HirEd - Dec 2012

contents Editor’s letter p3 12 Days 'till Christmas p4-5 Don’t Miss the Boat p6-7 Feedback p8-9 Have You Heard About the HEAR p10-11 Winter Wellness p12-13 Success Story p14-15 Are you Undergraduate of the Year p16-17 Youth Employment UK - Step Up p18 The Apps Review Room p19 Company Profiles p20 p21: PwC p22: Kantar Worldwide p23: Hiscox p24: Linklaters p25: Thales p26: BPP p27: KPMG p28: Zurich p29: Accenture p30: Endsleigh p31: Aspen p32: Softcat p33: Bechtel p34: RPC p35: Ernst & Young

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The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Malcolm X

editor's letter Get the edge in the Graduate Market this Christmas With winter firmly settled in and the days looking pretty wet and gloomy, it’s not surprising that the dreaded flu and sniffily colds are making their way around students’ flats and throughout lecture halls. We have featured a great article written by Liggy Webb on “Winter Wellness” in which she shares 10 ways to beat the bugs and blues.

Many application deadlines will be coming to a close over the next few weeks, but what do employers actually mean when they say that an application has a deadline? We explain in our “Don’t miss the boat” article. If you have already experienced the application process but weren’t as successful as you’d hoped, getting feedback is essential in your personal development. York Bright Futures Society has written a great blog on securing feedback by reflecting on Einstein’s definition of insanity.

If that wasn’t enough, we’ve also explain the ‘HEAR’ and how it might affect you, given you 12 things to keep you occupied over the festive season, shared our top apps of the month as well as our regular round up of employer news and insight!

Come the next issue, we will be well into 2013!

So Merry Christmas and have a very Happy New Year!

Jackie HirEd Editor www.brightfutures.co.uk

e-zine

*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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As Christmas is hurdling towards us we wanted to make sure you made the most of the run up, so we have put together 12 tops activities everyone should dabble in during the festive season... Enjoy!

1 Decorate your room or student flat with a Christmas tree, some tinsel and lights. However, if you’re on a budget why not make paper chains and stack up those used beer cans in the shape of a tree.

2 Find an ice rink near you and show off your skills to your mates clinging to the walls.

You might have proper facilities or your city’s Winter Wonderland might have a temporary outdoor rink.

3 Visit a Christmas Market. A great place to get some cool and unique gifts, as well as fill up on Glühwein and Bratwurst. Find your closest market here: www.christmasmarkets.com 4 Watch some spectacular Christmas Soap Specials as well as movie classics like The Sound of Music, The Muppets Christmas Carol and Edward Scissorhands...

5 ...Whilst eating a whole mega tub of chocolates to yourself! (Join the debate now by voting on your favourite chocolates this Christmas - VOTE by clicking HERE)

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6 Get that feel good feeling by doing a spot of carol singing for charity, with your university Choral Society, with a group of friends or at your local church.

7 Don’t forget to send out all your cards to make it in time for Christmas! Buy cards that make a contribution to charity and ones that are made from recycled paper. That way you’re helping save the world in one fell swoop!

8 Have an epic snowball fight and build a giant snowman (granted this is very weather dependant).

9 Host ‘Fake-Christmas’ with all your mates and get the turkey on. Never cooked a Christmas dinner before? Have no fear, this website has it covered: CLICK HERE

10 Play secret Santa with your flat mates or work mates. Set a budget that suits everyone and lay down some ground rules on what is and isn’t acceptable... no one wants to receive a bag of penny sweets and some bubble bath.

11 Get the family around the table and play some festive games like charades, pass the parcel, Who’s in the bag?, Twister, Pictionary, or even Deal or No Deal! (But maybe keep ‘Ring of Fire’ and ‘Never Have I Ever’ for you and your mates only) FOR PARTY IDEAS CLICK HERE 12 Get that guy/girl under the Mistletoe ~ it’s a tradition after all! Here are some tips on ensuring success, or avoiding unwanted attention: CLICK HERE

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You’d think understanding what employers mean by a “closing date” or “deadline” was fairly self explanatory.

