Bright Futures e-Magazine March/April 2012

March/April Edi on 2012

Have you made the most of university life?

Also Inside:     

Business Champions University is like a fairground ride The Leveson Inquiry Event Planning Tips Recruiter News

Employability:

The ability to walk out of one job and find another new one the very same day

Paul Redmond Liverpool University, Head of the Careers & Employability Service Vice‐President of the Associa on of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS)

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CONTENTS CAREER ADVICE

NEWS

>06 Understanding the Leveson Inquiry

>04 EDITORS LETTER—Take me to reflect

What impact with the inquiry have on the world as we know it and how we receive informa on?

Reflec on, dealing with stress and riding the ups and downs of university life…

>08 Organising a successful event—learning from failure

>05 Bright Futures Announces Advisory Board

No one expects you to get it right first me, life is all about learning from failure to get it right the next me.

We want our students to have a louder voice around employability...So we have created an Advisory Board.

>09 Top Tips for Event Planning

>07 Our People

Some quick top ps to get you thinking about how to run Bright Futures is pleased to announce Sonja Stockton as a successful event, the why, the what, the where, the a new member of the team. when, the who and the how...

>10 University is like a Fairground Ride It’s true! University is like a fairground ride; daun ng, cap va ng and exhilara ng.

>13 The Review Room Your monthly selec on of student & graduate recommenda ons for books and apps to make your like easier.

>12 Bright Futures Creates Business Champions

We announce the winners of the 2012 Business Champions Compe on.

>29 Start the Journey Earlier Bright Futures pioneers new na onwide School Society

>30 Des na ons Survey Be entered to win £250 by comple ng our des na ons survey, if you have secure an opportunity or not!

RECRUITER NEWS & ADVICE >15 THALES

>22 PINSENT MASONS

2012 Engineering and Business Management Graduate Schemes and Placements

What should I do if I don't have an internship?

>16 CII

2012 Opportuni es with KPMG

(Social) Networking – the efficient way to job hunt and s ll have a life

>17 ERNST & YOUNG

>23 KPMG >24 IDM Commi ed to a marke ng career? Here’s how to prove it!

>25 PWC

>18 IBM

Use your degree to start a career in business , and see where it can take you.

If you joined one of the world’s largest consultancies, what could you achieve?

>26 BPP LAW SCHOOL

>19 BIBBY FINANCIAL SERVICES

The difference between a good grade and a good CV

Secure the perfect job without missing out on your university life

>27 NPOWER

>20 SOFTCAT

>28 CENTRICA

Job‐hun ng ps for party animals

The Centrica Summer Placement Scheme—My Story

>21 ACCA Prac ce makes perfect with ACCA

Win a trip of a life me—dog‐sledding in the Arc c

March/April Edi on 2012

Go from Strength to Strength on an EY Fast Track

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Editor’s Letter

Take me to reflect...

March/April Edi on 2012

The pressure is on. Stress is to the max and the deadlines are crashing down around you. So thinking about your career is probably the last thing on your mind!

If you are one of the lucky ones to have already secured your graduate role or internship then you can sit back and relax, well for a second at least, for those that haven't, priori sing your tasks has to come top of the agenda.

Ge ng the grade is paramount.

It’s what you go to university for, right? Employers are typically looking for the 2:1 degree just to get your foot in the door, so in your last few months you need to focus on securing the grade you need. But don’t panic if a 2:2 is what your likely to get, good grades aren't always the be all and end all, you just need to work that li le bit harder to

make yourself stand out from the crowd and make sure you take the me to reflect on all the things you have achieved during your university life, above and beyond your degree.

There are s ll opportuni es out there, but how can you get them without it impac ng your work?

And how can you make the most of university life whilst keeping up with revision and ensuring your CV in p top condi on?

University is like a fairground ride, you need to ride through the ups and downs but also make sure you don't miss out on the best bits.

This month we have a whole host of recruiter news from opportuni es in consultancy, to job‐hun ng ps for party animals, and using (social) networking to hunt for a job.

Jackie Bright Futures Editor & Society Manager

We inform you of our Business Champions winners, Uni and Co. Educate you on the Leveson Inquiry, give you some fantas c app and book recommenda ons to help you make the most of your valuable me, and give you some key ps on event planning and how failure can work out well in the end.

We also like keeping you up to date on Bright Futures in house developments with our new ini a ves with our announcement of the Bright Futures Advisory Board and the addi on of a significant staff member, Sonja Stockton.

We hope you enjoy this edi on and keep in touch with your reviews and ar cles so we can share them! Email society@brigh utures.co.uk

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Bright Futures Announces Advisory Board for 2012 With 45 Universi es across the UK having a Bright Futures Society, we wanted to provide a pla orm for Bright Futures Society and its students to have a louder voice around employability, what their needs are and how they can best be served, as well as look at how we can further grow and develop the power of the Society. So we have created an Advisory Board.

The members of the Board are all hugely passionate about employability and believe in empowering students to drive this for themselves.

“

To find out more about our Board click on the link ‐ h p://www.brigh utures.co.uk/our‐people.html

The Board meets 4 mes a year and will work on strategy for the Society, direct our move as we grow our new Bright Futures School Socie es h p:// www.brigh utures.co.uk/what‐we‐do/schools.html and generally raise the profile and voice of the Bright Futures Society.

