Bright Futures e-Magazine MayJune 2012

May/October Edi on 2012

Front Cover: MP900262303 Microso Office

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CONTENTS CAREER ADVICE >04 EDITORS LETTER—You’re on the road...

>10 Hannah: My Bright Futures Experience

With so many paths to choose from, making the right decision I didn't have much on my CV, then there was Bright Futures... for you this summer can be daun ng...

Hear Hannah’s story of her involvement in the society and how it has helped her develop the crucial skills you need to succeed.

>05 What if I have no idea what I want to do?

Offering students just 15 minutes to figure out what they want >11 What happens next?

Some ps from Warwick Careers on how to get into the world to do could prove more valuable that you’d think. of work. From networking to convincing applica on, as well as >06 The prized paid internship the need to be flexible.

For many people, paid internships might seem as rare as Lady >12 Time Management Gaga in trackie bo oms...

Liggy Webb, a behavioural change expert, shares her >08 What’s the best job advice you’ve been exclusive magazine content with us and we highlight ps on effec ve personal me management and the gaining the given?

Students share the best advice they’ve been given when on the ability to priori se. hunt for the best gradate job.

>13 The Review Room

>09 Be your own boss

This month we give you our top four news and informa on If the tradi onal route of employment doesn't suit, being your apps to inspire your a keep you up to date on the here and own boss may be an op on. Some essen al to‐do’s to get you now. started.

RECRUITER NEWS & ADVICE >15 ACCA

>25 THE IDM

Get up and Go into the Corporate Sector

Applying for Marke ng jobs? 3 steps to a seriously good CV

>16 SOFTCAT A career path doesn't have to be straight and narrow

>17 PWC It’s not too late to join us in 2012

>18 CII Are you experienced?

>19 ROLLS‐ROYCE Manufacturing Engineering Placements

What career choices will make your top spot?

>27 CENTRICA Making the most of your summer with Centrica

>28 NATIONAL GRID WANTED: Smart Students and Connected Graduates

>29 BPP LAW SCHOOL The first rule to choosing a law school: cross examine it.

>30 ACCENTURE

Know exactly where you see yourself in 10 years’ me?

Apply elsewhere.

It’s never too late to apply—or too early to start planning

>21 THALES

>31 KPMG

2012 Engineering Graduate Programme

KPMG Keep on Winning

>22 ASPEN

>32 RPC

Play a part in shaping the future...

RPC—Rip up the rule book!

>23 DELOITTE

>33 LINKLATERS

Part of a sandwich course?

Training Contract Opportuni es

>24 IBM

>34 ERNST & YOUNG

Being inspired is what makes IBM ck

Go from Strength to Strength on an EY FastTrack

May/June Edi on 2012

>20 PINSENT MASONS

>26 KANTAR WORLD PANEL

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Editor’s Letter

You’re on the road...

May/June Edi on 2012

As the final edi on of this academic year, we have a huge range of companies profiled, all offering fantas c advice and guidance as well as informa on on vacancies that are s ll up for grabs!

There are so many op ons for students and graduates alike when the summer looms, some more daun ng decisions have to be made, others just want to relax with family and friends and enjoy the sun!

Some of you will be embarking on your first “real job”, many will be dabbling in a bit of placement work here and there, a huge number will actually take on a part me job to earn enough money to get you through the next academic year (or Fresher's Week at least!). While others plan to see the world and lay on a beach ge ng their tan on.

For me, I am joining them! I plan to hit the high life of Vietnam on a cycle tour in an a empt to see as much as possible on two wheels, in

two weeks, on a shoe string budget! Now there’s a challenge!

Feeling lost in a web of indecision??—see page 16 where So cat give some great ps on gaining a li le clarity.

Whatever you choose to do with your me, make it valuable and think about what it is you’re doing to shape you as an individual. Even the bar job will help you develop and stand out as a candidate, it’s how you sell it that ma ers.

Fancy yourself in marke ng? The IDM have 3 top ps to a seriously good CV whilst Kantar Worldpanel give you insight into Market Research and understanding some of the biggest brands in the world.

We have joined forces with RPC Law firm who are looking for anything but tradi onal applica ons, whilst BPP Law School give you a cross examina on.

Aspen have also jumped on the Bright Futures band wagon along

Jackie follow

like

watch

Bright Futures Editor & Society Manager

with Na onal Grid and Linklaters, and CII offer advice to combat the “experience required” conundrum.

In previous edi ons, ACCA profiled the public sector, but this month they look into the corporate world.

It might be worth checking out the Accenture Essen al Skills videos on our website too!

Whatever the road you wish to travel, make sure you are making the right decisions for you. Don’t let anyone else change your mind if you are truly passionate about it.

But if you think you need a li le support, have a rummage through the e‐mag and check out our “best advice” ps from current students which they themselves have been given when it comes to their future.

Enjoy your summer!

And hopefully we will see many of you again in the new academic year!

5 Each week, the Trinity Bright Futures Society sends out a ‘Careers Email’ to its members, le ng them know about events happening, both in college and around the university. Having received mul ple responses to this along the lines of “…but they’re all focussed on specific career sectors – what if I have no idea what I want to do?!”, the Society set about addressing this issue.

The Oxford Careers Service were on hand to help us find a solu on.

Students said that the best thing about the advice offered was that it was prac cal: WHO could tell them more, WHERE to go to meet firms and WHEN to go there, WHAT ques ons to ask, and HOW to work out if a company was right for them.

