BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
e-mag LESS IS MORE Make fewer, better applications
THE RIGHT MINDSET Is attitude more important than skills?
Front page image courtesy of Horia Varlan ‘Red graphite pencils leaning on a stack of thick books’
CONTENTS ADVICE
SUCCESSES
03
06
Less is more
This month the focus is on the number of applications you send out.
06 04
Online application forms
Most graduate employers have now embraced the 21st century and have devised fancy online systems for your job applications.
05
The Agony of Choice—Free Careers Test
If you are not sure which career is best for you, then you need to try the free Career Test on AllAboutCareers.com
10 The right frame of mind—how far can it really get you? It’s important when making those all important applications that you are in the right frame of mind for the role.
11
AssessmentDay
20% off for Bright Futures Members
12 Guest Blogger: “The one” application I didn't want to muck up
Birmingham Bright Futures
The Big Meet
York Bright Futures
The Big 4 Panel
06
Swansea Bright Futures
The Accountancy Afternoon
06
Imperial Bright Futures
Dinner With Industry
09
Staffordshire Bright Futures
Welcome event
09
Nottingham Bright Futures
Business Speed Networking
09
Edinburgh Bright Futures
The Xmas Party
14
Business Champions
50 entries, 30 universities, 10 teams selected
Gwenyth’s IBM Story
RECRUITER NEWS 16
ACCA
27
IBM
17
ACCENTURE
28
ICAEW
18
AON
29
THE IDM
19
BIBBY FINANCIAL SERVICES
30
KANTAR WORLDPANEL
20
CENTRICA
31
KPMG
21
DELOITTE
32
NESTLE
22
ENDSLEIGH
33
PINSENT MASONS
23
EVERSHEDS
34
PWC
24
ERNST & YOUNG
35
RBS
25
FSA
36
SOFTCAT
26
HISCOX
37
THALES
29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
Less is more... This month the focus is on the number of applications you send out. According to AGR research the average number of applications per vacancy has risen to 83 this year, rocketing up 170% since 2008.
It isn't easy. Researching the company, tailoring your application to fit criteria, answering numerous cryptic questions, conducting a telephone interview for the role you can’t recall, to going through to interview and struggling to The recession has sparked off a remember which company it is you huge increase in applications made are seeing today... and that’s all by students since 2008. It wasn’t whilst trying to fit in your lectures, that there was necessarily a loss of essays, exams, dissertation, a part jobs, students aren’t “employed” as time job AND a teeny tiny social life! such because they are studying, so redundancy isn’t the culprit, nor As soon as September hits was there a correlation in the employers have opened their increase in student numbers. applications and are screaming Ultimately, panic was to blame. around campus for every Tom, Dick Students figured that if there were and Harry to hear. But they don’t fewer jobs they would need to send want just any Tom, Dick and Harry off more applications in order to to apply. They all want to attract have a better chance of getting at talent to their organisation, but the least one job offer. I guess the key is the right talent. theory works. Recruiters use various methods and However, the concern that lies a list of criteria to help them do just within this theory is Quantity VS that. This may frustrate the hell out Quality. Submitting application after of many students who just miss out, application takes a huge amount of but ultimately recruitment is a very time and energy and the feedback expensive business. The more from employers is that despite applications they receive, the more getting a huge increase in time they have to take screening applications, the quality is dropping them. Time = Money. because enough time isn't being spent on each one.
It is a recruiter’s job to spot the good from the bad, the high flyers from the wingers, the passionate from the downright lazy, and usually within 20 seconds of seeing your application (see the October edition of the e-magazine referring to the 20 second CV). So there is little point in applying for a job unless you really want it. Spend a little more time thinking about what it is that makes you tick, what do you enjoy doing? Actually, scrub that, what do you LOVE doing??? Then look into how you can make a career of it [Prospects, AllAboutCareers, or CareerPlayer). The best applications are the ones that show true passion, interest and awareness of the role, the organisation and its culture and the development opportunities. So don’t waste your precious time left at university, work hard on securing the grades you need to succeed and focus your spare time on applying for roles you really, really want, you’ll be surprised at how easy those application forms are to fill in when you are genuinely interested in the company and the role on offer.
Jackie Bright Futures Editor & Regional Manager If you're wondering why I am dressed like a crazy woman wearing a moustache, well, it’s to highlight my support for Movember, which is a month dedicated to ‘changing the face of men’s health’ and raising awareness and much needed funds for men’s charities for testicular and prostate cancer. If you haven't heard of it please check out the website here, if you have a spare penny, please donate here.
BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
Online Application Forms Most graduate employers have now embraced the 21st century and have devised fancy online systems for your job applications. Yes, nowadays for many employers a good old honest CV and covering letter simply won’t cut the mustard. Completing an online application form can be an arduous process: hours down the line and you’re only half way through. So we’re here to make the whole process easier and warn you about the common pitfalls of online application forms.
How long should my online application be?
Sometimes it’s tricky to know how much to write in an online application form, it’s all about finding the balance between writing too much and too little. Some throw you a lifeline and specify how much you should write; otherwise, you can usually deduce the expected length of answer from the space they have given you. As a general rule, write enough to fully Avoid filling in the form at the last answer the question, but keep it minute; the company’s server might succinct. Chop out any superfluous get overloaded, your application might words or over long sentences. get held up and you might miss the deadline. Don’t be lazy… questions in a Word document first, so you can use the spell check and save it to your computer. This is far better than risking losing everything when you lose your internet connection. Most applications do allow you to save as you go along, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How should I answer online job application questions?
