Hit the Job Gym this New Year
1977 - 2012 Celebrating 35 Years
January/February Edition 2012
Are you fit for Your Career?
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CONTENTS FEATURES 03 Coming of age, finding a direction and making the most of 2012 Yes, it was my birthday recently, but no it is not me that’s 35 years old (not yet anyway!). It is in fact the Bright Futures Society.
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Think less doctor, fireman, lawyer or nurse...
Let us be your career guru—AllAboutCareers.com
06 Have you made the right New Year’s Resolution? Faced with such competition you need to be making resolutions about what you are going to do to minimise your chances of being one of the many who gets rejected at the first stage.
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Current Vacancies
Still looking for a job? Take a look at just a few roles Bright Futures has to offer from our specialist graduate recruitment team.
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Dates for the Diary
See what some of our societies are up to this term—for more events see our calendar on the website
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Our 35 year Journey...
Going back 35 years, in 1977 a group of students at Cambridge University started a Society. Today Bright Futures runs in 45 universities with a whole host of future plans up our sleeves!
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Seeing the Olympics from the other side
January/February Edition 2012
Instead of signing up for tickets, Holly applied to see the Olympics from the other side of the fence–as a volunteer supporting the teams themselves.
RECRUITER NEWS 13 HISCOX
22 KPMG
31 IBM
14 EVERSHEDS
24 PWC
32 THE IDM
16 BPP LAW SCHOOL
25 NETWORK RAIL
33 AON
17 ACCA
26 KANTAR WORLDPANEL 34 NPOWER
18 SOFTCAT
27 BARCLAYS
35 ERNST & YOUNG
19 BARCLAYS CAPITAL
28 ACCENTURE
36 THALES
20 CENTRICA
29 FSA
37 RBS
21 DELOITTE
30 NESTLÉ
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Coming of age, finding a direction and making the most of 2012 attempt to get us back on track. For most students its can range from drinking less, getting coursework in on time, to trying to figure out what and where they want to be after graduation. If you are still struggling with finding a direction, turn to page 4 where we have an article from AllAboutCareers acting as your careers guru to help you make that all important decision that could change your life. We also have a great article from a Senior Careers Advisor sharing insight on making the right resolutions when faced with such tough graduate competition—see page 6. We even have a few immediate vacancies for those on the hunt for jobs now—view page 7.
Jackie Bright Futures Editor & Regional Manager @jakjobes
If you fancy having something quite unique on your CV and to talk about in interviews then why not look into the Olympics? Read Holly’s story on her journey through the Olympic recruitment process, then jump on the net and see how you can still get involved! It’s a once in the lifetime experience after all! We have a few events to show off on page 8 and 9, not to mention a huge range of information and offerings from graduate recruiters in sectors from Engineering to Accounting, Law to FMCG’s, Technology to Marketing. These pages run from 12 to 38!!! There is something to suit pretty much everyone in this edition, but if you want more, drop us a line or check out our website for more!
January/February Edition 2012
Yes, it was my birthday recently, but no it is not me that’s 35 years old (not yet anyway!). It is in fact the Bright Futures Society. Having established ourselves in 1977 as the Student Industrial Society (SIS) (rebranding in 2007), the year 2012 is a big year for us, celebrating 35 years of helping students & graduates connect with employers and develop those crucial skills required to stand out in the ever competitive market. So, if you don't already know everything there is to know about us, we have put together a smidgen of information on Bright Futures and all the great stuff the society has done over the years. Check out page 9. As the ‘season to be jolly’ has now passed us, it can be a daunting time of reflection and resolutions in an
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Think less doctor, fireman, lawyer or nurse...
January/February Edition 2012
Let us be your careers guru… Crack open the incense: it’s time for some self‐reflection (or just leave out the incense bit). When choosing a career, you need to identify your skills, your personality, your motivations and your interests. What are you good at? And we don’t just mean academically. Are you imaginative? Great with people? Always organising things? Write down a list of your skills and the keywords that best describe your personality. Also, note down three things that you are absolutely rubbish at (just three, mind you, there’s no self ‐hating on our watch). So if you’re allergic to numbers, then we can strike off numerically‐based careers. Bye, bye accountancy. Think about what you want from a career. Is it the promise of a big fat pay cheque? Or the warm glow of helping others? How important is a good work ‐life balance? Think about what you’re interested in, be it music, politics, TV or finance. It’s all about finding a balance between your skills and interests. Say you love sport, but are hopeless at it, then look to your other skills. Got writing skills? You could become a sports journalist.
Good at negotiating? A career as a sports agent might be just the ticket. Right then, now you’re armed with an informed understanding of what your skills and interests are, it’s time to find careers that match them. Be aware of all the opportunities… Think less doctor, fireman, lawyer or nurse; think more lexicographer, haematologist, mudlogger or therapeutic radiographer. Have a gander through our job sectors and see what tickles your fancy and matches your skills. You never know, even the supposedly ‘boring’ careers might be perfect for you. Try out our careers test to see which job sectors best suit you. Go to careers fairs , do further research and talk to people; find out what’s really involved. Work experience is very useful. You might want to pick a broad sector that matches your interests, say media, then get work experience in several different areas of the industry to see what fits you best. Look beyond the obvious and don’t be put off by career stereotypes. Yes, being a health and safety officer might
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January/February Edition 2012
mean you get people endlessly telling you, “‘It’s health and safety gone mad!”, but equally it might be the perfect job for you. There are really so many different career options out there. It’s time you got clued up! Find out what the requirements are… Inevitability, a lot of jobs require specific training. Find out what this involves and how long it takes. If you’ve already left education (and don’t plan on going back), then you might need to find jobs that match your existing academic qualifications. Although, remember you can always retrain or go back into education. Plenty of people study humanities subjects, then go back and take science subjects because they’ve realised they want a scientific career. But remember, there are a huge number of careers out there that aren’t prescriptive about what education and training you’ve done. Often, soft skills (such as personality) matter more. The main thing is don’t worry, you’re young! You don’t have to choose a career and stick to it for the rest of your life. Often starting one job will lead you in a completely different career direction. Doctors have become comedians, comedians have become doctors. You heard it here first: leopards can change their spots.
