Your Guide to Career Planning n 2018-19
Careers Ser vice e www.imperial.ac.uk/ p //careers
Your su You success. Our go g al.
Have a voice. Have an impact. We’re Alfa. We’re a fast-growing fintech who bring our mission-critical software to the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Barclays and John Deere. We have a vibrant, supportive culture.
We have a lot to offer.
We believe in diversity of thought.
Alfa employees are creative, dynamic and hardworking. We hold numerous team events that bring us together. We’ve grown to become a global player, but we’ve kept our small company feel.
We offer a range of roles in both consulting and development, many as international secondments. Our comprehensive training will school you in Java and our entire tech stack, allowing you to carve out your own unique career. We also offer an excellent benefits package and a £40k starting salary.
You don’t need a technical degree to work with us, but you will demonstrate a genuine interest in learning how to develop software, as well as outstanding talent and achievement, including an excellent academic record (a 2:1 degree and As and Bs at A-level).
Apply for one of our graduate positions today. alfasystems.com/careers
Welcome
Welcome! Step inside for help with your career It’s never too early to start thinking about your career and the important question that you will be considering about your future: ‘What will I do after I finish my studies at Imperial?’ This guide contains lots of information, tips and case studies to help you as you start to plan. The Guide is aimed at both undergraduates and postgraduates, and it will lead you through a process of considering your options and assisting you toward making that all-important and well informed decision about your future. Successful career planning starts early and the more time and thought you give it the likelihood is you will transition to a successful and positive outcome after you leave the College. Companies will expect you to not only do well academically, but also to start to widen your outlook professionally, gaining vital skills that are transferable to the workplace. There are many opportunities to do this while at Imperial and I do hope you will find time to engage with and enjoy the various activities and societies that will be available to you. Volunteering, internships, sports and other activities will help you develop and also enable you to meet and mix with a variety of people from all over the world. Employers love this international outlook and you should embrace it as well. The Careers Service is here to help you from day one. We will work with you whether you have a firm plan about your career or you are still kicking around a few ideas. We offer one-to-one advice, workshops, seminars and comprehensive online resources. We also work closely with your Department and you will see Careers Service staff during your time here at Imperial. The Careers Service has built up years of experience with key employers and companies and we run a comprehensive series of events throughout the year. These include careers fairs, forums, company presentations and a mentoring scheme. We also invite employers to come in to talk directly to you in our popular lunchtime talks. Our online system JobsLive has live and up-to-date information on placements, internships and graduate vacancies, which is aimed specifically at Imperial College students. Do visit our website www.imperial.ac.uk/careers to find out more and to register with JobsLive. Remember, timing is important. Most companies will start their recruitment process for internships and graduate jobs early in the autumn term. Every year I speak to disappointed students who feel they left it too late. Don’t let that be you! We all look forward to helping you and wish you every success.
Contact us Imperial College Careers Service Imperial College London Level 5, Sherfield Building South Kensington Campus London SW7 2AZ
Contact us Jason Yarrow, Director, Careers Service, Imperial College London
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Tel: 020 7594 8024 www.imperial.ac.uk/ careers
Opening times 10.00am–5.15pm Monday to Friday
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
1
Inside this guide An international career 21 Working in the UK for international and EEA students 22 The global graduate
Postgraduate study 25 Postgraduate study
Imperial and your career 4
Your career starts now
5
Here to help
Applications and interviews 29 Skills employers love
8 JobsLive in three easy steps
30 First impressions count – CVs
9
34 Top tips for cover letters
Life after Imperial
10 Start now to get ahead
36 Ace applications
Planning and developing your career
37 How to succeed at assessment centres 40 In the interview hot seat
14 Develop your career step by step 16 Make work experience work for you 18 Networking 19 Social media
Produced by GTI Media Ltd The Fountain Building Howbery Park Benson Lane Wallingford Oxon OX10 8BA UK T: +44 (0)1491 826262 www.groupgti.com
2
Editor Victoria Sood Editorial Emily Dunn Proofreader Vanessa Lindsey Advertising Adam Gillespie, sales product champion; the TARGETjobs sales team;
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
the campaign management team Design Jane Anderson Commercial director Jon Mallott Sales director Simon Rogers Production director Jane Anderson
Group CEO Graham Storey ISSN: 1479-8964 ISBN: 978 1 912625 00 0 Printer Stephens & George
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Jobs and course providers 43 Leading employers and course providers who want to hear from you
Employers Alfa ..........................................(IFC), 44 APT ..................................................44 Baillie Gifford..................................(45) BNP Paribas Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB) ................................44 Capital One ......................................44 Dixon Wilson ..................................(46) EY-Parthenon ....................................46 The Frontline Organisation ..............(47) FTI Consulting ................................(47) G-Research ............................46, (OBC) Glencore ........................................(48) HSBC Bank Plc ..................................49 J A Kemp ..........................................49 Johnson Matthey ..............................49 Kerry ................................................49 L.E.K. Consulting................................51 Metaswitch ..............................51, (IBC) Newton ............................................51 OC&C Strategy Consultants ................51 RBB Economics LLP ..........................52 Sky ................................................(52) Teach First ................................(42), 52 Teneo Consulting ..............................53 ThoughtWorks ................................(53) TPP ..................................................53
Course providers Aston University..............................(56) IFC = inside front cover OBC = outside back cover IBC = inside back cover ( ) = Display advertising
At your Careers Service website Go to www.imperial.ac.uk/careers for... • jobs and opportunities you won’t want to miss – register on JobsLive • answers to your questions on topics ranging from further study to how we can help you get that job • downloads/audio presentations from careers events • information for international students
And don’t forget Go to targetjobs.co.uk to find your ideal graduate job, work placement or parttime job. You can search thousands of vacancies by sector and location, as well as access top-notch careers advice. And go to targetpostgrad.com if you’re considering postgraduate study. Find the right course for you, as well as advice on funding and how your postgraduate study options affect your career prospects.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
3
Imperial and your career
Your career starts now Make the most of everything you do at Imperial, and get the best possible start to your career.
I
mperial College London isn’t just a great place to study – the employment prospects are excellent too. A wide spectrum of firms, not just those who are active in science and engineering, want to recruit Imperial graduates. These include many large multinational firms, but these aren’t the only option – you could start your career in smaller organisations or start-ups.
Meeting employers From as early as the start of your second year, take every opportunity to meet employers on campus. Some big firms start recruiting for summer internships well before Christmas, so keep your eye on Careers Service events, including fairs,
I used the Imperial Careers Service in a number of ways to help me in my job search. One thing I found particularly useful was JobsLive – it was handy for seeing upcoming careers talks and fairs, as well as vacancies.
forums, lunchtime talks and workshops. Fairs – enable you to meet many companies at the same time, to collect information on them and compare opportunities. Forums – provide an opportunity to find out more about careers in a specialist area, by listening to, and networking with, a panel of professionals. Lunchtime talks – are 50-minute talks, usually by graduate employers, which give a taster of different career areas or a look at recruitment processes. Employer presentations – may be on or off campus and aim to promote an organisation and the career opportunities it offers. You can meet representatives, including recently recruited graduates,
Events in 2018–2019
22 Nov Career Options in SMEs/Start-Ups 6.30pm–9.00pm
The following events are organised by the Careers Service:
Spring 2019
3 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct
18 Oct 25 Oct
Finance & Consulting Careers Fair (Day 1) 5.00pm–8.00pm Finance & Consulting Careers Fair (Day 2) 5.00pm–8.00pm Career Options in the Energy Industry 6.30pm–9.00pm Life & Health Sciences Event (Crick) 4.30pm–7.30pm Engineering Careers Fair 11.30am–4.00pm Career Options in Consulting 6.30pm–9.00pm Environment Week
w/c 29 Oct 1 Nov Career Options with Science 6.30pm–9.00pm 7 Nov I.T. & Technology Careers Fair (Day 1) 5.00pm–7.30pm 8 Nov I.T. & Technology Careers Fair (Day 2) 5.00pm–7.30pm 13 Nov Internship Careers Fair 5.00pm–7.30pm 15 Nov Career Options in Manufacturing 6.30pm–9.00pm w/c 19 SME/Enterprise Week Nov (Santander Launch)
4
17 Jan
Autumn 2018
15 Oct
Batool Raza, Alumnus Biology with Management (2015), now HR Associate at GSK
and find out more about the company’s culture and what people do day to day. Employer-led skills workshops – offer further opportunities to develop skills to help you succeed, e.g. application writing, interviews and assessment centres, as well as important commercial skills such as presenting and negotiating. These workshops take place on Wednesday afternoons, giving you the chance to show the employer your proactive approach and your interest in self-improvement, whilst finding out more about what they do. Workshops are comprised of interactive business games and case studies, giving you another opportunity to prepare yourself effectively for a range of professional and business sectors.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
w/c 21 Jan 24 Jan w/c 28 Jan 31 Jan 7 Feb
Career Options with a PhD 6.30pm–9.00pm Science Communication & Policy Week Science Careers Fair 5.00pm–7.30pm NFP/Charity Week (Charity Insight Launch) Career Options in NFP/Charity 6.30pm–9.00pm LGBT+ Careers Networking (LGBT History Month) 6.00pm–9.00pm Data & Analytics Week
w/c 11 Feb 12 Feb Data & Analytics Forum 6.30pm–9.00pm 14 Feb Data & Analytics Fair 21 Feb Career Options for Women Graduates 6.30pm–9.00pm
Summer 2019 9 May PhD Careers Fair 5.00pm–7.30pm 16 May Summer Recruitment Fair 5.00pm–7.30pm 23 May Research Forum 6.30pm–9.00pm To find out about more events and to book, register on JobsLive at www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/jobslive.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Imperial and your career
Jason Yarrow Director
Here to help
Richard Carruthers Deputy Director
From work placements and job opportunities to further study and careers advice, we’re here to help. Mark Allen Careers Consultant
he Careers Service provides a wide range of resources. These include: • comprehensive information, advice, vacancies etc – all accessible online at www.imperial.ac.uk/careers the Careers Information Room – you’re welcome to come in and browse at any time, pick up take-away handouts and publications, consult reference files, use the computers or find a space just to sit and read events such as careers fairs, talks and workshops that put you in touch with employers workshops and seminars run by our team of careers consultants and placement and internship advisers, to assist you with CVs, applications, or the interview and assessment centre process and last, but not least, confidential oneto-one appointments with a careers consultant for guidance on careersrelated issues.
T •
•
•
•
Start with our website www.imperial.ac.uk/careers This comprehensive resource meets many of your information needs: • the career planning section encourages you to reflect on yourself, your skills, qualities and interests and how these relate to possible careers • the website offers a wide range of information such as handouts, publications, downloads of events and talks, useful tips and videos on every aspect of the graduate recruitment process from CVs to preparing for psychometric tests • the careers, occupations and job sectors section will help you find out more about different careers available.
Events and Marketing Assistant
Leanna Bovell Information Adviser
Robert Carpenter Employer Liaison Manager
Madelaine Chapman Careers Consultant
Katie Dallison Careers Consultant
Search and book online with JobsLive By registering with JobsLive on www.imperial.ac.uk/careers you can access the following: • details of job opportunities such as graduate positions, training programmes, internships, part-time work and volunteering opportunities • a database of employers by job type, industry sector etc • employer events such as occupational talks, company presentations, careers fairs, forums, and employer-led skills workshops • careers and internship consultations and workshops.
My experience with the Careers Service has always been positive. On the few occasions where I was able to make an in-person appointment, the advisers have been friendly and put in effort in explaining what they thought of my CV and cover letter. It’s also really helpful to be able to receive feedback via email for those who aren’t based on campus. Aeronautical Engineering with a Year in Industry student (MEng 5YFT)
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Alex Ashbee
Mamie Gonzalez Barden Administration Assistant
Maria-Grazia Lounes Administration Assistant
Norma McEnery Placement and Internship Adviser
Richard Marshall Information Manager
Rhiannon Penny Placement and Internship Adviser
Jane Pooler Careers Consultant
Victoria Sood Careers Consultant
Elena Virlan Information Adviser
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
5
Imperial and your career
Helpful staff I found the Careers Service really useful. It helped me understand the job application process and decide which career path I wanted to follow. I found the drop-in sessions that the Careers Service organises within the Department of Civil Engineering particularly useful: you get specific and tailored guidance and it’s much easier to discuss your situation in person.
Matteo Novati, MSc Transport (2015)
The careers consultant’s role isn’t to tell you what job to do or match you up with specific employers but to provide advice and guidance on how to move forward, make decisions and promote what you have to offer more effectively.
How to contact us Level 5, Sherfield Building South Kensington Campus Tel: 020 7594 8024 Email: careers@imperial.ac.uk www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Opening times Monday to Friday, 10.00am–5.15pm, including vacations.
6
Careers seminars and workshops
Departmental careers advisers
As well as the careers talks by careers staff in your department, which you’ll hear about from them or from your departmental careers adviser, a rolling programme of central seminars on topics such as CVs, interviews and assessment centres is also run in the Careers Service. These are bookable via JobsLive. As a first step to producing an effective CV, we suggest that you attend a CV seminar, apply the tips and suggestions given to your own CV, and then, if you still have queries, book a 20-minute consultation with a careers consultant for feedback.
Remember, your academic department also has a departmental careers adviser whom you can contact for advice on degree-related careers as well as on postgraduate study and research.
Getting advice from a careers consultant Our team of professionally qualified and experienced careers consultants offers you confidential, one-to-one guidance about any issue related to planning your career, such as your career options, how to find out more about opportunities of interest to you, deciding on your next step, getting feedback on your CV or helping to prepare for interviews. If you’re located away from South Kensington Campus, you can also request a telephone or Skype consultation instead. Contacting us by email: you can also email your questions to careers@imperial.ac.uk and we will point you in the right direction.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
If you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia On our website we have advice on disclosing disability along with links to relevant resources and videos you may find useful. Just go to www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/applicationprocess/equality-and-diversity. Also we publicise events run by organisations and employers specifically for students with a disability. Just sign up in your JobsLive profile settings. The College’s disabilities advisers can also be contacted for further guidance: Disability Advisory Service Room 566, Sherfield Building Tel: 020 7594 9755 Email: disabilities@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Careers Information Room Come to the Careers Information Room to browse, access reference materials, use one of the PCs for your research and pick up information, booklets or leaflets of interest. Much of the information is there for you to take away (free).
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Imperial and your career
Hard copy and online information is organised as follows: • exploring your options • exploring occupations or further study • exploring working abroad • applying for jobs • company information. The information team is always on hand to help point you in the right direction and a comfortable study area is
available, enabling you to make the most of your visit. Examples of resources for you to take away are: • handouts written by careers staff on every aspect of career planning, e.g. getting started, researching your options, producing an effective CV, coping with psychometric tests or other
selection-process exercises, postgraduate study, etc • TARGETjobs publications on a range of job sectors such as engineering, finance, law or consultancy • Inside Careers publications on a range of occupations. A wealth of information on occupations can also be found online: www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/occupations.
What advice and guidance do we offer? What’s available?
What is it?
Why do it?
Careers consultation
20 minutes with a member of the careers staff. Book online on the same day via JobsLive.
An ideal starting point for specific questions, e.g. feedback on your CV, cover letter or application form.
Internship consultation
20 minutes with a placement and internship adviser. Book online on the same day via JobsLive.
Advice on finding and applying for internships and placements.
Careers consultation (40 minutes)
A 40-minute one-to-one session with a careers consultant. Available on a referral basis after an initial 20-minute session, you can then book online in advance via JobsLive.
