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2009
» Continental Careers » The United World Of Work
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Guide to Europe
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Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz. Contact with cross-border colleagues.
Start thinking European.
Graduate Programmes – All Degree Disciplines From the moment you join a KPMG Graduate Programme, you’ll need to think European. That’s because the recent merger between our UK, German, Swiss and Spanish firms has allowed us to offer you something that virtually none of our competitors can – wide exposure to international clients and a unique, engaging opportunity to experience business the length and breadth of Europe. So, whether you choose to specialise in Audit, Tax or Advisory, one thing’s for certain. You’ll have the strength, scope and success of Europe’s largest fully integrated accountancy firm to inspire and challenge you. Visit www.kpmg.co.uk/careers to find out more and apply.
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© 2008 KPMG Europe LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a holding company of a number of members of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. KPMG Europe LLP and KPMG International provide no client services.
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Contents the 2009 issue On the cover
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features 04 F oreign Exchange. Real World explores the opportunities of working Europe-wide. z 07 T he War For Talent Moves Online. Why graduates in the know search for jobs online. 08 E mployer Checks. What employers can -- and cannot -find out abut you. z 10 P lain Talking. Motivational speaker, Harrison Monarth. explores the power of the spoken word. z 12 A dvice For Foreign Students. Everything you need to know to move to England successfully.z 16 B rits Abroad. What to expect and what to look out for if you’re relocating abroad. z 20 P art Of The Union. Discover the huge variety of roles available working for the EU. 24 S peaking In Tongues. It's never too late to learn a foreign
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The new europeans
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nce seen as a highly Europhobic island nation, Britain has now blossomed into a truly multicultural, ‘rainbow’ society. In my own area of South West London I’ve witnessed the rise and decline of its South African population (who have apparently all moved out to the leafier suburbs), to be followed by a wave of young Polish workers (including accountants and college lecturers). This new influx has, in turn, been superseded by a rather chic group of French speakers. As the EU continues to expand, and trade and migration barriers come down, so this movement of different nationalities around mainland Europe and across Britain is becoming the norm rather than a talking point. That’s why this first issue of Real World Europe exists – to give useful help and job advice to those Europeans wanting to come and work in the UK, and also to give a flavour of what is out there for British graduates wanting to work abroad. We’ve got tips on how to register for a doctor, get your car taxed and how to pay council tax here in Britain, alongside what to expect from employer checks. Elsewhere, you can find out just how important it is to have good communication skills (whatever language you are speaking) in order to get on in the modern workplace. Finally, we have our always popular case studies with real graduates teling you what it is really like out there as they start their careers. So wherever you come from, and whatever country you wish to pursue your career in, there is smething here for you. However, if you think there’s a feature, issue or subject we’ve missed out on, then please let me know (especially if you’re a foreign graduate with a really good tale to tell!) and we’ll do our best to include it in the next Real World Europe.
Dee Pilgrim, Editor dee@realworldmagazine.com
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language. 30 P ostgrad Study. Why do so many EU students come here to study at postgraduate level? 33 Studying Law In The UK. Learn all about the letter of the law here in the United Kingdom.
P12 Editor Dee Pilgrim • Senior Reporter Catherine Watson • Designer Yang Ou Sales Harmesh Sansoa, Paul Wade, Mitul Patel • Website/Online Brett Singer Marketing/Distribution Manager Francesca Keogh • Client Services Manager Marie Tasle Managing Director Darius Norell • Real World is a publication of Cherry Publishing: 22-26 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ • Tel: 020 7735 4900, Editorial – 020 7735 2111• Fax: 020 7840 0443 E-mail: info@realworldmagazine.com • Website: www.realworldmagazine.com – for job vacancies, career advice and case studies • Copyright © 2008 Cherry Publishing No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher. We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs or for material lost or damaged in the post. The views in this publication or on our website are not necessarily those held by the publisher.
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Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome!
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a Schemes include Sony, Black & Decker, Philips, and Whirlpool. Apparently, one in eight EU residents is now living in the UK, and one of the reasons for this is because, after Denmark, we recently had the highest employment rate in Europe (74.7 per cent). We also have decent rates of pay, and working and living conditions. No wonder an estimated 300,000 French citizens have opted to live in the UK, prompting President Sarzoky to lament: ‘Britain ceaselessly sucks in thousands of young French people . . . who find it easier to succeed there than at home. How shameful is it that a young person wanting to get on is obliged to leave?’ However, France’s loss is this country’s gain. And working
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Photograph: iStockphoto
s the European Union continues to expand, so too do the opportunties for European graduates to work in the UK. In fact, The Association of Graduate Recruiters’ winter review (2007) revealed almost a quarter of employers are now marketing their UK vacancies overseas in order ‘to recruit the best talent available’. This year, with vacancies at a premium, firms in the UK will be looking to cream off even more of the finest of Europe’s graduate crop. It’s not just the obvious big names that are looking across the British Channel either. Alongside corporations such as KPMG and ICI, other companies offering European Graduate
lead story | europe
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Photograph: iStockphoto
foreign exchange across borders in Europe is a two-way street, with just as many opportunities for ambitious British graduates to work in France, Germany, Spain and Belgium as it is for their European counterparts to work here. In fact, if you are a high-flying graduate Europe really has become something of a career oyster – you could even get a taste of what working for the EU itself is like by joining one of its traineeships (known as ‘stages’) and seeing how the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, Court of Justice, the Social and Economic Committee, the Committee of the Regions, or the European Ombudsman tick. There has never been a better time to be a Modern European, whether you are a British citizen wanting to
experience a more continental work environment, or a citizen of another European country who wants a taste of what the UK can offer. There are also fabulous opportunities to undertake post-graduate education, both here and abroad, in order to further boost your career prospects and earning capability. As we move through difficult times in Britain and on the continent, this first issue of Real World Europe aims to bring you the very best information on what job, career and educational opportunities are available to both graduates and those who have undertaken postgrad training, along with useful guides on what you need to know when living away from home, and which governing bodies and societies can offer a helping hand. Bonne Chance! n
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recruitment | online
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The War For Talent Moves Online Current skills shortages mean that employers need to engage with potential employees and build relationships with them in order to attract them into their organisations. Dr Emma Parry outlines how the internet is being used to do this.
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esearch indicates that around two-thirds of organisations now use the Internet in some capacity to attract staff so, if you haven’t started surfing yet, now is the time to start. Over the past decade there has been a great change in the recruitment market place. For a start, employment has been relatively high and the skills needed by organisations less readily available, resulting in a ‘war for talent’. Consequently employers have been forced to find innovative
Photography: © iStockphoto.com
ways to engage with employees. The research examined the potential benefits of e-recruitment to employers and the ways in which recruiters can use the Internet and Web 2.0 tools to attract and
Many organisations are striving to make their websites interactive and interesting, by using videos and podcasts. For
engage with the talent they need. Through case study interviews with job seekers, and a survey of employers about
example, Cancer Research UK offers prospective applicants details of what it’s like to work for the company in an easy-to-
their use of Web 2.0 technology, the research team found the use of technology can help recruit skilled individuals. So what does this mean for graduates? For a start it means vacancies can be posted online immediately and reviewed as they arrive, making the whole process much faster. As a result the overall time to hire is greatly reduced. The findings cite the example of Marks & Spencer, who have reduced administration by 60 per cent through using an online system. The research also points out that online recruitment is advantageous because organisations are able to reach a diverse population of candidates. Statistics from the National Online Recruitment Audience Survey (Enhance Media, 2008) show that people from all industry sectors and at all levels search for jobs online. For example, 18 per cent of online job seekers are from ethnic minority backgrounds. In addition, online recruitment can reach a global audience, 24 hours a day, so it doesn’t matter where you are in Europe, you can search for that job online.
use modern format. Graduates may think that sites like Facebook and Bebo are reserved only for keeping up with friends. However, such interactive platforms are slowly being used by organisations for recruitment purposes, although the research indicates that the number is still very low. That said, some organisations have embraced the new technology, for example, Royal Bank of Scotland and KPMG both held recruitment fairs in 2007 on the online virtual world, Second Life. Overall the evidence from the research is that efficiency, consistency and reach of organisations recruitment process can be improved through the use of the Internet. It also highlights the fact that although recruitment via Web 2.0 tools might not work for all organisations yet, the use of these methods is likely to grow in the future. n This article first appeared in Management Focus, the biannual journal of Cranfield School of Management
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recruitment | candidate checks
BIG BROTHER IS WATchING YOU What can you expect employer checks to look into?
The standard information that an employer will look into: • Employment references over the last 5-10 years (including dates, position, performance and attendance) • Education verificationchecking that your academic information is accurate. • Criminal check – check for any unspent criminal convictions and legal history. • Verification of identity and address- that you are who you say you are, and live where you say you live. • Credit History – making sure you do not have bad debt history. • Social Networking Internet Profiles, Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, etc.
You survived the rigorous testing, and several stages of interviews, but you can still expect to face extensive personal history checks before gaining a job in the UK. The good news is the checks most likely to catch you out can be prepared for. By Ruth Gibbs.
The likelihood is that whatever sector you choose to pursue you will be subject to standard checks. However, credit and internet checks are relatively new, more probing additions to the list, applying almost exclusively to jobs within City and Finance.
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recruitment | candidate checks
CREDIT CHECKS The Credit Checks are to ensure you are capable of handling your own money before your employer makes you responsible for anybody else’s. Your credit score with your bank remains private; banks are not allowed to pass on information about internal records. The credit checks only search for CCJs (County Court Judgements - if you have been summoned to court in the UK for failure to pay off a debt), bankruptcy, or whether a debt of yours has been passed on to a debt collection agency. While these instances are relatively rare among students, your prospective employer may ask you more in-depth questions on an application form. For example, have you more than £1,000 of personal debt, any of which is unauthorised, or have you ever faulted on a bill payment? You are not required by law to volunteer this information, but it may look bad if you choose not to. If you do volunteer the information it doesn’t necessarily mean you will no longer be considered for the job, but it could be taken into consideration.