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January/February Edition 2012
Have you made the right New Year’s Resolution? If like me your New Years’ resolution With the trend of over a third of is to get fit then it’s not just your graduate vacancies being filled by physical fitness you should be graduates who have worked at that thinking about. According to the company during their studies recent announcement from PwC, the continuing, another resolution ought graduate jobs market is showing no to be to do an internship. Whether or signs of becoming less competitive. not you would want to work at that Indeed, with applications to their company permanently, all graduate scheme having increased professional experience is valued as from 20,000 in 2011 to a predicted more than half of recruiters say 30,000 in 2012, the recruiters expect graduates who have no previous work to have to process the most experience are unlikely to make it applications ever. Less than a quarter through their selection process. Even of these applicants will get the if you can’t do an internship this year chance to sell themselves in an why not commit a few hours a week interview so being able to shine on to volunteering or take on paper (or rather on the computer responsibilities with that student screen) becomes the first hurdle. society you joined in fresher’s week but have neglected since? Faced with such competition you need to be making resolutions about Written by Gemma Ludgate what you are going to do to minimise Senior Careers Advisor @ Regents your chances of being one of the College, London many who gets rejected at the first stage. One of these resolutions should be to use the careers service at your university; not using the services which you have paid for through your fees is a bit like paying for a gym membership and never going. After all, like a gym if you never use the service you can’t complain if Twitter: @GemmaLudgate you don’t get ‘fit’. Linkedin: /gemmaludgate
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Current Vacancies Bright Futures isn't just a student society, we also specialise in graduate recruitment. So if you’re a recent graduate looking for an exciting opportunity, or an employer looking for a cost effective solution to your recruitment needs, please contact david.cook@brightfutures.co.uk or call 01242 246415. Company – Key Industry – Direct Marketing Job Title – Webmaster Salary – £20,000 ‐ £23,000 Location – Dorset As a Webmaster you will report into the E‐Business Manager and your key responsibility will be the effectiveness and accuracy of the web based shop, your success will be measured by the operational efficiency and the overall revenue generation of the shop.
Company – Portakabin Industry – Modular Building Hire Job Title – Commercial Trainee Salary – Extremely Competitive Location – Nationwide This position is a great opportunity for a recent graduate with a couple of years’ commercial experience to start a long term and lucrative career with a market leading manufacturer of quality solutions. The position involves an 18 – 24 month programme of education to develop the skills and competencies required to undertake the commercial planning and selling functions within the company’s hire division.
Company – Mediasmiths Industry – Media Job Title – Technical Consultant Salary – £21,000 + Bonus Location – London
Company – Alpha FX Industry – Finance Job Title – New Business Sales Executive Salary – £22,500 + Bonus Location – Windsor This is a new business role, focusing on the identification and qualification of new opportunities, using a database to spot new prospects. Your clients will be the Directors – generally Finance Directors – of companies who tend to make less regular, large FX transactions and who have their own accounts in the countries they are exchanging with.
For any of these roles please contact david.cook@brightfutures.co.uk or call 01242 246415
January/February Edition 2012
As a consultant, you will be trained to become an expert in media technology, so prior experience in this field in not necessary. You will assist in implementing the latest media management, rights management and high definition (HD) production systems.
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Refreshers Networking Evening @ Newca
Dates for the Dairy
January/February Edition 2012
Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Newcastle University The Refreshers Networking Evening will be hosted by Newca Futures after the society’s Refreshers Fair, offering students to meet with potential employers, see what the society can and to find out how to make it as a student applying for grad Join the society and find out more about the event on their page here: http://groupspaces.com/newcastlebrightfutures
KPMG
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Careers Week @ Port
Date: w/c 15th February 2012 Location: Portsmouth Universit Portsmouth Bright Futures are c career choices. This is a whole w these activities. Join the society brightfuturesportsmouth/
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Internships in China with CRCC @ York Date: 26th January 2012 Location: University of York A China internship with CRCC Asia will unlock a huge range of professional, social and networking opportunities, helping you to stand out from the crowd. CRCC Asia offers one to two month Internship Programs as well as Language Programs to allow you to both invest in your future and experience China. Come along to the York Bright Futures event to find out more about working in China. Join the society and find out more about the event on their GroupSpaces page here: http://groupspaces.com/brightfuturesyork/
Evening with Industry @ Gloucestershire Date: 31st January 2012 Time: 4.30pm—10pm Location: Thistle Hotel, Cheltenham This is an opportunity for all students at Gloucestershire and Worcester University to meet employers in a unique setting over food and drinks. Students will have the chance to meet with a range of company sectors and representa‐ tives, enabling them to develop their commercial awareness and see the opportunities available to them. It will be a fantastic opportunity for employers to engage with career‐motivated students, talk about their programmes and the culture of their organisation, and spot talent there and then and encourage applying. Join the society and find out more about the event on their GroupSpaces page here: http://groupspaces.com/ gloucesterbrightfutures/
G Innovative Workshop @ QMUL th
February 2012 n: KPMG Offices, Canary Wharf, London nted to know what it's like to be a consultant? KPMG have encouraged QM Bright Futures members to apply to their Inno‐ Workshop at their Canary Wharf offices on Thursday 16 February. Candidates will be screened on a rolling basis and given o if successful, so sign up early.