We don’t know what it is about online application forms, but they seem to What are online application inspire a pandemic of laziness. You forms? These are tricky little things. Make sure should put as much effort into it as a you read the questions properly and covering letter or paper application. jot down what you think the question Online applications are usually That means drafting and re-drafting is trying to find out, e.g. what skills are completed through a company’s your answers, getting someone else to website. Most of the time, you’ll have they looking for you to demonstrate? go through your answers and checking to sign in to create your own profile them yourself too. Treat your answers to the questions and start your application. There’ll like you’re writing a covering letter. usually be a space to put down your You should make sure you’ve fully Your answer should be targeted at the education and employment history answered every part of the question, and then they’ll give you a number of skills which the job advert or question filled in the whole application form specifies. Incorporate any keywords questions to answer. These are and strictly abided by the word limit. designed to find out whether you have that appear in the job advert into your Finally, check and re-check your application, such as ‘organised’ or the essentials skills for the role. The application for spelling mistakes. ‘communication skills’. Back your important thing to remember about answers up with evidence; for online application forms is that, Print it out, zoom in on the computer example, if they ask about customer although the whole process feels very and scour every line for grammatical service skills, then give an example of a misdemeanours. No one will be impersonal, your form is eventually time you have shown outstanding going to be read by a member of the impressed by an application riddled customer service. recruitment team and therefore it with errors. simply has to impress! Your actual writing style should be Online application forms are a beast to formal, but don’t lose your personal Before you start filling it out… be tamed. As long as you answer the voice in clichéd expressions and questions fully and don’t fall into any formulaic business speak. Think of Get to know the application system, common pitfalls, you’ll (hopefully) be different ways to structure and scroll through and read all the laughing all the way to an interview. questions first. Roughly plan out how formulate your sentences to really you’re going to answer each one. After show off your writing style. It should Written by Jack Collins all, you don’t want to repeat yourself. be interesting, but economical. Managing Editor @ AllAboutCareers.com You might want to draft answers to
29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
The ‘Big4’ Panel
The Accountancy Afternoon
Tuesday 3rd November, 2011
Swansea Bright Futures hosted their second annual Accountancy Afternoon, introducing students from across all areas of the university with an interest in accountancy to the vast array of opportunities out there. With Big 4 companies including PwC and Deloitte, accountancy bodies like the ACCA and ICEAW as well as a range of local firms all sharing their stories and opportunities with the Swansea students. This event was a key opportunity to highlight differences in various avenues you can take beyond university and the qualifications you can undertake to become a qualified accountant.
Bright Futures York held a panel event between Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young and PwC. The aim behind the event was to let York students ask questions to compare each of the firms on different points and help decide if a career at one of the “Big 4” could be for them.
Tuesday 15th November, 2011
Dinner With Industry Thursday 3rd November, 2011
An informal networking session followed the panel which was very popular with lots of engagement and actually over-ran its scheduled time. One student said, “This event has been very helpful in me deciding what exact career in audit I want to go into” and another, “It has been a great opportunity to be able to ask questions on a one-toone basis and talk to actual workers at these companies. This kind of insight just isn’t available with a lot of the other graduate employers”.
Imperial Bright Futures Society recently organised “Dinner with Industry” at the Marriott Hotel whereby we invited 28 company representatives from 8 different companies including KPMG, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Worley Parsons, IBM, amongst others. The event was very different from standard presentations and networking sessions. It kicked off with a guest speaker, Bill McAuley FCGI giving us a few ‘words of wisdom’ about his own experience of work since he graduated in 1965. The company representatives moved tables after each course, and the seating arrangement was such that students were seated next to the companies they were most interested in. A cash bar was also opened after the dinner (although I think the half bottle of wine everyone got was more than enough for the night). Since this was both a dinner and a networking opportunity, students felt more at ease to start a conversation with the company representatives. The feedback we received from attendees was great and we plan to hold similar events in the near future!
Some of the representatives from the Big 4 have decided they want to help the students which they met on a continuing basis by logging their contact details with Bright Futures York in case any of the students have follow-up questions. Bright Futures York is very happy with the success of the event and hopes to run something similar in the future with additional networking time at the end as it proved so popular!
The Big Meet
York Bright Futures
Nachos and drinks were available throughout the night making it a chilled out and fun evening as well as informative and inspiring. The feedback received from the event was really positive and all the hard work out in by the committee definitely paid off!
Thursday 20th October, 2011 On this night Birmingham Bright Futures saw the likes of Deloitte, Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton join them at their local student pub for an exciting night of networking and to launch the society in style. With a great turn out of students and many new faces they gained lots of new members that evening. The night consisted of groups of students spending 20 minutes networking with each company. It was a great opportunity for students to get to know more about each organisation as well as understand what the company is looking for in a successful applicant.
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BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
Business Speed Networking
Welcome
Thursday 27th October, 2011
With over 30 students turning up to their welcome event, the Staffordshire Bright Futures Society hosted an exciting ice-breaker game to relax everyone and get the room buzzing with excitement.
Thursday 2nd October, 2011
Nottingham Bright Futures designed this event to give students a large amount of exposure to several different companies within a short period of time. The society organised for Accenture, KPMG, Centrica, RBS, PwC, Ernst & Young, Bibby Financial Services and IBM to attend and give students a real insight into their graduate schemes and internship opportunities. As key hosts of the evening, Accenture provided each students with a free drink on arrival and throughout the event, assisting conversation and making sure no one got thirsty talking so much! This was the first event Nottingham Bright Futures has hosted on campus and as such was a completely new experience for all of us. It took place on the Business School campus as past statistics showed that, generally, Business School students are the most proactive. However, this event was advertised across the university which attracted a range of degree disciplines including physics, psychology, IT and economics. Attendance was healthy with a 75% attendance rate (74 students in total). With 8 firms, the students were divided into groups of around 9 or 10 and rotated around each company to ensure all students were able to gain insight and exposure to each and every company present. After each event we (the committee) ask students to complete a feedback form with 3 questions of which opinions are scored out of 5. These have proven to be very useful when judging the success of our events, if the students are satisfied then we feel have done our job! Feedback was very positive for this event with an average score across all questions of 4.2 and some quotes from students include, ‘You need more events like this!’ and ‘Good feedback from reps present!’ The companies were also very positive with RBS stating, ‘I found the event to be well organised with enthusiastic graduates’ and Accenture stating, ‘Feedback from representatives was very positive’ Overall a fantastic event with a great turnout and good feedback from both students and company representatives, We hope to continue this quality of event for the rest of the year.