Allows detailed discussion about your options. Helps you to focus on what you want and form strategies to achieve your goals.
Quick CV/cover letter check
15-minute CV or cover letter checks, run by a trained team of Imperial PhD students, are available to students up to MSc level. Book online on the same day via JobsLive.
This is a great opportunity to have a quick review of your CV or cover letter and receive useful hints and tips.
Careers seminars
A weekly programme of seminars on a range of topics given by members of the careers staff.
You get information on CVs, interviews or assessment centres. Seminars are run to coincide with different stages in the recruitment cycle.
Develop and practise your skills in an activity-based Workshops on interviews and small-group workshop, facilitated by a careers staff assessment centre tasks member.
Employer-led skills workshops and talks
A full programme of occupational and skills talks and workshops given by external speakers. Check the Career Choice publication and JobsLive for details in the autumn and spring terms.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Good if you’re about to attend an interview or assessment centre or simply want to have a go and improve your skills in activities such as group exercises, in-tray exercises, presentations and interviews. You can become better informed and better prepared for the selection process by attending these. You can find out more about a range of careers or develop your teamwork, interview or presentation skills, or practise a ‘case study’.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
7
Imperial and your career
JobsLive in three easy steps JobsLive is the Careers Service’s online jobs, appointments and events system.
Y
ou can book online to see a careers consultant or placement and internship adviser. You can also book to attend events and search for vacancies and employers from a database of thousands of organisations.
Step
1
Step
2
Step
3
Go to JobsLive Go to JobsLive www.imperial.ac.uk/ careers/jobslive.
Log in Log in with your Imperial College login.
Update your profile From ‘My Profile’, select ‘Update Profile’. Set your profile settings to receive daily or weekly email alerts about job vacancies and events, according to the types of work that interest you. You can also browse vacancies, internships and the large employer directory. It’s a good idea to subscribe to the weekly careers email, which keeps you informed about all Careers Service events and news. There are further tips on how to use JobsLive on our website.
Enjoy! Now you are ready to search for job vacancies, receive email alerts and book events or 20-minute consultations with careers staff!
8
I used JobsLive to find the latest vacancies relevant to my interests, including part-time jobs, full-time jobs and internships – all of which I was looking for throughout university! Being able to select preferences meant I could be emailed when relevant vacancies came up. It was while browsing through recent vacancies that I noticed an internship at GSK – I wasn’t actually looking for anything in particular, but decided to apply. Through this internship, I then ended up on its graduate scheme. JobsLive led me to my current role.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
Batool Raza, Alumnus Biology with Management (2015), now HR Associate at GSK
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Imperial and your career
Life after Imperial Find out more about the prospects for Imperial students when they graduate.
O
ptions for Imperial’s science and engineering graduates are superb and wide-ranging. Many careers are open to students with any numerate degree and the quality of an Imperial degree means that our graduates are in demand.
Popular sectors for Imperial graduates Of those graduating with first degrees in 2016, 56.5 per cent went into employment. The most popular sector was healthcare – due to the degree in medicine. If medics are excluded from the figures here, the three next most popular sectors were banking and finance 20.5 per cent, technical consulting 17.1 per cent and I.T. 16 per cent. The ‘other business activities’ sector (13.45 per cent) is diverse, covering the legal profession, marketing, advertising, retail, property and recruitment, with a mixture of professional, permanent jobs, plus temporary work (typically in retail) with graduates paying off debts while continuing to seek a career position. What about the rest? About 5.25 per cent of Imperial graduates take time off after studying to travel the world, building confidence and developing their skills in the process. Sadly, unemployment is the initial experience for 4.8 per cent of graduates, six months after graduation. If you find yourself in this position, remember that support is still available to you from the Careers Service for a few years. Be flexible and proactive in your job search and network actively. Consider voluntary work or getting involved in community projects to develop ‘soft skills’ too. And remember that your degree will continue to remain attractive to employers in the future.
Surveys
We’ll support you during the initial years after graduation to help you build on your success and take the next step in your career. You can attend events and book appointments plus you can also build skills by becoming a mentor to a current student.
To continue to have these figures, we rely on graduates letting us know about first jobs by completing the Graduate Outcomes questionnaire, so please fill this in and return it to us. All information is treated in confidence Richard Carruthers, Deputy Director, and stored and used in accordance Imperial College London with the General Data Protection Regulation. All universities collect this data for the Higher Education Statistics Agency, which publishes indicators of employment and other statistics and helps the College provide anonymous examples of career destinations to present students. per cent of graduates (international). Salaries Courses range from PhD and MSc, to vocational training or even another We collected salary details from 509 degree (e.g. in medicine). graduate responses, and the average In 2017, over 40 per cent of graduates salary was £32,545. from earth sciences and engineering, Postgraduate study physics and life sciences went on to further study, many choosing to stay at Further study beckons for 28.8 per cent Imperial to do this. of graduates (home and EU) and 50.41
More information More details of graduate destinations for your subject area can be found on our website – www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/ destinations.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
9
Imperial and your career
Start now to get ahead It’s never too early to start building your skills base and enhancing your employability. Find out what you can do at Imperial, whichever year you are in.
First year timeline September Enrol on Imperial Horizons Log in to JobsLive and set your profile
October Join clubs and societies and get involved with university life Check deadlines for Spring Insight schemes and Summer Internships Attend careers workshops and events around CVs and applications Submit applications for Spring Insight schemes and Summer Internships with upcoming deadlines
November/December Submit applications for Spring Insight schemes and Summer Internships with upcoming deadlines
January Look for volunteering opportunities or part-time work Look for summer work or work experience Consider setting up a LinkedIn profile
February Imperial Charity Insights opens for applications Imperial Alumni Mentoring applications open If your summer plans are not yet finalised, consider booking an internship consultation to discuss making the most of the upcoming summer break Imperial work shadowing applications open for Easter opportunities
March Spring Insights take place
April Santander Internships advertised on JobsLive for upcoming summer
May Imperial work shadowing applications open for summer opportunities Enrol on Imperial Horizons for second year
General advice for first-year students Imperial Horizons Programme This will help you to see your subject in a broader societal and multidisciplinary context and provide you with opportunities to work and debate with students from other departments. Research different possible careers Attend events run by the Careers Service, research different sectors, go to careersfocused events, visit company and careers advice websites. A good starting point is seeing what Imperial graduates do when they graduate, which you can find on page 9. Imperial work shadowing Work shadowing is an unpaid learning experience that gives short exposure to a professional environment. Our work shadowing programme normally takes place twice during the academic year, at Easter and during the summer. Imperial Charity Insights Charity Insights is a Careers Service initiative developed for Imperial undergraduate and PhD students. It offers students a chance to experience working in the UK not-for-profit sector through a short internship. Imperial Alumni Mentoring Scheme The Alumni Mentoring Scheme provides an opportunity to be mentored by a professional alumnus working in your chosen field of interest or a related profession. The aim of the scheme is to encourage personal and professional growth. Gain experience All experience in your first year is positive, whether it’s clubs and societies, volunteering or part-time work. Visit the Careers Service website to gain some pointers in articulating the skills and experience you’ve gained.
Get involved The Careers Service at Imperial gives you a great chance to explore opportunities and potential employers. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed attending various careers fairs offered throughout the year – they’re brilliantly organised and very informative. I think the best way to make the most of them is to engage with employers, and make a connection for the future. Ask them the questions you really care about: will the graduate scheme train you in transferable skills? What is the company culture like? Are there many opportunities to network across the company? What’s career progression like? Then, make sure they remember you, and that you can get in contact with them in future. Ask the representatives for their business cards, add them on LinkedIn and send a follow-up thank you note. Also write down what they do in a bit more detail, so that you can refer back to it when you message them in the future. People remember people, so make yourself stand out (for the right reasons). Your newly gained contacts will likely come in handy when you want some help in the application process or advice for interview.
Abigael Bamgboye, Materials Science & Engineering (MEng 4YFT)
10
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Imperial and your career
Second/penultimate year timeline October Update your JobsLive profile Attend careers workshops and events Meet employers on campus Check deadlines for Easter and Summer Internships Submit applications for Summer Internships with October deadlines Update your LinkedIn profile with any new experience gained over the summer Plan for an Industrial Placement if you intend to undertake one
November/December Attend careers workshops and events Meet employers on campus Submit applications for Summer Internships with upcoming deadlines Prepare for assessment centres and psychometric tests
January If your summer plans are not yet finalised, consider booking an internship consultation to discuss making the most of the upcoming summer break
February Imperial Charity Insights opens for applications Imperial Alumni Mentoring applications open
March The deadline for Summer Internships will have already passed, but consider making speculative applications
April Santander Internships advertised on JobsLive for upcoming summer
General advice for second/ penultimate-year students Develop your career knowledge Start finding out about how to job search, CV writing, applications and interviews. These may be run as part of your course or by the careers department. Attend careers fairs and other employer-led events, such as workshops, mock assessment centres and presentations, which will help you understand how employers select candidates as well as giving an insight into different jobs and sectors. Come in and get your CV checked Think about the type of opportunity you are applying for and tailor it accordingly. Make sure you have covered what the organisation is looking for. More CV advice can be found on page 30. Create and maintain your LinkedIn profile Use your LinkedIn account to research and follow companies, join groups and make connections with people in industries that might interest you. It’s a good way of seeing if there are any Imperial College London alumni there as well! See page 19 for more on LinkedIn and using social media.
Imperial College graduate attributes These are some of the attributes that you should develop over the course of your studies and through engaging in extracurricular activities such as work experience. • Demonstrate deep conceptual understanding of your chosen discipline. • Work effectively in multi-cultural, international teams and across disciplinary boundaries. • Approach challenges with curiosity, critical thinking and creativity. • Innovatively apply your skills to tackling complex real-world problems. • Understand and value different cultures and perspectives. • Have developed into an independent learner with high self-efficacy. • Display a strong sense of personal and professional identity. Link: www.imperial.ac.uk/students/ academic-support/graduate-attributes.
Imperial Award The Imperial Award is a scheme open for all students, encouraging self-reflection and personal development, recognising this on your College transcript. Imperial Ask an Alumnus The Careers Service has a database of Imperial alumni willing to answer your careers-related questions.
Summer
Never too early to start
Don’t forget that Imperial Careers Service is open all summer. Consider booking in for a careers consultation to get a head start on your final year. This appointment could be used to discuss topics such as careers planning, graduate applications or personal statements.
The Skills for Employability Horizons course made me aware of the skills I already had and also helped me to develop new ones that will be important for both my life at Imperial and for my career going forwards. It was a really valuable experience and I found it not only informative but enjoyable too. It also gave me the confidence to book to see a careers consultant and start applying for internships, as before I attended the course I thought these were for later year students, not first years like me.
Alice Robinson, Materials Science (Year 3)
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
11
Imperial and your career
Glossary of terms Employability Simply put, this refers to your skills and abilities that allow you to be employed. JobsLive JobsLive is the Careers Service’s online system for booking events and appointments, searching for jobs and employers. Graduate scheme A graduate scheme is a structured training programme run by an employer, targeted at recent graduates, which usually lasts between one and two years and is often available in a number of specialisms.
Final year timeline September Check deadlines for graduate schemes
October Update your JobsLive profile Attend careers workshops and events Meet employers on campus Deadlines for graduate schemes begin Consider further study options Update your LinkedIn profile with any new experience gained over the summer
November/December Attend careers workshops and events Meet employers on campus Submit applications for graduate schemes Prepare for assessment centres and psychometric tests Deadlines for PhD applications begin Earliest PhD funding deadlines
January Further deadlines for graduate schemes Interview processes for graduate schemes
General advice for final-year students Prepare for assessment centres and online tests Utilise online practice materials, or you can attend workshops run by Imperial Careers Service. Evaluate your skills and plan for your next career move Use this time to think about how your career ideas match your values and interests. Make sure to reflect on the success of a work placement or internship. Be open to exploring opportunities you may not have thought about before. Develop contacts and utilise technology Having a network of contacts is a key resource in your career planning and development. Maximise your contact with employers through attending employer-led events, workshops and presentations. Social media can also be useful in developing your personal brand, such as getting to know industry influencers via Twitter. See page 19 for more on social media.
February If your future plans are not yet finalised, consider applying directly for opportunities that are not part of a graduate scheme
Post-graduation Continue to access Imperial Careers Service for up to three years after graduation
SMEs Small and medium-sized enterprises that have less than 250 employees. Often have a range of opportunities available, but may not be well known brands… yet! May be more open to receiving speculative applications than larger firms are. Graduate job/could also be referred to as direct entry The Careers Group defines this as a job that requires a degree, but is not a position on a structured graduate scheme. Competency/Strength A competency is a skill you can demonstrate and you may be asked to give an example of a time you have utilised this skill in the past. A strength is something you have a natural aptitude for, and may be an indication of what you like doing. Transferable skills A key consideration in career planning and making applications, transferable skills refer to the application of skills already gained to a new situation. Assessment centre A typical component of the recruitment process for graduate opportunities, assessment centres involve undertaking tasks and activities such as group work exercises and e-tray tasks. Spring Insights These are structured programmes lasting anything between one day and a week to give you an insight into different areas of a firm’s operation. Internships Internships normally take place in the summer, from July to September, or over the Christmas or Easter vacation period. Internships can also be undertaken by graduates. They vary in length depending on the time of year, but are typically between eight and twelve weeks and do not form a component of your academic study. Placements Placements last between six and twelve months, and are part of your degree.
12
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
In association with
A competition For undergraduates Variety of subjects Closes 30.01.2019
Undergraduate of the
Year Take part in our annual awards competition, which aims to find the best undergraduates in the UK. Prizes include work placements, exclusive overseas trips and much more. undergraduateoftheyear.com
Delivered by See website for full up-to-date list
Planning and developing your career
Develop your career step by step Start thinking about your career early: making a plan now will help you make good use of time as you work towards your goals.
A
lthough everyone’s situation is unique, there are some key steps to take in order to develop and progress your career. The diagram below shows the main elements of career planning; start this process early on as an undergraduate and you will save yourself time later. This process continues as your career develops too.
There are four main aspects to career choice and development: To make choices you need to know what interests you, what motivates you, the skills you have and those you wish to develop more.
1
Charity Insights What a great experience on this dynamic, exciting and fulfilling project! I have learned so much, met so many people, creatures and wildlife, and achieved a lot in terms of the skills, roles and goals of my internship. I was involved in recruiting volunteers and conducted surveys, analysed feedback and data, and helped organise a community festival. My internship was a great chance to learn about project management and marketing and will help me make a decision about taking a year in management as part of my degree. Thanks to both the Charity Insights team and to everyone at ‘RSPB Wild About Hampstead Heath’ for this more-than-wonderful opportunity.
Kristiana Xhuxhi, BSc Biochemistry, was awarded the Charity Insights bursary for a summer internship with ‘RSPB Wild About Hampstead Heath’ at the end of her second year
Explore opportunities open to you, whether directly related to your degree background or in new career areas, using the skills gained on your course. Research your options and approach organisations and employers directly to find out more. Start to develop your network.
2
Know yourself How well do you know yourself? What can you learn from your experiences? What do you really want from work? What skills and strengths do you have and what are you good at? How would you like to improve?
Review and evaluate your options, and make decisions, focusing on areas of particular interest.
3
Prioritise and create a plan, with built-in deadlines and contingencies. Find out how best to present yourself – in writing and in person – so you can start applying for jobs, internships or courses. Read the articles from page 29 onwards to find out more.