king part in a similar workshop hosted by KPMG last year, I can easily see why KPMG secure some of the top advisory deals of the way they think outside the box! If anything, you'll get exposure to KPMG staff and learn problem‐solving techniques help you in the future so check it out. society and find out more about the event on their GroupSpaces page here: http://groupspaces.com/QMBrightFutures/
tsmouth University
y collaborating with the Careers Service to offer a whole host of activities for student to learn about their options and week initiative and Bright Futures plans to arrange a networking evening with a range of employers to compliment y and find out more about the event on their GroupSpaces page here: http://groupspaces.com/
January/February Edition 2012
ce what being a consultant is like in KPMG and learn innovation techniques so you can learn how we provide solutions to nt problems. This workshop is run by KPMG’s innovation team so this is a chance to learn from the best experts and get a what being a consultant working on a real client problem is like. KPMG looks for people with the capacity to be both crea‐ innovative if you want to see if that is you sign up here
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Our 35 year Journey...
January/February Edition 2012
Going back 35 years, in 1977 a group of students at Cambridge University started a Society. This society was called the Student Industrial Society (SIS). Today, as Bright Futures, it now operates in 45 universities; is run on campus by some of the most motivated & driven students across all year groups; is the largest UK career & skills focused student society; and ran over 250 campus events last year. The society also runs the highly successful 'Business Champions' live business competition, along with a number of strategic partnership activities across a number of Universities. The Society had 60% of its 2011 committee members employed by end of the academic year and has just been recognised as an example of best practice when it comes to student employability engagement ‐ it has been a great 35 years for the Bright Futures Society. The Society had it's infancy and teenage years as
the Student Industrial Society (SIS) growing from just one Society at Cambridge to 40 across the UK ‐ our alumni includes Senior Managers of major firms as well as business owners. For the first half of the noughties the Society struggled with its adulthood (reducing in size to just 17 Universities) needing more support & direction. In 2007 with a new brand—to the Bright Futures Society— lots of energy and a return to its roots & infrastructure, lead by Simon Reichwald, the Society is now bigger & stronger than ever. And what of the future... We have big dreams for more & bigger Societies;
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having a reer is onal ty for ppen
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Seeing the Olympics from the other side My ‘Games Maker’ journey started in October 2010 when I made my application and it’s taken a while! However, I’ve been lucky enough to be selected to form part of the Sport Information Team for both the Olympic and Paralympics Archery competitions. That means I will be working out of Lords Cricket Ground, the Athletes Village and the Royal Artillery Barracks supporting Olympic archers (and their teams) as we act as the first point of call for questions and provide information to ensure their competition and their stay in the UK runs smoothly. I was invited to be part of the ‘London Prepares’ series (the official London 2012 sports testing programme) in the summer of 2011 so I have already met many of the archers I will be working with as well as testing Lords Cricket Ground to see how it will operate during the games. It has been fascinating to get a behind‐the‐scenes look into preparation for the games and having spent many years as the recruiter, it has been interesting to be part of one of such an enormous recruiting project from the other side! Fast Olympic Facts Over 250,000 application were received to become a Games Maker for London 2012 Each sport present in The Games will have a dedicated Sports Information Team 268 athletes will compete in Archery during the Olympic and Paralympics Games Archers will actually start competing in the 2012 games before the opening ceremony takes place Games Maker uniform has been unveiled as deep purple and poppy red colour scheme [based upon a contemporary twist of a regal purple and vibrant Grenadier Guards red]
See how you can be part of London 2012 here.
January/February Edition 2012
for larger & more innovative events; for an increased number of members securing internships & graduate jobs. Plus, lots of initiatives to help our student members successfully compete for those job opportunities. Our various initiatives include: More live webinars Growing mentoring programmes Our brand new UK Student Challenge, run by the award winning ‘Northstar Events’ team A great online tool to help students identify possible careers Broadening our 'Business Champions' competition to a wider range of industry sectors Bright Futures provide: a safe environment for students to explore a range of career options a network of employers to meet and have an impact on a variety of events & activities to develop the skills needed to compete for great graduate jobs The key to having a successful career is taking personal responsibility for making it happen ‐ this means taking action for yourself. So if you know what career you want or are looking for a way to find out then the Bright Futures Society can & will help. Whether you are a 1st year, finalist or postgraduate get involved with your Bright Futures Society now ‐ it's never to early (or too late!) to start.
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Recruiter News Contents 13 HISCOX
27 BARCLAYS
Hiscox Graduate Deadlines Tomorrow!
Future Leaders Development Programme
14 EVERSHEDS
28 ACCENTURE
Eversheds Vacancy and Competition Updates
Bridge the Gap between work and University
16 BPP LAW SCHOOL
29 FSA
Career focused legal training
First Years come and find out about Financial Regulation...
17 ACCA Going Global—How ACCA can take you places
30 NESTLÉ
18 SOFTCAT
Do you think a career in Manufacturing and Focused Improvement would be a good fit for you?
Time to hit the job gym
19 BARCLAYS CAPITAL Boost your interview skills with our free iPhone App!
20 CENTRICA
If you joined IBM, what could you achieve?
32 THE IDM
Get a foot in the Graduate Door—early
One week in summer; one step closer to a career in Marketing
21 DELOITTE
33 AON
2012 Career Opportunities in Enterprise Risk Services
22 KPMG KPMG—Sunday Breakfast anyone?
January/February Edition 2012
31 IBM
Are you ready to keep up with the talent?