It is our inten on to invite commi ee members to join the mee ngs through the year, so let us know if you as a commi ee member want to be invited.

have a louder voice around employability

The Board:  Aaron Porter ‐ ex NUS President and now

heading up talent 2030

”

 Paul Redmond – Liverpool University, Head

of the Careers & Employability Service

 Andrew Bargery – PwC Student Recruitment  Roger Opie – who led the SIS (before we  

became Bright Futures) in the 1990’s  Simon Howard – Work Communica ons, Execu ve Chairman  Simon Reichwald – Bright Futures, Managing Director  Sonja Stockton – Bright Futures, Director (just joined us from her role as Director for Talent Acquisi on at PwC)

March/April Edi on 2012

 

Campus Engagement Leader Eva Malecki – Centrica Graduate Recruitment Manager Louise Briggs – Lancaster University Management School, Head of Careers Mar n Pennington – AGCAS Interim CEO Miranda Davies – Thales Head of Graduate Resourcing & Development

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Career Advice & News

March/April Edi on 2012

Understanding The Leveson Inquiry The 10th July 2011 was the day the News of the World came to an end a er a swarm of court cases and the public outrage caused by phone‐hacking. This gave birth to the Leveson Inquiry, but what does this mean for the future freedom of the press? The aim of this ar cle is to enlighten you about The Leveson Inquiry and the possible ramifica ons of its findings.

Understanding the Leveson Inquiry will show recruiters that you have commercial awareness; a key skill looked for by all graduate recruiters. It may also bring about possible changes in Britain's libel laws and the introduc on of a privacy law, which will also need to be understood by many of Bright Futures' clients and graduates going into various roles not just journalism and law.

On the 13th July 2011, The Prime Minister announced the appointment of Lord Jus ce Leveson to oversee an inquiry into the unethical behaviour of the press. This was mainly due to the ques oning governance that the 'media mogul' Rupert Murdoch had over the UK's police and poli cians. The Inquiry has been established under the Inquiries Act 2005 and has the power to summon witnesses. This will allow the Inquiry to establish:  the rela onship between the press and the public by looking at phone‐hacking and other poten ally illegal behaviour  the rela onships between the press and police and the extent to which that has operated in the public interest, and  the rela onship between the press and poli cians.

The Inquiry will also propose recommenda ons for a more effec ve policy and regula on of the media, while suppor ng the integrity and freedom of the press. However, this in itself is a paradox as regula on

is used to control. Currently, the media is regulated through a combina on of self‐regula on, legisla on and the contribu ons of a number of agencies including the 'Press Complaints Commission' (PCC) and the Office of Communica ons (Ofcom). The Leveson Inquiry could lead to the examina on of libel law, and create a pla orm for a discussion about the possible introduc on of a new privacy law.

Britain already has a libel law allowing public figures and businesses a pla orm to a ack papers they believe have slandered them. Many argue that Britain’s libel law is balanced far too much in favour of alleged vic ms and does not need to be changed. Big companies, with big pockets, have used Britain’s libel laws to legally in midate newspapers out of running legi mate stories that are arguably in the public’s interest. Recommending a strong, new privacy law could also have poten ally devasta ng consequences for UK inves ga ve journalism, as crucial stories may never come to light. Nevertheless, it could be contested that the regula on will only go so far as to regulate where the informa on has been sourced

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Bright Futures: Our People We are very pleased to announce that Sonja Stockton, the well regarded talent and na onal graduate recruitment specialist, has joined us here at Bright Futures. Sonja’s strategic insight will help drive the business forward, grow the network of Bright Futures Socie es and launch a new Schools Society model in secondary schools. The new and innova ve School Society programme will meet the needs of the rising numbers of school leavers looking for early employability guidance and employer engagement. Sonja will lead on a number of key areas to develop a range of services to further support students at a me when youth unemployment figures are on the rise.

from. This would be acceptable in the eyes of the public.

We s ll live in a democra c society and it needs to be remembered that the media plays a vital role in maintaining this. Do not forget; Bri sh newspapers have some of the best quality inves ga ve journalist in the world. However, do I actually think this Inquiry will bring about change? No, this just seems like another waste of taxpayers' money. What are your views?

Wri en by Alexa‐Jane Moore

Alasdair Reid (2011), "Will Leveson cost papers?", Campaign, pp. 18.

“I am delighted to be joining Bright Futures at a me when we are growing the business to meet client needs from consultancy to recruitment solu ons and our University Socie es programme; extending this into the school market is an exci ng challenge,” says Stockton.

“Bright Futures has a fantas c track record of helping to empower and up ‐skill students and graduates for business. The current trend of rising youth unemployment means we need to work harder to engage with students and to extend our Universi es Socie es to ensure more young people have access to support and a job following their studies.”

March/April Edi on 2012

Bright Futures Commi ee Member @ Worcester University

Sonja is an established professional in the field of early and emergent talent, and student recruitment and development having previously been Director of Talent for PwC, where she helped to successfully retain The Times High Fliers Number 1 Graduate Recruiter tle for PwC for 8 years. She holds a number of board and advisory posi ons, and as a former board member for AGR, she was the driving force behind the AGR Standard and Graduate development training. Sonja is a well known speaker at educa onal events and conferences and once appeared as an adviser to Lord Alan Sugar on the hugely popular BBC show The Appren ce!

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Career Advice & News

Organising a successful event – learning from failure

March/April Edi on 2012

Towards the end of July last year, I started planning our events for the next academic year. One of the events I had planned focused on competency based interviews, where students could gain the knowledge and understanding of this type of interview, whilst as the same, having the opportunity to put into prac ce what they had learnt later on in the event through mock interviews. As well as this event being of benefit to students, I also thought of how it would benefit the employer too. Whilst students would be engaged in mock interviews, I thought this would be a good opportunity for the employer to speed‐mentor the pairs of students prac sing their interview skills, whilst at the same me, providing feedback to students on their interview technique.