4
The process continues even after you’ve left Imperial. Once in a new role, you start to notice what you enjoy and do well at. You will also develop more contacts and become aware of further opportunities to progress your career.
Explore opportunities
Check deadlines and how to apply. Make an action plan. Develop a good CV and work on your covering letter and applications too. Prepare for interviews and assessment centres.
Your career-planning ‘to do’ list While at Imperial, there are many things you can do to help with each stage of planning your career. Consult the ‘Options’ folder for your degree in the Careers Information Room. Use an online tool such as www.prospects.ac.uk/links/pplanner or targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report.
14
Research occupations, employers, study and training opportunities. Who do you know to talk to so you can find out about opportunities for you? Keep a file of key contacts and information you gather.
Take action
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
Review and evaluate your options Be clear about what you want, and rate your options in order of preference. How achievable and realistic are they? Find out what you can do to improve your chances, e.g. work experience. Have a ‘plan B’! If you’re struggling to do this, seek help from the Careers Service.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Planning and developing your career
Useful websites to explore opportunities General Imperial College Careers Service www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/exploringyour-options/occupations TARGETjobs targetjobs.co.uk Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk/ job-profiles
Accountancy TARGETjobs Finance targetjobs.co.uk/finance ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales www.icaew.com ICAS – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland www.icas.org.uk
Before I met my mentor, I didn’t really know a great deal about the specifics of the sector, such as the work/life balance, the different business areas or the tasks I might need to perform on a day-to-day basis. Since meeting my mentor I have been able to do work shadowing with him, as well as getting regular advice on many aspects – all of which has helped me to obtain a spring internship and achieve all of the goals I had set for myself. So I am extremely grateful for this opportunity!
Luke Clapson, MEng Chemical Engineering (Year 4)
Have a look at www.imperial.ac.uk/ careers/options. Read and apply the advice given in the next few articles on work experience and alternative job-hunting or networking. www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/ applications helps you present yourself well in writing or in person, with tips on your CV etc. Attend a talk or workshop given by a careers consultant or an employer for more tips or help with preparing for interviews and selection centre exercises. Simply by taking action and interacting with employers, you move your career planning forward.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
TARGETjobs Finance targetjobs.co.uk/finance The Actuarial Profession www.actuaries.org.uk
Built environment Institution of Civil Engineers www.ice.org.uk The Institution of Structural Engineers www.istructe.org TARGETjobs Construction targetjobs.co.uk/construction
Computing and I.T. BCS, The Chartered Institute for I.T. www.bcs.org Computer Weekly Magazine www.computerweekly.com TARGETjobs IT & Technology www.targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/ it-and-technology
Consulting TARGETjobs Consulting targetjobs.co.uk/consulting Institute of Consulting www.iconsulting.org.uk Management Consultancies Association www.mca.org.uk
Engineering
Finance and banking TARGETjobs Finance targetjobs.co.uk/finance Careers in Financial Markets www.efinancialcareers.co.uk
Law and patent law TARGETjobs Law targetjobs.co.uk/law LawCareers.Net www.lawcareers.net Law Society of England and Wales www.lawsociety.org.uk Inside Careers – Patent Attorneys www.ipcareers.co.uk
Marketing, sales and media
Actuarial
Imperial’s mentoring scheme
Environmental Management www.ieem.net
The Chartered Institute of Marketing www.cim.co.uk The IPA Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Marketing Communications www.ipa.co.uk
Not-for-profit sector Engineers without Borders International www.ewb-international.com TARGETjobs targetjobs.co.uk/careersectors/public-service-charity-and-socialwork Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk/jobprofiles – search for Charity Officer or International Aid/Development Worker and related job profiles
Public sector/NHS Civil Service www.civilservice.gov.uk NHS Careers www.healthcareers.nhs.uk
Science Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry careers.abpi.org.uk Institute of Physics www.iop.org Nature Jobs www.nature.com/naturejobs/science New Scientist jobs.newscientist.com Royal Society of Chemistry www.rsc.org Royal Society of Biology www.rsb.org.uk Biochemical Society www.biochemistry.org Society of Chemical Industry www.soci.org
ACE Consultancy for Engineering Business Environment www.acenet.co.uk Engineering Council UK www.engc.org.uk TARGETjobs Engineering Teaching targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/ National College for Teaching and engineering Leadership getintoteaching. education.gov.uk Environmental work British Ecological Society Further study www.britishecologicalsociety.org TARGETpostgrad targetpostgrad.com Environmental Data Services Postgraduate study www.ends.co.uk www.prospects.ac.uk/ Chartered Institute of Ecology and postgraduate_study.htm
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
15
Planning and developing your career
Make work experience work for you A third of entry-level positions with the top 100 graduate employers are expected to be filled by graduates who already have work experience with their new employer.
W
ork experience on your CV helps you to stand out from other candidates. It enables you to demonstrate to future employers how you have applied your knowledge and skills in practice and gained a better insight into an industry sector or role. It can also help you to make an informed decision about your career direction by confirming that you are interested in a certain area – or that it doesn’t suit you after all. Some work experience may lead to further internships or even graduate job opportunities. Both paid and voluntary work experience gives you the opportunity to develop skills that are important and relevant to future employers and careers.
Take action Research each employer’s selection criteria, application process and the closing dates for applications so you can prioritise which roles to apply for first. Bear in mind that some internship schemes are only open to penultimateyear students. Some employers offer insight schemes to earlier year groups. If the challenge of working abroad appeals, there are a number of programmes that offer such an experience (e.g. in the USA), many of which charge you a fee. Details of work experience schemes in the UK and overseas are listed on the following page. At the Careers Service you can pick up copies of many free publications with information and contacts such as the TARGETjobs sector-
specific publications, Prospects – Work Experience and Internships or Rate My Placement. Make sure to also register on JobsLive.
Finding opportunities Job boards and online vacancy sources You can access job vacancies via JobsLive, (Imperial Careers Service’s online jobs/appointments and events system) by industry sector, location, and
Extracurricular activities make a difference! It was a fortunate coincidence when P&G and their brand Gillette were ramping up their involvement in the global eSports scene in 2018 when I was in the middle of their Year in Industry interview process. I have spent the previous year forming and running the eSports society at Imperial, and it gave me a lot to talk about with my interviewer. For me, this experience really highlighted the importance of extracurricular activities at university. While I can’t say that I’ve landed my job because of this short conversation over eSports, I know for certain that this passion was what differentiated me from others.
job role. Many opportunities from employers are specifically targeting Imperial College students and graduates. Details of additional vacancy sources are listed on the following page. The unadvertised job market Don’t overlook the importance of speculatively approaching organisations of interest and the value of networking too. A personal approach can help you to uncover opportunities for work experience that never get advertised. Gain an inside perspective It’s worth making the most of the networks you create at Imperial – you never know where they may lead you! Anything from talking with a recruiter on campus or entering an employer competition to setting up a LinkedIn profile can help expand your contacts – and opportunities.
Roy Lee, Mechanical Engineering with a Year Abroad (MEng 4YFT)
16
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Planning and developing your career
Make the most of your work experience If you keep a note of your activities on work experience, challenges you face, even mistakes you make, and most importantly what you learned from it all, you will find this very useful later when applying to future employers. You can create your own log or diary or use the work experience tracker at www.targetjobs.co.uk.
Work experience in any sector helps develop commercial awareness Charities and firms: completely different, right? Actually they both face many of the same issues when it comes to staying financially healthy and topically relevant. That’s why the Charity Insights scheme provided by Imperial is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and build highly desirable skills in an environment with a slightly different viewpoint to your typical corporation. Secure a great placement and you’ll be given the chance to push your project in a direction that interests you and benefits your chosen charity. During my placement in a hospital research department, I was given four (very swift) weeks to come up with answers to the simple question ‘How can we improve our patient services?’ The rest was up to me!
Philip Sayer, MEng Mechanical Engineering (Year 4)
be taken at any point during the summer. GoinGlobal Imperial College Careers Service will then offer GoinGlobal helps new and experienced work you £300 a week over the four weeks. experience seekers find opportunities both at home and abroad, providing information that Santander Internships www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/internships is location specific in detail and global in In partnership with Santander Universities, Start your search here to find out about all the perspective. Imperial College London Careers Service is options – including information about able to offer funding to support the More worldwide programmes internships, placement schemes and engagement of small and medium-sized Several organisations run global work volunteering opportunities. enterprises (SMEs) with undergraduate experience, working adventures and JobsLive – students through paid project-based work/travel programmes. There is often a fee www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/jobslive internships. Opportunities are advertised on to cover visa and work permit requirements You can register to receive emails about JobsLive, but you can also apply for funding if and it is important to check whether your internships, placements, part-time seasonal you’ve found your own opportunity. airline fare and insurance are included when work and voluntary opportunities on JobsLive, comparing fees. Visit: Undergraduate Research Opportunities as well as information about events to meet • www.prospects.ac.uk/links/gapyear Programme (UROP) employers. Page 8 shows you how to get the • www.istplus.com UROPs provide opportunities for most from JobsLive. • www.aiesec.co.uk/students. undergraduates to participate in and
Work experience opportunities
The Alumni Mentoring Scheme The Careers Service is pleased to offer undergraduates and PhD students the opportunity to be mentored by a professional alumnus working in your chosen field of interest, or a related profession. The aim of the scheme is to encourage personal and professional growth. Mentoring partnerships will officially run for just under a year, from April to March.
Ask An Alumnus
contribute to research at Imperial, which can also link with final-year project ideas. There are term-time and vacation opportunities. Most UROPs occur as the result of individual student and staff interaction so planning an approach to an academic is crucial.
www.imperial.ac.uk/volunteering Volunteering can be as beneficial as other work experience in developing and improving skills and increasing your employability through practical experience.
This allows you to browse a database (held on The International Citizens Service JobsLive) of alumni contacts who can provide Enables young people aged 18–25 to answers to your questions about their volunteer overseas on programmes that last industry and role by email. 10 to 12 weeks.
Charity Insights A Careers Service initiative developed for Imperial undergraduate and PhD students. It offers you a chance to get experience working in the UK not-for-profit sector through a short internship. The internships are full time for four weeks (or a part-time equivalent) and can
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
IAESTE The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is administered in the UK by the British Council, and aims to provide science and engineering undergraduates with paid, course-related vacation training abroad.
TARGETjobs Includes a section on internships and other forms of work experience – www.targetjobs.co.uk/internships.
Prospects A graduate careers website that includes a section on how to gain and benefit from work experience, with useful links to many other schemes.
Gradcracker This resource links you to internships and placements as well as graduate jobs in engineering, technology and science.
Student Ladder A source of work placements, graduate schemes and internship opportunities.
Bright Network A career-orientated network that provides guidance and events on sourcing internships, placements and graduate opportunities.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
17
Planning and developing your career
Networking Contacts help you make better informed decisions about your future. Spending time developing a network of contacts can help you to think of career ideas and gain great advice.
Explain why this would be of use to you and look to arrange a mutually convenient time. You do need to prepare for rejection at this stage but many people will be quite willing to spend a short amount of time answering a few questions – a coffee can always sweeten the deal too!
Information interviewing
M
any jobs are offered to people already known to an organisation so networking is one of the most important, if not the most important, activities in which a jobseeker should engage. Additionally networking can help produce career plans through talking with people in an attempt to understand their job and the associated skills etc. When used appropriately it can help plan your future and get you one step closer to employment.
Building a network Start local and pursue your own contacts. Approach people you already know, even if their job isn’t of immediate interest to you, as they can lead to people who are. Ask friends, family, academics, GTAs if they know people in the fields you’re interested in and if they could introduce you. You’ll need to prepare a brief introduction about yourself and what you’d hope to get from any connections you make. It’s also a good idea to prepare a few questions that you would like to explore. The internet has made it easy to find people to network with. Social media
18
and online groups are an easy way to source possible connections and London is filled with various societies and networking groups too. You can also try more creative approaches to track down organisations of interest to you and either request a meeting with an employee or explore employment potential with them.
Making contact Your initial introduction may be by email, phone or social media but, whatever the format, it should explain who you are, how you found the contact and that you’d like to ask a few questions about their career and to seek their advice.
Once you’ve found a relevant contact you may want to engage in an informal conversation to gain information and advice. This is often overlooked by many but it can be an effective research tool in addition to reading books, websites and exploring job descriptions. You may feel awkward approaching people you don’t know and asking to talk with them about their work; however, most people actually enjoy taking time to talk with someone about their opinions and experience (most people like to talk about themselves). Use your time to ask about their personal experiences to seek advice and opinions and show curiosity and interest to encourage them to share. Exploring their personal perceptions and career decisions can be invaluable to shaping your future.
Follow-up and maintenance Manners cost nothing! Effective networks thrive when there is mutual respect and trust between the people involved. Thank your contacts for their time and nurture beneficial relationships by keeping in touch; you never know when the contact may be able to assist you in the future. Further information is available at www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/ opportunities/networking.
Making the most of mentoring It was really nice to have someone so invested in my professional, academic and personal development by providing as much support as possible. Being given tours of GSK’s research and business sites gave me unique insights into the firm I was applying to. As a sounding board, he provided a valuable third-person perspective which helped me constructively reflect on interview feedback. I can now articulate and track my goals better, and maintain stronger workplace connections.
Hansa Shree, 2nd Year Biology with a Year in Industry/Research student
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Planning and developing your career
Social media Social media offers you a chance to communicate widely, explore career paths, boost your commercial awareness and job-hunt creatively. Find out here how to use it wisely.
YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat…
One of the world’s largest professional networking sites for making meaningful career connections is LinkedIn. Your profile evidences your skills and experience just like your CV, and once you’ve created a profile you can start to mine the data from over half a billion users; essentially you have access to view all these profiles and gain career inspiration and insight! By browsing profile keywords like the title of your degree or ideal job titles, you can uncover a huge amount of information. To help navigate this massive dataset, you can apply filters to explore profiles by industry, geographic location, employer name etc. You can even filter profiles to show Imperial College graduates. Within a few seconds you can have access to the profiles of people doing a huge variety of work and explore how they advanced their career. LinkedIn enables you to go further than simply reading profiles; it allows you to connect! Once you’ve found a contact, you may want to learn more about them or ask their advice – clicking the connect button enables you to reach out to them. Our top tip is to do this from a desktop/laptop (and not via the mobile app) as you can then enter a short message to introduce yourself and increase your chances of success. Once you’ve secured a connection, you can start to message them and begin the process of information interviewing.
In this age of the digital revolution, social media is constantly evolving. As the general public moves with the trends in innovation, so too do organisations and recruiters and you’ll see their online presence in a variety of locations sharing information and stories with their audience. Use these multiple channels to connect with potential employers and gain an insight into their culture, values and recruitment practice.
Etiquette Be careful with your use of language: if you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online! Build and maintain your online brand to present a professional and rounded picture of you. Many employers may try to find you online – make sure what they see is good.
The digital revolution High Fliers (2018) notes that organisations have increased their use of social media to advertise vacancies and connect with potential candidates. 97 per cent of employers used social media in the 2017–2018 recruitment cycle.
Your digital footprint You leave a trace of online activities every time you go online – it’s referred to as your digital footprint and it’s a very good idea to know what it says about you. Type your name in a search engine and see what’s out there. It is possible to take control of your footprint and manage what the world can see about you. Further information is available at www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/ opportunities/networking.
