What is it? Arcadia Group is the UK’s largest privately owned clothing retailer with more than 2,500 outlets and seven of the high street’s best-known fashion brands: Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topman, Topshop and Wallis. The group employs more than 27,000 staff and its brands are found in more than 30 countries around the world. It made pretax profits of £199 million last year.

Are there opportunities for work experience? The company has a limited number of 12-month business placements in finance and human resources for students on sandwich-degree courses. These offer on-the-job experience and the chance to work with experienced managers in relevant areas of the business.

What graduate jobs are on offer? The group recruits about 300 graduates a year for its retail management programme and for head office roles such as buying, merchandising, distribution, finance and human resources. A passion for the fashion business is essential for all roles.

Where are the jobs? The group’s head office is in Central London but graduates on the retail management programme can be based at any of the group’s stores around the country.

What is the pay like? Starting salaries for graduates this year are between £17,500 and £23,000, plus a 25 per cent discount on group merchandise, a bonus scheme and 25 days’ holiday. What’s the competition like? Leading retailers typically receive between 25 and 50 applications per graduate vacancy.

How do you apply? Applications to the graduate programmes in retail and human resources are closed but the group recruits year-round for buying, merchandising, distribution and finance positions. Apply online at www.arcadiagroup.co.uk/careers

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