You can confidently assume it’s the date up until which you can apply for an opportunity, right? Technically, yes, but for many opportunities, if you leave submitting your application until the last minute you won’t be successful regardless of how good your application actually is.

Some companies will recruit on a rolling basis up until their specified closing date, processing applications as and when they come in. This allows them to spread the workload and have candidates secure in the pipeline sooner rather than later. They may even close the intake early if they have all places filled before the deadline.

So, if you think spending those extra few weeks perfecting your CV is a good idea, or that there’s no point in doing your application until the 11th hour, think again.

Some companies may well specify this on their website when outlining their application procedures so check their methods. If they don’t specify then don’t hesitate to drop them a

quite email to check, it shows you are dedicated and want to ensure your application is considered.

Some companies do actually state that they will not review applications until after the closing date, so it is in your interests to spend the time you have to make it perfect – there’s no excuse. BUT, if they don’t say it, don’t risk it.

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With fierce competition in the market for graduate jobs, the slightest advantage could be the crucial factor between approval and rejection. And I mean if it is disappointing news, you are in good company; there are very few people who have never been turned down.

So what do you do when you receive that generic email or, if you’re lucky, phone call with the bad news?

You try again, right?

But what will make this time different? Einstein, a smart man in

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his own right, said that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. The best way to improve your future performance is to learn from what happened last time. Often the question: “What is your greatest weakness?� comes up in interviews, regularly stumping candidates.

How are they going to answer this is they never ask for feedback from previous applications?

I mean, I know it can seem a little bit of a long shot at first. I would never have asked for feedback if it were not for the advice of a friend.

I thought that if they had feedback, then they would have already sent it to me. I thought I wouldn’t get a reply, that I would be ignored. But what do you have to lose? If you have a contact address from prior correspondence then you can get the attention of the person who checks that account, and if they don’t have access to your feedback then they will know someone who does.

Take the feedback on board and use it proactively. It is just as important to find out in which areas you did well as it is the areas where you need to improve.

Sometimes you might think that improvement may be impossible.

For example you might not consider yourself very good at leading presentations and can’t see how to

improve. This is all about knowing the correct techniques, after which it’s all down to practice. If you didn’t know already, the Careers Service host a variety of skills courses, including one titled Perfect Presentations. There are many other courses, so whether it’s Decision Making or Project Management that you want to improve there is a course for you.

There will always be an element of luck, but it is up to you to put yourself in the best possible position to get the career you want, and this all starts with acquiring feedback and moving forward, not sideways.

The very best with all your future applications, The York Bright Futures Team Follow York Bright Futures on Twitter: @BFYork Find them on Facebook too: facebook.com/BFYork12

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As a concise, electronic document following a standard template, the HEAR will be issued to students on graduation.

The aim is to encourage students to develop during their time at university but also to showcase their individual achievements to employers, postgraduate tutors or any other third party authorised by the student. The content of the HEAR will go well beyond classification to also include extra-curricular achievements. So, whilst including insight into programmes of study, modules passed etc, students will also be able to record non-degree related achievements verified by your HE institution.

These may include: • Being a committee member of a Club or Society • Any voluntary activity that has been recognised as being significant enough for inclusion • Completed language modules that do not form part of a student’s degree programme • University, professional and departmental prizes • Additional awards Having been piloted in a number of HE institutions over the past four years and is now expected to be rolled out across the UK from the 2012-2013 academic session. Students are by no means obliged to share any of the information, however, it is envisaged that

the HEAR will help to enhance employability or further education opportunities because it provides more verified information about the student.

The HEAR has great potential to bring a wide range of benefits to students, employers and HE institutions.

There is anticipated from many parties that the HEAR will become a key feature in differentiating and distinguishing the UK higher education system and highlighting us as a student-centred and quality-focussed higher education culture.

In a nutshell: • A supplement to the academic transcript • Issued across HE from 2012-13.

• Provides verified information about the student on both degree and non-degree

related achievements.

• Aimed to enhance employability and further education opportunities.

To find out more about if and how the HEAR could affect you; click on the following links to visit the sites for more information: HEAR, nusconnect, THE guardian

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1. Manage your personal stress

Stress is often cited as a nasty precursor to deflating your immune system and leaving you more vulnerable to sneaky viruses.