We first ran this event in October last year with Eversheds. However, the event did not have the desired outcome as planned and hoped for. Students benefi ed from the event from gaining a deeper understanding of how interviews worked and the chance to prac ce, but the employer didn’t benefit as much. Why not you may ask?

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of prepara on, hard work and learning from failure” Colin L Powell Well, firstly, the turnout was quite low (less than 10), the venue wasn’t ideal as it was difficult to hear what was being said due to the open top venue in our Students’ Union, the students didn’t have a par cular interest in a career in law, and there wasn’t a proper registra on system in place. These were the key areas, amongst others, that reduced the benefits for Eversheds being involved in this event and

highlighted flaws in our planning and marke ng processes.

A er speaking with Eversheds at the end and discussing the event with the commi ee, we decided to approach the Law Society to see if they could help us to turn this event around and run it be er for a second me. I first met with the President of the Law Society to explain what the Bright Futures Society was and to discuss how we could collaborate together.

We also sought to find out about the popularity of events amongst Law students to get a be er understanding what to run and how we could promote the event effec vely.

Fortunately, one of the three events that appealed most to law students was an event around how to succeed in an interview. This was brilliant as we had an event that would help in teaching students how to succeed in interviews as well as the event itself being prac cal in nature. Both Law and Bright Futures Socie es met up once again to go into detail about

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Wri en by Arthur Odoom President of Leicester Bright Futures

o t s p i T k c i Qu g n i n n a l P t Even Why – Why do you want to organise this event and what is your objec ve? If you are working with an employer, you can ask them what their objec ves are and e them up with your own.

What – What is it going to be about? What are you going to call it? Are there any obliga ons or requirements for a endees?

When – When will you host it? Date and me.

Does this fit with your target audience? Does it clash with any other events being held by the Careers Service or the SU or any other department or society?

Where – What kind of venue to you need to host this event? Capacity – will it be big enough, is it too big? Loca on – it is convenient? Fees – will you be charged?

Services required – catering, technical facili es, access?

Who ‐ Who will be organising the event? Do you need sponsors? Will any clients be present? Who are your target audience? How many target audience you are expec ng to visit the event and why? Are you collabora ng with anyone? Socie es, Careers, Academics, Departments.

How ‐ How exactly are you going to market and create the event?

March/April Edi on 2012

where we could hold this type of event and how it would run. Soon a er finding a suitable room on campus, the Law Society President put me in contact with their Academic Officer to con nue liaising with them in regards to this event.

The Christmas Vaca on period had now passed and we were nearing the end of the examina on period.

Around this me, I liaised with Eversheds to find out which dates would be suitable for us to run this event again. Once a date had been set, I met with the Law Society Academic Officer to run through the roles and responsibili es each of us would play in running this event. It was not long before we had more than 50 students signed up to a end this event – within two days in fact. This was a fantas c sign that the event would have the turnout we needed and that the collabora on and marke ng efforts had worked!

A er three mee ngs, a couple of room checks and a series of emails, it had finally come down to this...

One day. One event. Drop outs are always expected at events like this but we s ll had a turnout of 36 students out of those that registered. This was a good number. The students really enjoyed the event and found it beneficial for their personal development.

How about Eversheds? They were pleased too!

Looking back at the areas we fell down on, this event was held in a more suitable room where the employer could be heard and students could hear one another.

The turnout was more than four mes the turnout compared to when we ran the event the first me round, we knew who was supposed to a end and were able to inform the client of numbers well in advance. The students in a endance were more interested in a career in Law and we had a fully working registra on system which enabled the event to start and end on me.

In terms of an overall score for this type of event from Everheds, the first me we received 5 out of 10. The second we ran this event, in collabora on with the Law Society, we received 10 out of 10 and the event even ended with a round of applause! 100% increase in employer sa sfac on! This was a clear sign that the event had gone well. So if things go bad the first me, find out what went wrong and try again!

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Career Advice & News

University is like a Fairground Ride least once during their university career. However, It’s true! University is like a you can always take heart from fairground ride; daun ng, cap va ng and exhilara ng. In the thought that, somewhere, there is some poor soul in a fact, as any student will much worse posi on. As a good substan ate, university is friend of mine once put it, closely akin to Blackpool’s “when you have seen the sun infamous ‘Big Dipper’. It’s a fast rise and set for three ‐paced ride full of highs and consecu ve days, begin lows. worrying.”

Depending on your disposi on, it’s normally those long hours Of course, university isn’t all about lectures, libraries and of toil, tears and turmoil preceding an essay submission late night study sessions. In deadline that make up the vast truth, it can be rather hard to majority of the lows. However, find the me to indulge in a few hours of solitary such a state of delirium is confinement in the library. usually induced by a Mainly, this is because the combina on of self‐imposed word ‘library’ should be sleep depriva on, excessive consump on of caffeine‐based replaced with the term ‘social liquids and the realisa on that club’. having “a few quiet drinks” a few days before the deadline, Library gossip… in hindsight, was perhaps not Whilst the average student spends many daylight hours the best idea. ‘working’ in the library, very Any self‐respec ng student few of these are actually experiences this scenario at produc ve. Library sessions

March/April Edi on 2012

Highs & lows…

usually entail catching up on the latest scandalous gossip, perfec ng the intricate art of designing a paper aeroplane and bai ng the librarian to the point of no return; whereupon one is not so politely asked to remove their person from the vicinity (or words to that effect!).