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it is employers in the media, professional services, and finance who are most likely to go online to check out candidates’ profiles, with more than 35 per cent of hr bosses from these sectors admitting they do so.
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SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES Recently in the headlines was the news employers were using social networking sites as a source of information on prospective candidates. However, the statistics confirming what percentage of employers condone the use of websites such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo in their candidate assessment process are somewhat confused. A recent poll of 220 HR directors by Personnel Today magazine and law firm Charles Russell, found 73 per cent of companies (three in four employers) don’t check sites like Facebook during the hiring process at all. It is employers in the media, professional services, and finance who are most likely to go online to check out candidates’ profiles, with more than 35 per cent of HR bosses from these sectors admitting they do so. Michael Powner, of Charles Russell,
Illustration: © iStockphoto.com
commented: ‘From this research it is clear that very
Things to avoid on your online profile:
few employers are using these sites as the basis for their • Bad language recruitment decisions.’ He says • Strong political even if employers do monitor statements social networking sites, most adopt a sensible approach to • Statements made in the matter. In general, bad taste companies would rather not • Anything that may be be seen as invasive in their seen as evidence of assessment of applicants. ‘alcohol abuse’ However, although the possibility of having your • Evidence of activity that may be seen as online profile taken into unethical consideration when making an application is remote, you may wish to pause before you hit the send button the next time you’re about to upload that drunken image of you at your graduation party on a site.
Employers argue if you display material that could be considered distasteful online it can show a potential for indiscretion. So consider the fact your friends may not be the only ones accessing your site. You can always place privacy controls on the settings of your profile, ensuring limited access to your personal info. Alternatively, why not create a Professional Profile online. This will positively reflect your professional side and should you be ‘googled’ by a prospective employer, will present the image of yourself you want them to see. Finally, do keep a close eye on information that has been made available about you online, as many people find they have information posted about them without their consent. n
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skills | improve your communication
plain talking Public speaking coach and professional speaking consultant, Harrison Monarth, certainly knows how to ‘talk the talk’. He believes that even if you are speaking in a foreign language, the key to getting your message across is to follow a few basic rules. 10 RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM
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skills | improve your communication
abroad and your boss has asked you to make a presentation to a new client. You’ve done your research, but the minute you enter the room your brain goes blank, your mouth goes dry, and your heart starts to pound. What on earth are you going to say? The fear of talking in public – especially in a foreign tongue -- is nothing new, and affects even the most seasoned of professionals. But, as Monarth explains, there are plenty of practical things you can do to make yourself a really effective speaker – be it in front of a group of foreigners in the boardroom, in front of a wider audience,
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too many people go in to speak to other people without having a clear objective.
or even in those all-important job interviews. ‘One of the keys to public speaking is to have an objective,’ he explains. ‘Too many people go in to speak to other people without having a clear objective of what the message is supposed to be. You need to keep it brief and not overload people with unnecessary information, and your key points must be clearly articulated. People only retain about ten per cent of what you talk about anyway, so you need to keep the messages limited, and keep reinforcing them by repeating them.’ Monarth has coached both politicians and media personalities in making speeches and is well aware the way you say things is even more important than what you actually say. Apparently, according to American research, 55 per cent of the meaning of your message comes across not in the words you use, but in non-verbal communication (the way you look, hand gestures, eye contact, and most importantly, your vocal tone). As Monarth says: ‘Words can lie, words are a problem, so how you say what you say is all-important. You can intentionally lower your voice because a lower voice is perceived as more credible and it’s also more pleasant to listen to. Try breathing through your diaphragm and slowing your breathing down. Also, when you finish a sentence
As Monarth explains, millions of meetings every day do not go as planned because people do not know how to speak in public. ‘Public speaking is not taught in schools and we cannot afford to let our communication skills atrophy just because shortcuts such as texting or email are available. This is so essential because if we miss the point, if we miss-communicate, we are not in control.
make eye contact; it makes everyone feel connected.’
In order to become a better, more effective communicator, you need to
If you are worried about how you come over in the rather specific public
step out of your comfort zone. You need to learn new things and that means
speaking situation of interviews, here are Monarth’s top tips.
doing some public speaking because you need to find out how to get a better
• ‘Rehearsing is critical, the more the better. Plan for the curveball question because it will come, so do your research before you go in.’ • ‘You cannot rely on your qualifications alone; you have to convey likeability, so make sure you look the part, you pay attention to what is said to you, make frequent eye contact, and turn to your interviewer rather than away from them. This shows you are interested and links what is being said back to them.’ • ‘Always be honest. If you don’t know the answer to any questions, don’t make stuff up! Instead say “I don’t know but I will find out.”’
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• ‘Listening is critical and once you’ve listened give yourself time to formulate an answer, don’t say the first thing that comes into your head. Even if you know the answer, don’t jump in with it. Pause. Reflect.’ • ‘Have a clear structure as to what you want to say, otherwise you will run off message. Know the three things you want to get across.’ • ‘If you make a mistake say “sorry, what I meant was”, don’t rattle on regardless. Doing this shows you are authentic, present and aware.’
response. Join a debating society; listen to the way other people communicate. Best of all, speak to someone in an elevator just to conquer one of your issues. People are going to judge you on how well you communicate and it’s all about being fully present and fully competent because more often than not people won’t remember you because of what you’ve said, but they will remember how what you said made them feel.’ n Harrison Monarth is a top US speaking/ communications coach and is founder of Gurumaker.com. He is co-author of The Confident Speaker - beat your nerves and communicate at your best in any situation, McGraw-Hill.
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magine the scenario; it’s your first week at work
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advice | living in the uk
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advice | living in the uk
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living in the UK
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Destination Britain CULTURE SHOCK The term ‘culture shock’ describes the emotional upheaval many people experience when moving from a familiar culture to an unfamiliar one. Even though many European countries have similar lifestyles to those in the UK, culture shock can still be a problem. The food may be different, the climate, and the way people inter-react; everything from greeting rituals (should you shake hands, kiss on one cheek, or kiss on two?), to dealing with waiters and shop assistants. It’s at times when you’re feeling all at sea culturally that you may pine for home, missing the comfort of familiar rituals, family and friends. However, one of the best ways to overcome culture shock is to be prepared. Familiarise yourself with what
rather lonely, and if you do have friends or acquaintances, renting a house or flat together could be a better option. You can find available rentals via local newspapers and estate agents, online, or by registering with an agency, which will look for suitable accommodation for you. If the agency search is successful you will be charged a fee, but it is illegal for an agency to insist you pay fees up front. In order to rent most forms of accommodation you will have to sign a ‘tenancy agreement’ which details the amount of rent, when it should be paid, and the length of the tenancy. Make sure you read this agreement thoroughly and understand it before you sign it. You should also ensure you keep a copy of the agreement just in case any disputes arise. In the UK it is normal to pay a
can get large discounts on standard fares. You can also get discounts by purchasing a one year Young Person’s Railcard. (www.nationalraid.co.uk or www.thetrainline.com ) The same is true of the national coach network, which operates extensively across the UK. Probably the most well-known of the coach companies is National Express, which has a Student Coach Card offering reduced fares on most journeys. In fact, coach fares are usually cheaper than train fares, but this is because journeys take longer. (www. nationalexpress.com) In London most people travel using the underground system which is universally known as the Tube. You can buy tickets for single journeys from Tube station ticket offices, and One Day
living in the UK is all about before you leave home and it won’t seem so
deposit (usually equivalent to one month’s rent) which will be returned to
Travelcards are also available which allow you to travel on buses as well as the
unsettling when you actually arrive. Here’s our guide to dealing with some
you when you leave the property once the landlord is assured all your bills have
Tube. You can also purchase Weekly, Monthly and Annual Travel cards that
everyday aspects of living in the UK.
been paid, and there has been no damage to the property.
offer discount. However, the most common way to pay for Tube travel in
ACCOMMODATION If you are coming to the UK as an employee of an established company, it may well have sorted out some accommodation for you for a short period (three to six months) when you arrive. After that, you will probably be expected to find your own accommodation. You could decide to lodge with someone else in their private residence by renting a room from them, and sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities. This can be a very comfortable arrangement, especially if you have no friends in the UK. Another option if you are on your own is renting a bedsit (where bedroom and sitting room areas are combined). However, this can be
COUNCIL TAX Council Tax is based on the value of the property you live in, and is levied on most adults in the UK to cover the cost of local services. If you are renting a private property you should find out from the landlord if they expect you to pay Council Tax separately, or if it is included in the rent. TRAVEL Brits love to moan and groan about the UK’s public transport systems when, in fact, it has good transport connections – even if they do tend to be on the pricey side. The train service is extensive and if you book far enough ahead you
London is with an automated Oyster Card on which you put credit. You can keep ‘topping up’ your credit at Tube stations and newsagents that display the Oyster Card logo. Oyster Cards can also be used on London buses, and buses are a great way to actually see the city. You can get Tube and Bus maps from the larger Tube stations. (www.tfl.gov.uk) The black cab has become an iconic symbol of London, but it is worthwhile remembering that taxis in cities tend to be an expensive form of transport unless a group of you are travelling together and can share the cost. Do make sure you take a licensed taxi, and ask the driver for an approximate fare to your destination before you start your journey.