Polly was also enthusias c about the sessions

saying, ‘it is a pleasure to be invited into Trinity by Last week, Polly Metcalfe—a university Careers Olivia to meet with the students. Coming into Adviser—came to college to offer individual 15‐ college, to the students in their place minute consulta ons for students who wanted of work, provides easy access to support and advice guidance, but couldn’t quite face the idea of during what is a very busy and demanding Oxford trekking across town to the Careers Office. Polly term’. advised them on a variety of topics, from big

ques ons, like what careers op ons are available, As a smaller society than others in the Bright to minu ae, such as how to format a CV. Futures family, we recognise the importance of

capitalising on all the support and resources The response we’ve had from the students who available to us. We look forward to con nuing to booked an appointment has been fantas c. Talking work with the Oxford Careers Service, to ensure to somebody who knows so much about careers that members have access to the best possible had helped them think about career paths they’d advice. never considered. Feedback suggested it was useful both for those who had finals coming up and were Olivia thinking about applying for jobs, and Fresher’s who Trinity Bright Futures | Oxford just wanted to give a bit of structure to their general ideas.

May/June Edi on 2012

If you are struggling to decide what you want to do with your future, then make sure you join your University Bright Futures Society this September! If there isn't one, then set up your own! Or, if you want to be the one organising the events and not just a ending them, we can discuss with you about ge ng on the commi ee of your local society! If you’re gradua ng, give us a call and we can give you some advice over the phone! Call 01242 236415 and ask for Jackie!

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Career Advice & News

May/June Edi on 2012

For many people, paid internships might seem as rare as Lady Gaga in trackie bo oms. Everyone is doing unpaid internships, right? That’s why there’s been so much grumbling in the press. But here’s the thing, paid internships do exist and the number of these opportuni es is rising, par cularly with the recent publicity around illegal unpaid internships.

Where can I find paid internships?

As part of our policy, we only adver se paid internships, so looking on our internship job board is a good start. It’s also a good idea to make a long list of the big players in your chosen industry, and methodically scour their websites to see if they offer paid internships.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of securing a paid internship will very much depend on the industry sector you’re interested in.

internship opportunity does arise, you’ll have to fight tooth and nail to get it.

What kind of companies offer paid internships?

Unfortunately, you’ll be very lucky to land a paid internship at a small or medium‐sized company.

There are some out there, but your best bet is with big companies. They o en offer a number of internships across a range of departments and, as always, compe on for these places will be tough.

There’s another reason for ge ng one of these internships: many companies with graduate recruitment programmes offer a significant amount of their graduate places to candidates that have previously done an internship with their organisa on.

Other than the money, how do paid internships differ?

Companies offering paid internships will expect far If you want to work in management consul ng, law, engineering, banking or finance, you’ll probably more from you. With unpaid internships, students be able to track down plenty of well‐paid internships. might be able to wrangle a few days off or be more informal with their working hours. Companies Paid internships in areas such as offering paid internships will expect you to treat your fashion, media and culture, music and performing internship like a paid job. arts, however, are like gold‐dust. Compe on is so high for internships in these sectors that most companies will expect you to work for free. If a paid They’ll usually require you to sign a contract commi ng to certain working hours and condi ons.

Some finance companies and law firms might even ask you to sign a wri en agreement op ng out of the 48‐hour week restric on.

Paid internships schemes are likely to be more structured and formal than unpaid ones and you’ll be expected to work very hard; in fact, just as hard as any other employee.

How hard is it to get a paid internship?

Compe on for paid internships is tough; it’ll be more akin to applying for a graduate job than work experience. Many employers will have selec on processes pre y similar to their graduate programme, so you might have

7 to ba le your way through a round of interviews or even some assessment centre tests. Again, this will vary from internship to internship, as some companies will be sa sfied with just an interview.

For a chance of being successful, you’ll have to dedicate some serious me to applying for internships.

That means trea ng each applica on as a job applica on; a casual email and a quickly‐put‐ together CV won’t cut the mustard.

Ge ng a paid internship might seem impossible, but there are opportuni es out there. However, you’ll have to be incredibly proac ve and treat ge ng an internship like looking for a job.

Wri en by AllAboutCareers.com

May/June Edi on 2012

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Career Advice & News

What’s the best job advice you’ve been given?

Mayuresh, Coventry: “Struggle now, enjoy the rest of your life. Enjoy life now, struggle the rest of your life."

Elizabeth, No ngham: “There's no point working over me to get a 1st but have no other experience from uni at all, get a 2.1 and get involved in other ac vi es (such as Bright Futures!). Employers would much rather see a well rounded candidate.

May/June Edi on 2012

Alexander, Lancaster: "Be yourself in interviews and applica ons, they can usually see right through you when you don't—par cularly with Adver sing Agencies."

Rachel, Gloucestershire: “Network Network Network!! Helped me get my job!"

Paul, QMUL: "Decisions during job interviews are o en made within the first couple minutes, so make first impressions count. Having done interviews for Queen Mary Bright Futures I can a est to this being true in my experience."

James, Staffordshire: "The harder you work the luckier you get, and if your not ge ng lucky then start working harder."

Islam, Lancaster: "Be calm, ge ng nervous is not going to take you any further on the applica on."

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Be your own boss

Some essen al “to‐do’s” to get you started 4. Don’t go it alone. Having

May/June Edi on 2012

someone to bounce ideas off will help you create a strong and compe ve business as well as enable you to vent any frustra ons to when things get tough. Find a mentor in someone you know already or seek professional guidance.

5. Get a plan, check it twice. Failing University is supposed to prepare you for entering to effec vely plan is one of the key reasons why the world of work and being the best candidate for businesses fail. Don’t be one of them! This will be the perfect job, but that isn't the only op on a er your bible when it comes to your business, you graduate. Being your own boss is something you especially when discussing it with banks and could consider too. investors which will enable you to secure much

needed funding.