If you are feeling run down and over stretched it is time to slow down, sharpen your stress management skills and strengthen your immunity. This of course is easier said than done, so if you would like a stress management toolkit email: info@liggywebb.com for more tips and advice.

2. Exercise and energise

To keep your immune system healthy exercise is one of the best things that you can do.

Wrap up warm and go for a lovely big walk. This is even better than going to the gym because you will get lots of fresh air and natural daylight. The cooler weather is great to invigorate and stimulate the senses. Buy a pedometer to motivate yourself and aim to walk 10,000 steps a day.

3. Drink lots of water

Water may not be the drink of choice in the winter, however it is one of the best things that you can do to keep healthy and it is vital for all bodily functions. An important part of flushing out the bacteria is the actual flushing! So keep a bottle with you at all times and keep sipping it throughout the day. There are some delicious herbal teas available and these will also add to your recommended quota of 2 litres a day.

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4. Boost your vitamin C

Vitamin C is at the top of the list among natural immune boosters for your body. The research on the immune boosting properties of the vitamin has been extensive. So taking a supplement during the winter is a good idea or eating lots of delicious seasonal Satsumas is another good way. Hot water and lemon is also a great way to start the day and a much better alternative to coffee.

5. Eat yourself healthy

You can really protect your immune system by eating healthy food. Certain foods like garlic, ginger, tomatoes and onions are all great for warding off colds. Plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables will provide you with antioxidants and a whole host of vitamins and minerals. So let healthy food be your medicine.

6. Take Echinacea

Taking the herbal remedy Echinacea, according to research, can more than halve the risk of catching a common cold. It is made from nine species of herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae which are commonly called purple coneflower. It is available in liquid, tablets and delicious herbal teas. Visit your local health shop to ask for more advice.

7. Reduce sugar

Eating or drinking 100 grams (8 tsp) of refined sugar, the equivalent of one 12-ounce can of sugary fizzy drink soda, can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 40%. The immune-suppressing effect of refined sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for five hours! Although it is very tempting to reach out for those comfort foods and get a quick sugar fix, stop before you do and think what it is doing to your immune system which really needs all the help it can get!

8. Drink alcohol in moderation

Despite the fact that it is the season to be jolly it doesn’t mean it has to be artificially induced! Excessive alcohol intake can harm the body’s immune system in two ways. First, it produces an overall nutritional deficiency, depriving the body of valuable immune boosting nutrients. Secondly, alcohol, like sugar, consumed in excess can reduce the ability of white cells to kill germs and depletes the body of vitamin B, which can leave you depressed.

Alcohol, despite the association with celebrations, is best enjoyed in moderation with a maximum of 3 units a day for men and 2 units a day for women.

9. Wash your hands

With more bugs abound it is important to wash your hands often and well especially before eating as this is one of the easiest ways to help prevent the spread of infections. Also, if you have a cold and you use a paper tissue throw them away after each use rather than keep using it as the germs will continue to transfer to your hands.

10. Sleep well

A good night’s rest is one of the best ways to boost your immune system. The quality of your sleep is very important too so that you feel energised at the start of each day. Cutting out caffeine and alcohol will help. Try a warm bath with lavender oil and a cup of camomile tea - it will work wonders. Email: info@liggywebb.com for tips on sleeping well.

A leading specialist in modern life skills, Liggy is also a presenter, consultant and author. You can find out more about Liggy by visiting her website www.liggywebb.com. Follow Liggy on www.twitter.com/liggyw for updates, free toolkits and inspiration.

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Finding a new job with a new beginning can often be a daunting task. Working through the interview process trying to hide nerves and throw as many adjectives at the assessor is nerve racking, stressful and can sometimes feel like you’re on your own.