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advice | living in the uk
CARS AND DRIVING IN THE UK Here in the UK we drive on the left and it is illegal to drive when not wearing a seatbelt, without valid insurance, or while using a mobile phone. You must be at least 17-years-old to drive a car, and you must have a valid licence. During your first year in the UK, you may use your driving licence from your own country or an international driving permit. If you have a full licence issued by an EEA country, you can use your national licence the whole time you are in the UK, as long as it remains valid. (If your EEA licence expires while you are in the UK and you want to continue to drive here, you need to get a UK licence.) If you decide to buy a car here it must be registered in your name and you must keep it insured. You will find a range of insurance companies listed in your local UK telephone directory, and many banks, building societies, and even supermarkets now also offer car insurance. The cost will depend on your age, how long you have been driving, where you are living, the age and value of your car, and the type of car it is. There are many cost comparison sites online where you can compare insurance costs. Any car that is over three years old must have a valid MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate, which states the vehicle is roadworthy. MOT tests are carried out at
banking facilities? • I s there a savings scheme with a good interest rate? • How much will they charge you for an overdraft facility? • Can you get a credit card and a debit card from the bank? Most of the larger banks are happy to make transactions in other currencies (if you are receiving money from home, say), but there is usually a charge for this service. . HEALTH AND INSURANCE The National Health Service (NHS) provides free and subsidised treatment for people who live in the UK. The service also covers nationals of EEA (European Economic Area) countries, and Swiss nationals. You will be covered for necessary treatment including treatment for pre-existing medical conditions if you have a European health insurance card (available from your national health authority). The NHS is something else Brits love to moan about, but in fact, it is a national treasure and if you ever find yourself in need of emergency treatment, it is – quite literally – a life saver. In a medical emergency you should telephone free for an ambulance on 999 (the emergency number for medical assistance, the police, and the fire services). Some hospitals have accident and emergency services provided in their
most garages. all cars must be insured, and you have to pay road tax in order to drive
casualty department. You should register with a local doctor
on public highways. You can pay for your road tax at most Post Offices and in return
(known as a General Practitioner or GP) as soon as you become resident in the UK
you’ll be given a tax disc that must be displayed on the inside of your windscreen.
in order to receive free medical care. You can telephone NHS Direct (0845
In London there is now a Congestion Charge system in place and you must pay this charge to drive into central London. (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), www.dvla.gov.uk)
4647) to ask for a list of GPs in your area or go online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Even if you are eligible to receive NHS treatment, you may also like to have personal medical insurance so you do not have to join long waiting lists. Please read policies carefully; some do not cover you for pre-existing medical conditions.
BANKING Choose your bank in the UK carefully. The best advice is to check out the individual websites of the banks and see what each is able to offer you, and if these services dovetail with what you need. Things to ask include: • Are branches open when you can actually visit? • Are there plenty of ATMs where you can withdraw money? • Does the bank offer internet/text
POSTAL SERVICES Post offices are usually open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Saturday. Stamps are widely available from many outlets including Post Offices, supermarkets and newsagents and you really can’t miss British Post Boxes – they are painted bright ‘pillar-box’ red! n
UK FACTS AND FIGURES • England is the largest country of the UK, with some 50 million people. Major cities include London (about 7.1 million people), Birmingham (about 1.0 million) and Manchester (about 430,000). • In Scotland, a mere 5.1 million people live in an area not much smaller than England. The largest cities are Glasgow (about 578,000 people) and Edinburgh (about 450,000). • Wales is home to three million people. Cardiff is the largest city, with over 300,000 people. More Japanese companies have set up shop in Wales than anywhere else in Europe. • About 1.7 million people live in Northern Ireland, and of these about 280,000 live in Belfast, the largest city. •E thnic minority groups now represent about eight per cent of the total British population., including: • O ver one million people of Caribbean or African descent. • Over one million people of Indian descent. • Over one million people of Pakistani or Bangladeshi descent. • The most widely spoken Asian language in the UK is Punjabi, followed by Urdu, Bengali and Gujerati. The main Chinese dialects spoken in the UK are Cantonese and Mandarin. •M ore than 500,000 people in Wales speak Welsh, and some radio and television programmes are broadcast in Welsh. • Gaelic is spoken by about 70,000 people in Scotland, mostly in the islands of the Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. • In Northern Ireland, about 142,000 people speak Irish Gaelic. Religious diversity • The UK is nominally a Christian country with over 70 per cent of the population Identifying themselves as Christians. The largest religious communities include: • the Muslim community, a population of about 1.6 million • the Hindu community, about 560,000 people • the Sikh community, about 350,000 people • the Jewish community, about 270,000 people. Main public holidays New Year’s Day (1st January) Good Friday Easter Monday May Day Bank Holiday Late May Bank Holiday August Bank Holiday Christmas Day (25th December) Boxing Day (26th December)
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PERSPECTIVE | WORKING ABROAD
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ccording to research carried out for the NatWest International Personal Banking (IPB) Quality of Life Report, since 2006 over 200,000 British citizens have left the UK to live abroad, and of these two thirds went not to retire, but to work. David Isley is the Head of NatWest International Personal Banking, and he himself left the UK in order to work offshore in Jersey some years ago. He says: ‘A normal ex-pat will be on a secondment for between three and five years abroad. Some of them do decide to stay on after that in the country they have moved to, but many others do come home. They go to learn new things and new cultures, and bringing that experience back into the UK is very valuable. From our own client base we have seen if you work abroad for a period of time you’re a more rounded person, and so ultimately can put yourself
which NatWest is a part) is used to relocating its staff and has a well-worked system to make them feel comfortable wherever they land up. ‘You must provide them with as much information as you can about the country they have moved to – taxation, where to get a driving license -- things like that,’ says David. ‘The world is a different place now than it was even five years ago and people have the opportunity to go and work abroad more than they ever have before. It has become so much more convenient to jump on and off planes, so globalisation will continue, certainly we believe it will continue at the rate seen recently and actually potentially expand. As a company it is always good to attract people in from different locations; they bring different experiences and knowledge levels which can only help the business grow when they are channelled in the right way.’ However, it is not just companies that
forward for potentially better positions within companies.’
gain from having well-travelled employees, David is enthusiastic about
Apparently, the people who move out of the UK tend to be professionals or
the personal benefits moving away from your birth country to work can bring. ‘I see
managers, and it is not so much that they dislike the UK, as they tend to be
it as a great experience, especially if you are a graduate,’ he explains. ‘You get the
individuals who are attracted to a different lifestyle. David says for some it is the climate, for others it is a more relaxed pace of life, but for many it is because they are top end professionals and managers and their earnings abroad tend to be higher than here in the UK. This is especially true in the Eurozone, where the Euro has gained value against the pound. ‘In some respects the UK is seeing a brain drain,’ David states. ‘The people who tend to be moving are not just people in banking but highly skilled people in almost all areas including engineering.’ But while Brits are leaving the UK, plenty of Europeans are arriving to take their places. As a global bank, RBS (of
chance to mature; you can put yourself into positions you’ve never put yourself into before, which helps you grow as a person. Every time you do that you learn new things.’ He says in order to make a go of it you need the following skills and strengths: ‘You need to be fairly outgoing; you have to be interested in meeting new people; you can’t be scared of making new friends as you tend to leave family and friends behind. Because of that you need to be able to make friends quickly, and have a willingness to see it as an adventure. Five years working in a new country is a fantastic opportunity and experience, so you should look forward to it rather than dread it.’
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Photography: © iStockphoto.com
As an island nation, the British have never been averse to travelling abroad in order to work. If you’d like to experience other cultures first hand and feel your adventurous spirit is up to it, then being a Brit abroad could be just the ticket.
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PERSPECTIVE | WORKING ABROAD
What difficulties have you encountered working away from home? Working and social cultures can be very different from one country to another. On this programme we have extensive intercultural training which has proved to be useful in understanding the reasons why people and companies operate so differently. Personally, in Europe I have not had any major difficulties besides some obligatory stereotyping of English people and a bit of friendly joking before tense international sports fixtures.
Philip Czapiewski Age: 25 years old Nationality: British Degree and university: University of Leeds, BA Joint Honours Economics-French Work Title: I am a European Graduate Trainee on Wolseley’s European Graduate Programme (EGP) currently based in Belgium. The EGP is a two year programme in which you spend eight months in the UK, then eight months in continental Europe, then eight months on another project. During the two years you also undergo training across a wide range of subjects. So far I have been based in Bristol, UK, then Reims, France, and I am currently based in Brussels, Belgium. In my current role I am working on business improvement projects in Belgium. My role is extremely varied. I work across all departments, managing projects, using my initiative and getting stuck in. One day I may be discussing a five year business plan with suppliers and the management team, and the next in another part of the country operating a forklift to restructure a Distribution Centre.
What do you most like about your job and are there any downsides? I really like the huge variety, meeting people with different backgrounds and nationalities, the hands-on experience and the fact that in less than two years I have already worked in three different countries. It is not easy to be the ‘new guy’ each time you change roles, but if you want to advance rapidly in your career then that is all part of the challenge! Are you considering returning to work in the UK in the near future? Wolseley is a UK-based company so there will always be options for me to return. However, for the moment I am still enjoying life on the continent and travelling around Europe is still relatively cheap and easy. What strengths do you need to succeed in working abroad? Adaptability, listening skills and an open mind. We have all been conditioned by the societies we grew up in, so just because another person does things differently that does not mean it can’t work.
Rob Lind Age: 35 Degree and university: Bath University studying Applied Biology BSc and then a CASE PhD between Bath University and Zeneca Agrochemicals. Job Title: Insect Biokinetics Team Leader, Syngenta, Switzerland
What do you actually do? I lead a team of research scientists with the aim of understanding the biokinetic processes between insecticide application (spray, soil drench or seed treatment) to the active ingredient (AI) reaching the molecular target. In essence biokinetics is the processes of distribution, uptake, metabolism and excretion of active ingredients that occur in plants and insects. We use a wide range of techniques to give us both visual interpretations and quantitative data to support newly discovered active ingredients, and those already on the market. Were you always interested in working in a foreign country? Syngenta is a multinational company with the HQ based in Switzerland and a large research site based in Stein just outside the HQ in Basle. In 2008 I had the opportunity of doing a secondment to Stein to experience both work and living in Switzerland. Having never lived in a foreign country before I was keen to take this chance and experience a different work and life culture. How did you find out about this particular job? During my BSc applied biology degree course I spent six months at Jealott’s Hill international research centre, which has a long standing history of working with industrial trainee students. Following this, Zeneca Agrochemicals (now Syngenta) then sponsored my PhD which then led to a full time job spanning the last ten years! What difficulties have you experienced being away from your homeland? The Swiss culture is a little different -- work colleagues are much more direct with each other, which took a little getting used to. The only difficulty I encountered living in Switzerland was a lack of understanding about the local rules and regulations. For example, I had to get a license for my push bike and here you definitely cannot putting on the washing machine after 9pm in your flat!
