The Top Employers Guide 2016-2017 by RMP Enterprise Ltd

Students of all years

Diversity in business 1-2 weeks • Paid

Insight day

Summer internships

1 day

6-8 weeks • Paid

Students of all years

Boost your employability

Penultimate year students

Work placement

Talent academies

11 months • Paid

2-5 days

First to final year students

Sandwich or placement students

The experience stays with you We’ve got lots of different work experience programmes for every year of study, so you can learn more about our business and boost your employability. They’ll help you make an informed decision about which of our career opportunities is best for you. Some could even lead to a job. Join us. We’re focused on helping you reach your full potential.

Take the opportunity of a lifetime pwc.com/uk/work-experience /pwccareersuk

@pwc_uk_careers

Create value through diversity. Be yourself, be different.

WELCOME TO THE TOP UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYERS GUIDE 2016-17 In this guide you’ll read about the diverse experiences of students who have undertaken placements, internships, vacation schemes and insights at the UK’s best employers. We’re proud to be celebrating this guide’s seventh year of sharing peer-to-peer reviews and advice with students nationwide. We’d also like to extend a special thank you to PwC, our Premier Sponsor, as well as each and every organisation that’s contributed to this year’s fantastic guide. Good luck with your search! Ali Lindsay, Oliver Sidwell and Chris Wickson, Co-founders, RMP Enterprise

How many Co-Founders does it take to change a lightbulb?

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 3

THE TOP 100 UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2016-2017 The Top 100 Undergraduate Employers table is a who's who of the best undergraduate employers. It's based on student-written reviews on RateMyPlacement.co.uk, for large companies that recruit more than 15 students a year on placements, internships, vacation schemes and insights, and have at least 15 reviews on the site.

150

114

102

112

158

146

188

180

172

116

192

104

118

164

174

178

186

156

52 86

184

168

126

106

122

170

138

4 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Key: Position in the Top 100 table

1 150

Page number

120

152

182

100

162

134

140

142

154

136

144

124

160

132

176

148

166

108

130

190

100

110

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 5

I work where my growth is supported. Outthink ordinary. Many companies standstill, but not IBM. IBM allows you to develop your voice and ideas into endless opportunities that can help change the world. At IBM, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll challenge your comfort zone to define the career the way you want.

IBM and its logo and ibm.com are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. See current list at ibm.com/trademark. Other product and service names might be trademarks of IBM or other companies. ÂŠInternational Business Machines Corp. 2016. R00001

Discover what you can do at IBM. ibm.com/jobs/uk

THE TOP 35 MEDIUM-SIZED UNDERGRADUATE SCHEMES 2016-2017 The Top 35 Medium-sized Undergraduate Schemes table is based on reviews submitted by students on RateMyPlacement.co.uk, for large organisations who recruit between three and 14 students a year on placement years, internships, vacation schemes and insights. 1

202

218

206

236

230

224

232

210

15 220

200

238

208

204

198

222

228

196

234

216

226

20 214

35 212

THE TOP 5 SMALL TO MEDIUMSIZED UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2016-2017 The Top 5 Small to Medium-sized Undergraduate Employers includes the winner and four shortlisted companies at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards. It's also based on reviews submitted by students on RateMyPlacement.co.uk for organisations that employ fewer than 250 people.

240

Winner

Finalist

242

Finalist

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 7

T O O B E R M O O R S S A L C E TH Here at Sparx, we’re working flat out to investigate scientifically what makes the best learning experience. By using real-time data to drive an evidence based approach to education, we’re developing an extraordinary new technology for the classroom that is redefining the limits of what young people can achieve and is helping us figure out what works (and what doesn’t) in the field of education. Our platform for Maths uses custom built content and a powerful, data-driven web and mobile framework to deliver a tailored set of exercises, games and incentives for students. We’re looking for people with a real passion for education and a belief in the power of technology to improve it. People who want a challenge; people who want to make a difference. Studying computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering or the sciences? We are looking for exceptional summer interns and full time graduates who want to take the guesswork out of education. We have roles in our Content Science and Software Development teams. The deadline for Intern applications is 8th January 2017.

Ignite your career at Sparx, visit: http://www.sparx.co.uk/join/opportunities

Get in touch:

recruitment@sparx.co.uk

8 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

CONTENTS 3 4 7

11 12 13 15 16 19 20 21 23 24

ADVICE Welcome to the Top Undergraduate Employers Guide The Top 100 Undergraduate Employers The Top 35 Medium-sized Schemes and The Top 5 Small to Medium-sized Undergraduate Employers How To Use This Guide What Types Of Opportunities Are Out There? Average Undergraduate Salaries Across The UK What Is The Most Important Core Skill Employers Look For? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Let Your Social Side Get Your Application Denied What Makes A Student Stand Out From The Crowd? Psychometric Testing What Makes Up The Top Employers Table? Why Should I Bother? #PlacementChat: Career Advice From Graduate Recruitment Experts

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS Overviews of various industries and insights from industry experts

THE TOP 100 The Top 100 Undergraduate Employers

194

THE TOP 35 The Top 35 Medium-sized Undergraduate Schemes

240

THE TOP 5 The Top 5 Small to Medium-sized Undergraduate Employers The Top Undergraduate Employers | 9

Dress to impress with T.M.Lewin According to research, 90% of people form their opinion about you within the first 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 40 seconds of your introduction. And in a job interview, that means your potential employer could have made their decision of whether or not to hire you before youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve even said a single word. No pressure, then. Whether you work for a large corporation or a trendy digital start-up, our new collection caters to every modern dress code so you can arrive both confident and fashionable from head-to-toe.

To put together your bespoke Lewin look, check out www.tmlewin.co.uk/students

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The Top Undergraduate Employers guide is based on reviews submitted on RateMyPlacement.co.uk by students who have worked at companies in the previous academic year. All the reviews are entirely impartial and cover the dayto-day role, the company, the students responsibilities and social opportunities in the area they were based.

Employer profile

In this guide, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find information and advice from industry insights to application top tips alongside the detailed profiles of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Undergraduate Employers. So if anything here catches your eye you can then sign up to the RateMyPlacement.co.uk website to find out more and apply to your favourite companies.

Student case study

Stuff you need to know

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 11

WHAT TYPES OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE OUT THERE? Placements Otherwise known as: industrial placement, sandwich year, year in industry, year-long internships Structured programmes where you spend a full academic year working for one company (or sometimes two) as a full-time employee, before returning to university for your final year. Internships Otherwise known as: work experience Formal and structured programmes that typically last from four to 12 weeks during the summer period. Employers use such schemes to spot future talent and introduce you to the company during your internship. Vacation schemes Otherwise known as: vac schemes, work experience Vacation schemes are short periods of work experience, specifically in law firms. They typically last for one to two weeks. Many law firms use this time to identify recruits for their training contracts. 12 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

HOW TO FIND THEM? • • • • •

Placement officers University careers service Publications (like this!) Societies Brand Ambassadors »» Students working on behalf of a company who are employed to promote its roles. • Reviews »» Check out RateMyPlacement’s reviews to find out what to expect from the student jobs on offer. • Online • Sign up to RateMyPlacement.co.uk and be the first to hear about new jobs.

Insights Otherwise known as: short-term insight schemes, open days Insight days or weeks are primarily for first-year students, though many are open to all undergraduates. Insights take place throughout the year and are designed to give you a taste for the company or industry. They’re used to spot future talent.

AVERAGE UNDERGRADUATE SALARIES ACROSS THE UK

£18,395

The average salary across the board.

Scotland

£17,733 £16,376

£15,129

Northern Ireland

North East

£16,891 £16,258

Yorkshire & Humberside

North West

£16,036 £16,591 West Midlands

£16,694

£15,973

East Anglia

£22,256

Wales

£17,183 South West

East Midlands

Central London and City

£17,473 South East

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 13

14 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CORE SKILL THAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR?

“The atmosphere was welcoming, collegiate and motivated. Although staff were very hard working, time was always made for vacation scheme participants which was really refreshing.” “I was motivated to research further into the financial industry. As an economics student, this may help with my studies.” Reviews from motivated students on ratemyplacement.co.uk

Most Important

“I was given a lot of responsibility from the start. I felt like I gained a lot of self-motivation and have become a lot better with my organisational skills as a result of this.”

Presentation Confidence Time Management Analysis Commercial Awareness Organisation Professionalism Teamwork Communication Motivation

“I was paid for the experience, however, this was not a driving motivation, the great experience and insight was.”

“The personal interactions and presentations throughout the day further motivated me to become an investment manager.”

Least Important

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 15

DON’T LET YOUR SOCIAL SIDE GET YOUR APPLICATION DENIED

Facebook Social Media is all fun and games until someone tags you in a horrendous picture from 3am last Saturday night just after you’ve sent off your personal details in a job application. It’s no secret that recruiters check social media profiles whilst considering who they want to join their team and those messy squad photos don’t always give the best first impression. Besides the embarrassing tags and status updates we all left as angsty 15 year olds, Social Media can be very useful for getting in touch with brands, recruiters and keeping abreast of industry news. Here’s our top tips for navigating the online socialsphere. 16 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Not all employers look at your page, but there’s always a chance that one may do, so keep it clean. Check your privacy settings to make sure that companies only see what you want them to see (while keeping all those drunk pictures nicely hidden from view). Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes and think – if I was looking at someone’s profile with this stuff on, would I hire them? If the answer’s no, you might want to have a social spring clean. You can like www.facebook.com/ ratemyplacement for plenty more useful information about applying for your first role.

For more tips like this, check out: RateMyPlacement.co.uk/blog

Twitter

Same thing with Twitter. Make sure that, when you’re interacting with employers, your tweets are professional, clean, not too controversial and written in the Queen’s English, not text speak. Twitter’s also great for searching for jobs that might pop up at any time and following companies to see what they’re up to. Engage with recruiters and ask questions. You can also do this with the UK’s best employers on #PlacementChat, so check it out. Remember, be concise and always, always polite. Follow @RateMyPlacement for the latest job updates, application tips and competitions.

Linkedin If you don’t have an account, get one. Simple as that. This is like your online CV, and if an employer searches for you to see what your online presence is like, a good LinkedIn page can make you stand out really well. Keep it professional though – this isn’t a place for cat pictures or random status updates. It’s a place for connecting with industry experts and making yourself look like a pro, so use it and use it wisely! Search on LinkedIn for the RateMyPlacement group - it’s full of like-minded students and undergraduate recruiters - just remember to have a smart profile picture!

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 17

We’re

redefining travel commerce Today’s $8 trillion travel and tourism industry has been through a major step change, and Travelport is at the centre of this fast-moving world. Through our Travel Commerce Platform we evolve and advance the travel industry with a single-minded aim – to create a more connected, more efficient and more profitable world for our customers. At Travelport, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re always seeking talented, innovative and ambitious students who are interested in becoming part of our valued team. As a member of our UK internship program, you and your colleagues will tackle new challenges and reach your fullest potential as you deliver superior, innovative results for our customers and our business. Take a glimpse into your professional future with Travelport. travelport.com/careers/uk-internships

WHAT MAKES A STUDENT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD? We asked the top employers to describe the qualities that make a student stand out from the crowd in three words. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what they said:

Agility, Ambitious, Analytical, Articulate, Authentic, Aware, Bold, Brave, Collaborative, Commercial, Committed, Communicator, Competent, Confident, Conscientious, Creative, Curious, Dedicated, Determined, Diligent, Driven, Engaging, Enthusiastic, Entrepreneurial, Experience, Flexibility, Genuine, Hardworking, Honest, Impact, Individual, Initiative, Innovative, Inquisitive, Integrity, Intellect, Intelligence, Logical, Motivated, Organised, Original, Passionate, Personable, Personality, Positive, Prepared, Presence, Proactive, Professional, Research, Resourceful, Sense, Strategic, Team-Players, TeamWorker, Understanding, Versatile. Have you got what it takes to stand out? The Top Undergraduate Employers | 19

PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING If a recruiter likes your CV but wants to test your skills and reasoning further, they may ask you to complete some psychometric tests before progressing your application. These tests are used to find out what kind of personality, temperament and attitude you have. These can take the form of personality and aptitude tests. As these tests are based on honest responses and will ask questions that you probably won’t be aware of beforehand, the best you can do is take practice tests first to get an idea of what they’ll be like. While you can’t control the test, you can control your environment. Make sure you’re in a quiet place where you can focus, read the instructions to know what you have to do and work your

20 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

For more info on Psychometric testing, check out: rmp.gd/psychometric

way through the questions quickly and honestly. Psychometric tests only make up one part of your application - to get all the information about what to expect and how to be best prepared join us on RateMyPlacement.co.uk!

WHAT MAKES UP THE TOP EMPLOYERS TABLE? Total number of opportunities across all top employers. of undergraduates go back as graduates. The number of opportunities per scheme.

ments Place

32%

of students reviewed on RateMyPlacement.co.uk

4,329

mes

che

atio

6 Vac

1,69

2 ,29

h sig

Of the opportunities available across the top employers

6,929 In

ternship

The gender of people who reviewed this year.

Banking is the most reviewed industry with students.

1 BANKING 2 LAW 3 BUSINESS 4 SCIENCE 5 ENGINEERING 6 IT The Top Undergraduate Employers | 21

L O O K I N G F O R A C A R E E R I N A M O D E R N L A W F I R M ?

CMS IS A GLOBAL, FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM WITH 60+ OFFICES IN OVER 30 COUNTRIES We have some 3,200 lawyers offering industry-specific advice tailored to the needs of our clients and the markets they operate in. Join our team for unrivalled training, global secondment opportunities and the chance to become a future leader at our Top 10 Global Elite firm. Interested? Join us on any of these programmes: CMS FIRST STEPS: Applications close 31 December 2016 CMS ACADEMY: Applications close 15 January 2017 TRAINING CONTRACT: Applications close 30 June 2017

L E A R N M O R E A T G R A D U A T E S . C M S - C M C K . C O M

22 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

WHY SHOULD I BOTHER? Now you’re asking the real questions! The prospect of leaving your friends for a year, delaying your graduation and possibly moving again can be a daunting one – but there’s a reason your university’s career team keep telling you to do a placement. Here’s the top 5 things you’ll get out of a year in industry. Work Experience The big one, and the main reason you would do a work scheme. The experience you gain through a year in industry will be invaluable – not only for your future job prospects, but as transferable skills for your degree. It’s been shown that those who take on a placement during their degree actually do better in their courses. Key skills like time management, prioritisation and managing multiple projects at once are core assets you’ll learn and then naturally apply to your course. Communication Emojis and text speak won’t cut it in the corporate world. By being immersed in that environment you’ll learn how you can adapt your communication across phone conversations, emails and face-to-face meetings as well as the difference between internal and external communication. Just remember – when applying, keep it formal!

Understanding how to use people’s knowledge You’re not expected to know everything and hit the ground running. You will be expected to learn quickly and get stuck in. One of the most useful skills you’ll learn is how to identify who can help you, who can fill your knowledge gaps and who you can learn from to make sure you’re delivering the best possible performance on a consistent basis. Work/life balance University is a lot of fun. You do have to study, but a lot of time is leisure. During your year placement you’ll learn how to balance your business responsibilities as well as your life. It’ll take some time, staying out until 3am will no longer be a good option, but there are plenty of other ways to have fun and spend your time outside of work. Life skills Budgets may not sound like fun but they’re definitely something you need to know about. With rent, council tax and travel you’ll learn pretty quickly how to manage your money whilst you’re working which will set you up with great money management habits for life. If that hasn’t convinced you, just head over to RateMyPlacement.co.uk and start reading through the 40,000 individual reviews - we’re pretty sure those will help you make up your mind! The Top Undergraduate Employers | 23

#PLACEMENTCHAT: CAREER ADVICE FROM GRADUATE RECRUITMENT EXPERTS If you are in the middle of applying for a placement, internship or student job, or in the planning stages and thinking about applying for one next year, then join in on our #PlacementChat sessions. #PlacementChat sessions bring together recruitment experts and career professionals who can answer any questions you might have about your CV, cover letter, applications, interviews or assessment centres. #PlacementChat is an hour-long Twitter meet up that is held by RateMyPlacement every few weeks in which we bring together students, thought-leaders, recruiters and university careers services to discuss everything placement-related. This is your chance to ask all those burning questions that you’ve been thinking about for a while. These could cover anything from faceto-face interviews to assessment centres to Skype calls, or maybe you just want to direct a question about a specific company to the people who work there. Some of the country’s top companies and employers have been known to take part in our #PlacementChat sessions. Take a look at some of the major businesses that have been involved previously.

24 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Bus Placement Unit @BusPlace

What’s your advice for students who have had rejections and are now feeling de-motivated? #PlacementChat Cummins UK/EU Grads @CumminsJobs

@BusPlace Try to obtain feedback (appreciate this can be difficult), take a look at your CV/cover letter again. #PlacementChat KPMG Recruitment UK @KPMGRecruitment

@BusPlace Don’t give up! There’s plenty of opportunities out there. Just keep trying, they’ll eventually find the right opportunity for them #PlacementChat Enterprise Jobs @ERAC_Jobs

@BusPlace ask for feedback visit your careers service and practice, start getting your apps ready for next year #PlacementChat

RateMyPlacement @RateMyPlacement

When filing through applications, how would you recommend students submit their CV? Length? Necessary things to include? #PlacementChat 3M_UK_Recruitment @3MUKRecruitment

@RateMyPlacement Keep your CV to 2 pages. Include relevant experience and skills that you have, directly linked to the role #PlacementChat

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED IN #PLACEMENTCHAT? WELL, THAT’S EASY Just follow these four simple steps: • Log into your Twitter account • Follow @RateMyPlacement • Search #PlacementChat and click “All” • Send your questions with the #PlacementChat hashtag

UoL Placement Team @livuniplacement

@CumminsJobs @RateMyPlacement wanted to say that from #PlacementChat and circulating your advice I’ve seen and helped 3 students apply #PlacementChat 3M_UK_Recruitment @3MUKRecruitment

@livuniplacement @RateMyPlacement Fantastic news - great to hear! #PlacementChat

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 25

SEE YOURSELF AT SHOOSMITHS Develop your career at a firm focussed on putting people, relationships and results at the heart of your training contract. Apply now at www.shoosmiths.co.uk

www.twitter.com/shoosmithsgrads www.facebook.com/shoosmithsgraduates 26 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS On the following pages you will find a selection of industry insights that reflect the companies featured in the guide. Within each section, you will find an overview of that particular industry, plus a Q&A with an industry expert.

Accounting & Finance Page 28 Advertising & Marketing Page 30 Banking Page 32 Business Page 34 Charity Page 36 Consultancy Page 38

Engineering Page 40

IT Page 52

Fashion Page 42

LAW Page 54

Consumer Goods Page 44

Property Page 56

Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism Page 46

Retail Page 58

Investment Banking Page 48

Science & Research Page 60

Investment Management Page 50 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 27

ACCOUNTING & FINANCE Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

73%

Key skills for this industry Employers look for candidates who can show that they have the ability to understand complex concepts and data quickly, so it’s important to show your interpretation and analysis skills while on a placement. Typical opportunites Previous students have worked as audit and tax interns, in government assurance, pensions assurance, regulatory reporting and analyst roles. See more placement and internship reviews on RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 28 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? This sector is all about helping companies tackle complex financial tasks. This could involve informing clients about how to abide by regulations, organise their finances, identify where profits and losses are made and report financial results. Why choose this sector? There’s a lot of freedom to choose your own path and gain qualifications in this industry – you could specialise in anything from assurance or commercial finance to risk assessments and taxation. What’s expected from you? Key requirements vary depending on the company. Some value resilience highly, while others value motivational skills. However, they all want people who are good communicators and commerciallyaware, so take this into account. Benefits of work experience A placement or internship will not only give you first-hand experience of working in this exciting industry, in terms of meeting clients and performing audits, but it will also help you to demonstrate the skills you used and learned on your CV.

What Andrew thinks...

Andrew Company PwC Position Assurance Senior Associate

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

About Whilst studying Mathematics with Business Management at the University of Birmingham, I was successful in obtaining a 6 week internship in PwC’s Assurance practice. Upon receiving my degree, I was offered a place on the graduate programme. I’m now entering my third year in PwC’ s Milton Keynes office.

Why your industry? Professional Services is an exciting industry to be involved in. The industry supports businesses of all sizes and within different markets, to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. PwC offered me the opportunity to receive the best professional services training whilst working with prestigious clients.

“I learn something new every day, whether it’s studying for my professional accountancy exams or through practical work experience. ” What is your top tip for working in your industry? Be prepared and conscientious. These are traits which will serve you well and you should exercise them during your applications. Show you’ve taken the time to learn about the industry and have

the confidence to discuss this during an interview. What differentiates your industry from other industries? People working in Professional Services are working directly with their clients on a day-to-day basis. There are vast opportunities to work on different clients and industries, to provide specialist advice. You work with a diverse group of people, in various roles, both internally and externally to improve a client’s business. What do you enjoy most about your industry? I learn something new every day, whether it’s studying for my professional accountancy exams or through practical work experience. I learn from doing, learn from others and through formal training; gaining a strong balance of personal, business, and technical skills. Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 10 / Pg. 162 TOP 100 pos. 13 / Pg. 114 TOP 100 pos. 34 / Pg. 180 TOP 100 pos. 52 / Pg. 86 TOP 35 pos. 32 / Pg. 226 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 29

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

17%

Key skills for this industry The world of advertising and marketing is more fast-moving than most. Ideas and concepts are developed under strict timelines so it really helps if you a) have a creative mind and b) can take criticism. Typical opportunites There are lots of great work experience opportunities. Previous students have worked in corporate communications, digital marketing, digital sales and media, creative services and copywriting for top companies. Check out reviews on RateMyPlacement.co.uk. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 30 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Advertising agencies and marketing departments want people who are creative, innovative and open-minded. The industry employs people from a wide range of backgrounds. Why choose this sector? This can be a very enjoyable sector to work in. You’ll be able to hone your creative skills, learn from experts and attend exciting industry awards. What’s expected from you? Advertisers work for clients, executing their commercial brand campaigns, so you need to be able to meet or exceed their requirements. Marketers are more likely to work in-house for one company, promoting its messages and services. Benefits of work experience Many agencies and companies offer work experience. It’s a great way to get a taste of working on varied campaigns for different clients, and the demands that come with each one. You also get to see all the work that goes on behind the scenes of a successful campaign, from concept to delivery.

What Hannah thinks...

Hannah Wrightson Company RateMyPlacement Position Marketing Assistant

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

About I currently work in the marketing team at RateMyPlacement. My role as Marketing Assistant involves heading up the social media for the company, attending freshers’ and careers fairs to promote RateMyPlacement as well as helping host events throughout the year for RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? To really excel in this industry, I think a key skill would have to be strong communication skills. Not only do you work with different teams on a day to day basis, you also work with a wide range of audiences so it is import to be able to adapt to different situations.

Why your industry? What really appealed to me about marketing is how dynamic and creative the industry is. I really enjoy the idea of being thrown in to the deep end as well as having the opportunity to connect with so many people.

What do you enjoy most about your industry? I really enjoy all the different aspects to marketing and the chance to get involved in so much whether this is direct marketing, e-marketing or social media. I also enjoy the chance to communicate with a number of different teams and audiences.

“Not only do you work with different teams on a day to day basis, you also work with a wide range of audiences so it is import to be able to adapt to different situations.”

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 4

What is your top tip for working in your industry? My top tip for working in this industry would be as flexible and pro-active as possible. This is really important in marketing as your audience is constantly changing!

TOP 100 pos. 55 / Pg. 192

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 31

BANKING Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

78%

Key skills for this industry Banking is a sector that revolves around figures and data, but you don’t just have to be a numerical genius. People skills – like the ability to lead and influence others – are just as important. Typical opportunites Previous students have worked in real estate private equity, sales and trading, sales and analytics, securities and operations. Read their reviews on RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 32 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Banks want talented and intellectual students who can help them make informed financial decisions and meet each of their client’s needs. To succeed, you’ll need to be commercially-aware and a team player. Why choose this sector? Beyond just the financial salary aspect, which is obviously a big plus point, other reasons to work in banking include the chance to potentially work abroad and receive fantastic training and career support. What’s expected from you? There are certain attributes you’ll need to demonstrate. These include a combination of intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit, the ability to work under pressure and a global banking outlook. Benefits of work experience Many banks use placements and internships as an extended pre-interview for a graduate job, so a major benefit is that if you do well, you’ll have a good foundation of experience when it comes to applying for graduate schemes.

What Anita thinks...

Anita Barnwell Company Lloyds Banking Group Position Head of Regulatory Training and Capability for Credit Operations

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

About I joined Lloyds in Newcastle, after I finished school. I’ve worked throughout Customer Service, Sales, HR and Change Management. Now I work in Credit Operations, supporting colleagues to deliver the best outcomes to customers in financial difficulty.

Why your industry?

Financial services are a part of everyone’s life; whether it be getting money from a cash point, buying your first home, or getting travel insurance for your dream holiday. What I enjoy is that it’s a people business focused on learning and development, so we can help Britain prosper.

“At Lloyds Banking Group our purpose is to Help Britain Prosper, so everything we do underpins that ethos.” What is your top tip for working in this industry? Develop your skills of building great relationships with others, know what you enjoy doing, and work towards a role that allows you to flourish.

What differentiates your industry from others? The career opportunities in banking are vast, and it’s a meritocracy. I’ve worked in

branches, within Insurance, Finance and Audit, helped set up operational units, and been part of the teams delivering major change programmes. The professionalism and capability of my colleagues is always inspiring.

What do you enjoy most about your industry?

The opportunity to make a difference to the people around me – whether that be customers by finding ways we can serve them better; or colleagues by giving them the opportunity to bring their ‘true self’ to work.

What advice would you give to others considering a career in your industry?

Research the industry and, understand what the company you are looking at, is about. At Lloyds Banking Group our purpose is to Help Britain Prosper, so everything we do underpins that ethos.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 19 / Pg. 84 TOP 100 pos. 20 / Pg. 72 TOP 100 pos. 49 / Pg. 144 TOP 100 pos. 60 / Pg. 130 TOP 100 pos. 78 / Pg. 166 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 33

BUSINESS Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

78%

Key skills for this industry In business, you’ll typically have to split your time between working on different projects, so it’s important that you manage your time well and can deal with the pressure of deadlines without getting stressed. Typical opportunites Business roles exist in all kinds of companies, from banks to IT and technology companies. Previous students have reviewed roles like operations specialist, business analyst, support coordinator and IT analyst on RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 34 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do businesses want? You’ll need diverse skills. For example, you need to motivate other people and get the best out of them, by identifying their strengths, making sure they feel valued and offering relevant training. Why choose a business career? A career in business can help you gain skills you can apply in all walks of life, such as the ability to communicate well with and inspire others, as well as giving you the chance to work in different sectors. What’s expected from you? You’ll be expected to identify solutions to business problems, find the best way to efficiently and cost-effectively implement said solutions and then report on them, evaluating how well they have performed. Benefits of work experience Work experience in businesses, for example insurers or consultancies, will give you an understanding of what the day job involves and whether you suit the work or not. It also lets you work real projects and get outstanding experience for your CV.

What Luke thinks...

Luke Gorman Company SAP Position Sales Support Associate

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About Studying Business Management at the University of Birmingham. Working within the UK and Ireland Financial Services and Public Sector teams as a Sales Support Associate managing sales forecasts, sales pipelines and numerous back office applications.

Why your industry? The technology industry is constantly growing with the rise of digital applications and a more digitally demanding society. Every day, we use technology and working within the industry puts you at the forefront of innovation.

“It’s amazing how involved you get and the opportunities you are exposed to – in my role, I am responsible for helping to manage multi-million pound deals.”

What differentiates the Business industry from others? There is no one way to succeed – working in technology you understand that anything is possible, it is one of the most forward thinking and diverse industries to work in. Which personality traits or skills aid success in Business? A hands-on, motivated and ambitious attitude will reap rewards. Be prepared to embrace change and find radical improvements for everything you do. Describe the workload and responsibility given to students in Business. It’s amazing how involved you get and the opportunities you are exposed to – in my role, I am responsible for helping to manage multi-million pound deals. Encouragement is given to you to pursue your own projects such as social media. Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 7 / Pg. 152

What is your top tip for working in Business? Embrace change and don’t be afraid to get ahead of the curve. The industry is constantly producing technology innovations to meet the rapidly evolving needs of customers.

TOP 100 pos. 81 / Pg. 170 TOP 100 pos. 89 / Pg. 64 TOP 35 pos. 11 / Pg. 224 TOP 35 pos. 31 / Pg. 216 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 35

CHARITY Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

65%

Key skills for this industry Charities, probably more than most other companies, look for people who can show that they are truly passionate about the cause that the charity fights for, and bring that passion and dedication to the role itself. Typical opportunites Charities offer varied work experience opportunities, with previous students having worked in events production, conservation, fundraising and marketing. Find reviews for these jobs at RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 36 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? There are thousands of charities in the sector, so each one needs employees who can help it stay competitive and attract people to its cause. This calls for a combination of creativity and proactivity. Why choose this sector? The work you can get involved with in this sector lets you make a real contribution and difference to society, so the job satisfaction is a big pull. You may also be able to travel the world depending on who you work for. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expected from you? This depends on your role. Fundraisers need to be persuasive to encourage donations. Charity officers need to help with building external partnerships and bringing in volunteers. Marketing and PR need to promote the profile of the company. Benefits of work experience Placements and internships give you a great idea of how charities operate and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required to help them maintain their success, while also fighting for their chosen cause.