However, working with the brilliant people at Bright Futures, each process you go through is guided by a friendly and genuine recruiter that truly wants you to succeed. Working with Anna, I found all my questions answered with a high level of communication and support throughout the process, always wishing me luck and finding out how things had gone. Bright Futures could not be a more dedicated recruiting service where people truly are their passion. Through this company I have found a career path I very much wanted and a future I look forward to working towards. Even after offers had been made and accepted, Anna still remained in contact helping make sure contracts and housing were all in place in order for a smooth beginning. All I can say is thank you Bright Futures! I will certainly recommend you to all looking for their desired career.

www.brightfutures.co.uk

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STEP UP to the 12121212 Challenge Youth Employment UK invited some young people who have experience of youth unemployment to write the lyrics to a song for our Step Up 12121212 Challenge.

The lyrics were then taken on by a group of young people still in education who composed and produced the song Step Up. This sound track to youth employment is now available as a free download and we are asking everyone who supports young people in the UK to STOP at 12pm on the 12.12.2012 wherever they are and play the song,making some noise and showing their support for young people in the UK.

Will you pledge publically to support the 12121212 Challenge?

Could you get a commitment from your own network to download the song?

Will you stop at 12pm on the 12.12.2012 whatever you are doing and play the song?

Keep up to date with our campaign and who is supporting us through our Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/12121212Challenge

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You can watch the making of the song and download the track at www.12121212.co.uk

Quora

Astrid

Camscanner

Quora is all about utilising a community to ask and therefore get answers to your burning questions. So if you want to know more about something of interest or even something you are studying, you can pose a question and get first-hand knowledge from real people like doctors, businessmen and women, police officers, other students, economists, advertisers... the list is endless! You can build a feed of interests and see what questions other people are asking and help them by offering your opinion.

Getting organised is one of the biggest challenges for students from school, to university and into the world of work. This handy app uses voice add, fun reminders, and lists to help you keep on top of your to-do wherever you are with automatic syncing across your phone and Astrid.com.

This app allows you to take photos of any documents and convert them into a prim and proper PDF file. Its great for taking good quality snippets from your library books or newspaper articles that you don’t want to haul around school with you. The app auto-crops it, clearing any unnecessary background and enhances the image quality so that you can save, print, share and utilise as much as you want!

Price: Free Website: www.quora.com Platform: Android, iPhone, Online

Price: Free Website: www.astrid.com Platforms: iPhone, Android, Online

Price: Free Website: Click here Platforms: Android and iPhone

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The experience stays with you – Opportunities with PwC in 2013

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

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 be best learning and development around. Every graduate enjoys a structured career programme, and many join career paths that involve study towards a professional qualification.

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.

• A 2:1 or above in any degree discipline (some programmes do require specific degrees) • A UCAS tariff of at least 300 (or equivalent) The PwC deal No matter which area of the business you choose to join, and there are many to choose from.

All routes offer the same deal.

Opportunities to grow as an individual, to build lasting

relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything.

How to apply 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 nine years. So why don’t you take the opportunity of a lifetime, and join an employer focussed on helping you reach your full potential.

www.pwc.com/uk/careers www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK

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Kantar Worldpanel

In the UK we don’t quite leave our Christmas shopping until the last minute, but almost….*

Whilst you might want to leave it until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping this year, the same shouldn’t be said of planning in your graduate scheme applications.

At Kantar Worldpanel we know consumers like nobody else.

That’s why we’re top of the list to provide insight and trusted advice to some of the biggest consumer brands out there.

To find out more about how joining us as a graduate could launch your commercial career then visit us at: click here

company profile

*Biggest consumer spend in the run up to xmas is the 22nd and 23rd December (unless it’s a Sunday). KWP UK data from 2005 – 2011

We are currently accepting applications for our March/ September 2013 intake.

To apply, click here.

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Application deadlines approaching!

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. There is nothing grey about our business, and our graduate scheme is no exception.

company profile

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

Three of our graduate roles have now closed for applications. Our other exciting positions within Trainee Underwriting, Trainee Business Development Executive and Trainee Operations Project Managers and Business Analysts remain open until 28 December 2012.

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 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. The deadline for application to our intern scheme is 7 January 2013.

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

www.hiscox.com/graduates www.hiscox.com/careers 23

Linklaters

Vacation Schemes and Training Contract Applications

While many law firms are strong in particular areas, Linklaters is the only firm to have market-leading global teams across the full range of corporate, finance and commercial practice areas.