34 NPOWER
24 PWC
Future Leaders Challenge—RWE npower Opening March 2012
Develop your skills ready for the future with PwC
35 ERNST & YOUNG
25 NETWORK RAIL
Go from Strength to Strength on an EY FactTrack
Engineering, Property and IT Graduate Opportunities at Network Rail
36 THALES
26 KANTAR WORLDPANEL A competitive start all round for 2012
Software Engineers
37 RBS Summer Internships
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Hiscox Graduate Deadlines Tomorrow! Are you looking for a challenging graduate role in a FSTE250 business? Then look no further. Our international two year graduate programme is designed to give you immediate hands‐on exposure, gaining on the job training from highly‐respected professionals. Whilst working in your allocated team you will undertake at least three secondments across the Group and overseas (to either the US, Europe or Bermuda) to enhance your commercial awareness, combined with professional study and a comprehensive training programme. As a FTSE250 company, Hiscox leads the pack when it comes to the world of specialist insurance. We are experts in protection of a wide range of personal and commercial risks, which are often too complex or too much
trouble for other insurance companies to consider. There is nothing grey about our business, and our graduate scheme is no exception. Several of our graduate opportunities are now closed, however applications remain open until tomorrow (27 January 2012) for the following roles: Project Manager – IT Project Manager – Claims Business Performance Analyst If interested to learn more about what makes Hiscox, and the insurance profession, interesting then visit www.hiscox.com/ graduates and select ‘Our People’ where you can watch a video of our current graduates. Our website also includes full details of our vacancies and how to apply.
January/February Edition 2012
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Eversheds Vacancy and Competition Update 2012 Summer Vacation Scheme
January/February Edition 2012
As you may be aware, the deadline for completed applications is 31st January 2012. If you have not yet submitted your application, then don’t leave this to the last minute ‐ get it in soon! Our application form is very simple to complete and has no lengthy questions to answer at this stage. Remember you will need to have completed all online tests by this date too. If you haven’t completed all of the tests by the 31st January, we will not be able to consider your application. To apply, visit our website.
Hong Kong Work Experience Competition
Eversheds are offering you the chance to spend a week in our Hong Kong office. You will get some fantastic work experience, that will look amazing on your CV and give you a chance to see how an international Law firm really works. What’s more, all of your expenses including flights, accommodation and food allowance will be paid for! To be in with a chance of winning, simply think of an innovative idea, based on our core values, present it in a creative way and send it to: workexperiencecompetition@eversheds.com Combined Study Training Contract If you have yet to complete your LPC, then The closing date for submissions is 1st March you may be interested in applying for our 2012. We have had some great ideas already, Combined Study Training Contract. This is a so make sure you do not miss the opportunity groundbreaking and innovative way of to win the chance to visit Hong Kong and gain combining part of your LPC and Training some great work experience at the same time. Contract, ensuring you qualify sooner. We are working in partnership with BPP Law school You can find more information on this, along and are the only Law firm able to offer this. with some hints and tips on the type of ideas Initially, this will take place in our Leeds, we look for by visiting the web page. London and Birmingham offices. The closing date to apply for Combined Study Training Contract is 27th January 2012. For more information on this, please click the link.
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Career focused legal training
January/February Edition 2012
Prepare for each step in your legal career your doorstep and you can put your theory with BPP Law School. Our Bar Professional into practice by getting work experience in Training Course, Graduate Diploma in Law our award winning pro bono centre. and Legal Practice Course prepare future barristers and solicitors for the realities of 28 leading law firms trust us to exclusively practice. tutor their trainees – so should you. Get prepared for the recruitment process To have your questions answered, why not from the moment you accept your place attend one of our open days or interact with with us with support from our dedicated law us online during a live webinar. More details careers service. Which ever course you can be found at www.bpp.com/events choose you'll be taught by people who’ve worked in law, succeeded in law and are For detailed course information visit our ready to help you do the same. website at www.bpp.com Based in the heart of eight legal city centre Alternatively, get in touch with our locations, networking opportunities are on Admissions Team on admissions@bpp.com – we’d love to hear from you.
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Going Global—how ACCA can take you places As a Director in the Forensic Advisory Services practice at KPMG LLP, David Hilton advises clients on serious fraud and corruption issues from his office in Washington, D C. David is also the ACCA Chapter Head for Maryland Virginia and the District of Columbia – quite a distance from when he gained his degree in Business Studies at the University of Plymouth. David says, ‘I enjoy working for a firm and in an area of accounting that has given me exposure to some of the best people and companies in the world,’ and yet he also enjoys mentoring junior staff and seeing them flourish; ‘assisting them in growing their careers is the best part of my job’. From Argentina to Germany, China to Thailand and Hong Kong to Hungary, David Hilton has travelled throughout his career. ‘ACCA has always had a commitment to the global
harmonisation of accountancy’, David notes, and he has found the ACCA network of global members a great forum for sharing and support when he arrives in a new country. ‘If you want an association with international focus and established networks, then joining ACCA is a great choice to make,’ David insists. ‘The ACCA Qualification will give you the tools to demonstrate you are serious about your career, and why you should be the one your company chooses to send overseas.’ So, when it comes to going global, KPMG know that David has the knowledge and drive to succeed anywhere in the world. Start your journey today at www.accaglobal.com/ukgraduates
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January/February Edition 2012
Time to hit the job gym Don’t be disheartened by the level of competition for graduate jobs. The truth, believe it or not, is that employers like Softcat assess thousands of job applicants, but find that most simply aren’t ready for the business world. The good news is that it takes a lot less preparation to stand out from the crowd than you might think. Here are three simple ways to prove you can hit the ground running: 1. Get some work experience The more workplaces you have encountered, the more convincing you will sound when you explain why you have applied for a specific role. Work experience (or even just taking part in a club or society) shows that you can function as part of a team. It also demonstrates hunger and staying power – qualities that are highly attractive to all employers. 2. Brush up on spelling and grammar Written communication skills are essential for all kinds of careers, but you might be
surprised at how many seemingly intelligent people get it wrong. If you can show employers you can use commas, apostrophes and capital letters in the right places, then you already have a big head start. 3. Take pride in your appearance An easy way to show people that you take your work seriously is simply to dress appropriately at work. Don’t come to an interview for an account manager’s job with your tie halfway down your chest, your tattoos showing and your hair looking like a bush! Careers in London, Manchester and Buckinghamshire Softcat is an exhilarating, multiple award‐ winning place to work. If you’re interested in IT sales, you can find out about our graduate programmes and next assessment days on our Facebook page, or on Twitter. Alternatively call 01628 403 408 and visit our website to apply.