What Emily thinks...

Emily Bowyer Company NCS The Challenge Position Programme Leader

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About I worked as a Programme Leader on NCS The Challenge’s Autumn 2015 and Summer 2016 programme. The ‘seasonal’ nature of the role gives me the flexibility to pursue my own international community development projects.

Why your industry? Working in a youth and community development charity means you can make a positive change within society, and for individuals. For me, this is very important.

“Passion, energy, belief in what you are doing and the ability to communicate that to others.” What is your top tip for working in this industry? Be proactive! Go out there, meet people and volunteer to gain invaluable experience first. Most importantly – do something you are passionate about. This will make interviews and finding jobs that much easier. What differentiates your industry from others? Priorities are different from a lot of other industries. We are working together to benefit local communities and people, not to make money.

Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? Passion, energy, belief in what you are doing and the ability to communicate that to others. Describe the workload and responsibility given to students in your industry. It depends but as a Senior Mentor you would be in charge of twelve young people. You help the team grow, gain new skills and become active members of society. Although the role may seem intense at times, in no other job can you have such a positive direct influence on young people. What do you enjoy most about your industry? You get to really make a difference in your local community and young people’s lives.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 40 / Pg. 94 TOP 100 pos. 76

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 37

CONSULTANCY Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

71%

Key skills for this industry A key skill for being successful in consultancy is influencing others. As consultants work a lot with clients, you should be able to produce strong arguments to bring people around to your way of thinking. Typical opportunites While on a consultancy placement or internship, you could work as a management trainee, technology consultant or a support analyst. Reviews of these student jobs, and thousands more like them, can be found on RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 38 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do consultancies want? If you can combine the ability to collect, analyse and present data sets that reach the goal of helping clients overcome business problems, you’d suit consultancy. Why choose consultancy? Consultancy is a great career to start in if you want to challenge yourself and develop your business skills. What’s expected from you? You don’t have to be the finished article when starting out, but you will be expected to bring certain skills to the role – these could include Excel proficiency, analytical ability and good communication. Benefits of work experience Working in the industry and with clients will allow you to develop transferable skills, as well as giving you a chance to experience working at some of the world’s largest companies on global projects.

What Judith thinks...

Judith Wilson Company Deloitte LLP Position Analyst, Consulting

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About I joined Deloitte in April 2015 through the first HR consulting academy. I am now an analyst in the UK Technology Adoption practice. Prior to working in Deloitte I studied Environmental Planning followed by an MSc in Communications with Strategic Management.

Why your industry? I chose Consulting because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to specialise in. At the minute I sit within Technology Adoption but I get experience in dealing with a diverse range of sectors and there is always the option to progress into other areas throughout Consulting.

“I’m continually increasing my skillset, making Consulting the ideal industry for me.” What is your top tip for working in this industry? Never give up! There may be times when something doesn’t work out as you had planned, but don’t let this demotivate you. Always give your best and when you leave that project you will know you have done all in your power to make it a success. What differentiates your industry from others? In Consulting you can be involved in a wide variety of work which means no two days are the same, so you never get

bored! I love being constantly challenged and the varied workload means I’m continually increasing my skillset, making Consulting the ideal industry for me. Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? I believe anyone with a positive attitude and enthusiasm can go a long way in any career, especially Consulting. Even in daunting situations, like starting a new project, these infectious attitudes will be recognised by the clients and help establish a good rapport with them. What advice would you give to others considering a career in your industry? Consulting offers a very flexible career option. Rather than limiting yourself to one specific area you get experience in a wide variety of sectors and you can later choose one to specialise in, for me it is a smart career choice.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 26 / Pg. 88 TOP 100 pos. 32 / Pg. 106 TOP 100 pos. 71 TOP 100 pos. 83 TOP 35 pos. 1 / Pg. 202 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 39

ENGINEERING Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

40%

Key skills for this industry As engineering is such a broad area, one skill that applies across a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines is good communication. You need to be able to understand projects and explain decisions to colleagues. Typical opportunites There are many different types of engineer. On RateMyPlacement. co.uk we have reviews of roles including hardware design engineer, manufacturing engineer, mechanical engineer, CAD engineer, process engineer and more.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 40 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Engineering companies need people who are keen to solve problems and learn, as well as bringing a level of professionalism and technical expertise to their work experience. Engineers also need to work in teams to achieve their goals. Why choose this sector? Engineers are needed in a range of organisations. This means you could benefit from good job security, the ability to progress to senior levels and the chance to work on international projects. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expected from you? With society facing major challenges like population growth and restricted fossil fuels, the next generation of engineers is expected to devise innovative, sustainable solutions that will tackle these head on. Benefits of work experience It goes without saying that a key benefit of your work experience is the fact that it gives you real responsibility and something concrete to build your CV around. The transferable skills youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn can be applied to many roles too.

What Bethany thinks...

Bethany Company GSK Position Strategy Lead

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About I completed a degree in Biochemical Engineering at the University of Bath. At GSK I am a strategy lead, responsible for the Quality area within Global Manufacturing and Supply. This involves the development of strategies for each of the key business processes, and driving initiatives where required.

Why your industry? A family friend, who works at GSK, recommended that I look at them as an option for my Industrial placement. There were a number of opportunities available just for placement schemes, which excited me because of the potential development areas for the future. The ITDP also appealed to me as it looked like it would be a great way to learn about the different areas of the company, and I was proved right!

“Being such a large organisation, strong communication skills (both verbal and written) are important.”

Having good time management, flexibility and organisational skills is also key as work can (and does) vary on a daily basis. Within the roles I have had, good problem solving skills and understanding the importance of effective stakeholder management are also areas that have helped me succeed. What do you enjoy most about your industry? It is not always easy to feel that you are helping people on a daily basis, but the work that GSK does both in the development of their products, and the support they provide to communities is fantastic. I get visibility of the business and genuinely feel that I am helping people to “do more, feel better and live longer”.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 47 / Pg. 124 TOP 100 pos. 70 / Pg. 78

Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? GSK is a very diverse company full of opportunity. Being such a large organisation, strong communication skills (both verbal and written) are important.

TOP 100 pos. 85 / Pg. 80 TOP 35 pos. 22 / Pg. 204 TOP 35 pos. 26 / Pg. 196 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 41

FASHION Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

65%

Key skills for this industry Many roles in this industry require you to have great creative skills, an understanding of texture, colours and fabrics and how they can be used together. Typical opportunites Fashion is huge, meaning there are plenty of great work experience opportunities. Previous students have worked as buyer admin assistants, in retail management, assistant merchandising and as PR assistants. Find reviews for these jobs on RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 42 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Fashion companies want students who can bring a unique perspective to fashion. Creativity and a wide source of inspiration alongside the desire to work hard and tackle lots of varying tasks are key benefits to anyone looking to enter the fashion industry. Why choose this sector? If you forge a career for yourself in fashion, you’ll get to enjoy all the perks of the industry, such as the chance to execute your creative ideas, attend glitzy fashion shows and awards, and potentially travel the world. What’s expected from you? In many fashion roles, you’ll typically have to work to a ‘brief’ – this is an outline of what your client / manager wants. You’ll be expected to predict trends and work to them. Benefits of work experience On a placement or internship, you’ll get the chance to take part in varied activities on a daily basis that will improve your skills. You’ll also get the chance to learn from talented and experienced designers and experts.

What Nawaal thinks...

Nawaal Qureshi Company New Look Position Merchandise Admin Assistant (MAA)

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About I obtained an undergraduate degree in Financial Computing from Brunel University, I then attended Bournemouth University to pursue a Masters degree in Retail Management.

Why your industry?

Retail is widely known to be the fastest growing industry; constantly evolving. Even during times of economic downturn, the retail industry changes to keep up with the changing economy.

What is your top tip for working in this industry? To be fashion forward and minded, act with pace and think customer!

“We work at the heart of trade and get frequent updates on daily sales, which motivates the team to perform at optimum level.”

What differentiates your industry from others? It’s an evolving industry which strives to stay current.

Describe the workload and responsibility given to students in your industry.

For graduates that apply to be merchandising admin assistants, the responsibility given to us is fairly significant. We are to ensure that stock arrives into the business within the correct time frame and to ensure supplier relations are kept well!

What do you enjoy most about your industry?

We work at the heart of trade and get frequent updates on daily sales, which motivates the team to perform at optimum level. The best thing about retail is watching the process of stock from start to finish, and to see a product go through its life cycle!

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 54 / Pg. 74

Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry?

TOP 35 pos. 5 / Pg. 230

To be analytical, but fashion thinking. Always keep the customer first. Be sure you’re good at Excel!

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 43

CONSUMER GOODS Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

54%

Key skills for this industry This depends on which area you’re working in. In shopper marketing you’ll need to be able to utilise insights from research, whereas in brand marketing you’ll need conceptual ability and knowledge of global markets. Typical opportunites Previous years’ students have undertaken work experience in marketing co-ordinator, creative services, sales and marketing and design and marketing roles. Find reviews for roles like this on RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 44 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? People who are interested in meeting consumer demands, while also helping the business operate effectively and minimise costs, so if you are businessminded and results-driven, they’ll want you. Why choose this sector? There are many reasons to work in consumer goods. You get to work with world-famous brands that are used by millions of people and spearhead new and innovative products that could potentially become market-leaders. What’s expected from you? As many major companies operate globally and have hundreds of offices, to get far in this sector it’s beneficial to have awareness of international markets, while language skills will also be highlybeneficial. Benefits of work experience Many businesses use their placements and internships to sound out the next generation of talent, so if you do well on work experience you’ll have a good chance of being fast-tracked onto a graduate scheme.

What Matthew thinks...

Matthew Coope Company L’Oreal UK & Ireland Position Luxe and Active Cosmetic Division Master Data Manager

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About Summer Intern in 2011. Joined the Supply Chain Scheme Jun 2013. Been a Supply Planner, led Supply Planning on a transformation project working in London and Paris, now I’m Master Data Manager for 2 divisions.

Why your industry? I knew I didn’t want to go into Engineering after my degree. While I enjoyed the problem solving and analysis side of it, I wanted to apply those skills in a business environment. I chose to work in the beauty industry because of its dynamic, fast paced nature and highly relatable products.

“It constantly pushes the way we do business, and challenges us to come up with new innovate solutions to meet our customer’s needs.” What is your top tip for working in this industry? I would say working in any industry prioritisation skills and attention to detail are vital. For Supply Chain I would recommend learning everything you can about your brands and current consumer behaviour and using that to drive decisions. At the end of the day it all comes down to the customer.

What differentiates your industry from others? This industry has some of the most advanced, dynamic Supply Chains in the world. It constantly pushes the way we do business, and challenges us to come up with new innovate solutions to meet our customer’s needs. Personally I can really relate to the products and the consumers (being one myself). Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? A certain amount of resilience and determination will help in this industry, but also having a genuine interest in the products and the industry as a whole helps with the context of your daily tasks and ultimately helps you to make the best decisions for the business and helps you stand out.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 16 TOP 100 pos. 27 / Pg. 140 TOP 100 pos. 80 TOP 35 pos. 3 / Pg. 206

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 45

HOSPITALITY, LEISURE, TRAVEL & TOURISM Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

60%

Key skills for this industry Teamwork skills are important in every industry, but few more than hospitality. Whichever role you find yourself in, you’ll need to be able to work with other people well and communicate effectively with customers. Typical opportunites There are hundreds of reviews for placements and internships on RateMyPlacement.co.uk, including jobs like spa attendant, management trainee, product assistant, meeting and events executive and cruise trading assistant. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 46 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Companies in this industry want people who are passionate about delivering great experiences, are flexible in their approach to work and bring enthusiasm to everything they do, as well as working well with others. Why choose this sector? If you ever wanted to work in a sector that offers variety, this is it. You could work in anything from a hotel to a health club, a restaurant to a catering company or a holiday company to a tour operator. What’s expected from you? The hospitality and tourism sector is dependent on people enjoying their experiences, so you’ll be expected to work well in customer-facing roles, inspiring and satisfying your clients and always meeting customer expectations. Benefits of work experience A placement or internship can give you real experience of working in this sector, so you can see what it takes to make it in an industry that focuses on customersatisfaction and makes up a large part of the economy.

What Abby thinks...

Abby Doyle Company Enterprise Rent-A-Car Position Area Manager

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About I read Criminology & Psychology at the University Of Southampton. As an Area Manager, I develop future leaders and ensure that we are industry leaders in customer service. I started as a Management Trainee and was promoted to Area Manager in three years.

promote from within so you know that your performance will help create the next opportunity for progression. You are given a great deal of autonomy, even as an intern.

Why your industry? This industry provides you with great job variety. It also helps you to strengthen and build confidence with communication skills, teamwork, leadership and sales in a fast-paced environment.

Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? You need to enjoy working, providing outstanding customer service, and meeting new people. Having a positive and enthusiastic approach to the job is a must. Since the environment can be very fast-paced, you need to be able to make good business decisions at short notice.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want a company that allows you to run your own business and gives you full autonomy to make decisions, Enterprise can give you that.â&#x20AC;?

What advice would you give to others considering a career in your industry? If you want a company that allows you to run your own business and gives you full autonomy to make decisions, Enterprise can give you that. Your career is in your own hands and performance results are valued higher than tenure.

What is your top tip for working in this industry? Always listen to your customers and employees. Be flexible in your approach and ensure your communication skills can be adapted to each customer to ensure they are completely satisfied.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 22 / Pg. 112 TOP 35 pos. 4 / Pg. 236 TOP 5 pos. Winner / Pg. 240

What differentiates your industry from others? The interaction you can have with such a diverse range of people. We also The Top Undergraduate Employers | 47

INVESTMENT BANKING Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

74%

Key skills for this industry It’s an industry that calls for undergraduates who are sharp-minded and quick to understand new concepts, as well as those who can cope with the stress that comes from working in a fast-paced, always-moving industry. Typical opportunites On RateMyPlacement.co.uk we have thousands of investment banking job reviews. Previous students who have reviewed their experiences worked in roles including regulatory reporting, sales and trading, asset management, as summer analysts and operations interns. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 48 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What investment banks want Big banks take on students from a range of backgrounds because it creates a team with diverse skills, though you’ll need to show an interest in finance. Why choose this sector? Aside from pay and bonuses, which can be very generous, you’ll become highlyskilled and gain transferable skills, as well as having a chance to work abroad. What’s expected from you? You’ll need to show employers you are a problem solver and demonstrate leadership skills. You’ll also have to be good at liaising with clients and assisting on projects. Benefits of work experience You get time to learn about the industry and whether you’re suited to it, as well as a chance to impress the company and show you have hunger to succeed in a competitive sector.

What Saba thinks...

Saba Danish Company Morgan Stanley Position Executive Director, Credit Sales

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About Saba graduated from UCL with a BA in English and French and an MA in English. She spent some time travelling and working as a freelance journalist at Vogue, The Guardian and The Observer before joining Morgan Stanley’s Fixed Income Analyst programme in 2003.

Why your industry? I enjoy what I do – working on the Credit Sales desk, covering banks, hedge funds and large institutional clients. It’s an incredibly dynamic role, in a frequently intense and high-pressure environment, in which excellent communication skills, diplomacy and an ability to negotiate play a critical part.

“Students are encouraged to show initiative and prove what they’re capable of.” What is your top tip for working in your industry? Obviously different roles require different skill sets but being persuasive, being able to manage pressure, being adept at cultivating and managing relationships – both internally and externally – and general resilience are universally applicable. Which personality traits or skills aid success in Investment Banking? Energy, creativity, an unswerving work ethic, humility, the ability to think on your

feet, and a very thick skin are all skills and characteristics that are needed in order to do well within this industry. Describe the workload and responsibility given to students in Investment Banking schemes One of the most remarkable things about the opportunity given to students in Investment Banking is the level of accountability awarded at a very early stage. Students are encouraged to show initiative and prove what they’re capable of – if they outperform they are given more. What do you enjoy most about Investment Banking? Investment Banking is a true meritocracy, where the measure of success is extremely precise and the culture is far more collegiate, supportive and collaborative than many people might have expected. Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 2 TOP 100 pos. 6 / Pg. 120 TOP 100 pos. 7 / Pg. 152 TOP 100 pos. 23 / Pg. 158 TOP 100 pos. 28 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 49

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

56%

Key skills for this industry Investment managers help clients make decisions about where they want to put their money and earn great returns, so you need to have strong research skills, understand markets and products and have an analytical, numerate mind. Typical opportunites In the past, students have worked in many different roles, like financial analyst, financial services intern, marketing finance analyst and trainee wealth adviser. Head to RateMyPlacement.co.uk to read reviews about their experiences.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 50 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Investment management companies need people who can help clients make money. This involves creating investment portfolios, so you’ll need knowledge of different markets and strong risk assessment skills. Why choose this sector? By starting off in financial management, you’ll get to work on projects that will expand your skill set, such as creating investment strategies, meeting clients and managing risk. What’s expected from you? You’ll need your A-game for work experience in this role, because the work can be demanding and the hours long. Benefits of work experience If this is your first taste of a professional role, a placement or internship will help you develop great skills, like the ability to produce reports, work with financial data and understand global markets.

What Fiona thinks...

Fiona Davy Company Fidelity International Position Director of Research

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About I studied Modern Languages at Cambridge. Being at Fidelity helped develop my passion for understanding how companies tick, including three years as an assistant portfolio manager on a European diversified portfolio. 10 years on and I’ve followed companies in all kinds of sectors. I’m now a Director of Research.

Why your industry? The variety. It sounds clichéd but genuinely no two days are the same. You can wake up in the morning with a plan, but if one of the companies you are looking at has a profit warning, or perhaps they make an acquisition, then all bets are off.

“Do your homework, and read the Financial Times for at least 10 minutes each day. Each sector has specific terminology and the FT will help you pick all this up.”

in, day out, and it eventually becomes second nature to you. Which personality traits or skills aid success in Investment Management? Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes which contribute to being successful in investment management. It’s also very important that you have an inquisitive mind. Asking intelligent questions holds the key to any investment decision, and therefore plays a large role in your success. What advice would you share to others considering a career in Investment Management? Do your homework, and read the Financial Times for at least 10 minutes each day. Each sector has specific terminology and the FT will help you pick all this up.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 17 / Pg. 134

What is your top tip for working in your industry? Read, read and read. Then read some more! There are lots of helpful investment books out there, but the Financial Times is a good place to start. It helps you get used to the jargon that is used day

TOP 100 pos. 35 TOP 100 pos. 42 TOP 100 pos. 44 / Pg. 116

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 51

IT Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

36%

Key skills for this industry As the technical sector continues to mature – and Big Data and the Internet of Things become ever more important – IT experts who can manage, administer and understand databases and networks effectively will be in greater demand. Typical opportunites Students have worked in roles including operations specialist, solutions / systems engineer, IT business analyst and back-end development. Check out reviews at RateMyPlacement.co.uk.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 52 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do IT companies want? Businesses want students who are interested in technology, so ideally you need to show that you’re up to date with developments and new releases in the industry (e.g. latest software versions). Why choose IT? There are many reasons to pick an IT career – the sector is growing and many companies need IT specialists now, so job opportunities exist in most companies. What’s expected of you? Again, expectations depend on the role. If you’re a network engineer, you’ll be responsible for building communications networks, while system managers look after companies’ internal IT infrastructures. Benefits of work experience A benefit of IT work experience is that you can apply technical skills to a range of different roles, so you have freedom to move around. Also, companies of all sizes now need IT experts, so there are opportunities everywhere.

What Judith thinks...

Judith Alexander Company PwC Position Associate Technology Consultant

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About After graduating with a degree in Business Management from Queens University, Belfast in July 2015, I joined PwC’s Foundations Northern Ireland Graduate Programme in September 2015 and became a part of the Enterprise Applications team within Technology Consulting in Belfast. I was enrolled on multiple training courses within Oracle applications. I have since gained 2 qualifications in ISTQB Software Testing and Prince 2 Project Management.

Why your industry? Studying Business Management at University, I found myself immersed in articles around companies fuelled by disruptive innovation – it was apparent in every industry. It didn’t take a CEO mentality to acknowledge the growing trend that a majority of this disruption was instigated by technology – making it an exciting and fast paced industry to get involved in.

“Technology is in high demand, which makes it a great industry to be part of.”

it can transform an entire organisation that may appear to be working efficiently. What differentiates your industry from others? Technology is a unique industry because of the continuous growth and innovation globally. In the world we live in, Technology is in high demand, which makes it a great industry to be part of. Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? I believe success in this industry is built on a foundation of passion and interest in Technology. As long as you have the desire to learn, explore and improve, you will be able to succeed.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 10 / Pg. 162 TOP 100 pos. 12 / Pg. 126

What is your top tip for working in this industry? My top tip would be to work every day with an open mind – it is amazing how technology can disrupt an industry or how

TOP 35 pos. 2 / Pg. 218 TOP 35 pos. 10 / Pg. 210 TOP 35 pos. 23 / Pg. 198 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 53

LAW Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

65%

Key skills for this industry It’s crucial that you have strong communication skills in this sector. This isn’t just about knowing what to say and saying it with conviction – it’s about being able to listen. Typical opportunites Legal work experience opportunities are generally known as vacation schemes. You don’t just have to be doing law to undertake one – in fact many firms take on a mixture of law and non-law students.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 54 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Law firms want people who can show that they have the potential to earn a training contract. This means you should be able to present sound arguments, work with all kinds of people and enthusiastically take on research tasks. Why choose this sector? If you want a career that really does push you, then consider a career in law. You get to work on challenging cases, help people in need and potentially earn a top salary too. What’s expected from you? You’ll need to be adaptable on a vacation scheme, because your experience may vary. Some days you may be shadowing one colleague, while on others you may be picking up assignments from whoever needs help in the office. Benefits of work experience Work experience in the form of vacation schemes is great because it gives you a chance to shadow legal professionals and see what the day-to-day job really involves. Firms also expect graduates to have prior experience.

What Matthew thinks...

Matthew Kenwood Company Shoosmiths LLP Position Partner in the Real Estate Practice Group based in Nottingham

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About After studying law at the University of Nottingham and the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School I trained as a solicitor with Shoosmiths. I have been a partner since 2004 and work in the real estate team dealing with transactions relating to commercial properties including shopping centres, high street, industrial and investment premises.

Why your industry? As a commercial lawyer I have always enjoyed managing transactions for my clients and seeing them through to a successful conclusion. It’s really rewarding to be involved in deals that make a difference to the success of your clients’ businesses.

“The law doesn’t stay still and is constantly developing with new legislation and cases. It’s definitely never boring!” What is your top tip for working in your industry? Always look at every situation from all angles. We have to be able to give our clients the best possible advice in every scenario and to do so we need to recognise our clients’ overall aims as well as appreciating all the individual details.

What differentiates your industry from other industries? Law is an intellectually stimulating industry with a lot of very technical issues and negotiations but at the same time it’s very people-focused with a lot of our time spent talking to clients and other lawyers. It’s also very dynamic - the law doesn’t stay still and is constantly developing with new legislation and cases. It’s definitely never boring! Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? Attention to detail is a vital skill for any lawyer. We often have to read through a lot of information to pick out crucial points and an ability to analyse documents thoroughly and efficiently is important. Being good with people, especially having good listening skills, and being able to think on your feet are also absolutely crucial.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 16 / Pg. 68 TOP 100 pos. 37 / Pg. 98 TOP 100 pos. 38 / Pg. 154 TOP 100 pos. 41 / Pg. 168 TOP 100 pos. 67 / Pg. 176 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 55

PROPERTY Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

50%

Key skills for this industry If you’re working in property and real estate, you’ll need to have drive and powers of persuasion in order to close deals with prospective buyers and make sales. You’ll need to be open to negotiation. Typical opportunites You’ll find hundreds of property placement and internship reviews on RateMyPlacement.co.uk. Previous students have worked in internal communications, building surveying, as a trainee surveyor, estate agents and even town planning.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 56 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Surveying companies need people who can assess properties, work in line with regulations and manage planning applications. Estate agents need people who can meet each of their client’s needs and present properties in a friendly, confident manner. Why choose this sector? In property, you get to work on major projects that could be anything from a new airport terminal to a hospital or apartment block. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people and visit property sites. What’s expected from you? Whichever area of property you’re in, you need to be commercially-aware and up to date with the housing market. New legislations and developments crop up all the time, as do disputes and valuations, so you need to be on the top of this. Benefits of work experience On a placement or internship, you’ll learn a lot about different property markets, like residential, commercial and industrial. You may also get to research new development possibilities and manage client enquiries.

What Imogen thinks...

Imogen Hives Company Savills (UK) Ltd Position Graduate Surveyor

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

About I studied Archaeology at the University of Bristol, after I gained a Masters in Real Estate from Oxford Brookes. I am currently a second year rotational Graduate Surveyor. Prior to joining Savills, I spent one month on the Summer Scheme.

Why your industry?

I decided to pursue a career in the property industry as I was keen to work within the built environment sector. I was also attracted by the diverse nature of surveying and the opportunity it presents to work both regionally and internationally.

“Pay attention to detail in all elements of your work and take accurate notes when discussing projects with your team and clients.” What is your top tip for working in this industry? Pay attention to detail in all elements of your work and take accurate notes when discussing projects with your team and clients. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify areas of uncertainty and always act with enthusiasm.

What differentiates your industry from others?

that you draw on the expertise of colleagues and external surveyors to help support your work. It is therefore an immensely sociable and team orientated area of business.

Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry?

The ability to work well within a team environment is highly conducive to the property industry, as are communication skills. Enthusiasm and an outgoing nature are also important given the social nature of surveying.

Describe the workload and responsibility given to students in your industry.

Students are encouraged to take a central role in projects within the team. Provided they complete work to the expected standard and show initiative, students will often gain exposure to leading instructions and attend client meetings.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 43 / Pg. 172 TOP 100 pos. 51 TOP 100 pos. 62 TOP 100 pos. 63 / Pg. 104

The diverse nature of the industry means

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 57

RETAIL Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

66%

Key skills for this industry The world of retail is driven by commercial success. Retailers have to stay current and predict consumer trends, so students really have to show that they are business-minded enough to make a positive impact. Typical opportunites It’s safe to say that there are probably more roles in this industry than any other. RateMyPlacement.co.uk has reviews for roles like food technology placement, trainee commercial manager, retail assistant and business placement programme.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 58 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Retail companies want people who are leaders, great organisers and target driven. This means showing that you are proactive and aren’t scared to put yourself forward for managing projects and being accountable. Why choose this sector? A major reason for choosing to work in the retail sector is the sheer range of roles you can get involved in. You could work in logistics, merchandising, store management, operations, design, marketing and sales and more besides. What’s expected from you? If you say you’re going to do something, you need to make sure you go through with it and show that you can be trusted. This could involve driving sales and ensuring that team members deliver outstanding customer service. Benefits of work experience You’ll get to work on real projects that could impact the retailer’s national stores. This could include designing leaflets, managing stock levels to make sure there’s enough, and gaining experience on the shop floor.

What George thinks...

George Melville Company Lidl UK Position Supply Chain Consultant

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

About I spent two modules in sales, one module within the supply chain department and one module working with the logistics team in the regional distribution centre. The experience helped me decide what path I wanted to choose after completing my degree.

Why your industry? I saw aspects of each department and was well informed about a career in supply chain. I decided upon the retail industry as I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and saw first-hand the responsibility that can be obtained within relatively short periods of time.

“Having confidence in your ability to make these decisions is key when dealing with a wide range of stakeholders.” What is your top tip for working in this industry? Never be afraid to ask questions as there is so much to learn. I have encountered numerous colleagues with vast experience in the industry, who are continuously learning new things. What differentiates your industry from others? No two days are the same. The stakeholders that I encounter and meet

with on a day to day basis are completely varied, ensuring that the working day flies exceptionally quickly. Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? Perseverance and self-confidence. You will find yourself needing to learn fast and make key decisions; having confidence in your ability to make these decisions is key when dealing with a wide range of stakeholders. What do you enjoy most about your industry? It’s the fast paced environment of supply chain I enjoy most. A new challenge is presented on a daily basis. Making store level changes to merchandising plans and seeing them when I am out shopping is another aspect of the job that I thoroughly enjoy!