Group exercises got their brains working and insight into their membership was gained by finding out what they expected from their university and how it can help them secure a career as well as their general views on Bright Futures and how they too could support them in their quest to bag the best graduate job. The event got great feedback and events on the horizon look sets to join forces with Keele to make them bigger and better.
Xmas Party Thursday 1st December, 2011 Edinburgh Bright Futures are hosting a Christmas party with a twist of employers, a ho ho ho of networking & a charity contribution to Read International to provide 2nd hand books to children in Africa. Companies currently confirmed include PwC, IBM, Accenture and Ernst & Young. Any other companies interested in attending this event (or any others) please contact society@brightfutures.co.uk
Nottingham Bright Futures
BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
It’s important when making those all important applications that you are in the right frame of mind for the role. Yes, having the right skills, achievements and academics to meet the basic requirements is essential to get you through the door, but what’s the point in making all that effort to apply to only waste it all in the interview and assessment stages because you don’t have the right attitude or commitment to the job?
days in the office feel like a walk in the park. You will be driven and motivated to succeed regardless of how busy and stressful it becomes, because you believe in the job and the organisation. Getting your attitude and passion for the role across when going for a job doesn’t necessarily mean looking for it in previous job experiences; look into your life in general. Employers want real people, with real lives and real passions. So don’t forget to talk about some of the things you love to do in your spare time that In case you hadn’t cottoned on already, this edition of reflect those top 6 attitudes, it shows that you are a the Bright Futures e-magazine is all about making the well rounded right decisions and not just applying for things for the person, it shows who you are at heart, and helps sake of applying, therefore we won’t harp on at you identify if the culture of the organisation is right for about in this article... much! The main point here is you. mindset and attitude. By sharing your attitude and your mind set (and not being a robot preparing generic answers for every question they throw your way) will help them get to know the real you. And at the end of the day, even if they Some interesting research was conducted by Reed decide that the real you isn’t quite what they’re Recruitment Group on 1,000 business owners looking for, someone will be looking for it and it is far focusing on the key traits employers are looking for better to be yourself then pretend to be something from their employees. From this they identified that you are not for the rest of your career. 96% of them thought having the right mindset was more likely to get someone the job then a complete set of skills. Ultimately, if your mind isn’t in the job, you won’t be inclined to work as hard, therefore won’t achieve big results regardless of your apparent capabilities.
The right frame of mind – how far can it really get you?
Another revelation the survey made was a ranking of the top attitudes, these included commitment, honesty, trustworthiness, adaptability, accountability, and loyalty. If you find a job that you really want, and can tick all these boxes then you are moving swiftly towards sitting in that swivel chair having accepted the job offer. Your attitude is part of who you are, it defines you. It’s difficult to force anything different and even harder to learn how to change it. Therefore, researching something you are really interested in will help make those dull
29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
Written by Gwenyth Barker IBM UK Schools & Universities Attraction Manager Follow IBM on Twitter @IBMUKcareers
apply for very difficult. Furthermore, I was quite keen to concentrate on my studies and really focus on passing my exams with flying colours. Therefore I didn’t even think about Graduate Positions until the late spring term in my final year. I applied to so many different companies that I lost track of who I’d actually applied to. The problem was, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, or who I wanted to work for. I approached the University Careers Service and they recommended I attended an employability workshop which looked at the end to end recruitment process with a particular focus on Assessment Centres. The employer running that session was IBM and my Careers Advisor had been kind enough
‚The one‛ appl want to m On average a student submits 7 Graduate applications. On the other side, Graduate Recruiters are receiving approximately 83 applications per one graduate position. With that in mind, how many of those initial 7 applications do you think were successful? Very few I would imagine…… *High Fliers Research 2011 Association of Graduate Recruiters 2011
to schedule a 15 minute meeting with the recruiter after the session. This discussion was really beneficial as it enabled me to gain a real insight into IBM that would be difficult to gain from just reading a company brochure. I found out that IBM had many strong female leaders in the company (one of which at the time was Ginni Rometty who only a couple of weeks ago was appointed IBM’s new CEO) which really inspired me. After speaking with the graduate recruiter I also realised that IBM are everywhere!
I graduated Lancaster University 5 years ago with a degree in Business Studies. I was overwhelmed by the breadth of roles that were available within Business which made the decision of which Graduate Scheme to
29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
IBM created the first ever barcode and self service kiosks IBM created and runs all the technology behind cash machines
IBM do amazing things within the medical industry to find the next big cures for particular diseases (if you’re interested, look up IBM Watson, our super computer and some of the mindboggling things that’s doing at the moment)
And whilst I’m the most un-technical person you will ever meet, I could suddenly relate to this company, I could see myself ‘fitting in’ and not only that, adding value with my business skills. I knew at that point that IBM was the company I really wanted to work for. I spent the next week thoroughly researching IBM to really understand the company, I even spoke to a current business IBM graduate to give me a better view of
lication I didn't muck up...
to the organisation. My top tips for applying: 1. Apply early – before Christmas where possible (I had an Assessment Centre sandwiched between two exams, one the day before the AC and one the day after, talk about stressful!). 2. Research all the possibilities; don’t apply to all the possibilities. 3. Use all the sources available to you e.g. Times Top 100, UK300 to help you decide which companies you can see yourself working for. 4. If possible, speak to someone from the organisation whether it’s at a Careers Fair or an employability workshop. 5. Focus on just 2 or 3 high quality applications and spend at least 4 hours on each. 6. Always get someone to proof read your application before submission Ensure you can clearly articulate why you want to work for that company and how you will add value.
