HirEd - October 2013

Bright Futures Conference 2013 Meeting the Bright Futures Regional Ambassadors Keeping it fresh

The scoop on the freshers from around the country

How to make the most of your Bright Futures Society membership | Phoebe’s pantry | The Review Room

contents Editor’s letter How to make the most of your Bright Futures Society membership Meet your Regional Ambassadors 2013 STEM - UK Student Challenge Bright Futures Training Conference 2013 Keeping it Fresh. The scoop on Freshers around the country Great tips for LinkedIn Phoebe's Pantry

Target Jobs 2013 Winners

RPC Insight Day The Review Room

3 4-5 6-7 8 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20 22

Company profiles

23

Aspen

24

Rolls Royce

25

PwC

26

Siemens

27

Wragge & Co

28

RPC

29

IBM

30

Teach First

31

Tesco

32

The Civil Service

33

Pinsent Masons

34

KPMG

35

The Bank of England

36

Centrica

37

Bechtel

38

Santander

39

Thales

40

Hiscox

41

DAS

42

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National award SPONSORS IBM Society of the Year [University of Manchester] www.ibm.com/jobs/uk/graduate

RPC Event of the Year [Time with Industry - Staffordshire University] www.rpc.co.uk/manifesto

Siemens Collaboration Award [Staffordshire University] www.siemens.co.uk/careers

Advorto Fastest Growing Society [King’s College, London] www.advorto.com

Rolls-Royce President of the Year [Chris Milborrow - University of Strathclyde] www.rolls-royce.com/careers

editors letter I would love to start by saying a huge hello to everyone. I have met and caught up with a vast amount of committee members over the past month but for the benefit of everyone. Hello, I am Silas, the new Society Manager for Bright Futures. I have had a lot of experience working for Students’ Unions and the transition to another role engaging with students is both exciting and natural!

So, we have already had an absolutely packed month as you will see by the size of this edition of HirEd. In this month’s copy you will find how to make the most of your Society, an introduction to the regional ambassadors and how to contact them, a rundown of how the Bright Futures Training Conference held at City University went and an in depth look at how Manchester Bright Futures Society got on at their fresher’s fair. There will also be some old favourites and new features to look forward to.

We are focusing in on LinkedIn as it is becoming increasingly more important and widely used. It is very important to connect with people you know so you can keep your personal network in order. Check out our 10 tips for LinkedIn. I hope you all have a great month and enjoy the freshers period. I know for some it is not always easy but the best way to get over any teething problems is to join a Society. Welcome new members with open arms and strive to grow and develop throughout the year.

All the best, Silas HirEd Editor

www.brightfutures.co.uk

*If you don’t have a Society at your university then set up your own!

Contact us at society@brightfutures.co.uk and we can get you started right away!

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How to make the most of your Society membership You have joined the UK’s largest career and skills focused society, with over 50 Universities having a Bright Futures Society. Each Society is supported in lots of different ways to achieve their own objectives by the National Team.

We, in the National Team, tell employers two key things about the students in the Bright Futures Society:

• They are career focused and take the initiative • They know they have to offer more than a good degree to stand out in the job market 4

Employers work with your Bright Futures Society because they want to meet people exactly like that. (We also tell them that lots of our members know what they want to do as a career, but also that many do not. The difference with Bright Futures members who do not know what they want as a career is that they are doing something to find out!)

Organisations are overwhelmed with applications for intern and graduate roles all with strong degrees, so they are increasingly looking beyond academic achievement to ‘what else have you done?’

Employers will focus on those who have developed their skills AND have good reasons for their career choice. The Bright Futures Society will help you with both BUT ONLY by attending the various events your Society organise for you.

You will get to meet a wide variety of employers and their recent graduate hires to find out the (often surprising) breadth of roles they have, and what it is really like to work there (and if you really impress they may even help your application further). You can also develop great skills that you will need to showcase through the various recruitment ‘hurdles’, but these skills will furthermore aid your success in the work place and allow you to hit the ground running!

Bright Futures is not for everyone, you will have to take the time to attend events, speak to the employers who you meet, take action on the insights and advice they give you but that commitment (and let’s be honest it’s not that demanding!) will make a big difference to your future after University.

It is a very tough employment world; employers (large and small) will only hire those who take: • the initiative • responsibility for developing themselves • the time to find out what is the right career for them and then go after it

So to make the most of your Society membership, it’s simple:

get involved!

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2013

Meet your Regional Ambassadors Your regional ambassadors are a key part of your support network at Bright Futures. They are there to help and give advice and will also be looking to orchestrate some really exciting regional events. Get in touch with them.

“

I’m Georgia, the Midlands regional ambassador.

I study Economics at the University of Nottingham.

This year I want to bring the Midlands together, through holding group events and encouraging others in my societies.

“

Georgia Dowler – Midlands georgia_dowler@hotmail.com

“

I’m Adam; Regional Society Ambassador for Bright Futures Societies the North of England, and President of the Bright Futures Society at Lancaster University, where I study Management. During my time as Regional Society Ambassador, I hope to play a vital role in the integration of societies in the North, strengthening each society and meeting some inspiring people along the way! By facilitating and encouraging communication and collaboration, sharing ideas and offering advice, I believe we can develop each society and create a successful large-scale regional event.

Adam Stephenson – The North adamstephenson@live.com

“

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Hi! I’m Jack Furlong and I am in my final year of studying Economics & Politics at Queen Mary. I am really looking forward to helping societies in London and the East work together to organise some great events this year.

Jack Furlong – London & The East jackfurlong5@hotmail.co.uk

“

I am a third year Economics student at the University of Bristol. I’ve been involved in Bright Futures since I started university. As a Regional ambassador my aim is to increase Bright Futures awareness across my region. I believe the best way to achieve my mission is to help universities in my region build very motivated and structured committees that will eventually be able to promote Bright Futures brand and will ultimately benefit members and investors.

“

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Kamil Bend’chiche – South West & Wales kb1218@my.bristol.ac.uk

Hi everyone, I’m the new regional ambassador for London & the south and I am currently in my final year studying Economics and Accountancy. I want to have a strong region producing great regional events and I am really looking forward to working with you all to achieve this.

‘Hi I’m Chris and I’m president at Bright Futures Strathclyde. I’m currently going into my final year studying marketing and, having been involved in Bright Futures for just over a year and a half, my aim for this year is to build a sustainable society at Strathclyde while helping other societies across Scotland grow and develop. I hope that the Regional Ambassador positions connect societies not only regionally but nationally and help strengthen the network. Looking forward to working with you all!