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 22 / Pg. 112 TOP 100 pos. 36 / Pg. 142 TOP 100 pos. 45 / Pg. 66 TOP 100 pos. 61 / Pg. 184

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 59

SCIENCE & RESEARCH Average retention rate of undergraduates returning as graduates:

31%

Key skills for this industry As one of the most technical sectors, you need to have an interest in science to work in this field. A broad understanding of science, combined with expertise in your chosen area, is crucial. Typical opportunites RateMyPlacement.co.uk has thousands of science placement and internship reviews online, for roles like research scientist, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, operations analyst and R&D software developer intern.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 60 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

What do these companies want? Companies in this sector need people who are naturally inquisitive and have a genuine interest in science. It’s all about consuming knowledge, applying what you’ve learned and doing research, in order to make new discoveries and improve processes. Why choose this sector? Discoveries made by scientists are at the heart of society. If you are curious and want to work on diverse projects, like fighting diseases, developing antibiotics or improving energy to name a few, science and research is for you. What’s expected from you? This industry doesn’t just involve thinking about equations or Petri dishes all day. You also need to bring more general skills to the fore, like the ability to lead teams and even handle project budgets. Benefits of work experience On a placement or internship, you’ll be expected to take on real responsibility. This could involve carrying out your own research projects and experiments for major pharmaceutical, engineering and aeronautical companies.

What Allan thinks...

Allan Macrae Company Johnson & Johnson Position Principal Engineer, Research & Development

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

About Allan studied BEng Electronic and Information Engineering at Robert Gordon University. He has been at Johnson & Johnson for over 9 years, and started as a Software Engineer, working in Research and Development on new Blood Glucose meter developments. He is now an R&D principal engineer working in Lifecycle management.

Why your industry? Purely because of the benefit it has to our users/customers. The products we make not only help the user in their daily activities but could help save their life.

“You need to show a willingness to get involved by getting stuck in.” What is your top tip for working in your industry? Know your customer and specifically, the problem area you are addressing. You need to understand that you will not be developing or selling a product to be bought on mass. The needs of the customer will drive the end product, don’t start with a solution and think backwards. What differentiates your industry from other industries? The direct benefit you have to a user. Allowing them to get on with their lives and not to be constrained by their disease.

Which personality traits or skills aid success in your industry? Each area requires different technical skills for the specific function so you need to have a good grounding in your chosen field. You need to show a willingness to get involved by getting stuck in. And also acknowledge that a successful team works out solutions together, not always as individuals. What do you enjoy most about your industry? There are lots of departments I have to interact with, from Marketing to Clinical. I think because of the product type and industry, we attract a certain type of person. It is not all about new technology, the next big thing, but how we can impact people’s health and well-being.

Industry Employers TOP 100 pos. 24 / Pg. 146 TOP 100 pos. 47 / Pg. 124 TOP 100 pos. 82 / Pg. 138 TOP 100 pos. 97 TOP 100 pos. 99 / Pg. 76 The Top Undergraduate Employers | 61

Company

Position

Page 64

Accenture

Aldi

Company

Position

Page

J.P. Morgan

134

Jaguar Land Rover

136

JLL

Allen & Overy

John Lewis Partnership

Allianz UK

Johnson & Johnson

American Express

KPMG

138

Aon

L'Oreal

140

Arup

Lidl

142

ASOS

Linklaters

AstraZeneca

Lloyds Banking Group

144

Atkins

Lubrizol

146

BAE Systems

M&G Investments

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Mace Ltd

Bank of England

Metaswitch Networks

148

Barclays

Microsoft

150

Morgan Stanley

152

Nabarro

154

BDO

BlackRock

Bloomberg LP

National Grid

BMW Group

Network Rail

Nomura

158

BuroHappold Engineering

PageGroup

160

Cancer Research UK

Pfizer

Caterpillar

Centrica

Citi

CMS UK

Costain

94 96 98

156

Pinsent Masons LLP

PwC

162

RBC Capital Markets

164

RBS

166

Rolls-Royce

Credit Suisse

100

Rothschild

Cummins

102

RPC

Cushman & Wakefield

104

Santander

Deloitte

106

DSTL

Eaton

168

SAP

Savills

170 172

108

Schlumberger

174

EDF Energy

100

110

Shearman & Sterling LLP

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

112

Shoosmiths

176

114

Siemens

178

Faurecia

Simmons & Simmons LLP

Fidelity International

116

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

118

Goldman Sachs Group

120

Grant Thornton

122

GlaxoSmithKline

124

Hays

Herbert Smith Freehills

Hogan Lovells

126

HSBC

130

IBM

132

Imagination Technologies

Intel Corporation

Standard Life

180

Taylor Wessing

182

Teach First

Tesco

Willis Towers Watson

184

Transport for London

186

UBS

188

Unilever

Vauxhall

Virgin Media

Volkswagen Group UK Ltd

Walt Disney

Warner Bros

190

192

THE TOP 100 UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2016 - 2017

Dont forget! The guide is colour coded along the left hand page for quick access

The Top 100 Undergraduate Employers

The Top 35 Mediumsized Undergraduate Schemes

The Top 5 Small to Medium-sized Undergraduate Employers

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 63

89th Reviewed by 16 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Engineering & Manufacturing

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Business, IT, R&D and Engineering Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: £18,000, 25 days holiday, Flexible Working, Subsidised Canteen, discount on 3M products & Social Events

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points & predicted 2:1 in a relevant degree Application Process: Online Application, Online Aptitude Tests, Telephone Interview, Assessment Centre = Offer fb.me/3MUK @3MUKRecruitment

64 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

With $32 billion sales, 3M employs 89,000 people globally and has operations in more than 70 countries. The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 2,900 people across 20 locations, including 9 manufacturing sites. For over 110 years, 3M products have improved daily life for people all over the world. We have made driving at night easier, buildings safer, and consumer electronics lighter and less energyintensive. We even made our mark on the first moon landing! At 3M, one idea leads to the next. We tackle real-world problems with an array of innovative approaches, satisfying customers in fields as diverse as health care, personal safety, office products and transportation. You may already be familiar with some of the things we do – or maybe you interact with 3M technologies every day and are just not aware of it. If you are interested in applying yourself to improving the world, we’d like to hear from you!

What Jack thinks...

Jack Williams From University of Brighton Studying MEng Mechanical Engineering Position Product Development Engineer Industrial Placement Student

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? Enjoyable. After psychometric tests and a telephone interview, successful applicants are invited to an assessment centre. This included interviews, a group exercise, and a presentation. However, from my perspective it was an opportunity to get a taste of 3M to make sure it felt like the sort of company I wanted to work for.

What do you most enjoy about your role? The variety. 3M is hugely diverse. Being able to experience projects in a vast array of businesses has definitely aided my personal development. 3M has given me a taste of a number of vastly different business sectors and I now have a clearer picture of what I want in the future.

How much responsibility do you have? I was given the same responsibility as a fully-fledged team member. This was quite daunting at first, but my confidence grew and before I knew it people had forgotten my “student status” and I was able to settle in and find my own niche within the team.

Describe your biggest achievement. 3M runs an annual competition to highlight the ‘IP of the Year’ and I was delighted to win. It is the icing on the cake of a very productive and eventful placement year and something that will no doubt be extremely useful in my career.

“3M is hugely diverse. Being able to experience projects in a vast array of businesses has definitely aided my personal development.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? It’s difficult not to state the obvious, but they really do apply. Enthusiasm, teamwork & flexibility. All favourable attributes! Practice and preparation is valued and you will receive credit from the hiring manager. It’s all about the effort I think.

How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I think the most prevalent thing is the responsibility. Being able to work on placement, like I will after graduation, provides a real insight into my future career and it’s given me the inspiration and motivation I needed to return to Uni and really hit the ground running. @RateMyPlacement What a fantastic

year working at 3M! I’ve led key projects,

grown in confidence, had the opportunity to network and learnt so much about myself and my capabilities…all in 12 months. #UnforgettableExperience #3mers

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 65

45th Reviewed by 32 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Retail

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: General Management, Corporate Buying, eCommerce and IT Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: £25,000 (pro-rata), 4 weeks holiday

How to apply Entry Requirements: Minimum 240 UCAS points, predicted 2:1 degree Application Process: Online application form and tests, video application (General Management only), group interview, one-to-one interview fb.me/AldiCareersUK @AldiCareersUK

66 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Aldi is one of the world’s leading retailers with over 630 stores in the UK. The company’s Industrial Placement programme offers unprecedented experience in a rapidly growing, energetic business across four business areas - General Management, Corporate Buying, eCommerce and IT. These are placements for hard-working, passionate and inquisitive students who want to prove their value. In your chosen area, you’ll develop your skills across a number of teams. It’s a great way to begin to understand how all our different operations work together. You’ll need to be excited by the challenges of a major retailer – and the opportunities for early responsibility and exposure to a leading business. What’s more, you’ll be keen to make a big impression. Yes, it’ll be demanding – but we reward our people extremely well. You’ll get £25,000 for the 52 weeks you’re with us, receive 4 weeks’ holiday allowance, plus bank holidays. And of course you’ll have the chance to apply for a permanent role after graduation.

What Jess thinks...

Jess From Oxford Brookes University Studying Business and Marketing Management Position Trainee Area Manager (former General Management Industrial Placement student)

What was the interview process like? There were three stages – an initial online application, where I had to create a 5 minute video, a group assessment and a final face-to-face interview with the regional MD. I felt properly valued as a potential permanent employee. How much responsibility do you have? Quite simply, they expect you to deliver and are really not afraid to give you responsibility – no matter which placement you’re doing. They’ll push you to exceed your own goals but will always give invaluable support to help you achieve them.

“If you prove yourself, the opportunities are like no other. I may have been nervous on day one, but I found my stride really quickly.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? If you go in with a positive attitude and have determination, respect, resilience and an eagerness to learn – you’ll absolutely have the best year. I’ve completely changed as a person for the better and my maturity has skyrocketed.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

How has this experience exceeded your expectations? This is not just a year in industry – it’s a real job. And if you prove yourself, the opportunities are like no other. I may have been nervous on day one, but I found my stride really quickly. And as the year progressed I was even given responsibility for my own projects which had a real impact on the business. What is the office atmosphere like? It’s incredibly welcoming but also very professional. Everyone truly understands their own roles – creating a very clear cut environment. What has been your biggest challenge? For me, it was going into a store and basically taking the reins. A 20-year old, with little retail experience, managing people who’ve been there 20 years – it’s quite daunting. But I formed such a strong family bond with the team that it became the highlight of my placement.

@RateMyPlacement This is a

challenging placement where you’ll

‘become Aldi’ , make the most of the

opportunity and absolutely prove your worth #managermaterial

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 67

16th Reviewed by 40 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Law

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Law Locations: London Salary & Benefits: £400 per week

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2.1 (or equivilent) in any degree discipline and at least 340 UCAS points (AAB) Application Process: Full details about eligibility requirements and application deadlines are available on our website - aogradaute.com fb.me/allenoverygrads @AllenOveryGrads

68 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Allen & Overy is a pioneering legal practice operating around the world at the frontline of developing business. With 44 offices in 31 countries, the firm is one of the few legal practices that can genuinely claim to be global, covering 99% of the world’s economy. Trainee lawyers joining the firm enter an environment characterised by innovative thinking and a global vision. They are exposed to challenging and meaningful work from the outset, supporting a partner or senior associate in each of their training ‘seats’. In addition, they are encouraged to spend six months in one of the firm’s overseas offices, or on secondment to one of its corporate clients. Alongside a rich and exciting experience as a trainee, graduates can also look forward to world-class training and working in an open and supportive culture that values both teamwork and independent thought. Allen & Overy has established a reputation for combining the very highest professional standards with warmth and approachability.

A career in law

Setting precedents, not following them… Because tomorrow will not be like today. The practice of law is constantly evolving, and we take pride in being pioneers, in challenging the status quo and looking beyond what has been done before to create innovative solutions for our clients. It is this culture of forward thinking that has resulted in us being the only law firm to have featured in the top three of the Financial Times Innovative Law Firm ranking every year and to have topped the list four times. Last year we were named Graduate Employer of Choice in law by TARGETjobs for the 11th year in a row and Times High Fliers Graduate Employer of Choice in law for a 6th year. There’s a reason for that. As a trainee at Allen & Overy you’ll be part of a truly global and collaborative team, working with bigname clients on the deals that make the front pages. Above all, your A&O Training Contract will give you a platform of skills and experiences on which to build a long-term career and our people agree: last year 98% said there were opportunities to grow and develop their skills here.

Find out more at aograduate.com Follow the conversation @AllenOveryGrads |

www.facebook.com/allenoverygrads

88th Reviewed by 18 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Insurance

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Actuarial, Finance, Claims, IT, Marketing, Operations, Pricing & Portfolio Analyst, Underwriting Locations: Nationwide, 20+ offices Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, holiday entitlement, training and development

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points (340 for Actuarial) & on course for a 2:1 in any discipline Application Process: Application, tests, phone interview, assessment centre fb.me/allianz @allianz

70 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

The Allianz Group is one of the leading integrated financial services providers worldwide and the largest property and casualty insurer in the world. We serve more than 85 million customers in over 70 countries and provide peace of mind and protection in unforeseen circumstances, for individual private customers as well as large business clients. We currently have 148,000 employees globally with 5,600 employees in our UK insurance business at over 20 office locations. Allianz is big enough to give you plenty of opportunities, experience and responsibility, but not too big to not know your name and genuinely care about your career. Our 9 week summer internships and 12 month placement programmes at locations across the UK have been designed to give you real responsibility and the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the business. All our opportunities could lead to a permanent job offer with us on completion of your studies.

What Hannah thinks...

Hannah Upton From University of Sheffield Studying BSc Economics Position Fleet Underwriter

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? I had to complete an online application, numeric and verbal reasoning assessments, a telephone interview and finally an assessment centre. The process was a challenging experience but one where you got the opportunity to show off your strengths. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Don’t be put off if you don’t know anything about insurance as the training and support from colleagues you receive is really good and you quickly pick things up. You also need to be willing to learn and open to experiencing a range of new things.

“The atmosphere in the office is very welcoming with lots of highly experienced people” What do you most enjoy about your role? The variety which it allowed; my team leader ensured I had different tasks and projects to work on over the duration of my internship. For example I was able to spend time on existing and new business, as well as going out on surveys and to visit brokers. What has been your biggest challenge? Learning the terminology used within

insurance was a challenge, however, many people in the office have been in the same position so there are lots of tailored guides and people to help you out! Describe your biggest achievement. My biggest achievement was being offered a graduate job at the end of my internship. It showed me that the hard work I put in had been noticed and it felt good to know people believed I was up to the job. What is the office atmosphere like? The atmosphere in the office is very welcoming with lots of highly experienced people around who are more than willing to spend some time with you. What activities are there outside of work? My office recently completed a walk up Mount Snowdon which we did to raise money for our corporate charity, The Association of Air Ambulances. We also have regular social nights after work, as well as a variety of sports clubs which you can join. @RateMyPlacement My placement at

Allianz has made me realise that this is the

company in which I see my future. #gradjob #seeyounextyear

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 71

20th Reviewed by 16 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Card Issuing

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Marketing, Finance, SPG (Consulting), Technology and Operations Locations: London, Brighton, Burgess Hill Salary & Benefits: Competitive, 22 days holiday, pension, flexible working hours, very good work-life balance

How to apply Entry Requirements: A minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) and having a minimum of 320 UCAS points awarded. Eligibility to work in the UK Application Process: Online Application, Video Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/ @

72 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

American Express’ heritage was built on service and has been sustained by innovation. Through our evolution from an express mail business in 1850, to one of the world’s largest card issuers by purchasing volume and a digital innovator, we’ve never been afraid to explore new possibilities and embrace the changing marketplace. From our high employee satisfaction ratings to our many workplace awards, American Express is consistently recognised as a great place to work by people around the world. We offer talented individuals challenging work with purpose by embracing both innovation and tradition. As our company has grown and evolved, sometimes reinventing our business outright, we have never strayed from the customerservice ethos and values on which the company was built –trust, security, integrity, quality, good citizenship, respect and customer commitment.

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT LOANS WERE WORTH IT.

CHALLENGE EVERY DAY Calling all strivers, all innovators and achievers. Aspiring leaders with ideas and ideals. The ones who want to make a difference, and who have the will to see things through. American Express is a collaborative culture where open doors encourage a steady flow of ideas from all. And where every employee, whether directly or indirectly, contributes to the world-class service that has become our hallmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;past, present and future. Come meet us and find out why talented people who want their work to make an impact choose to challenge themselves here.

Find out more at careers.americanexpress.com/students/uk

54th Reviewed by 19 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Retail and Technology

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Buying, Merchandising, Garment Technology, Design, Software Engineering, Sourcing, CR, Marketing, Finance, People Team Locations: Camden, London Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary plus flexible benefits scheme and amazing discount

How to apply Entry Requirements: N/A Application Process: Online application, telephone interview and assessment centre or interview. fb.me/ASOS @ASOS_careers

74 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We are a unique online fashion destination visited by millions of twentysomething shoppers and fashion-lovers around the world every day. We sell our own label and other world-renowned brands at asos.com, and give boutiques the chance to sell new and pre-worn fashion through our Marketplace channel. ASOS is far more than just a shopping website. Fashion-focused twentysomethings can visit asos.com while searching for fashion, reading about it or talking about it on social media with their friends on their phones, tablets or laptops. We give our target customers an online experience they won’t find anywhere else on the planet. It’s all about helping our customers look, feel and be their best and we enable our employees to be their best selves too. We’re always looking for great people to join us – people who are as passionate as we are and, just as importantly, embrace change and innovation. As a place where fashion and technology make perfect partners, we have a real sense of excitement about the future and the possibilities it can bring.

What Ramona thinks...

Ramona Mohan From Queen Mary University, London Studying Science and Multimedia Position Software Engineering Intern

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? I applied through the ASOS careers site. I am an ASOS customer and wanted to mix my love of fashion and tech. I had two telephone calls, one of which had more technical questions. I then attended an assessment centre where I carried out a mix of group and individual activities. How much responsibility do you have? I have the right amount of responsibility as an intern. I learn something new every day and the more I learn, the more I can pick up tasks. ASOS has a really organised approach to software development so everyone on the team knows what everyone is doing.

“I like that I am always given things to do and am trusted to do it. It really made me feel like part of the team straight away.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? You need to love technology and love what you do. Be honest about what you are interested in. As part of the interview process I was asked what most interested me. I love UX and GUI and I have been assigned to the Mobile team, which I really enjoy.

What do you most enjoy about your role? I like that I am always given things to do and am trusted to do it. It really made me feel like part of the team straight away. It is also great that I am always learning new things. What has been your biggest challenge? Now I am working in Mobile I am learning a whole new programming language. It’s something I never thought I would learn when I was at university. I’ve had the opportunity to dive straight in! Describe your biggest achievement. I’m really proud of the responsibility I have. If there a task that needs doing, I’m trusted to have it assigned to me and my team knows I will fix it.

@RateMyPlacement Great placement

at ASOS! Working in a fashion environment on software development is both

exciting and challenging. #fashionNtech #lookingForwardToMyWork

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 75

CGI image of AstraZenecaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Global R&D Centre and Corporate Headquarters, Cambridge, UK

99th Reviewed by 15 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Biopharmaceutical

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Research & Development Locations: Cambridge, Cheshire, Sweden Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: On track for a 2:1 or above in a broad Chemical, Analytical or Biological disipline Application Process: Online Application & Assessment Centre fb.me/astrazenecacareers @astrazenecajobs

76 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

AstraZeneca is a global, innovationdriven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines. At AstraZeneca, we believe the best way we can help patients is to focus on breakthrough science in order to uncover disease mechanisms and develop novel, targeted therapies that interact with them. This is at the heart of our purpose as a company: to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. We invest in distinctive science in three main therapy areas where we believe we can make the most meaningful difference to patients: oncology; cardiovascular and metabolic disease; and respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity. Our science exploits our rare combination of capabilities in small molecules and biologics, immunotherapies, protein engineering technologies and devices. These are reinforced by a strong focus on translational science and personalised healthcare capabilities.

What Larissa thinks...

Larissa From University of Warwick Studying Biochemistry with an Intercalated Year Position Graduate Scientist (previously Industrial Placement Student)

What was the interview process like? A lot of fun! The interviewers wanted to give me the best chance of succeeding by making the day as calm as possible. This allowed me to be the best candidate I could be. How much responsibility do you have? I was trusted to work independently in the lab. I was given freedom to plan my project and attempt investigations as I saw fit. On top of this I was exposed to as many different areas as possible to give me the widest breadth of experience.

“The office atmosphere is calm to allow people to work but very vibrant once the scientific discussions start.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be enthusiastic about using your skills to help patients! If you love what you do and are motivated in the lab, analysing data and office-based work you’ll fit right in! What do you most enjoy about your role? I enjoyed the projects I’ve been part of, carrying out experiments, discussing the results and, of course, that moment where it all comes together. It’s the best thing when you know you’ve contributed,

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

even in a small way, to something much bigger. What is the office atmosphere like? The office atmosphere is calm to allow people to work but very vibrant once the scientific discussions start. People love their work and can’t wait to talk about it! What activities are there outside of work? We have a social group called AZInspire which organises social activities (as well as few fun things in work) for the students/grads/PhDs. It’s a great way to meet people of a similar age from other areas of the company. How promising are the graduate prospects? After the UIPS scheme, and completing your degree, it is possible to come back through the graduate programme. As I enjoyed my time so much this is what I did. The experiences I have gained will definitely improve my employability in this field.

@RateMyPlacement AstraZeneca

turned me from a student to a scientist – seeing science in action for patient

benefit. #cantkeepaway #yearinindustry #whatsciencecando

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 77

70th Reviewed by 50 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

182

Roles Recruiting Into: Aerospace, Defence, Energy, Infrastructure, Transportation, Security & Technology and Cost Control Locations: UK wide Salary & Benefits: Competitive + corporate discounts + 25 days annual leave (pro rata)

How to apply Entry Requirements: Studying towards a relevant degree with 2:1 predicted grade Application Process: A successful applicant will undertake an online test followed by a face to face or telephone interview fb.me/AtkinsGlobalCareers @AtkinsGraduates

78 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Could your imagination help to transform the future? As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, we’re well placed to invest in your development and support you in becoming an expert in whatever inspires you most. With Atkins, you’ll be joining a team who help to create a world where lives are enriched through the implementation of our ideas from moving people across London faster on Crossrail through to solving the energy challenges of the future. Our works covers a range of sectors including Transportation, Water, the Built Environment, Cost Consultancy, Aerospace, Defence, Security & Technology and Energy. We offer a range of placement year or summer internship opportunities so you can get some really valuable experience before beginning your career after graduation. Your placement would be the ideal starting point for a graduate career with us too.

“ This is engineering on a totally different scale.” Alex, graduate Graduate and undergraduate opportunities £competitive pay | Opportunities across the UK At Atkins we’re taking on the most exciting engineering challenges of our time. From London to Singapore, our team of 17,000 people are designing, engineering and project managing bridges, skyscrapers, roads, airports, power stations, tidal lagoons and more. Join us on a placement or as a graduate and you’ll take your skills to the next level, working on amazing projects and achieving great things. So, discover more about Atkins, our projects and our opportunities.

The future is in your hands. Visit careers.atkinsglobal.com/graduates

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 79

85th Reviewed by 38 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Defence

Number of Vacancies:

100

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Business, Finance, Delivery Management, Consulting Locations: Multiple sites across the UK Salary & Benefits: £16,800 - £18,000 (pro-rata) per annum

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 degree specific degrees may be required, please check role profiles for details Application Process: Online application at www. baesystems.com/graduates fb.me/BAESGraduates @BAESGraduates

80 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Join us at BAE Systems and you’ll quickly become involved in developing some of the most technologically advanced defence, security and aerospace systems, and receive tailored development to advance your career. About us At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technologyled defence, aerospace and security solutions and employ a skilled workforce of some 83,400 people in over 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people and keep critical information and infrastructure secure. What you can expect We can offer you an exciting and challenging career. You’ll be working on real projects that make a difference, being part of inspiring work whilst enhancing your future career prospects. That’s what’s on offer when you choose a one year Industrial Placement, or a 12-week Summer Internship within one of our BAE Systems businesses.

Remarkable people doing work that matters

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, employing a skilled workforce of some 83,400 people in over 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people and keep critical information and infrastructure secure. That’s work that inspires us. We’re always looking out for people who can add real value to our business. That’s why we offer exciting and challenging career opportunities to enthusiastic, driven graduates and undergraduates.

If you’re aspiring to develop professional excellence, you can join our Graduate Development Framework in a business or engineering role, ranging from human resources to naval architecture. For those who want to be part of a team that builds solutions of the future, there’s Applied Intelligence, with roles ranging from cyber security to software engineering. For individuals with the capability and determination to take up a senior finance role in the future, there’s the Finance Leader Development Programme. Or there’s the Sigma Leadership Programme, designed to develop those with the highest leadership potential into a business or engineering leader of the future. We also welcome ambitious undergraduates looking to take up an Industrial Placement or Summer Internship.

If you’re ready to work on projects that make a real difference visit:

baesystems.com/graduates

77th Reviewed by 21 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Financial Services

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Supervision, Policy, Operations, Analytics, Risk, Compliance, Communications, Programme Management, IT Locations: London Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points and a 2:1 (260 UCAS points for IT roles) Application Process: Online application including various online tests, video interview questions and an assessment centre fb.me/ @BankofEngland

82 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Look around you, and you’ll see the impact we make. As the country’s central bank, we promote the good of the people of the UK by maintaining monetary and financial stability. Our work influences millions of lives, which has been the case for over 320 years. But how we deliver it is evolving quicker than ever. Join us on our first or penultimate year Summer Internship Schemes, our Industrial Placement year, or one of our Insight Days, where you’ll get to learn about our institution, benefit from a tailored skills session and network with our recent graduates. Wherever you work – from Policy Analysis or Economics to Technology – as our intern you’ll take on projects that shape the biggest ideas in the economy. We welcome interns from all disciplines, because quality of thinking is what counts here. In our open and collaborative culture, new ideas and perspectives are encouraged at every level. If you aspire to become an expert in your field, or are keen to explore your options, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to inspire you as the Bank moves forward.

What Charlotte thinks...

Charlotte Bull From Durham University Studying Mathematics Position Resolution Directorate Intern

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? It tested a lot more than just writing and numeracy. There were group exercises that looked at your confidence and team working ability. In the interview itself, there was a real focus on your knowledge, motivation and personal experiences. How much responsibility were you given? It’s just the right amount. The Bank has given me challenges that suit my expertise and knowledge, and they look for opportunities to stretch me too. Some of the expected outcomes are quite ambitious, but I get plenty of support from the team around me.

Describe a situation where you surpassed expectations. Since joining the Bank, I’ve been involved in many activities outside of my allocated workstreams. These have included being in our sports teams, singing in the choir, volunteering, and organising the RD away day. I think my colleagues have been impressed to see me do this, alongside all of my daily work. What was the atmosphere like in your team? I work in very inclusive environment. My team are open to me asking questions, and they’re always happy to help me develop my understanding. They are also sociable - we often have team lunches, and they’ve even established a football team for a few friendly matches.

“The more you know about the role and the institution, the better your application will be.” What advice would you give to someone applying for your role? I’d recommend doing your research. The more you know about the role and the institution, the better your application will be. It’s particularly important here, because the Bank of England is not like any other bank; it has a unique role in society, so your daily tasks can be very different to what you may have expected.

@RateMyPlacement I’ve developed

skills, led important projects, and met all

kinds of people. It’s been a brilliant learning experience. #idefinetomorrow

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 83

19th Reviewed by 305 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Number of Banking, Investment Vacancies: Banking

300

Roles Recruiting Into: Banking, Markets, Barclays UK, Technology, HR, Compliance, Risk, Treasury, Finance, Marketing Locations: London Salary & Benefits: See website for details

How to apply Entry Requirements: Each application is considered on merit Application Process: See website for details fb.me/BarclaysGraduates @barclaysgrads

84 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Healthy economies need strong banks to drive economic and social progress. At Barclays, we know that when our customers and clients thrive, so do we. When our community thrives, so do we. That’s why our interns have the opportunity to contribute something vital. Something momentous. With over 325 years of expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 40 countries, employing around 130,000 people to help move, lend, invest and protect money for customers and clients worldwide. Interns from all degree backgrounds can expect the best possible start with us. Challenging work and collaborative projects will build your know-how, while ongoing training will kickstart your career’s momentum. All you need is a commercial outlook, relationship skills, and the ambition to help Barclays become the best bank we can be. It’s time to start a career that fosters real development – for you, for Barclays, and for society. In our positive and supportive environment, you’ll find the momentum to achieve great things. The chance to be momentous.

Other companies promise the world. We’ll give you the opportunity to change it. In partnership with WildHearts, Barclays are proud to announce the Micro-Tyco competition. Open to all UK university students, we’re looking for aspiring entrepreneurs with real momentum. Invest £1 and you’ll have four weeks to generate as much money as you can, all for charity. And the prize? A portfolio internship – both with Barclays and other leading graduate employers.