what I would do (as a side note, that If you do all of this, then I’m sure you will graduate is still my mentor 5 years on in have no problem securing that graduate job you’d always hoped for, good luck! IBM!) It was only after that research did I open the application form. This was because this was “the one” application that I didn’t want to muck up. It took several days to complete and once finished, I got my Dad to review it as well as a Careers Advisor and two of my closest friends. When you spend so long on one thing, it’s easy to miss the obvious e.g. simple spelling errors. I firmly believe it was because of that thoroughness and preparation, I then flew through the IBM process – simply because I was able to clearly articulate why I wanted to work for IBM and how I could add value
BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
Recruiter News Contents 16 ACCA Open a world of opportunities with ACCA
27 IBM ‘Must Have’ information to help make your application successful
17 ACCENTURE Choose an internship that’s right for you
28 ICAEW Applying for an ACA Training Agreement—top tips for success!
18 AON Aon applications—preparation & research is key!
29 THE IDM Fast-track to a career in marketing
19 BIBBY FINANCIAL SERVICES The do’s and don’ts of a good application form 20 CENTRICA Getting to know you 21 DELOITTE Connect with the latest thinking in technology
30 KANTAR WORLDPANEL Why buy one Muller Corner when you could buy 10* 31 KPMG Get the inside scoop before applying 32 NESTLE Nestlé Better Bean Challenge. 33 PINSENT MASONS Pinsent Masons are hosting Insight Evenings across the UK in December
22 ENDSLEIGH Looking for GRADification? Get it with 34 PWC the Endsleigh Graduate Scheme The skills you pick up early, stay with 23 EVERSHEDS you Win a week’s work experience in 35 RBS Eversheds; Hong Kong Office! Graduate and Internship opportunities 24 ERNST & YOUNG 36 SOFTCAT Go from Strength to Strength Getting your ideal job is not a numbers 25 FSA game Applications for all our programmes 37 THALES are still open Engineering Opportunities 26 HISCOX Hiscox Graduate Development Scheme—Deadlines Approaching! BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
Open a world of opportunities with ACCA With ACCA, the global body for professional accountants, the sky is the limit. Open up a world of opportunities in accounting, business and finance with the ACCA Qualification. It will give you the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career in the industry of your choice.
work in the UK or abroad, the ACCA Qualification is flexible, robust and respected by employers around the world.
Internships at university can count towards the practical experience requirements of the qualification and enhance employability. Also, exemptions from a relevant degree means fewer exams to sit. As the qualification isn't tied into a training contract, you can take your hard work with you whenever you move jobs.
Start your journey today with ACCA.
You can work and train in any sector, giving you the freedom to pick the path that you want to. Accountants are always in demand, even in a recession, and ACCA sets a syllabus that ensures The breadth and depth of the ACCA Qualification you get a solid grounding in all areas of finance makes it the perfect platform to launch any before specialising at the end. business career, and you will have the opportunity to become the finance professional ACCA has over 424,000 students and 147,000 that employers are now demanding. ACCA’s members in 170 countries. With our combination of technical exams, practical hands- qualification, you can apply for finance roles in on experience and ethics gives you everything any sector, in any business, anywhere in the you need to begin your journey. world.
Whether your career takes you into the fashion industry or forensic accounting, whether you
ACCA 29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
View the ACCA website: http:// www2.accaglobal.com/ukgraduates Follow ACCA on Twitter @ACCAUK_OnCampus Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ ACCA.Official
Choose an internship that’s right for you Whatever stage of your career you’re at, selecting the applications you put the most time and effort into, will pay off in the end. And that means choosing the roles you apply for very carefully – after all, when you really want a job – it shows. That goes for the schemes and internships you select too. The time you spend on your placement or internship could have a direct impact on the graduate role you secure at the end of your degree. So make the most of this opportunity and secure a placement or internship that’s linked to your future career hopes. You don’t get many chances at an internship – make it count. If there’s an industry you’re interested in – do your research. Try and find out as much as you can about the roles – and company – before you apply. The Accenture Boot Camp is a brilliant opportunity to discover more about us (and if you’re up to the challenge of consulting), before your join us on an
internship. You’ll spend 48 invigorating hours with the team at Accenture, getting to know what life’s really like delivering high performance to world-leading global organisations. With a series of high energy activities, we’ll test your powers of analysis, innovation, teamwork and communication. And if you perform well, you could be fast tracked through our application process for one of our schemes or internships. To apply, you’ll need 340 UCAS points and be expecting to receive a 2.1 degree when you graduate. To find out more, visit accenture.com/ bootcamp Or go to the website to find out more about all our opportunities: accenture.com/ ukgraduates. Alternatively, find us on Facebook – Accenture Careers UK or follow us on Twitter – AccentureUKjobs
ACCENTURE BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
Aon applications – preparation and research is the key! Applying for graduate programmes is competitive, and understandably students are casting their nets wider to reach more employers. Quality can not be compromised however and the key to writing a strong application is to prepare and research. Prepare - Putting effort and time into your applications really makes a difference. Make sure you think carefully about your answers and re-read your application over a few sittings to ensure you do not miss out key information. Research – Having a good degree is no longer enough, employers want to know that you are committed to a career path and understand the industry you aspire to be part of. Being able to demonstrate specific information about the company you’re applying to and why you are a suitable candidate can really make your application stand out.