Although such ac vi es are thoroughly reprehensible, they also become highly entertaining when you’re faced with a stack of books, a pad of paper and an impending deadline.

All of the above supposes that you’re actually sober enough to make it out of bed, put on some clothes and trudge several hundred metres down the road to university.

Si ng in an airless and crowded lecture theatre, following an evening of merriment fuelled by cheap and cheerful alcohol, is certainly not the most pleasant of experiences. A word of warning: always remember never to mix the grape with the grain! The ensuing nauseous feeling is similar to riding a merry‐go‐round that is stuck on full thro le!

11 Milk, milkround, lemonade, round the corner careers are made…

However, building up your tolerance to alcohol early in the year becomes a vital tool during the ‘milkround’ season, when the top graduate employers will visit universi es across the country on their annual recruitment drive. For any student hoping to land a place on a ‘graduate scheme’, a endance at these events is basically obligatory.

O en, there will be free alcohol at these events. Therefore, the real skill lies in being able to keep a clear mind at such evenings, thus minimising the chances of embarrassment, whilst also engaging in a few social drinks. For once, it becomes sensible to take heed of the ‘Drinkaware’ campaign.

For all the peaks and troughs of student life, there is one constant: not a day passes by that isn’t enjoyable or memorable (albeit some mes for the wrong reasons!) So, as you embark upon your university career, be sure to keep your arms and legs inside the carriage at all mes, or you just might lose a limb!

Wri en by Chris Snell for AllAboutCareers.com Former Law Society President @ Birmingham University

March/April Edi on 2012

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Career Advice & News

March/April Edi on 2012

Bright Futures Creates Business Champions Bright Futures held the finals of their na onal business compe on ‐ Business Champions ‐ on Tuesday 21st March 2012, hosted by the official sponsors, PwC.

Now in its 3rd year, the compe on was ini ally created to help students increase their overall employability and commercial skills by running a real business compe on with real money and real profits and losses! By taking part in Business Champions each student will have something powerful on their CV to differen ate themselves when job hun ng.

Students from across UK Universi es were encouraged to come up with a business idea that they felt would make money. Working as a team, they were then given £250 of seed funding, a mentor from PwC, a days worth of training and 3 months to bring their idea to life and make money. All the profits were donated to PwC’s chosen charity— SSE (the School of Social Entrepreneurs) ‐ h p://www.the‐sse.org/

What began with 50 teams back in November last year, culminated in 7 at the Na onal Finals presen ng to a panel of judges, from PwC, SSE and Bright Futures. Ideas ranged from crea ng & selling an app, a University Guide Magazine, and web based businesses tapping into the power of collec ve consumerism. The Universi es making it to the Finals were Brunel, Exeter, Hull, Manchester, Staffordshire & York.

Each team was tasked with delivering a presenta on and were then ques oned by the panel on their idea, their challenges, the financials and what they learned.

Teams were also encouraged to reflect on what was

needed to take an idea and turn it into reality. Key messages from the team on this included:  the importance of se ng realis c objec ves  the fact that everything takes longer to happen than planned  the absolute need to be persistent  the ability and flexibility to adapt an idea if it was not working  making the most of your mentor  and most important of all the need to be passionate about your idea

With discussion had and votes passed the decisions were made. Runners up were Team ‘Prolific Solu ons’ from Brunel, with the Winners being Team ‘Uni and Co’ from Manchester with their branded T‐shirts for Manchester University and the Business School – who more than doubled their money and created a business with a long term & very bright future!

Prizes on offer varied from an iPad2; retail vouchers; further funding for their idea; addi onal mentoring and employment opportuni es at PwC. Above an beyond these compe on prizes, both teams got a lot more, with Uni & Co winning a one year contract with the Manchester Business School to provide them their branded T‐shirts and Prolific Solu ons securing a massive £10,000 of funding for their Brunel i‐app!

Well done to all the teams who took part!

About the Winners: Uni and Co is a newly founded clothing brand, run by four students at the University of Manchester.

Its aim is to provide the students at Manchester who are keen to represent the University, with an alterna ve to the official clothing. Currently, Uni and Co is focusing on developing t‐shirts, which are very high quality and produced by American Apparel. The designs are completely unique, and very student oriented.

See a further ar cle about the compe on from The Manchester Evening News.

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THE REVIEW ROOM Smart phones and tablet computers have revolu onised the way we work, the way we socialise, and generally the way we live our lives on a whole. The electronic books have made reading so much accessible when on the move and living a busy lifestyle. So, as a result, we are launching our new feature “The Review Room”. Every month we will list what apps and books are recommended by our student and graduate members, with the hope you will find they just as useful too!

BOOK REVIEW

Title: Ge ng Things Done Author: David Allen Cost: RRP £12.99 Review: “A great book which helps you organise and manage the million and one things you want to do each day and stop yourself from drowning in it all! It really does give you that sense of relaxed control with the flexibility to get things done your own way— even the dreaded disserta on! I feel confident managing my part me job, uni work, society ac vity AND my social life without the meltdown!”

Josie, Cardiff University

APP REVIEW

Title: gFlash+ Flashcards & Tests

Tile: Tape‐a‐Talk Voice Recorder Type: Android Cost: FREE or £3.32 for PRO Review: “This is a great app for recording those lectures where you forget half of what was said. It's simple to use and is able to record even when the display is off. Everything is stored to straight to the SD card and the quality is truly fantas c! Highly recommend it!”