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Boost your interview skills with our free iPhone app! See yourself making a powerful first impression at your job interview. This app will show you exactly what the interviewer is looking for and how you can prepare to perform at your best, even when the pressure is on. The job interview. It's the first make‐or‐ break moment in your career. And it's a genuinely nerve‐wracking experience for anybody. If only you could turn the tables and see exactly what the interviewer is looking for. That's what this app sets out to do. You'll be given inside info about the questions
typically asked by graduate employers. You'll hear from three fictional candidates and get to make a hiring decision of your own. And you'll then be able to compare notes with a real Barclays Capital recruiter. Along the way, you'll learn a lot about the interview process and be given plenty of tips from professionals. We hope it seriously improves your chances of impressing on the big day. Go to www.barcap.com/seeyourself to download, or search for “Barclays Capital” in the iTunes app store.
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Get a Foot in the Graduate Door—early
2012 is a year of challenges, both for our Athletes in the London Olympics and for university students thinking ahead as to how they can differentiate themselves from other students in a very competitive graduate market. One thing is certain‐ the winners are the ones who have a passion for success and think ahead. At Centrica we offer summer placements so that students can gain confidence in their ability to positively contribute to a multi‐ national organisation. The award winning summer placement programme give students an opportunity to develop further skills that will make them more employable. It can also be the end of students’ search for a graduate career, as many are invited back to become graduates at Centrica after they finish their studies or return from their year travelling the world.
The summer placement scheme is open to all final and penultimate year students with roles in General Management (Marketing, HR, Analyst and Customer Operations), Finance, I.S, Engineering, and Subsurface so there really is something for everyone. What’s more you have a real job, on a great salary (£14,000 pro rata with free accommodation provided), and a fantastic chance to prove you’re right for our Graduate scheme. But don’t just take our word for it; hear about some of the experiences that students had on our Summer Placement Programme directly from them. So why not challenge yourself in 2012 and make that first step towards a successful career in the UK’s largest energy company. Find out more at our website: www.centrica.com/graduates
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2012 Career Opportunities in Enterprise Risk Services ‐ Controls: Our Controls team helps organisations to understand and manage the business and IT risks that they face through the design and implementation of controls and risk management frameworks. The team also provides a range of assurance reporting to organisations to demonstrate that their controls are operating effectively or highlight gaps where things are not working. ‐ Data Analytics: Every organisation depends on reliable data. Managed well, it will drive revenue, reduce costs and mitigate risk. Managed poorly, it can lose customers, inflate costs and expose a business to high levels of risk. Our Data Analytics team addresses industry specific business issues helping transform data from a corporate liability to a corporate asset. ‐ Security & Resilience: Our Security & Resilience team provides our clients with a full spectrum of services encompassing information security, corporate and physical security and business and technology resilience to help them fix their issues and bring them real, long‐lasting benefits. It’s your future. How far will you take it? Follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook. See what events are coming up too!
January/February Edition 2012
Deloitte is one of the world’s leading providers of professional services. Here in the UK, our 12,000 people offer advice and services across Audit, Tax, Consulting, Corporate Finance and Technology. We work with an amazing breadth of clients – everyone from small businesses and high net worth individuals to government departments and major multinational corporations. Our vision is to be the Distinctive Firm, standing out in our markets through the impact we have on the reputation and success of our clients. In pursuing this purpose, Deloitte contributes to a sustainable and prosperous society. The foundation of this strategy is our commitment to having the best people. There is a fierce talent war in the market place, and we need to compete, not only to attract the best people, but to retain our top talent. We will do this by creating a distinctive talent experience, which demands, supports and rewards the highest performance, allows everyone to have the opportunity to shape their own career and provides an environment where training and development are genuinely first class. Where are we recruiting? Deloitte are currently recruiting into Enterprise Risk Services in the following groups: • Enterprise Risk Services
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KPMG—Sunday Breakfast anyone? KPMG Does Sunday. KPMG have some great news to blow away those January blues – you can still apply for KPMG 2012 vacancies! If you want more information on KPMG plus a Free Breakfast Sandwich, drop‐in to the ‘KPMG Does Sunday’ Pod on campus in February. Come and relax in an armchair, read a newspaper in the warmth, while meeting some of KPMG’s people, and discover what makes it such a great place to work.
You can also win a FREE full English breakfast for two – the perfect winter warmer for a frosty February Sunday morning! Visit KPMG on Facebook at KPMG Recruitment for more information about when ‘KPMG Does Sunday’ will be on campus and how you can win a FREE full English breakfast for two.