This, partnered with our culture of innovation, teamwork and entrepreneurship, means that we have built strong relationships with the world’s leading companies, financial institutions and governments and are asked to advise them on their most important and challenging transactions and assignments.

Vacation Schemes

Training Contracts

Our summer vacation schemes provide an insight into Linklaters for students in their penultimate year of study and UK and Irish universities. Students experience working in two different departments and take part in a programme of presentations, workshops and social events. Applications for summer vacation schemes taking place in 2013 are currently open (and close on 6 January).

Training contracts at Linklaters are built around six-month ‘seats’ in four different practice areas – often including a seat in one of our international offices or on a client secondment.

The Linklaters training and development programme is widely acknowledged to be one of the best of its kind in the world. Applications for training contracts commencing in 2015 are currently open (and close on 6 January). If you are in your final year of an undergraduate degree or beyond, you are eligible to apply.

company profile

Join Linklaters and you become part of one of the world’s most prestigious law firms – a global network of exceptionally talented, highly motivated lawyers working as a team and learning from one another to fulfil our ambition of becoming the leading global law firm.

For further details on our vacation schemes and training contracts and to access our online application forms, please visit our website at www.linklaters.com/ukgrads 24

We love analysing amazing applications Thales

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

company profile

As a major engineering and technology company, our work touches all of our lives – every single day. From BACS, the secure network communications system behind 3.7 billion secure electronic transactions every year, to in-flight entertainment systems for passenger planes and state-of-the art equipment for military aircraft, the scope and scale of our problem-solving abilities knows no bounds.

Talented people are the key to our success. So from the outset we’ll encourage you to become professionally qualified and give you the training to realise your potential. Our comprehensive Graduate Development Programme

(GDP) runs parallel with your Engineering role or placements on the Business Programme.

It offers everything from an introduction to our organisation, culture and processes to formal training in the form of seminars, specialist courses and visits.

We will also pay your annual membership fees for a relevant professional institution.

The Thales UK Graduate Development Programme is accredited by the following Engineering Institutions: IET, IMechE, Royal Aeronautical Society and Institute of Physics.

We recruit on a rolling basis.

Our application system is opened for a period of approximately one

www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com 25

month and then closed to reassess recruitment needs.

If additional applications are required the system will reopen and will subsequently be closed approximately one month later.

This process is repeated until our recruitment needs are met. So, in order to allow us to analyse your amazing application, we recommend submitting it as soon as possible at: www.ukgrads.thalesgroup.com *That’s Thales as in ‘Alice’ by the way.

BPP Law School

Your ambition realised

BPP Law School offers an extensive range of programmes and degrees spanning all areas of legal education. Whichever you choose, the focus remains consistent: to get you ready for life in practice, with the relevant training and academic knowledge you need to be successful in the next step of your legal career.

All programmes combine high quality classroom materials, personal tutor support and innovative technology, and are available on a full-time, part-time and accelerated study basis.

BPP tutors are a dynamic mix of legal practitioners and academics. They will impart the knowledge and skills to not only

company profile

For over 35 years, BPP has been helping legal professionals realise their ambition.

We are one of the largest providers of law courses in the UK, with a track record that speaks for itself; we train one third of all UK lawyers, and over 28 leading law firms choose us as the exclusive training provider for their employees.

help you pass your exams, but will help you prepare for work and stay competitive. Whether you study at one of our law schools or online you’ll receive the same professional learning experience, with links to top law firms and teaching of the highest standard.

For further information please visit: www.bpp.com

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KPMG

Cake or biscuit? Onshore or offshore?

company profile

Believe it or not, it really does matter whether a Jaffa cake is a biscuit or a cake, or whether a pasty is served hot or cold and eaten in the café or on the street.

And it matters whether all your cakes and pasties are baked in the UK or you outsource production to an offshore location.

If you keep up to date with current affairs, you’ll know people can get very hot under the collar about these things.

But that’s what our tax graduates tell us is so great about studying tax. It’s the intellectual challenges it offers. The worlds you find yourself in. And the fact that, no matter how complicated

or contentious what you might be working on is, there’s always a team of experts on hand to help you in any way they can.