All you need to be your own boss is a good business 6. Budget! It’s is easy to go a li le berserk in the early idea... you can be advised on all the rest! So, here are stages spending money on this, that, and everything a few bits of advice and “to‐do’s” to get you well on as well as another kitchen sink (just in case). But on your way... the other hand, your company needs an injec on of

funds to get it going. Ge ng that balance is 1. Don’t quit your day job (or university for that important. Your plans won’t be perfect and will ma er!). You need a good idea first! Whether this need to be reviewed periodically, but it will help to is a product, a concept or a service, you need to keep you on the straight and narrow, as well as make sure that it is going to make you a steady keep your bank and investors more at ease. income, so you will need something to keep you 7. Be Law abiding. All businesses have a number of going in the mean me and to bring in much needed rules, regula ons and laws to abide by. Find out funds before it starts to make a profit. Your job/ where you fit in and what you’re required to do. connec ons may also help to supply you with the Find out early so you don't find yourself in a pickle knowledge, the network and the support to get you somewhere down the line that you struggle to get there. And a backup if things go wrong. out of.

2. Research the compe on! Knowing what other 8. Be the whole package. If you are truly set on your people are doing is hugely important and o en business idea and your plan is ready and raring to overlooked. Is it already being done? How is it being go you need to be able to sell it. So branding yourself up to show you are professional is a must! done? Can you do it be er or in a more innova ve Business cards, website, email, business phone way? You need to be an expert on your industry. number etc. A great pace to get cost‐effec ve 3. Are you passionate? If you aren't passionate about business cards is h p://uk.moo.com/ or h p:// your idea, keeping mo vated to make it a viable www.vistaprint.co.uk business will take a lot of effort. Make it as easy as 9. Have a KitKat. Star ng your own business can be possible for yourself by going into areas you very exci ng but don't let it consume you. Take already have a great deal of interest in. It’s an me away from it now and again to allow you to added bonus if you have equipment and materials reflect and come back to it with a fresh outlook and too as this will help to keep your start‐up costs a new perspec ve. down.

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Career Advice & News So I was just star ng out in my final year of university, I was averaging a good solid degree but I didn’t have much on my CV. Constantly hearing you need to have decent, relevant experience and be involved in numerous ac vi es to increase your employability I was concerned. Then I stumbled across Bright Futures.

leadership and team building.

Being on the Bright Futures commi ee has been such an important experience for me, I found it gave me really valuable experience with ge ng to know new people. It built my confidence and made me more familiar with the situa ons I will face in the workplace. I have made so many friends and rela onships with students across the country which

support them which is such a brilliant concept which I fully support and I boast about given the chance to start talking about the society.

Another unique quality of Bright Futures is the personal touch that the na onal team provide; they know you by name and have a genuine interest in you and are keen to develop you as an

May/June Edi on 2012

Hannah: My Bright Futures Experience

My friend was on the commi ee and called me asking if I wanted to go to the mee ng right there and then, I hesitated but decided why not I might as well at least find out what it’s all about. And that’s where I met Jackie… whose passion and enthusiasm for the society quickly rubbed off on me.

Being part of Bright Futures provides you with the skills and experience employers are looking for. You get unique opportuni es to meet with a whole variety of graduate recruiters. Events are wide‐ranging, imagina ve and fun giving a new approach to networking. You gain commercial awareness, an insight into the corporate environment, prac se key skills such as communica on,

in itself has made ge ng involved worthwhile.

Bright Futures allowed me to be crea ve in brainstorming events; organised in planning and execu ng them; professional when dealing with graduate recruiters; personable and approachable when dealing with students and asser ve when working with my commi ee.

My par cular highlights have been the awards dinner and the regional events, they are huge social events with all the other student commi ee members from across the country which are great fun, as well as being a much more interes ng networking event than some standard set up ones.

A major advantage of being in a Bright Futures Society is that it is na onwide; this support network a dis nc ve selling point and what really makes Bright Futures stand out for me. There is a whole network of socie es with a na onal team to co‐ordinate and

individual; you don’t get this sort of personal coaching with any other society. The na onal team also have so much personal exper se and experience in the graduate market, they can offer you a whole wealth of advice.

The doors are opened for you with Bright Futures but it is up to you to take advantage and make the most of every event, be it impressing employers, making friends with fellow students or ge ng expert advice from the na onal team. It really can be the making of your career.

I would encourage anyone and everyone to get involved in the Bright Futures society, I cannot say enough good about it and I guarantee if you make the most of what is on offer if will be one of the best things you have ever done at university.

As you can see I would ramble for hours about how proud I am to be part of Bright Futures and all the great things the society stands for but I hope I got my main points across.

Get involved and find out exactly what it can do for you!

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May/June Edi on 2012

Develop your networks. You might find just the contact you need through Coming to the something like Linked‐In, or you may find, just end of your degree? If you’re by asking, that someone knows people who can s ll unsure about what you want to do, or really help progress your plans. you've no idea what happens next, here are

some ps about ge ng into the world of work: Make convincing applica ons. Well‐established sugges ons are available on‐line and through Decide what you want. If you’re unclear, most university careers services. Also ensure that you are looking for what you want in the right university Careers Services have trained places ‐ some work sectors rarely need to advisers to assist. On‐line tools such as ‘What Jobs would suit me?’ on www.prospects.ac.uk adver se vacancies. can also help.