Chris Milborrow – Scotland chrismilborrow24@gmail.com

“

“

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Jennifer Li Yan Hui – London & The South jcatherineli@hotmail.com

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It’s all about STEM… Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths Students Get Involved

Experience a day of strategic, physical and mental challenges specifically designed to develop your business skills and allow you to showcase them to top UK companies talent A one-day event spotting for their future taking place on the 15th November positions. at Kempton Park To take part in this event register for a place by clicking here... brightfutures.co.uk/home/events

Race Course, open to students studying STEM related subjects, in their 1st, 2nd or 3rd years of study.

• Teams of four (We’ll place you into teams) • Opportunities to gain work placements with leading UK organisations.

This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your competitive edge in front of employers and network throughout the day with prizes awarded to the best performers. The challenges are innovative, observable, fun, scored using bespoke electronic software.

• Develop your professional skills and showcase these to top businesses.

who’s attending?

• Gain direct feedback on how to improve your readiness for employment.

• Network with employers and like-minded students from across the UK. • Bring breadth & diversity to your employability portfolio.

• Enjoy an unforgettable experience at one of London’s leading sports venues.

• Easily accessible London location.

“

We chose to be involved with the UK student challenge because it is an innovative opportunity to introduce graduates to our brand as well as to engage with proactive and high calibre graduates in a unique assessment environment.

Emma Barbour

““

Talent Acquisition Partner - Training Programmes

UK Power Networks

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Coca-Cola Enterprises are really keen to engage with students who can demonstrate the soft skills needed for successful careers within our business.

students who display these skills and tell them more about the opportunities we have for students of STEM subjects.

The STEM challenge is a great way for us to identify

Senior Professional, Talent Acquisition Coca-Cola Enterprises

Louisa Redfern

“

www.brightfutures.co.uk www.northstarevents.co.uk

GRADUATE & PLACEMENT

PROGRAMMES We’re looking for graduates and placements who like to make their own decisions. Creative individuals that like a new challenge, every day.

Talent that thrives on responsibility, autonomy and success. Unique brains that think differently - because we are different. Is that you?

Apply now at: www.tjxeurope.com/careers

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Training Conference 2013 Over the 16th and 17th of September City Bright Futures Society hosted the 2013 Bright Futures Training Conference at the Northmapton Square Campus of City University. 90 Bright Futures Society committee members from 37 different Societies all across the UK descended on London The conference delved into every aspect of what it means to be a Bright Futures committee member and of course how to run the most successful Society. With the April Awards Conference in the back of their minds committee members engaged and enthused throughout the two days.

The crowning point of day two was the famous speed networking sessions. We were lucky enough to have Bank of England, Bechtel, Centrica, Civil Service, Das, FCA, GE, IBM, Pinsent Masons, PwC, Santander, Tesco, Thales, TJX and Wragge & Co. Societies had the opportunity to spend ten minutes networking with these employers for the Society’s and their own benefit. I also had a pod to try and connect with as many committee members as possible.

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Throughout the conference the key points that were covered were:

• Who we are, what we do at Bright Futures and most importantly our Purpose - Finding ‘moments of connection’ - How it is the unexpected that surprises and influences us • How to run a successful Bright Futures Society - The importance of goals - SAS Communication – Succinct, Accurate and Speedy • Managing the 4 stages of development of your Society • Your ‘Future History’ • Improving your employment prospects • Speed Networking ‘Committee Capability’ was another key theme this year as the more capable your Society, the more successful it will be and also the more employable you, as committee members, will become.

We therefore launched the Four stages of capability .

• Learning – for a new Society • Established – for those doing all the fundamentals well • Experienced – for those Societies beginning to do more • Champion – for those who acgeive much more than just for their own Society This then gives you the ability to critically evaluate your current capability as a Society and set a ‘Goal’ as to where you wanted to get to and by when. Then, by submitting and sticking to a plan the Society can shape their own development throughout the year and move up through the levels. Your Achievement in this area will then be nationally recognised in a number of ways to help you stand out when job hunting.

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Keeping it Fresh The scoop on freshers around the country.

Freshers for a lot of people is now over. For some however it is only just beginning. It is an extremely exciting and often nerve wracking time.

We have spoken to Manchester Bright Futures who have been through the ups and downs of fresher’s weeks and fresher’s fairs already this year. Take note for next year or in some cases next week! Here is how they got on it what seems to be a really successful drive.

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Manchester Fresher’s Fair

by Andrei Garoseanu

After fresher’s fair we are as proud as anyone could ever be.

Everything seemed challenging at first: the number of people passing by was visibly smaller than last year, half of the committee was still outside the country, and due to the Students’ Union wish to put everything and everyone in one place we were allocated only half of a table to display our fliers and freebies. We did win “Society of the Year” last year, but we knew we have to step up and this put a lot of pressure on us. At the end of the fair, before packing up, we did some rough calculations and agreed on a nice, round, optimistic number: 600 So how did we manage to make ourselves stand out in a venue where every other society is competing to get as many sign-ups as they can, where local shops offer freebies galore, where people dress up as colourful as they can, and where

Dominos is giving away tons of free pizza?- By doing the exact opposite.

I believe the visual impact is what makes a difference in an environment as the one described above. Employability is a serious issue and it takes a serious people to discuss it. We took advantage of the banners and the matching fliers, provided by the national team, to showcase a professional attitude. The committee members were all looking sharp in their office outfits and the posters we printed out backed up our statements whenever we were giving students our elevator pitch.

I would personally like to thank my team for showing a lot of dedication in the last few days. Because of the big change in the structure of the committee from one year to the other, I would be naïve not to admit that it will take time until we develop a certain synergy between us, but I think we are on the right track.

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...that we’ve learnt at the Training C LinkedIn is a very powerful networking tool that is getting used by employers more and more each day. Here are my tips on how to develop a great profile.

• It is another way of communication with potential employers-If you don’t get a quick response from emailing them, then try them on LinkedIn as they may be overwhelmed with the amount of emails they get every day.

• Great for preparation towards telephone interviews or face to face interviews so that you can have more of a conversation than just about the company and yourself. You can also find out about what your employer has done in the past. Or different information about the company instead of just looking on their website.

• Use your own judgement of who to connect with - don’t go and connect with the CEO of a company if they do not have a clue of who you are unless you have spoken to them.