AON 29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
Aon looks for individuals with the ability to build excellent relationships, a high level of commercial awareness, as well as a strong analytical reasoning ability. We ask for graduates with a 2:1 degree in any discipline, and our application process is designed to assess your competencies as well as your motivation and attitude. A great way to find out more while you are studying is to join our summer internship programme. The programme is open to all university students and offers on-the-job experience as well as an opportunity to experience our culture first hand. If you’re looking for a career where challenges and rewards come in equal measure, look no further than Aon. Visit us at www.aongraduates.co.uk
The Do’s and Don’ts of a good application form Do: Research the company, the career
area and the actual job for which you are applying Find a quiet place to fill out the form Read the form through before starting to complete it and follow all instructions Keep a copy of the application form – you can then refer back to this before your interview Complete every section or insert N/A (not applicable) if it doesn’t apply to Take your time and concentrate – make sure you are answering the question they ask Check for mistakes in grammar, spelling and punctuation Include skills that you have developed outside work Imagine you’re the employer – would you be impressed with your application? Make yourself stand out from other applications Follow up a week later with a call to find out when you will hear feedback
Don’t: Start to complete the form itself until you are certain of what you are going to say Put down anything that is not strictly accurate Leave gaps in your employment history Rush Let your CV become an essay Use the same information for every job you apply for – tailor your application to that particular vacancy Remember that the most important thing is to make yourself stand out from the other candidates, whether this be through your skills and experience, or through letting your personality shine through – here at Bibby Financial Services, the person is just as important as the skills. View our website to see how you can kick start your career with Bibby Financial Services: http:// www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/meta/ careers.aspx
Bibby Financial Services BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
Getting to know you Here at Centrica we’re proud of how quickly our Graduate and Summer Placement programmes have grown, in fact this year we became the highest riser in the 2011-12 Times Top 100 Graduate Employers table. Of course we couldn’t have seen such success without a passion for hiring the best talent, regardless of the ever-increasing amount of applications we receive. We do this by ensuring our campus activities are targeted at the right students and not 'one size fits all', because after all we know you're as individual as our 9 Graduate streams. We also make sure our application process quickly identifies those who are right for us.
searching for the real you. We know what makes a great leader in our business, because we've spent time hunting down the qualities demonstrated by 150 of our top leaders (see them here), so we can spot potential in a candidate often before they can. Of course it’s not quite as straightforward as that, we expect those candidates to have taken the time to get to know us too- after all how else can we know we're meant for each other? Exactly. So why not let us get to know you today? Apply here, or come introduce yourself to us at your campus soon!
Want to meet us online?
“But how can I possibly stand out?" you might ask. Well the thing is we don’t look for Facebook: www.facebook.com/ textbook competency answers pasted from CentricaGraduateRecruitment previous applications, or personal Twitter: www.twitter.com/centricagrads statements that would make Richard Branson look like an underachiever, we're
CENTRICA 29 NOVEMBER 2011 BRIGHT FUTURES
Connect with the latest thinking in technology Deloitte 2012 technology opportunities Deloitte is one of the world’s leading providers of professional services. Here in the UK, our 12,000 people offer advice and services across Audit, Tax, Consulting, Corporate Finance and Technology. We work with an amazing breadth of clients – everyone from small businesses and high net worth individuals to government departments and major multinational corporations. Our vision is to be the Distinctive Firm, standing out in our markets through the impact we have on the reputation and success of our clients. In pursuing this purpose, Deloitte contributes to a sustainable and prosperous society. The foundation of this strategy is our commitment to having the best people. There is a fierce talent war in the market place, and we need to compete, not only to attract the best people, but to retain our top talent. We will do this by creating a distinctive talent experience, which demands, supports and rewards the highest performance, allows everyone to have the
opportunity to shape their own career and provides an environment where training and development are genuinely first class. Where are we recruiting? Deloitte are recruiting into technology roles across all of our service areas into the following groups: Enterprise Risk Services – Controls, Data Analytics and Security and Privacy Consulting – Technology Corporate Finance – Analytic and Forensic Technology Consulting – Belfast National Solutions Centre Find out more by viewing our website and register to attend any of our upcoming events at www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates/ events Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
DELOITTE BRIGHT FUTURES 29 NOVEMBER 2011
Looking for GRADification? Get it with the Endsleigh Graduate Scheme Join Endsleigh as a graduate, and you’ll become a valuable member of the team from day one, gaining real knowledge, skills and experience. You’ll gain a real insight into how a complex and forward-thinking business works.
landlords, local authorities, charities and more.
These days, our strong connection with students continues through our Graduate Scheme. Big enough to offer a high-quality structured graduate training programme, yet We have 15 graduate roles, all real jobs on one- small enough to provide personal year fixed-term contracts. You’ll join us in a development, we believe there isn't a better named role in one of the following place to start your graduate career. And last departments: Marketing, IT, eCommerce, HR, year’s graduates agree – all have joined Finance, Commercial Insurance, Sales, Endsleigh or Zurich (our parent company) on a Customer Service, Financial Advice, or Claims permanent basis. Investigation. Most roles are at our Cheltenham What will you need? Different roles demand head office but we also have opportunities in Burnley and Maidstone. See our website for full different skills and talents, but all Endsleigh graduates are enthusiastic, ambitious and keen details. to learn. For some roles, a subject-specific We’ll equip you with skills to shine in your role degree will help, though generally you’ll simply and in business, offering at least 57 hours of need to have graduated with a full degree by structured training, with varied classes on a July 2012. range of business subjects, and you’ll be mentored by a senior manager, gaining one-on- Rewards. We offer a competitive market-rate one access to extra support, advice, and salary of £16,000 - £18,000 (depending on insight. position), plus top-notch benefits, including a About Us. Endsleigh is the UK’s leading student insurer, and the only provider recommended by the NUS. We started back in 1965, born out of the needs of the student population. As well as students we now provide insurance for businesses, homeowners, drivers, renters,
great pension scheme. Don’t just take our word for it – see what our current graduates think at http:// www.endsleigh.co.uk/Pages/meet-ourgraduates.aspx
Apply online: www.endsleigh.co.uk/graduatecareers
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Win a week's work experience in Eversheds' Hong Kong Office! Work experience is often crucial in ensuring you have the relevant skills and experience to obtain that all important training contract. However it can be difficult to find the perfect placement which is both instructive and interesting. At international law firm Eversheds, we are offering a week's work experience for two lucky winners in the vibrant, bustling city of Hong Kong. To be in with a chance of winning, simply think of an innovative idea based on our core values, present it in a creative way and send to: workexperiencecompetition@eversheds.com
Please note that your email and its contents must not exceed 50mb in size and remember to include your name, address and contact details within the e-mail. For more information, visit our website at http://www.eversheds.com/uk/home/ careers/graduates/competition.page Remember that we value innovative, new ideas, no matter where they come from. Good luck with your entry!