Were you always interested in working abroad? My grandparents are all different nationalities and I have always travelled a lot. Having worked previously for the British Council in Bordeaux, France, and Shanghai, China certainly gave me a taste for working and living abroad. How did you find out about this particular job? When I returned from working in China I posted my CV on the internet and was soon contacted by a recruitment consultant who said that I fit the desired profile for this position. I then started going through the recruitment process for Wolseley and learned that it was the right role for me.
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PERSPECTIVE | WORKING ABROAD
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IT IS ALWAYS HARD LEAVING EVERYTHING YOU KNOW AND EMBARKING ON A JOURNEY -- BUT IT IS ALSO VERY EXCITING!
Natalie Nicholles
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Age: 26 years old Nationality: British (Belgian mother) Degree and university: University of Nottingham Management Studies with French Work Title: European Graduate Wolseley 2005-2007, Bathstore Branch Manager 2007-2008 What do you actualy do? I embarked upon a two-year leadership development programme called the European Graduate Programme with Wolseley straight from university. The European Graduate Programme (EGP) consisted of three placements within Wolseley’s companies; one in the UK and two in France. These placements taught me the core business from the ground level before rotating me through various departments within the European businesses. During the two years I had roles in the following areas: sales, marketing, change management, logistics, finance, and communications. Throughout this time myself, and the other graduates, were supported by classroom training that has proven invaluable to my business career. Upon completion of the EGP I accepted a role in London as a branch manager for one of Wolseley’s brands called Bathstore. I currently manage a stand-alone branch that sells bathrooms to the public. I am responsible for managing a team of three sales consultants and achieving a sales budget of £1 million. Were you always interested in working in a foreign country? During the EGP I had two placements within Wolseley’s companies in France. I had always wanted to work abroad and use my languages so the opportunity that Wolseley presented me to do this was perfect. How did you find out about this particular job? During my final year an email was sent to my university inbox advertising a two-year graduate scheme in Europe. I was intrigued so I applied. Wolseley is a relatively unknown company on the graduate circuit so it was a bit of a gamble, but the structure of the EGP and the passion and commitment of the company to developing its people and
graduates persuaded me that this was an opportunity not to be missed! Did you encounter any difficulties while working away from home? It is always hard leaving everything you know and embarking on a journey somewhere new - but it’s also very exciting! I had a wonderful time working abroad, met some fantastic people, and immersed myself in the culture of the company and of the country. In the end the most difficult thing was speaking English to my family and friends back home. After working and living in another language, I often struggled to find my words! What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? The EGP allowed me to learn the business from the bottom up, to understand the customers and their needs. The different roles I filled allowed me to gain the diversity, adaptability and skills I need to embark on a successful career in business. I currently run a small business in south London which involves a great deal of organisation and responsibility. I manage a team and a sales budget. I like the levels of autonomy and responsibility that I have in my role. I have the flexibility to make my own day-to-day decisions, implement them with my team, and see the results. For me, that’s very empowering. I work in a customer service environment I often speak to customers who need immediate solutions to their problems because they have builders and plumbers on site and time is money. In this sense my work environment can be pressured and intense, but I thrive on that because I get
satisfaction from knowing I’ve provided a solution to their problem and given excellent customer service. Are you considering returning to work abroad in the future? I would definitely consider working abroad in the future. In an age of global business I think it is imperative to develop the skills necessary to be able to work in different environments and within a variety of cultures. What skills do you need to work in a foreign country? An open mind is probably one of the most important attributes you must have to work successfully in a foreign country. This will allow you to understand the culture and adapt your working practices to suit the rhythm of the culture and country. Intercultural sensitivity and awareness is also important - be aware of how your actions and culture could be perceived in a foreign work environment. The aim is to be successful so don’t be afraid to take the time to learn about the culture and those that you work with. Greater understanding will pay off in the long term. What advice would you give graduates wishing to work abroad? Know what you want and don’t give up. Graduate programmes are a great way of getting exposure to international roles because they support and develop you throughout your journey, and the roles are structured. The global marketplace needs managers that have the ability and desire to be internationally mobile. Demonstrate this understanding to your potential employer and you are showing them that your goals are aligned. It’s all about fit.
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Careers in the EU
• T HE EU IN NUMBERS
Many people only ever think about the EU when they see European leaders lining up to have their photos taken at summits, or hear about a new piece of EU legislation. However, if you’re ambitious and want a job that will allow you to travel and use your language skills, then working for the EU is a great opportunity. But how do you apply and what could you do? There really is no other organisation like the EU and working for it can be both challenging and very rewarding, offering successful candidates a high degree of responsibility from a relatively early stage in their careers. There are also plenty of opportunities to progress as you gain more experience. The recruitment process for the EU is now run by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), which was formed in 2003 to streamline the process of applying for a position with the EU. It organises competitions in order to recruit people from the broadest geographical basis from across the EU, and applies an equal opportunities policy across all positions.
• T here are 27 member countries • The EU has a population of 493 million; that is the third largest population in the world after China and India • Life expectancy in the EU is 76 years for a man, and 82 years for a woman • The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the EU is higher than that of America • Luxembourg has the highest GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the EU, while Bulgaria has the lowest • The Finns are the most physically active, while the Portugese are the least active
• Since 1987 more than a million young Europeans have taken study courses abroad, with support from the EU • T he member states with the most 20 – 24-year-olds completing at least Upper Secondary Education are the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia • 55 per cent of people in the EU graduating from Higher Education are female • Most popular Higher Education subjects for men are Science, Computing and Engineering •M ost popular Higher Education subjects for women are the Arts, the Humanities and law
Illustration: © iStockphoto.com
PART OF THE UNION
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perspective | careers in Eu
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opportunities for graduates ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? In order to work for the EU you must have: • EU citizenship (i.e. be a citizen of a member state) • A university degree or the equivalent • Satisfactory knowledge of a second EU language Graduates without any prior professional experience can work for the EU at the basic level of entry (AD5), while those with at least three years’ relevant experience join at AD6. SKILLS NEEDED Competition for jobs working for the EU is high and so you’ll need drive, initiative, people management skills and communication skills (both oral and on paper). Most graduate opportunities are in administration and management, and there are plenty of openings for people across all disciplines including linguists, economists, financial professionals, lawyers, IT managers, and also research scientists. There are five main EU institutions where you could find yourself working: EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT All the major parties of the member states
THE COURT OF JUSTICE The Court of Justice has jurisdiction in disputes involving member states, EU institutions, businesses and individuals. THE COURT OF AUDITORS The ombudsman deals with maladministration in the activities of the institutions and bodies. GETTING SELECTED In order to appoint the most highly qualified individuals to positions within the EU EPSO holds a series of open competitions (a list of those available is posted at the EPSO website –see below). The basic procedure for entering a competition is: STEP 1 There are normally a series of
pre-selection tests, which can include multiple choice papers covering verbal and numerical reasoning. There may also be multi-choice questions testing your knowledge of the EU. STEP 2 If you are successful in the
pre-selection tests you then sit a written examination which may ask for specialist knowledge, depending on the position you are applying for.
management development to additional language studies. Although working for the EU can take you all over the world, the majority of employees work in Brussels (80 per cent of all openings are in this city), Luxembourg and Strasbourg. There are EU ‘Welcome Offices’ in Brussels and Luxembourg to help new recruits settle in. Working for the EU is a well-paid career option for graduates and even those without professional experience can expect to earn about EUR 46,000 per annum (roughly £36,700) and all EU employees
are represented in the parliament. It is responsible (along with the council) for
STEP3 The final step is to undertake an
decisions on the majority of EU legislation.
language skills will be tested).
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION This is the EU’s main decision-making
After this stage a group of merit is drawn up and a shortlist of candidates called for
If you are seriously considering a job working with the EU, then doing a
body. It covers topics as varied as foreign affairs, finance, education, and telecommunications legislation.
interview. This can be a long and drawn out affair, and sometimes the successful candidate is not chosen until a year after the initial pre-selection. However, once you start to work for the EU, you can progress your career rapidly. New entrants are given a series of induction courses covering everything from
traineeship will give you valuable work experience. Trainees (stagiers) can work for a number of the EU institutions for a period of between three and five months, but competition for places is very keen so you have to be very commited to gain one. You’ll also need to be fairly fluent in a second language.
oral examination (where your second
are entitled to generous allowances, medical cover, and pension scheme. BECOMING A TRAINEE (STAGIER)
EUROPEAN COMMISSION The Commission upholds the general interests of the EU and a new Commission is appointed every five years.
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USEFUL WEBSITES
Council of the European Union www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_
For information on the selection process and samples tests:
fo/showpage.asp?id=321&lang=en&mode=g
email inforecruitment@cec.eu.int or go to www.europa.eu.int/epso
European Commission www.europa.eu.int/comm/stages
For traineeships:
Court of Justice www.curia.eu.int/en/indexaz/index.htm
European Parliament www.europarl.europa.eu/parliament/public/
Court of Auditors www.eca.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/
staticDisplay.do?id=147&language=EN
aboutus/jobopportunities
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PERSPECTIVE | CAREERS IN EU
The European Experience
You’re young, free, ambitious and willing to work anywhere in order to give your career the best start possible. But what is it really like to spend the majority of your working life away from home? Can the rich experience and excitement of working abroad make up for the lack of contact with family, friends and your own culture? Mansfield-born Stephen Clark should know, for at 44 he has spent close to half his life living and working outside of Britain. Here he gives the lowdown on what working abroad is really like.