• It is great for getting recommendations- if you have worked with a connection on LinkedIn and you have done a good job see if they will recommend you so that potential employers can see how good you are from someone else’s personal view.

• Get people to endorse you or endorse them and they may endorse you back- Endorsing is getting people that you have worked with to emphasise the skills that they have seen you demonstrate whilst working with you.

• Uploading files- this is a great part of LinkedIn especially for designers as they can upload different projects that you have done throughout their University life. You can also upload your Dissertation or any portfolio which is great for potential employers to have a look at.

• Make sure your profile is always up to date and differs enough from your CV and any potential applications to make sure the employer is not reading the same information over and over again.

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Conference and other useful Information!

• Connect with friends as they may have some contacts that you would benefit from.

• Make sure you have a respectful and professional looking picture so don’t use one of you out partying.

• Finally make sure that you make your LinkedIn profile as professional as it can be and make sure that your Facebook and Twitter accounts are as private as possible and they are clean because employers will not only check LinkedIn but they will check Twitter and Facebook.

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Phoebe’s Pantry

B

In

u

Want to get plenty of Fresher’s to join your club or society at freshers fair or want to make these lovely cake pops then follow this simple recipe to help make any fair successful.

Ingredients: 1. Either make your own cake or you can use a ready made cake mix (any flavour) 2. 230grams of Cream Cheese, Softened 3. 260grams of icing sugar 4. 4 tablespoons of Butter 5. 1 tablespoon of Milk or more if necessary 6. Lollipop Sticks 7. Any decorating materials that you would like e.g chocolate and icing

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Method:

wl, into a bo e k a c k a e l. Br let it coo r fingers. d u n o a y r e o k a k c or Bake the it with a f le b m u r c g and then utter, icin b , e s e e h c the cream ip h w l th. w o ate b ntil smoo u k il m n a separ d sugar an ix owl and m b e m a s nd o the fingers a h umbs int r it c w e g k a in c e e mix Pour in th . Continu h t o o porated. r m o s c is in e y r ll u is fu until mixt ntil cake u g in d a e kn els a all. If it fe b a o t in the l roll til it is at ixture wil n m u e e h t im t if see at a Check to little milk a d d a n t the istency. s n o c t little mois h rig nd leave a lm fi g n h Cli er mix wit v o c e n o . ing is d the fridge When mix to rest in g s of bakin t e e h s 2 ll pare into a ba Pops, pre it e ll k o a r C d e n ix a king th his of cake m e When ma c of it. Do t ie p d n ll e a e m h s t a he k in ke them in t paper. Ta llipop stic e c lo la e p h t d k n stic ne a and then re has go u t ix m e k e ca harden. o t r e z until all th e e r f h a pan wit ll fi u o y sure that ve (make o t s e top so e h t h t r e n v o o e l t bow cola hocolate Melt Cho c e h t e c ot burn). pla n d l n il a w r e e t t ola wa the choc ps in the o ip ll lo e ip th melted d s a h e t la . choco hocolate When the melted c e then plac d n a e ir s ur de ate to yo r o c e d n er to set.

The z e e r f e h in t

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The TARGETjobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards are powered by 18

trendence

BAROMETER

GRADUATE

Winners 2013 RBS Award: Gr Award: Graduate aduate W Website ebsite of the Y Year ea ear e 2012/13 www.rbsbankyoubuild.com McKinsey & Company er - Consulting 2013 Award: Mos Award: Mostt P Popular opular Graduate Graduate Recruit Recruiter Global careers: www.mckinsey.com UK careers: www.mckinsey.com - UK BP aduate Empl oyer in the Ener gy and Utilities Award: Awar d: Bes Bestt Gr Graduate Employer Energy www.bp.com/ukgraduates PwC d: Ac counting and Financial Management 2013 Sect Sector or Awar Award: Accounting www.pwc.com IBM enticeship Pr ogramme 2013 Awar d: Bes Award: Bestt Appr Apprenticeship Programme General: www-05.ibm.com Appl Apply Now: www-05.ibm.com - Apply TeachFirst o e and the Jodie Bamforth, currently teaching in Yorkshir Humberr, won ‘Rising St ar’ at the annual nual TARGETjob A Awards Star’ for her outstanding work in the classroom. This category received the most applications of any of the night’s awards.

Find out about Teach First’s Leadership Development Programme

John Lewis ail Gr aduate Empl oyer 2013.

Award: Bestt Ret Retail Graduate Employer Awar d: Bes www.jlpjobs.com/graduates Rolls Royce opular Graduate Graduate Recruit er Awar d: Mos Award: Mostt P Popular Recruiter Engineering, Design and Manuf acture 2013 Manufacture For more information on graduate and apprenticeship opportunities at Rolls-Royce, please see our careers eer website: www.rolls-royce.com/careers Tesco Award: Bestt Use of Social Media.

Awar d: Bes www.tesco-graduates.com

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...............................................

Apple iOS 7

Everest

Tesco Groceries

Platform: iPhone

Platform: iPhone

Platforms: iPhone, Android

I know this is not strictly an app but it is a hot topic. Although it seems like it has taken them long enough from what I have seen it is worth the wait...for the most part. Apple have reignited their love for colour and created a really sleek interface that (in true apple fashion) does what it is meant to.

The introduction of the Control Centre and additions to Siri are great, the camera is now easier to use and faster to operate. iOS 7 is a great step forward for apple but they will need to do more to keep up with the quick advances that Android and Windows are making.

Learning another language? Getting to the gym daily? Eating your weight in bacon?

With this app, you can finally start working towards your life goals. Think of it as a social network for people who get things done.

Share your goals, get tips on how to break each down into steps, and track your progress towards a more productive 2013.

This isn’t an advert or a casual game featuring Jamie Oliver. Tesco Groceries is a fully mobile home delivery shopping experience, covering everything from booking your delivery slot to amending orders already placed. It uses voice input for easily searching for items, plus there’s barcode scanner support for identifying and ordering stuff direct from your cupboard.

It makes buying toilet rolls fun.

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Finance influences nearly every area of Aspen, contributing to its efficiency, profitability, and is vital to the company’s strategic performance.

Aspen

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance and reinsurance company that has been listed on the NYSE since 2003, employing over 830 people across eight countries.

company profile

Finance influences nearly every area of Aspen, contributing to its efficiency, profitability, and is vital to the company’s strategic performance. Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance and reinsurance company that has been listed on the NYSE since 2003, employing over 830 people across eight countries.