Ben, University of Exeter

March/April Edi on 2012

Type: Android and iPhone Cost: FREE Review: “If you use flashcards to help you revise but can’t be bothered carrying them around, can’t find a pen to write them, don’t have the money to buy them or the pa ence to make them... this app will be your best friend! It is a great way to quickly and simply create flash cards and revise anywhere without people thinking you’re weird! You can create, download and edit! It saved my life during my last set of exams and I’ll be using them again this summer!”

Sarah, Newcastle University

Recruiter News

RECRUITER NEWS & ADVICE

March/April Edi on 2012

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>15 THALES 2012 Engineering and Business Management Graduate Schemes and Placements

>16 CII (Social) Networking – the efficient way to job hunt and s ll have a life

>17 ERNST & YOUNG Go from Strength to Strength on an EY Fast Track

>18 IBM If you joined one of the world’s largest consultancies, what could you achieve?

>19 BIBBY FINANCIAL SERVICES Secure the perfect job without missing out on your university life

>20 SOFTCAT Job‐hun ng ps for party animals

>21 ACCA Prac ce makes perfect with ACCA

>22 PINSENT MASONS What should I do if I don't have an internship?

>23 KPMG 2012opportuni es with KPMG

>24 IDM Commi ed to a marke ng career? Here’s how to prove it!

>25 PWC Use your degree to start a career in business , and see where it can take you.

>26 BPP LAW SCHOOL The difference between a good grade and a good CV

>27 NPOWER Win a trip of a life me—dog‐sledding in the Arc c

>28 CENTRICA The Centrica Summer Placement Scheme—My Story

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2012 Engineering and Business Graduate Schemes and Placements You might not realise it but our work touches all of our lives – every single day. From BACS, the secure network communica ons system behind 3.7 billion secure electronic transac ons every year, to in‐flight entertainment systems for passenger planes and state‐of‐the art equipment for military aircra , the scope and scale of our problem‐solving abili es knows no bounds.

Whether you’re involved in crea ng the myriad systems and products our customers need or one of our various business management func ons, you’ll get to play a vital role right at the heart of our business.

Engineering Ingenuity and innova on are what make our business ck and keep us at the forefront of a very compe ve industry. From Aerospace and Defence to Transport and Security, we bring our exper se to the widest range of technical challenges. And the opportuni es we have on offer here for the best and the brightest are as diverse as our business itself. So whatever your background – be it in engineering, mathema cs, physics or technology – you can rely upon being stretched and challenged in any one of the disciplines listed opposite.

         

Systems So ware Electronics Hardware Manufacturing Design Produc on Rail Informa on Systems Quality

Business & Finance Our Business Graduate Programme will give you an invaluable insight into our UK business – plus the chance to complete a range of engaging challenges. Your degree discipline here is not so important. What you will need, however, is the ambi on, intellect and commercial savvy to stand out from the crowd.

There are s ll some opportuni es available for this year but posi ons are filling up fast. Discover more at www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com

March/April Edi on 2012

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Recruiter News

(Social) Networking – the efficient way to job hunt and s ll have a life

March/April Edi on 2012

We all know it’s tough juggling study, revision, crea ve thinking and on top of that networking and applica ons.

The CII can’t reduce the number of hours you put into your studies but we can help you reach a large number of risk and finance professionals.

That’s because we are a membership body with a na onal network of prac oners, from Aberdeen to Plymouth and from Belfast to Maidstone.

Our Discover members at universi es can network face to face with our local members and build that li le black book of contacts that can really help with finding job and placement opportuni es. In people professions like ours, nothing beats pressing the flesh.

However, social media isn’t just for keeping updated on your weekend and evening plans.

More and more employers are using Linkedin as

part of their recruitment and screening mix, and the smart students are using it as a shop window.

We have made things that li le bit easier for our Discover members, and built a group for them that contains students as well as recrui ng employers. What be er way to make links with the likes of Allianz, Aviva, Moore Stephens and many other companies of all sizes?

It’s quick, free and an efficient use of me – giving you a li le more freedom to enjoy university life.

Find out more about Discover membership by emailing discover@cii.co.uk

Alterna vely, download the Discover applica on form here and scan your completed copy back to discover@cii.co.uk

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Go from Strength to Strength on an EY FastTrack 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 residen al course to help you develop leadership skills. The s mula ng, intensive training is conducted by recognised experts 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 commi ed 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 si ng some of your professional exams. It’s an exci ng 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

March/April Edi on 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 ma er, you shouldn’t worry that your degree will send you down the wrong career path.

Ernst & Young is a leading professional services organisa on with 141,000 people, in 700 loca ons across 140 countries around the world. We work closely with other organisa ons to improve how they work, make vital business decisions and explore opportuni es.

There are undergraduate opportuni es here no ma er what stage you are at in your studies and what degree you are studying.

Join us on an EY FastTracks 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, pu ng you right on track to secure a graduate job with us before your final year.

By ensuring that you make the most of your natural strengths ‐ and by providing you with world‐class training and development – we’ll help you go further, faster.

You can experience working with us in one of four areas: Assurance, Corporate Finance, Tax or Advisory. Whether you decide to get involved with an Insight Day, our Leadership Academy, a Summer Internship or an EY Placement, you’ll get a great head start in your career.

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Recruiter News

If you joined one of the world’s largest consultancies, what could you achieve?

March/April Edi on 2012

Disserta on? Exams? Job Search? Where to start…

First and foremost, we believe your disserta on and exams come first. This is your first hurdle to ge ng your dream graduate job so this needs to be spot on.