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Go from Strength to Strength At Ernst & Young, we take our business and our people from strength to strength. Working with us, you’ll use your natural strengths to help solve complex problems for some of the world’s leading businesses. 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 excel in your role and go further, faster.
Soon you’ll take decisions that influence leading businesses at the highest levels. Control your career At Ernst & Young, learning is constant. This is partly through your contact with outstanding people at every level and partly through our carefully structured development programme: we’ll support your study for professional qualifications and you’ll get access to the very best training, as well as a dedicated counsellor and senior mentor to guide your development.
If you join us, you’ll work in one of four main areas: Advisory, Assurance, Corporate Finance or Tax. Your clients will be a mix of some of the We’re determined that you should do well, biggest and best-known names in business and because our continued growth depends on smaller, entrepreneurial organisations. your success within the firm. You’ll be working in borderless expert teams across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA). This structure helps us build the diverse teams that are needed to solve the global business issues our clients face.
Come and join us We have graduate opportunities available across the UK, in all areas of our business. And if you’re an undergraduate, our EY FastTracks programmes offer you the chance to discover what working for one of the world’s leading Playing a key role in our continued success and professional services firms is really like and get growth, you’ll get experience in a whole variety on track to secure a graduate job before your of industry sectors, providing you with a solid final year at university. business foundation for your career. From day one you’ll be doing stimulating, challenging To find out more and apply go to: work– and dealing face-to-face with clients. www.ey.com/uk/careers
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Applications for all our programmes are still open The importance of regulation has never been greater. Financial issues are front-page news and, in light of one of the biggest financial crises in history, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has had to develop a farreaching strategy that will change the way we work and the shape of the industry as a whole.
implement the new regulatory regime and transition into a new era. The graduates who join us at this crucial time will have a key part to play in these changes and the opportunity to develop their careers by shaping these exciting new organisations.
Our schemes offer an ideal place to gain an overview of the financial sector. Join us and The FSA is the UK’s sole financial services you’ll benefit from extensive training, taking regulator, in 2013 we will divide into two in a number of rotations and a secondment. new bodies. The regulatory framework will We have a general Graduate Development change, but the new organisations will con- Programme, a specialist Management Actinue to rigorously supervise all 27,000+ counting, IT, Economics and Risk Specialist regulated firms and cover the four key areas schemes and our ten week paid summer inof the FSA remit: to maintain market confi- ternship programme. dence; to ensure consumers are protected; to contribute to the protection and enhance- Applications for our graduate programmes ment of the UK financial system; and to tar- close on the 9th December whilst internship get and reduce financial crime. applications close on the 2nd January. This is an exciting time to be involved, as we
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Hiscox Graduate Development scheme— Deadlines Approaching! As a FTSE250 company, Hiscox leads the pack when it comes to the world of specialist insurance and are experts in protection of a wide range of personal and commercial risks, which are often too complex or too much trouble for other insurance companies to consider. Our first graduate application deadline has now passed. We are looking forward to meeting the applicants to our Pricing Actuary, Pricing Analyst, and Risk & Strategy Analyst at our offices just off Bishopsgate, London for challenging and stimulating assessment days. We continue accepting applications to our remaining positions until Friday, 23 December 2011: Underwriter roles Project Manager – IT Project Manager – Claims Accountant Business Performance Analyst
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Our programme consists of three secondments, two of which will be based in your home country and one international secondment to an office in the US, Bermuda or Europe. If you’re interested to learn more about what makes Hiscox, and the insurance profession, interesting then why not visit www.hiscox.com/ graduates and select ‘Our People’ where you can watch a video of our current graduates. We are also now recruiting for our summer internship scheme. We have nine roles available for driven undergraduates looking to gain professional experience. Our internship scheme offers real work for real reward; you definitely won’t be stuck making the tea! To learn more about these opportunities visit www.hiscox.com/graduates and select ‘Our Scheme’. The deadline for application to our intern scheme is Friday, 20 January 2012.
‘Must have’ information to help make your application successful TOP TIPS: Online application form 1. Make sure your spelling is spot on. 2. Get a friend to read it for you and check grammar and spelling – then buy them a drink. 3. Keep your answers succinct. 4. Use varied examples. 5. Spell and sense check your application., here Online test 1. Find somewhere quiet to take the test, away from distractions. The last thing you want is your housemate barging in mid-test. 2. There are sample questions for each part, so take time understanding what’s needed. This part of the test isn’t timed. 3. You have five days to take the test and can log in and out as many times as you like, so consider taking sections on different days. Interviews
2. Re-read your application or CV beforehand. 3. Have examples to back up any statements you make. If you say you are a good team player, be prepared to tell us why, how and when. 4. Prepare your own questions to ask. It will show us that you have done some research into IBM. Assessment Centre We use assessment centres because it gives us the opportunity to see you in a number of situations. These are not designed to catch you out. If you attend an assessment centre think about the following: 1. Your verbal and non-verbal communications. 2. If you perform badly in one exercise, don't let it affect your overall performance. 3. Listen to instructions and ask questions if you are unsure. 4. Try to ignore the presence of the assessors who will be observing you during the exercises. 5. Don't make assumptions about what we are looking for in each exercise. Be yourself! It may sound like a cliché, but it is so true! Please check our website for more detailed information. ibm.com/jobs/uk
1. Prepare and practice. It will make all the difference!
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Applying for an ACA training agreement – top tips for success! Picture the scene – an HR recruiter from an ICAEW authorised training employer is sitting at their desk with a stack of new applications for 10 ACA training vacancies. Your application is among the pile they are about to review. Why should they select yours?