I have found being a graduate at Aspen incredibly rewarding.

The two-year rotational graduate scheme encompasses the main areas of finance, accounting and tax. It provides tremendous exposure to Aspen’s core operations which is at the heart of decision making within the business.

I had relatively little knowledge of the industry prior to joining but quickly began to negotiate the steep learning curve. Experienced colleagues take real care in teaching me and this thoughtfulness is a common theme of each rotation.

In addition to the informal support network provided by the teams, each graduate is assigned a mentor and a buddy to provide the extra direction and guidance necessary to begin a successful career.

Aspen funds Finance graduates to pursue the ACCA professional accounting qualification which is providing me with core skills in business and finance. The more I learn, the further I appreciate how the key skills acquired build on one another to develop comprehensive

To find out more about the Graduate Programme visit: www.aspen.co/Careers/Graduate-Programme 24

understanding, equipping me with an excellent set of skills and an internationally recognised award.

Besides the technical skills learnt on rotation, what stand out for me are the relationships I’ve built moving between teams.

Each team has a different culture and personality and the friends and teachers I’ve met along the way have been invaluable to me: accelerating my development and making it an enjoyable place to work. It encapsulates the friendly and collaborative culture of Aspen, one which I would strongly urge you to experience for yourself.

Joseph Bloomfield is a 2012 graduate working within Finance

Rolls Royce

We like the way you think!

Rolls-Royce is a global company, providing integrated power solutions for customers in the aerospace, marine and energy markets. We do this thanks to minds like yours: the kind that can see the logical and the innovative, can analyse and inspire – and that love to think as well as get hands-on.

There are hundreds of opportunities spanning a huge number of business areas – making the prospects for your future every bit as far-reaching.

Structured Graduate Development Programmes Our graduate development programmes give you immersive, hands-on experience through a structured number of rotations that vary in length. You’ll learn how the different parts of the business interact, gain an in-depth understanding and knowledge of your chosen area, working on live projects and get on and off-thejob training – preparing you for a future as an expert in your field, or broadening your skill base to develop your leadership experience.

Choose to join us in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Commercial, Customer Management, Purchasing, Planning and Control, Operations Management, Finance, Human Resources or Project Management. You’ll learn from some of the most respected, highly qualified people in the industry and be supported by individual mentors and development consultants. Eventually, you’ll be ready to take on exciting opportunities all over the world in areas matching your skills and talent.

Meaningful Internship Programmes Our internships will see you in real-life assignments designed to test you like never before. You’ll develop your skills and get invaluable practical experience within a world-class organisation – an excellent platform for your future success.

We run internships in Asia, North America and Europe. Join us for 6-12 months in Engineering, Manufacturing

Engineering, Finance, Project Management, Purchasing or Planning and Control. Or for 10-12 weeks on a Summer Internship in Commercial, Customer Management, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Finance, HR, Operations Management, Project Management, Purchasing or Planning and Control.

company profile

Join one of our graduate or internship programmes, and you could be involved in any of our latest ground-breaking innovations and global initiatives. To date, we’ve enabled land-speed records, designed the world’s most eco-friendly ships and powered nuclear submarines.

Think further ahead By playing your part in our pursuit of better power for a changing world, you’ll be adding your talent to our knowledge and technology – so that together, we can develop the best solutions for customers and the environment. Think the next generation of technology – products the market will demand 10 or 20 years from now.

Graduate or undergraduate, you’ll need to bring us real drive and a fresh approach, both of which are vital for success in our business. If you have these qualities, do more than think about the next step in your future. Think like we do – two steps ahead.

To find out more about a Graduate Career with Rolls Royce visit: www.rolls-royce.com/graduates 25

PwC

Your career is just that; yours. You choose it. You live it.

You make it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities. That’s why opportunities are at the heart of a career with us.

company profile

Opportunities to grow as an individual, to build lasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything. And we’re proud, based on the opportunity we offer, that students have voted us the number one Graduate Employer in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last ten years.

What we do

We help our clients create the value they want, from public and private companies, to governments and charities. We help to measure, protect and enhance the things that matter most to them.

Our offer to you...

• To be part of the world’s leading professional services network and enjoy the benefits that come with that.

• Work directly with big name clients where you’ll get to grips with the value they’re looking for by getting into the detail.

• Provide an environment where you’ll be able to explore new opportunities, to help you grow and find your niche.

• Give you access to the best learning and development around.

Every graduate enjoys a structured career programme, and many join career paths that involve study towards a professional qualification.

Where you could work: There are many areas of our business you can choose to work:

Assurance Actuarial Consulting Deals Tax Technology What you need to bring to us Your intellect, willingness to learn, ability to build relationships, put yourself in others’ shoes, while always making a positive impact with our clients and each other. For most of our programmes we take any degree subject

Take the opportunity of a lifetime. www.pwc.com/uk/careers www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK 26

The PwC deal

No matter which area of the business you choose to join, all routes offer the same deal. The opportunity to grow as an individual, to meet new people, and build lasting relationships that will stay with you for life. Your hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary and a personally tailored benefits package.

Ways you can gain work experience No matter what year you’re in at University, we have many ways you can learn more about us, but most importantly, more about you. You can learn where your skills, interests and career goals would best fit by spending as little as 1 day with us, on an Insight Day, or if you’re looking to make a longer time investment, you could attend a 6-week paid internship, or perhaps an 11-month paid work placement.

How to apply

We know that the skills and experiences you develop with us will stay with you throughout your career.

So join PwC. We’ll help you reach your full potential.

My Internship with Siemens so far‌

So far on my placement it has been extremely exciting and I have developed my knowledge, not only about Siemens, but also in a business context. My job role has already given me a great deal of responsibility and I really feel that I am making a difference to the team I am working in.

Many of my tasks see me interacting with all parts of the business, from engineering employees who are working on site, to finance employees working

in our head office. This wide interaction allows me to develop a fantastic network and has also helped me settle in very quickly. I have faced a number of challenging tasks, but I always know that my manager and the rest of the team are right behind me to give me any support. Having completed almost 3 months now, I can truly say that it has been a great experience so far and I am very much looking forward to my remaining time with Siemens.

but also competencies (such as team working, problem solving, communication skills etc) gained from work experience/extra curricular activities.

company profile

I started my 1 year placement with Siemens on 1st July and, as you can imagine, I was extremely nervous and a little ensure what to expect, whilst also relishing the new opportunity and feeling ready to face my challenges head on.

