Refined Search (Alumni Host, Hertford College

know that I enjoyed the variation of the job, which is giving me a sense of the kind of job I may

want to do in the future, so I have more of an idea of what I might enjoy.

Practical Advice

I was unsure whether to apply or not and was convinced it was too competitive to try. It was

also such a step away from my subject. It turned out that it suited me and my subject well, so I

would say don't be afraid to step out of your degree subject into something else you're

interested in. To be able to combine interests that at first don't seem to go together is exciting

and you don't know where it might take you. Also keep a list of the key things you've learnt,

even if they're just interesting facts.

BA Philosophy Politics and Economics, Final Year Undergraduate, in-person

working

Work Projects

The main project me and the other intern were assigned was to

search for a Europe-based renewable energy trading company

as an acquisition target of a large commercial bank. To

complete this task, we went through the websites and annual

reports of energy trading firms and collated useful information

such as profit & loss, company size, trading capacity and

ownership details into an excel sheet. We shortlisted companies based on their suitabilities and

our client's expectations. We drafted reasons for shortlisting these companies. We also

conducted three search projects where we headhunt candidates for the roles from the

information management system we use and LinkedIn.

We assessed the candidates' suitability based on the job description provided by our clients.

We reached out to selected candidates to set up calls with our partner to discuss the roles. We

took notes during the calls and reference them back to our client. There were a lot of

opportunities to develop interpersonal skills in communicating with the candidates. Every

Wednesday, we sat in the firm's weekly pipeline meetings where everyone updates others in

the firm regarding the projects they have at hand, so that everyone can be on the same page.

The meetings served as a great chance to absorb information about the headhunting industry

and to gain a deeper understanding of the skills required for the job.

Daily Life

I felt really welcomed on my first day at the firm. Our supervisor showed us around the office

building and introduced us to eatery places nearby. We were also given an introduction to the

projects we were going to work on and given help setting up our computers and work accounts.

The firm is conveniently located in Victoria station. The area is surrounded by all types of

restaurants, fast-food places and food markets. The firm is a short distance away from St.

James’s Park and I enjoyed the relaxing walk in the park during lunch breaks.

As a small firm, everyone in the office is friendly and approachable.

There were plenty of opportunities to catch up over coffee or during

lunch breaks. We also had welcome drinks and farewell drinks with

the entire team which gave us the valuable opportunity to chat with

everyone. The weekly pipeline meeting allowed us to meet our

colleagues based in the Singapore office. Most excitingly, as interns,

we were invited to the company's retreat which will take place in

October when our colleagues from Singapore visit London. These

social events helped to create a strong sense of friendship within the

team. I have enjoyed the daily casual chats in the office.

Lasting Impressions

I enjoyed the internship as both commodity trading and executive search are areas that I have

no prior experience in. Looking at the commodity trading industry from an executive searcher's

point of view provided me with a new perspective. It revealed to me how recruiters would

assess candidates based on their work experiences, their reasons for making career changes

and their ways of interacting with recruiters. The understanding of what qualities the recruiters

would like to see in a candidate would be useful in informing my future career choices.

The internship programme was also a huge test of my

interpersonal skills as communicating with senior

professionals over messages and calls was at first a

daunting experience. Learning from my colleagues on

how they draft their emails and how they strategically

steer the conversation during phone calls helped me to

develop my communication skills which I believe is my greatest takeaway from the internship

experience. The process of researching for companies' information and looking at the career

trajectories of candidates also allowed me a deeper understanding of the key players in the

commodities trading and the renewable energy industries. It confirmed my interest in the

commodities sector which is a sector I would like to explore more in the future.

Practical Advice

Read up on the different functions within the commodity trading industry. It would help you

assess the suitability of candidates' profiles. (And save the one-month free trial of LinkedIn

premium as it will be really useful during the internship).

BA English Literature and Language, Second Year Undergraduate, in-person

working

Work Projects

I was working in recruitment. I researched the sector, in this case sustainability consulting, and

compiled long lists of people who work in that sector. I then contacted those people directly

and organised telephone calls with them, scheduling appointments across global time zones. I

mostly observed such calls between these candidates and members of the firm, but also learnt

to lead them myself. In these conversations, we would interview the candidate about their

career and assess them for available roles. I also dealt with networking and maintaining

relationships after the call. I also did a market research project generating a rough picture of

the companies producing and trading renewable energy in Europe to support a member of the

firm in an upcoming pitch meeting with a client; This involved internet research into various

companies and writing summaries about them.

Daily Life

I travelled an hour into central London each day on

the London Underground and went to the office. I

was working alongside one other intern, whom I

met in preparation for the internship in Oxford on

the advice and contact provided by the employer.

The people at the company made an effort to make

us feel welcome; We were taken to the local food

markets to show us good spots, given welcome placement mats and company merchandise,

and multiple work socials were organised for us. The company organised drinks for us after

work on the first day to help us met the entire team and settle in, and they also organised

leaving drinks for us on our last day to celebrate the end of the internship. This was all very

much appreciated. The atmosphere of the office was friendly and comfortable, with snacks and

music.

Lasting Impressions

The internship gave me a real insight into the sector. I gained a thorough understanding of

recruitment and the skillset needed for it, and feel confident I could apply for such jobs in the

future. I was grateful for the professional experience, and the financial assistance. I think the

internship built on soft professional skills such as networking, developing professional

relationships, organisation and confident communication and advocacy.