Ready to be momentous? Sign up at joinus.barclays.com/microtyco

Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England. Registered number 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

52nd Reviewed by 40 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus:

Accountancy, Advisory, Tax & Finance

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Audit, Tax, Advisory, Financial Services Locations: UK Nationwide Salary & Benefits: Competitive + comprehensive benefits package

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:2 in any degree, 3 A levels A* - C in any subject (excluding General Studies) or equivalent Application Process: Online Application, Online Testing, Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/BDOTraineesUK @BDO_Trainees_UK

86 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We hire people who can rise to a challenge, who have colourful personalities as well as brilliant skills, and who can take the initiative to find creative solutions. We offer Graduate and Internship Programmes across Audit, Tax, Advisory and Financial Services. BDO’s heartland is the mid-market. We have a clear ambition to be known in the market for exceptional service delivered by empowered people. The Mid-Market Monitor shows that BDO is the market leader for client satisfaction for the fourth year running. BDO is about exceptional client service. This means we take the time to get to know our clients well, to understand what they want to achieve and then give specially- tailored advice. If you want a firm where you can make real progress, then ours is the ideal size. BDO’s nationwide presence with 18 regional offices and international network with 1,400 offices worldwide(the fifth largest in the world) creates vast scope for you to develop, and to discover the specialism in which you’d most like to work.

What Claire thinks...

Claire Hume From University of Bath Studying Accounting & Finance Position Junior Tax Associate (Real Estate & Construction Services)

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? My first and second round interviews were ‘enjoyable’, insofar as interviews can be, as they felt like natural and informative conversations I might have with fellow course mates. How much responsibility do you have? Responsibilities are well distributed throughout the team and there is no ‘division of labour’ i.e. no one person is dedicated to a narrow specialisation of tasks. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Prepare for the standard ‘competency’ based questions, but also focus on coming across as friendly and presentable. Have a think about broader industry trends and demonstrate your flare for your chosen stream/sector.

“People are willing to take the time to explain concepts and the context around the work they are giving you.” What do you most enjoy about your role? I like tax because it is not all about the stereotypical number crunching - it is centred on advisory, finding tax-efficient solutions for complex transactions, and it is about client relationships.

What is the office atmosphere like? The office has a friendly but professional vibe. People are willing to take the time to explain concepts and the context around the work they are giving you, which is motivating and furthers your professional and commercial development. What activities are there outside of work? We respect that the usual pub/bar trips may not be fully inclusive. As a member of my team’s social committee, we organise team socials which should appear to all team members. BDO holds seasonal events such as Christmas and summer parties. How promising are the graduate prospects? The graduate programme involves a set-path for career progression, which gives you the time and support to get the exams out of the way. I am doing the ACA-CTA which gives you 2 qualifications in the time of 1. @RateMyPlacement after my

#BDOexperience – with responsibility

handed down early and no strict work-flow hierarchy within teams, BDO turned the

tediously dull accountant stereotype on its head! #Notallaccountants

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 87

I’VE GAINED INSIGHT INTO MY ENTIRE COMPANY, NOT THE INSIDE OF A CUBICLE.

26th Reviewed by 19 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know

Industry Focus: Software Development, Finance, Sales

Number of Vacancies:

160

Roles Recruiting Into: Global Data, Software Development, Financial Product Client Services & Sales Locations: London Salary & Benefits: Competitive, free snacks in the pantry 24/7

How to apply Entry Requirements: Varies depending on programme. European languages are an advantage Application Process: Application process varies by business area, however, expect to apply online and submit a CV fb.me/bloombergcareers @BloombergCareer

88 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Make Your Mark. Bloomberg. We solve complex challenges. Bloomberg is dedicated to helping decision makers make the moves that make the world spin. In the worlds of business, finance, government, policy and philanthropy, our aim is true: provide data, information and insights that help cut through complexity to solve challengesbloomberg.com/careers great and small. We’d like you to join us. What We Do Founded by Michael Bloomberg over three decades ago as a visionary response to market challenges, Bloomberg has been at the leading edge of the information revolution that has changed the way problems get solved. We don’t merely deliver data – we add value to it, with analytics, tools and insights that change the way business gets done. Our pragmatic problem solving approach applies to everything we turn our attention to, from markets to media, business to governance, policy to philanthropic endeavours.

The The dataThe data included data included included in these in these inmaterials these materials materials are for areillustrative for areillustrative for illustrative purposes purposes purposes only.only.only. ©2014 Bloomberg All rights reserved. 55586464 1013 ©2014 ©2014 Bloomberg Bloomberg L.P. L.P. All rights L.P. Allreserved. rights reserved. 55586464 55586464 1013 1013

MY SKILLS ARE MY SKILLS MY SKILLS ARE ARE MOVING FORWARD, MOVING MOVING FORWARD, FORWARD, NOT STANDING STILL. NOT STANDING NOT STANDING STILL. STILL.

The world’s top investors, The world’s top investors, traders and leaders depend The world’s top investors, traders and leaders depend on our information and news. traders and leaders depend on our information and news. We need your ideas and passion on our information and We need and passion to help usyour meetideas some ofnews. the We need your and passion to help us meetideas some of the biggest challenges around. to help meet some of mark? the biggest challenges around. How willus you make your biggest around. How willchallenges you make your mark? How will you make your mark?

/company/bloomberg-lp/careers /company/bloomberg-lp/careers /company/bloomberg-lp/careers

bloomberg.com/careers bloomberg.com/careers bloomberg.com/careers

87th

The BMW Group is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading car manufacturers with more than 120,000 employees in over 140 countries.

Reviewed by 36 students

With our brands BMW, MINI and RollsRoyce Motor Cars we uphold a worldwide reputation for excellence in the premium segment of the automotive industry.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know

Industry Focus: Manufacturing, Automotive, Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

200

Roles Recruiting Into: Manufacturing, Engineering, HR, IT, Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, Sales & Marketing, Communications Locations: Oxford, Swindon, Birmingham, Goodwood, Farnborough Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ17,500 (pro rata), competitive total rewards package

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 degree Application Process: Online application, online ability tests, telephone screen, face to face interview or assessment centre fb.me/bmwcareersuk @

90 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

To ensure we are continually developing our workforce, we seek students who possess team spirit and personal initiative, as well as an uncompromising desire to constantly further their knowledge. The BMW Group offers either a 6 month or 12 month placement in a wide range of business areas. Across our brands we take on over 200 placement students each year. We want this to be the beginning of your career with us. Your placement may lead to sponsorship opportunities for the remainder of your degree course and/ or a graduate position when you have completed your studies. So if you share our passion for future premium mobility solutions, apply for an opportunity with us.

What Thomas thinks...

Thomas Porter From The University of Brighton Studying BSc – (Hons) Product Design & Technology with Professional Experience Position Student Intern – Production Maintenance

What was the interview process like? My interview process consisted of a telephone interview with the recruitment team followed by a face to face interview with my line manager. The face to face interview was formal and I was given a detailed tour of the facilities. How much responsibility do you have? My main responsibilities include project management, product research and development, and incorporating technology within new design options. My role also included frequent review meetings with senior management.

“The working environment is friendly and hugely supportive when it comes to pursuing an idea.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? It is important to be pro-active. For example, the workshop equipment was in need of a maintenance standard, something in which I took upon myself to develop. This has had a positive impact on the way equipment is used and maintained. What do you most enjoy about your role? The working environment is friendly and hugely supportive when it comes

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

to pursuing an idea. This helped me to push my designs to the best they could be. It has been a great opportunity as the position has tested both my practical and theoretical skills. What activities are there outside of work? Goodwood has a good surrounding area, including a variety of activities on the Goodwood estate including golf, an off road experience and the ‘Festival of Speed’. Furthermore, the plant is a 1 hour commute between Brighton, London and Portsmouth. How promising are the graduate prospects? They are very promising. I was nominated to attend the assessment centre for a ‘SpeedUp’ scholarship. I successfully secured sponsorship through my last year of university. I am now in a strong position to be considered for a role after I graduate.

@RateMyPlacement I thoroughly

enjoyed my placement with Rolls-Royce

Motor Cars, I loved having the opportunity to work on specific projects.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 91

50th Reviewed by 76 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Oil and gas

Number of Vacancies: 100+

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, science, business and trading Locations: All graduates and interns are based at one of our UK sites Salary & Benefits: £25k pro rata, access to our share scheme, lunch allowance, one week of paid holiday and training

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in any degree and for trading programmes 320 UCAS points Application Process: Visit bp.com/grads/uk to find out the application process for all of our programmes fb.me/bpcareers @BP_Careers

92 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Developing and producing energy resources that benefit people the world over is our motivation – it’s what drives us. So we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable. Demanding more of the resources we use in an effort to create a more sustainable future. And it’s our talented people who make this all possible. The experiences, skills and perspectives that make up our team all have their role to play. And when they come together, our future has no limits. And neither does yours. Our programmes Geoscientists sending sound waves through the earth to find new oil and gas reserves. Engineers building platforms in the ocean for extraction. Traders anticipating and reacting to changes in the markets. We take on graduates and interns at every stage of the energy life cycle. And wherever you join us, you’ll start a career path that can really take you places. Who we’re looking for You can apply through our degree matcher which is a handy tool that will help you choose the roles which are right for you. Visit bp.com/degreematcher.

“Taking on responsibility and owning projects is really exciting.” LeAnn’s perspective on opportunity Intern and graduate opportunities From creating world-class products to developing secure, sustainable energy for the future, there’s more to BP than you might think. As an intern, you’ll make a difference from day one, embarking on a real career with real responsibilities. So from business and trading, to engineering and science, whatever it is you’re doing, you’ll be playing your part in our success.

To find out more visit bp.com/grads/uk

40th Reviewed by 36 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Charity sector

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Digital, Policy, Health Evaluation, Business Analysis, Research Funding Locations: London and regionally-based roles, home-based roles also available Salary & Benefits: Unpaid, flexible volunteering, reasonable travel and lunch expenses reimbursed

How to apply Entry Requirements: N/A Application Process: Application form and competency-based interview fb.me/cancerresearchuk @CR_UK

94 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We’re the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. We’ve saved millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. In the 1970s, less than a quarter of people with cancer survived. But over the last 40 years, survival has doubled – today half will survive. Our ambition is to accelerate progress and see three-quarters of people surviving the disease within the next 20 years. We don’t just do research. Together with our supporters, we raise vital funds and campaign on key cancer issues, including access to drugs, screening and reducing the use of tobacco. Our Internships Every Spring, Summer and Autumn, Cancer Research UK offers 12 week voluntary internships to people who are looking to gain work experience in the charity sector. Our intern projects deliver above and beyond the work we already do, meaning that every hour you give will bring us one step closer to beating cancer.

What Esther thinks...

Esther Nicoll From University of Cambridge Studying History Position Event Management (Sports) Intern TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT

CLICK HERE TO APPLY WWW.RMP.GD/CANCERRESEARCH

What was the interview process like? Not as scary as it sounds! I had two interviews on the same day, one for each role I applied for. I was mainly asked competency-based questions so I could expand on answers I gave in my application. I also had the chance to ask anything I was unsure about. How much responsibility do you have? I supported on things like volunteer recruitment, chose musicians for our events and managed the logistics for the North London Half Marathon. I felt completely trusted to make my own decisions, but also had support and guidance available when I needed it.

“Whatever role you take on will give you an invaluable experience and you can really make it your own.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? There are so many equally fantastic roles available – choose 2 you’re passionate about and agree to be considered for other roles. Whatever role you take on will give you an invaluable experience and you can really make it your own.

What do you most enjoy about your role? I loved the variety of tasks I was given throughout. My highlight has to be volunteering at the London Marathon and seeing all the months of preparation culminating in a fantastic day for our supporters, volunteers, runners and their families. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? It was so well organised and every resource for personal development was at our disposal – I had an intern manager and a mentor, access to CV workshops and online courses, was responsible for my own project and assisted at prestigious events. How promising are the graduate prospects? Excellent. My current paid role utilises many of the skills I developed during the internship. Many of the other interns from my intake have since gone on to find employment both within the sector and beyond. @RateMyPlacement My internship at

@CR_UK was fantastic! As one of a big

group of #CRUKInterns you’ll have fun, jazz up your CV and feel trusted to truly put your stamp on life-saving work

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 95

68th Reviewed by 72 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Energy and Services

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Analysts, Customer Operations, Engineering, Finance, HSES, HR, Customer Insight, IS, Marketing, Procurement & Supply Chain Locations: Nationwide with free accommodation Salary & Benefits: £14k (pro-rata), free accommodation, 5 days holiday, gym & more

How to apply Entry Requirements: Minimum 2:1 degree Application Process: Online application and psychometric tests, Telephone Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/CentricaGraduateRecruitment @CentricaGrads

96 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Centrica is an energy and services company, we deliver every day to 28 million customers worldwide, and everything we do is focused on satisfying the changing needs of our customers. Serving our customers is what we are known for, what we are good at and where we have distinctive capabilities. We want to make people’s lives easier, simpler and more connected. The scope of our business means we can offer you exciting opportunities across a wide range of career paths throughout the UK (and internationally). We’re one of the top 50 companies in the FTSE 100 with an adjusted operating profit of £1.459m and around 39,000 employees worldwide. *Figures quoted are as at 31 December 2015 Our success depends on providing an environment in which employees can flourish. We have an open, honest culture that’s based on mutual trust and respect. We’d like to hear from highly motivated students who are inquisitive, passionate and curious about what they do. Interested? We’d love to help you develop your career, and to have you be a part of our on-going and future success.

What Thomas thinks...

Thomas Allen From University of Cardiff Studying English Language and French Position People Development Assistant

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The online and telephone parts challenged me to reflect on my skills. The assessment day was well organised where I worked with other candidates, but also met key stakeholders alone. The process focused heavily on Centrica’s leadership qualities.

What do you most enjoy about your role? The opportunity to work with a wide range of people from across the world. I was fortunate enough to visit the Norwegian head office whilst on summer placement! This reflects the opportunities Centrica can offer being an international company.

How much responsibility do you have? I was given a lot of responsibility which I enjoyed a lot. I was leading on several projects which meant I was working with key stakeholders such as Heads of HR from day one. Whilst this can seem daunting at first, my team fully supported me.

Describe your biggest achievement? I implemented a brand new way to offer learning out to the business with zero cost making the most of resources the business already had. This received overwhelming support and was implemented across the business.

“The opportunity to work with a wide range of people from across the world. I was fortunate enough to visit the Norwegian head office whilst on summer placement!” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Fully understand what the role entails before you start applying. You need to be able to demonstrate the Centrica leadership behaviours, so learn these and several specific examples of when you have demonstrated them.

How has this experience exceeded your expectations? The level of responsibility, the support from my team and the organisation of the programme were all factors that have led to my experience being overwhelmingly positive.

@RateMyPlacement I loved every

moment of my time at Centrica. I was given a lot of responsibility and felt like I was

making a real difference. Cannot wait to see what opportunities are around the corner.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 97

37th Reviewed by 33 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Law

Number of Vacancies:

100

Roles Recruiting Into: Law Locations: London, Bristol, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1, 320 UCAS points at A-level or equivalent Application Process: Apply online at www.rmp. gd/cms fb.me/CMSUKGraduates @CMSUK_Graduates

98 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

CMS is a global, full service law firm with 60 plus offices in over 30 countries worldwide. We are the second most global law firm and the largest in Europe, headquartered in the City of London in the UK with training locations also in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bristol. Opportunities abound for top quality training, global secondments and to work with sector specialists so that your career can thrive in our Global Elite Law firm. Clients come to us for advice across all types of commercial law, including banking and finance, competition, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, employment & pensions, energy and environment, intellectual property, private equity, public procurement, real estate and tax. ‘Your World First’ is our promise to our clients. This means we are client-centric, have world vision and are performance driven. We have over 3,200 lawyers who work in international teams, focusing on industry sectors. That means we always advise in the context of our clients’ business and market.

Network Rail photography

THE NEXT G E N E R AT I O N VA C AT I O N SCHEME

This year we’re launching the CMS Academy. Open to penultimate and final-year students from all degree backgrounds – and graduates looking to pursue commercial law – the CMS Academy will give you the skills and experience to work at a truly modern law firm. You’ll enjoy innovative leadership development training and gain invaluable experience at the UK office of your choice. If all goes well, you’ll be offered a training contract and take part in a groundbreaking induction programme in collaboration with IMD, one of Europe’s leading business schools. Interested? Learn more at graduates.cms-cmck.com

9th Reviewed by 85 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Investment Banking

Number of Vacancies: 200+

Roles Recruiting Into: Investment Banking & Capital Markets, Global Markets, Technology (IT) Locations: London, Europe, Middle East Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary plus benefits

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 degree Application Process: CV, online application, numerical and verbal reasoning tests, interview, assessment centre fb.me/creditsuissecareers @creditsuisse

100 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Credit Suisse is a leading global wealth manager with strong investment banking and asset management capabilities. Founded in 1856, Credit Suisse has expanded to be a global force employing over 48,000 people in 50 countries. With new leadership, a new strategy and a streamlined global organization, we are set for growth. We partner across businesses, divisions and regions to create innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and to help our employees grow. It is a high priority for us to continually invest in our employees by providing ongoing opportunities for training, networking and mobility. Join us and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shape the future of Credit Suisse together. Application Dates: 2017 Full-Time Analyst Program: 20 November 2016 2017 Summer Analyst Internship Program and Industrial Placements: 11 December 2016 2017 Spring Insight Program: 15 January 2017 2017 Autumn Analyst Program: 31 January 2017

Calling all...

Idea Igniters Industry Shapers Market Leaders

We look for a wide range of interests, backgrounds and degrees. We look for future leaders.

To learn more about careers in financial services and how to apply visit: credit-suisse.com/careers

14th Reviewed by 62 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

110

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, Project Management, IT, Quality Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ18000 / 25 days holiday / Bonus / Share scheme / subsidised canteen

How to apply Entry Requirements: Working towards a 2:1 in a relevant degree preferred Application Process: Online via careers site fb.me/cummins.students.uk @CumminsJobs

102 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Cummins are global leaders in the diesel engine, power generation, turbocharging and emissions solutions markets. With manufacturing plants in 14 countries, 55,000 employees, turnover of $19.1 billion in 2015, you would be joining an organisation that offers massive opportunities on a global basis. Key markets are off-highway vehicles, industrial equipment and power generation. In addition, Cummins provides turbochargers for the automotive sector, along with filtration and acoustic systems, natural-gas engines, engine components and electronic systems. Cummins engine installations vary from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest altitude rail vehicles in the mountains of Tibet to some of the biggest mine trucks around the world. Once you become a part of Cummins, the emphasis you place on commitment and dedication to your career aspirations plus your people skills, combined with a natural communication style are the attributes that will determine the speed with which you progress.

What Louise thinks...

Louise Holliday From Loughborough University Studying MEng Mechanical Engineering Position Industrial Placement Engineering

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The assessment day was probably the most relaxed I’ve had. There was a group exercise, a tour and an interview with two employees including one of my managers. We also met senior management and had lunch with the current placement students. How much responsibility do you have? I’m surprised how much responsibility I do have. Cummins has allowed me to take ownership of some projects myself, with any support needed to achieve my goals. My projects have clear outcomes and benefits to the company.

“It’s fantastic to be in an office surrounded by lots of people with so much experience and that they want to share it with you.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Do a lot of research into every company that you apply to. Not only is it a must for interviews, it’s really important that you make sure that a company is right for you before you commit a year to them. Life’s so much easier when you love what you do.

What do you most enjoy about your role? The sense of achievement after completing a report or piece of work that I’m really proud of; knowing that the work I do isn’t just for myself and will be used by others. It’s especially nice when my work is recognised and appreciated by colleagues. What is the office atmosphere like? I was surprised just how friendly and willing to help everyone is. It’s fantastic to be in an office surrounded by lots of people with so much experience and that they want to share it with you. How promising are the graduate prospects? The number of graduate roles is dependent on the financial market each year. Sponsorship opportunities are available during a placement student’s final year at university, and if a student is sponsored, they get first pick of the available graduate jobs. @RateMyPlacement my industrial year

at Cummins Turbo Technologies was both challenging and rewarding. I’ve gained

valuable experience and met some great

people. What more could you want from a placement year? #engineering #cummins

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 103

63rd Reviewed by 24 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Real Estate

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Commerical Property, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Interior Design, Residential and Planning Locations: UK wide Salary & Benefits: Competitive, 25 days holiday, Travel loan, Private medical insurance

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2.1 in any degree Application Process: Online application form, first round interview, assessment day fb.me/ @cushwakegrads

104 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We are a global leader in commercial real estate services, helping clients transform the way people work, shop and live. With 43,000 employees in over 60 countries we provide deep local and global insights to create significant value for occupiers and investors everywhere. Across the network we’re delivering cutting-edge multimillion pound deals in sectors ranging from retail to technology, residential to industrial and many more. This is exactly the work we’ll expose you to on our internship. As part of our select intake, you’ll join one department and have hands-on involvement and get plenty of responsibility early on. It lasts for six weeks and you’ll be busy from the first day to the last. Our ambitious growth strategy means there will always be high profile work on offer. You’ll gain experience across service lines and borders. You’ll work with people around our global network, and we’ll support you to get the most out of it all. In other words, your future will be a big deal to us. Entrepreneurial? Tenacious? Ambitious? Begin that future now.

What Alexandra thinks...

Alexandra Faulds From University of Birmingham Studying BSc Business Management Position Summer Intern

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? I felt that the interview process was very personable and thorough. I enjoyed the interview I had with the partner as I feel we both got to know each other and how we would work together. I am now working in his team for my internship. How much responsibility do you have? Not coming from a property degree background I am given a lot more responsibility than I thought. This enabled me to gain a thorough understanding of the real estate industry and an in-depth insight into all their major projects and clients.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My team are all extremely friendly and approachable and in general the office is a very social place to work.â&#x20AC;? What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be yourself. They are not just looking for students with technical knowledge but also how well they feel you will fit in with the company. However I do feel a good understanding and up-to-date knowledge of the property market is vital. What do you most enjoy about your role? The variety of the role is what I enjoy the most. One day I will be in the office and

the next I am in London at client meetings or on site looking at new commercial property. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? The scope of work I am given has been a lot more insightful than I expected. I have been on various site visits and done a lot more travelling than I expected which has been extremely insightful. What is the office atmosphere like? My team are all extremely friendly and approachable and in general the office is a very social place to work. I never felt awkward asking questions as they were always eager to help and make sure I understood everything I was doing. What activities are there outside of work? There are various sports teams that are open for everyone in the office like netball and rounders. There are also many opportunities to socialise with interns and graduates from other departments and also go for team drinks.

@RateMyPlacement My internship at

@CushWakeGrads was a great introduction to the real estate world. The training was

excellent and everyone really cared about

where I could go next #myfutureisabigdeal The Top Undergraduate Employers | 105

32nd Reviewed by 144 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus:

Consulting, Finance, Professional Services

Number of Vacancies:

500

Roles Recruiting Into: Audit and Risk Advisory, Tax Consulting, Financial Advisory, Consulting Locations: UK Nationwide Salary & Benefits: Competitive, 25 days holiday, free mobile phone, Bikes4Work Scheme, travel insurance, corporate discounts

How to apply Entry Requirements: Our entry requirements vary for each service line Application Process: Online application, online tests, first round interview and final round interview fb.me/yourfutureatdeloitteuk @deloitteukgrads

106 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

The business and technology landscape is, every year, more ambiguous and disruptive. Solving the problems of today takes more creativity and empathy than ever before. For the influencers, the challengers, the explorers – for those who are true thinkers – they’ll find at Deloitte it’s the mindset that shapes the role. There are opportunities in all areas candidates would expect, including those they wouldn’t, like Management Consulting & Technology. All paths offer opportunity to grow and progress, with guidance from inspirational and supportive senior managers. Often described as the firm’s greatest assets, Deloitte’s people think boldly, act commercially, and make decisions based on the impact they’ll have for clients, colleagues and the communities they live in. Every year, they invest more in learning and development. Agile working is a way of life. People are respected for their individuality. Ownership is highly rewarded. Leadership is visible at every level. And, with offices recruiting across the UK, Deloitte really is for the curious.

79th Reviewed by 19 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Manufacturing Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, Product Management, Marketing, Human Resources Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, plus other

How to apply Entry Requirements: On track for a 2:1 undergraduate degree or higher Application Process: Online Application, Telephone Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/ @

108 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Eaton is a global power management company, providing energy efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, aerospace, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. With over 100 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the manufacturing industry and 97,000 employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s globally, we provide one of the broadest portfolios of products, services and solutions in a competitive market. Which for you means endless opportunities for success. Recognising that people are our most valued resource, we invest heavily in our internship programme. As part of the Eaton Family, you will participate in real projects that have a measurable impact on our business; adding real value. We believe that providing the right learning and development opportunities for our interns is key to their success on the programme, and critical to them reaching their full potential in the longer term. As potential future leaders within our business you will experience what we will consider to be a full spectrum of development on our internship programme.

What George thinks...

George Priestner From University of the West of England Studying Electronic Engineering Position Divisional Engineering Intern

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What was the interview process like? Thorough, the whole process is very intensive, they test you on all of your attributes – team work, leadership, presentation, problem solving, data analysis, and so on. But it’s invaluable experience for future interviews and assessment centers. How much responsibility do you have? Part of my work is to manage projects which have exposure to a high level of business management, projects which are on the radar of big bosses in the company. This is daunting at first, but it’s definitely an opportunity to influence the business.

“I definitely felt comfortable and it’s a very friendly environment – both in my dayto-day office and all the other sites I have been to.”

What do you most enjoy about your role? Working with professional engineers and seeing projects develop from concept to prototype to the finished product. What has been your biggest challenge? Presenting project updates and milestones to senior management. It can be daunting and difficult, but its great experience and exposure to real life engineering project life cycle. What is the office atmosphere like? Eaton is big on inclusion and diversity. I definitely felt comfortable and it’s a very friendly environment – both in my day-today office and all the other sites I have been to. I feel very much included in the team.

@RateMyPlacement Had a great 12

month+ internship with Eaton! It’s been a pleasure to work with some amazing

What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Take advantage of every chance to show your skills. Be proactive in everything – if you see an opportunity where you can learn, or improve a certain aspect of the business, take it with both hands.

people, and the responsibilities I’ve taken

on have enabled to me to really add value to the business. #EatonFam

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 109

100th Reviewed by 15 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Utilities, Science and Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Science, Engineering, Supply Chain (Business), Digital, Research & Development Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: £16,500 salary, generous holiday allowance, product and service discounts

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted or achieved 2:1 in a relevant undergraduate degree Application Process: Online Application, Online Testing, Telephone and Face-to-Face Interviews fb.me/EDFEnergyCareers @edfecareers

110 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We’re EDF Energy, the UK’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity. We operate nuclear, coal and gas power stations, wind farms, and combined heat & power plants. We have a focus on safe, dependable energy generation and an ethos of service excellence. We intend to play a leading role in new nuclear build in the UK and secure a bright future for the business and its employees. We want you to be a part of our new generation of talent. You may want to learn what it takes to build and operate nuclear power stations or explore the commercial side of managing a business as vast and fast-moving as ours. Our paid 12-month Industrial Placements will equip you with practical work experience relevant to your degree and professional skills that will set you up for your career after university. Whatever your interests now, whatever your plans for the future, prepare to discover a huge amount about our business, the wider energy sector and yourself.

What Alefiyah thinks...

Alefiyah Jafferji From UCL (University College London) Studying Chemical Process Engineering Position Industrial Placement in the Engineering Department at Torness Power Station

What was the interview process like? The application process involved an online application, online testing, a telephone interview and a short assessment centre which included an hour long competency-based interview. The process was straight-forward and as expected. How much responsibility do you have? On-site, I’ve been given a lot of scope to develop my work and to plan my time. My ideas have always been welcomed around the table and often, the more initiative you apply and the ownership you take, the more you’re able to accomplish.

“As an Industrial Placement, you have less responsibility and therefore a lot more freedom to dip your toes into the countless number of things going on across site.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Prepare, prepare and prepare! It’s possible to find out about and to prepare for all parts of the application process. Learn about the basics of thermal electricity generation and about the wider energy sector. Talk to as many people as you can.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What do you most enjoy about your role? Variety and freedom. As an Industrial Placement, you have less responsibility and therefore a lot more freedom to dip your toes into the countless number of things going on across site. The people on site are always happy to help and answer questions. What is the office atmosphere like? I work in an open plan office, facing rolling hills and the sea. Everyone is extremely approachable and it’s a highly collaborative environment. If I’ve been working at my desk for too long, I can jump into my boiler suit and take a walk around the plant! How promising are the graduate prospects? If you do well on your placement, you could move on to the company’s Graduate Scheme (which is the path I’ve taken!), or you could even directly apply for jobs within the company. EDF Energy is a large company and the prospects are extremely promising! @RateMyPlacement I loved my

placement at EDF Energy. I learnt so much

about how electricity is generated and about the processes used in large companies. #electricityrules #keepingthelightson

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 111

INTERNSHIPS THAT COULD TAKE YOU ANYWHERE

1 YE

6 MO

22nd Reviewed by 146 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Number of Industry Focus: Retail, Management Vacancies:

200

Roles Recruiting Into: Management Training Internship Programme Locations: Over 400 locations throughout the UK and Ireland Salary & Benefits: Competitive, various

How to apply Entry Requirements: All degree disciplines Application Process: Please apply online fb.me/EnterpriseRentACarJobsEurope @ERAC_Jobs

112 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Add an annual turnover of $19.4 billion to a rental and leasing fleet of over 1 million vehicles spread across 9,000 locations worldwide and you get Enterprise RentA-Car – a business that’s grown into the largest car rental company in the world. We owe our success to everyone from our senior managers to management trainees. Together they make Enterprise the workplace it is and are the main reason we won the Best Intern award at the NUE awards last year. As a paid intern with Enterprise RentA-Car, you’ll learn what it takes to run a successful business while acquiring valuable skills and experience covering everything from customer service, sales and marketing to profit and loss statements. From a few weeks over the summer to a year-long placement, we offer students flexibility with regards to how long an internship can last. There’s plenty of scope for promotion, including the chance to work your way up from an intern into a professional role when you graduate. It’s no exaggeration to say that an internship with Enterprise could take you anywhere.