Furthermore, we really do understand how hard it is to fit everything in around job hun ng so here are some top ps from us to you:

 Set up a metable ‐ treat job hun ng as a break from your disserta on/revision, follow your metable, make sure you put enough me aside for university work but also make sure you spend maybe an hour a day comple ng a job applica on.  Use your University Careers service – we work with many Universi es over the UK and we know they are incredibly helpful when it comes to balancing University work with your job hun ng. Let them help you and guide you with your applica ons.

 Get peers/family to review your applica ons

– when you submit so many applica ons, it’s good to get a second opinion, just to make sure you haven’t made any damaging mistakes.

Finally and probably most importantly: take a break – make sure you don’t over work yourself, go out with friends, just be confident that you have that correct balance of work/social life.

Thinking of applying to IBM? If you’re in your final year of study and you’re looking for a graduate role, you’ll be pleased to know we have many consul ng graduate roles star ng in Summer 2012. From Business and Technology Consultancy to Strategic Analy cs Consultancy, there are a number of roles which could be perfect for you.

Want to find out more?

Please visit: ibm.com/uk/jobs Join us. Let’s build a Smarter planet.

19

Secure the perfect job without missing out on your university life With spring quickly approaching, your calendar fills in with deadlines, exams and university life events. How to make sure you can s ll search for a perfect job and don’t miss out on your university life?

 make sure your CV is up to date and really stands out so you can send it the moment you spot a relevant vacancy

 keep in touch with as many people as you can – use social media and make sure your online profiles can actually a ract poten al employers

 learn to sell yourself and make a research on interview techniques

 make a decision regarding companies who seem most appealing to you and contact their

recruitment teams – they may be able to help if you know exactly what job you would be interested in

 sign in with a few trusted recruitment

agencies

 but most of all – don’t give up, stay mo vated

and make sure you make the most of your university life – there are lots of op ons out there!

Here at Bibby Financial Services we are wai ng to match you to your perfect career. Visit the careers sec on of our website to find out more ‐ h p://www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/meta/ careers/vacancies.aspx

March/April Edi on 2012

20

Recruiter News

Job‐hun ng ps for party animals What is university all about, for you? Leaving home, making new friends, and partying 24/7 in an exci ng new environment? Probably.

Job hun ng? Preparing for the future? Well, yes, that stuff too. But it does sound terribly grown‐ up, doesn’t it? Maybe you’ll worry about that later, during your final year when all the par es are over. You’ll be able to fit it in around your busy revision schedule. Right?

The truth is that job hun ng doesn’t have to be as big a hassle as it seems. Here are five ps for taking care of your future quickly and efficiently:

1. Decide what you want to do with your life.

4. Sign up for alerts. You’ll find it easier if the jobs find you, rather than the other way around.

Some employers (including So cat) let you subscribe to their job updates on Facebook and Twi er. Others use email.

Apply early. You’ll be relieved once you’ve got it out of the way. And it shows employers that you have ini a ve. We love ini a ve.

Got all that? Good. Now, get back to your partying, you crazy thing.

Careers in London, Manchester and Buckinghamshire

Take an educated guess. If you get it wrong, there’s s ll me to change later, but in the short If you’re interested in IT sales, you can find out term, you need something to aim for. about our graduate programmes and next 2. Don’t apply for just any old job. A li le bit of assessment days on our Facebook page, or on research and selec vity will save you a lot of Twi er. Alterna vely call 01628 403 408 and visit me. Find employers who offer great prospects our website to apply. for development, and who know how to look a er their employees.

March/April Edi on 2012

3. When you find an interes ng opportunity, spend some me on it. You’re more likely to succeed if you read the job descrip on, research the employer and personalise your applica on.

21

Prac ce makes perfect with ACCA The vast majority of graduates wan ng to pursue a career in accountancy enter the profession via the prac ce route, signing up for a three year training contract. Many go on to forge a highly successful, varied and lucra ve career within prac ce, with many going on to become a partner.

Many more use the prac ce route as a solid building block on which to qualify as an accountant, gain the essen al knowledge and skills as well as a number of years’ experience, post‐qualifica on, that will advance their careers in different industries.

The Big Four accountancy firms – PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloi e, KPMG and Ernst & Young ‐ dominate accountancy recruitment in the UK, but medium‐sized and smaller firms have much to offer graduates, too.

Deciding what type of firm you’d like to work for is an important first step for graduates.

Star ng salaries depend on the size and loca on of the firm. London pays more than the regions and larger firms pay more than smaller ones.

Outside of the Big Four firms, the top 12 firms offer around £25,000 as a star ng salary, with a generous and flexible benefits package.

However, once qualified, salaries will double, and depending on your employer your pay package may increase as you pass exams.

Expect a warm, sociable and suppor ve environment, but the first three years will be hard working balancing work and study. It is well worth it though.

Next month in Bright Futures ACCA will be looking at careers in Financial services.

ACCA is your cket to success in any sector, anywhere in the world. Start your journey today at www.accaglobal.com/ukgraduates

March/April Edi on 2012

22

Recruiter News

What should I do if I don't have an internship?

March/April Edi on 2012

Most law firms, including Pinsent Masons, have now completed their recruitment for internships, or vaca on placements as we tend to call them.

Congratula ons to those of you who will be joining firms this summer, I hope you enjoy the experience and that it ul mately leads to a training contract offer.