Graduate careers in Audit, Tax and Advisory

To find out more, go to www.kpmg.co.uk/graduates

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As part of our two-year structured graduate programme, you might be supporting a critical workstream in one of our large business transformation programmes, developing your technical and analytical skills to deliver key insight, or working with major strategic suppliers to get the job done. We’re starting the transformation of our IT landscape, and there are

enormous opportunities to get involved, develop your career and make a real difference to our business.

For this programme an IT related degree is required, however this is not technical IT role and we’re not looking for people to write computer programmes, but a grounding in information technology principles and an understanding of systems development methodologies is the pre-requisite foundation on which your technical, business and leadership skills will be developed. As a graduate

company profile

Join Zurich as an IT Graduate Trainee, and you’ll find yourself in a role with plenty of responsibility right from the word go.

Zurich

We’re looking for bright, enthusiastic and ambitious graduates to join our IT team. So if you have an IT related degree and you’re looking for an opportunity that will build your leadership skills and give you responsibility right from the start, then Zurich’s IT Graduate Programme could be for you!

you will be exposed to a variety of roles, such as Project implementation, Service and supplier management, Business analysis and Technical, Data and Solutions Architecture, in order to that you gain an in depth understanding of how IT works in our business.

We have final assessment centres scheduled and we operate on a first-come-firstserve basis when filling our graduate opportunities, so if you’re interested please submit your application ASAP.

To find out more and apply, please visit www.zurich.co.uk/graduates

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Accenture

Kick start your career at Accenture on one of our Undergraduate Programmes Accenture can offer you the opportunity to launch your career in one of the world’s leading management consulting, technology services and outsourcing companies.

company profile

As an undergraduate student you can join Accenture for 8 weeks or 12 months and really understand what Accenture is about and the work we do for our clients.

Applications are open for our Summer Vacation Scheme and our 12 month Consulting Industrial Placements. Whatever your current situation, simply pick the programme that’s right for you.

Summer Vacation Scheme Do a little more with your summer, like gaining invaluable skills and an insight into the work of an Analyst.

In just eight weeks during July and August, you’ll get a real taste of life at Accenture. As well as

developing an in-depth understanding of consulting, you’ll start to acquire the skills you need to succeed here. It all begins with a week-long induction. Then it’s time to discover which project you’ll be working on. Wherever your placements takes you, expect to take on live work, which could mean being placed anywhere in the UK. Prove yourself, and you could be offered a permanent role for after you graduate.

Consulting Industrial Placement

while building your business and technical skills. Then it’s on to the live project work you’ve been waiting to get your teeth into, which could involve anything from testing software to undertaking research.

And with two appraisals, we’ll make sure you’re getting the most out of the experience. Perform well, and you could be offered a permanent graduate place.

Our undergraduate programmes are a great opportunity to connect with us early as you pursue the career you want.

On our 12-month placement, you’ll start with a week in London for a thorough induction. Here you’ll discover more about Accenture

Applications are now open; visit accenture.com/ukschemes to find out more.

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Endsleigh

Get Going with Endsleigh can help you to kick start your career…

Get Going with Endsleigh is the altruistic part of Endsleigh that provides guidance to students throughout university and to new graduates entering the professional world.

In recent times, we’ve seen that employability is a real issue facing new graduates. Although many students have picked up a wealth of skills that potential employers will be looking for; increased competition has meant that it’s more important than ever for candidates to clearly communicate the value of their experiences and skills in order to be successful.

That’s why we’ve created the unique tool, You’ve Got Skills. It’s been specifically designed to help final year students and graduates articulate the value of their skills in the recruitment process. Users of the tool are first asked to select the broad areas of experience they have, such as club and society participation or part-time employment. They’re then prompted to think about how their skills relate to competencies.

A structure is then given to help individuals relate their skills back to real life experiences. The result is a personalised skills profile that can be saved and used by applicants to help complete personal statements, CVs, application forms and interview preparation.

To access Endsleigh’s exclusive You’ve Got Skills tool and for further employment advice such as “How to create the right first impression”, visit The Hub. It’s your go-to guide for preparing, studying and leaving uni, brought to you by Endsleigh alongside students, graduates and industry experts.