Twitter This micro-blogging site, where you communicate with others in posts of fewer than 280 characters, can help with your career if used wisely. You can follow organisations and professionals to keep up to date with recruitment trends and boost your commercial awareness in a particular industry or sector. Twitter is also a gateway to a huge range of opportunities, as many organisations quickly and cost-efficiently advertise jobs and internships. Try using a combination of hashtags (#) to search keywords related to your career, e.g. #job #intern #hiring #data.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
19
@TARGETjobs @TARGETjobs.co.uk @TARGETjobsUK
Sign in/register to: Organise your job search Get headhunted Receive job alerts
Delivered by
An international career
Working in the UK for international and EEA students Study visas, work visas, government regulation changes – make sure you are up to date with the right information and know what your rights and responsibilities are when it comes to working in the UK.
A
s an international or EEA student, trying to understand what you can and can’t do in terms of working while you’re studying is like tracking a moving target, especially with political influences like Brexit and immigration policy. The best way to keep up to date is to find the right resources and follow these changes as they happen. Know what your visa states in your passport, keep up to date with the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) news and if you are still not sure, double check with the International Student Support Services before agreeing to any type of work. Imperial is committed to working with the Government to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students. The International Student Support Team and the Careers Service run regular workshops throughout the year giving the most up-to-date picture, so sign up to our weekly events email via JobsLive.
Useful links:
Working while you study The rules of working while you study are clearly stated within your visa regulations, and these differ between undergraduate and postgraduate students so make sure you know these before accepting work. Be sure to check the Imperial term times at www.imperial.ac.uk/adminservices/registry/term-dates as these are the dates that the Home Office uses to define if you are in or out of the holiday period.
How to succeed if you are applying for work • Understand what you have to offer as an international/EEA student and articulate your skills, e.g. languages, cultural awareness, adaptability, international focus, in your covering letter. • Be clear on your immigration status so you can inform and educate employers and refer them to sources of help, e.g. the Home Office employer helpline. • Make sure your written English is good and seek support to improve it if
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
necessary, e.g. from the Centre for Academic English or a friend who has English as a first language.
EU students and working in the UK On 19 March 2019, the UK Government will officially leave the European Union. No one is exactly sure how this will affect Imperial students and their ability to work in the UK post-graduation; however, Imperial is committed to working with the Government to ensure the best possible outcomes for our European students. You can read about Imperial’s approach here: www.imperial.ac.uk/about/imperial-andthe-european-union. Our advice to EEA students is to stay in touch with changes, follow the news and know your rights and responsibilities in this time of change. If you have any concerns at all, do not hesitate to contact us.
UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs is proactive in working with the Government to voice the opinions of students everywhere. Their statement of principles is here: www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information-Advice/EEA--Swiss-Students/EUReferendum-what-we-know-for-EUstudents. They also have a helpline open Monday to Friday, 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm: 020 7788 9214. Home Office Employer Helpline: 0300 123 4699. International Student Support: For individual advice and information on any of the above, please contact: International Student Support, Level 3, Sherfield Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ. Tel: 020 7594 8040. The International Student Support team at Imperial also provides information and assistance via its website: www.imperial.ac.uk/study/ international-students/visas-andimmigration.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
21
An international career
The global graduate If worldwide work appeals, find out what’s on offer and what you need to succeed.
S
tudents and graduates have always been interested in working, studying and travelling abroad. This has often been in the form of a gap year, either before or after university, or as part of a longerterm career move. In today’s interconnected global economy, employers across all sectors need people who can work effectively in different locations. If this interests you, it is essential to thoroughly consider your options and know what you’re aiming for. With valuable experience of working abroad, you can further develop your skills, including self-reliance, adaptability and potentially language skills too. This personal development will enhance your CV and stand you in good stead for the future.
22
What are international employers looking for? Research carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has identified the following key attributes: • strong intercultural and communication skills • resilience – working abroad can mean losing the usual support structures of the organisation, friends and family • flexibility – to adapt to new situations and ways of doing things, plus the ability to cope with uncertainty • ability to handle diversity and to understand, respect and adapt to cultural differences • knowledge of local conditions • an awareness of the strategic aims of your employer and an understanding of
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
the international environment in which it operates • a working knowledge of the local language plus a good level of skill in both written and verbal English; although English is usually the language of business, working knowledge of a local language will help you communicate effectively and develop good relationships, both at work and socially. While you may not be expected to offer all this at the outset, you should be able to demonstrate the potential to develop such attributes. If you have left your country to study at Imperial, you will already have experienced living independently in a different culture and have demonstrated
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
An international career
Make the most of the opportunities available to you at Imperial and develop your global awareness. Skills developed during work or study abroad will be a valuable addition to your CV and will showcase your adaptability and understanding of today’s international workplace. Victoria Sood, Careers Consultant, Imperial College London
Tokyo scholarship My first direct experience with the Careers Service was initially through a CV check at the height of the application season in late 2017. As well as tailoring my CV to the specific job industry I was interested in, the careers adviser also gave useful tips for interviews. However, the greatest impact that the Careers Service has had on me has been their promotion of the Daiwa Scholarship, which aims to increase cooperation between the UK and Japan. Were it not for their hosting of an introductory talk about the scholarship, I would not even have known about it, let alone applied. As it is, I won a scholarship and am set to spend the next two years in Tokyo. I am sure it will be a cherished experience and I have the Careers Service to thank for it.
Vikram Jayaswal Biotechnology with Spanish for Science (BSc 4YFT) (J7R4)
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
the flexibility and resilience that living and working abroad requires. Additionally, most international employers will seek the usual set of skills required for graduate-level work, such as problem solving, analytical thinking, numeracy, teamwork, leadership, selfmotivation, self-reliance and business/commercial awareness.
Taking a year out – factors to consider and how to benefit You may take a gap year for a break after your studies to experience different countries and cultures or travel before starting your career. Many students use a year out to enhance their employability, others to gain work experience or find opportunities that may not be open to them in the UK. Options you can pursue include: • independent travel/organised trekking • volunteering/working for a charity
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) • a supervised/organised project such as a ‘gap-year project’ • a mixture of some or all of these • a job or placement, or a year in industry. You could, for example, follow the backpacker trail or opt for a more structured, project-based experience. The former keeps options open to follow interests or take up opportunities along the way; however, opting for a more structured route can give you a more focused challenge while gaining experience of the country you are in. Many gap-year opportunities cover particular sectors, often including tourism, sport and leisure, language teaching, development, and environment and conservation. Depending on where you wish to travel, it is worth noting that
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
23
An international career
Interested? Find out more here We are looking to hire candidates who are intellectually curious, strong problem solvers and have demonstrated their ability to achieve something out of the ordinary. Martin Bratt, Principal, Head of Business Analyst Recruiting, McKinsey & Company
Much of the research needed for working abroad can be done online. It’s also worth noting that many international organisations and employers have Facebook and LinkedIn groups as well as Twitter feeds, which allow you to keep up to speed with their opportunities and initiatives and provide a means of networking with people from the companies that you are interested in. Check out the following: • EU Recruitment Portal: ec.europa.eu/eures • European Volunteer Service: europa.eu/youth • GoinGlobal – international jobs and internships: www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/goingglobal • TARGETjobs guides to working abroad targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/working-abroad • Prospects country profiles: www.prospects.ac.uk/links/countries • Prospects gap year section: www.prospects.ac.uk/links/gapyear • Voluntary Service Overseas: www.vso.org.uk
China and South East Asia careers fairs Imperial holds careers fairs in China and South East Asia, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and LSE. For further details, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/services/events/china.
unemployment in some countries may be presently quite high and it may be worth securing a job before you leave. If you use a work experience provider, make sure that you use one with a good reputation and a proven track record.
A long-term international career? International experience may be personally interesting to you or worth gaining to add an extra dimension to your CV. You may want a truly global career, involving several long-term expatriate assignments, such as on-site work with an upstream oil company. Alternatively, you may want a career that involves travelling internationally on a regular basis but from a home base, e.g. professional services work, consultancy or technical sales. When making your first career choice, it helps to check with employers what the potential for travel or placements abroad might be. Increasingly, international companies include an overseas placement as part of the graduate trainee period, or in the early stage of a career path. How and when you decide to proceed with your global career will be influenced by external factors, such as recruiter expectations, labour market conditions, work permit requirements and personal preferences and constraints. Research, planning and preparation are all important for success.
24
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Postgraduate study
Postgraduate study Read our guidance to help you decide whether postgraduate study is for you.
P
ostgraduate study is a very popular option with Imperial graduates, with over a quarter of our graduates (and over a half from some degrees) choosing to undertake a postgraduate taught course or research. A postgraduate qualification can be essential or desirable for entry into some careers but the majority of graduate programmes are open to graduates with a good first degree. Postgraduate study shouldn’t just be a way to delay career decisions and postpone work experience or employment. So think carefully about what you would gain from postgraduate study and what your reasons are for choosing this option.
What types of postgraduate study options are there? The following are the types of course you could go on to do: • taught courses leading to masters degrees (MSc, MA) • research courses leading to masters degrees (MRes) • research degrees leading to MPhils or PhDs • vocational courses, required for entry into professions such as teaching or law • studying abroad – e.g. in the USA or on courses taught in English in Europe.
Application timelines Postgraduate courses differ in their application deadlines and requirements. These are some examples: • Masters/MRes: applications go directly to the university; course deadlines may be open but popular courses can fill up quickly. • PhDs: start researching the options in November. • Vocational courses: applications for some courses, e.g. teaching or law, have to be made via a clearing house system with fixed closing dates. • Studying abroad: usually requires much more time to plan ahead (e.g. 18 to 24 months) to research courses, take any tests such as GRE, and make applications.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Why do a PhD? Professor Adrian Sutton, FRS (Department of Physics) has this advice to share: The first thing to stress is that a PhD does not guarantee a job in academia. Only a very small fraction of all PhDs in science subjects in the UK become university professors – less than 1 per cent. For many employment sectors a PhD does not enhance employability or salary beyond a good first degree. After a PhD you could find your salary is three or four years behind your contemporaries who entered employment straight after their first degree. So, why do a PhD? There are some very good reasons – to be successful in the research that leads to a PhD, you will develop generic skills that will be useful to you for the rest of your life. These skills are also highly valued by some employers, who are willing to pay a premium to employ PhD graduates; and a few employers will accept only PhD graduates. A PhD involves learning how to tackle a significant question for which there is no known answer. In your first degree you meet questions for which by and large there are well established answers. In a PhD not only is the answer unknown but even the methods you might use to find the answer are sometimes unclear. Even the question itself may have to be refined during the course of the research to make it more meaningful. To be awarded a PhD you have to make a contribution to knowledge. It may be the first time in your life that you discover what it means to confront ignorance, and develop a hypothesis and an approach to test it through experimental and/or theoretical evidence.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
25
Postgraduate study
Winning workshops Reasons to choose to do a PhD Do you enjoy pushing back the boundaries of knowledge to devise new theories and models? In some areas extensive practical work will also be required in the laboratory or the field. If you think this could be for you, then applying for a PhD or MRes leading to a PhD might be your next step. Gaining a doctorate is the recognised route to becoming a professional researcher or academic but bear in mind that you will be up against enormous competition and the PhD itself requires tremendous determination, patience and stamina – five per cent inspiration and 95 per cent perspiration is sometimes mentioned!
Different types of PhDs Created in 2018, a new body called UK Research and Innovation brings together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and a new organisation, Research England. There are links to the relevant science and engineering Research Councils from the UKRI website. Research Councils decide which research areas they will support and invite bids from the academic community to develop Doctoral Training Programmes in
26
I and several other PhD students attended a one-day careers workshop for Computing and EEE PhD students organised by Dr Krysia Broda, HiPEDS and the Careers Service. I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot from the day. I found all the main aspects useful. We were given tips on researching our options, networking and CVs. We heard talks from a panel of speakers, all with PhDs in Computing or EEE, who are now working out in industry, and we had the chance to talk to them afterwards informally in a speed networking Q&A session. This allowed me to get a real sense of some of my options after my PhD and I came away with a lot of useful information to help with my future career choices. Also the 360 degree feedback was really useful for me and I learned a lot from the mock interview practice – what to expect and how to prepare. I now feel I have the resources I need and the contacts to go to for more careers support.
Amit Krishna Dwivedi, PhD student in Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Circuits and Systems Research Group
these areas. Research Councils fund Centres of Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) as well as industrial CASE studentships (iCASE) in the key areas of research identified by that Research Council. Industrial CASE awards (or iCASE awards) are where businesses/industry arrange to collaborate with a university or research group of their choice. Further information is available from the relevant Research Council websites: www.ukri.org/our-councils. DTP and CDT PhD programmes place a strong emphasis on professional skills training. The first year of a four-year
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
Skills that are gained on a PhD Analytical – you will be facing problems for which there is no known answer and developing a hypothesis as well as an approach to test this hypothesis through experimental or theoretical evidence. Teamwork – you will support colleagues, provide and receive feedback and gain awareness of your personal impact. Project management – you will also be expected to work effectively on your own: to manage your own research project effectively, you will need to learn how to manage your time and maximise your productivity. Autonomy, responsibility and leadership – as your experience and confidence increase, you will take more ownership of the project and become a more independent researcher who can demonstrate leadership and intellectual responsibility. Communication – you will learn to write clear, concise and evidencebased reports about your work, and develop excellent oral communication skills by delivering group talks, seminars and conference presentations, sometimes to an international audience; this culminates in your thesis, a substantial body of work, which you will have to defend in a demanding two to three-hour oral examination.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Postgraduate study
A balanced PhD experience Throughout my undergraduate studies in the Department of Physics, I was motivated to pursue a PhD by the opportunity to make an original contribution to science. My interest in applying mathematical and computational physics to real-world problems naturally led me to the TSM-CDT as it nurtures strong industrial collaborations. The PhD is often perceived synonymously with research but what sets the TSM-CDT apart is its investment in the personal development of scientists. Hence, it runs workshops on career planning, science communication, ethics and teambuilding. For me, such courses are immensely useful because they encourage you to reflect on your skills and refine your frame of mind, a trait that is highly valued by employers. Additionally, there is a multitude of outlets to exercise creativity, which is important for a balanced PhD experience. For example, I am involved in the inception of a conference. I see such commitments as invaluable teachers of skills that are seldom encountered during a standalone degree.
Mitesh Patel, PhD student, Centre for Doctoral Training in Theory and Simulation of Materials (TSMCDT)
Careers support post PhD I have been a PostDoc at Imperial for two years now. I have recently attended courses organised by the Careers Service and found them very helpful, well organised, and relevant. There I met people on the same career path as me, with the same questions and doubts. Most importantly, I met people who could help me in the Careers Service. I have since had one-to-one appointments to renew my CV, making it much more relevant and accurate. I can only suggest that people contact the Careers Service as soon as possible; they can help you with CVs, interviews and job applications, making the whole process easier.
Gilberto Serrano de Almeida, Imperial College Staff (Contract Research)
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
programme is designed to prepare students for years two to four of their PhD. The universities manage the recruitment and selection of students to the PhD programmes that are funded by Research Councils. So this means you must approach all relevant universities to apply for and be considered for selection.
• The earlier you start exploring options, the better. The Careers Service can help you at every stage – researching and exploring options, getting feedback on your applications and helping you prepare for interview: see www.imperial.ac.uk/careers.
What do you need to do as an undergraduate if aiming for a PhD?
Useful information and links can be found at www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/ disclosure. If you are funded by a Research Council, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance. Contact your funding body directly for more information about this. Further information can be found here: www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduatestudy/funding-postgraduatestudy/disabled-students-allowances.