If you have been unable to secure a vaca on placement then all is not lost as many firms s ll accept direct applica ons for training contracts un l the end of July. While you cannot usually apply to a firm twice in the same year there may be some other firms out there that you have not previously considered.

What should I do to maximise my chances of success?

1. Look back over your previous applica ons and iden fy areas for improvement. Although employers usually cannot provide individual feedback, due to the volume of applica ons they

receive, a careers advisor may be able to help you understand how you can enhance your applica on further.

2. Arrange your own placement. If you cannot secure a formal vaca on placement, many smaller firms will s ll offer you work experience that will help strengthen your future applica ons. You will need to be proac ve as these opportuni es are usually not adver sed.

Try to gain experience in areas of law you would ul mately be interested to prac se wherever possible.

3. Put things on hold for 12 months. If you think you s ll have a number of areas to improve then make strengthening these areas your priority rather than making more applica ons; holiday jobs can be an excellent way to achieve this.

If you are confident that you are ready to make a training contract applica on you can apply at www.pinsentmasons.com/graduate

23

2012 Opportuni es at KPMG

If you’re working towards a 2:1 or above, why not consider applying for a posi on at KPMG? As one of the UK’s leading graduate employers, they s ll have a range of opportuni es in Audit, Tax and Consultancy in loca ons across the country. A list of current openings can be found here.

If you want to find out if a role within one of KPMG’s business areas is right for you, why not complete one of their Self Selec on Ques onnaires? They recruit from all degree disciplines as long as you meet their academic requirements.

How to apply KPMG close their entry routes once they are full so apply as soon as possible – it’s first come, first served!

If you want to get some advice before applying, why not check out the applica on advice on their website?

You can apply online via www.kpmg.co.uk/ careers and follow KPMGRecruitment on Facebook and Twi er

March/April Edi on 2012

24

Recruiter News

Commi ed to a marke ng career? Here’s how to prove it!

With li le or no experience behind you, how do you prove to poten al employers that the future marke ng star they’re looking for is YOU? Answer: get a recognised marke ng qualifica on under your belt while you study.

The IDM Award in Direct and Digital Marke ng is an online qualifica on that gives you unbeatable, fast‐track introduc on to the whole of direct and digital marke ng – the most exci ng field of marke ng there is!

And as a student, you’re en tled to study for just £99 instead of the standard £495!

You’ll get a cer ficate to show that you’ve qualified, le ers a er your name (Award DDM) to complement your degree and marke ng skills that will put you head and shoulders above other job candidates.

March/April Edi on 2012

What you have to do 1. Complete 30 hours of online study over the course of one year (complete flexibility over

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how, when and where you learn) 2. Complement your study with independent on and offline research 3. Sit one online assessment at the end of your studies 4. Add your new qualifica on to your CV!

What you’ll have at the end 1. A good, up‐to‐date understanding of the whole of direct and digital marke ng 2. How to research, plan, develop a strategy, use customer data, get the most from crea ve, implement campaigns and evaluate how well they work 3. An interna onally‐recognised and globally respected professional marke ng qualifica on 4. A head‐and‐shoulders start above other job candidates.

What to do next Find out more and how to book by emailing lauramedlock@theidm.com, immerse yourself in the fast‐paced, exci ng world of marke ng – then go get your dream job!

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"The Award in Direct and Digital Marke ng enables employers to see that a student is commi ed to a career in Direct and Digital Marke ng and has reached a standard set by our professional body. It stands out to us on a CV as someone who is serious about their marke ng career." ‐ Phil Andrews, Chief Execu ve, Partners Andrews Aldridge

25

Use your degree to start a career in business, and see where it can take you.

We’re a diverse business. That’s why we’re looking for students who’ve studied all sorts of degrees to come and work with us. So, if you’re currently studying an arts or science degree, you might not have thought about a career in professional services. So you can learn more, we’re hos ng a networking dinner focussed especially for students studying subjects like English, History, Psychology, French or perhaps Sociology. No ma er what your degree, we think you’ll be surprised by the sheer variety of career paths we have available for people with your academic background.

Men are welcome, but the event will be focussed on women in business. The event will be a ended by current female graduate trainees, as well as some of our senior female colleagues too.

We’ll have representa ves from across the business, including people who studied arts and science degrees too, so you can hear directly the value they bring to their role and our clients, and how they use their degree day to day.

Why a end?

Manchester, Leeds, No ngham, Edinburgh, Durham, Birmingham, Southampton How to register your interest We’re looking for people who are passionate about learning more about a career in business and where your degree could take you.

To reserve your place you'll need:  At least a 300 UCAS tariff (or equivalent)  To be on course for, or have achieved at least

a 2.1 in your degree  Remember your degree can be in any

discipline.

Find out more and register, as well as search our events database visit our website ‐ www.pwc.com/uk/careers You can also find us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK

March/April Edi on 2012

While tucking into a delicious meal, you’ll be able to chat informally with our people. You’ll gain a deeper insight into our business areas, our clients, the work graduates get involved in and what progression and development opportuni es there are.

Loca ons

26

Recruiter News

The difference between a good grade and a good CV

March/April Edi on 2012

At BPP Law School we believe there’s so much more to learning than simply reading text books!

That’s why we encouraged our students to establish the now thriving Students Associa on.

With a wide variety of clubs, socie es and events to get involved in, it’s the perfect opportunity to network with fellow students, make friends and even enhance your CV by ge ng involved in legal industry ini a ves.