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January/February Edition 2012
Develop your skills ready for the future with PwC About PwC We help our clients and our people create the value they want. We work alongside our clients – from public and private companies to governments and charities – to measure, protect and enhance the things that matter most to them. We have big ambitions to grow, and if you're serious about a career in business, we don't think anyone else can give you a better start. Students agree: we’re proud, based on the opportunity we offer, they’ve voted us number one in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last eight years. What we offer Get a unique insight into what we offer on one of our Insight programmes for undergraduates. Don’t miss our new Partner Shadowing programme where you’ll get the chance to shadow one of our female leaders for a week and get real exposure to our firm. We also have our new Business Placement programme within Human Resources for
those of you who have a sandwich placement as part of your degree. Make your New Year’s resolution to focus on developing your skills ready for your future career. We have opportunities for students in every year group so visit our website to find out the options available to you. Visit our employability section on our website and find out how you can make the most of your skills and transfer them to the workplace. www.pwc.com/uk/employability What you need A 2:1 or above in any degree discipline A UCAS tariff of at least 300 (or equivalent) How to apply Be part of something special, visit www.pwc.com/uk/careers Find us on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK
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Engineering, Property and IT graduate opportunities at Network Rail Network Rail is a vast, complex and dynamic organisation. It’s perfect for graduates who want to maximise their professional talents and make a tangible difference to the world around them. Whatever your background or portfolio of skills, you’ll be part of an organisation that provides the infrastructure and transport network across Britain. Think tracks, signals, tunnels, viaducts, level crossings, stations… an immense breadth of responsibilities that keep millions of people moving every single day.
day one. You’ll be helping us deliver the railway that’s so vital for Britain’s economic growth.
January/February Edition 2012
Although we’re coming to the end of our application deadlines, we still have availability in out Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Property and Information Management (IT) programmes. Training and development is a key priority for us. We’ll help you with professional qualifications and provide regular reviews of your performance and development. We’ve also nurtured an Right now, we’re experiencing record levels environment where you’ll feel confident to take control over the pace and content of of passenger and freight demand. Our your progression. Ambitious, hard‐working, ambition is to continue to meet customer needs, while providing even better value for fresh‐thinkers have every opportunity to excel in their specialism, follow new money in the future. That’s why we’re investing £35bn on improving the network interests and become future leaders of our organisation. and delivering some of Europe’s largest engineering projects. Whether you’re based Visit networkrail.co.uk/graduate to find out in a front line role or delivering critical support behind the scenes, you’re trusted to more. make a real and valuable contribution from
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A competitive start all round for 2012
January/February Edition 2012
With the first grocery share figures of 2012 “reflecting the intense and ongoing price competition between retailers (Ed Garner – KWP 10.01.12)” we’re also seeing increased competition between 2012 and 2011 graduates for our vacancies at Kantar Worldpanel. The good news? Well, not only will a Graduate career with us provide you with fantastic commercial exposure to some of the biggest consumer brand names out there, due to recently increased requirements we have extended our closing
date for both of our 2012 schemes (Spring and Autumn). So, if you’ve had a slower than planned start at the Job Gym, these new key dates should give you the motivation you need: Closing date for applications: 1st February London assessment centre: 22nd February Now’s the time to limber up and visit our website to find out more www.highlydefinedcareers.com or to apply, click here.
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Future Leaders Development Programme Our Future Leaders Development Programme (FLDP) opens up a wide array of opportunities for graduates interested in global leadership careers. Building on your existing strengths, the FLDP will see you focusing on one of our key business areas. You can choose from; Retail and Business Banking, Human Resources, Marketing & Products, Marketing Analytics, Credit Risk Analytics, Credit Risk Delivery & Information Management, Technology – Product and Process Development, Finance or Tax. In whichever area you specialise, you'll spend two years on various placements – really getting to know your chosen field inside‐out. We also offer internship programmes. So if you are in your penultimate year at university or even a finalist with plans for next year (either a gap year or a postgraduate qualification), join us in the summer as an intern for six weeks concentrating on your chosen area. Or if
you’re in your first year at university (or second if you are studying a four year degree) experience our Spring Insight Programme, which over just four‐days will give you a taste of our leadership careers and help you decide if a career in financial services is for you. To join us on any of these intensive programmes, you'll need to be a top performer. Think that's you? Then click on the link below. www.seemore‐bemore.com Be sure to get your applications in as soon as possible, before all places are filled.