• Achieve the best possible grades on your degree. • Undertake a research placement, e.g. UROP, during a summer vacation (usually at the end of your second year). • Once in your final year, be aware that PhDs can be advertised from November onwards. • Check whether the PhD programmes to which you are applying are funded; this is usually the case in science and engineering. • Let academics know of your interest in doing a PhD. Discuss your interest with academics such as your personal tutor and your final-year project supervisor and seek their advice. • You are not restricted to Imperial so research online, identify and approach academics at other universities who are working in research areas of interest to you.
Students with disabilities
International students There are a few competitive scholarships and awards available for postgraduate study in the UK for international students. See www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-study and www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/exploringyour-options/further-study for more information.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
27
Postgraduate study
Funding for further study Masters loans, administered by the Student Loans Company (SLC) are available for students wishing to study Masters degrees in the UK (MSc, MRes and MPhil) but not PhDs. Loans can be taken out by students of up to £10,280. UK and EU students normally resident within the UK, but not international students, are eligible for a Masters loan. The loan needs to be paid back as soon as the student is earning enough. For more information, see: www.findamasters.com/funding, www.targetpostgrad.com/advice/funding-advice and www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/funding-postgraduate-study.
Research Council grants The Government’s Research Councils fund both Masters and PhD study. The most relevant Research Councils for Imperial students are the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; Bioscience Research Council; Medical Research Council; Natural Environment Research Council and Science & Technology Facilities Council. There are links to each from here: www.ukri.org/our-councils.
College bursaries Most colleges and some departments have their own awards. Check with the department, university website or postgraduate admissions office to see what you might be eligible for.
PhD loans It is clearly important to try and obtain a fully funded PhD as PhDs typically take 3–4 years (quite a commitment). Websites such as www.findaphd.com usually say whether the PhD vacancy is funded. Some students do not manage to secure funding and seek other ways to undertake a PhD. They may be interested to know that in 2018/19, for the first time, UK nationals who haven’t secured funding from one of the usual sources can take out a loan towards covering the cost of fees and living expenses of a PhD, up to a maximum of £25,000 overall. This loan will then need to be paid off like other student debt. More information on PhD loans is here: www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/fundingpostgraduate-study/phd-loans.
Professional and career development loans In addition to the new loans for Masters courses, it is possible to apply for a loan to undertake a vocational course that improves career prospects; see www.gov.uk/careerdevelopment-loans for more information.
Charities and trusts
Attend careers events! At the beginning of my Masters in International Health Management at Imperial, I was sure I wanted to work in the pharma industry, but then as time went by, I wasn’t so keen any more, so I contacted the Careers Service to talk to careers consultants about my future career. They showed me a wealth of opportunities I wasn’t even aware of, and informed me about the Science Communication Week they were organising. This week was full of opportunities to meet people already working in the field. It was really useful for me and other students as it opened our eyes to the different career options available, whatever our background. I would recommend that students read emails from the Careers Service and get involved in activities on offer to gain a broader view of the opportunities out there.
Marco Lammendola, MSc International Health Management (2016)
28
These will not fund all of your study but can contribute up to a few hundred pounds for specific items such as books or transport. Consult the Directory of Grant Making Trusts or the Grants Register in the Careers Library for more details.
Graduate teaching and research assistantships Working as a research or teaching assistant within the department may entitle you to a bursary and/or a waiver of your fee. www.jobs.ac.uk advertises vacancies for research assistants. Look also in the Times Higher Education Supplement and Tuesday’s The Guardian for information on these posts.
Employer sponsorship This is rare unless you are already working for the employer, in which case you may get funding to study for a vocational qualification.
Postgraduate study websites targetpostgrad.com allows you to search its database of courses and funding sources as well as providing advice. www.findaphd.com features PhD vacancies in your discipline, both in the UK and overseas. www.findamasters.com features taught and research masters courses. www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduatestudy.htm provides useful information on courses, funding and how to apply.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/ exploringyour-options/further-study outlines further resources available in the Careers Service. If you want to study abroad, check out www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduatestudy/study-abroad for information on your options.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Applications and interviews
Skills employers love Prove to employers you’ve got what it takes. List everything you’ve done while at Imperial that showcases your skills in action. Here are some examples.
Communication skills Made a presentation to school students attending a department open day. Worked as a guide in the Science Museum/volunteered at Imperial Festival. Wrote a project report and gave a presentation based on that report. Understood detailed instructions to carry out a lab experiment. Modified how I communicated my message after noticing how others might be feeling in a meeting/group discussion. Gave a persuasive talk to inspire others to support my cause.
Problem-solving/analytical skills Improved the design of a machine, analysing its current capabilities and identifying appropriate changes. Revised the scope of a final-year project due to practical problems and negotiated the change with tutors. Modified my experimental design to produce results and took decisions on further work based on those results. Ensured that my conclusions followed directly from previous statements when writing a report.
Planning and organising
Business awareness
Set up a group project identifying the desired outcome, who was responsible for what and how the deadlines would be met. Arranged an expedition: working out how many would be involved, where to go, and what equipment and provisions might be needed. Decided where to travel to in South East Asia Interpersonal skills with limited time and money. Used information to persuade a Made sure everyone was clear about how their manager to see my point of view. activities fitted together to produce the play Represented the views of my peer for the Drama Society. group to a departmental committee. Anticipated how much money to take when Persuaded caterers to provide good interrailing. value for money for a hall ball. Prioritised my studies and allocated time to Dealt with difficult customers. other activities.
Added to my employer’s profitability by increasing sales/ introducing a more effective stock control system. Took an interest in how world events can present risks and opportunities to companies. Worked out how to read a balance sheet and make profit and loss calculations. Helped devise a new business idea and draft up a business plan. Exceeded customer expectations in a sales job over the summer. Raised sponsorship or negotiated a better deal for a club/society. Managed a budget and saved money on certain expenditures.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Numerical skills Quickly calculated the total cost of items in a bill/invoice. Logically drew inferences from a complex set of tables. Analysed statistics to identify trends in some coursework/to spot consumer spending patterns in a vacation job.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
29
Applications and interviews
First impressions count – CVs A CV is a unique marketing document – find out here how to prepare one that is well structured and targeted.
Y
our CV promotes your abilities, skills and experiences in the best possible light. Ultimately its purpose is to help secure you an opportunity.
When do you use a CV? You will probably require a CV when applying for any new opportunity. Advertisements will normally specify how to apply, but if in doubt, ask. CVs are also useful when making a direct or speculative approach to an organisation or for following up contacts you’ve made as a result of attending a careers or networking event.
What should be on my CV? Aim for a clear and uncomplicated format that provides evidence of relevant skills. A CV will often contain a variety of sections including Education, Work History, Awards/Achievements, Positions of Responsibility, Interests, and References.
How long is a CV? Aim for either one or two full pages of A4. A two-page CV is perfectly acceptable in the UK; however, some employers prefer a one-page document. Anything longer than two pages indicates that you are unable to be concise and will put employers off. You should also be aware of geographic differences; for example, in the USA a one-page CV is generally preferred.
What style should I use? Ultimately this is up to you, provided you focus your message and ensure the important information is clearly identifiable and not hidden within long paragraphs of text. Try to write in bullet points to emphasise actions and use bold headings to signpost the reader. Choose section titles which best reflect your skills and experiences to help emphasise your application. You may use different headings for different CVs or reorder the sections to highlight different information. Consider what the reader is most likely to be interested in and ensure this is accessible.
30
Before you start Ensure you are clear on what skills and experience you need to evidence to the person who will be reading your CV. Research the organisation and reflect on the best examples you have that demonstrate you meet its requirements and would bring value to it. Each opportunity you apply for may require slight changes to your CV to ensure it is suitably tailored to the organisation’s needs and markets you effectively. List your best evidence and rank this in order of significance – this will help you see what you need to emphasise on your CV. Further information is available on our website: www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/cv.
Examples of ‘action words’ Using positive language when communicating with employers can help to highlight your skills. The following words can help to make your CV more interesting and dynamic: Talked to: addressed, advised, demonstrated, liaised, negotiated, persuaded, presented, resolved. Sorted out: analysed, arranged, assessed, defined, organised, planned, produced, simplified, streamlined, transformed. Achieved: accomplished, completed, improved, delivered, enhanced, obtained, produced, secured. Showed how: advised, coached, demonstrated, directed, displayed, exhibited, explained, instructed, organised, proved, taught, trained. Set up: created, designed, devised, established, founded, introduced, launched, prepared. In charge of: administered, conducted, controlled, coordinated, directed, managed, orchestrated, supervised. Further examples can be found online at www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/cv.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Applications and interviews
Example of a one-page CV
A CV has to work for you and the context in which it is being used. This CV has been written for a role where there is no direct connection between the academic field of study and the area of employment, e.g. consultancy or finance. The student has attempted to highlight key achievements and relevant skills based on their experiences.
Put your most recent qualifications first. Summarise pre-university qualifications.
Ensure your contact details are clear and accessible.
Highlight relevant skills and achievements.
Highlight your duties, responsibilities and achievements, and, where possible, quantify specifics.
Include student society, charity, community or workshadowing experience.
Highlight any I.T. or additional language skills that may be relevant.
Include any relevant additional information or positions of responsibility that demonstrate personal qualities.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
31
Applications and interviews
Example of a two-page CV This CV has been written for a role in industry or technical consultancy, so the CV offers a good balance of technical skills and achievements, as well as more general skills gained through extracurricular activities and work experience.
Sam has decided not to include a profile section at the top, due to lack of space. If you decide to include a profile, make sure it is tailored to the overall purpose of your CV.
How should a recruiter contact you? Provide key contact details. It is unnecessary to state ‘Curriculum Vitae’ but your name should be clear.
Put your most recent qualifications first. For a research role, you should usually provide a transcript or full breakdown of subjects and grades achieved so far. Check instructions for each application, and make sure the employer has the information it wants.
Make the CV work for the role you are applying to. Use bullet points to help highlight relevant skills. If specific technical abilities are required, ensure you refer to these.
Help at hand
It is perfectly acceptable to summarise earlier school-level qualifications.
Imperial Careers Service can help you with deciding what career path to take and how to put together applications, as well as interview practice. It provided crucial guidance through the application process, from drafting a CV and cover letter to tailoring both documents to a specific profession. The advice that I received enabled me to express my skills and experience effectively in my applications. I was also encouraged to try to identify the things that will be important to me in a future career in terms of my interests and values.
Monica Patel, PhD Chemistry, then two years as a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Imperial), before starting work as a trainee patent attorney (2016)
32
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
Consider highlighting any relevant work experience in specific sections of the CV. Be specific and concise, mentioning achievements and outcomes.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Applications and interviews
Highlight skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for, outlining your achievements and responsibilities.
Provide a balanced picture of yourself by demonstrating the skills you have developed in a variety of contexts, which could include experience of running societies, or taking part in charity or community work.
Extracurricular activities are an important way to show you have interests outside of your studies. Use them to highlight transferable skills and demonstrate your personal qualities.
Showcase additional skills that may be relevant in a structured and meaningful way. You may want to include relevant I.T. skills or additional languages.
You can provide contact details for your referee and should always follow instructions given. Unless specifically requested by the employer, it is fine to state ‘available on request’. You will need permission of your referees prior to supplying their details.
CV checklist • • • •
Is it easy to navigate? Is it relevant to the opportunity? Is it the right length? Does it provide evidence of your skills and abilities? • Is the language and tone professional?
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
33
Applications and interviews
Top tips for cover letters A cover letter is designed to work with your CV, allowing you to introduce yourself to an organisation, explain your motivation for applying to the role and highlight your key skills. Discover how to prepare this formal business document.
T
he purpose of a cover letter is to work alongside your CV to introduce you and create a good first impression. Think of it as that first 30 seconds after you meet someone, when you subconsciously or consciously begin to form impressions of them. Your CV and cover letter work together so the employer will already have a list of your skills and past experiences, which goes a long way towards answering the question of whether you can do the job. Your cover letter should primarily focus on your motivation, explaining to the reader not just that you have the skills, but why you really want to use them in this role and organisation. The cover letter should also show the employer that you have a high standard of written communication skills – so make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Use professional English, rather than academic English.
How do I structure a cover letter? Generally, a cover letter should be not more than one page in length, and should be laid out like a formal business document. See our example letter for this layout. Make sure you say what position you’re applying for. If you’re applying speculatively, tell the company what sort of area of its business you’d like to work in and why. Cover letters need to be interesting and clear – and most importantly, should convey the answer to three overarching questions that employers have about all their applicants: • Why do you want to do this role? Say what attracts you to the role and explain why. Try to match yourself to the job and explain why you think you’ll enjoy it. Draw on things you’ve done at university, thinking about past projects or work experience and then relating these to the role you’re applying for. This evidence shows how you know you’ll be a great fit for the role you’re applying for. If it’s an internship or a graduate programme, explain how the experience
34
will lead you along a particular career pathway you’d like to pursue. • Why do you want to work for me (the employer)? Match yourself to the employer and explain why you think you’ll enjoy working with them. The company knows all about itself so there is no need to list all of its achievements. However, you do want to show that you’ve done some research. Explore its website, looking at the ‘About us’ section, its company values and its mission statement. Follow it on social media. Have you interacted with the company previously? Think about what genuinely attracts you to working there and use your previous experience to evidence how you know you will enjoy working in that sort of culture or environment and for its team. • Can you do the role? Highlight the most relevant skills and experiences you have for the role, and explain why you gain satisfaction from doing them. You’ve already mentioned these on your CV, so use this space to expand on the experience, bringing out how you may have built commercial awareness, shown communication skills or gone above and beyond to achieve good results.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
Conclude in a professional manner by thanking the recruiter for reading your letter and saying that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Make sure you close the letter correctly. In the UK, if your letter is addressed to a named contact, you should close the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’. If the letter is addressed generically (e.g. ‘Dear Sir/Madam’) then close with ‘Yours faithfully’.
Emailing your CV and cover letter Often you’ll need to email your cover letter and CV to an employer. Keep this email short and to the point, explaining what role you’re applying for and that you’ve attached the relevant documents. You don’t need to repeat anything that you’ve already written: the email serves as a delivery tool for your real application, which is the attached copy of your CV and cover letter.
Cover letter checklist • Is it formatted correctly? • Does it talk about the organisation? • Does it use evidence to highlight and explain your motivation? • Is the language and tone professional?
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Applications and interviews
A cover letter should convey both your suitability and enthusiasm for a role. It is designed to introduce key highlights and achievements, give evidence of relevant skills, and demonstrate your motivations for applying. Aim for one side of A4 paper and ensure you use an appropriate layout.
Note the correct layout for the addresses, and ensure you date your letter. Where possible, address the letter to a named person or use a suitable alternative salutation.
Explain who you are and why you are writing.
Show you’ve thought about why you’d like to work for that organisation and provide specific reasons.
Highlight the main reasons why the organisation should consider you. Refer to relevant skills and experiences and supplement the information on your CV.
Conclude in a positive and professional manner.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
35
Applications and interviews
Ace applications Take action on your applications and tailor each one. Your efforts should then pay off.
R
ecruiters apply their company’s selection criteria when assessing an application and gain their first impression of you from reading this. Producing a well researched and carefully focused application is vital!
Make or break Many applications fail for basic reasons that could easily have been avoided – such as mistakes in spelling and grammar, waffle, clichés or not being concise and specific enough. Most large organisations will want you to use the company application form and apply online. Check the instructions carefully so you know whether you need to be fine-tuning your CV or filling in an online form.