Finally, importantly, never give up. Of course Gain addi onal work experience. It’s essen al there have been mes when it has been easier for most postgraduate voca onal courses, and for graduates to find jobs, but there are s ll employers will like recent work experience even jobs. Ge ng nowhere with an applica on is if you eventually go for something different, so tough – but in fact it will happen to most you can try even if you’re unsure. Some people. Careers services can help with internships are designed specifically for sugges ons, friends can help with sympathy, graduates (see for example and developing the resilience to keep going www.graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk); many with your career plans will help enormously too. graduates also find worthwhile experience by

persistently and persuasively contac ng Chris Manley organisa ons of interest.

Careers Consultant

Be flexible. Small organisa ons may enable you Student Careers & Skills | Warwick

to develop the role in your own way and take more direct responsibility for the organisa on’s Follow them on twi er or check out their growth and success. A non‐graduate level job in careers blog for more great advice! which you can iden fy promo onal @WarwickCareers opportuni es is also worth considering. h p://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/careers/

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May/June Edi on 2012

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VOL VI ISSUE 05 MARCH 2012

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Images: TED, pulse, Stumble Upon, Twi er.

May/June Edi on 2012

This month we are going to offer you a range of news and informa on apps that will enable you to keep up to date on things happening around the world as well as inspire your way of thinking and stumble‐upon some interes ng stuff... Which may come in handy when it comes to that all important interview.

Here are our top four totally free apps:

Title: TED Type: Android and iPhone Review: TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design (although it now covers so much more) presents talks from some of the world's most fascina ng people. They cover a whole host of subjects and include educa on radicals, tech geniuses, medical mavericks, business gurus and music legends.

There are over 1,000 videos available and their slogan sums it up: “ideas worth spreading”, so get the app and be inspired!

Tile: pulse Type: Android and iPhone Review: Pulse is a really simple and efficient way of bringing all your favourite news together. They have stories from thousands of top news sources, as well as blogs and social networks, that you can select and tailor your own personal news room. Tabs help you categorise and there is a simple search facility for you to find your favs! You also have the ability to share ar cles you love with people in your networks. So ditch the million and one other apps for this one that houses them all!

Tile: Stumble Upon Type: Android and iPhone Review: I stumbled upon this randomly one day and saw the hours slip by as I was engulfed by the exci ng discoveries that might come next! It may range from a photo or a video, a web page and more, all recommended by people sharing your Interests. Again, you can share anything you like with your friends and if you like something it’ll help them profile you to ensure they send you the most relevant pages! You there! Go download the app! You never know where the next Stumble might take you...

Tile: Twi er Type: Android and iPhone Review: You follow your interests. You have access to real‐ me search which reveals breaking news and trending topics enable you to find out what’s going on in the world RIGHT NOW! You can be the news, share the news, read the news, comment on the news, and hear people’s views on the news. Just remember to follow us @BrightFuturesNT !!

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Recruiter News

RECRUITER NEWS & ADVICE

May/June Edi on 2012

14

>15 ACCA

>26 KANTAR WORLD PANEL

Get up and Go into the Corporate Sector What career choices will make your top spot?

>16 SOFTCAT

A career path doesn't have to be straight and narrow

>17 PWC

>27 CENTRICA Making the most of your summer with Centrica

It’s not too late to join us in 2012

>28 NATIONAL GRID

>18 CII

WANTED: Smart Students and Connected Graduates

Are you experienced?

>19 ROLLS‐ROYCE

>29 BPP LAW SCHOOL

The first rule to choosing a law school: Manufacturing Engineering Placements cross examine it.

>20 PINSENT MASONS Know exactly where you see yourself in 10 years’ me? Apply elsewhere.

>21 THALES

>30 ACCENTURE It’s never too late to apply—or too early to start planning

>31 KPMG

2012 Engineering Graduate Programme KPMG Keep on Winning

>22 ASPEN Play a part in shaping the future...

>23 DELOITTE Part of a sandwich course?

>24 IBM Being inspired is what makes IBM ck

>25 THE IDM Applying for Marke ng jobs? 3 steps to a seriously good CV

>32 RPC RPC—Rip up the rule book!

>33 LINKLATERS Training Contract Opportuni es

>34 ERNST & YOUNG Go from Strength to Strength on an EY FastTrack

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Get up and Go into the Corporate Sector

The Corporate sector opens up a vast field of opportuni es to the young finance professional.

The scope of the industry is deep and broad, and each industry sector offers yet more chances to delve deeper and specialise in a specific sector.

Wherever you see yourself in ten years, in the Corporate sector there is the possibility. Once you have gained a level of experience in the commercial world, you will be armed with the finance, accountancy and commercial know‐how which can cut across industries. So, you can switch from energy to retail, for example, or media to telecommunica ons. The choices are endless.

Many large corporate businesses such as Sainsburys, DHL, Enterprise and Centrica offer graduate schemes with an average star ng salary range of between £20,000 to £23,000 and excellent benefits. Naturally, salaries vary and depend on your qualifica ons and other skills, achievements and experience. Usually posi ons

offered are based on a three‐year rota onal scheme where you may start as a junior analyst, financial accountant or planning analyst.

Although the bright lights of the big name companies may be a rac ve, you should try not to overlook small and medium‐sized companies.

Indeed, o en a posi on within smaller companies leads to a more rounded skills‐set, as employers may require finance staff to take on other du es that perhaps wouldn’t be part of a job specifica on at a larger corporate.

Corporates tend to greatly appreciate the ‘get‐ up‐and‐go’ spirit. Employers like to see you have a strong sense of ini a ve, the ability to be proac ve and that you are keen to learn all aspects of the business, not just finance. So, what are you wai ng for?

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

May/June Edi on 2012 Back

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Recruiter News

A career path doesn't have to be straight and narrow...