Siemens

I started my 1 year placement with Siemens on 1st July and, as you can imagine, I was extremely nervous and a little ensure what to expect, whilst also relishing the new opportunity and feeling ready to face my challenges head on.

Vince Todd Talent Acquisition Intern, Siemens

My main advice to anybody starting to look and apply for internships and placements would be to ensure that they have some form of work experience or extracurricular activity on their CV that they can talk about - many employers now look at not only academic ability,

Graduate opportunities at Siemens click here: www.siemens.co.uk/careers 27

Wragge & Co

You want to get experienced, not just qualified. And you don’t want to be turned into someone you’re not.

Our training contracts have one simple aim: to help you become the lawyer you want to be.

company profile

Wragge & Co is a UKheadquartered international law firm providing a full service to clients worldwide. The firm has 126 partners, supported by more than 1,000 people in offices in Birmingham, Brussels, Guangzhou, London, Munich, as well as affiliated offices in Paris and the United Arab Emirates. Committed to delivering first-class legal advice and a partner-led service, Wragge & Co is well known for its technical excellence, creative thinking and single team approach. Its broad client base spans everything from FTSE 100 and 250 companies and multinational corporations to financial institutions and hundreds of public sector organisations.

For its graduate programme, Wragge & Co looks for talented people with well-rounded personalities from diverse cultures and different backgrounds. If you’re intelligent, talented, willing to learn and work hard, you deserve the chance to prove yourself.

This means challenging you with early responsibility and exposure to some of the firm’s top clients.

You’ll be trusted with more work and greater responsibility if you’re willing, while always being given the support you need to develop into the lawyer you want to be.

For more information on how to apply, please visit our website: www.wragge.com/graduate 28

Why not find out if we’re right for you and if you’re right for us on one of our vacation schemes. You’ll experience life at Wragge & Co, meet our people and clients, and gain an insight into the firm, its work and culture. There’ll also be a healthy dose of social activities enabling you to talk to trainees and find out first-hand what life as a Wragge & Co trainee is like. We run vacation schemes during the Easter and summer in Birmingham and in the summer in London.

RPC

RPC Training Contract Applications for Bristol and London open on 1 October 2013 – Apply now!

Headquartered in a state of the art site in the City of London, we also have stunning offices in Bristol, Hong Kong and Singapore. Our open plan, collaborative working environment – where knowledge is easily shared and access to partners an everyday reality – is designed to bring out the best in our people and to ensure that the service we offer our clients is second to none.

And it is.

We provide top quality legal services to global businesses across a wide range of industry sectors and practices, including insurance, commercial litigation, construction, engineering and projects, corporate/M&A, IP and technology, media, real estate, employment and pensions, outsourcing, regulatory, tax and competition.

If you like a challenge and want to join us in challenging convention, we’re offering training contracts in both London and Bristol, on a full–time contract for two years.

company profile

Leading lawyers. Great clients.

And an unrivalled commercial approach to business. At RPC we offer a depth of knowledge and creativity that few firms can rival and combine this with high quality training programmes that are consistently lauded in the leading directories.

Twice nominated as Law Firm of the Year in 2013, in 2012 we won Insurance Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards, Corporate Team of the Year (midcap) at The Lawyer Awards, and Service Provider of the Year at the British Insurance Awards, as well as being voted by the Financial Times as one of the most innovative firms in Europe.

www.rpc.co.uk/manifesto or follow us on twitter @LifeinaLawFirm 29

If you joined IBM, what could you achieve?

IBM

company profile

IBM and innovation have always been great partners. Over the last 100 years, IBM has worked to make technology faster, more effective and more accessible.

Today, we’re focused on how we can make the planet a better place to work and live, by creating systems that improve people’s lives. Systems that can make energy grids more effective, improve water management, make healthcare more affordable and transform the global supply chain.

IBM employ talented, smart people in almost every area, in just about every country, so no matter where your talents and aspirations lie, it’s not hard to find like-minded people who share your interests. At IBM graduates will gain knowledge and experience like nowhere else.

You’ll also be challenged and supported to achieve everything you want in your career. And you’ll find everything you need to build the kind of career you want. But it’s up to you how it goes. You’ll be the one in charge, putting forward your ideas, taking on responsibilities and making choices about how you get the job done.

To make sure graduates get exactly the help and skills they need, IBM provide targeted training that includes a range of opportunities – from a formal mentoring programme and tailored skills and career development to peer support and professional development through monthly forums and the IBM volunteering programme.

For a graduate career with us please click here: ibm.com/jobs/uk 30

So it’s no wonder we’ve been voted ‘Graduate Employer of Choice for IT’ at The Times Graduate Recruitment Awards time and time again. Quite an achievement – but nothing compared to the great things our people go on to accomplish.

How much you achieve in life should not be determined by how much your parents earn. Yet in the UK, it usually is.

We believe in the power of education to change this. We are an independent charity working with others to give every child the right to a decent education. We train people with leadership potential to be inspirational teachers in schools in low-income communities across the country. These leaders go onto work in different sectors of society towards a future where no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background.

The Teach First journey begins with a unique two-year Leadership Development Programme – featuring a range of high-quality training opportunities and supportive coaching – that focuses on graduates’ ability to positively influence the achievements and aspirations of pupils and their access to further opportunities, both in education and beyond.

How the journey develops will be down to the individual, but Teach First will provide the support and the

opportunities to progress rapidly, while always staying focused on engaging with our vision.

Deadline: We recruit on a rolling basis and will fill our vacancies as we find those candidates that meet our competency and academic requirements. That means that the most popular subjects fill up very early, so we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

Selection criteria: • 2.1 degree or above, 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies) • Have a degree or A-levels that satisfy our Teaching subject requirements Grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English (Grade C in one Science GCSE is also required for Primary teaching eligibility) • Flexibility to work anywhere within our 10 locations around the UK. After these minimum requirements, selection is based on your ability to demonstrate relevant subject knowledge and eight competencies.

How to apply:

company profile

What is Teach First?

Teach First

Change their lives. Change yours.

To apply for Teach First you will need to register interest and fill in an online application form

Number of graduate vacancies: 1550 vacancies across 9 regions in the UK and in Wales.

We place participants in to primary and secondary schools. If you are successful at your assessment centre you will be made a conditional offer for the Leadership Development Programme.

The subject you teach will be based on the needs of our schools and your eligibility.