According to High Fliers Research, accountancy and professional services has seen an encouraging rise in vacancies across the sector, however, there is still intense competition for each one. However, if you follow some really simple guidelines, your application will be at the top of the pile!
Think quality not quantity. Make five or six well thought out applications, research each employer thoroughly and tailor your application accordingly. Let the employer know why you want to work for them! Any experience you have gained outside your academic studies is of real interest to an employer. Think about what skills you have developed so far
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in leadership, teamwork, communication and self-management. This could be through part time or voluntary work, involvement in a student society or sports team. If you are applying for an ACA training agreement, find out all you can about it, in particular the four elements, the training agreement structure and your entitlements to study and exam leave. Being proactive in your research will really impress an employer! Finally, it sounds really basic, but do proof-read your applications. Recruiters lament about the spelling mistakes and grammatical errors they find which can so easily be avoided.
If you’re currently looking for an ACA training agreement, there are some great opportunities on ICAEW Training Vacancies, where you can apply direct to our authorised training employers and discover more hints and tips for successful applications at our careers centre .
Fast-track to a career in marketing Want a career in marketing, but your degree is completely unrelated? If you’re bright, have a nose for business and think marketing is for you, then the IDM Marketing Summer School can put you on the fast track with the best introduction to the business there is. “If you do one thing to differentiate yourself and improve your chance of employment it has to be the IDM Summer School.” - IDM Summer School 2011 graduate, David Roll, now Customer Marketing Executive at a global beverages company What is the IDM Summer School? A week-long, residential course in SW London where you’ll learn all about the marketing business, direct from the people right at the top of it. 2011 Summer School students worked on a marketing strategy for Bacardi rum, visited the world-famous Ogilvy HQ and got in front of key graduate recruitment decision-makers. Now, just 4 months on, every single one of them is employed in the fast-paced, exciting, highly competitive world of marketing.
How do you get here? Make no bones, the selection process is gruelling. There’s a detailed written application, interviews and a nowhere-tohide day-long boot camp! Make it through to the week itself and we’ll work you even harder. But the rewards are high and each year the students enjoy every minute of it! What will you get from it? The IDM Summer School is an impressive addition to any CV and will put you head and shoulders above others in the job market. With the contacts you make and the networking opportunities you’ll have, you could even short-cut the job application process. This time next year, Ogilvy’s new graduate trainee could be you! How do you apply? Visit urthebrand.co.uk for the details, the student blogs and the application form Then get it back to the IDM by 17 February 2012. If you make only one application in your search for a job in marketing, make sure it’s this one!
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Why buy one Muller Corner when you could buy ten*….? *Over 1/3 (34.4%) of all shopping trips for Muller Corners see shoppers buying 10 pots or more at one visit. Kantar Worldpanel 2011
…..and why work for just one big consumer brand when you could work for all of them**? Less may be more when it comes to targeting your graduate applications, but at Kantar Worldpanel we know that the same can’t be said for buying your favourite flavour yoghurt, or when it comes to thinking about what your ideal graduate job is going to give you.
list that probably includes all of the big FMCG names you'll have come across (and some you haven't), if you're looking for high levels of commercial exposure early in your career we think our graduate scheme is tough to beat. Take a look at this link to find out more about how you could be working with big name clients by joining us in September 2012 (applications close Friday 16th December 2011).
Ok, we'll own up**. If you join us as a graduate you clearly won't be working with all Click here to apply of the big consumer brands. But with a client
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Get the Inside Scoop before applying Risk Consulting Insight Day
Innovation Workshop
Experience what being a consultant is like in Find out what it’s really like to be a KPMG and learn innovation techniques so consultant with one of the world’s largest you can understand how we provide professional services firms working with solutions to real client problems. This clients ranging from Premiership football workshop , being hosted from 12.30 – 5pm clubs to international music gurus. at our Edinburgh office on Tuesday 13th December, is run by KPMG’s innovation KPMG is offering a lucky few final year team so this is a chance to learn from the students the chance to meet our consultants best experts and get a taste of what being a in Risk Consulting on Monday 12 December consultant, working on a real client problem 2011, 10am – 6pm at the Canary Wharf is like. Offices to get the inside scoop into the field of Consultancy and what the work really involves. KPMG looks for people with the capacity to be both creative and innovative. If this is Click here to apply for a place at this you then sign up here Exclusive Event
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Nestlé Better Bean Challenge! Join the Better Bean Challenge, present to Nestlé Business Directors, with an internship up for grabs and a great prize!