‘I
n 1987 I graduated from Worcester College, Oxford in modern languages (Italian and German). I had a false start professionally in the financial sector after graduation, albeit one which took me abroad (to Milan and Rome) early in my career. I moved from Rome to Luxembourg to work in the European Parliament early in 1991, and was transferred to Brussels in 1992. It is a shock to realise that I have been working in Parliament for 17 years and am now Head of Web Communications in the secretariat of the European Parliament, based in Brussels. ‘I have been lucky to have had a great variety of jobs. I was fortunate to work for seven years with a genuine British European hero, the former Secretary-General of the European Parliament, Sir Julian Priestley, before moving to my current post in March last year. Those years gave me incomparable insight and involvement in the working of an organisation which, besides
being a fascinating phenomenon in its own right, now also employs well over 5,000 people from 27 countries. In EU parlance, I am now a ‘head of unit’. I lead a team of about 27 people publishing daily news on the activities of the European Parliament on its website (http://www.europarl.europa.eu// news/public/default_en.htm). Call me the editor-in-chief of a small news operation, albeit an unusual one, insofar as we publish in 22 languages simultaneously! I also have a responsibility for launching wider communications activities of the Parliament using internet-based technologies. ‘I love the term “offshore” - it smacks of doughty sou’wester clad seafarers setting out into the unknown. Europe hardly counts as terra incognita any more and Brussels in particular is a very comfortable place to live for Brits - I know people who have lived here for years as English speaking monoglots, without ever giving up their PG Tips, Marmite
or digestive biscuits. That said living abroad only really works if you make an effort to adapt to new surroundings. Learning the language is the key to living and working abroad. This is true even if, in many professional environments, including the European institutions, it is possible to work almost entirely in English. However, it is almost impossible really to understand a country, or its people - skills that are also professional - without knowing the language. Curiosity, open-mindedness and a willingness to accept that the way things are done at home is not necessarily the only - or even the best - way to do them will help a lot, as well as a capacity to enjoy new experiences, and new people. In professional life, it is vital to understand that people elsewhere often achieve the same result by different means the way they behave cannot necessarily be interpreted as it would be at home. ‘Though it remains clear to me, culturally speaking, where ‘home’ is, I barely have any experience of working in the UK, besides a rather fraught Northern Line bedsit/ commuter existence for one year in London. Working in Italy satisfied a need to live somewhere different and exciting, and to explore a culture I found attractive. Brussels is rather different, as it provides an extraordinarily cosmopolitan environment without a single dominant culture, and a professional world which is its own constantly evolving sub-culture. To illustrate the point, my team of 27 includes 23 nationalities, so many common assumptions one might find in a single-nationality environment simply do not exist. As a result, we create our own common culture as we go along. I find that stimulating in itself and an intriguing management challenge. It has also come to seem quite normal! ‘It is exhilarating and enlightening to live and work abroad and, certainly in the early days, a test of oneself against the demands of the unfamiliar and a chance to break out of routines and the expectations of others. Europe is no more likely than home to present much in the way of frightening experiences, but it’s true that distance from home, family and the familiar in general isn’t always easy. Now I barely consider myself as being abroad any more. I will always be a foreigner in Belgium, but paradoxically Brussels itself has become home to me and my family, as it is to very many non-Belgians. If there is a downside in the longer run, it is distance from wider family, meaning in day-to-day life the lack of a support network that many people take for granted and, more rarely, but also more seriously, that when things go wrong back home they can be harder to deal with. ‘I see my medium term future being in Brussels, certainly while I have a young family. As for a return to the UK, though I love my trips back home, I have a feeling I might not fit in any more in a UK working environment.’
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perspective | careers in Eu
Gergana Yaneva Age: 28 Nationality: Bulgarian Studies: MA in European Studies from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) and the Italian- Belgian Chamber of Commerce. BA in Media and Journalism from the University of Florence (Italy) Work title: Trainee in the Outreach and Press section at the UK Office of the European Parliament - from the 1st October 2007 to the 29th February 2008. Current occupation: Journalist for a news company (www.steelbb.com), based in London. Were you always interested in working in a foreign country? I was always curious to know more about foreign countries. During my BA studies I had the chance, through the Erasmus/Socrates exchange programme, to go to the UK to the University of Manchester and do research for my thesis. After five months experience I realised the UK is the place where journalism is more pragmatic, in comparison with the Italian way of journalism, and brings about more reactivity. This was, and is, very stimulating for a young person as me. How did you find out about this job? Brussels is the right place to get in contact with a wide range of professionals from the European institutions who are very often willing to help young students with suggestions regarding traineeships and job opportunities within the EU. I always wished to work one day as a journalist, therefore, during my MA studies in Brussels, I decided to apply for the Robert Schumann’s Traineeship programme in the field of journalism. I got two offers, one for the EP in Brussels and one in London. The latter was my favourite choice. The definitive confirmation for the traineeship arrived after four months. I was extremely satisfied. This was the first step towards my professional career growth. What difficulties have you encountered working away from your homeland? Instead
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choose carefully what you want to do and where, and set yourself targets for what you want to achieve.
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of difficulties I would say there were different challenges to face, such as how expensive it is (rent, council tax, transport, and leisure time). In comparison with Bulgaria and Italy, in the UK it is always good to reply by e-mail to people you have met and had discussions with the previous day. What do you most like about your job and are there any downsides? Attending meetings and learning how to approach different people from different backgrounds. The Head of Outreach section was an excellent teacher for me concerning this. There are few administrative tasks which do not require any knowledge of the European institutions, such as filling in folders with the EP’s publications for meetings, sticking on labels etc…but at the end of the day these are tasks which a trainee should expect to do. Are you considering returning home in the future? At the moment I am enjoying the work which I am doing, and I want to concentrate on it. However, I am not excluding the option in five years time to go back to Bulgaria and implement there the knowledge I have obtained abroad. Bukgaria is where I was born and where my family is, and I would like very much to contribute to the development and prosperity of Bulgaria. What skills do you need to make a success of working in a foreign country? People who want to live and work abroad have to be hard workers, tenacious, and very motivated, whatever their career choice.
Phil Murphy Age: 34 Degree and University: University of Aberdeen: MA History/Economic History Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen: Postgraduate Diploma in European Policy, Law & Management When and where were you a stagier for the EU? The European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA), Brussels, September 1998 March 1999 What did you actually do? I completed a six month stage post and was then hired on a permanent contract as Project Co-ordinator: • Monitoring EU legislative initiatives, press and other information sources
• preparing member issue briefs and reports • Managing cross-border advertising complaints with Association members • Preparing national advertising complaints statistics • Co-ordinating the EASA Internet Working Group • Acted as the liaison with the International Chamber of Commerce. What was it like working in another country? Working in a foreign country was a fabulous experience. Brussels is the best place to start if you are working in EU affairs. Many of the people you meet will be in the same boat – people away from home that are looking to gain experience and to network as much as they can so as to get their next step up on the career ladder. Would you recommend it to anyone else? I would highly recommend working abroad to anyone. Choose carefully what you want to do and where, and set yourself some targets for what you want to achieve while you are working overseas. What strengths do you need to make a success of working abroad? You need to be prepared to throw yourself in at the deep end and make the most out of whatever you are doing. You need to be resourceful, resilient and able to get on with people - both those around you, and those you work with and meet in a work environment. What did you get out of it personally? The main gains were broadening my experiences and establishing my network of contacts. What are you doing now? After two-and-a-half years in Brussels I moved to London and worked for two trade associations running their European Affairs departments. I’m now a freelance public affairs consultant (www. CatalystPublicAffairs.com) and I also set up PubAffairs, the public affairs, government relations, policy and communications network in 2002. This is the largest network of its type in Europe and has over 2,500 members (www. PubAffairs.org) n
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SPEAKING IN TONGUES
Very few graduates these days can remember much past their basic GCSE French, which means that those of you who can are in a really advantageous position. The value of a language skill is now huge! The number of students taking up language degrees over the past four years has fallen by nearly 20 per cent - so those of you who can say more than just ‘parlez-vouz Anglais?’ have a massive advantage over your peers. Even an elementary ability can stand you in good stead. Helen Saunders investigates why learning languages is a great way to boost your employability.
A
reasonable standard at a second (or even third) language will show what
the world, and it is vital for the UK to communicate with Germany. As Steve Shacklock, director of EuroLondon says: ‘For the business leaders of tomorrow,
employers are always after – communication skills. As James, a
languages will become even more important. The message is clear: learn a
language graduate from University of East Anglia, says: ‘I felt that my degree
language – get a job!’ Catherine Mansfield is the spokesperson
helped to open doors’. Students and graduates are realising that extra skills,
for CILT (National Centre for Languages) and she says: ‘Many more businesses are
like language proficiency, outside of their degree are increasingly necessary for the most competitive job markets. By having a degree in a modern language, you’ll have developed a huge range of adaptable skills that might never have occurred to you. You’ll have shown that you have a high level of both oral and written communication, and that you are willing to take up a challenge. These are key skills in every single job, but are especially desired in fields like banking, commerce, and law. As European markets in particular become increasingly dependent on each other, the need to communicate is more apparent than before. For example, the German economy is the third largest in
now working on an international level. In 2006 three quarters of UK export was with countries where English is not spoken as a first language, making language skills incredibly important for UK trade. Employers are looking for applicants with at least conversational ability in a foreign language, which helps to build contacts and rapport with overseas clients. More young people are also getting the opportunity to travel worldwide than ever before. Even basic knowledge of another language can transform the experience of travelling and make this much more rewarding – being able to speak to locals and gain in-depth knowledge of a culture, something which in many cases simply can’t be done without speaking a foreign
language, is an unforgettable experience.’ Learning a language, especially a European one, can really enhance your career prospects. Linguists go into a huge number of fields such as translating, teaching, science, and journalism. With many of these jobs, there is the chance to work in Europe or other parts of the world, representing your company, which gives you the exciting challenge of taking on more responsibilities. As Catherine Mansfield explains: ‘Any business which deals with clients or suppliers from outside of the UK will value language skills, whether this is complete fluency or simply enough to get by in social situations with overseas clients. A recent CBI survey showed that 75 per cent of UK employers are looking for
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europe | languages
applicants with at least conversational ability in a foreign language, while 48 per cent are actively recruiting for employees with language skills.’ Apparently, French is still by far the most commonly taught language in UK schools, but Spanish is getting increasingly popular and looks like it will overtake German next year for the first time as the second most common language learnt at GCSE. An increasing number of adult learners are also taking up Spanish, with Italian and Arabic growing in popularity. The CBI survey showed that European languages are still the current focus of recruitment for UK employers, although 43 per cent are interested in Mandarin and Cantonese speakers as they look to
emerging markets. If this has changed your mind about giving up on languages, there are plenty of ways to start again. Online there are loads of resources, including some free tutorial providers, such as Rosetta Stone. Internet resources have proved so popular because they are readily available and you can fit your new studies around other commitments like work and friends. CILT’s Languages Work website (www.languageswork.org.uk) contains many case studies showing how young people are using languages in a wide range of careers, from recruitment and marketing, to nursing and engineering. ‘All young people deserve to know what benefits languages can
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bring in life and in the work place so that they can make informed decisions, which is what the Languages Work campaign helps to do,’ explains Catherine. ‘It gives examples of real people using real language skills in real jobs, including those working in many job sectors which you might not immediately associate with language skills. In terms of language specialists, we know international organisations such as the EU are looking for qualified translators and interpreters, and GCHQ needs linguists with analytical skills. The more languages you speak, the more opportunities will be out there for you. But even basic knowledge of one foreign language can help to make you stand out as a potential candidate.