May/June Edi on 2012

Forget the old crossroads cliché. What most university leavers face is more like a maze – a spidery maze – of poten al career paths, many overlapping, all requiring different skills and abili es. It’s daun ng! How can you possibly choose a path when you’re frozen with indecision, with the twin tarantulas of financial pressure and familial expecta ons looming behind you? Here is our advice:

1. Write a list of the most important things you want to achieve this year. These can be anything from ‘make contacts in the IT/music/ publishing industry’ to ‘see more of the world’.

Wri ng them down will help you to focus your decision‐making.

2. Do something. Do you dream of travelling?

Then make a provisional plan: countries, route, and budget. Do you want to find a great graduate scheme that will provide a firm basis for your future career? Then research your op ons and make a shortlist of companies you want to work for. The ac on of doing something produc ve will likely inform and influence your future decisions, but most importantly, it will keep you moving, rather than frozen in fear in the shadow of those tarantulas…

3. Don’t listen to bad advice. Well‐meaning friends and rela ves can push you in the wrong direc on uninten onally. Listen to them, but don’t forget your own objec ves; it is your life.

4. Don’t be afraid to take a stab in the dark.

Informed decision‐making is all very well, but some of us really don’t have a clue what we want to do! Zigzagging is fine – a career path doesn’t have to be straight and narrow, and your CV will be more varied and interes ng for it! Never forget: if you don’t like a job, you can always leave it.

Careers in London, Manchester and Buckinghamshire So cat is an exhilara ng, mul ple 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 Twi er. Alterna vely call 01628 403 408 and visit our website to apply.

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It’s not too late to join us in 2012

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 chari es – to measure, protect and enhance the things that ma er most to them. We have big ambi ons to grow, and if you're serious about a career in business, we don't think anyone else can give you a be er 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 We have exci ng vacancies in our growing Technology business. Find out more about our opportuni es within Business Systems Control, Data Assurance and IT Risk & Security by visi ng our website or cha ng to one of our recruiters via our ‘Live Chat’ func onality on our website.

You don’t need to have a technology background but you will need an interest in it. We’ll train you on everything you’ll need to know.

To help prepare you for life outside of university, don’t miss the employability sec on of our website where we offer you advice on how you can transfer your skills in 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 240 (or equivalent)

How to apply Be part of something special, visit www.pwc.com/uk/careers Find us on facebook ‐ www.facebook.com/ PwCCareersUK

May/June Edi on 2012 Back

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Recruiter News

Are you experienced?

May/June Edi on 2012

In the last three years, there has been a clear shi in employer messages to students.

Nowadays most recruiters talk about the need to gain work experience before applying for graduate schemes. A 2:1 plus work experience is preferred by many employers to a first with no work experience.

In an ideal world, you would gain this experience at your preferred blue chip company and carry out a version of the role that you want to do upon gradua on. But what if you don’t secure this opportunity?

Happily, our professions of risk and financial planning are more open than that. Our sector employers are, on the whole, not concerned with the ins and outs of your degree but focus on the so skills needed to work in their sector – communica on, nego a on, problem‐solving, analysis and, in some cases, languages. This means that, whatever your degree, you will be able to build a successful career in finance, since you learn the technical aspects of the role once recruited.

So, even if you are not able to clinch the dream placement or graduate scheme straight away, always bear in mind the so skills in your current job (and previous jobs). Whether that’s working in a shop as part of a team, or shadowing a professional, or doing voluntary work on a gap year, it’s cri cal to do yourself jus ce.

Remember that the size of the business does not ma er.

Finally, as ever, be sure to keep in touch with your colleagues wherever you have been working. They could be a useful referee on your CV and maybe a future employer. Thanks to social media, it’s never been easier to keep those links strong.

For more informa on on our professions, email discover@cii.co.uk. You can also like our Facebook pages for both Discover Risk and Discover Fortunes and build your network through our Linkedin groups.

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Manufacturing Engineering Placements If you want to become a world‐renowned expert in your field, our Professional Excellence Programme will put you on the right track. With a range of disciplines available, these 12‐18 month flexible programmes will see you working on live projects and developing into a future expert or manager in your chosen area.

This is an opportunity to focus on what you're passionate about. To ensure that you're close to the cu ng edge ‐ not just today, but throughout your en re career at Rolls‐Royce.

Learning directly from some of the most respected and highly qualified people in the industry, you'll navigate your way through a series of placements, each one approximately 12 weeks long.

Rolls‐Royce has over 11,000 engineers around the world: some of them are mul ‐disciplinary, some are specialists, and some are world experts in their field. Demonstra ng outstanding technical knowledge, determina on and the ability to work as part of a team, our engineers help find the answers to some of the world's toughest challenges.

Professional Excellence graduates within Manufacturing ini ally grow technical depth within a specific discipline or part of the business. On this founda on some choose to grow into specialists, while others broaden their skill base or develop leadership skills which offer opportuni es across a wide range of Manufacturing roles.

Successful applicants will need:

 Either a Masters in Engineering or a Bachelor's with an MSc, along with an A‐ level grade B in Maths and Physics. If you haven't studied Physics, we'll accept grade B or above in Chemistry (UK candidates).  To be mobile regionally within the UK.  Previous work experience (desirable).  Evidence of interest in extra curricular ac vi es (sports, Duke of Edinburgh Award, professional memberships, charity/voluntary work with some level of achievement gained).

To find out more please visit www.rolls‐ royce.com/careers

May/June Edi on 2012 Back

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Recruiter News

Know exactly where you see yourself in 10 years’ me?