Good grades are not the only thing employers are looking for these days. It’s important to remember that your life experiences are just as valuable. No ma er which loca on you choose to study in, BPP have opportuni es for you to take advantage of. In fact we’re happy to support your new ideas and ini a ves too and with the flexible metables we offer you can manage your own work / life balance.

Valuable work experience can be gained through our award winning Pro Bono Centre. Skills can be put into prac ce by taking part in media on and moo ng compe ons. On top of all that, our careers service holds regular workshops where you can refine your interviewing skills, discover useful resume wri ng skills and get ps on how to apply for training contracts.

Once you’ve completed your studies you’re welcome to join our Alumni, catch up with your classmates at the regular events and professional talks or help someone else’s career progress by ge ng involved in our mentoring schemes.

Whatever stage of your legal career, BPP is with you for the journey to ensure you have every opportunity to make the most of your me. Get career smart, get involved and watch your ambi ons become realised.

www.bpp.com

Programme informa on:

 Convert to a career in law ‐ Graduate Diploma in Law  Take your first steps into the legal sector – LLB  Train to become a solicitor – Legal Prac ce Course  Prac ce as a barrister – Bar Professional Training Course  Further your legal studies – LLM

If you’d like to discuss your career op ons with us, get in touch via admissions@bpp.com

28

Recruiter News

The Centrica Summer Placement Scheme— My Story

March/April Edi on 2012

It’s my final year at university, I’ve got two weeks le , and my tutor wants to spend fi een minutes discussing employment op ons. Most students spend the mee ng panicking about their impending freedom from educa on, and the “poor prospects” graduates have these days. My experience is altogether different; I walk in, sit down and proudly confirm that I have a place on a graduate training scheme star ng in September.

Last summer I joined Centrica on their Summer Placement Programme, which has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. I spent 10 weeks managing my own projects in a global business, and seeing visible results that I can be truly proud of. Now, facing my final year exams, I am s ll reaping the benefits having since been accepted onto the Centrica Graduate Scheme.

The Summer Placement programme provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable skills that increase your employment prospects. All while being paid a compe ve salary, including free accommoda on, I might add.

It isn’t all work, though. Centrica prides itself on its involvement within charitable ac vi es, and these values are ins lled with their employees from day one. The programme features a “Charity Challenge” where all the interns aim to raise as much money as possible. This year the

challenge raised in excess of £25,000 for Make‐A ‐Wish Founda on UK, a truly memorable experience from skydiving, rubber duck racing and marathon running, all in the name of charity!

Going back to university I was able to see just how much I benefi ed from the programme on a daily basis. The prepara on was worth it, and I’d encourage any student to start early and get some valued experience under your belt before you graduate.

As for my tutor mee ng, mine only lasted 5 minutes, and I walked out with a large smile on my face.

Rebekah Kerns

For more informa on please visit www.centrica.com/graduates

Why not follow us online?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CentricaGraduateRecruitment Twi er: www.twi er.com/centricagrads

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Start the Journey Earlier Bright Futures pioneers new na onwide School Society Do you want to help school students to increase their employability skills?

“

”

Melanie Warnes, Head teacher at The Castle School, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, is the first Head Teacher to launch her own School Society and is pleased to be leading on this exci ng new ini a ve, “The Castle School are thrilled to be working with Bright Futures, pioneering the first School Society in the UK. This is an enviable opportunity for our students to help shape a ground‐ breaking programme. The students will be leading the School Society, it is their society and that's what makes it so special.

For me as Head Teacher, this is a unique opportunity for our students to develop a range of essen al employability skills in a truly challenging and crea ve way.”

So whether you are a teacher at a School, an employer, or even a student wishing to establish a society in your current or old school, simply get in touch with us today to find out more about the Bright Futures School Society! Call (01242) 236415 or email info@brigh utures.co.uk

March/April Edi on 2012

At a me when we have seen the demise of ac ve careers advice, the Schools Society breathes new Are you interested in helping prepare your future workforce by life into employer and inspiring, mo va ng and involving student engagement and offers employers young people? the opportunity to support talent in Would you like to join a new network and develop your talent schools.

pipeline for the future?

What makes this approach innova ve is that the Socie es are Here at Bright Futures we have led by students themselves with launched a new service, Bright full infrastructure, training and Futures School Society. This year round support from the Bright approach replicates the already Futures Na onal Team. The School well established and hugely successful on campus network of Socie es are not having careers Bright Futures university socie es. and skills ‘messages’ pushed at Our partnership with students and them but rather taking personal employers builds employability and responsibility for making it happen for themselves. drives successful graduate

recruitment.

We know that businesses of all

This winning combina on works so sizes recognise that links to educa on are an important way well in higher educa on that last forward for recruitment and skills year 60% of university society development within their commi ee members had a confirmed job offer by the end of organisa ons, but o en don’t know where to start. To meet this the academic year! growing need we have developed

The School This new network Society as a Schools Society of secondary schools and breathes new life into readymade service which employers will help employer and student offers start the journey engagement businesses earlier and enable access to students and businesses to work in partnership tomorrow’s workforce through a to develop young people’s career structured programme, saving me and energy. It also provides a awareness, aspira ons and key forum for our business partners to employability skills. market themselves and develop

wider networks.

Des na ons Survey Be entered to Win £250 when you submit yours!

Is it your desire not your ability that will determine your success.

Richard Denny Best Selling Author of ‘Succeed for Yourself’

Be part of the bigger picture Whether you have secured an opportunity or not, we want to know how our members are doing. Please complete our Des na ons Survey h p://www.brigh utures.co.uk/des na ons‐survey.html