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EUROPE | case studies
What do you like most about what you do and are there any downsides? What I enjoy most is that the projects are very multi-disciplinary, which gives me the chance to learn about different fields. I also travel a lot! I’ve worked in the Dominican Republic and Dubai, which is a completely unique experience. I also get a very wide experience, which allows me to progress my career in order to get chartered by the Institution of Civil Engineers. I don’t see any particular downside to what I do, which doesn’t mean it’s a perfect job -just a real job.
Joana Goncalves Age: 29 Nationality: Portugese Degree and University: Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and an MSc in hydrological resources from Lisbon Technical University Work title: Project Marine Engineer at Mouchel, the consulting and business services group. What do you actually do? Earlier this year I worked on a project involving the preliminary studies for the expansion of a port in the Dominican Republic. Together with my team, I looked into several options to identify the most environmentally friendly and economical design concept for the port’s development, of which the client chose one. I am currently in the Dominican Republic again on a six-month secondment working on further development of this project. As part of Mouchel’s employees’ development programme, I was also seconded to Dubai for three months and worked on one of the most exciting sites for engineers – Dubai Waterfront, a world-class development for residents, visitors and businesses in the world’s fastest growing city.
Are you considering returning home in the future? At the moment I am making the most of my experience in the UK and am very happy to be here. I definitely think about going back home at some point, but not in the near future. What skills do you need to work in a foreign country? The most important skill to work and live abroad is to be able to adapt to a different culture, understand what is good about it and use it, and understand what is bad about it and learn how to live with it. You go out of your comfort zone, so you have to be determined about what you do. It would be very easy to give up and go back home, but definitely not the best choice. What advice would you give other graduates wishing to work abroad? My best advice is GO! You get an experience you will never get in your own country. You learn how to deal with new situations, how to overcome different problems, and learn about a different culture that will definitely open your mind. And if possible go somewhere you have to learn a new language.
Were you always interested in working in a foreign country? I always thought it would be a positive experience to get to know a different country in a way you don’t know when you are travelling on holidays. And I always thought it would be a great challenge to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture. How did you find out about this particular job? I applied for a job in Mouchel through an agency in London, but wasn’t successful for that particular position. But two weeks later I got a job offer from Mouchel for another position. What difficulties have you encountered in working abroad? The only difficulty I can think of is being away from my family. All the other difficulties, resulting from working away from home, are quite easy to overcome.
aspects of running a business – from sales and marketing to customer service and finance. About 90 per cent of what I do is people oriented working with customers, colleagues and accounts, and about 10 per cent is paperwork and reports. I am on a fasttrack programme to move into a management role, and the best part is that promotions at Enterprise are based on performance and not on length of service. Were you always interested in working abroad? I was always interested in other cultures, but I became convinced that it was the right move for me during my studies. How did you find out about this job? I was referred by a friend of mine who works for Enterprise. Enterprise is well known in Germany too. There are loads of opportunities for advancement – which really appealed to me. What difficulties have you encountered working away from home? I have had a lot of support from my work colleagues in England – so from a moving perspective (finding housing, etc.) that wasn’t an issue at all. I struggled for the first month or so with my English – it’s not the day-to-day communication, but more the professional business terms and Enterprise internal language that I needed to learn, understand and practice. What do you like most about what you do and are there any downsides? The work environment – it’s very supportive and we all have a lot of fun together – both inside work and out. My role is constantly changing with new tasks and challenges every week. My personal development is linked to the role; what I learn and how quickly directly reflects on my promotability, and there are loads of opportunities for further growth for the company and for me in my career. England is much more expensive from a cost of living standpoint than Germany – so I am a bit limited on my extracurricular activities. Are you considering returning home in the near future? Definitely. I committed to come to the UK for an 18 month training period and I will be returning to Germany after that to resume a management role there.
Stefan Schliekau Age 29 Nationality: German Degree and university: University of Leipzig – I studied History, Journalism and Sports Science Work Title: International Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. What do you actually do? I am learning all
What skills do you need to make a success of working abroad? It’s helpful to have a good language basis to start from, and you need the ability to approach people and to communicate. It’s important to have an open mind to new things and to get out of your old habits and routines. Finally, self confidence is paramount, as you will have all sorts of challenges/opportunities to face! What advice would you give graduates wishing to work abroad? Don’t spend too much time considering the pros and cons – if it appeals to you, go for it!
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europe | case studies
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the biggest challenge is finding the ability to switch your cultural mindset as quickly as possible. Valentina Kovaluk
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Nationality: Slovakian. Degree and university: I graduated from Commenius University, Faculty of Law with a Masters in Law. Work title: Trainee Solicitor at Allen & Overy. I am in my first six months of a two year training contract before I qualify as a solicitor in March 2010. What do you actually do? My work involves working on mergers and acquisitions, and the listing of companies where I draft various documents and conduct research. Were you always interested in working in a foreign country? I was always tempted to work abroad but I never thought that I actually would. I left Slovakia without any big plans and only after I had lived in the UK for some time did I decide to stay indefinitely. Few places in Europe offer as many opportunities as London and it is very important to have as many options available to you as possible. There are a number of websites that offer a good overview of various work opportunities in law. I researched using www.lawcareers.net and www.doctorjob.com. What difficulties have you encountered working away from your homeland? I never travelled before I came to London so things like language, first job, first accommodation and not knowing the environment are the obvious difficulties. I left Slovakia while I was still studying for my Masters in Law and worked part-time in a law firm. I didn’t speak English very well and my first job was as a waitress in a café in Central London. At the
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beginning such change was difficult to absorb but after a few weeks I moved on to another job and step-by-step I started to find my feet. What do you most like about your job and are there any downsides? The best things about my work are the challenges I face daily and also the people I meet. I never know what I will be working on the next day and what time I will leave the office. The company I work for has 29 offices around the world and every office is very international. It is practically impossible to have lunch with a group of people of the same nationality. Sometimes the hours can be really long and on a few occasions I have had to cancel plans with my friends. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen very often. Are you considering returning home in the near future? London is a great place to live and I have no plans to return home at the moment. However, Allen & Overy has an office in my home town of Bratislava, so I am keeping my options open for the future. What strengths do you need to succeed at working in a foreign country? Ability to adapt and learn quickly; to think on your feet and enjoy life. What advice would you give to graduates wishing to work abroad? Try to get in touch with someone who did, or is doing, the same job you want to do in the country where you want to work.
Geoffrey Barranco Age: 27 Nationality: French (Spanish father) Degree and university: I graduated from Reims Management School (France) in 2001 with a Masters Science Degree in Management with a specialisation in International Business. Work Title: After finishing the two-year Wolseley European Graduate Programme, I started as a Strategic Planning Analyst. I am a member of the Group Finance department. What do you actually do? My main task is to communicate, transfer and appropriately apply the strategy from the Board down to the operations level. I am involved in several projects that enable Wolseley to leverage its size and international position. For example, we are currently working on building a harmonised global reporting structure. Were you always interested in working abroad? Since the age of 12, my parents sent me abroad during the summer to improve my language skills. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make it a priority for my future career. I took all possible opportunities to gain experience abroad, including internships in Spain, the US and Germany. At the moment, I travel each week to Switzerland or/and the Czech Republic.
How did you find out about this particular job? I was actively looking for the concept of a European Graduate Programme – several rotations in different countries with various projects – when I was contacted by a Graduate Headhunting Agency. What difficulties have you encountered working away from your homeland? The biggest challenge is probably finding the ability to switch your cultural mindset as quickly as possible. A classic example is the way in which you address people in each country. What do you like most about your job and are there any downsides? Without doubt, it is the variety. I think that it is a privilege to be able to interact with people from different nationalities on various projects and from many locations in the world. In addition, I appreciate the exposure we have, particularly in my company, to senior management. I believe that the more you are in contact with good leaders the quicker you learn how to work effectively. Are you considering returning home to work in the near future? I am not excluding any possibilities. I love my home country and could imagine working there one day. I feel it is an advantage to gain experience abroad and I have not yet decided to stop, at least not for the time being. What strengths do you need to make a success of working abroad? I do not think there is one magic answer to being successful when working abroad, but being able to speak the local language and trying to adapt to the local culture can definitely help. What advice would you give graduates wishing to work abroad? Be proactive. Starting a career abroad should not be a gamble. Once you have considered it, be prepared to commit and be sure of what your goal really is! When working abroad, making the extra effort will always be appreciated by the local people and could be a key factor in helping you to successfully integrate into the culture of the country where you live.