Salary: Competitive Teach First participants are employed, and paid by their primary or secondary school throughout the two years on the Leadership Development Programme. Salary is dependent on region you are placed in

To apply for Teach First you will need to register interest and fill in the online form : www.graduates.teachfirst.org.uk 31

Welcome from the Tesco Graduate Team!

Tesco

We wanted to extend a congratulations and welcome to university to all of you Freshers out there, as well as a welcome back to university to all of you returning from your summer break.

company profile

We wanted to extend a congratulations and welcome to university to all of you Freshers out there, as well as a welcome back to university to all of you returning from your summer break.

Whether your summer was about rolling in the mud in your wellies, earning some well needed cash, or emergency barbeques when the sun made a brief appearance, we hope you all enjoyed your summer.

Now, time for Freshers Fairs, Bun Fights, and the start of lectures and library sessions (no matter what you’re studying)! And maybe it’s time to start thinking about the first steps in your career. It might seem a long way off but the sooner you

prepare, the more opportunities that will be open to you. Plus, once you’ve got a plan, you can focus on the serious business of enjoying yourself.

Your lecturers and careers guidance team will be able to point you in a number of directions to find out more about different employers.

And another good place to start looking is right here with us.

Wherever you want to take your career, we can help. As the world’s third largest retailer, it’s no surprise that we’ve got more or less something for everyone – whatever your degree, we can support you in putting it to good use. You might be surprised just how far we can take you.

We have opportunities within Stores, Distribution and the Office – and with your help we can go a long, long way.

Over the coming months we will be telling you the wonderful things that our graduates have gotten up to, from sushi in Japan, to a new milkshake brand being launched nationwide in the UK! From Hinal to Kevin, they’ve got some great stories, and we look forward to sharing them with you.

Visit www.tesco-graduates.com to find out where you could fit in, and to start your graduate story.

32

Civil Service

Fast Stream is committed to improving the delivery of public services for everyone in society.

To do this effectively, we need to attract and retain the very best talent from diverse communities. This means we can access a wider talent pool, achieve strong employee engagement and strengthen the link between Government policy and delivery.

There are many different opportunities available, including specialist Fast Stream options for economists, statisticians, social researchers, operational researchers and for people with a strong interest in either IT or HR. There is even a programme dedicated to the Northern Ireland Civil Service and another for graduates hoping to build a career in the EU.

up a wide portfolio of skills. The range of exposure on offer is also impressive. Typically, graduates get involved in policy work, as well as frontline service delivery and corporate services, and there are opportunities to contribute across all government responsibilities, including education, health, the environment, the economy, transport, welfare, defense, justice, industry, and much more.

company profile

The Fast Stream is the Civil Service’s graduate development programme. It is ranked among the top five Times Top 100 Graduate Employers – and with good reason.

Preparing you for life as a senior leader in the Civil Service, the Fast Stream allows you to be part of solving the big issues and to have a real impact on the way the country is run. Whether you’re improving people’s employment prospects, widening access to public services, defending the country against natural disasters, or even shaping the future of the Civil Service itself, as a Fast Streamer you will always be taking the lead.

Wherever you join, you will spend your time on the Fast Stream moving through a series of contrasting roles. Each will come with its own unique set of challenges, enabling you to build

Deadline for all Fast Stream schemes is 31st October 2013 (accept for Analytical Fast Stream which closes 30th September 2013). To find out more visit www.faststream.civilservice.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter: @faststreamuk Join us on Facebook: Facebook.com/Faststream 33

Pinsent Masons

Want a career that’s everything you expected?

Apply Elsewhere

company profile

A career that’s everything you expected?

Sounds good – that is, if you already know where you want to be in five, ten, or even twenty years.

But there’s a wider business world out there – a changing international landscape that’s driving innovative responses and creating a new breadth of career possibilities.

Pinsent Masons is a full service international law firm with an office network that stretches across the UK, Europe, the Gulf and AsiaPacific region. Each year we recruit

www.twitter.com/PMgrads www.facebook.com/PMgrads 34

a number of trainee solicitors from a wide-array of backgrounds (about half have studied towards non-law degrees) who all share a deep interest in the commercial world and a passion for problem-solving.

This is your first step in a legal career that could see you rise all the way to become a Partner (part-owner) of the firm.

If you would like to find out more about what Pinsent Masons and a career in law has to offer you then you can follow us through Twitter and Facebook or meet us on campus later this year.

KPMG - Telling it like it is

As one of the largest graduate employers in the UK, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of graduate entry routes across three different business areas – Audit, Tax & Pensions and Consultancy – in 22 offices across the UK.

What’s more, our firm is growing.

Since a number of European firms merged to form KPMG Europe LLP, we’ve become the largest fully-integrated accountancy firm in Europe, offering our services to everyone from oil companies to music gurus. But it’s not just what we do that’s important. It’s the way we do it. That’s why our values are more than just a list of words. They’re a way of life here, underpinning the way we work with clients and with each other.

KPMG is a great place to start your career – and we’re sure you’ll think so too.

company profile

Graduate Careers in Audit, Tax & Pension and Consultancy

KPMG

If you’re the right kind of smart, KPMG may just have the perfect job waiting for you.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.kpmg.co.uk/careers 35

Bank of England

Applications are now Open!

company profile

As the country’s central bank, we play a fundamental role in the UK economy - ensuring monetary stability and contributing to financial stability. Our work has an impact on the entire nation.

Choose a career with us and you will have the chance to apply your knowledge, develop your skills, and truly make a difference.

Exceptional training and development in all of these will prepare you for early responsibility, but you’ll also enjoy an excellent work-life balance. We’ll stretch you, but in a way that will bring out the best in you. We see our graduates as a long-term investment and we know it’s an approach that works because many go on to build substantial careers with the Bank.

Upon joining, many people are surprised by just how friendly, welcoming, and open our environment is. It’s not the only surprising thing about us. So take a closer look, and see the Bank differently.

At the Bank we have several different programmes available to both Undergraduates and Graduates: • Economics/ All Discipline graduate Programmes • Postgraduate Programme • 8 Week Summer Internships • Year Long Sandwich placements • A Postgraduate Sponsorship programme • IT Graduate Programme • PhD Programmes

To look further into what we can offer, see profiles of some of our current graduates and to apply go to www.bankofenglandgraduates.co.uk 36

Centrica

Do you want the opportunity to win a prize you can’t put a price on?