Types of questions: open or closed? Some questions are straightforward. You are asked to provide personal details, followed by exam results and work experience. These questions require short, factual answers or selecting options from drop-down lists, such as your preferred geographical location and choice of career, and the function or role of interest – e.g. research, production, marketing or finance. Open questions are harder to answer. These are designed to test your selfawareness and career understanding, for example:
36
• Why have you chosen a particular career? • What evidence do you have of the qualities and abilities needed to succeed in it? • Do you understand what the career involves? • Can you provide examples of skills such as teamwork, commercial awareness and problem solving? Employers want your broader skills to match their selection criteria, hence they may ask the following of you: • Give an example of when you achieved a goal through working in a team. • What did you do that made a difference? • How do you know you were successful?
Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Will you fit in? These three questions underpin the entire recruitment process. You must provide evidence of relevant skills, a detailed understanding of the company and an appropriate personality for the role. Richard Carruthers, Deputy Director, Imperial College London
Top tips for applications 1
Find out as much as you can about the company and the job. Jot down your reasons for wanting to work for it. These must sound genuine and well researched.
2
Follow all instructions! If you can, print off the form before you start, to get a sense of all the sections you will need to complete.
3
Work on your draft answers before you commit yourself online.
4
Use the notes you have prepared about yourself and your CV as a reminder of key achievements.
5
Be clear and direct, using short paragraphs to give structure.
6
Stay within the word or character count for each answer.
7
Don’t waffle: keep answers relevant and concise, even when there is no word limit.
8
Express yourself positively using ‘action words’.
9
Use spellcheckers with care and watch your grammar.
10
Time for a final check before you press send! Ask yourself: is the content relevant and does it answer the questions? Are there any typos anywhere?
11
Remember to save a copy of your form online for future reference.
Your answers • Draw up a list of skills the employer is looking for. • Review your activities and achievements to find evidence that matches the selection criteria. • Draft your responses, giving yourself credit for what you have achieved or learned. • Always market yourself positively. • See www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/ applications for more information.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Applications and interviews
How to succeed at assessment centres Assessment centres give employers the chance to find out more about you by seeing how you perform in a series of activities. So what exactly do they involve?
E
mployers use assessment centres to obtain a more rounded view of candidates. They want to see how you interact with others, not just at one-to-one interviews. An invitation to an assessment centre usually follows a successful first-round interview, and a wide range of activities can take place there.
What’s in it for me? All selection processes are two-way: you can find out much more about your potential employer. You will meet a range of employees, gain a better understanding of the culture of the organisation and have the opportunity to ask lots of questions. You can be more certain that you are really interested in it.
How many people will be invited? Assessment centres can include group exercises where you work on a range of problems with five or six other candidates. Some, all, or none of the candidates may be appointed. It helps to regard them as future colleagues, people to cooperate with, rather than as competition. Boost your confidence by realising that assessment centres are expensive to run – only strong, viable candidates are invited.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
How will I be assessed? Employers have a checklist of skills, abilities or competencies against which they rate you during each exercise and interview. These may include: • problem solving • team/group skills • communicating successfully • handling complexity • commercial awareness • drive/energy • initiative • ability to influence/persuade • technical understanding • an enterprising approach. Assessors will keep detailed notes on how you are doing and grade you against each competency in each exercise and look carefully at your overall performance. Even the best candidates won’t do everything perfectly, so if you feel you have made a slip, don’t let it put you off – stay focused!
Practicalities • Get to the venue in good time. Check how to get there in advance. • Take employer literature and a copy of your application with you for reference. • Dress codes may be indicated in the invitation and should be followed. It is better to be too smart than too casual.
• Follow all instructions carefully and if you are not sure of anything, ask for clarification. • Be friendly and cooperative to everyone you meet. You never know who will have the final say about you. • Participate: there are no marks if you don’t. • Make a note of the names of all the company representatives you meet.
How can the Careers Service help me prepare? We have several books covering assessment centres in the Careers Information Room that you can refer to. You can also watch the video Assessment Centres online at www.imperial.ac.uk/ careers/application-process/assessmentcentres. Look out for workshops and talks about assessment centres, especially during the autumn and spring terms.
Psychometric tests Online psychometric tests are often used by employers. You may have to take one of these tests when you apply or later at an assessment centre. There are two types – aptitude tests and personality questionnaires.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
37
Applications and interviews
Although academics are important to us, employability skills are just as vital in being successful in our recruitment process. That’s why flexibility, curiosity, leadership and commercial awareness are just some of the core competencies we look for in our future people. Individuals who do their research, have experience outside of their academics and are prepared to demonstrate attributes like these are more likely to succeed.
Aptitude tests are strictly timed and typically involve verbal, numerical and diagrammatic reasoning. In contrast, personality questionnaires are not timed and feel less like an exam. Remember that test results are just one part of the picture when decisions are made. Interviews are often used to follow up the results of a personality questionnaire.
Why do employers use them? Employers like tests because they are objective; it is impossible to completely eliminate subjectivity and bias from interviews. In very popular areas, such as banking, tests offer a quick way to screen out candidates.
How should I prepare for psychometric tests? Practice can help you know what to expect. If an employer sends you examples, make sure you do them. Percentages, pie charts, histograms and ratios figure strongly. Even if you have A Level maths, it may help to remind yourself of ‘the basics’ again. The Careers Service also provides a handout on the topic, and there are practice aptitude test examples and reference books in the Careers Information Room.
Situational judgement tests Online situational judgement tests (SJT) measure your behaviour and attitudes by asking you to select (from a list of options) what action you would be most (or least likely) to take when faced by a series of work-related scenarios. Think about the impact on clients or customers, and also colleagues, as well as the values of the organisation and the competencies they seek, when deciding what action to take. You can do a sample SJT here and get further useful tips – www.assessmentday.co.uk/situationaljudgement-test.htm.
What if I am disabled or have a specific learning disability, e.g. dyslexia? If you let employers know in advance, they can make suitable arrangements for you. If you get extra time in College exams, and you mention this to employers, you may be entitled to get extra time for the tests.
How should I approach personality tests?
A typical timetable for an assessment centre 8.45am Arrival, registration 9.00am–9.30am Company presentation and overview of the day 9.30am–10.00am Interview 10.00am–11.00am Group exercise 11.15am–12.15pm Prepare and give presentation 12.15pm–1.00pm Lunch with employees/recent hires 1.00pm–1.45pm Case-study interview, in-tray exercise or written exercise 2.00pm–3.00pm Psychometric tests 3.00pm–4.00pm Panel interview 5.00pm Depart
Be yourself, the best of yourself – don’t try to reinvent your personality. Respond in a positive way that is true to you.
Success I received an offer to interview for the industry leader in Active Network Management, the area of research my PhD focused on. The interview was spread over seven hours examining multiple areas, such as: technical understanding, stakeholder management, personal competencies, and the ability to perform a written and analytical task under time-critical conditions. The preparation for the final area was provided by Imperial’s Careers Service; it provided me with literature and one-to-one guidance on possible tasks that may be asked of me. The interview was very tough, but my preparation, with the help of the careers consultant, allowed me to give the best account of myself on the day and I was subsequently offered the job, which I accepted.
Mark Collins, PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering, (2016), joined Smarter Grid Solutions (2016)
38
PwC Student Recruitment Team
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
Top tips for aptitude tests Get a good night’s sleep. Pay attention to the instructions and ask questions if you are not clear. Work as accurately as you can, without spending too long on any one question. Don’t focus on finishing the tests. They are designed so that very few people will complete them. In numerical tests, using approximations can save you a lot of time. Avoid wild guessing. Keep an eye on the time.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Applications and interviews
Examples of typical assessment centre activities What’s involved
How to succeed
Aptitude tests
Formal tests of reasoning (e.g. verbal, numerical, logical/diagrammatic). Strictly timed with right or wrong answers. Instructions and practice questions are given before the actual test.
Practise the aptitude tests available in the Careers Service; at www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/applicationprocess/psychometrictests you will find links to online test sites. Work quickly but accurately throughout. Have a good night’s sleep the night before!
Situational judgement tests
These are designed to measure your behaviour and attitudes in work-related scenarios.
Do any practice examples you are given. Read through the situation and all possible responses carefully before deciding how to rank what you would do. Be aware of the competencies the employer is looking for and what ‘good’ looks like for it!
Group exercise
Group tasks may be with different roles assigned beforehand, or no roles assigned. Could be a practical task (e.g. building a paper tower), a problem-solving exercise or a group discussion. The objective is usually for candidates to work together to achieve a result. Assessors will sit around the room observing you.
Make sure you contribute but don’t dominate the group. Speak clearly, listen and don’t interrupt others. Argue your point assertively but be prepared to compromise. Check on time and summarise progress every so often. Try to draw out quieter members and be tactful to all. Practise group exercises in Careers Service workshops.
Presentation
You may be given a topic, in advance or on the day, and told how long you should present for. You will present to assessors and possibly other candidates.
Good structure: introduction – middle – conclusion. Make slides clear and not too detailed. Prepare easy-to-read prompts for yourself (not a script). Practise in front of an audience and check you stick to time! Make sure you know how to use the technology before you start. Speak with energy and enthusiasm. Talk at a steady pace and maintain eye contact with the audience. There may be follow-up questions, so make sure you can justify what you’ve said.
Case study or e-tray exercise
Review and analysis of data (possibly related to employer’s business) requiring written report and/or discussion. E-tray exercise – working through a series of ‘e-tray’ items, making decisions on action needed and drafting responses.
Manage your time – there will be a lot of information and a tight time limit. E-trays – scan through all items initially and prioritise your time allocation. Be prepared to discuss your decisions and conclusions.
Second interview
May be one-to-one or panel. Usually focuses on different areas from first interview; may probe issues arising from the day. May include technical questions and discussions of case studies or scenarios.
Prepare as for first interview – review what was asked then. Swot up on technical areas if applicable. For a panel interview, direct your answer to the speaker but keep eye contact with the rest of the panel.
Social activities
On the social side, this could mean lunch on the day, to give you the opportunity to talk to graduate trainees and managers outside the main assessment. It’s an opportunity for you to find out more about the organisation and your role in it. Remember that the people you meet will probably all be asked informally to give their opinion of the candidates afterwards.
Be yourself but be aware of the impression you are making. Even when the atmosphere seems relaxed, be aware that you are still being observed. Ask interesting questions but don’t monopolise the conversation.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
39
Applications and interviews
In the interview hot seat Video, Skype, phone or in person – whatever interview type you face, the way you prepare follows the same steps.
B
eing invited to an interview at any stage of a recruitment process is a major achievement as you have proved to an employer that you could be a good fit for their role. Now they need to take their assessment to the next level which means you need to move your preparation up a step also.
1. Think like an employer Look back on both your initial application and the job advertisement/person specification for the role. During the interview, employers will be basing their questions on these documents, creating questions and activities to assess whether you match with the skills they have said they need. The skills information on page 29 could be useful; also have a look at the example questions box for ideas on what sort of questions you might be asked.
2. Gather your evidence Brainstorm situations you have been in that match with the skills you have identified the employer wants to see. This helps you to create a database of situations that you can talk about at interview. The employer will also want to know why you want to work for them so you will need to build on the research you did for your application to prove this. Use the employer website, look at their annual report, know the employer’s values and use any networks you have (your lecturers, family, friends, colleagues) to learn what you can. This will form the basis of you being able to match yourself to the company.
3. Practise, practise, practise So you know what sort of questions you might be asked, you have gathered and brainstormed your evidence – now match this up. Practising out loud is the best way to get better at answering questions. Record yourself and listen back to get a good feel for how well you are progressing and ask others to listen to your answers. For more example questions, try the Careers Service website.
40
Video interviews (or pre-recorded interviews) These often happen at the beginning of an interview process and are used by employers to assess if they should bring you into a full assessment centre. You will be sent a link, asked to log on and will work through a set of questions which are all timed. Top tips are: • Stage-manage your set. A neutral background with no clutter is best, and look at how your lighting is set up so that you don’t have silhouettes or shadows obscuring your face. Make sure there won’t be any background noise or interruptions. • Set the camera height to point straight at your face and make sure you look straight at it. If there is a small inset picture of you on the screen, try to move it to just below where your camera is. • As with any interview, eye contact is key so have a practise run with a friend to make sure they can see your expressions clearly. • Practise answering questions without looking at a person. This feels odd as there is no one to give you any feedback or encouragement, so try getting used to it.
Application help The Careers Service was enormously useful for me. The advice I got really helped me streamline the way I approached the applications in terms of really targeting what the recruiters are looking for. It was specific and detailed to my case and not just generalised advice, which was really helpful. The mock interview really gave me that extra confidence and gave me the ‘I got this’ feeling, which was amazing. I highly recommend it!
Omar Abdulla, Chemical Engineering (MEng 4YFT)
Example questions
Why they are asked
What made you choose your degree?
To find out about you and what interests you.
Why have you applied to us?
To discover how much you’ve found out about the organisation and how focused your career plans are.
Who else have you applied to?
Recruiters will expect you to be making a few other similar applications in the industry.
Describe a situation where Designed to work out how you go about problem solving and you have had to solve a whether you can learn from your mistakes. problem. What did you learn from it? Why should we employ you?
An opportunity to demonstrate your suitability and draw parallels between what you’ve got to offer and what the employer needs.
What is your greatest weakness?
Try to use an example that you can turn around and show you’re dealing with positively, e.g. ‘I’m not very confident at speaking in groups but I’ve tried to get all the practice I can at doing this’.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Applications and interviews
Use a Mind Map to collate ideas for demonstrating skills
Mentoring first years in department Horizons Presentation Topic
Third-Year Project
Phone interviews Similar to video interviews, these are generally screening interviews to assess if an employer will bring you into an assessment day and many of the same tips apply. Additional tips are: • Smile while you talk – it will lift your voice and make you sound friendlier and enthusiastic. • Ask questions like ‘Would you like me to expand on this?’ or ‘Does this answer your question?’ if there are awkward silences. • Make sure you are in a location with good reception, your battery is fully charged and there are no distractions.
Skype interviews
Teamwork
Influencing Society Annual Dinner Committee
Sponsors for Society Annual Dinner Extension on second year assessment
3rd Year Project Employer Collaboration
Often Skype or a video conference interface are used in place of a face-toface interview if there is a large distance to travel. The same top tips apply as for pre-recorded interviews.
Developing your interview technique The Careers Service offers a range of opportunities to develop your interview technique, including sessions at the Service and in the department, employerled skills workshops, lunchtime workshops and mock interviews. There is also a wealth of tools on our website, including further practice, sessions we’ve recorded in the past and a database containing information that we have gathered from previous students who have been through interviews. Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/ careers/interviews.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Working at Tesco
No excuses Customer Service
Society Treasurer
When I applied for a summer internship at HSBC, there were a number of stages to go through. As preparation for my interviews, I decided to visit the Careers Service at Imperial. It was easy to book an appointment, and I was given continuous support with my application process. This included interview preparation and support for the other stages of my application. It was hugely helpful and I would encourage students to go to it for help and guidance. I also found that going to friends and family who had an understanding about the process was invaluable.
Turan Hasan, MEng Biomedical Engineering (First year)
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
41
FIND THEIR SPIRIT.
Teach First is a registered charity (1098294) Teach First is a registered charity,
Every advance in science. Every artistic movement. Every sporting achievement. Every great business idea. Every shot at a better future. They all start with an inspiring teacher. Our two-year Leadership Development Programme will support you to become that inspirational classroom leader and help children from the poorest backgrounds achieve amazing things. Become part of a movement committed to ending educational inequality. Find out more at teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment
no. 1098294
FIND YOUR REASON EAS TO LEAD.
Jobs and course providers
Jobs and course providers
What are you waiting for?