therefore want you to think about new opportunities to fulfil an unmet consumer need. While your proposition should identify and provide a rationale for new All you have to do is prepare a NESCAFÉ opportunities relating to our NESCAFÉ brand, proposition that will Create Shared Value! we don’t just want ordinary, everyday ideas – identify new opportunities that deliver Nestlé is the world’s leading Nutrition, business benefits but also create sustainable Health and Wellness Company. That success positive impacts on the wider environment. is founded on a real commitment to sustainable development and creating value To find out more about the Better Bean not only for our shareholders, but also for Challenge and to apply online please visit: our people and society as a whole. We call it www.nestlebetterbean.co.uk Creating Shared Value – it’s something we put into practice every day, all around the Undergraduates are invited to apply from all world. In that spirit we invite you to join the degree disciplines from all years. Better Bean Challenge! Entering is straightforward, send us your CV The Challenge: prepare a NESCAFÉ and submit your written proposition along proposition that will Create Shared Value. with a 3 minute video presentation briefly outlining your proposition by 9th January The development of every new idea at 2012. NESCAFÉ starts with the consumer. We
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Pinsent Masons are holding Insight Evenings across the UK in December Pinsent Masons is a leading commercial law firm with offices across the UK and overseas. Each year we recruit 60 trainee solicitors from a wide variety of university and degree backgrounds. This December we are holding a series of Insight Evenings designed to allow you to find out more about the work of an international law firm. The evening will include group talks and interactive workshops, which will provide you with detailed information about the firm, our clients, our training contract and the skills you will need to develop if you are
to become a successful commercial lawyer. There will also be the opportunity to network over drinks and canapĂŠs . Attending this evening will you gain a deeper understanding of what commercial law firms do and also the qualities we look for in our employees. This information should help ensure that you can make fewer, better applications and maximise your chance of securing a vacation placement and training contract. www.pinsentmasons.com/searchevents
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The skills you pick up early, stay with you About PwC We help our clients and our people create the value they want. We work alongside our clients – from public and private companies to governments and charities – to measure, protect and enhance the things that matter most to them. We have big ambitions to grow, and if you're serious about a career in business, we don't think anyone else can give you a better start. Students agree: we’re proud, based on the opportunity we offer, they’ve voted us number one in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last eight years. What we offer Get a unique insight into what we offer on one of our Insight programmes for undergraduates ranging from our Talent Academy for first year students to our Internships and Business Placements for
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penultimate year students. For final year students, join our full time opportunities in one of our business areas; Assurance, Consulting, Tax, Financial Advisory, Actuarial and Technology. Think about the programme and the business area that you’re interested in as we’ll be looking for this commitment in your application and interview. What you need A 2:1 or above in any degree discipline A UCAS tariff of at least 300 (or equivalent) How to apply Be part of something special, visit www.pwc.com/uk/careers Find us on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK
Graduate and Internship opportunities About us RBS is a bank with a plan. We’re changing and rebuilding so that we’re a safer, stronger and more profitable bank. Not just for today but for many years to come. Good progress has already been made. But we have much still to do. We need new talent – people with fresh ideas and ways of thinking – to sustain the momentum. If this excites rather than daunts you there could be an amazing future for you here. Our graduates are at the very centre of our regeneration and are contributing to projects that will shape not only our business, but the very future of banking.
but did you know we are also the parent company of Coutts and Co the prestigious private bank and Green Flag the leading name in breakdown recovery? Finally, our investment banking arm Global Banking and Markets provides financing and risk management products to large corporates and financial institutions around the world. The variety of options available through over 30 graduate and intern programmes can open up opportunities in financial services that you may never have considered. Plenty of compelling reasons to join us Whether you’re structuring deals, heading up teams, working with customers, developing new products or supporting colleagues across the business your contribution will be recognised and your ambition will take you wherever you want to go.
Why the RBS group? The RBS Group incorporates a diverse range of businesses and an impressive portfolio of leading brands. Our retail presence in the UK, the Americas and Ireland includes NatWest, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Citizens Bank and Ulster Bank. You may also Find out more about our programmes and know our telephone and internet businesses internships at www.makeitrbs.com including Direct Line, Churchill and Privilege
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Getting your ideal job is not a numbers game It’s very easy to apply for a job online these days. It only takes a few minutes to upload your CV and fill out an application form or send a standard covering letter. Some people apply for hundreds of jobs at a time in the belief that more applications equates to more opportunities.
looking for? Is there anything that you should emphasise on your CV? What strengths can you bring out in your covering letter that will match what this employer is looking for? Personalise your applications and you stand a far greater chance of getting to the next step.
These people take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to their job applications, hoping that if they throw enough spaghetti at the wall, some of it may stick. But usually they are wrong: unless you take the time to find out exactly what a prospective employer is looking for, and complete your application accordingly, it’s very unlikely that your job prospects will increase in line with the number of applications you submit.
Careers in London, Manchester and Buckinghamshire
You should read the instructions for applying carefully. What is this particular employer
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Softcat is an exhilarating, multiple awardwinning place to work. If you’re interested in IT sales, you can find out about our graduate programmes and next assessment days on our Facebook page, or on Twitter Alternatively call 01628 403 408 and visit our website to apply.
Engineering Opportunities We love the positively perplexing
Engineering opportunities
Pulverising the positively perplexing is what makes us tick at Thales. Where others flounder and fail, we delve and deliberate until we’ve delivered. If you’re exceptionally enthused about tackling the bafflingly bewildering, the impossibly intractable and the quirkiest quandaries, we’ll give you all the support you need to create superlative solutions to engineering enigmas and business brainteasers.
Ingenuity and innovation are what make our business tick and keep us at the forefront of a very competitive industry. From Aerospace and Defence to Transport and Security, we bring our expertise to the widest range of technical challenges. And the opportunities 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, mathematics, physics or technology – you can rely upon being You might not realise it but our work touches stretched and challenged in any one of the all of our lives – every single day. From BACS, disciplines listed below. Systems the secure network communications system Software behind 3.7 billion secure electronic Electronics transactions every year, to in-flight Hardware entertainment systems for passenger planes Mechanical and state-of-the art equipment for military Manufacturing aircraft, the scope and scale of our problem Design solving abilities knows no bounds. Production
Rail
Whether you’re involved in creating the Information Systems myriad systems and products our customers Quality need or one of our various business management functions, you’ll get to play a To find out more and apply visit: vital role right at the heart of our business. www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com Or find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ThalesGrads
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