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Endsleigh’s been working in the student market for nearly 50 years.

Although well known for providing insurance, our connection with NUS since our inception ensures our duty of care to students remains strong. We strive to stay relevant, meaning that we’re regularly carrying out campus research to better understand the lifestyle and challenges of students.

www.endsleigh.co.uk/thehub 30

Say hello to graduate opportunities: the best careers start at Aspen Aspen

You put your career first. And we put people first. That’s why Aspen is a great place for graduates to get started. It’s also a great place to stay and find your feet in the insurance and reinsurance industry. We’ve a whole range of graduate roles for you to choose from. So if you want to join a global company and learn about specialty insurance and reinsurance, then look no further.

company profile

Our underwriting and actuarial schemes are now closed but we have exciting graduate opportunities in a number of other areas within our business including risk, finance, IT and internal audit. Plus you’ll be joining a company that operates across the globe.

We’ve been in business for 10 years now and over that time we’ve gained significant financial strength – so you’ll be on board with a stable company where you can really enjoy all of the graduate opportunities available to you. Plus, our people-first approach stretches to customers as well as employees.

We understand that everyone has different needs – businesses and graduates alike. So we can tailor underwriting and career opportunities that fit the bill, making sure that your success and satisfaction are long-term.

So how do you get on board?

You’ll need a minimum of 300 UCAS points, a 2:1 or above in your degree as well as strong maths skills. We’re looking for enthusiasm, new ideas, commercial acumen, drive, ambition, and people who know the value of teamwork and strong working relationships.

Once you start, you’re not just starting a great job but an exciting career within a dynamic and international organisation.

And if that’s not enough, you’ll also play a big part in shaping our future – just like we’ll help to shape yours. What’s more, you’ll be working alongside some of the world leaders in their sector, helping you to become an expert in your chosen area.

Want to know more? Take a look at our website www.aspen.co/Careers/Graduate-Programme

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Christmas temping You may not quite see yourself as a shelf-stacker or helping harassed customers at the tills, but now would be a good time to put your pride aside and get applying. It might not be a graduate role, but many companies take on the best Christmas temps on a permanent basis after the Christmas period, their reasoning being if you can deliver results during periods of high demand and stress then you’ll deliver the rest of the year too. It might not fast track you to a graduate position, but it may open doors for you. More importantly, it will help to fill up your CV and show future employers that you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

Don’t wind down your job-hunting efforts now!

Many graduates make the error of taking their foot off the accelerator as Christmas approaches in the mistaken belief that companies don’t hire during holiday periods. Many companies, like Softcat, hire graduates all year round, as they continually seek raw and thirsty talent whom they can shape to their liking. Keep plugging away at the job applications, and keep an eye out for recruitment drives – you’ll be surprised how may businesses continue to recruit around the festive period.

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Are you bracing yourself for a Scrooge-like Christmas? Dreading making homemade presents out of coat-hangers and bits of carpet fluff? You’re not alone. Despite the fact that the UK is reportedly out of the recession, one in five graduates are still unemployed.

Not all companies hire graduates all year round, but don’t let this awaken your inner Christmas cynic. Spending time with family and friends around Christmas may reinforce your desire to find a job that you love, and prevent you settling for less in the long run.

Softcat

Graduates! Don’t dim your Christmas sparkle

Careers in London, Manchester and Marlow Softcat is a fast-growing company with a zeal for customer service and a commitment to employee satisfaction. If you’re interested in IT sales, you can find out about our graduate programmes and upcoming assessment days on our Facebook page, or on Twitter.

Alternatively call 01628 403 408, email: careers@softcat.com or visit our website to apply.

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Bechtel

When applying to Bechtel it is best to keep things simple... because we do!

company profile

Here’s our process: Look at our opportunities at http://www.bechtel.com/uk-grad.html

• Choose the position you want to apply for.

• Submit your CV & Covering Letter.

There are no tests to take and no assessment days.

CV & Cover Letter Tips Do your research • Companies have a culture – find out about it and decide if it is for you.

Don’t be generic • Reference the company you’re applying to in your CV and covering letter.