Centrica offer some of the UK’s most rewarding summer placements. Now we’re giving you the chance to win a place for yourself and your teammates.

If that wasn’t enough, everyone who registers will be put into a draw to win an iPad Mini.

The Money Can’t Buy Prize is only 3 stages away

Stage 1: In teams of 3 to 5 students answer the question “What is Centrica’s role in the current energy market?” in 500 words.

The competition closes 5pm on Friday 22nd November 2013

company profile

Within a group of between 3 to 5, show us your understanding of the role Centrica plays in the global energy industry and help us educate your fellow students, then you could all win a two-week paid summer placement with us. It’s a great way to boost your CV, explore what we do and maybe set off on a longer career path at Centrica.

Stage 2: 10 teams with the best answers will put together a video to educate students about Centrica.

The videos will be hosted online and you’ll be required to encourage votes for your video.

Stage 3: The 3 teams with the most votes will be invited to present to a panel from Centrica for the chance to win a Money Can’t Buy work experience prize for each team member.

Find out more on: competition.centricagraduates.co.uk 37

Bechtel

At Bechtel we promote making the most of your opportunities. As a new term begins and new opportunities arise, how are YOU going to make yourself stand out?

company profile

Societies

Volunteer Work

It’s Freshers’ Week and you’ve signed up to 352 new societies.

You’re now stuck between building with the Lego Society or trying out for the Ultimate Frisbee team. The question to ask is, how involved do you want to get? The more involved you get, the more responsibilities you take on and the more connections you build, the more impressive your CV will look.

Take the initiative and find something outside of University Life to get involved. Build your wider contacts list and find out how others live outside of the University bubble.

Course Representative Being the course representative gives you access to senior University figures as well as gaining experience of being a point of contact for your peers. Gain an understanding of the different points of view on your course and broaden your contacts.

Meeting New People Starting University, starting a new course or living with new housemates can be daunting. Focus on the opportunities these people bring. At Bechtel, our employees come from diverse backgrounds which allow us to better understand the needs of our clients around the world. Meeting new people brings new opinions, new experiences and an appreciation of different upbringings. Expand your connections and gain a better understanding of the world.

At Bechtel we promote making the most of your opportunities. You never know who you’ll meet and where they’ll take you. If you’d like take the opportunity with Bechtel visit: www.bechtel.com 38

Right now, we’re changing the focus of the retail bank from products to customers. Another key focus is on continued IT investment and efficiency, with £490 million of planned investment over three years and continued improvements in customer service.

We’re also focused on recruiting exceptional talent into Santander UK in order to help build a strong pipeline of future leaders. Our graduate programme has been designed to provide the right candidates with a thorough and solid grounding to allow them to kick-start their career within Santander and their chosen

business area. We’re committed to making sure that development continues to be a much more significant part of the scheme, which is why our graduate programmes are usually offered in fields as diverse as Corporate and Commercial Banking, Finance, Global Operations, HR and Marketing, amongst others.

Because we give you a high level of responsibility from day one and opportunities to get involved in essential networking, CSR and business events, our graduates receive the knowledge and experience needed to realise their full potential. As long as you

Santander

company profile

We’re one of the UK’s leading personal financial services companies and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings products, with some 25 million customers, an extensive branch network, over 24,000 employees and more than 1.6 million Santander Group shareholders resident in the UK demonstrate the required level of skills and behaviours, show us that you’re committed to making things simpler, personal and fair for our customers, and have the passion and enthusiasm to succeed, our people will continue to find that we’re the perfect company to develop your career with.

It’s time to take the first steps in determining where your future could take you.

Visit www.santanderukgraduates.com and discover more.

39

We love analysing amazing applications

Thales

We love investigating the impossibly intractable. We love deciphering the dazzlingly difficult. And we love unravelling the unrelentingly unknowable. Why? Quite simply, because creating the most ingenious technological systems and innovations is in our business DNA.

company profile

From Software Engineers to Finance, Design Engineers to Business Management, we have a range of opportunities on offer for the brightest graduate talent.

To find out more and apply, visit www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com Check out our top ten hints & tips below on how to perfect your application. If that’s enough to whet your appetite, log on to our website for more helpful pointers on how to get ahead.

1. Before completing an application or attending an interview, research the company in detail.

Ensure you know why you are applying to Thales and your chosen role.

2. Complete all sections of your application and keep to the word count.

For more informtaion visit: www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com 40

3. Plan and organise your time.

Make sure you prioritise when completing time-limited exercises; allow plenty of time to get to your interview/ assessment centre.

4. Think about the skills we are looking for. Look at our competencies and get a feel for the company culture by looking at our core values and the company website.

5. Research competency interviews/questions. These are different to traditional CV based interviews.

6. Present yourself in a professional manner at all times.

7. Ask questions, this shows you are keen and means you will have a better idea about our business and whether we’re a good fit for you.

8. Familiarise yourself with the role and section of the business you have applied to.

9. If you are going to a technical interview, revise all modules of your degree course.

10. Be confident! We want to make you feel as comfortable as possible. The assessors are not looking to fail you. If we are inviting you to attend an assessment centre or interview it is because we have seen something that we have liked!

Looking to make an impact …?

Our international two year graduate programme is designed to give you immediate hands-on exposure, gaining on the job training from highly-respected professionals.

Whilst working in your allocated team you will undertake at least three secondments across the Group and overseas (to either the US, Europe or Bermuda) to enhance your commercial awareness, combined with professional study and a comprehensive training programme.

We will open for graduate applications from early October 2013 and be accepting applications until the end of December 2013.

Assessment centres will take place early 2014.

This year we are searching for Underwriters (based across the UK), Actuarial, Claims, Operations Consultants and Business Development Executives. Job descriptions and entry criteria will appear on our website shortly.

In addition we also offer a Summer Internship programme for undergraduates. As a Hiscox intern you won’t spend eight weeks watching others work or standing by the copier. You will spend a stimulating and rewarding summer gaining an understanding of how a modern, international business operates, as well as getting experience of the wider insurance scene.

If you’re interested to learn more about what makes Hiscox, and the insurance profession, interesting then visit: www.hiscoxgroup.com/graduates and select ‘Our People’ where you can watch a video of our current graduates.

company profile

We are on the lookout for intelligent, commercial and committed individuals to join our business.

Hiscox

Hiscox, a FTSE250 company, leads the pack when it comes to the world of specialist insurance. We are experts in protection of a wide range of personal and commercial risks, which are often too complex or too much trouble for other insurance companies to consider.