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EUROPE | case studies
How did you find out about this job? I had been in Rotterdam for a year when I met a recruiter from Wolseley during an annual career event on the campus. I knew immediately that the EGP, offering variety and international exposure, was a perfect match for me.
Agata Maksym Age: 26 Nationality: Polish. Degree and university: In 2006 I graduated from Warsaw School of Economics with a MSc in Management and Marketing. I also studied CEMS Master in International Management Programme at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. Work Title: European Graduate Trainee, Wolseley. What do you actually do? When I first started in this role I was based in Plumb Centre in Barking, East London, where my responsibilities varied from typical warehouse operations, such as picking and dispatching, to counter sales, inventory management, and goods return to suppliers. Then I went to work for Réseau Pro in France where my main role was to design performance improvement solutions for an existing call centre to boost its efficiency, lower the costs, and increase its value added to the business. In my current role at Bathstore, the largest bathroom specialist in the UK, I am responsible for creating an all new customer satisfaction tracking programme. This third rotation has provided me with an opportunity to get to know yet another facet of Wolseley. Bathstore is unique as it is the only high street business within the strongly trade-orientated Wolseley Group. Were you always interested in working in a foreign country? I have learnt foreign languages since I was a little girl and I have always been passionate about travelling and discovering new cultures. At university I developed an even stronger international outlook. The growing success and popularity of CEMS’ MIM Programme allowed me to move to study abroad during my final year at Warsaw School of Economics. When I first moved to the Netherlands in 2004 I was planning to stay only six months. Needless to say, I absolutely loved that experience and took a lot of pride in it. I soon realised that there was no turning back and that I wanted to stay abroad and pursue an international career.
What difficulties have you encountered working away from your homeland? Working across cultures can be complicated, but is not impossible and can be challenging and exciting. Over the past 20 months on the EGP I have come across certain situations, people and behaviours which surprised me at first. It is amazing how a simple gesture, greeting, handshake, smile or lunch break can be perceived differently in Poland, England and France. I think it is important to be aware of those differences and be mindful. I have learnt that when two or more cultures meet there are often cross-cultural exchanges that benefit all. What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? I enjoy the variety. Over the past 20 months my role has changed three times! I have been able to work on various projects in three different business areas, in two different countries, in multicultural teams, using different languages. I also like the autonomy I have in my job. It requires initiative, good self and time management, and strong organisational skills. At the same time, it offers possibilities to think innovatively and develop leadership skills. It’s fantastic that I get involved in important real life projects, where my input makes a difference.
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it’s amazing how a simple gesture, greeting or smile can be perceived differently in poland and england.
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an internship in another country. I think it’s very important to know different ways of working for the personal and professional knowledge this gives you. Also, I wanted to learn and speak a foreign language; I think it’s very important to speak many languages in the business world of today. Work experience in a foreign country brings together these two points. It was also part of my degree to do an internship and was compulsory to validate my degree. Can you describe where you are doing your placement and what you are actually doing? I worked in Vauxhall for Real World Magazine, a publishing company. They help future graduates find a graduate job. My main mission was to help with the implantation of the Real World Europe magazine in France by contacting Business and Engineering schools and universities, and by researching French advertisers. My second role was to update the website by adding cases studies, news, advice and reviews (with the help of Brett the online manager). How did you find out about this particular internship – through your university, or via personal introduction? It’s more and more difficult to find internships through universities or Business Schools in France. I had to use my personal contacts in order to find this work placement. Two weeks before I was due to start I still hadn’t found an internship, but I got lucky in the end! This internship is part of a compulsory three months work placement in Europe and I am glad I managed to find it.
Romain Bénard Age: 21 Nationality: French. Degree & University: Final year in Advancia Business School specialising in entrepreneurship, Paris, France Work experience: Real World Magazine Were you always interested in doing an internship/work experience in another country? Yes, since the beginning of my post Baccalaureate (equivalent to A-Levels) studies, I’ve always been interested in doing
What difficulties have you encountered working away from your homeland? I was lucky to find my internship in the same city and the same country as my girlfriend (flat sharing with her meant cheaper costs as apartments are very expensive in London). But being far away from my family and friends proved a bit difficult, however I stayed in touch with everyone by email. What do you like most about what you are doing? It’s exciting to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. I like learning new things such as content management. The atmosphere in the company was great and my colleagues were very helpful. I was glad I was in a small company where everyone was working to the same goal. n
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Are you looking for graduate law opportunities? Go to
www.realworldmagazine.com/law • latest jobs • employer profiles • graduate case studies • further study • tips from the top Get a great graduate job
Sept Titles.indd 1
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GLOBAL EDUCATION
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ccording to experts, full-time MBA business school enrolments tend to be countercyclical. The theory being that as the economy slows, the ‘opportunity cost’ of attending business school goes down, i.e. the potential earnings missed out on are lower than in boom times. With the current economic climate, this means there has never been a better time to enrol in business school, especially in the UK. In early 2008, the London Business School achieved the highest position in
the Financial Times (the FT) rankings of full-time MBA programmes ever attained by a European school. The newspaper ranked the school at number two, highlighting the increasingly successful growth by Europe’s top schools on a sector traditionally dominated by US schools. (See box out for more rankings.) There are now 14 UK business schools ranked in the FT’s top 100. Quality of teaching is the single most important factor considered by international students when deciding where to study according to research published today by leading international
As the world’s economy starts to slow, the rate of uptake in business school places is starting to increase. Catherine Watson looks at the advantages of postgraduate study, in particular for European students thinking of coming to the UK
education provider Study Group. Also ranking near the top of the list were personal safety, the reputation of the college, and country of study according to the majority of the 671 students surveyed. The ‘Choice of Destination’ survey was commissioned by Study Group and conducted by the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate). The respondents were from a variety of countries (including China, Russia and Greece) and studying at one of the UK’s four Bellerbys international colleges, taking a range of courses from A-Levels
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postgraduate study | overview
Financial Times Business School Rankings - 2008 Source: FT.com
Business school name
Weighted salary (US$)
Salary percentage increase
Employed at three months (%)
2
London Business School
144918
126
96 (99)
10
University of Cambridge: Judge
127064
130
92 (97)
19
University of Oxford: Said
139684
99
92 (84)
22
Lancaster University Management School
104609
127
93 (76)
22
Manchester Business School
111774
114
95 (93)
29
Warwick Business School
109067
110
96 (88)
30
Cranfield School of Management
134125
104
93 (98)
30
University of Strathclyde Business School
113071
143
93 (65)
35
Imperial College London: Tanaka
120575
101
88 (64)
41
City University: Cass
111615
94
93 (100)
44
Edinburgh University Management School
107956
97
93 (91)
48
Leeds University Business School
104165
110
94 (90)
69
University of Bath School of Management
113727
85
92 (59)
76
Nottingham University Business School
100277
93
94 (92)
Rank in 2008
and Foundation, to HND and Masters qualifying programmes. Bottom of the list of 19 factors were the availability of scholarships, future work opportunities, and whether their friends studied in the same country. James Pitman, Managing Director of Study Group UK, commented: ‘The research highlights what students from around the world are looking for in a study destination, and it is not surprising that so many of them choose to study in Britain. Our education system is widely regarded as offering the gold standard, providing an excellent foundation on which to launch a successful career.’ The research also revealed that
Photography: © iStockphoto.com
international students rely on word of mouth recommendations when considering which institution to attend. Parental advice topped the list of influencing factors, followed by agent recommendation, and information gained from institution websites. By comparison, league tables were deemed unimportant and ranked near the bottom. James Pitman continued: ‘While the opinions of education experts and family would logically be important to prospective students, what is surprising is the lack of interest in official rankings. Fewer than five per cent of respondents found league table ratings important enough to sway their decisions.’ In addition to the rankings, there are several reasons why the UK is attractive for those looking for a business school.
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the research also revealed international students rely on word of mouth recommendations when considering which institution to attend.
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Top five tips to consider when choosing a business school 1. Course content – make sure the programme offers what you want. There are many different courses to choose from, so pick the one that is most relevant to you. As well as MBAs, you may also wish to consider other Masters programmes. 2. Level of contact with tutors – speak to former or current students to find out how much ‘face time’ you get with tutors. 3. Value for money – Masters programmes can run into the thousands of pounds. Research the institutions thoroughly to ensure you spend your money wisely. 4. Location, location – make sure you have a suitable living environment during your period of study. 5. Language barriers – make the most of your time in the UK by signing up for language classes if your English is less than perfect.
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For starters there is the language: English is widely regarded as the language of business, and where better to perfect language skills than the UK itself? Secondly, the UK is a cultural melting pot. People from all corners of the globe come to study in this country, which can enhance the learning experience. All cultures have different ways of doing business – for example the style of business in the UK is different to that in Japan. By studying with people from different cultures you will learn to respect other people and their ways of doing business. In addition to a global perspective, graduates can also expect a salary boost which traditionally comes with an MBA (see the Financial Times rankings for details). Fees for business schools in the UK vary greatly, but they usually run into thousands of pounds. In addition to course fees, you will also have to find the funds for accommodation and living expenses. There are a number of ways to fund your study. Your government might provide funding in the form of grants. You could also consider a loan from a bank; many offer preferential rates for career development purposes. If you are currently employed you could speak to you supervisor about work-based learning, where your employer will fund all or part of your study. Finally, you may find it is necessary to take on a full-time or part-time job to cover costs, depending on the number of hours of study you have to complete each week.
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postgrad | case studies
the biggest assets in a company and that working in teams is the best way to get the most out of them. Any advice for those taking a postgrad course? Yes. Take your time to discover where you want to go in life. There are thousands of programmes around the world so I’m sure there will be one that suits you best. Don’t worry too much about the money, this is the investment of your life.