This section highlights leading employers and course providers with opportunities for Imperial students. Browse through this section for even more ideas about your future career. The process of planning and developing your career takes time and effort – but help is at hand! The articles throughout this Guide are packed with tips and advice to help you and this section gives you ideas of just some of the opportunities out there. Everything that the Careers Service does is aimed at helping you to plan and develop your career, from the events and activities it organises that put you in touch with employers, to the resources provided online or in hard copy, not to mention the expertise and advice on offer from a team of professionally qualified careers consultants. The articles in this publication give you tips on increasing your awareness of the opportunities around you. Explore these in light of your individual interests and abilities, then review your options and come to a decision about what your next steps will be. When it’s time to start making applications, the Careers Service can help again, ensuring that you promote yourself in the best way possible, both in writing and in person. One way to explore your options is simply to browse sample vacancies and get a better idea of what’s out there. This section presents you with a range of different opportunities, organised by different types of sector. Use these pages, alongside the websites suggested elsewhere in this Guide, to research your career options. Take every opportunity to meet and talk to employers too. Make sure you’re registered on JobsLive: www.imperial.ac.uk/careers/services/jobslive. This is a key way of finding out about employer events at Imperial and vacancies. As you’ll see from the next few pages, there are many employers and course providers who are keen to hear from Imperial students like you!
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Apply now and tell employers where you saw them first.
Key:
Apply though TARGETjobs
Read the Inside Buzz
GS
Graduate schemes
VS
Vacation schemes
Visit on campus
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
43
Jobs and course providers
GS targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Gillian Bray Alfa Moor Place, 1 Fore Street Avenue, London, EC2Y 9DT TEL 020 7588 1800 EMAIL careersUK@alfasystems.com WEB www.alfasystems.com/eu/careers SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/alfaworldwide www.linkedin.com/company/alfasystems twitter.com/alfasystems
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Maz Boulos APT 70 Conduit Street, London W1S 2GF TEL +44(0)20 3206 7508 EMAIL Recruiting_europe@aptmail.co.uk WEB www.joinapt.com SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter,FaceBook, LinkedIn, YouTube
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS Based in London with operations in the US, Australia, New Zealand and Europe AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Alfa helps asset finance companies improve their business performance by implementing our software and applying our wide-ranging experience of the industry. Blue-chip clients such Mercedes-Benz, Barclays and John Deere have reaped the benefits of Alfa’s finest assets: our people. You will begin your career either on a client site or based in the office and your first role will typically be software development. As you gain more knowledge of the business and technology, you will have increased responsibility in our business change implementation projects. We only recruit people who we think will get on with each other, so the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY £40,000 PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Ongoing FORM OF APPLICATION Online (CV and Cover letter) APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 15–20
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS UK (Central London), North America, Australia, Japan, Taiwan AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Founded in 1999, APT is in the business of changing the way leading global companies make decisions. We are a leading analytics software company that empowers top global organizations across a wide range of industries to make data-driven decisions with confidence. Precise measurement of cause-andeffect relationships between trials and outcomes allows business leaders to predict and maximise the ROI of high-value decisions. You will have the opportunity to work closely with senior executives, both internally and client facing, collaborate with exceptional peers, and achieve rapid career advancement. You are expected to not only have a tremendous impact in transforming our clients, but also a leading role in shaping APT’s future. APT’s client portfolio includes Walmart, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Boots, Dixons Carphone, and many others, with the London Office supporting our client base in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline. We are looking for motivated and analytically-minded graduates and postgraduates who are excited by the intersection of business analytics and technology. STARTING SALARY Starting salaries of over £50,000 per annum PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual – Resume Deadline: 28 October 2018 FORM OF APPLICATION CV & cover letter required to www.joinapt.com/apply APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE Multiple Openings
GS VS
GS VS
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
BNP Paribas Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB) 3 Harewood Ave, Marylebone, London NW1 6JL WEB earlycareers.bnpparibas.com MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS London AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) BNP Paribas Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB) is one of the world’s leading investment banks. With operations in 57 countries and an awardwinning reputation, we have the scale and scope to accommodate any ambition. We look after our people too – with strong support networks, excellent development opportunities and a real commitment to work-life balance. We offer graduate programmes across our main business areas. These include Global Markets, Global Banking, Compliance, Risk and Technology. To help you experience the world of banking, we also offer Summer Internships, Long-term Internships and a Spring Insight Programme. GRADUATES SOUGHT Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Computer Science/IT, Languages, Business Studies. Other degree disciplines will be considered if a passion for the finance and investment banking industry is demonstrated STARTING SALARY Competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Rolling, early applications encouraged FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE Graduates – 150, Long term interns – 150, VIE – 30, Summer intern – 100, Spring insight – 100 VACATION WORK/COURSES Internship opportunities available FOR VACATION WORK APPLY BY Online at earlycareers.bnpparibas.com
44
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Amy Furnival Capital One Trent House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG13 8FW EMAIL ukgraduaterecruitment@capitalone.com WEB www.capitalonecareers.co.uk/early-careers SOCIAL MEDIA @IAmCapitalOne MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS Nottingham and London AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) We issued our first credit card back in 1996, now we’re one of the top ten card providers in the UK. We’re also proud to be recognised by Glassdoor as one of the Best Places to Work in the UK 2018. Our business is about helping people succeed with credit – from innovative tools like our QuickCheck eligibility checker, to the way we’re driving positive change across the finance industry. It’s no wonder we’re the only card provider with a 4-star rated credit card from Fairbanking. We’re looking for graduates to join us in Nottingham and London in Analytics & Consulting as a Business Analyst, Data Analyst or Finance Analyst, in Data Science or to be a part of our Risk Operations or Software Academy. You’ll need to complete a simple online application and assessments. Once we’ve received this, we’ll arrange a video interview if we think you’re a suitable candidate. Success at that stage means that you’ll be invited to an assessment day, which is the final step to joining us. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY £32,000–£40,000 PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 50 graduates/30 interns
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
BAILLIE GIFFORD
Individuality is our Strength Graduate Career Opportunities, Edinburgh
It takes all kinds of people to make Baillie Gifford the leading independent global investment management business that it is. We’re driven by individual thinking. By people whose different ideas, viewpoints and interests come together to make a greater whole – our team of over 1,000 individuals.
Our graduate trainees continue to develop throughout their careers with us. From the moment we ask you to interview, we’re interested in getting to know you as a person, as well as your professional goals. It’s what you bring that matters.
Investment Management
Business Operations
Information Systems
ANY DEGREE SUBJECT.
ANY DEGREE SUBJECT.
IT RELATED DEGREE REQUIRED.
Research potential investments from every possible angle. Seek out the unique insight that no one else has spotted.
Join a rotational programme which is the perfect way to learn what you’re good at.
Create innovative software solutions and harness advanced technology to make our business work better.
BAILLIEGIFFORD.COM/GRADUATES
Jobs and course providers
GS VS
GS VS
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
EY-Parthenon 1 More London Place London, SE1 2AF WEB www.parthenon.ey.com
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Natasha Tighe G-Research Whittington House, 19-30 Alfred Place, Fitzrovia, WC1E 7EA
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS London and Globally AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) EY-Parthenon is a global strategy consultancy. We are committed to using unconventional yet pragmatic thinking to deliver actionable strategies in order to help our clients navigate the ever changing business landscape and solve complex business matters, driving change for tomorrow’s working world. Through formal and on-the-job training and mentoring, Associates acquire valuable analytical and interpersonal skills that not only make them effective at EY-Parthenon, but also equip them with expertise applicable to any career they choose to pursue. Associates contribute to projects in a multitude of ways: from market analysis, customer interviews to task force leadership. EY-Parthenon’s non-hierarchical environment enables Associates to take initiative and drive their EY-Parthenon experience. EY-Parthenon employees enjoy unparalleled contact with influential and highly experienced professionals across a multitude of sectors. The London office focuses on Private Equity, Business Services, Education, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrials, Oil & Gas and TMT. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY Highly competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual – Full time applications close 31/10/2018 FORM OF APPLICATION Online at www.parthenon.ey.com APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE No fixed quota VACATION WORK/COURSES Yes FOR VACATION WORK APPLY BY 09/01/2019
TEL 020 7361 7500 EMAIL graduates@gresearch.co.uk WEB www.gresearch.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA en-gb.facebook.com/gresearchcareers; twitter.com/GRESEARCHJobs; linkedin.com/company/g-research MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS London, UK. AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) G-Research is a leading quantitative research and technology company. By using the latest scientific techniques, we produce world-beating predictive research and build advanced technology to analyse big data. Join us and you’ll explore complex challenges with some of the world's smartest people in an open and informal environment. We are all working towards achieving our long-term goal: human ingenuity limited only by the speed of thought. There is also a lively social side to G-Research with many team events and company-wide celebrations. GRADUATES SOUGHT Computer Science only STARTING SALARY Competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 15 VACATION WORK/COURSES Yes
GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES IN LONDON AND PARIS
For more than 125 years, our clients have depended on us to provide them with a partner led service that is second to none. Why not join us and become part of something special?
46
GRADUATES SOUGHT We welcome applications from all disciplines. As a minimum, you will have 300 UCAS points and an expected first or upper second class degree. SALARY Highly competitive CLOSING DATE End of December (Spring Intake) End of April (Autumn Intake) ANNUAL INTAKE 16-18 London, 1-2 Paris APPLICATION www.dixonwilson.com/careers INTERNSHIPS Every summer. See our website for further details.
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
Train with us to become a Chartered Accountant and let your future flourish. We offer high quality training and support with exposure to diverse clients and experiences to steer your career towards success. You’ll get involved in an interesting mix of work including audit, tax and accountancy with the opportunity to work directly with managers and partners from the very start.
“Bright futures for Bright people”
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Jobs and course providers
GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
We have a number of vacancies across our practice areas and are looking for exceptional graduates to join us. Working in small client teams where knowledge sharing is a key part of the culture means you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work from the very beginning of your career. GRADUATES SOUGHT: Graduates from all disciplines will be considered, and must be expecting a first or upper second class degree.
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
The talent and expertise of our people makes FTI Consulting a global thought leader in business advisory services and consulting. We provide our clients with clear analysis and strategic advice to help them overcome a wide variety of complex business challenges.
ECONOMIC & FINANCIAL CONSULTING
SALARY: Highly Competitive
FORENSIC LITIGATION CONSULTING
CLOSING DATE: Please refer to website
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
APPLICATION: www.fticareers.co.uk/graduates
CORPORATE FINANCE (RESTRUCTURING & TAX)
ANNUAL INTAKE: Over 40 across a range of practices VACATION WORK/ COURSES: Please refer to website
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
47
Would you like to work with passionate leaders in their fields?
As one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of commodities, we offer diverse opportunities to dedicated and driven people, anywhere in the world.
DIVERSIFIED • DEDICATED • DRIVEN
Find out more at www.glencore.com/careers
Jobs and course providers
GS VS targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
HSBC Bank Plc 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HQ TEL 020 7832 8300 EMAIL uk.graduaterecruitment@hsbc.com (commercial banking, retail banking & wealth management); campus.recruitment@hsbc.com (global banking & markets, global private banking) WEB www.hsbc.com/earlycareers SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: www.facebook.com/hsbccareers LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hsbc
J A Kemp 14 South Square, Gray’s Inn, London, WC1R 5JJ TEL +44 (0)20 3077 8600 EMAIL careers@jakemp.com WEB www.jakemp.com SOCIAL MEDIA www.linkedin.com/company/j-a-kemp
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS Global AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) HSBC have global graduate programmes in each of our four global businesses: • Commercial Banking • Global Banking and Markets • Global Private Banking • Retail Banking and Wealth Management, including Global Asset Management. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY Competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual, GBM – 2 Jan 2019, CMB and RBWM grad programme – 23 Dec 2018. All UK programmes go live on 3 Sept. Offers are ongoing so places may be filled before the closing deadlines therefore please apply early to avoid disappointment. FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 600 VACATION WORK/COURSES Yes FOR VACATION WORK APPLY BY CMB and RBWM interns – 17 February 2019
GS VS
GS
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Johnson Matthey Orchard Road, Royston Herts SG8 5HE WEB www.matthey.com/careers SOCIAL MEDIA @Johnson_Matthey MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS Across the UK; including Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Teesside. International opportunities also available across the US and China. AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Johnson Matthey uses science to make the world cleaner and healthier; more than 90 percent of our sales come from technologies that benefit the environment and health, enhancing people’s lives on a global scale. We’re a global leader in sustainable technologies created and driven through innovation, operating across 4 sectors: Clean Air; Efficient Natural Resources; Health; and New Markets. In addition to our world class manufacturing, we take R&D seriously, with over £193m invested last year. Graduate opportunities are as diverse as our organisation. We offer a structured rotational Leadership and Management Programme as well as direct entry routes where you’ll join one of our business units from day 1. Whichever you choose you will be given real responsibilities working within a team environment on new or existing projects. GRADUATES SOUGHT Science and Engineering STARTING SALARY Competitive package and benefits PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE December for Leadership and Management Programme, Continuous for Direct Hire roles FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 60 VACATION WORK/COURSES yes
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS London, Oxford, Cambridge, Paris and Munich. AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) J A Kemp is one of the largest UK and European Patent and Trade Mark Attorney firms, with offices in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Paris and Munich. J A Kemp’s patent attorneys handle patent applications in the UK, Europe and worldwide. The firm has particular expertise in patent oppositions and appeals, especially before the European Patent Office. The firm also conducts intellectual property litigation. J A Kemp has a varied client base ranging from startups, spinouts and SMEs through to some of the largest corporate clients and most prestigious academic institutions in the world. GRADUATES SOUGHT Candidates should have an excellent track record of achievement at school and university, with a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree in a scientific or technical subject, preferably physics, engineering, computer science, chemistry or biosciences. We are open to applications from candidates holding or studying for a first or higher degree or doctorate. STARTING SALARY Competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE We encourage applications before the end of the calendar year for candidates who wish to start the following autumn.We will, however, consider applications from exceptional candidates at any time of the year. FORM OF APPLICATION Apply to careers@jakemp.com with a CV and a covering letter addressed to the head of the relevant group (see website). APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE Approximately six trainees across all technology areas. Our trainees usually join us in the autumn.
Kerry Graduate Recruitment Team Kerry TEL +44 (0)20 7654 7201 EMAIL kerrygraduates@gtisolutions.co.uk WEB www.kerrygraduates.com SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/Kerry.Group.Graduate.Recruitment/ www.linkedin.com/company/kerry MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS UK, Ireland and Europe – candidates must be flexible with regard to travel and relocation AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Kerry Group is a world leader in food and beverage manufacturing & has enjoyed phenomenal success since its formation in 1972. Today, Kerry Group has 23,000 employees globally, 15,000 products and revenues of €6.4 billion. As a company we strive for excellence in everything we do. Our business is comprised of 2 divisions: Taste & Nutrition & Kerry Foods. Taste & Nutrition We understand that consumers want delicious products made from trusted, authentic foods and flavours. Every day millions of people throughout the world consume foods and beverages containing our taste and nutrition solutions. Kerry Foods We are a leading name in the global food industry – producing branded & customer branded food across Meals, Meats and Dairy. Our products, many of which are household favourites, are eaten by 60m people every day. GRADUATES SOUGHT Accounting & Finance; Sales; Marketing; Customer Care; Human Resources; Supply Chain, Procurement; Operations; Engineering; Research & Development; Quality Assurance; ICT STARTING SALARY Competitive salary which is reviewed regularly throughout the Graduate Programme PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual FORM OF APPLICATION Apply online at www.kerrygraduates.com APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE We recruit approximately 80 graduates annually. VACATION WORK/COURSES Please visit www.kerry.com/careers
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
49
One app. Hundreds of opportunities...