What Rajpreet thinks...

Rajpreet Badesha From University of Hertfordshire Studying BA/BSc (Hons) Business Studies Position Management Assistant

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? There are 5 stages: application, telephone interview, meeting the recruiter, branch visit and assessment centre. It’s well structured and feedback is given at every stage, plus the Talent Acquisition team provides guidance so you know what’s involved. How much responsibility do you have? From day one you’re encouraged to make your own decisions and be confident in all areas of the business. My manager gives me extra duties such as assisting in the running of the branch; a high-level responsibility that I feel has strengthened my skill set.

“You’re trained to become a successful manager who can handle any challenge – it’s not a boring office job where you do the same task every day.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Research the role on RMP (it’s like TripAdvisor for placements) and speak with current interns – you’ll learn from their experiences. You can also contact your Campus Brand Manager, who’ll explain what’s expected and advise on the recruitment process.

What do you most enjoy about your role? The responsibility! You’re trained to become a successful manager who can handle any challenge – it’s not a boring office job where you do the same task every day. You’re also given great training and support, so you never feel overwhelmed. What has been your biggest challenge? Developing my communication skills. Initially I felt too shy to present or interact with different people and can remember feeling nervous about the customer service side of things. I’ve been able to develop this skill with the help of my manager and am now much more confident. Describe your biggest achievement. It has to be when I was promoted to Management Assistant. It was a proud moment for me, my parents and my coworkers, who all helped me prepare for the role. It also made me appreciate just how much Enterprise values interns and gives them real prospects.

@RateMyPlacement I loved my

placement at Enterprise. Challenging but

fun! #lifeskills #eracinterns #comealiveerac

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 113

13th Reviewed by 200 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Professional Services

Number of Vacancies:

500

Roles Recruiting Into: Various sectors Locations: UK wide Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary and benefits

How to apply Entry Requirements: Studying for a degree Application Process: Online applications, online strengths tests, telephone interview, assessment centre, final interview fb.me/EYUKcareers @EY_StudentsUK

114 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

EY is a global professional services organisation. By asking better questions, they provide their clients with better answers, helping them solve complex business issues. EY depends on high performing teams of people from a huge range of cultures and backgrounds to help clients make better decisions and find better solutions. They operate across four service lines: Assurance, Consulting, Tax and Transactions. The firm drives itself and its clients forward with technological innovation and disruptive thinking. Students who thrive on change and challenge will be in their element here. EY supports students at every stage of their studies and career thinking, helping them understand their own qualities to make the right choice about their future in business. For students who see the change the world needs and are smart enough to be part of it, EY is a great place to build the career they want, and make their own contribution to EYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose of building a better working world.

As a start-up where do you want to end up? Build the career you want at EY and change business for the better.

Start today. Change tomorrow. ukcareers.ey.com/graduates

44th Reviewed by 22 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Investment Management

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Equity Research, Fixed Income, Multi-Asset Solutions, European Sales and Marketing, Technology, Business Management and Operational Management Locations: UK, Europe, Asia Pacific Salary & Benefits: Market competitive, Life assurance and Pension

How to apply Entry Requirements: All degree disciplines, minimum 320 UCAS points, 2:1 degree Application Process: Apply online fb.me/ @

116 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We offer world class investment solutions to clients that range from individuals and financial advisers to large institutions, governments and insurance companies. We help people provide for their future, through investment products, services and information they need to make the right decisions. Our commitment to excellence and innovation means we’re investing in new technology like never before. With custom platforms to give our investment professionals access to each other’s insights, bespoke global forecasting tools, or tailored apps for our clients, we’re revolutionising the way investing is done. Our approach to learning and development will give you the confidence to make a difference. For an ambitious intern it’s the chance to experience the kind of training and intellectual challenges you won’t find anywhere else. We look for passionate, engaged, smart, curious people who stand out from the crowd, not just finance or economics students. To find out more about where your degree could take you at Fidelity, visit fidelityrecruitment.com

What Ben thinks...

Ben Hayward From University of Birmingham Studying Geography and History Joint Honours Position Sales and Marketing Intern

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? Pretty standard for the industry – it starts with an online questionnaire then a telephone interview and if this goes well you will have an assessment day. The assessment day was long but you are very well looked after. What advice would you give to someone applying for your role? Make your application stand out in some way. Do things such as joining the investment society or attending industry seminars, which looks good on a CV and provides talking points in interviews and discussions. Don’t just answer questions in an interview – engage with the recruiter and ask them questions.

“The variety of the work is what makes it so enjoyable.” What did you most enjoy about your role? The variety of the work is what makes it so enjoyable. I have the freedom and flexibility of my project work to be getting on with, but then I also get to sit in on a lot of interesting meetings and phone calls which is always fun. What was the atmosphere like in your team? Really friendly; everyone is keen to meet you and get you involved. It is rarely too much trouble for someone to help you

out. I spend one day a week down in the Kingswood office in Surrey which is a nice way of mixing the week up and meeting new people. What were the activities outside of work? Fidelity has been really good at putting on after work activities with events like drinks, bowling and curry nights all organised so far. On top of these we often go and grab drinks or lunch as a group of interns – there is so much choice around Cannon Street and the whole of London. How promising are the graduate prospects? Going on figures from last year – 100% of sales and marketing interns were offered graduate roles and roughly 80% of interns across the business were asked to come back too. So I would say that providing you work hard and prove yourself they are pretty good.

@RateMyPlacement I loved my

placements at Fidelity, it gave me an insight

into what my future career could be like and challenged me every day #illbeback

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 117

64th Reviewed by 20 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Financial Regulation

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Summer interns are recruited into all of our divisions Locations: London Salary & Benefits: £24,000 (pro rata), subsidised canteen, 5 days holiday

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points, predicted 2:1 in any degree course, in penultimate year of study Application Process: Online applications, online tests (SJT, NRT, LRT), motivational questionnaire, telephone interview, assessment centre fb.me/ @FCA_Careers

118 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We’re at a pivotal time in the history of financial services regulation and what happens next depends on the people who work for the FCA. Our people are our greatest asset − that is why we invest in the best people in the business. At the FCA you will be given exposure to the full spectrum of the financial services industry, working alongside industry professionals to make a difference to millions of consumers. We regulate thousands of firms to improve conduct and fair treatment of customers, so your work will protect millions of people and have a positive impact on the wider economy. It’s a tough job, but it’s also a fascinating one that will place you at the heart of the future of financial regulation. Starting out your career with us offers you the chance to develop expert knowledge of regulation, and experience an aerial view of the financial services industry.

What Lisa thinks...

Lisa Maughan From University of Kent Studying Law, Accounting and Finance Position Summer Intern TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

WWW.RMP.GD/xx

How much responsibility do you have? I was given exposure to all divisions. People are friendly and approachable regardless of role or seniority, and were happy to answer my questions. I also had the opportunity to present at a Senior Leadership Team meeting. This was great exposure and an opportunity to gain feedback for my own development. Most importantly I was given real responsibility – the work I contributed led to genuine output for the team.

“I learnt a huge amount during my internship. The most valuable lessons for me were the importance of first impressions, and also having the confidence to network throughout the organisation.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Research is key. Really consider the type of industry you want to work in and how the internship experience would complement your studies, and likewise where your skills could really make a difference. Speak to your careers service, make sure you take the opportunity to attend careers fairs and speak to people who work at the organisation. My research around the FCA allowed me to make an informed decision about where I wanted to be and I wasn’t disappointed.

What do you most enjoy about your role? I learnt a huge amount during my internship. The most valuable lessons for me were the importance of first impressions, and also having the confidence to network throughout the organisation. Curiosity is essential as a summer intern. I was grateful that everyone was patient when listening to my questions and really took the time to explain things carefully to me. This was invaluable in expanding my knowledge. Never be afraid to ask questions. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? Each day was always different. My usual working day was 9am-6pm. Days included work shadowing, team meetings, and desk-based input to live projects I was working on, often involving travel between the London and Edinburgh offices.

@RateMyPlacement I loved

my placement @TheFCA. It gave me the chance to work alongside

industry experts and gain real life,

meaningful and challenging experiences #careersthatmatter.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 119

6th Reviewed by 103 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Investment Banking

Number of Vacancies: 500+

Roles Recruiting Into: Opportunities across all of our 15 divisions Locations: London and Europe Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, Attractive benefits package

How to apply Entry Requirements: All qualifications considered Application Process: Online application via goldmansachs.com/careers; followed by interviews fb.me/ @GSCareers

120 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base, including corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. At Goldman Sachs, you will have many opportunities to make an impact. The unique perspectives that our people bring to the firm and their shared passion help drive progress and create results. From your first day, you will be immersed in a collaborative environment with people of all levels who share the firm’s values. Nearly everyone – from our junior analysts to our most senior leaders – is actively involved in recruiting talented people from a variety of backgrounds, because we recognise that a diverse workforce enables us to serve our clients most effectively. Whatever your background or area of academic study, we value the intellect, personality and integrity of an individual. While an interest in and appreciation for finance is important, one’s personal qualities are key.

WL2239

HOW WILL YOU

MAKE AN IMPACT CONTRIBUTE, COLLABORATE AND SUCCEED WITH A CAREER AT GOLDMAN SACHS If you’re the kind of person who can’t wait to make a difference, consider a career at Goldman Sachs. We believe that good ideas and innovations can come from anyone, at any level. We offer meaningful opportunities, best-in-class training and a wide variety of career paths for talented people from all academic backgrounds. Plus, with access to important clients and projects, you’ll have the chance to make an impact with global significance.

APPLICATION DEADLINES NEW ANALYST: 30 October 2016 SUMMER ANALYST: 4 December 2016 SPRING PROGRAMME: 4 January 2017 WORK PLACEMENT PROGRAMME: 4 January 2017

Submit your application at goldmansachs.com/careers

DOWNLOAD OUR APP to learn more about how you can make an impact.

goldmansachs.com/careers @GSCareers

3rd Reviewed by 67 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Number of Accountancy, Business & Finance Vacancies:

100+

Roles Recruiting Into: Audit, Tax, Advisory Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: Competitive, Intern-specific development programme, real client work, fasttrack to graduate programme

How to apply Entry Requirements: No minimum entry requirements Application Process: Check website for details fb.me/GrantThorntonRecruitmentUK @GT_STB

122 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

How to sum up a complex and exciting business like Grant Thornton? Simply put, we’re part of an ambitious global organisation providing business and financial advice to dynamic organisations right at the heart of growth. In the UK alone, we deliver solutions to 40,000 clients, across a wide range of sectors. We are a shared enterprise – meaning our people share ideas, share responsibility and share reward. It’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of a firm who are passionate about their higher purpose – unlocking growth for clients and driving a vibrant economy. We’re starting from within – all 4,500 people thinking and behaving according to our shared mindset for growth. Over 400 ambitious graduates, interns and placement students join us in over 20 of our UK offices each year, enjoying varied, on-the-ground work from the outset on client assignments, from multinationals to fast-growth companies such as start-ups. And, in the spirit of shared enterprise, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in exciting things outside of the day job.

Some advice just states the obvious. But the kind of insight that adds real value to dynamic organisations and drives a vibrant economy requires you to think and behave like an owner from day one. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve introduced a culture of shared enterprise. Shared ideas, shared responsibility and shared reward. If you want to kick start a career as a respected business adviser at the go to firm for growth, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our advice, visit: Careers in audit, tax and advisory

www.grant-thornton.co.uk/trainees

47th Reviewed by 139 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Pharmaceutical Healthcare

Number of Vacancies:

350

Roles Recruiting Into: Multiple areas of Engineering, Manufacturing and Science as well as IT, HR, Sales, Marketing, Communications, Finance and Procurement Locations: UK wide Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, regular bonusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 28 days holiday and much more!

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 Application Process: Application form, online tests, video interview (programme dependant) and assessment day fb.me/gskstudentsandgraduates @GSK

124 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

GSK are proud to be a leading scienceled global healthcare company. We research and develop a broad range of innovative products across Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare including products such as Maxinutrition, Sensodyne and Beechams. These help millions of people around the world do more, feel better and live longer. GSK is a truly global company operating in over 115 countries, with all our employees sharing a real sense of purpose as they contribute to answering some of the biggest healthcare challenges. This means whilst on placement you will join a diverse, passionate workforce dedicated to making a difference to patients lives. We offer 1 year industrial placements as well as summer placements that typically last 10-12 weeks. You can join us in almost all areas within Engineering, Science or Business.Visit our website to find out more! Our placements offer you a chance to have real responsibility so you can make an impact, as well as dedicated support and development opportunities to help you get the most from your year.

Make an Impact. Benefit millions of lives. If you thrive on responsibility and want to experience high profile, realworld projects that make a difference to patients lives, we could have the placement for you. Find out more at www.undergraduates.gsk.com

Emma HR industrial placement

12th Reviewed by 57 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT

Number of Vacancies:

120

Roles Recruiting Into: Business, Finance, IT, Sales Support, Marketing, PR & Events Locations: Bracknell, Bristol, London, Erskine, Cambridge Salary & Benefits: As an intern, you’ll have a salary of £15,000 plus a £1000 sign-on bonus

How to apply Entry Requirements: Must be on target for 2:1 Application Process: Online Application, Telephone Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/HPECareers @HPE_Careers

126 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

At Hewlett Packard Enterprise, our mission is to create new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. We do this by inviting the intrepid and the bold, the curious and inspired, the driven and wired to join us and to collaborate, work, learn and build together. We aim at making the complex simple. Bridging the old and the new. That’s where you fit in. The road from inspiration to innovation to impact begins with you. Imagine yourself as part of a company with the breadth and depth of products and services to provide complete end-to-end solutions in big data, cloud, mobility and security, not just a disparate set of IT components. We take bright, talented students as interns because we want them to be the bright, talented graduates that end up becoming the future leaders of our company. There’s a broad range of internships available – all lasting 13 months – covering sales, marketing, business and IT, so we’re bound to have a role to suit you.

What Emma thinks...

Emma Ledger From University of Surrey Studying BSC Business Management Position Sales Operations Intern

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What was the interview process like? Management asked me to present on an achievement of mine so I chose to talk about the Baking Society I set up at University. I felt they were more interested in getting to know whether I’d be a good fit for the team than an interrogation! How much responsibility do you have? I was given the perfect level of responsibility. I was able to work independently but knew that I could ask for advice or extra coaching if I felt it was necessary.

“Effective placement year students are highly encouraged to come back to HPE after our internship.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? I would advise future candidates to get involved with as many extra activities as possible. HPE has many committees and employee resource groups to join which can elevate both your skill set and your visibility within the company. What do you most enjoy about your role? My working days were never the same. I got involved in so many activities including my Charity Lead position, writing for the HPE Nationwide Magazine

and sitting on the CSR Board. This meant that my overall role in HPE was varied. What has been your biggest challenge? My largest challenge was leading a team of 12 charity representatives within the UK&I and ensuring they would collectively reach a £90,000 charity fundraising target. (I’m pleased to say that we did reach this!) What activities are there outside of work? I attended many meals with my team outside of working hours. In addition, our Social Secretaries were responsible for arranging events for the intern cohort on a whole which included a Christmas Boat Party along the Thames and two summer balls. How promising are the graduate prospects? Effective placement year students are highly encouraged to come back to HPE after our internship. Our return is discussed throughout the year and most are asked to keep in touch in our final year at university. @RateMyPlacement My 1 year

placement at @HPE has allowed me to cultivate skills and have experiences I

never could have gained from my course. #howtimeflies

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 127

12th Reviewed by 57 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Business & Technical

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Business Analysis, Marketing, and Technical Locations: Bracknell, Bristol, and London Salary & Benefits: 25 days holiday, pension & flexible benefits scheme

How to apply Entry Requirements: Must be on target for 2:1 Application Process: Visit HP’s careers website for further information: www.hp.com/jobs fb.me/hpcareers @hpcareers

128 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We are a global team of 50,000+ inventors, ready to take on the world. We’re looking for big thinkers to be the next leaders at HP! HP Intern Program is built around our employee-centric people strategy. Each intern’s experience is not just a resumebuilder, but also an experience-builder. We offer challenging work projects and a chance to challenge the status quo and make an impact in the technology world. Joining us, you have the opportunity to explore your interests and build solid foundations for your future. We truly believe in the power of ideas, and we believe that ideas thrive best in a culture of teamwork. That is why everyone - at every level in every function, is encouraged to have original ideas, to express them and to share them. We trust anything can be achieved if you really believe in it, and we will invest in your ideas to change lives and the way people work. Now it’s your turn to make the world a better place to live and work. We are here to help you achieve that and be the best version of you.

What Danny thinks...

Danny James Pearson From University of Huddersfield Studying Advertising and Marketing Communications Position eCommerce and Digital Marketing Executive

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What was the interview process like? The interview process was a great experience. I applied for the role via the HP career site. I had 3 phone interviews, and was invited to do a face to face interview. The in-person was enjoyable as I got to meet my hiring manager and interact with her. How much responsibility do you have? I was amazed by the level of responsibility I was given. I was always treated like a permanent team member, with many of my ideas taken onboard. For example, I had full responsibility over the UK Customer Relationship Management programme.

“We had a range of great social events. Team dinners and days out with the other interns are some of the main highlights..” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Relax and be yourself. Think of the interview process as being a two-way conversation. It’s an opportunity for you to find out if HP is right for you so ask lots of questions. What do you most enjoy about your role? I loved the fact that I worked in such a fast-moving environment. No day was

ever the same and I had the flexibility to run my own projects. The great thing about my role was that I was able to identify how I influenced and improved areas of the business. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? The great thing about working at HP is that you are extremely valued as an intern. I have been given so much support by my team and many senior members of staff. I’ve learnt so many skills that will stay with me throughout my future career. What has been your biggest challenge? Multi-tasking on a wide range of tasks during busy periods was difficult at first, but the internship allowed me to identify the best practice of managing this. What activities are there outside of work? We had a range of great social events. Team dinners and days out with the other interns are some of the main highlights. @RateMyPlacement I love working in

such a fast-paced environment, and that I

can run my own projects. I am amazed by the level of responsibility I am given, and I love that my ideas are taken onboard. #LifeatHP is rewarding & fun.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 129

60th Reviewed by 43 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Banking

Number of Vacancies:

150

Roles Recruiting Into: Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, Global Private Banking, Retail Banking and Wealth Management Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: On course for 2:1 in any degree and 300 UCAS points (or equivalent) Application Process: Online Application fb.me/hsbccareers @

130 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

HSBC aims to be the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading international bank. With around 4,400 offices in 71 countries and territories, serving more than 46 million customers, their ambition is to be where the growth is, connecting customers to opportunities and enabling businesses to thrive and economies to prosper. HSBC recognises that the talent and diversity of its people are the foundation of its success. It hires, develops and promotes employees based on merit and provides an open, supportive and inclusive working environment. HSBC have paid summer internship programmes in; Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, Global Private Banking or Retail Banking and Wealth Management, including Global Asset Management. HSBC also offer a first year internship in the UK which is an eight week combination of Commercial Banking and Retail Banking & Wealth Management, in addition to a Spring Week within Global Banking & Markets.

ARCHITECTS ARCHITECTS REQUIRED REQUIRED

To lay foundations for businesses to grow. To develop To lay foundations forTo businesses to world-class grow. To develop strong relationships. help design products To lay foundations forTo businesses to world-class grow. To develop strong relationships. help design products and services. strong relationships. To help design world-class products and services. and services. At HSBC, we’re looking for perceptive, driven and forwardAt HSBC, we’re looking for Global perceptive, driven forwardthinking people to join our Student andand Graduate At HSBC, we’re looking for perceptive, driven and forwardthinking people to join our Global Student and Graduate Programmes to help our customers realise their hopes, thinking people join our Global Student and Graduate Programmes to to help our their hopes, dreams and ambitions. Tocustomers start withrealise a simple idea then turn Programmes to help our customers realise their hopes, dreams and ambitions. To start with a simple idea then turn it into reality. dreams and ambitions. To start with a simple idea then turn it into reality. it into reality. Along the way, you’ll work collaboratively, developing the Along theskills way, needed you’ll work collaboratively, the essential to achieve your owndeveloping career goals. Along theskills way, needed you’ll work collaboratively, the essential to achieve your owndeveloping career goals. essential skills needed to achieve your own career goals. Are you ready to design a better future? Are you ready to design a better future? Are you ready to design a better future?

PROGRESSIVE MINDS APPLY PROGRESSIVE MINDS APPLY PROGRESSIVE MINDS APPLY hsbc.com/careers hsbc.com/careers hsbc.com/careers

HSBC is committed to building a culture where all employees are valued, respected and opinions count. We take pride in providing a workplace that fosters workingare andvalued, opportunities to grow within ancount. inclusive HSBC iscontinuous committedprofessional to building adevelopment, culture whereflexible all employees respected and opinions We and takediverse pride inenvironment. providing a workplace that fosters workingare andvalued, opportunities to grow within ancount. inclusive HSBC iscontinuous committedprofessional to building adevelopment, culture whereflexible all employees respected and opinions We and takediverse pride inenvironment. providing a workplace that fosters continuous professional development, flexible working and opportunities to grow within an inclusive and diverse environment.

58th Reviewed by 132 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT & Consulting

Number of Vacancies:

350

Roles Recruiting Into: Business, Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, Software Development and Software Design Locations: UK Nationwide Salary & Benefits: £15,000 (pro rata), £1,000 sign on bonus, 25 days holiday (pro rata)

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 predicted Application Process: Online application and test, assessment centre and final interview fb.me/IBMUKcareers @IBMUKCareers

132 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Are you passionate about developing your skills and building your career with a global leader? From your first day, you can look forward to the support you need to make a real impact. This is your opportunity to join a company where you can do work that matters – we are IBMers, and that’s what we do. Discover what you can do at IBM ibm.com/jobs/uk University Placement A Placement at IBM is filled with challenges that will stretch your capabilities, give you exposure that will kick start your professional career and give you the opportunity to meet some truly inspirational people. Summer Internship On our Extreme Blue internship you’ll work in a team of students to develop an idea that no one else has thought of, and then turn that idea into a real product. When the 12 weeks are up, you’ll showcase it to our executives, business partners and clients.

Discover what you can do at IBM. ibm.com/jobs/uk

17th Reviewed by 274 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Number of Industry Focus: Investment Banking Vacancies:

200+

Roles Recruiting Into: Wide range of opportunities across the Corporate & Investment Bank, Asset Management and Corporate functions Locations: Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and continental Europe Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 Application Process: Varies per programme but all start with an online application fb.me/jpmorganchasecareers @jpmorgan

134 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Banking is a vital part of the world’s economy and everyday life. Over the last 200 years, J.P. Morgan has evolved as a business to meet the ever-changing needs of some of the world’s largest companies as well as many of the smaller businesses that are a cornerstone of local communities. J.P. Morgan’s strength lies not only in the quality of its products, but also within the invaluable power of its employees. Harnessing the diversity of its people, J.P. Morgan values people with different talents, ranging from Investment Banking to Technology, Operations and Finance. Career opportunities are available across the firm, so it pays to learn as much as possible about the industry, business areas and the roles available. Be sure to take advantage of preinternship programmes - many interns are hired directly from our Spring Week programmes. J.P. Morgan is looking for collaborative future leaders who have passion, creativity and exceptional interpersonal skills. Impeccable academic credentials are important, but so are achievements outside the classroom.

What Emma thinks...

Emma From University College Dublin Studying Economics and Finance Position Associate – Investment Banking

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How much responsibility do you have? Even as a relatively junior team member I am responsible for high profile and important pieces of work. Taking on so much responsibility was quite daunting at first but my team is very supportive and I can rely on them to provide advice and guidance. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Attention to detail will be a fundamental part of your role – so make a good impression from the outset. Take care when you are filling out your application and double check before you submit it. Consider the qualities that will make you stand out.

“I really enjoyed being part of a small and close knit deal team for the first time; there was a great sense of camaraderie throughout the process.” What do you most enjoy about your role? The variety of people and projects. No two transactions or projects are the same, and so the work is always challenging and interesting. On most projects, I collaborate with and learn from a host of talented colleagues across the globe.

What has been your biggest challenge? Moving from Equity Research to Investment Banking. Working with a new team, in a different role has been challenging at times but it has also been very rewarding. I have been able to expand my skills and move my career in a new and exciting direction. Describe your biggest achievement. One of my biggest achievements was closing my first transaction which I had been involved with from start to finish. When a deal closes after many months of hard work it’s a great feeling! How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I really enjoyed being part of a small and close knit deal team for the first time; there was a great sense of camaraderie throughout the process. Despite the hectic schedule, the senior deal team members placed importance on work-life balance. @RateMyPlacement My Spring Week

and Summer Internship at J.P. Morgan set me up for success, giving me the insights and experience needed to get me the position I’m in today. #earlyinsights

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 135

39th Reviewed by 75 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know

Industry Focus: Automotive Engineering & Manufacturing

Number of Vacancies:

200

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, Property, Purchasing, Engineering Quality, Design, Research & Development Locations: West Midlands, Warwickshire, Liverpool Salary & Benefits: £15,600 pa

How to apply Entry Requirements: Enrolled in penultimate year as a full time university student Application Process: Situational judgement & psychometric testing and assessment centre fb.me/JLRsweetcareers @JLRCareers

136 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Home to some of the most iconic nameplates ever to take to the road, Jaguar Land Rover has a proud and enviable heritage. But it’s our future that excites us most. With continued investment in the development of new products, processes and facilities and expansion into new markets gaining momentum, we need to find the next generation of innovators and creative thinkers that will ensure we continue to set the standards others can only follow. We offer 3, 6 and 12-month Undergraduate Placements in a wide range of Engineering, Manufacturing and Commercial Business areas throughout the organisation. All of which can be found on our website. As would be expected from two of the world’s most revered brands, a range of rewards and experience await those who have initiative, vision and drive to contribute to the organisation’s global success. All this and more makes Jaguar Land Rover an enviable place to start your journey.

82nd Reviewed by 16 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know

Industry Focus: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, FMCG

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Reg & Medical Affairs Locations: Thames Valley, Leeds & Inverness Salary & Benefits: Competitive, Pension, Healthcare

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in a relevant degree Application Process: Online application, Numerical Testing, Video Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/ @JNJTA_UK

138 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Caring for the world, one person at a time... inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Employees of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day. We now have over 128,000 employees worldwide with 275 operating companies in over 60 countries. Johnson & Johnson are… • The world’s sixth-largest consumer health company • The world’s largest and most diverse medical devices and diagnostics company • The world’s sixth-largest biologics company • And the world’s sixth-largest pharmaceuticals company Johnson & Johnson are looking for talented, driven students ready to gain a head start to their career and take on the challenge of an industrial placement in this fast paced environment.

What Nihad thinks...

Nihad Aziz From The University of Leeds Studying Bsc Economics and Finance Position Finance Trainee

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What was the interview process like? The assessment process was a great experience and allowed me to learn a lot about the company as well as allowing the company to assess me. I was given direct feedback promptly after the assessment centre which was very valuable. How much responsibility do you have? My role entailed an array of tasks within finance from reporting & analysing financial data via spreadsheets & presentations, streamlining processes, & business partnering. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be ambitious and proactive to succeed here. J&J are very good at scouting out the right talent as well as rewarding talent and will give you the opportunity if you can show that you are determined, motivated, and willing to take initiative.

“My placement at J&J exceeded my personal expectations.” What do you most enjoy about your role? The variety of work and immense responsibility I have received this year has been extraordinary. I started the year as a FP&A analyst & then transitioned into reporting to the cluster SG&A .

What has been your biggest challenge? There are the standard monthly tasks which Finance is responsible for, but it’s the ample opportunity to work on ad-hoc projects which I personally enjoyed the most. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? My placement at J&J exceeded my personal expectations. Placement students are considered contributing members of the team and do not just do the menial tasks. There are ample business value-add opportunities to get involved in. What activities are there outside of work? J&J has an array of social activities and charity events that you can join outside of work. There are sports teams, people from all skill levels are welcome and these are a great way to meet people that you may never have a professional interaction with.