• If you focus your CV to the

company, you will come across as a focused applicant.

Be the difference • Many applications appear the same. Talk with friends, Structure your CV colleagues & family to identify • Identify which are your strongest what separates you from the crowd. skills & experiences and give them prominence.

Be professional • If you have relevant work • Check your spelling, punctuation & experiences highlight them and structure. A professional cover explain what you learnt. letter & CV is your chance to make • If you don’t have the work a strong first impression. experience but the skills, build a skills based CV and Don’t be disheartened demonstrate where you learnt • We’ve all had rejections, but these skills. one rejection opens up more • Relate your skills to the company opportunities, even if it doesn’t you are applying to. feel like that!

Give an Overview • Provide a brief paragraph on your CV giving a synopsis of why you are a strong candidate.

If you’re ready to apply. If you’re ready to be given real responsibility. If you’re ready to challenge yourself. Then Bechtel is ready for you. http://www.bechtel.com/uk-grad.html

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Insight Event – London

We have some of the leading lawyers in their fields and great clients, both in the UK and overseas. We offer a depth of knowledge and creative approach to problem solving that few firms can rival, and are regularly praised in the leading directories for the quality of our training programmes.

Headquartered in a state of the art site in the City of London, we also have offices in Bristol, Hong Kong and Singapore. We work in an open,

collaborative environment where knowledge is shared and access to partners is a reality. It brings out the best in our people and ensures that the service we offer our clients is second to none.

We’re looking to appoint 20 trainees from a law or non-law background, on a full-time contract for two years. You’ll work closely with a partner and are given real responsibility as soon as you’re ready to handle it.

On 23rd January 2013 from 3pm, we’re running an RPC Insight Event at our London office, Tower Bridge House. The event is designed to give you the opportunity to come

company profile

RPC is a radically different, modern and progressive City law firm, offering clients extremely high levels of customer service, expertise and creativity.

RPC

Want to find out more about what life in a pioneering firm is really like?

Interested in helping us shape the future of the profession? Or do you just want advice on securing a training contract? Then come and meet us on 23rd January 2013 from 3pm.

into the firm, meet partners, associates and trainees, and find out what it is really like to work at a progressive law firm.

The afternoon will consist of a Q&A session with partners and associates, a presentation, and an interactive skills session, and will end with time to network informally over drinks and nibbles.

If you’re interested in finding out more and joining us for the afternoon then please make an application.

Follow us on twitter @LifeinaLawFirm

If you are interested in attending the RPC Insight event on 23rd January please visit http://brightfutures.co.uk/home/events/insight-days.html and fill out the online application form

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Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young Leadership Academy Do you want to go further, faster?

If you’ve got drive and ambition, you can start laying the foundations for a challenging and stimulating career with the Ernst & Young Leadership Academy.

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Ernst & Young Leadership Academy Our three-day Leadership Academy is an elite programme offering those with real talent the chance to shine. We’ll team you up with some of our sharpest business minds to learn from their experiences.

Places are limited, so if you want to be accepted onto the programme you’ll need to possess the energy, ideas and commitment to drive things forward, especially in today’s tough climate.

Why do it?

You’ll learn a lot about yourself by questioning how you work, interact with others and

approach decision-making.

You’ll get an opportunity to explore your leadership potential and develop your influencing skills, with specific feedback on your personal style.

So if you’re up for a challenge and want to pick up the skills and self-awareness that will help you hit the ground running when you start work, the Leadership Academy is what you need.

Make no mistake: this is a demanding environment that will push you out of your comfort zone. You’ll be set tasks that will stretch and challenge you. It might be about exercising your logic, or inspiring a team of people into action. But we can promise that it will make you question how you work, how you approach decision making and how you work with others.

In short, it’ll give you a unique insight into how to use your strengths to reach the top.

You’ve done the Leadership Academy. What can you do now?

Take the skills you learned on the Leadership Academy and put them into practice on another Ernst & Young programme like a Placement or Summer Internship. Depending on which year you’re in when you complete the programme, you may even have the chance of securing a graduate job offer a year before you graduate.

To find out more and apply visit ey.com/uk/careers Applications open 3 December 2012 35