role in the economy
  • Insight into our relationship with the Department for the Economy (DfE)
  • Training in customer service, communication, and digital systems
  • Exposure to real-world client journeys and funding processes
  • shadowing experienced colleagues in International & Trade, Solutions, Sectors and Regions

Months 7–12: Assistant Client Officer placement

Apply your learning in a live business environment:

  • Shadow experienced client-facing staff
  • Attend client meetings and business development committees
  • Support research, casework, and analysis
  • Collaborate on a group project with fellow graduates

Year 2 - expand your impact

Months 12–18: regional office placement

You will be based in our regional offices, working directly with local businesses and stakeholders:

  • Supporting SMEs and attend regional events
  • Engaging with local councils and political representatives
  • Shadowing a regional client-facing staff member
  • Gaining insight into entrepreneurship and local economic development

Months 18–24: Assistant Client-Facing Officer role

Step into a more autonomous role and develop the core skills of a Client-Facing Officer:

  • Build trusted client relationships
  • Analyse business plans and financials
  • Manage projects and events
  • Support export and trade initiatives
  • Collaborate across teams and departments
  • Use data and systems to track impact

Learning and development

  • Expert-led training modules
  • Mentoring and coaching from experienced Client Executives
  • Real-world exposure to our client activity
  • Opportunities to build networks across the organisation
  • Continuous development in communication, analysis and leadership

Social highlights

  • Reverse Mentoring Mixer – Share your insights with senior leaders in a relaxed, open setting
  • Outdoor Team Challenge – Take part in a fun day of off-site team building
  • Pizza & Plan Lunch – Collaborate with your cohort over lunch to shape your Year 1 project
  • Wellbeing Workshop – Build resilience and mental strength through interactive activities
  • Graduate Showcase– Present your journey, celebrate achievements and receive recognition

How to apply to Invest NI's Graduate Gateway programme

The 2026 Programme is now open for applications and will close on Monday 23 February at 12 noon. 

Come and speak to us at career fairs at Queens University and Ulster University in February to find out more, or download an application pack today. 

Join a team that values excellence, respect, client focus, integrity, and collaboration. Your contributions will help shape the future of Northern Ireland’s economy, and you’ll have fun doing it!

So, what are you waiting for? Apply today and start your journey with Invest NI, where your career, connections, and confidence will grow together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the Graduate Gateway programme?

Final year students or graduates from any discipline who have a minimum of a 2.2 degree or post-graduate qualification in any discipline (by August 2026), and a full current driving licence, and those who have the right to work in the UK are welcome to apply. 

We’re looking for individuals who are curious, motivated and eager to contribute to Invest NI's mission.

Is the programme paid?

Yes. Graduates will receive a competitive salary and benefits package throughout the two-year programme

When does the programme start

The programme opens for applications in February 2026, with an expected started date of September 2026.

Will I be assigned a mentor or coach?

Yes. Each graduate is matched with a mentor and a certified coach to support their personal and professional development throughout the programme

Where will I be based?

Graduates will be placed across various Invest NI departments and will have opportunities for regional placements. Office-based learning is encouraged to maximise collaboration and exposure.

Will I manage my own client portfolio?

No. Graduates will not be assigned their own client portfolios. Instead, they will shadow and support experienced Client Executives and Managers, contributing to meaningful project work.

What kind of training will I receive?

Training includes:

  • Public sector strategy
  • Organisational systems and client services
  • Communication and analytical skills
  • Excel and business case writing
  • Project management
  • Interview and CV preparation (Year 2)

How do I apply?

Applications are now open, closing date is Monday 23 February at 12 noon.