January/February Edition 2012
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Bridge the gap between work and university
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There’s a lot of talk these days about Employability Skills. But what are they? And how can you get them? At Accenture, we’re committed to helping you fill the gap between university and the workplace. Next month we will be launching a series of short films aiming to help you get the skills you’ll need when you leave university and start your graduate job or internship. We’ll be covering topics like time management, project management and influencing skills. It’s a chance for you to gain a real understanding of what’s expected of you in the workplace. And learn some valuable tips and tools of the trade. The films will be hosted on our YouTube channel – so
it’s worth following us on Facebook or YouTube for updates of when the films will be released. Of course, one of the best ways to get the business skills you need is through work experience – so whatever stage you’re at, it’s worth looking into doing an internship or placement. That way, you’ll really get to know what employers are looking for and will really get a chance to build important skills. The Accenture 12‐month Industrial Placement closes in a few days – on 31st January – so you’ve still got time to apply. Accenture.com/ukschemes
Watch the films YouTube AccentureUKCareers 'Like' us on Facebook (Accenture careers UK) Follow us on Twitter (Accentureukjobs)
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First Years come and find out about Financial Regulation... refreshments throughout the event and make a contribution towards any travel expenses from outside London. Hotel accommodation will also be provided. This event is open to students in their first‐ year of an undergraduate degree. We welcome applications from students studying any degree who are expecting a 2.1 or above. Our award nominated insight day consists of skills sessions, presentations, case studies and networking with current graduates allowing you the opportunity to find out more about the FSA, understand what it is like to work for us and understand the skills you need to succeed in the application process. As part of our application process you will also be asked to demonstrate your motivation for a career in regulation. Click here to apply for the Insight Programme for first‐year students. Visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/fsa.graduates
January/February Edition 2012
Our first‐year programme is an event for students in their first‐year of study at university. By attending you will get a real understanding of the work we do and have the opportunity to: Network with current graduates and senior representatives within the business, hearing about their experiences; Work on a number of different case studies that will help you to understand how we operate; Receive an interactive skills session to help develop the abilities we're looking for in our assessment process, including practice group exercise and top tips on how to avoid rejection; Receive detailed information on the internship and graduate scheme and take part in a graduate Q & A; Travel into the City for interactive group exercises. Taking place on the 21 – 23 March 2012, this event is being held at our offices in Canary Wharf. We will provide lunch and
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January/February Edition 2012
Do you think a Career in Manufacturing and Focused Improvement would be a good fit for you? team of people with varying roles from Find out more about our Manufacturing and Focused Improvement Programme from one of engineering to operators on the shop floor. Together with their know‐how and data analysis our Graduates, Saurabh Thakore. involving statistics, we got to the root cause of “Having a background of Bachelors in Mechanical the problem and eliminated it completely, Engineering and Masters in Manufacturing reducing waste and generating an annual saving Systems Engineering, I have always had an avid of £50k. interest in the operations and continuous improvement aspect of manufacturing processes. Besides leading projects, I also spend a lot of time The Focused Improvement Graduate Programme on the shop floor coaching others on problem in Nestlé provided the perfect platform for me to solving skills, thus developing my people development and interpersonal skills. However, jet start my career in the exciting world of Six Sigma & Lean Manufacturing. We are internal the good thing about being on the Manufacturing consultants to many of Nestlé’s processes where & FI Graduate Programme is that I was given the we hunt for different forms of waste (e.g. right training and support to me to continuously unnecessary production, efficiency losses, learn and develop my skill sets, arming me for a transport, admin work etc) and apply problem successful career. solving methodologies to eliminate the wastes permanently. So whether you solve the problem of a poorly‐ made Kit Kat or reduce yield loss of soluble coffee My first project was on our Quality Street line in or improve the efficiency of a wrapping machine Halifax Factory, seeking ways to reduce variation or improve the palletizing operation in the supply in the process of manufacturing toffee. I led a chain, the Manufacturing & FI Graduate Programme will provide you with a different challenge everyday from where you can develop yourself and kick start a successful career.” To apply for either our Manufacturing and Focused Improvement or Safety, Health and Environment Graduate Programmes please visit: http://www.nestlecareers.co.uk/html/graduate/ graduate‐programmes‐nestle‐jobs.htm
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If you joined IBM, what could you achieve? We all know that searching for a job at the moment isn’t easy. So we’re here to help. At IBM, there are many different roles you can do; you just have to find which path is right for you. So, a good start would be to spend some time thinking about what interests you, where your skills lie and match these to the opportunities we have on offer. Then start to think about how you can demonstrate desired competencies like teamwork, communication and passion for the role you are applying for. The first stage of the IBM application process is an online CV Template directed at the 8 IBM Competencies. Think about what makes an IBMer and think about how you have demonstrated these competencies throughout your life so far. There is a lot in terms of help and guidance on our recruitment website and please remember you can contact us on Facebook, so please use these resources to your advantage!
Also if you want to meet us in person, we host many Mock Assessment Centres on campus as well as attending lots of careers fairs and skills sessions, check out our events pages to see when an IBM team will be coming near you soon! Remember, here at IBM we won't pigeon hole you on the basis of your degree. In fact, we'll actively support and encourage you to try different things until you've found your ideal career path. To be successful at IBM, you need to be an energetic and passionate person who seeks out opportunities and takes charge of your own development, if this is the case, IBM is the place for you. Please visit: ibm.com/jobs/uk
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January/February Edition 2012
One week in summer; one step closer to a career in marketing This summer, you could be tackling a marketing brief for a leading brand, finding out what it’s like to work for a top London agency and rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the business. How? By getting your application in for the IDM Marketing Summer School before 17 February! Here’s what successful candidates from previous years have said: “The IDM Summer School taught me so much in such a short space of time, and was great fun! I have no doubt that without the help of everyone at the IDM I would not be at such a fantastic agency, working with some of the world’s biggest and best brands.” Jamie Longstreet, Junior Strategist/Planner, Rapp BA History, Cardiff University “An exhilarating and incredible experience! The IDM provided us with that crucial competitive edge a student
needs to get on, in a fiercely competitive graduate recruitment market.” Jessica Ezeogu, Graduate Planner, EHS 4D BA Marketing with Business, Thames Valley University “I have learnt so much and met so many wonderful people. If you do one thing to differentiate yourself and improve your chance of employment it has to be the IDM Summer School.” David Roll, Customer Marketing Executive at a global beverages company BSc Business Management, University of Birmingham You can read more reactions, get all the details and download the Summer School application form on our website. You don’t need to be studying marketing as part of your current course, you just need to be bright, have a nose for business and a passion to succeed. So get your application in before 17 February!