@RateMyPlacement I love my J&J

placement because I get to work in one of the world’s largest, most reputable,&

diverse MNC who truly care about their consumers

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 139

FINANCE

RESENT WAY TO P BUDGET. ALL STEP IS ONE SM L’ORÉAL; T LEAP ONE GIANE. FOR STEV

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ON HIS THE THIS FOR

27th Reviewed by 44 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Consumer Goods

Number of Vacancies:

120

Roles Recruiting Into: Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, IT, Digital Marketing, HR Locations: London, Manchester, East Croydon, Watersmead Salary & Benefits: £16,000 - £18,000, 23-25 days holiday, staff shop, training programme

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 in any degree Application Process: Online Application (CV & Cover Letter), Online Psychometric Testing, Telephone Screening, Assessment Centre fb.me/LorealCareersUKI @LOrealCareersUK

140 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

GRADUAT

With 32 world-famous brands selling in 130 countries, it’s easy to see why L’Oréal are the world’s No. 1 cosmetics group. Even our brands are household names in their own right. From Ralph Lauren to Diesel; Maybelline to the Body Shop, if there’s a name you love in cosmetics, there’s a good chance it’s ours. That’s because we have the best talent in the business, constantly working to invent and revolutionise the industry. We believe every day is a new day to explore and start new adventures, and that’s reflected in the talent we recruit for our industrial placements, summer internships and spring insights. You’ll be inventive and passionate; driven and talented. And we’ll help you do great things with that talent, challenging you to push yourself and hone your skills. Opportunities are available across our UK offices, and are also available with our beauty retail brand The Body Shop International. Wherever you are and whatever you do, you’ll work on real projects for global brands, and make a palpable impact on our international success story.

What Henry thinks...

Henry Cope From Newcastle University Studying Business Management Position Ecom Commercial Intern

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What was the interview process like? It first started with sending off my CV and a cover letter before being tasked to complete a numerical test online and then a phone interview. The final stage was an assessment centre in the L’Oréal offices which involved various different tasks and a final interview. How much responsibility do you have? I have been given plenty of responsibility including project managing new product launches circa £3M value and also other onsite campaigns. This is way above what I was expecting when I started! What advice would you give to students applying for your role? My advice would be to make sure you take up every opportunity you get in project work and also networking in order to make sure you get the most from your year – ask lots of questions and show you’re engaged!

“Lots of social events that are organised for interns which makes it really easy to get to know everyone!” What do you most enjoy about your role? For me, my team has made it really enjoyable but also the opportunities I have had to lead projects and launch

products – it has been very rewarding and exciting! Describe your biggest achievement? My biggest achievement has been the development and launch of 9 new innovative branded packs for the business which has driven around £3M of turnover this year and is in store across 7 retailers. What activities are there outside of work? In the evenings there are plenty of opportunities to play sports such as football on a Monday night and also mixed hockey. Aside from sports there are also lots of social events that are organised for interns which makes it really easy to get to know everyone! How promising are the graduate prospects? The graduate program (Management Trainee Scheme) at L’Oréal is one that is very highly regarded and offers you the opportunity to rotate across the different divisions in the company, gaining the skills required in different segments of the business. @RateMyPlacement My placement at

L’Oreal UK exceeded all my expectations

providing me with plenty of great business experience and knowledge

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 141

36th Reviewed by 16 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Retail

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: One scheme rotating through various business departments Locations: UK nationwide Salary & Benefits: £20,500

How to apply Entry Requirements: Ideally studying business or retail management, other disciplines considered Application Process: Apply online, attend a group interview then a second stage interview fb.me/ @

142 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

When whole TV programmes are devoted to the phenomenal rise of Lidl UK and its growing market share in the UK retail groceries sector, you’ve got to ask yourself what is the secret to their success? In fact, it’s no secret. For two decades the company has been building a loyal customer base founded on giving the customers what they really want. Consistent quality and value have always been their cornerstone but now, as supermarket giants struggle to retain their position, Lidl UK have been hitting the national headlines as the buying public switch their allegiance. Lidl’s UK Retail Placement Programme offers variety, responsibility and longterm career opportunities in one of the UK’s great retail successes. You’ll have exposure to the talent and expertise across their stores and warehouses amongst other business areas. As holders of prestigious awards including the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, Lidl UK will give you the experience you need to develop priceless new skills so that by the end, your confidence will be at an all-time high.

What Alisha thinks...

Alisha Patel From University of Liverpool Studying International Business Position Placement Student

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What was the interview process like? The quick turn-around two-stage process made me so comfortable. There was a relaxed, conversational style and I felt they genuinely wanted to know me. Even meeting the Regional Director, he was friendly and open, making me want the placement even more. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be open, ask questions. Although everyone has the same goal at Lidl, each department is different with so many roles and areas of expertise. If you like waking early, taking responsibility and want to get stuck in, this is the placement for you.

“I love everyone here. I think everyone’s got a really good sense of team culture. Everyone’s very grounded in what they do.” What do you most enjoy about your role? My friends doing placements only work in one business area, but I’m constantly changing, readying me for my final year. The variety is outstanding - real responsibility, complete trust and everyone really wants to get to know you.

What is the office atmosphere like? I love everyone here. I think everyone’s got a really good sense of team culture. Everyone’s very grounded in what they do, especially the higher up people get, it’s as if they become more down-to-earth here. How promising are the graduate prospects? I can still stay in contact with Lidl through my final year and be a Brand Ambassador, something I know I’d enjoy. I love the company and having done the placement I could apply for a job straight away or join a graduate schemes for more exposure. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? It’s gone beyond. You aren’t really sure what a placement’s going to be like when you’ve never really worked a full-time job before. All I did has definitely exceeded my expectations – I got exposure to so much - I’ve travelled pretty much all over the country and been involved in such a variety of things. @RateMyPlacement No two days

are the same in Lidl UK; there are always

unexpected challenges. Irrespective, I thrive off this and look forward to each day.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 143

49th Reviewed by 227 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Banking and Finance

Number of Vacancies:

200+

Roles Recruiting Into: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Digital, HR, Finance, Business Management, Legal IT, Audit, Risk, Insurance Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: £18000+ pro rata annual salary plus location allowance

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:2 and above Application Process: Online application process involving strengths-based testing, numerical reasoning testing and video interview fb.me/discoverwhatmatters @LBGTalent

144 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Lloyds Banking Group is a UK financial services group with over 30 million customers, and a presence in nearly every community. Our main brands include Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Scottish Widows. Our paid summer internships and graduate programmes are as broad as our business. Opportunities range from leading digital and IT innovation, to shaping strategy, from interpreting complex financial figures, to helping high street customers, supporting small UK businesses and Global corporations, alike. At Lloyds Banking Group, you’re encouraged to embrace your individuality and grow professionally. You’ll discover training and mentoring from experienced business leaders, agile working, and a supportive network of individuals all committed to helping you and Britain prosper. We foster an inclusive and openminded culture and have been named in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2016 and the top private sector employer for LGBT people in the 2016 Stonewall Top 100. Join us and discover where your unique strengths can take you.

24th Reviewed by 22 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Research & Development

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Chemistry, IT, Business Support, Purchasing, Marketing, Global Communications and HR Locations: Hazelwood, Derbyshire & Blackley, Manchester Salary & Benefits: Competitive including an excellent benefits package

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:2 or above in a degree related to the student position they are applying for Application Process: Online application, telephone screen, onsite assessment centre fb.me/ @

146 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a technology driven global company serving customers in more than 100 countries. We own and operate manufacturing facilities in 17 countries as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Through our global sales and manufacturing networks, we are able to deliver the products and services our customers need, where and when they need them. As a Lubrizol Placement Student, you will work for one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier speciality chemical companies and acquire experience in a professional and challenging environment. You will have access to a competitive employee benefits program, gain real project experience, build a network, gain a competitive edge, and much more. Lubrizol currently offers over 20 student placement opportunities, the majority of which are based at the Hazelwood R&D and business site in Derbyshire. If your values match ours, you may be a good fit for our company.

What Katie thinks...

Katie Rogers From University of Birmingham Studying Business Management with Year in Industry Position Marketing Placment Student

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What was the interview process like? After an online application I had a telephone interview, followed by an assessment centre, which involved an interview, short presentation and a site tour. The marketing team were friendly and put me at ease, allowing me to ask questions throughout. How much responsibility do you have? During my time at Lubrizol I was treated just like any permanent member of staff. Most of my work was independent, and regular check-ins with my supervisors kept me on track. As my skills and industry knowledge increased, I was given more responsibility.

“For undergrads who are looking to work for a company with a welcoming student community, look no further.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Don’t be put off by the fact that you haven’t heard of Lubrizol. They’re a global leader, an innovation-led B2B company working with chemical companies including the global oil marketers - it’s the chance to be a big part of something really special.

What do you most enjoy about your role? I really enjoyed developing my creative and analytical skills. Designing storyboards for animations, creating PowerPoints, and analysing market research meant that I could really put myself through the paces and think outside the box. What activities are there outside of work? For undergrads who are looking to work for a company with a welcoming student community, look no further. Enjoy nights out on the town, BBQs and pizza nights in. Lubrizol also has a thriving Sports and Social Club who regularly organise subsidised events. How promising are the graduate prospects? My placement has definitely helped to give me my first step up onto the career ladder, as well as broadening my horizons in terms of the industries I’m interested in. Lubrizol has excellent retention rates, and I’d love to come back and work here. @RateMyPlacement @LubrizolJobs

The best, most rewarding year of my life!

Developed my skills, met amazing people + kickstarted my career. #LubrizolLoving #DontWantToLeave #YINI

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 147

69th Reviewed by 32 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT/Technology

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Software Engineering, Test Engineering & Support Engineering Locations: London, Edinburgh, Coventry, Chester, Cambridge Salary & Benefits: £35,000

How to apply Entry Requirements: 360 Application Process: Online application, online tests, assessment day fb.me/ @

148 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Metaswitch Networks are at the forefront of a technology revolution that is changing how networks are built, how information is distributed and how we will communicate in the future. We are recruiting exceptionally bright interns to work as: Software Engineers – responsible for developing industry-leading, openly programmable solutions that run on standard hardware or in virtualized environments. The software engineering team use a wide variety of programming languages within an agile environment. Test Engineers – ensure that our products meet our customers’ exacting standards and deliver carrier-grade performance and reliability in even the most challenging conditions. The system test team use a wide variety of test practises, a mixture of formal analysis, and informal exploratory testing. Support Engineers – work closely with our global customer base to help them with design, implementation and troubleshooting of deployments involving a wide range of Metaswitch and partner products.

1st Reviewed by 65 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Sales, Marketing, Business, IT

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Variety of roles within business, consulting, technical Locations: Reading, London, Edinburgh Salary & Benefits: £17,000

How to apply Entry Requirements: N/A Application Process: Application form and test, video interview, AC, check out our website for details www.microsoftstudentsuk.net fb.me/MicrosoftUKGraduateRecruitment @MsUkStudents

150 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

At Microsoft we like to help people to get stuff done. It’s that simple. Whether it’s work or play, education, gaming or business, we’re changing the way people think about how technology should work. We’re bringing it together so that it empowers and works for everyone, in a simple, human, mobile way that suits them. Our interns have the opportunity to take on a unique role in one of several business areas. Roles are varied and stretch across the entire organisation from software engineering to sales, from marketing to corporate affairs and more. Your experience starts with an induction, which will provide you with the necessary tools and information to be successful. You’ll also be given opportunities to develop and grow, receive mentoring and coaching, participate in stretch projects, charity initiatives, external events and global projects. Our interns are given opportunities to deliver plenty of business impact for Microsoft. We’re hoping you can help us build our business into it’s exciting future. Visit our blog for further information www.beyourfuture.net

What Anastasia thinks...

Anastasia Hill From University of Kent Studying International Business with a year in Industry Position Sales Intern

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The recruitment process is designed to see your potential, not just the ability you already have. The process included an application form, video interviews and an assessment day, the best advice I could give is to relax and be yourself. How much responsibility do you have? I felt extremely privileged during my placement to be trusted with so much responsibility, I’ve led projects with stakeholders from our customers to the UK Leadership Team, all in just a year! You’re never seen as ‘just the intern’.

“I’ve led projects with stakeholders from our customers to the UK Leadership Team, all in just a year!” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Microsoft isn’t focused on hiring one type of candidate, in every stage of the recruitment programme it’s okay to ask questions about the roles - it’s about you being the right match for the role just as much as it about Microsoft wanting you. What do you most enjoy about your role? I loved my placement at Microsoft but the highlight for me was working with my team. Throughout the year the team overwhelmed me with their support and

constant offers of learning and shadowing opportunities. They made the experience amazing! What is the office atmosphere like? The ‘office atmosphere’ is different for all of our offices in the UK- one of the major benefits of a sales role is all the travelling to our offices and customer sites. All of them are welcoming and friendly but each is different! Describe your biggest achievement. My biggest achievement in the year was being asked to host our UK Town Hall, a meeting for all UK employees. This included hosting the event and introducing our UK CEO and at this event our Global CEO Satya Nadella, I was so lucky! How promising are the graduate prospects? Microsoft has incredible graduate opportunities in the UK and abroad, after you finish your intern year you are encouraged to apply for a graduate role and continue to make an impact. Just like the intern year there are all sorts of roles available! @RateMyPlacement absolutely loved

my year with @MicrosoftUK, what an

amazing company and group of individuals. Can’t wait to graduate and continue my

career journey #PlacementWin #InternLife The Top Undergraduate Employers | 151

7th Reviewed by 108 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Global financial services

Number of Vacancies:

450

Roles Recruiting Into: Institutional Securities, Investment Management and Infrastructure divisions Locations: UK (London, Glasgow), Europe, Middle East Salary & Benefits: Competitive starting salary + benefits

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1, or international equivalent in any degree Application Process: Online (CV and cover letter), online psychometric testing fb.me/ @MorganStanley

152 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Our business Morgan Stanley is more than a leading financial services firm. With offices spanning 43 countries and talented, passionate people bringing excellence and integrity to everything we do, the firm is truly global. Throughout the firm’s history, diverse and talented individuals have worked together to develop our new ideas and ground-breaking financial products. Our successes Morgan Stanley has maintained its leadership position in the industry for many years. The firm’s investment banking franchise regularly features at the top of the league tables for Mergers & Acquisitions and IPOs. Our research, strategy, and economics teams are consistently ranked highly in investor surveys. Our Sales & Trading, Prime Brokerage, Wealth Management and Asset Management businesses have won multiple awards over the years and Morgan Stanley’s commitment to diversity and equality has also received accolades.

What Rosie thinks...

Rosie Stock From Bristol University Studying French and Russian Position Fixed Income and Commodities Analyst

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What was the interview process like? I really enjoyed the interview process; it was very much a two-way interview and gave me a good flavour of what the job would be like. You meet many different people and have the opportunity to find out as much about the role and the culture as you want. How much responsibility do you have? It’s amazing how much responsibility you’re given. While Morgan Stanley is a big company, we’re organised into small teams on the trading floor which means that you have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and work on important tasks.

“Every day is different and I’m always learning something new which is incredibly fulfilling.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Read up on Morgan Stanley as much as possible and ask any questions you have. They’re not necessarily looking for vast amounts of financial knowledge, just a keen interest and enthusiasm for markets. What do you most enjoy about your role? Every day is different and I’m always learning something new which is

incredibly fulfilling. What has been your biggest challenge? I thought that coming from a non-finance background would make it more difficult at first, but I loved the challenge and it meant that my learning curve was a lot steeper than others. Describe your biggest achievement? You can pitch trade ideas throughout the programme and it’s exciting when you get to know a company well enough to have a discussion with experts on it. Looking back, my progression whilst I have been at Morgan Stanley is also my greatest achievement. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I’m constantly learning; I look back at myself even a few weeks ago and I’m taken aback at how much I’ve managed to pick up. My managers and everyone around me are very supportive of me learning as much as possible.

@RateMyPlacement I loved my

placement at Morgan Stanley. It gave me

an insight into what my future career could be like and challenged me every day. #illbeback #nurtured

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 153

38th Reviewed by 29 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Corporate and Commercial Law

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Legal Locations: London and Sheffield Salary & Benefits: £325 per week (London), £275 per week (Sheffield)

How to apply Entry Requirements: 340 UCAS points (AAB at A Level), 2.1 or above in any degree Application Process: Online application, video interview, assessment centre fb.me/ @nabarrograds

154 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Nabarro is a leading international law firm with offices in London, Brussels, Dubai, Manchester, Sheffield and Singapore with over 100 partners leading more than 300 lawyers. We offer a broad range of legal services to major national and international clients. Our core practice areas include Corporate/Commercial, Real Estate, Dispute Resolution and Infrastructure, Construction and Energy. The sectors where we have a particular specialism include Healthcare, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Technology. Our trainees are based in our London or Sheffield office and undertake six fourmonth seats, ensuring exposure to the firm’s core practice areas. We recruit all our trainees from our vacation schemes. Our schemes ensure you gain an insight into our business, the type of work on offer and the people you’ll be working with. You will spend the duration of the scheme in one department, allowing you to grow in confidence, obtain ‘real’ work and build relationships within your team.

Our Summer Scheme. A dozen awards, and counting.

What are your chances of winning a Training Contract with Nabarro without first getting to know us on our Summer Scheme? In a word, non-existent. These days, every trainee who joins us starts here. To find out why joining Nabarro, via our multi-award-winning Summer Scheme, will greatly increase your chances of building the kind of career you want, just roll up for a chat at the next Law Fair you see us at. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to meet you. Or visit: graduates.nabarro.com

Your future as a lawyer. Leave nothing to chance.

75th Reviewed by 17 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know

Industry Focus: Engineering & Business Management

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Business and Project Management, Finance, Business Technology, Building Surveying and HR Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: £17,000, 28 days annual leave, subsidised rail travel (75% up to £2,250 max) on rail or underground season tickets

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:2 Application Process: Online application, Online tests, Video Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/networkrailgraduates @networkrail

156 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

The railway is vital to Britain’s future economic success. That’s why Network Rail manages more engineering projects and employs more specialists than other UK organisations. Our work programme for the next five years will have major benefits for the whole country. Our award-winning architectural developments are helping to regenerate towns and businesses. We’re adding these to the 15,795 kilometres of rail, 2,515 stations, 32,000 viaducts, bridges and tunnels and 9,000 level crossings that we already look after. We are one of the largest land and property owners in the country. We manage 18 of the biggest stations in Britain, transforming their hidden corners into thriving shops, cafés and bars. Meanwhile, our 17,000km-long fibre optic network powers our track-side signals, electrical systems and line-side telephones. With incredibly varied opportunities to grow, develop and take your career wherever you want it to, you’ll be able to explore the many parts of our organisation. We truly are a Network Unlimited.

What Annabel thinks...

Annabel Kate Downing From University of Leeds Studying Architectural Engineering (Industrial) Position Engineering Placement Student

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The initial sign up on to the scheme was simple; this was followed by a variety of tests and interviews before attending the final stage, the assessment centre. Network Rail was great at keeping me updated at every stage of the way. How much responsibility do you have? I was given a great amount of responsibility which made me feel part of the team, from evolving the way major structures are managed on the route to a training scheme to prepare engineers to examine tunnels.

“The atmosphere was a friendly working environment, with a balance between working and socialising.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Don’t be put off by the fact it is an asset management placement and seize every opportunity that you come across, this way you will experience much more. I was fortunate enough to spend a few days with a heritage architect on the Ordsall Chord project. What do you most enjoy about your role? The highlight of my placement was the variety of exciting projects I got to be a

part of, both office and site based. No two days were the same! How has this experience exceeded your expectations? At university you do not gain an appreciation for asset management. As my placement was in an area I had never experienced I was a little apprehensive as to what to expect. However it has definitely exceeded my expectations. What is the office atmosphere like? The Manchester office is a large open plan modern office block, with each floor split in to zones. The atmosphere was a friendly working environment, with a balance between working and socialising. What activities are there outside of work? Network Rail heavily promotes their graduate and undergraduate opportunities at various open days and career fairs that placement students can help at. There were also various STEM outreach projects we could get involved in as well as charitable work. @RateMyPlacement what a year

full of great experiences it has been, I

have loved every minute of it! Thanks for

having me @NetworkRail #dontwanttogo #Placement2016

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 157

23rd Reviewed by 24 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know

Industry Focus: Banking, Markets, Technology, Finance

Number of Vacancies:

100+

Roles Recruiting Into: Banking, Sales, Trading, Research, Structuring, Operations, Technology, Finance, Compliance, Risk Locations: London and European offices Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, onsite gym and canteen

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted or obtained 2:1 in any degree Application Process: Online Application, Online Tests, CV & Cover Letter, Interview, Case Study fb.me/ @Nomura

158 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Nomura is an Asia-headquartered financial services group with an integrated global network spanning over 30 countries. By â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Connecting Markets East & Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Retail, Asset Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership. At Nomura, internships are the perfect preparation for a subsequent full time role. We offer a range of graduate and internship programmes across three key areas; investment banking, global markets and corporate infrastructure. Internship opportunities can include a 10 week spring or summer internship in London or a 3-6 month internship in one of our regional offices.

Make an impression Build your investment banking career at Nomura With a global network spanning over 30 countries, we’re able to connect our retail, asset management and wholesale clients to opportunities – wherever they are. We are now looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders to join our highly nimble and diverse workforce. If you want to make an impression and build a long term career in investment banking, come and discover more about Nomura. This could be a perfect fit for you.

Our internship programs & deadlines: Internship Programs (Investment Banking, Global Markets & Corporate Infrastructure)

Apply by no later than January 1, 2017* Insight Programs (targeted towards students graduating in 2018)

Apply by no later than January 15, 2017* * We recruit on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible

nomura.com/connects

To find out more and apply, visit www.nomura.com/careers

© Nomura International plc 2016. Nomura is the global marketing name of Nomura Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries worldwide including Nomura International (Hong Kong) Limited, licensed and regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Nomura Securities International, Inc (New York), a member of FINRA, NYSE and SIPC and Nomura International plc (London), authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority and member of the London Stock Exchange. This is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell securities.

57th Reviewed by 34 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Recruitment

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruited Into: Recruitment, Business Development, Sales Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:2 or above in any degree Application Process: TBC

fb.me/JoinPageGroupUK @joinpagegroupuk

160 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

PageGroup is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-known and most respected recruitment consultancies. We are a trusted recruitment partner to leading organisations and provide tailored solutions to companies across a range of industries. Through organic growth, we have become a FTSE 250 company with more than 5,680 employees globally and have repeatedly been voted as one of the Sunday Times 100 best companies to work for. As a people-to-people business our greatest asset is our people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; experienced recruitment professionals, working at a local level, providing a personal and dedicated service to clients and candidates. Over 85% of our managers started out as consultants and a notable number of them started their career with us on our internship and graduate programmes.

What Lauren thinks...

Lauren Posada From Durham University Studying Law LLB Position Intern

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What was the interview process like? The interview process was quick, the first stage was application form, then a telephone interview and then I attended an assessment centre in London. The final stage was a meeting with my manager and to meet the team. PageGroup got back to me very quickly after each stage and I never felt like I was left in the dark! How much responsibility do you have? Throughout the internship I got involved in client and candidate meetings, speaking with clients and candidates on the phone and managing the recruitment cycle for candidates which I had sourced. The brilliant thing about the internship is that you get out as much as you put in. Your team are really willing to help and you can get involved in whichever area you want.

“The internship hugely helps with starting as a graduate as it allows you to understand the basics.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Show your personality! This is a people facing role and is all about making an impact. Candidates and clients have to buy into you as much as you have to buy into them. Also go in with an open mind; I didn’t know much about recruitment

consultancy before I started researching internships but learnt so much throughout the first eight weeks I was here. What do you most enjoy about your role? The responsibility given to me and the fact that from the first day I was continually challenged! I also really enjoyed meeting candidates and clients. This isn’t a role where you are behind a desk all day – you are constantly building a professional network on the phone and out of the office on meetings. How are the prospects now that you are a graduate consultant? The graduate prospects are really promising. I joined as a graduate and have been here for almost three months. The internship hugely helps with starting as a graduate as it allows you to understand the basics. From the beginning of my graduate career I was shown the progression path and talked through how to get there. One thing that really drew me to PageGroup is that your career progression is in your own hands! @RateMyPlacement I loved my

placement at PageGroup. It gave me a full and rounded experience of what a

career in recruitment would be like. So

much so I have now joined as a graduate! #bestinternshipever

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 161

10th Reviewed by 316 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus:

Professional Services, Consulting, Technology

Number of Vacancies:

800

Roles Recruiting Into: Actuarial, Assurance, Consulting, Deals, HR, Tax, Technology, Legal, Marketing Locations: UK-wide Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, holiday entitlement, healthcare, pension scheme, study support, bike scheme

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 in any degree subject Application Process: Please check www.rmp.gd/pwc fb.me/PwCCareersUK @PwC_UK_Careers

162 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Opportunities are at the heart of a career with PwC. Our purpose is to build trust in society, solving important problems for our clients; helping them tackle complex business challenges and improving how they work. Our continued success, size and scale, not forgetting our extensive client base, creates an environment where undergraduates and graduates get access to the best career and work experience opportunities. No matter which year youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in at university we have many ways you can learn, partly about us, but more importantly, about yourself. Wherever you join us, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of our talent academies, women in business placements, summers internships, undergraduate or graduate placements, they could all lead to a permanent job with us. All routes offer you the same deal. The opportunity to grow as an individual, to meet new people, and build lasting relationships that will stay with you for life. In return we need people who are resilient, willing to work hard, are quick to learn, and who, above all, are passionate about going the extra mile to help our clients.

What Bethan thinks...

Bethan From University of Bath Studying Natural Sciences Position Assurance Summer Intern

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What was the interview process like? The interview process was challenging but all the information you needed was set out clearly on the careers website. I received feedback quickly at the end of each stage. How much responsibility were you given? I was really surprised by the level of responsibility we were given right from the outset. I was involved in client work, had meetings with the client and felt like I contributed to the audit. What advice would you give to someone applying for your role? Make sure your research what PwC has to offer. Attend careers fairs and careers events held by PwC to talk to people about their roles, this is a great way to gain an insight into what life at PwC might be like. What has been your biggest challenge? This was definitely having enough confidence to talk to clients about their work. You have plenty of training before your first job and the support from the rest of the team was great. Where has your experience exceeded your expectations? What surprised me most was the exposure you get to senior people both within PwC and their clients. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

assigned actual work which helps contribute to the overall Audit. What did you most enjoy about your role? The variety - during my 6 week placement I had the opportunity to work on a number of different clients in different industries. This really keeps work life interesting. Describe a situation where you surpassed expectations. I was able to take ownership for the work assigned to me and ensure that it was all completed within the required deadline. What was the atmosphere like in your team? One of the best things about working at PwC is the teams you work. Everyone is very supportive, approachable and friendly. What were the activities outside of work? I had the opportunity to join in social events after work with my fellow interns and also the office netball team.

@RateMyPlacement my placement at

PwC was great. I gained great experience

of work life and I started my final year with a graduate job offer. #PwCtalent

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 163

65th Reviewed by 31 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Financial Services

Number of Vacancies:

100

Roles Recruiting Into: Global Investment Banking, Global Markets, Finance, Operations, Risk & Technology Locations: London Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in any degree discipline Application Process: Online Application fb.me/ @RBC4Students

164 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Royal Bank of Canada is a premier investment bank that provides a focused set of products and services to institutions, corporations, governments and high net worth clients in over 100 countries. We understand that the first steps in any career in finance are critical. With that in mind, we have the right formula to provide you with the opportunities and professional development you need to turn those first steps into a rewarding career. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be part of a company with a superior financial track record, credit rating and reputation. In fact, we maintained a high credit rating throughout the recent financial crisis. Working at one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading investment banks means you will benefit from the breadth of opportunity, depth of resources and quality of training that comes from our size, experience and strength. It will also give you the chance to work regularly with world-class clients and colleagues. In short, we provide the essential components to get your career off to a great start.

What Oliver thinks...

Oliver Schofield From University of Oxford Studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics Position Global Investment Banking Analyst, Debt

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What was the interview process like? I completed an online application and then was invited to a first round interview with two business associates. A week later I was invited to an assessment centre where I interviewed with Managing Directors as well as completing a group exercise.

What do you most enjoy about your role? The rotational programme and smaller, friendly teams are a k differentiator at RBC. Investment banking is an intense career path, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of support here to make sure that junior bankers are able to learn and develop in their careers.

How much responsibility do you have? As an analyst, my main responsibilities are financial modelling, including assessing businesses on a variety of credit metrics, due diligence on companies to which we propose to lend, and the preparation of internal credit papers.

What activities are there outside of work? As part of our fundraising efforts for Great Ormand Street hospital I have taken part in the Great River Race and completed two Tough Mudders. I have also played in the RBC softball team for the interbank league and football tournaments.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The training at RBC is excellent and even included four weeks in Toronto.â&#x20AC;? What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be yourself. At the interview be confident and ask lots of questions. Make sure you really research the company and know why you want to work for them and what it is that makes them different. Be enthusiastic and engaged with your assessors.

How promising are the graduate prospects? The training at RBC is excellent and even included four weeks in Toronto. I rotated between two desks during the graduate programme and felt that my opinion on where I wanted to go was listened to resulting in a full time offer on my preferred desk.

@RateMyPlacement I loved my

internship at RBC. Every day was different and there were so many fun activities

alongside the normal work #culture #friends #cantwaittobeback

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 165

78th

We’re the bank that’s determined to make a difference – to our customers, our people and the communities we serve.