In addition to our graduate scheme we offer opportunities to join our business in entry level roles nationally all year round. A current focus is our new office in York, which opened in March 2013 and will grow to up to 500 people in the coming years. To view current vacancies across the Group visit www.hiscoxgroup.com/careers.

Visit www.hiscoxgroup.com and discover more.

41

DAS-Omnicom

What is Omnicom?

Think of it as “The Mothership”. The guardian of over a hundred agencies in the advertising, marketing and communications business (and a pretty big one too—with over 175 offices worldwide, working on over 5,000 brands like VW, Pepsi and the London Olympics!)

What is DAS? A network of Omnicom agencies that offer specialist marketing and communications services. Set up in the 80s it was essentially a “catch-all” for the services Omnicom didn’t know how to describe, i.e. everything in marketing and communications that isn’t traditional advertising, hence the name—”Diversified” Agency Services. So this includes loads of really interesting disciplines like Branding, Research, PR, Healthcare and Digital marketing.

company profile

What is Accelerate?

Accelerate is the Premier Marketing Graduate Programme run by DAS, the Marketing Communications group within Omnicom. The programme will give you four of the brightest, most enthusiastic graduates the opportunity to kick-start their careers by spending 16 months on placements across five different, world-leading agencies. You’ll hit the ground running, bringing your unique perspective to real client projects, right from the word go.

You’ll gain experience that takes most people years to build up and networking channels that others can only dream of. We’ll handpick agencies to suit your skills and support you with a personal training programme and dedicated mentoring right the way through. We also pay a competitive salary of £28,000.

• What key qualities are you looking for in a candidate?

We ask for a 2.1 in any degree discipline for our programme although we will consider each application separately.

Otherwise, we want passionate, interested, enthusiastic graduates.

• Some students might be worried they don’t have any ‘relevant’ experience (in marketing) if they’re doing a nonrelated degree. Is previous work experience essential? What ‘transferable skills’ will students have from their degrees that may be useful in a career in marketing?

If you are able to do some work experience/internships during your university holidays, it’s a great way to see if agency life is something you would like and to get more experience on your CV. However, previous work experience is by no means essential so don’t worry if you don’t have any. If you can show that you have researched the agency or company you’re applying to and have an interest/understanding of what’s going on in the Industry, that’s a great way to show how keen you are. Furthermore, if you can show campaigns or brands that you love and explain why, that’s another great way to get your passion across.

Being logical in your thinking and transferring this into the workplace is also essential in agency life as you will often be involved in planning a project or campaign so doing so in a logical, coherent way from the outset is invaluable. You will also need to bring in all of your personal skills to build relationships with peers, seniors and clients alike.

• How can you make your C.V. stand out when applying for a marketing role? What would your number one tip for C.V writing be?

Try to only include relevant information and if you don’t have loads of stuff to put on your CV, don’t try to fluff it out – a page or two is more than enough.

Even more importantly though, include extra-curricular activities – we love to find out who you are and what makes you tick so knowing that you play the drums or are on the rowing team helps us get to know you better and understand if you’re a team player or a leader for example.

Finally, if you are creative and like to think outside of the box, please do! We’re a creative industry and showing a little bit of creative flair can really help your CV physically stand out.

• What are the advantages of a graduate programme like Accelerate? What kind of placements could a successful candidate expect to be involved in? What would a ‘typical day’ involve? (if such a thing exists!)

The advantage of joining a graduate programme is that you are launched into a company with the structure and learning to guide you through your first 12 or so months there.

The bonus of Accelerate is that we rotate you around 5 top Omnicom agencies every three months – giving you more variety than any other graduate marketing programme we’ve heard of. We have a tailored learning programme where you’ll receive coaching from top business psychologists and we also fly you to New York where you meet top people within our agencies over there, to deepen your thinking and build your network worldwide.

A ‘typical’ day will vary dramatically – depending on your placement agencies – everything from branding to PR, research to digital and others besides. We can promise you no two days will be the same!

• Social media has become quite important in marketing now - do you have any tips as to how students can harness this to their advantage?

Absolutely – digital is at the heart of everything our agencies do so showing that you have a good handle on social media is a definite plus. Put links on your CV to your LinkedIn or Twitter – but only if you want us to see your profiles on each.

You can follow Brand Republic or Campaign on twitter to keep up to date with Industry news and as always - @dasaccelerate for news from us or @dasgrads to hear directly what our grads are up to!

• What is the best / most rewarding thing about a career in marketing / communications?

You can work with some of the top brands within some of the most creatively awarded agencies in the world. You can put your creative spin on something that you can see through from start to finish in a relatively short time span, providing real results for your clients. Finally, you will most likely be working for several clients on various campaigns so a career

For more information visit: www.dasaccelerate.com 42

in marketing communications can be a really interesting one – constantly changing, pushing your boundaries and exposing you to new, exciting projects.

• Would you be able to describe the recruitment process for Accelerate? Do you have any tips for assessment centres etc?

We ask you to complete your application online – uploading your CV, cover letter and a brand essay of 500 words entitled “A Brand I Think Needs a Makeover and How I Would Do It”.

To make your application stand out, try to do something different. We get so many applications and those candidates that choose an unusual brand have the bonus of not just being memorable but also being individual in their thinking – rather than having 40 other candidates makeover their brand in the same way. If you’re creative – show us this although if you’re not, don’t worry. We want to see your thinking behind the essay.

If you’re successful, we invite applicants to attend an open day where you have an interview and we tell you all about the programme, followed by a short networking exercise.

After this, we have a selection day – where you do a short presentation, another networking exercise and then we all enjoy lunch!

It’s difficult to say what other companies/agencies are looking for on their recruitment days. We at Accelerate want to get to know you. Our Industry is all about people and so we want to know who you are, to find out what you enjoy, to see how you interact with other people and to see how passionate you are.

This begins with your application – so try as much as you can to get your passion across. It may seem tedious completing applications online but ensure that you complete everything you’re asked to and upload the right documents – we ask for all that we do because we have to! With hundreds of CVs to read, we wouldn’t ask for anything we don’t need.

Finally, try to enjoy the recruitment days. It may sound silly but we want to get to know you as much as you want to get to know us and we want you to step away feeling like you had a fun day and that you want to come and work with us!

Best of luck with all of your applications and we hope to see lots of you applying for Accelerate this Autumn!