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Are you ready to keep up with the talent? our culture first hand and gain plenty of on‐ the‐job experience. Aon are also accepting applications for the Actuarial Consulting – Pensions and Financial Benefits Advisory graduate programmes. Our programmes offer growth opportunities, continuous learning and development programmes as well as a culture which is built on collaboration and teamwork, and a focus on providing a quality client experience. We look for individuals with the ability to build excellent relationships, a high level of commercial awareness, as well as a strong analytical reasoning ability. We ask for graduates with a 2:1 degree in any discipline, and our application process is designed to assess your competencies as well as your motivation and attitude. If you’re looking for a career where challenges and rewards come in equal measure, look no further than Aon. Visit us at www.aongraduates.co.uk
January/February Edition 2012
Applications are becoming increasingly stronger with students being proactive and thinking early about how to make their applications stand out. Two key areas to focus on are your extra curricular activity involvement and also your work experience. Extra Curricular Activities – Showing your involvement in university societies or teams, charity work or even travelling can show how you have been outside your comfort zone. Work Experience – Demonstrating how your experience is relevant and of benefit can really make your applications stand out. Gaining work experience is increasingly important; with a third of graduates gaining a place on graduate schemes after taking part in work experience or an internship, there is no time like the present to start thinking about your applications. Aon’s Summer Internship Programme is now taking applications from current university students in all five streams in various UK locations. Whichever stream you choose, you will get the opportunity to experience
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Future Leaders Challenge— RWE npower Opening March 2012
January/February Edition 2012
Stretch your mind Build on your employability skills Beef up your application form And win the trip of a lifetime dog sledding in the North Pole! Entering the RWE npower Future Leaders Challenge by getting together a team of 4 students and identifying a project that will get people in your community living more sustainably could win you a trip to the land of the midnight sun. The winning teams will experience first hand the importance of living a more sustainable life, talking to locals and learning how climate change is directly impacting them. In addition to the fabulous first prize, 8 finalist teams will have the opportunity to attend an outdoor team building activity, on Dartmoor; a fabulous weekend that
will push you physically and build on your team working and leadership skills. RWE npower are so confident that you will develop key employability skills from running your project, preparing for the competition, completing the team building weekend and actually going on the trip that they guarantee to offer a summer placement for each member of the winning team. *Important – Application* The Challenge is opening March 1st so visit the website, round up your friends, generate some ideas and submit your application! Visit our facebook page search for RWE npower Future Leaders Expedition to see videos and photographs from this years competition Website: http://www.npower.com/ brightergraduates/future‐leaders.html Contact: resourcing@rwenpower.com If you do decide to enter please let the Bright Futures team know so that we can follow your progress. We would love to see a Bright Futures team win! society@brightfutures.co.uk
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Go from Strength to Strength on an EY FastTrack and will really push you. You’ll learn skills and self‐awareness that will help you hit the ground running when you start work. EY Summer Internship A summer programme to get you fully involved with life and work at Ernst & Young. To start with we’ll help you develop your fundamental business skills, but before long you’ll be doing the same kind of work as our graduates. It’s a great chance to really explore what Ernst & Young has to offer – and a good stepping stone to a future career here. EY Placement If your course requires you to spend a year in industry and you’re committed to a career in professional services, put an EY Placement at the top of your list. You’ll spend a year working with clients and sitting some of your professional exams. It’s an exciting chance to make great contacts, and many EY Placement students go on to graduate jobs with us. To find out more and apply go to: www.ey.com/uk/careers
January/February Edition 2012
At Ernst & Young, we believe you already have the skills and strengths you need for a great career. Because it’s your natural strengths that really matter, you shouldn’t worry that your degree will send you down the wrong career path. Join us on an EY FastTrack Programme and you’ll use your strengths to help solve complex problems for some of the world’s leading businesses. You’ll gain valuable experience, putting you right on track to secure a graduate job with us before your final year. EY Insight Day A one‐day experience at an Ernst & Young office, designed to give you a real insight into life and work here. You’ll see what people do day‐to‐day at a global professional services firm, what joining a company like ours can lead to, and start to learn about your personal strengths. EY Leadership Academy This elite programme is a three‐day residential course to help you develop leadership skills. The stimulating, intensive training is conducted by recognised experts
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Software Engineers
January/February Edition 2012
Pondering the positively perplexing sets our pulses racing at Thales*. Where others give up and go home, we take things to a whole new level and exceed expectations. If you’re exceptionally enthused about tackling the bafflingly bewildering, the impossibly intractable and the quirkiest quandaries, we’d like you to create superlative solutions to engineering enigmas. You might not realise it but our work touches all of our lives – every single day. From BACS, the secure network communications system behind 3.7 billion secure electronic transactions every year, to in‐flight entertainment systems for passenger planes
and state‐of‐the‐art equipment for military aircraft, the scope and scale of our problem‐ solving abilities knows no bounds. Join us and you’ll get to grips with the full software engineering lifecycle. We’re looking for solid self‐starters with at least a 2.1 in a relevant degree discipline, as well as proficiency in languages such as Java, C++ and C#. To find out more and apply, visit www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com *That’s Thales as in ‘Alice’ by the way.
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Summer Internships
There’s not long to go now to get your application in for our RBS Group intern programmes. An internship is a great way to gain an insight into the world of financial services, offering valuable experience and could help you secure a place on one of our graduate programmes. For penultimate year students, we offer a range of internships from ten weeks to six months, across our different business areas. These are open to students from all academic disciplines who can demonstrate an interest in banking and finance. For students in their first year, we also have an Easter Insight programme. This one‐week programme offers you the chance to gain valuable work experience. It will include technical training, networking events and
time spent shadowing senior members of the team. Perform well and you’ll be offered a place on our Summer Internship programme for the following year. The following programmes are still open for application and close 29 February 2012:
RBS Communications & Marketing. Our award‐winning function is regarded as one of the best in the sector.
Procurement Services. Whether we’re purchasing technology, marketing, property or legal services, we play a pivotal part in shaping the future of the wider Group.
Security & Risk. Our mission is to protect our customers, people and business from fraud, risks and other criminal activities.
For more information on our intern programmes and to apply on line please visit www.makeitrbs.com
The place is here. The time is now.
January/February Edition 2012
RIGHT PLACE. RIGHT TIME. To make your move.