Reviewed by 210 students

That determination is what makes RBS such an exciting place to work. We believe there’s a right way to do business, and we’ve created a fair, open, honest culture that values your passions and will help you achieve your full potential. And our programmes are the perfect way to begin your career with us.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Banking & Technology

Number of Vacancies:

500

Roles Recruiting Into: Tech, Functions, Private & Commercial Banking, Marketing, Risk, Internal Audit, Business Solutions Locations: UK Wide Salary & Benefits: Competitive, varies per programme

How to apply Entry Requirements: Varies per programme, UCAS points not required Application Process: Varies per programme, visit yourpassionyourpotential.rbs.com fb.me/rbsearlycareers

@rbsearlycareers 166 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Whatever your degree, A Level/Highers subjects or level of experience, there’s a place for you here – as long as you have passion and determination. Our internships will give you a deep insight into how our business works today, our plans, our people and our caring culture while you pursue your own unique career path. It’s about more than just the chance to learn. It’s about making a difference by turning your ideas into actions; including enhancing your team-working abilities through the charity events for our interns. If you have talent, energy, and the commitment, a career with us is a challenge that will inspire and motivate you.

Curious Authentic Great eye

At RBS, we recognise that everyone is different and everyone has different things they love to do. Our Early Careers programmes give you the opportunity to turn that passion into a fulfilling career. We want you to have everything you need to ensure you get off to the best possible start by providing you with the tools and support to succeed with RBS. With responsibility from the beginning and the chance to work in some great locations, you will contribute to making RBS the number one bank for customer service, trust and advocacy. We want you to bring your curiosity, commitment and enthusiasm and together, we can make a difference.

Your passion. Your potential. Discover how your passion could shape a career. yourpassionyourpotential.rbs.com

1. RIP UP THE

RULE BOOK 41st Reviewed by 15 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Law

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Law Locations: London Salary & Benefits: £300 per week

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in any degree Application Process: First interview face to face, Presentations, Written Exercise, Aptitude test and Case studies fb.me /ReynoldsPorterChamberlain @LifeinaLawFirm

168 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Leading lawyers. Great clients. And an unrivalled commercial approach to business. At RPC we offer a depth of knowledge and creativity that few firms can rival, and combine this with high quality training programmes that are consistently lauded in the leading directories. Headquartered in a state of the art site in the City of London, we also have stunning offices in Bristol, Hong Kong and Singapore. Our open plan, collaborative working environment – where knowledge is easily shared and access to partners an everyday reality – is designed to bring out the best in our people and to ensure that the service we offer our clients is second to none. And it is. We provide top quality legal services to global businesses across a wide range of industry sectors and practices. If you want to join us in challenging convention, we’re offering training contracts on a full–time contract for two years. We’re intent on rewriting the rules. If you have courage and a pioneering spirit, we’d love to hear from you.

What Alex thinks...

Alex Farrow From Birmingham Studying Law with French Position 2016 Trainee Solicitor

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What was the interview process like? The process was well rounded, and designed to bring out your skills and abilities. There was a competency based interview, business focused task and networking. Everyone helped you feel relaxed and they were encouraging. How much responsibility do you have? I was working on real life cases, not just dealing with hypothetical situations. I was actually able to feel like I was getting involved and sample the work a trainee would be doing on a day-to-day basis. I felt trusted and integrated very quickly.

“RPC is brimming with personality! This is no firm for the mundane. I found that they valued you as a person as much as your technical ability.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Make sure you do your research! It’s important to understand the culture of RPC and what makes the firm special. It’s also important you know what’s unique about you. The whole experience was fantastic, so be prepared! What do you most enjoy about your role? It was challenging but gave me a real insight. I was able to experience more of

the firm by splitting my time across two different departments. The partners and senior staff took time to give us valuable insights and their visions of the future. Describe your biggest achievement. Some of the research I produced was passed straight through to a client. It was great to be given so much exposure to what life would be like in a law firm. It was challenging, but the best way to learn is to be challenged! How has this experience exceeded your expectations? From the moment you walked in the door you could tell that RPC was different. I didn’t think I would find such innovative and forward thinking people, I found it inspiring. It increased my desire to be an innovator in the legal arena. What is the office atmosphere like? RPC is brimming with personality! This is no firm for the mundane. I found that they valued you as a person as much as your technical ability. Everyone shares a vision which means you can work amongst friends, not just colleagues. @RateMyPlacement I loved my insight

to @Lifeinlawfirm. The experiences were

challenging but rewarding! Looking forward to defining the future with @RPCLaw #illbeback #RPCpioneer

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 169

81st Reviewed by 24 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT & Software

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Sales, Operations, Consulting, Marketing, Finance, HR, Recruitment, Software Programming Locations: Greater London, Maidenhead, Knutsford Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ16,500, 25 Days Holiday + 1 day birthday leave, study days, free lunch

How to apply Entry Requirements: 2:1 Application Process: Online Application, Telephone Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/SAP @SAPUKIreland

170 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

SAP is a world leader in business enterprise software; over 285,000 customers across the globe are using SAP software right now to improve their business processes. By helping to manage their flow of information, SAP empowers people and organisations to work together more efficiently and use their business insight to become best run businesses. At SAP, our core passions are Integrity, Teamwork, Trust, Professionalism, Accountability and Success. We offer a large variety of different placement roles, ranging across all of the different business functions, from marketing and sales to consulting and finance. No matter what part of the business you are in, you will have a great deal of responsibility and exposure. Awarded as one of RateMyPlacementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top undergraduate employers 2016/2017, a placement with SAP guarantees that you will have the chance to make an impact, not only in your chosen role, but in the organisation as a whole.

What Zoe thinks...

Zoe Leach-Leeson From Sheffield Hallam University Studying Computing Position Digital Business Services Intern

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What was the interview process like? The process was fairly challenging but enjoyable because everyone is so welcoming that it gave me a good insight into what working at SAP would look like. How much responsibility do you have? Throughout the year as you build trust with your team, you are given more responsibility. For instance, I have a very trusting relationship with the management team in my department and that enables me to work on confidential projects.

“The whole culture at SAP encourages you to work within dynamic teams and build a strong network.” What do you most enjoy about your role? Working collaboratively with a variety of different people to solve the unpredictable business challenges that arise. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be prepared and willing to take on unexpected challenges that will come your way, because the IT industry is very fast paced and change is always challenging for organisations – being involved in that is always exciting.

What has been your biggest challenge? Recognising people’s expectation of your work capacity – you aren’t expected to complete everything that comes your way. Be empowered to say no and don’t overwhelm yourself. What is the office atmosphere like? I work within a very friendly and welcoming team and the atmosphere in the office reflects that. The whole culture at SAP encourages you to work within dynamic teams and build a strong network. How promising are the graduate prospects? Very promising, early talent is a major priority for a lot of organisations, SAP included. If you consciously work towards that and prove how you can add value to the organisation then there is no limit to your opportunities.

@RateMyPlacement I’ve had an

incredible year at @SAPUKIreland. The

opportunities I have had within the Digital

Business Services team have exceeded my expectations – I would highly recommend a

placement with SAP to anyone looking for a challenge

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 171

43rd Reviewed by 97 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Real Estate

Number of Vacancies:

170

Roles Recruiting Into: Surveying, Rural, Capital Allowances, Urban Design, Building Surveying and Town Planning Locations: UK Nationwide & Europe Salary & Benefits: Competitive and Comprehensive

How to apply Entry Requirements: RICS/RTPI Accredited Course/passion for property/entrepreneurialism Application Process: Online application, telephone interview, assessment day fb.me/savills @SavillsGraduate

172 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Savills UK is a leading global real estate service provider listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Company employs over 30,000 staff and has 700 offices and associates worldwide, providing trainees with excellent scope for international experience as their careers develop. Savills passionately believe their graduates are future leaders and therefore make a huge investment in them. Our graduates are given responsibility in teams who involve them in high-profile property deals and developments. The Savills Graduate Programme offers the chance to gain an internationally recognised Professional qualification. Individual achievement is rewarded and Savills look for bold graduates with entrepreneurial flair. The diversity of Savills services means there is the flexibility to carve out a fulfilling and selftailored career path despite the location. Savills are proud to be The Times Graduate Employer of Choice for Property for the last decade. Savills are signatory to the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark.

What Nick thinks...

Nick Heard From Cardiff University Studying BSc Geography and Planning. MSc International Planning and Development Position Graduate Planner

What was the interview process like? I was interviewed by the Head of Planning and two Savills Fee Earners. As well as asking questions about my CV, there were a couple of technical and competency based questions. Knowing my CV and the local market inside out was key. How much responsibility do you have? A lot more than I anticipated. Teams are keen for Graduates to contribute towards client projects. It is extremely rewarding knowing your work is being used to earn fees.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Savills really look after their staff and provide excellent training opportunities. â&#x20AC;? What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be enthusiastic and throw yourself into any opportunities that arise. Attending young professional and property specific networking events are great ways to meet potential future clients. Savills is an entrepreneurial company and being confident is key. What do you most enjoy about your role? I enjoy the entrepreneurial nature of the job. Due to its size, Savills exposes Graduates to an exciting and variable

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

range of projects. I like that no two days are ever the same. What has been your biggest challenge? Trying to balance APC preparation alongside my day job can be challenging at times but the Graduate team provide a huge amount of training and assistance. What activities are there outside of work? Savills really look after their staff and provide excellent training opportunities. There are a number of social events throughout the year bringing together the office, region and department. How promising are the graduate prospects? Savills emphasise the importance of the APC and are incredibly supportive of their graduates, offering a huge amount of targeted training sessions - 40% of our Board members joined the Company as Graduates, showing that the career prospects are huge.

@RateMyPlacement My placement at

Savills gave me vital experience and made me more confident when applying for jobs #forwardthinking

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 173

72nd Reviewed by 18 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Oil and Gas, Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Geoscience, Research, Software Locations: 7 UK locations + International Salary & Benefits: Competitive, 23 days holiday, Housing Allowance (if located more the 50 miles away)

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1+ Degree in Engineering, Science, Maths, Computer Science, Geoscience Application Process: Apply online at www.rmp. gd/schlumberger, followed by interviews fb.me/ @

174 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Schlumberger is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing more than 95,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in approximately 85 countries, Schlumberger provides the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s widest range of products and services from exploration through to production. Each year we seek a large number of undergraduates with backgrounds in Engineering, Software, Science and Geoscience for placements, internships and insight schemes in the UK and internationally. With 125 research, engineering and manufacturing centres worldwide, we place strong emphasis on developing innovative technology that adds value to our customers. We also provide internships working within operations as Field Engineers where you will be exposed to the deployment and use of the technology in the oilfield. For more information please come by at a careers fairs or visit our website: www.careers.slb.com

What Nadia thinks...

Nadia Domanski From University of Bath Studying MEng Mechanical Engineering Position Mechanical Engineer

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What was the interview process like? I received a placement offer after attending an insight course called “Women in Technology” where, as part of a three day course, we had group projects and case studies as well as talks from engineers who worked in different areas of the company. How much responsibility were you given? A lot! I was surprised at how much responsibility we were given as interns, we were expected to deliver on many different projects and keep to timelines. I definitely felt like I was treated as a proper employee, not as a student.

“Being able to apply what I learnt in the first two years of University in actual situations was fun, who knew Laplace equations had real life applications!” What advice would you give to someone applying for your role? A strong technical foundation is a must, but being able to display engineering skills outside of your University course is even more important. Being passionate about technology, design and engineering was seen very favourably by the

managers and recruiters. Finally, be prepared to work hard! What did you most enjoy about your role? As the year progressed I enjoyed being given problems that nobody had solved before. Being able to apply what I learnt in the first three years of University in actual situations was fun… who knew Laplace equations had real life applications! Describe a situation where you surpassed expectations. I was asked to work with someone from a different team on a field failure, where we had just 24 hours to investigate, diagnose and fix the tool located in Mexico. It was extremely fast paced and hard work, I never expected to be invited to do something like this.

@RateMyPlacement I have grown so

much on placement year, both personally and professionally… Schlumberger have not seen the last of me!

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 175

67th Reviewed by 17 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Law

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Trainee Solicitor Locations: Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Reading, Southampton Salary & Benefits: £275 per week

How to apply Entry Requirements: Minimum CCC & a degree in any discipline (or equivalents) Application Process: Online application form fb.me/shoosmithsgraduates @ShoosmithsGrads

176 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Shoosmiths’ focus on people, relationships and results has defined its achievements for more than 160 years. We’re a modern national commercial law firm, recently named UK Law Firm of the Year at The British Legal Awards. Achieving this is a dedicated team of lawyers along with a strong support team, in 11 offices throughout the UK, from Southampton to Edinburgh. From property developers to some of the UK’s largest banks, we work with a growing number of the FTSE 250 and some of the world’s most exciting, ambitious growth businesses. During your placement you will get a real insight into life as a trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths, and it can even fast track you to a place on our assessment day for a training contract. You’ll be buddied with a trainee and spend time working with clients, partners and qualified lawyers. Everyone in our firm makes a valuable contribution to the business and we get you involved in that too, from attending client meetings, tribunals, to legal research, contract drafting and business development.

SEE YOURSELF AT SHOOSMITHS Develop your career at a firm focussed on putting people, relationships and results at the heart of your training contract. Apply now at www.shoosmiths.co.uk

www.twitter.com/shoosmithsgrads www.facebook.com/shoosmithsgraduates

73rd Reviewed by 23 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering (mechanical, electrical, manufacturing), IT, Business, Finance, Project Management and HR Locations: UK wide Salary & Benefits: Average of ÂŁ16,000

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:2 in relevant degree Application Process: Online application, psychometric tests, video interview, assessment centre fb.me/ @SiemensUKJobs

178 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

As a global technology and engineering powerhouse, Siemens is behind a diverse range of technologies and services; from rail systems and energy management, to factory automation and medical imaging technology. We are known for our engineering expertise and ingenious solutions that our customers rely on. Our people are proud of their achievements and are inspired to be the best they can be because of the impact they have on UK society. We take on tough projects that make a difference. We build infrastructure where there is none. We energise the world, help industries run smoothly and create the digital tomorrow. We empower our interns and graduates to own and thrive on these challenges, enabling them to Maximise their potential. We have a diverse range of placement opportunities as well as a smaller number of internship opportunities all over the UK, for you to make real difference to the world we live in.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re creating the technologies that make societies succeed Are you in?

As a global technology and engineering powerhouse, Siemens is behind a diverse range of technologies and services; from rail systems and energy management, to factory automation and medical imaging technology. We take on tough projects that make a difference. We build infrastructure where there is none. We energise the world, help industries run smoothly and create the digital tomorrow. Whether you want to develop a career in engineering or business, we offer placements and internships which will empower you to own and thrive on these challenges, enabling you to maximize your potential. Head to our website to find out more..

siemens.co.uk/careers

34th

We’re an investment company, and we’ve helped people manage their money since 1825.

Reviewed by 28 students

We administer over £307 billion, with Standard Life Investments managing £253 billion. We’re based in Edinburgh, and support around 4.5 million customers and clients across 46 countries. We support around 25 million more through partnerships in India and China.

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Financial Services, Investments

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Accountancy, Actuarial, Global Client Group, Human Resources, Investments, Marketing, Operations, Risk, Technology Locations: Edinburgh Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in any degree (some roles require specific subject Application Process: Online Application/CV, Online Test, Telephone Interview, Assesment Centre fb.me/standardlifeuk @SLCareers_

180 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

To deliver products and services that help people invest and plan with confidence, we rely on our 6,500 employees. Talented people, with diverse skills and perspectives, working as a team. There’s also a strong sense of social responsibility. As part of our intern programme, you’ll have challenging projects with real responsibilities. There’s great support – a big community of interns and graduates, support towards accommodation in Edinburgh, and a personal development programme to complement your on-the-job learning. And you’ll gain the confidence that you’re on the right career path. We offer many interns a role on our graduate programme the next year too. (All figures as at 31 December 2015)

to making an impact From great potential

We deliver products and services that help people invest and plan with confidence.To do that, we rely on talented people. Diverse skills and perspectives. And team players, all playing to their strengths.

ACCOUNTANCY ACTUARIAL GLOBAL CLIENT GROUP HUMAN RESOURCES

INVESTMENTS MARKETING OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY

If you’re one of our graduates or interns, this means you too. You’ll have big challenges. Real responsibilities. And a great support network. If you’re starting on your career path – and your ambition matches ours – we’ll help you create a clear route to follow.

www.standardlife.com/graduates

8th

Taylor Wessing is a full-service international law firm, working with clients in the world’s most dynamic industries.

Reviewed by 77 students

Our focus on industries of tomorrow such as technology, life sciences, and energy means that alongside law students, we also recruit a wide range of students with non-law degrees.

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Law

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Vacation scheme 2017, First year insight event 2017 Locations: London and 32 other offices worldwide Salary & Benefits: £275 per week

How to apply Entry Requirements: ABB at A-Level and predicted 2:1 at undergraduate Application Process: Please visit www.rmp.gd/taylorwessing for more information fb.me/taylorwessinggraduates @TaylorWessing

182 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Vacation Schemes Our vacation schemes are designed for you to experience life as a trainee solicitor in a fast-paced, innovative City law firm. You’ll spend two weeks in two different practice groups gaining firsthand experience under the supervision of associates and partners. In all, 70% of our trainee intake comes from our vacation scheme. First year insight & Open days In April 2017 we will be holding an insight event for candidates in their first year at university or second year of a four-year course. Registration will open from 1st October 2016.

What Harry thinks...

Harry Ruffell From Durham University Studying Modern Languages (French, Spanish, Italian) Position Vacation Scheme Student

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What was the interview process like? The interview process consisted of a general interview involving a case study scenario with a Partner and a member of the HR team followed by a group exercise. For what is usually a nerveracking experience, I was made to feel very welcome and at ease. What did you most enjoy about your role? Being given the chance to sit in both Corporate Finance and Real Estate was extremely interesting as I could discover two completely different areas of law. The level of responsibility I was given was also very rewarding, if a little daunting at first.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone is extremely welcoming and there are a number of law and non-law related activities which are great to get involved in.â&#x20AC;? How much responsibility were you given? I was given a large amount of responsibility in both seats and undertook tasks similar to those completed by trainees. This mainly involved legal research and proofreading. Despite this responsibility I felt able to ask for advice and guidance.

What advice would you give to someone applying for your role? My main piece of advice would be to enjoy the experience as much as you can. Everyone is extremely welcoming and there are a number of law and nonlaw related activities which are great to get involved in. Finally, just be yourself and smile! What has been your biggest challenge? Having studied Modern Languages, at times I felt as though I were learning another new language with all the legal terms which were completely alien to me! However my supervisors were understanding and extremely helpful in answering my questions. Describe your biggest achievement? I was particularly proud of the fact that by the end of my vacation scheme I was entrusted by my supervisor to carry out research which was then sent straight to clients. This made me feel like my work was valued. @RateMyPlacement I loved my

vacation scheme at @TaylorWessing. Had a great experience at a very friendly and welcoming firm.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 183

61st Reviewed by 18 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Retail & Supply Chain

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Technology, Finance, Buying, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Property, Online, Marketing Locations: Hertfordshire Salary & Benefits: Competitive, 20 Days Holiday, Pension, Product Discounts

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300-320 UCAS Points, predicted 2:1 degree Application Process: Online Application. Online Psychometric Testing. Telephone Interview. Assessment Centre fb.me/ @TescoEC

184 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Our people are our biggest asset – over half a million of them! The success we have is shaped by the vision and ideas of our colleagues and their ability to turn these ideas into a fantastic shopping experience for our customers. The customer is at the heart of everything we do. We’re continually striving to give them a better shopping experience, whether that’s through a seamless online experience or reducing the queuing time within our stores. We’re looking for talented individuals who share our passion for great service. People who have energy and enthusiasm for delivering, working collaboratively and managing large scale projects that make a real difference. Think of Tesco and you might imagine working in store. Choose the Store Programme and you will certainly spend a lot of time there. But with around 10 Summer Internships across our business, including Finance, Technology, General Merchandise and Product Quality, there are many other exciting areas outside the store.

What Dominic thinks...

Dominic Berko From University of Manchester Studying International Business, Finance & Economics Position Online Programme

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How much responsibility do you have? Right from the start you are treated as an equal. You are given amazing opportunities to make a difference very quickly. In my first project, I designed the dispatch area of a new Fulfilment Centre. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Do your homework. Look into what our company is doing compared to the other players in the market. Once your foot is through the door, be as inquisitive and passionate as you can. Just remember to be yourself and let your personality shine through.

“I was placed on an optimisation project. For the first time I lead my own project, rather than acting as a support. It really tested everything I had learned in my previous placements.” What do you most enjoy about your role? Everyday I am challenged and therefore I am learning. At this stage of our career it is vital to be able to think on your feet, enhance your problem solving skills and absorb as much information as possible. No two days have been the same.

What has been your biggest challenge? You don’t appreciate how big a business is until you’re in it. The number of stakeholders and people you work with is much bigger than I imagined. However, after a couple of months, your network begins to grow and grow, making this much simpler. Describe your biggest achievement. I was placed on an optimisation project. For the first time I lead my own project, rather than acting as a support. It really tested everything I had learned in my previous placements. Overall, I managed to save Tesco hundreds of thousands of pounds. How promising are the graduate prospects? Due to the size of the company, there are ample opportunities to move around. It is easy to see why there are so many ‘Tesco Lifers,’ because it is possible to have many careers at the same company.

@RateMyPlacement My time at Tesco

has really exceeded all my expectations.

The responsibility you get from day one is incredible.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 185

74th Reviewed by 15 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Engineering and Built Environment

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Transport Locations: London Salary & Benefits: £17,163 Pro Rata, free travel on TfL’s networks for you and one other member of your household

How to apply Entry Requirements: Penultimate year students, predicted a 2:1 Application Process: Online Application, Online Testing, Video Interview and Assessment Centre fb.me/ @

186 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

With a population of over 8.6 million and more than 17 million visitors every year, London is a city that’s always on the move. Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for looking after the intricate planning and everyday operation of the Capital’s transport system. Our people make sure that millions of residents, workers and visitors arrive safely at their destinations, day in, day out. Our remit is broad. It includes everything from the Tube, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, TfL Rail, London Trams, London River Services, Dial-a-Ride, Victoria Coach Station and Emirates Air Line, to Santander Cycles and of course, our iconic red doubledecker buses. But there’s a lot more to it than that. We also regulate taxis and the private hire trade, run the Congestion Charging scheme, manage the city’s 580km red route road network and operate every one of the Capital’s 6,200 traffic signals.

Shape the future of London â&#x20AC;&#x201C; join TfL We want to be as diverse as the city we represent and welcome applications from everyone regardless of disability, faith, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or gender.

MAYOR OF LONDON

Transport for London

25th Reviewed by 100 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Investment Banking

Number of Vacancies:

300

Roles Recruiting Into: Investment Bank, Corporate Center, Global Asset Management Locations: London and many other locations across EMEA Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points, minimum 2.1 in any undergraduate degree Application Process: Online Application, Online Testing, Competency Interview, Assessment Center fb.me/ubscareers @ubscareers

188 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Expert advice. Wealth management. Investment banking. Asset management. Retail banking in Switzerland. And all the support functions. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we do. And we do it for private and institutional clients as well as corporations around the world. We are about 60,000 employees in all major financial centers, in almost 900 offices and more than 50 countries. Together. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how we do things. We offer people around the world a supportive, challenging and diverse working environment. We value your passion and commitment, and reward your performance. Are you truly collaborative? Succeeding at UBS means respecting, understanding and trusting colleagues and clients. Challenging others and being challenged in return. Being passionate about what you do. Driving yourself forward, always wanting to do things the right way. Does that sound like you? Then you have the right stuff to join us. We offer a wide range of programs; from first year Insights and Horizons, through to Summer Internships, Industrial Placements and Graduate opportunities.

What Hannah thinks...

Hannah Mitchell From Exeter University Studying Economics BSc Position Prime Brokerage Sales (12 Month Industrial Placement Student)

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What was the interview process like? My interview process involved an online numerical and logic test, followed by a telephone interview and assessment day. At the assessment day I was interviewed by people who I now work with on a daily basis so the process gave me a great feel for the firm’s culture and the people I would be working with. How much responsibility do you have? I supported senior management on a number of projects where I had clear accountability and ownership over tasks and the autonomy to make my own decisions. My line manager did his best to make sure that I had a balanced work load and that I had work that would challenge me to learn more about the business area.

“You are constantly learning throughout the duration of your placement, something that I really valued. ” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Apply early as the program is extremely popular and recruitment is done on a rolling basis, so the sooner you can apply the better! What do you most enjoy about your role? I love that no two days are the same;

I could come into work with a plan for the day and end up doing something completely different. It means that you are constantly learning throughout the duration of your placement, something that I really valued. What has been your biggest challenge? When I joined, the initial learning curve was very steep as there is a vast amount of new information to take in. That’s why I think the first few weeks are the most challenging, but I picked things up quickly! How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I’m amazed by how willing everyone is to take the time to explain their desk and what their job entails day-to-day. I have been able to broaden my network and learn about more roles within the firm than I even realised existed before I started my placement. What is the office atmosphere like? I am extremely impressed with the culture at UBS. My team made me feel extremely welcome and senior management made time to talk to me about their business area as well as checking in on my progress on the program. @RateMyPlacement Thanks UBS for a

fantastic year! #TimeFlies’

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 189

86th Reviewed by 83 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Automotive Manufacturer

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Business, IT, Engineering, HR, Finance, Purchasing, PR, Sales, Marketing Locations: Ellesmere Port, Luton Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ16,500, 21 days Holiday, Subsidised Canteen, Discounted Gym and Discounted on new cars/parts for friends and family

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predcited 2:1 in relevant degree Application Process: Online Application Form, Psychometric Testing and Assessment Centre fb.me/ @

190 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Vauxhall is a major UK employer, with around 35,000 people. 23,000 people work within our Retail Network, and a further 7,000 are employed within our UK supply chain. Vauxhall Motors operates a 12 month undergraduate placement scheme for students eager to gain hands on work experience within an industryleading company. Every year, over 95 proactive students will have the chance to immerse themselves in the fast-paced and exciting automotive industry by taking on challenging roles and contributing to vehicle launches, football sponsorship, and community projects. Our undergraduate programme has been running for over 25 years and so we recognise the importance of investing in the professional development of our placement students. From training in areas such as Microsoft Excel and safe driving to the allocation of a personal mentor, all undergraduates are provided with the support to enable them to make a real contribution to the organisation and add value to their degree.

What Katie thinks...

Katie Robinette From Portsmouth University Studying Human Resources Management with Psychology Position Undergraduate Programme Assistant

What was the interview process like? The interview process is very similar to other companies with an online application form, online test and an assessment centre. This consists of 2 interviews, presentation and a group exercise. All assessors are very friendly while remaining professional. How much responsibility do you have? Throughout my year I had so much responsibility as I was in charge of recruiting the next intake of undergraduates. There is no make tea and coffee for the office as the job roles are proper roles that are crucial for the business.

“The team I have worked with over the year have not just been supportive but also a laugh to work with.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? I would highly recommend all students to apply for a role within Vauxhall. When applying for the roles, I would suggest that students show enthusiasm throughout their application of why they would like to work in such a great company.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What do you most enjoy about your role? My team. The team I have worked with over the year have not just been supportive but also a laugh to work with. I have made strong work relationships and strong friendships which I will take away with me. It has made my year much more enjoyable. What activities are there outside of work? I lived with 4 other undergrads and then there were 3 other houses on my road with undergrads living in them. This made the placement year very social and there was always something going on. It was just like university but with money! How promising are the graduate prospects? This may be seen as a downside as the grad scheme isn’t that promising. However, if you are a high potential then you’re more likely to be offered a grad role.This is a good motivation tool to make us work to the best of our ability while here. @RateMyPlacement what an amazing

year at Vauxhall. Learnt so much about the

industry and myself and I have worked with

some amazing people. Thank you Vauxhall! #Vauxhall

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 191

55th Reviewed by 24 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Entertainment, Media, Retail

Number of Vacancies:

170

Roles Recruiting Into: Business, Finance, IT, HR, Legal, Commercial, Production, Creative, PR/ Comms, Marketing Locations: Hammersmith, West London Salary & Benefits: £18,000 per annum

How to apply Entry Requirements: Third year sandwich course students only (applicants must be returning to full time education in September 2018) Application Process: Applications open October 2016 online, telephone Interview followed by Face to face Assessment fb.me/ @Disney_UK

192 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

How great would it be to get your foot in the door with a global brand like Disney? Every year, we give Internships to the brightest individuals who can really add something to this magical business. Being the massively diverse company we are, there are opportunities in almost every area, including sales, design, marketing, IT, finance and HR – in industries from movies and gaming, through to television and products & licensing. Our invaluable schemes will put your education to work and give you the cutting-edge skills and experience to build your future career. If you are destined for the top, there is no better place to show what you’re made of. We’ll train you and give you every opportunity – the rest is up to you. This is Disney, where dreams and career aspirations can come true. Immerse yourself in an internship within The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland. You’ll gain valuable work experience and spark the imaginations of people everywhere. Add to that, the opportunity to work on exciting, challenging projects only available within Disney.