Juan Carlos Leon Age: 27 Nationality: Argentine Degree and university: UCA University Argentina (Master Degree in Industrial Engineer), Full-time MBA, Cranfield Did you come into postgrad study straight from being an undergraduate? No, in my opinion if you come into an MBA straight from university you would be missing a lot of what the full-time course is all about. The source where you are going to learn the most is from the hundreds of years of experience that surrounds you during the course: the alumni. Everyone has an opinion, something exciting to say, to share, and to discuss. By going straight into postgraduate study you might not have much to say and therefore you will be missing these amazing dynamics that are present at the MBA.
Were you always interested in studying in a foreign country? I never thought of any other option. The opportunity to live abroad within another culture is priceless in the globalised business world. Moreover, Britain has the most multicultural postgrad alumni, making the whole experience even better. How did you find out about this particular course? I was lucky to have worked in England before I started the MBA and it was here I first heard of the MBA as something that could make a difference in my life. What difficulties have you encountered being away from your homeland? Living in another country is always a challenge. For example the family bonds in Argentina are very different to those here. Consequently, within our culture it is very hard to miss important familiy events that happen in your homeland while you are away like weddings, births, anniversaries, etc, and, of course, sharing everyday life with the people you love.
How was it different to undergraduate study in your own country? At university I was fighting to get the key that would open the door to go and discover the business world that was out there. During postgraduate study you find yourself wanting to transform the world that you know and understand; you want to make a change, to make a difference. You learn to do this by the development of your personal skills. This is by understanding that people are
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in Bern. Then, before starting the MBA at Cass, I worked for two and a half years as a Business Consultant for Osec (www.osec.ch) in Zurich. Why did you decide to continue your studies in Britain? I wanted to do an MBA at one of the top European business schools in a highly international environment. Furthermore, I looked specifically for a very practiceorientated one year programme. That’s why I narrowed down my choices to a few renowned business schools in London.
How was it different to undergraduate study in your own country? The classes are taught in English instead of German, the mix of students is very international, and the focus is very much on group work and practical examples from the current market situation. We are exposed to a great business network with many companies coming to the campus for presentations and recruitment. We also get individual career coaching with practitioners from various industry sectors. Were you always interested in studying in a foreign country? Yes, even when I was doing my M.A. in Switzerland I was considering moving to England halfway through my course to complete it there. I did not do it because of cost reasons as well as the then incompatibility between the different European university systems. Ever since it has been an ambition of mine to return to university and study a business degree in a world class business school such as Cass.
Why did you decide to continue your studies in Britain? I would say that Britain and the US are recognised as being one step above when it comes to postgraduate business education. To my mind this is due to the years of experience they have and secondly for the attraction that their economies have for the rest of the world, which magnetises the best brains. My final decision was Britain as it has better programmes and more international and widely experienced people on the course. How did you fund your postgrad study? I funded it with my savings of the last couple of years and with the support of my wife who carries on working. I was very lucky to apply and be awarded with the International and Development Scholarship which really helped a lot.
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Britain and the US are recognised as being one step above when it comes to postgraduate business education.
Ursula Baumann Age: 32 years Nationality: Swiss Degree and university: Studied M.A. in Politics, Economics and International Law at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Currently studying for an MBA at Cass Business School in London, UK Did you come into postgrad study straight from your degree? No, I graduated from my M.A. in 2004 and worked for four years at two full-time positions: I worked as a Policy Advisor for the Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research (www.sbf.admin.ch )
What difficulties did you encounter studying away from your homeland? Living in London without an income is quite difficult and a huge change from my previous life in Zurich with a good income. Are you considering returning home in the near future? I am considering returning to Zurich in a couple of years to find a good job, potentially within business consulting. However, I am also open to looking at my options in the UK and elsewhere. What skills do you consider you need to make a success of postgrad study in a foreign country? You need to be open, flexible, sociable, and respect other people and cultures. A high degree of independence and a good sense of humor certainly make life easier too. n
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law | overview
The Letter of Law
Photography: © iStockphoto.com
The UK legal market is vibrant and expanding rapidly into overseas markets as more and more British law firms open offices abroad. This means UK firms will increasingly need the experience, cultural awareness, and language skills non-UK nationals can offer. In the UK, unlike all other European States, it is not necessary to have studied law at university in order to become a lawyer. In fact, about 30 per cent of new trainees are non-law graduates who then go on to take a conversion course. If you’re a citizen of the EU (with a foreign law degree, or as a non-law graduate) you can also take this accelerated
conversion course. Read on to discover how you can study for the Graduate Diploma in Law. EU graduates with a non-law degree or a foreign law degree For EU non-law graduates (or those who have attained a foreign law degree) the accelerated law degree takes two years rather than the normal three. First, you have to apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for a Certificate of
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Academic Standing. This is basically to check you have attained the degree you say you have and that it meets the requirements for admission (the minimum entry requirement is a 2:2, but competition for places is fierce and you may find you need a 2:1 to be considered). You will also need to display a good level of fluency in the English language (both written and spoken). If you meet these requirements you can then go on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law, which rather confusingly is also known as the Common Professional Exam (CPE). This enables EU non-law graduates and those with foreign law degrees to ‘convert’ their existing education to UK law. The CPE is offered by over 30 institutions in the UK. Once completed, you then progress to either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), if you want to be a solicitor, or to the Bar
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law | overview
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for postgraduate courses institutions are free to set their own fees and a significant number (including law) have much more expensive fees than the norm.
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Vocational Course (BVC) if you want to be a barrister. Legal Practise Course (LPC) The LPC is the final qualification needed to become a solicitor in the UK and is a practical course designed to ensure trainee solicitors have the knowledge and skills they need. The course is offered at institutions across the country and takes one year full-time, or two years part-time to complete. Successful candidates then go on to complete a two year period of practise-based training known as a training contract (which includes the Professional Skills Course).The format of the training contract can vary, with larger firms tending to have a more structured programme in place than smaller firms. Bar Vocational Course (Bvc) The Bar Vocational Course (BVC) is
What will it cost? Under European Union law, nationals
All eligible full-time EU students can take out a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the
approved by the Bar Council, and is the vocational stage of training for students
from other EU countries are entitled to pay the same fees (known as ‘home’
cost of tuition fees. The maximum you can borrow depends on the fees
who intend to become barristers. On successful completion of this programme students are required to enter pupillage. The BVC is completed over one year and comprises knowledge areas and legal skills. The legal knowledge areas of the programme are Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigations, and Evidence. These areas are taught individually over the year and also on an integrated basis within the legal skills areas. The emphasis of the BVC is on developing the five main skills used by the practising barristers: advocacy, drafting, opinion writing, negotiation, and conference skills. For more information on where you can study for the GDL go to the Law Society’s website at www.lawsociety.org.uk
fees) as UK students for higher education as long as they have been resident within the European Economic Area (the 25 countries of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland for three years, but not mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education. The maximum tuition fee amount for undergraduate programmes for the 2008/09 academic year has been set at £3,145. For postgraduate courses institutions are free to set their own fees. A significant number of popular and/or high-cost postgraduates programmes, particularly in law, finance, medicine and some areas of science and technology, have much more expensive fees than the norm (up to £10,000).
charged by your university and is not dependent on your household income. The loan is administered by Student Finance Direct and you start to repay the loan after you have left your course and are earning above a certain amount. If you are studying in England or Northern Ireland, you can take out a maximum Tuition Fee Loan of £3,145 in 2008/2009, and if you are studying in Wales, you can take out a Tuition Fee Loan to the full value of your tuition fee charged by your institution, less any grant that you receive, to a maximum of £1,255 in 2008/2009. For more information and application forms for Tuition Fee Loans go to http:// www.direct.gov.uk n
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law | choosing your course
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Studying Law There are over 30 universities providing professional law courses in England and Wales, so how can you choose the one that is right for you? Real World gives the lowdown on the things you should know and the questions you should ask. Ask someone who knows Personal recommendations are a great place to start when you are looking for the ideal university to suit your needs, so ask around and see if someone you know has attended any of the universities you have in mind. Ask how they felt about the level of teaching, the general atmosphere on campus, and also the attitude of the student body. They may be people who have the same hobbies and interests as you, so if you know they enjoy it at a certain university, then chances are you will
TOP TEN LAW SCHOOLS (Times Top Universities 2008) 1. Cambridge 2. Oxford 3. LSE 4. King’s College London 5. University College London 6. Aberdeen 7. Durham 8. Leicester 9. Dundee 10. Southampton, Nottingham (tied)
enjoy it too. If no one you know has insider information then RateMyUni.Co. uk is also a good starting point for your research. Here students say what they really think about educational standards so you can compare what they say about colleges and universities across the UK.
potential universities to see for yourself what is on offer. Do attend open days. Here you will meet not only the staff who will be teaching you, but also other students who will be able to tell you what it is like being on campus on a day-today basis. Try and find out as much as you can by asking: • W hat quality of jobs do graduates get
Photography: © iStockphoto.com
• Surf the web Another great resource is the websites of the universities themselves. These give comprehensive information on everything from course details and lecturers, to navigating yourself round the campus and sports and entertainment clubs you can join. While looking at the sites keep the following questions in mind:
•
• •
• • What are the entry requirements for the course and are they achievable? • What reputation does this course and university have, particularly with
employers? W hat is the balance between lectures and seminars; theoretical and practical work, and group and independent study? Is this the way you wish to study? H ow flexible is the course? I s there a strong focus on developing employability skills as well as academic excellence? H ow can the institution help you find quality work experience?
Go visiting You should really consider visiting
• •
• •
when they leave? Are they the sort you would like? W hat facilities are offered by the college or university, including specialist equipment if necessary? W hat level of personal one-to-one support are you given? D o you like where the university is situated? What are the other students like? W hat are the social events and societies on offer? W hat’s your gut feeling? n
Resources http://www.ratemyuni.co.uk http://www.rollonfriday.com http://www.traineesolicitor.com
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