Apply elsewhere

May/June Edi on 2012

From the City office to the Partnership offer, some people have it all mapped out. How dull is that? And how limi ng? Because with a li le imagina on, you could immerse yourself in a range of interna onal clients, engage with the new challenges of today’s emerging business areas, and explore career possibili es with an interna onal dimension.

You could…the ques on is, will you?

www.pinsentmasons.com/graduate

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2012 Engineering Graduate Programme

£26,500 + £2k welcome bonus

We love cracking the confusingly complex and querying the quirkiest quandaries at Thales. So if pondering the posi vely perplexing sets your pulse racing, you’ll be the perfect fit for us. Our innova ve technology is leading the way across sectors ranging from defence and aerospace to security and transport. That’s why we’re looking for Systems, So ware, Electronics, Test and Hardware engineers to create superla ve solu ons to a range of engineering enigmas.

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 specialism is engineering computer science, maths, physics, electronics, C++ or Java, we’ll make the most of your problem‐solving abili es through a range of graduate development programmes accredited by the IET, IMechE, the Royal Aeronau cal Society and Ins tute of Physics.

If you’re excep onally enthused by inves ga ng the impossibly intractable, find out more at www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com

May/June Edi on 2012 Back

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Recruiter News

Play a part in shaping the future

About Aspen Aspen is a leading global insurance and reinsurance company. Our success is built on financial strength, the insight of our people and a customer‐first philosophy.

May/June Edi on 2012

When you join us, you're not just star ng a great job, but a career in a progressive and global organisa on, where you can play a part in shaping the future. Our people pride themselves on becoming experts in whatever career path they have chosen and you will have the opportunity to learn from world leaders in their sectors. It’s our people who make working here special, and who bring a unique perspec ve grounded in unparalleled exper se and knowledge. We differen ate through the quality of our people, recrui ng high‐quality talent and providing great support to help you achieve your full poten al. We will provide you with the necessary help and development to perform at your best and achieve your ambi ons.

What do we expect from you?

Gaining your degree is a sign of your commitment. If you have achieved a 2:1 or above and have strong mathema cal skills we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for graduates who demonstrate enthusiasm, new ideas, good commercial acumen, drive and ambi on, great teamwork and strong rela onship skills. And although, at mes, you may need to work longer hours to meet the needs of the business, we recognise the importance of work/life balance and flexible working. As much as you will commit to our business success, we will commit to your personal success and career ambi ons. We have graduate opportuni es across many areas of our business including: underwri ng; actuarial; claims; risk, finance, IT and Internal Audit.

For more informa on please take a look at http:// www.aspen.co/Insurance/ .

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Part of a sandwich course?

2012 Industrial Placement opportuni es in Analy c and Forensic Technology.

The recruitment process and academic criteria mirrors that of our graduate roles, to find out more please visit our selec on process. Please note for degree level you will need a minimum of a 2:1 in your first year.

And the best news of all, you could go back to university with a job in your pocket – so what are you wai ng for?

It’s your future. How far will you take it?

Find out more about us on our social media pla orms on Facebook or on Twi er

May/June Edi on 2012

Do you want to boost your career and work with one of the UK's fastest growing professional services firms during your placement? If so Deloi e is proud to run a specific programme for university students who are required to complete a year in industry as part of their degree course.

We are offering opportuni es within our Corporate Finance – Analy c and Forensic Technology service area in our London office.

The placement would start with our graduate intake and a er ini al training you will carry out the role of a 1st year graduate working in the area you choose to apply to. The experience you gain throughout your me with us will be invaluable and should you choose to apply to a graduate role at the end of your placement it’s guaranteed you will hit the ground running when you return.

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Recruiter News

Being inspired is what makes IBM ck

May/June Edi on 2012

Summer is quickly approaching, end of exams, comple ng your disserta on and the tough decision of which road take onto your future career. Whether it’s a year out as part of your degree, a summer internship or a graduate job, we offer first‐class opportuni es for top students and graduates across our business – from consul ng to technology, business opera ons to sales, finance to human resources.

If you’re in first or second year, spend this summer thinking about how you can make yourself more ‘employable’, even volunteer work or organising events for you and your friends could help develop some of those core competencies employers are looking for, like teamwork and leadership.

And if you’re in final year and you’re s ll searching for that dream job, you’ll be pleased to know we s ll have opportuni es available smart

and adaptable graduates looking to enter the world of consul ng. We also wont pigeon‐hole you on the basis of your degree, we’re looking for the skills you have, so bare this in mind when you’re filling in our applica on form.

On all our programmes, you’ll have the chance to develop your passion for innova on, a range of great business contacts, and the kind of skills that will take you into new and s mula ng areas.

That’s why joining IBM is more than an opportunity to solve some of our client’s most interes ng problems. It’s the chance to take advantage of great training and development, and to realise your ambi ons by developing a rewarding and successful career.

If you joined IBM, what could you achieve?

ibm.com/jobs/uk

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Applying for marke ng jobs?

3 steps to a seriously good CV

3. Show them the skills!

Marke ng employers don't necessarily always look for direct experience – or a directly related degree ‐ in the role adver sed. What’s o en more important (and almost always the case with graduate vacancies) is that you can demonstrate some key quali es that will make you right for the job. Like:  ability to work as part of a team  interpersonal skills  mo va on  enthusiasm  flexibility  common sense But don’t just say that you possess all these fine quali es and leave it at that. Back your claims up with examples of situa ons in which you’ve demonstrated them!

A note on doing things differently In some circumstances, doing it differently could send you to the top of the must‐see list; in others it could knock you out of the running.