Delivered by
Jobs and course providers
GS VS
GS VS
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Isobel Newson L.E.K. Consulting Nova South, 160 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5LB TEL 020 7389 7200 EMAIL london.recruit@lek.com WEB www.lek.com
Kellie Henderson Metaswitch 100 Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6BQ TEL 020 8366 1177 EMAIL careers@metaswitch.com WEB www.metaswitch.com/careers
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS London HQ with an additional 19 offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) L.E.K. Consulting is a global strategy consulting firm that addresses the most complex commercial issues for some of the world’s most successful businesses. Clients come to us time and again because we have proven to be an insightful expert and a trusted partner. Our teams combine our core capabilities of research, benchmarking, modelling, analysis and strategy development to create game-changing insights and practical solutions that deliver real impact. Associates are involved in all aspects of strategic and financial analysis, offering exposure to multiple industry sectors and a wide variety of commercial challenges. The nature and pace of L.E.K.’s strategic work facilitates the rapid development of a highly analytical skill-set, which is underpinned by a structured training programme. The Associate role at L.E.K. provides a dynamic, varied and highly rewarding work environment. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline, 2.1 or above STARTING SALARY Highly competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual FORM OF APPLICATION Online application by 28th October 2018 APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 40 in London – start dates available September 2019 and spring 2020 VACATION WORK/COURSES 8 week summer internship for penultimate year students (application deadline: 31st January 2019. Applications open 1st December 2018.
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS Enfield (North London), Cambridge, Edinburgh, Chester, Coventry AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Metaswitch is one of the world’s leading cloud based communications software companies. Our award-winning solutions power more than 1,000 worldwide service provider networks. We design and develop commercial and open-source software solutions. We package our software into products that are redefining consumer and business communications while transforming communication networks. We are recruiting talented and motivated graduates, post graduates and Interns from any degree discipline to join us as Engineers. You don’t need any experience – just have an interest in technology and be willing to take on big challenges! You will have a strong academic background (with a good degree in any subject), and be looking to build your career in a company full of really smart people who love solving problems and working together in a collaborative and innovative environment. Visit our website for further information about Metaswitch, the roles we have available and the people that work here. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY £35,000 plus bens PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Continuous FORM OF APPLICATION EAF, online, CV APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 40 graduates and 40 interns a year VACATION WORK/COURSES Yes FOR VACATION WORK APPLY BY ASAP
GS VS targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Newton 2 Kingston Business Park Kingston Bagpuize Oxfordshire OX13 5FE TEL 01865 920700 EMAIL recruitment@newtoneurope.com WEB www.newtoneurope.com/graduate SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @Newton_Europe; Facebook: @NewtonEurope; LinkedIn: Newton Europe
Melissa Edmondson, Recruitment Officer OC&C Strategy Consultants 6 New Street Square, London EC4A 3AT TEL 020 7010 8000 EMAIL recruitment@occstrategy.com WEB www.occstrategy.com SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/occcareers
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS UK AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Newton isn’t like other consultancies. Our business model is purposefully disruptive. Our culture is vibrant, energetic and individual. We hire people with spirit, personality and bravery – and we go to extraordinary lengths to build their skills and belief. We also offer unusual levels of responsibility to those who are ready for it. Your work here will make a difference to everyone from top-level executives to blue-collar workers, hospital patients, and children in social care. If you don’t limit yourself, we won’t limit you. Our philosophy is quite simple: we demand better, for our people and for our clients. It’s how we’ve changed so many organisations for the better – so successfully. It’s also how we’ll take your career to the nth degree. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY £45,000–£50,000 PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE 21/12/2018 FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 80
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS 10 offices in 8 countries AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) “What is the future of television? How much should we invest in emerging markets? What do I need to do to win with Millennials?” We answer the toughest questions facing businesses. We do rapid, high impact projects for chief executives and boards. In our London office, we have substantial expertise in retail, leisure, consumer goods, media, technology and business services. We are looking for graduates with outstanding analytical minds and eclectic interests: we encourage candidates from all disciplines. In addition to marketleading compensation and training, we offer 4 weeks of extra unpaid leave each year, grants to help you pursue your interests, and host biannual offsites (recently Chicago and Amsterdam) – business needn’t make you boring. Interested? We’d like to talk GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY Top of the market PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual, apply by 4 November 2018 FORM OF APPLICATION Online CV and covering letter APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE No fixed quota VACATION WORK/COURSES Yes –Summer Internships, International Strategy Workshop FOR VACATION WORK APPLY BY 13 January 2019
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
51
Jobs and course providers
GS VS
GS targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
RBB Economics LLP 199 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3TY TEL 0207 421 2410 EMAIL vacancies@rbbecon.com WEB www.rbbecon.com
Teach First 6 Mitre Passage, London, SE10 0ER EMAIL recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk WEB teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS Various locations across England and Wales AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in this country are being let down by one of the most unfair education systems in the developed world, and the knock-on effect of this injustice lasts a lifetime. It’s a cycle we’re determined to break, but we need your help. On our two-year Leadership Development Programme, we’ll support you to become a qualified teacher through a fully-funded Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership. By training on the job, you’ll have an immediate impact on the lives of the young people who need you the most. And, whether you choose to remain in the classroom or pursue another career after the programme, you’ll benefit from Teach First’s influential network of organisations and businesses who share our commitment to ending educational inequality and value the skills and experience our participants gain. Could you help us reach the day when no child’s educational success is limited by their background? GRADUATES SOUGHT 2.1 degree or above (although all applications are looked at on a case-by-case basis), and a degree or A-levels that satisfy our teaching subject requirements. STARTING SALARY Competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Year-round applications, early submission recommended as subjects close as they are filled. FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 1,750 VACATION WORK/COURSES Alongside our graduate programme we offer a number of undergraduate opportunities including our Insight Programme – two weeks of paid work experience that provide the opportunity to find out what the Leadership Development Programme is really like.
“The analytical one”
“The innovator”
Daisy
Dhiren
“The visionary”
Introducing Phoebe
“The programming pro”
Tristan
Tamera
“The coding guru”
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS London, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Paris,The Hague, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Madrid and Stockholm. AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) RBB Economics is an economics consultancy specialising in the application of economics to competition law. RBB is one of the largest competition economics practices in the world. Competition economics concerns the behaviour of firms with market power, and covers issues such as mergers, vertical agreements, joint ventures, price setting and other potentially abusive behaviour. RBB provides professional, independent economic advice on such matters. We are looking for consultants with a range of quantitative and analytical skills and an ability to communicate complex economic concepts in a clear and concise style. Entry level candidates should have excellent academic credentials, generally to postgraduate level, in economics and preferably an interest in industrial organisation. GRADUATES SOUGHT Economics STARTING SALARY Highly competitive PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Continuous FORM OF APPLICATION CV and covering letter APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE No quota VACATION WORK/COURSES Yes FOR VACATION WORK APPLY BY Continuous
The future stars Start your Sky story today Early Careers opportunities
52
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
Jobs and course providers
GS VS
GS VS
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
targetjobs.co.uk/employer-hubs
Nick Brand Teneo Consulting 12 Arthur Street, London EC4R 9AB TEL 020 3206 8800 EMAIL JoinLondon@teneoconsult.com WEB teneoconsultingcareers.teneoholdings.com SOCIAL MEDIA www.linkedin.com/company/teneo-holdings
TPP TPP House, 129 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5PX TEL 0113 205 0082 EMAIL careers@tpp-uk.com WEB www.tpp-uk.com/careers SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @TPPCareers; Facebook: TPP Careers; Instagram: @tpp_careers
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS London, Dubai AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) Teneo Consulting is a market leading strategy consultancy working for the CEOs and boards of today's most forward-thinking and influential companies. Our focus is on answering key strategic questions for business and publicsector leaders through our mix of senior experience and rigorous analysis, combined with the unique expertise that exists across Teneo Holdings, the global CEO advisory firm. The Teneo Consulting culture is critical to our success. We have an open and supportive office atmosphere, and our smaller case teams mean greater responsibility early on. From the out-set, new joiners are given the opportunity to hone key consulting skills, whether presenting findings or developing longstanding relationships. Six-monthly promotion opportunities are available, allowing rapid progression for high performers. We offer extensive global travel opportunities and lead the market on pay. GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY Market leading PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Annual FORM OF APPLICATION Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 12
MAIN LOCATIONS OR REGIONS We are based in our brand new custom-built offices in Leeds, TPP House, and attract graduates from all over the country. TPP now operates on an international scale with projects ongoing in China and the Middle East, and we are always open to new opportunities across the world. AREAS OF ACTIVITY & JOB FUNCTION(S) TPP is a cutting-edge software company based in Leeds. We’re revolutionising healthcare across the world with our pioneering research and technology solutions. Our flat hierarchy and transparent culture ensures that everyone in the company has a voice and is able to play an integral part in our success from day one. We are looking for graduates with a strong record of academic performance, from all degree backgrounds, to join our multi-disciplinary team. You will be working on initiatives such as implementing our clinical software solution globally, developing innovative app technology and carrying out ground breaking research projects. If you’re a natural problem solver and have a burning desire to make a difference to the world, we need you! GRADUATES SOUGHT Any discipline STARTING SALARY £45,000 PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT/CLOSING DATE Continuous FORM OF APPLICATION CV/Online APPROX ANNUAL INTAKE 100 VACATION WORK/COURSES We offer Summer Coding Internships
THINK BIG MOVE FAST HAVE FUN
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF EMPOWERED TECHNOLOGISTS. Our entry-level program gets you ready for life as a ThoughtWorks consultant. We love students of all
disciplines and people switching into tech careers — all you need is love for technology and a passion for learning. We’ll take care of the rest.
You’ll travel to ThoughtWorks University (TWU) campus in
ΖQGLD RU &KLQD <RXȇOO VSHQG ȴ YH ZHHNV ZLWK 7KRXJKW:RUNHUV from around the world, discovering our values, practices
and principles, and hearing all the best stories. TWU is an
intensive, hands-on experience, where you’ll learn how to
build working software from week one. It’s all about getting you ready to take on the challenges our clients face with
FRQȴ GHQFH $QG VHWWLQJ \RX XS ZLWK D UHDG\ PDGH JOREDO network of friends and mentors.
If this sounds like you, you’re one of us already. Let’s make big change happen.
thoughtworks.com/careers/graduates
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
53
Jobs and course providers
Profile
IFC
44
Alfa www.alfasystems.com/eu/careers
–
44
APT www.joinapt.com
–
44
BNP Paribas Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB) earlycareers.bnpparibas.com
–
44
Capital One www.capitalonecareers.co.uk/early-careers
–
46
EY-Parthenon www.parthenon.ey.com
OBC
46
G-Research www.gresearch.co.uk
–
49
HSBC Bank Plc www.hsbc.com/earlycareers
–
49
J A Kemp www.jakemp.com
–
49
Johnson Matthey www.matthey.com/careers
–
49
Kerry www.kerrygraduates.com
–
51
L.E.K. Consulting www.lek.com
IBC
51
Metaswitch www.metaswitch.com/careers
–
51
Newton www.newtoneurope.com/graduate
–
51
OC&C Strategy Consultants www.occstrategy.com
–
52
RBB Economics LLP www.rbbecon.com
42
52
Teach First teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment
–
53
Teneo Consulting teneoconsultingcareers.teneoholdings.com
–
53
TPP www.tpp-uk.com/careers
SECTOR Built env ironmen t – civil e Built env ngineeri ironmen ng t – cons Built env truction ironmen /b uilt envir t – quan onment Computi tity sur v ng & IT eying Consulta nts – ac tuarial Consulta nts – com puter/IT Consulta nts – ec o n omics Consulta nts – pro perty Consulta nts – rec ruitmen t
Advertis ement
Compan y name
JOBS AND COURSE PROVIDERS
•
•
•
•
•
• •
•
•
OTHER ADVERTISERS Baillie Gifford, page 45; Dixon Wilson, page 46; The Frontline Organisation, page 47; FTI Consulting, page 47; Glencore, page 48; Sky, page 52; ThoughtWorks, page 53. COURSE PROVIDERS: Aston University, page 56. IFC = inside front cover; IBC = inside back cover; OBC = outside back cover.
54
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
• •
•
•
• •
• •
•
• • • • •
•
•
•
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers •
• •
• •
•
• •
•
• •
• •
• • •
•
•
Approxim ate annu al intake Anglia an d the ea st London/S outh-eas t South-w est Engla n d The Midla nds North-ea st Engla nd North-w est Engla nd Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
Consulta nts – str ategic Enginee ring Finance – accoun tancy/fin Finance ancial m – actuari anagem al ent/taxa Finance tion – bankin g Finance – financ ial ser vic Finance es – insura nce Finance – investm ent Finance – stockb roking Hospitali ty & tou rism Human re sources Industry – chemic al & pha Industry rmaceuti – oil & o cal comp il ser vice c Industry anies ompanie – other s Law Managem ent Marketin g, sales & media Not-for-p (includin rofit g adverti sing, ma Patent w rket rese ork arch & P Public se R) r vice – c iv il ser vice Public se and gove r vice – e rnment mergenc Public se agencies y ser vic r vice – lo e s cal gove Public se rnment r vice – h ealth ser Public se vices r vice – u niformed Public se ser vices r vice – o ther Retail m anagem ent Teaching
Jobs and course providers
LOCATION
15–20 •
Multiple •
150+ •
80 •
No fixed quota
•
15 •
40 •
40 •
80
1,750
12
100 •
No fixed quota
No quota
• •
•
•
600 • •
c. 6 • •
60 • • •
80 • • •
•
•
• • •
• •
• • • • • •
• • • • • • •
•
•
•
•
•
• • • •
•
•
•
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
55
Jobs and course providers
Aston University Masters/PhD Study and Funding Fair in association with TARGETpostgrad
20 November 2018 Conference Aston Meeting Suites Aston University Aston Triangle Birmingham B4 7ET
Delivered by
Online Video Fairs An exciting new digital alternative to the traditional postgraduate fair for 2018/19. Building on feedback from exhibitors and students about their fair highlights, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to announce an innovative series of subject-led online fairs during autumn 2018 and spring 2019.
Business and management
Law
Teaching
Engineering
31 Oct 2018
1 Nov 2018
13 Nov 2018
15 Nov 2018
in association with 56
THE IMPERIAL GUIDE TO CAREER PLANNING 2019
www.imperial.ac.uk/careers
We are one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading global technology companies looking for Interns, graduates and postgraduates to join our team as Software Engineers! Simply upload your CV and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear back within 48 hours
No experience needed | All disciplines welcome Competitive salary plus benefits
IMAGINE WRITING THE CODE AT THE CORE OF YOUR COMPANY’S SUCCESS. G-Research is a leading quantitative research and technology company. By using the latest scientific techniques, we produce world-beating predictive research and build advanced technology to analyse Big Data. Join us and you’ll explore complex challenges with some of the world’s smartest people in an open and informal environment. We are all working towards achieving our long-term goal: human ingenuity limited only by the speed of thought. There is also a lively social side to G-Research with many team events and companywide celebrations. We have summer internships and 6 or 4 month industrial placements for the best students in their penultimate year studying Computer Science or Computer Science with Maths. Apply at www.gresearch.co.uk CREATE TODAY. PREDICT TOMORROW.