Think carefully. If you are confident there’s a good reason for submi ng an alterna ve approach, and that the approach you are considering is appropriate, then be bold and do it. You're not applying for a job in marke ng for nothing!

h p://www.theidm.com/students

May/June Edi on 2012

You've got approximately 20‐30 seconds to convince a poten al employer that your CV is worth reading. So what makes a CV irresis ble?

1. Make it easy to read Sounds obvious, but if your CV is badly laid out, contains gimmicky graphics, is 4 pages long and bright fuscia in colour, it may be memorable ‐ but for all the wrong reasons!  Keep it to no more than two sides of A4 – and in a readable font size  Use plain blank paper and a good quality printer  Keep sentences short and punchy and use bullet points to break up lengthy pieces of informa on or lists  Spell check for errors!

2. Make it appropriate for the role you’re applying for Targe ng and appropriateness of message are precisely what today’s marke ng is all about, so don’t be afraid to start with your CV! Any prospec ve marke ng employer worth their salt will no ce, so do your homework.  Find out as much as you can about the company and the role  think about what the employer is looking for  make sure that you emphasise the skills and/or experience you have that make you perfect for the job!

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Recruiter News

HMV catching up with Amazon as the ba le con nues for the entertainment top spot, according to latest entertainmentbarometer results* *KWP UK 30TH April 2012*

What career choices will make your top spot?

May/June Edi on 2012

With exams coming to an end, a summer of And, if understanding how some of the biggest entertainment might be right at the top of your consumer brands work and learning how to be in list of things to do. But with important career a posi on to advise them sparks your interest, decisions also vying for your a en on the then take a look at our Graduate opportuni es choices in front of you can, for some, be just as here

daun ng as exams!

But don’t leave it too late to direct those Not sure where you should be looking? Don’t quite know what it is that Kantar Worldpanel do? applica ons to us as the deadline is Monday 4th Well why not let us answer those ques ons for June with our London assessment centre taking place on Thursday 12th July. you.

Visit our website to find out more about us, our graduates and our future graduates i.e. you!

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Make the most of your summer with Centrica

University summers are wonderful things. You get me to travel, relax, spend me with the family, visit friends... Gain valuable work experience? It’s possible that wasn’t at the forefront of your mind, especially with summer sun beckoning, but the work experience you gain during your University summers is without doubt the best way to stand out to poten al Graduate employers.

Here at Centrica we don’t believe in just giving our summer placement students ‘something to do’, instead we focus on a comprehensive 10 week placement experience that sees grads placed in real roles within the business and making a huge difference to our company‐ because we know how much poten al you’ve got! We encourage students to undertake charity fundraising, develop prac cal skills, and present to senior business leaders. We want you to make the most of your Summer, and forge a path to a real Graduate career with Centrica.

In return we offer a compe ve salary of £14,000 pro rata, free accommoda on for the dura on of your placement, a dedicated development programme, and maybe even the opportunity to join our Graduate Programme!

Not bad for a summer right?

Don’t just take our word for it, read some of the blogs from previous summer placement students here and begin your own journey by applying today.

Find out more at: www.centrica.com/graduates

Or follow us online!

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

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Recruiter News

May/June Edi on 2012

WANTED: Smart Students and Connected Graduates

Na onal Grid is one of the world’s largest investor‐owned energy companies and we play a vital role in connec ng energy genera on and delivering gas and electricity to many millions of people across Great Britain and North‐Eastern US.

The power we deliver touches the lives of almost everyone. Very few businesses operate on such a scale and can offer ambi ous individuals the chance to gain an overview of this vital industry.

At Na onal Grid we’re passionate about our “entry level talent programmes” and its li le wonder that they are recognised for excellence and innova on – a er all, we’ve been running some for well over 20 years ‐ so they are among the best you’ll find anywhere.

Each programme offers you a fantas c opportunity to develop your technical specialism combined with crucial behavioural development that will drive your career quickly to ensure you have the skills and capability to help shape the future of the energy market.

We have a programme for everyone, whether you are finishing your GCSEs, A2 levels, at University or have graduated.

 12 month Year in Industry Programme (prior to going to University)  12‐14 week Summer Internship Programme  12 month Industrial Placement Programme  18 month Graduate Development Programme  Engineer Training Programme (fully funded earn while you learn degree programme)

to name just a few……….

We have a few remaining vacancies for 2012 and our 2013 campaign will begin on the 3rd September 2012. We’re an cipa ng approximately 250 vacancies.

Join us and be at the heart of one of the greatest engineering challenges facing society; the crea on of new sustainable energy solu ons for the future.

www.na onalgridcareers.com

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The first rule to choosing a law school: cross examine it

Are you one of the leading law schools in the country? Yes

With a wide range of scholarships, interest free flexible payment plans and an exclusive law loan, we’re here to make sure preparing for your Do more of the top law firms exclusively send future career is your main focus, not funding it. their trainees to you than to anyone else? Yes

Our excep onal online facili es mean you can Do you provide access to specialist careers study how and when you want, or you can support, before, during and a er each a end classes in any of our city centre schools in programme? Yes Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Liverpool, London or Manchester.

Do you have flexible hours and lecture formats so I can study in a way that suits me? Yes On 7 June 2012 we’re hos ng open evenings from 6‐8pm in all of our centres. Over 30 leading Can you help me gain work experience from pro law firms choose BPP exclusively for their training needs, come and see why you should bono projects or vaca on schemes? Yes too.

At BPP Law School, we can answer all of your ques ons and give you the legal educa on you For further informa on about what’s on offer at BPP Law School visit www.bpp.com or email us want. Taught by accomplished academics and at admissions@bpp.com prac oners, our programmes have been

designed in conjunc on with leading law firms and BPP Business School to ensure you are fully If you’d like to register for an event visit prepared for life in prac ce and the commercial www.bpp.com/events reali es of the legal world.

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Recruiter News

It’s never too late to apply—or too early to start planning.

May/June Edi on 2012

Whatever stage you’re at, now’s a great me to start thinking about your next step. If you’re approaching your final year exams and haven’t yet secured a graduate role – it’s not too late.

We have a number of opportuni es to join our Analyst Consul ng Group from the spring of 2013. Places are limited and will fill up quickly – so get your applica ons in early. As a graduate, you’ll enjoy a full range of Accenture benefits, including a star ng salary of £31,500 (plus a £10,000 sign‐on bonus), 30 days’ holiday, subsidised gym membership and a whole host of excep onal training.

If you’re not yet in your final year, it’s never too early to start planning your internship.

Placements are a great way of gaining excep onal skills and really se ng yourself apart from the compe on when it comes to graduate applica ons. Applica ons for our Summer Vaca on scheme will open soon – so follow us on our social media links below to be kept up to date. In the mean me, find out more by visi ng our schemes site: accenture.com/ukschemes

Whether you join us as a graduate or intern, you’ll see a new side to the world of business.

You’ll be surrounded by some excep onal people, building skills and experience that will help you get where you want to go, and working at the very heart of some of the world’s leading companies. You’ll work on live projects, solving complex business problems and crea ng change that will really bring home to you the scale and scope of what we do for big‐name clients.

Apply for graduate roles: accenture.com/ ukgraduates

Learn more about our schemes and internships: accenture.com/ukschemes

Watch the films YouTube AccentureUKCareers 'Like' us on Facebook (Accenture careers UK) Follow us on Twi er (Accentureukjobs)

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KPMG Keep on Winning

We've had plenty to celebrate over the last few months. TARGETJobs named us the 'Graduate Employer of the Year 2012' and what's more, we've maintained our podium posi on as number three in the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers. In addi on, we’re delighted to announce that last month, we also received the Recruiter Award for Excellence ‐ Best Recruitment Team of the Year 2012!

Do you want to join the Graduate Employer of the Year? As one of the UK's leading graduate employers, we s ll have a range of opportuni es for 2012 start. If you're predicted a 2:1 in your undergraduate degree (any discipline), why not consider applying for a summer internship or graduate role at KPMG?

We close our entry routes once they are full so applica ons should be made as soon as possible ‐ it's first come, first served!

Click here to search and apply all opportuni es.

Follow KPMGRecruitment on Facebook and Twi er

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Recruiter News

May/June Edi on 2012

RPC—Rip up the Rule Book!

If you never go against the grain, always follow the well‐trodden path and consistently take the safe op on, you could find yourself sleepwalking into a predictable career with a tradi onal firm. If that’s how you see your future, we wish you every success. But please look away now.

If you prefer the bold to the boring, however, and find the prospect of joining a different kind of law firm en cing, we’d love to talk to you.

We've recently joined forces with Bright Futures, so you'll be hearing a lot more from and about us – plus there'll be plenty of opportuni es to come and say hello in person at various events on campus from October.

Each year we appoint 15 trainees, from a law or non‐law background. We're looking for people who bring energy, enthusiasm, business sense, commitment and the ability to communicate and relate well to others. You'll get p top training in a suppor ve working environment, and real responsibility, working closely with a partner from day one.

Recruitment usually takes place two years before the training contract begins. If you're shortlisted you'll be invited to one of our assessment days where you'll meet our exis ng trainees and partners.

We are priori sing early applica ons this year.

The closing date for a 2014 start date is 31 July 2012.

We want to break the mould, rewrite the rules and redefine the legal profession. Your mission could be to build the law firm of the future, today. And to define your career at the same me.

If this sounds like the type of role for you, we want to hear from you.

Apply NOW: www.rpc.co.uk/manifesto

Follow us on Twi er @LifeinaLawfirm

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Training Contract Opportuni es

Join Linklaters and you become part of one of the world’s most pres gious law firms – a global network of excep onally talented, highly mo vated lawyers working as a team and learning from one another to fulfil our ambi on of becoming the leading global law firm.

We are pursuing our ambi on by focusing on building strong, long‐term rela onships with our clients, with our colleagues and with the communi es in which we operate.

While many law firms are strong in par cular areas, Linklaters is the only firm to have market‐ leading global teams across the full range of corporate, finance and commercial prac ce areas. This, partnered with our culture of innova on, teamwork and entrepreneurship, means that we have built strong rela onships with the world’s leading companies, financial ins tu ons and governments and are asked to advise them on their most important and challenging transac ons and assignments.

A truly global firm, Linklaters has 19 prac ces across 27 ci es worldwide, giving you the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of interna onal colleagues and clients on a daily basis. As part of your training contract you will have the opportunity to be seconded to one the firm’s interna onal offices or to the offices of one of our clients, giving you first hand experience of this global dimension.

Linklaters has high expecta ons of its trainees and recruits talented and mo vated graduates who expect a lot from themselves. In return, we offer our trainees global opportuni es, entrepreneurial freedom, world‐class training and incredible rewards.

Applica ons for training contracts commencing in 2014 are opening on 1 June 2012. For more informa on about the training we offer, details on eligibility requirements and to access the online applica on form, please visit our website at www.linklaters.com/ukgrads.

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Recruiter News

May/June Edi on 2012

Go from Strength to Strength on an EY FastTrack 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 152,000 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 FastTrack Programme and you’ll use your strengths to help solve complex problems for some of the world’s leading businesses. 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.

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.

Get a head start and apply early. Applica ons open on July 1st! www.ey.com/uk/careers

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