What Lizzie thinks...

Lizzie Charge From University of Surrey Studying Business Management Position Learning & Development Intern

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What was the interview process like? The assessment day consisted of Group Activities, Interviews and a Prioritisation exercise. The whole day was welcoming and relaxed which helped bring out the best in you. We learnt more about the Disney brand and have a tour of the office. How much responsibility do you have? I have taken on a wide range of responsibilities, including multiple projects supporting my team and other regions in Walt Disney International. I was never treated any differently for being an intern and was able to develop existing and new skills.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The highlight of my role has been hosting and co-ordinating a Leadership Insights programme for Walt Disney International.â&#x20AC;? What advice would you give to students applying for your role? If you are wishing to join the Disney family it is really important you are passionate about the brand. It is a magical company and attempts to keep that in everything it does. Also, be prepared to have lots of exciting opportunities and challenges.

What has been your biggest challenge? Adapting to working in a huge, multinational organisation. Although my biggest challenge has been finding time to be involved in all the projects available in just 12 months! Alongside professional opportunities there is also plenty of VoluntEAR projects. Describe your biggest achievement. The highlight of my role has been hosting and co-ordinating a Leadership Insights programme for Walt Disney International. This gave me the opportunity to network with multiple executives and gain valuable advice and careers insight from them. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? My experience has been amazing as every single day I came into work I was happy to be here. My role was full of challenges and new skills which I needed to learn but it was also full of enjoyment. Who knew working could be fun too?! @RateMyPlacement I absolutely

loved my placement at The Walt Disney

Company. It has given me a huge amount of experience which I can apply to both my future career in HR and personal development #thedisneydifference #dontmakemeleave

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 193

Company

Position

Page

Company

Position

Air Products

196

Morgan Advanced Materials

Atos

198

Nissan Motor GB

Autodesk

200

Pernod Ricard UK

Barnett Waddingham LLP

202

PSA Peugeot CitroĂŤn

Bechtel

204

Redgate

British American Tobacco

206

Smith & Williamson

Cognito iQ

208

Sophos

Computacenter

210

Sparx

228

E.ON UK

212

TK Maxx

230

EDF Trading

214

TNT

Gazprom Energy

Toyota GB

232

Gist Ltd

Travelport

234

i2i Events Group

TUI UK

236

Lear Corporation

Verizon

Lighthouse Systems Ltd

Visteon Engineering Services Ltd

Michael Dyson Associates Ltd

33 19

Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS)

Mindshare Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International plc (MUSI)

YouView

Company

Position

Allelys Group

Finalist

Apache

Finalist

Champions Life Academy

Finalist

Golfbreaks.com

Winner

240

ProspectSoft

Finalist

242

194 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

216

218

220

Page

222

224

226

238

Page

THE TOP 35 MEDIUM-SIZED UNDERGRADUATE SCHEMES 2016 - 2017 On the following pages you will find information about the Top 35 Medium-sized Undergraduate Schemes. They are organised in alphabetical order.

THE TOP 5 SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2016 - 2017 Immediately after the Top 35, you will find the Top Small to Medium-sized Undergraduate Employers (SMEs) that were shortlisted at the 2016 National Undergraduate Employability Awards.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 195

26th Reviewed by 6 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus:

Chemical & Mechanical Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Placement Years & Summer Internships Locations: Surrey & Nationwide Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ18,000 (pro rata), subsidised on site gym at HQ location, access to social and company organised events

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 or above in Mechanical/Chemical degrees Application Process: CV & Covering Letter, Video Interview and Assessment Centre fb.me/airproductscareers @AirProducts

196 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Air Products touches the lives of consumers around the globe in positive ways every day. With over 20,000 employees, we supply a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, equipment and services. We serve more than 50 countries across a wide range of industries from food and beverage, health and personal care to energy, transportation and semiconductors. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built a reputation for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Our aim is to develop lasting relationships with our customers based on understanding their needs, doing business with integrity and honesty, and exceeding expectations. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be as successful as we are today without our people, so if you would like to be part of something amazing, check out our undergraduate opportunities starting summer 2017. You will be doing a real job, learning new skills, and putting your academic knowledge to practice, so visit us online to apply and find out more!

What Christopher thinks...

Christopher Painter From University of Portsmouth Studying MEng Mechanical Engineering Position Junior Operations Project Engineer

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What was the interview process like? Competency based questions and a video recorded interview which was a first for me. The final stage was an assessment centre with group activities as well as individual tasks. I was impressed that I was challenged technically as well as socially. How much responsibility do you have? Started fairly average helping colleagues with their projects and then I inherited two small projects. Responsibility increased with my experience and for the second half of my placement I was leading an £800,000 project!

“There’s a very strong chance of being asked to return to the company. From my experiences and interactions, lots of placement students have been asked to return.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Show your social skills and enthusiasm for challenges throughout interview stages. Make the most of the placement by seizing opportunities and volunteering for everything you can, including sports clubs, social events and STEM events.

What do you most enjoy about your role? I enjoy overcoming challenges the most and thinking outside the box to solve problems. I have had a fantastic exposure to site work and travel for some major UK projects which was also a big highlight. What has been your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge was motivating and coordinating people - including members of the project team, external companies and customers. Everyone has other commitments which causes potential conflict with managing time and resources. What is the office atmosphere like? An open plan office with a good atmosphere, everyone was chatty and happy to answer questions. The highlights were the intercompany sports weekend (even though we lost the football!) and the Christmas do.

‘@RateMyPlacement had a fantastic

year with Air Products! Loved the people, responsibility and site experience. Now to return to being a poor student again! #AirProducts #illbeback

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 197

23rd Reviewed by 6 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT Services and Consulting

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Business, Finance, HR, IT Locations: UK Wide Salary & Benefits: Competitive, 25 days holiday, award winning range of flexible benefits

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 degree in any subject Application Process: Online application, numerical & verbal testing, telephone interview, assessment centre. fb.me/ @

198 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

At Atos, through digital transformation we strive to create the firm of tomorrow. We believe that bringing together people, technology and business is the way forward. We are a trusted partner for our clients’ digital journey. As technology continuously disrupts the norms, our clients can rely on us to guide them through a successful digital transformation, and our 100,000 employees across 72 countries make that happen. As the worldwide IT Partner and lead integrator of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Atos drives innovation on an extraordinary scale, under the scrutiny of the entire world. From public sector and defence to media and communications, clients look to us for solutions – and we’re here to deliver. Our three-month summer placements and 12-month internships offer undergraduates the opportunity to work on live assignments, with the support of some of the most knowledgeable colleagues in the business. Take the first step in an extraordinary career, and we’ll be with you all the way – nurturing your talent and developing your potential.

What Alexander thinks...

Alexander Zarach From University of Kent Studying Business IT Position Information Management and Analytics Analyst

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What was the interview process like? My first interview was on the phone, I was asked questions about Atos, and my experience. I had two interviews during the assessment day, which were more relaxed discussions than anything else! They see how enthusiastic you are and if you’re a good fit. How much responsibility do you have? I was responsible for development and production of internal reports used by management throughout the company! I also designed and built an automated data feed of company data to go between two systems. So, a lot of responsibility!

“I’ve had exposure to new technology at Atos, which has sometimes been challenging. However it’s the sort of challenge I really enjoy.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? For my particular role, it helps if you love working with data. In interviews for any role, be relaxed and be yourself, Atos is a very open friendly company and they want people who fit in with that.

What has been your biggest challenge? I’ve had exposure to new technology at Atos, which has sometimes been challenging. However it’s the sort of challenge I really enjoy, because I’m learning constantly and getting involved with work I would never have expected to. Describe your biggest achievement. My project was to produce a set of reports every week. However, Atos really want innovation. I noticed the reports that took several hours to refresh could refresh much quicker. A bit of tweaking and they now refresh in just two minutes! How has this experience exceeded your expectations? Pretty much in every way – work-based learning is a definite plus (I’ll get a university diploma at the end), as is exposure to an amazing range of clients (and some fascinating projects). The offices are nice - so is being able to work from home!

@RateMyPlacement I found my

graduate future at Atos! Amazing

colleagues, can’t believe how much I’ve grown and learned #teamwork #development

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 199

13th Reviewed by 7 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT, Mechanical Engineering

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Software Engineering, Application Engineering Locations: Birmingham, UK Salary & Benefits: Competitive, subsidised canteen, subsidised social events, paid holiday

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points, predicted 2:1 degree Application Process: Online Application, Assessment Centre fb.me/ @

200 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Want to help design winning racing cars, more fuel efficient planes, the biggest yachts, the tallest skyscrapers? With Autodesk you can! As a global leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, Autodesk helps people imagine, design, and create a better world. Autodesk accelerates better design through an unparalleled depth of experience and a broad portfolio of software to give customers the power to solve their design, manufacturing, business, and environmental challenges. Our placement programme was established six years ago as Delcam, before we became part of Autodesk, and continues with the same ethos of ensuring all new starters get the training and support they need, plus we have regular subsidised social events to help break the ice! We are looking for bright IT, Maths, Physics, and Engineering graduates to join our UK division to fill vacancies we have for software developers and application engineers. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the sort of individual who would thrive in a dynamic company like ours please visit our website to find out more.

Careers at Autodesk Be a leader in your field

Employment and placement opportunities for Software Engineers and Application Engineers • Over 25 new starters each summer • Extensive training • Real-world projects

• Broad experience through rotations in multiple teams • Professional registration opportunities

Visit www.autodesk.co.uk/graduates “Colleagues are friendly and the work is interesting. The graduate rotation scheme is great for getting to know people around the company, learning the systems and for finding a team that suits you.” Simon, Graduate Software Engineer

Autodesk, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HJ | Tel: +44 (0) 121 766 5544

1st Reviewed by 14 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Actuarial Consultancy

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Actuarial Consultant Locations: London, Amersham, Cheltenham, Bromsgrove, Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow Salary & Benefits: Flexible benefits package, competitive salary and 22 days holiday

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points, 2:1 or above in any degree Application Process: Online application, telephone interview and assessment centre fb.me/barnettwaddingham @bw_llp

202 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We have a variety of interesting career opportunities across the UK and strive to recruit staff who share our values and can bring special skills which will enhance the service that we provide to our clients. Our philosophy and approach means that we are dependent on talented and well trained employees who enjoy working in a friendly and ambitious organisation. As a firm of over 700 people, our past growth has been significant since our creation in 1989 and we aim to continue this growth by recruiting people who share our values. Barnett Waddingham will provide you with the opportunity to thrive in a business which believes strongly in being supportive, developing its people and offering a good work/life balance. Barnett Waddingham is keen to promote the development of professional standards for all employees. This can be achieved by general work experience and mentoring together with the provision of study support for relevant professional examinations.

What Errawati thinks...

Errawati Jeewon From City University (Cass Business School) Studying Actuarial Science Position Trainee Investment Analyst

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What was the interview process like? I initially had a telephone interview and then I attended the assessment day. I found the assessment day really informative and it gave a good insight into what Barnett Waddingham was like as a place to work.

“It is a really friendly environment and this is the same at all the offices they have.” How much responsibility do you have? On top of the daily tasks involved in the role of a trainee investment analyst, I am also currently acting as the training facilitator for my team; this involves organising training sessions that the team would like to receive. I am also in charge of our quarterly ‘monitoring plan’; this is a timetable that needs preparing before the start of each quarter, to ensure that the reports we prepare for our clients are drafted and submitted on time. We also hold quarterly regional meetings to review the previous quarter and my responsibility during these meetings is to remind the team of the most important emails that are sent to our practice area. What do you most enjoy about your role? The variety day to day is what I enjoyed the most. I was surprised by how much work I was able to get involved in and this

helped me make more of a contribution within the team. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? Combining the variety of work and the social aspect had exceeded my expectations. A day is never the same and I really felt as though I was part of the team. I used the skills I currently had and had a lot of opportunity to develop my current knowledge. What is the office atmosphere like? It is a really friendly environment and this is the same at all the offices they have. There are always people willing to help with any queries and due to the open plan offices we all interacted very well. What activities are there outside of work? There was a lot of social activities to take part in, from netball, football, croquet and walking to pub quiz’s and Bingo! Some are joined by all the UK offices which gives the opportunity to socialise even outside of our office. @RateMyPlacement Excellent

placement at @BWLLP I have learnt a

lot in the last 8 weeks! #actuarialcareer #Graduateplacement

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 203

22nd Reviewed by 3 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Engineering and Construction

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil and systems) environmental science, construction management and related degrees Locations: London and South East Salary & Benefits: Competitve salary and holidays (pro-rata)

How to apply Entry Requirements: predicted 2:1 or above in a relevant degree Application Process: Online application and Interview fb.me/ @

204 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Bechtel is a respected global engineering, construction, and project management company. Together with our customers, we deliver landmark projects that create long-term progress and economic growth. Since 1898, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve completed more than 25,000 extraordinary projects across 160 countries on all seven continents. We operate through four global businesses: Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Oil, Gas & Chemicals; and Mining & Metals. Our company and our culture are built on more than a century of leadership and a relentless adherence to our values, the core of which are safety, quality, ethics, and integrity. These values are what we believe, what we expect, what we deliver, and what we live. Our infrastructure business unit offers a range of summer internship opportunities across itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many UK based projects, we provide you with real responsibility to allow you to show us who you are.

What Oyinkan thinks...

Oyinkan Dinyo From Loughborough University Studying Civil Engineering Position Quality Assurance Intern

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The interview process was really straight forward. They contacted me before hand to set up a time and date and it was a competency based video interview with two people who were really easy to talk to. How much responsibility do you have? I started off with a little bit to do, but the more I was able to demonstrate that I was capable, the more responsibility I was given. By the end of my time there I was working directly with senior managers and even the director.

“The office atmosphere was great. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? I think it’s important to be prepared, research the company and be honest in your approach. Be able to demonstrate your competencies and skills and talk about your experiences. Enthusiasm, passion and motivation are also important. What has been your biggest challenge? I think my biggest challenge was communication, in such a big team it

was a little difficult to get hold of the right people, especially if they’re senior management. Describe your biggest achievement. I think my biggest achievement was planning out the QMS training for all the core staff. That’s some 50-60 training Sessions for 113 staff and develop a QMS tracker to ensure all staff got the training for their specific role. What is the office atmosphere like? The office atmosphere was great. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive when I started and I’d made more than a few friends when I left. I guess that tells you a lot. What activities are there outside of work? Outside of work there was tons to do! Some of the highlights included a site visit to Crossrail (Farringdon) and a video conference with Brendan Bechtel who is the current CEO with all the other interns globally.

@RateMyPlacement I loved my

placement at Bechtel. It gave me an insight

into what my future career could be like and challenged me every day. #illbeback

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 205

3rd Reviewed by 14 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: FMCG

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Chemistry, Science-Life / Materials / Plant, Statistics, Engineeringâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Electrical / Process Locations: Southampton or Cambridge (Plant Science only) Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, gym, subsidised lunches, 25 days holiday

How to apply Entry Requirements: Projected degree grade â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2.1 Application Process: Online application, telephone interview, face to face interview fb.me/ @BATPress

206 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Our Research & Development organisation is a global community made up of over 1200 employees. In the UK, we employ over 400 people across our facilities in Southampton and Cambridge. Our Southampton laboratories provide our central R&D facilities, where we are undertaking research in a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines including analytical chemistry, materials science, toxicology, molecular biology, engineering and statistics. Our Cambridge labs focus on tobacco plant biotechnology. We are working to develop a range of potentially reduced-risk tobacco and nicotine products, including conventional cigarettes, tobacco heating products, e-cigarettes and nicotine inhalation products. In the UK, we offer one year placement opportunities to students who, as part of their undergraduate sandwich degree course, are looking to gain practical experience of a research environment. Successful applicants will undertake projects, having responsibility and opportunities for training and development.

What Federica thinks...

Federica Rosaria Lisa From University of Leicester Studying Chemistry with Forensic Science (MChem) Position Undergraduate Placement Student in Combustibles Discovery and Scientific Collaboration & Communication

What was the interview process like? I applied online sending my CV and covering letter. Following a successful telephone interview I was invited to attend a face-to-face interview. The interview was very relaxed with general and technical questions. The day finished off with a tour of the site. How much responsibility do you have? A lot of responsibility! I lead important projects in two departments and manage them well. Everyone is always ready to help you if you need it. I’ve learnt several skills which will be useful in academia, my future career and life. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be yourself, but remain professional throughout the application process, the interview and during the placement. Build a good reputation for yourself and show them all your capabilities and great qualities.

“My work and effort was valuable and this made me feel 100% part of the company.”

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difference to the company. My work and effort was valuable and this made me feel 100% part of the company. Describe your biggest achievement? After this unique experience, I have become more confident in my actions and presentations. I developed many other skills which I never thought I would have developed in a short period of time but confidence was the main achievement for me. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I was not expecting that a multinational company like BAT would invest a lot of time and money in students. We received technical training and also training on how to develop presentations and report writing skills. I also travelled outside the UK for work. What is the office atmosphere like? The office atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. @RateMyPlacement Unforgettable

experience! I learnt so much during these 12 months. I’ve had the opportunity to

work in many interesting areas, met a lot of What do you most enjoy about your role? I really enjoyed leading projects and the fact that my work was making a

people and worked in a great environment. I would definitely recommend it.

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 207

18th Reviewed by 4 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Software Developer, Network Engineer, Technical Project Support Locations: Newbury, Berkshire Salary & Benefits: £15,000 per annum + £1000 welcome bonus & attractive benefits package such as 25 days holiday, private medical insurance & cycle to work scheme

How to apply Entry Requirements: On track for a 2:1 or above in a relevant degree Application Process: Online Application and Assessment Centre fb.me/ @

208 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Our software provides enterprises with real-time interaction and visibility of their mobile workforce to continually improve operational capability. For over 20 years we have led the way, developing ideas and solutions with our customers to differentiate their business by providing exceptional customer experiences. We believe that your placement should be the foundation on which you build your career. We offer a wide range of opportunities, hands-on learning and practical experience that our current and former IPs have found invaluable. Our IPs always make a vital contribution to the success of our business during their time with us and you’ll be encouraged to get stuck in as soon as you start. You’ll learn about our bespoke solutions and develop knowledge of the latest technologies, coding languages and methodologies that are an integral part of our state-of-the-art and innovative technology. If you want to contribute to something ground-breaking and have a great time doing it, then look no further.

What Hokay thinks...

Hokay Chung From University of York Studying Computer Science Position Software Developer IP

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What was the interview process like? I was invited to an assessment day at the Cognito iQ office. In the morning, I completed problem solving, technical and psychometric tests. Then we did a group activity involving lego! In the afternoon, there was a technical and a personality interview. How much responsibility do you have? I had a fair amount of responsibility and was able to make contributions to discussions about the work. The projects I worked on were the same as the other software developers and I never felt like I was doing something insignificant.

“When you’re at the assessment centre make sure to show your interest in the company and for the role you’re applying for.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Do your research and prepare ahead of the assessment day. When you’re at the assessment centre make sure to show your interest in the company and for the role you’re applying for. What do you most enjoy about your role? I definitely liked the challenge and learning new things. I enjoyed

discovering all the different technologies that Cognito iQ use and trying them in practice. I never found it boring and was kept very busy! What is the office atmosphere like? The general atmosphere at Cognito is great and very busy. The fact that it is open plan gives the environment a friendly feel and you can always see what is going on in the office. It also makes communicating with other people very easy. What activities are there outside of work? There was a big Christmas party organised by the company that was really good fun. It took place in a hotel with the food and entertainment provided for free. There were also smaller events organised such as go karting. Also, Friday is pub day. How promising are the graduate prospects? The graduate prospects are very promising. There’s a high chance of being offered a graduate job if you work well throughout the year. Many placement students have returned to Cognito iQ. @RateMyPlacement I had a brilliant

placement year at Cognito iQ! There’s

so much to learn here and it was a great challenge! #preparedforthefuture

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 209

10th Reviewed by 5 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT Services & Solutions

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Service Management, HR, IT Infrastructure Operations Locations: London, Hatfield, Milton Keynes, Manchester Salary & Benefits: £17,000, 23 days holiday + optional benefits

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 degree in any discipline Application Process: Online application, Video Assessment, Assessment Centres fb.me/ @Computacenter @Careers_CC

210 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Achieve Great Things At Computacenter, our tag line is ‘enabling users in a digital world’ – and that’s exactly what we do; we equip our customers’ people with the tools and technology they need, to be free to do what they do best. We put our customers and people at the heart of everything we do. As a year-long placement undergraduate, we will expect a lot of you, but in turn we will go the extra mile to enable you to achieve great things. Our placement programmes in Business Operations, Customer Account Management and HR departments are real jobs with real impact on our business. As well as experience in the workplace and on multiple customer sites, we offer business-aligned training and opportunities to build your own network. During your time at Computacenter you will have regular exposure to our senior leaders; be actively encouraged to play a pivotal role as a company ambassador at your university and offered potential opportunities for progression onto our Graduate and Associate Programmes. Have you got what it takes?

What Tahir thinks...

Tahir Limbada From The University of Manchester Studying Information Technology Management for Business Position IT Service Management Industrial Placement

What was the interview process like? After a phone interview, CC host a day which gives a great insight into the company and is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills. The assessors continually encouraged us to do our best in presentations, group exercises and an interview. How much responsibility do you have? I was treated as a key member of the team from day one, trusted to liaise with senior level staff and customer account teams. In my first week I met the Rolls Royce account team at Derby County football stadium; not a bad induction activity if you ask me!

“The mix of process, project management and marketing allowed me to get exposure to so many different areas of the business. It was a perfect match for my degree.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? I can’t stress enough how important networking is at Computacenter. Try to get to know every assessor and show genuine enthusiasm towards the company/role. In the main be yourself

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and let your personality come through, Computacenter love that! What do you most enjoy about your role? I loved the variety that my role had to offer, every day presented a new challenge. The mix of process, project management and marketing allowed me to get exposure to so many different areas of the business. It was a perfect match for my degree. What is the office atmosphere like? Friendly and positive! Colleagues were always there to offer me support and keen to get me involved. I was given the freedom to travel about to CC offices across the country to meet up with colleagues from other projects, who were always very welcoming.

@RateMyPlacement I’ve had a

fantastic year at @Computacenter where I’ve developed skills and knowledge

invaluable to my future career! Proper responsibility on real-life projects! #enablingstudents

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 211

Thousands of hearts in a single beat moves me on

35th Reviewed by 3 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Energy

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Commercial and Engineering schemes Locations: UK (mainly Nottingham & Coventry) Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ17,500 + Graduate Fast Track opportunities

How to apply Entry Requirements: On track for a minimum 2:1 degree Application Process: Combination of online, telephone and face-to-face assessments fb.me/eoncareers.uk @

212 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

E.ON is an exciting, inclusive business at the forefront of energy innovation. Our sector is always evolving and that means this place is always moving forward. Come here and you can expect to be constantly developing your skills to stay ahead of the energy revolution. From creating breakthrough technologies in marine energy to providing millions of customers with energy-saving advice, we can offer you a constant stream of worthwhile work. And you can expect plenty of freedom, ownership and responsibility for how you go about taking on those challenges â&#x20AC;&#x201C; together with the chance to learn by working alongside a host of intelligent mentors and colleagues. For Commercial and Science & Engineering, our summer placements are 10 weeks long, whilst our year placements last 48 weeks. Both give you an insight into our fast-moving sector and the chance to push yourself, your ideas and your limits. Each is a fantastic opportunity to meet motivated people, make superb contacts, find out about the possible careers open to you and potentially be fast-tracked onto one of our graduate schemes.

Commercial & engineering opportunities

The buzz of an electric environment moves me on What’s next? No, really, what’s next? That’s what’s always being asked. Here there’s a different attitude. An energy. People are excited. And the place is always moving forward. That’s because nobody’s just riding. Everyone’s pushing. Developing themselves, driving new ideas, going beyond limits. We have millions of motivations. We think you’ll find it refreshing. So go on, find out more about what E.ON has to offer motivated undergraduates and graduates by visiting eon-uk-careers.com

20th Reviewed by 6 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Energy Trading

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Trading, Risk, Finance, Tax, IT Locations: London Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ19,800 pro rata, 25 days holiday pro rata, comprehensive training and development plan

How to apply Entry Requirements: Penultimate / Final Year Students Application Process: Visit www.rmp.gd/ edftrading fb.me/ @

214 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

EDF Trading is a leader in the international wholesale energy markets. It manages a portfolio of assets which give it the ability to source, supply, transport, store, blend and convert physical commodities around the world. These capabilities enable EDF Trading to deliver essential asset optimisation services, risk management and wholesale market access to the EDF Group and its third party customers, helping them to realise the value inherent in their asset portfolios. EDF Trading is active in the electricity, natural gas, LNG, LPG, coal and freight and environmental products markets. It is one of the largest wholesale market traders in Europe for power and gas and one of the leading marketers of gas and power in the US. Its subsidiary, EDF Energy Services, is one of the main providers of generation services for power generation companies in the US and a leading US energy retailer for large commercial and industrial customers.

What Jonathan thinks...

Jonathan Slade From University of Exeter Studying BA Economics with Industrial Experience Position Product Controller

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What was the interview process like? The process was comprised of an initial telephone interview followed by an assessment day at the EDFT London Headquarters. While the former predominantly tested competencies, the latter largely tested a broad range of topics including prior experience, knowledge and interpersonal skills. Overall, the day was enjoyable as it also gave me the chance to meet other prospective interns.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Responsibility was given to me right from the outset.â&#x20AC;? How much responsibility were you given? Responsibility was given to me right from the outset. I was based in the Treasury department. On day one I was given daily reports to update and issue both internally and externally. This exposure from the beginning helped to fast track my understanding of the department. Each intern is given a project to complete that is presented to Senior Executives. What has been your biggest challenge? I found that the biggest challenge of the process was honing my skills to make sure I was ready for the presentation in the final week! I learnt that a calm but confident attitude coupled with a strong level of knowledge about the content

was key to presenting well. Once it was finished I had a great sense of achievement. What did you most enjoy about your role? The flexibility of when I conducted the work for my project was one of the parts I most enjoyed. I was able to dictate my own pace and progress, albeit working towards project completion goals. This added to the responsibility and gave me a feeling of independence. Moreover, the team I worked in provided a great level of support. What was the atmosphere like in your team? The team I worked in were enthusiastic, hard-working and had plenty of knowledge to share. I felt settled within my first week of joining as the team were also welcoming. The team had a diverse age range, depth of experience and a wide array of interests outside of work. These qualities all helped enhance the experience of working with them. @RateMyPlacement The opportunity

at EDF Trading was great, more than an

internship I felt it allowed me to have real exposure to projects in real time ! The

result, I was offered a permanent graduate position #Yopro #gradjob #EDFTrading

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 215

31st Reviewed by 5 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Supply chain and logistics

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: HR, Consulting, Operational Management Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ17,000 p/a, 25 days holiday, discretionary performance-related bonus scheme, pension scheme, HSF health plan

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:2, A*-C Maths and English GCSE, UK driving license Application Process: Online application, telephone interview, depot day, assessment centre fb.me/Gist.FutureBusinessLogistics @Gist_World

216 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Gist Limited is a supply chain company with a long history, spanning over 100 years. We work closely with our 3,000+ customers, including some of the biggest names in food retail such as Marks & Spencer Food, Starbucks and EAT. We have one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most extensive chill and perishable supply chains as well as a well-established European network, specialising in horticulture and fresh produce logistics. We are responsible for ensuring every Marks & Spencer Food and Starbucks store in the UK receive deliveries on time, at the correct temperature, and work 24/7, 365 days a year to deliver the best service to our customers. It is the people at Gist that make us different. Our people are enthusiastic, driven and passionate to deliver the very best results. Early responsibility, coupled with a supportive environment and hands-on training, ensure our people reach their full potential and have every opportunity to make a difference.

What Liam thinks...

Liam McGarry From Queen’s University Belfast Studying BSc Business Management Position Warehouse Team Manager

What was the interview process like? It was an amazing experience that taught me a lot about myself. The interviewers were very considerate and caring towards me as it was my first ‘placement’ interview; this was a big help and boosted my self-confidence. How much responsibility do you have? From the day I started with Gist I have been treated as a manager, this makes me feel really proud and has developed my confidence. I’ve been given full responsibility for a team of 6-8 full time employees and 15-20 agency employees in the Barnsley depot.

“There is a great atmosphere in our site. People feel empowered to share good ideas and develop new working practices.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Think about your communication style and don’t be afraid of adapting your approach – different styles will engage different people. Every day will present different challenges and learning from your experiences will build your management capabilities.

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what I enjoy most in my role. I am always able to say that I have learned something new that will inevitably enhance my career in the future. What is the office atmosphere like? There is a great atmosphere in our site. People feel empowered to share good ideas and develop new working practices. My role as a manager is to nurture this and ensure everyone feels involved and able to make a difference. How promising are the graduate prospects? Very promising in my opinion; there are lots of Gist graduates who are now in really senior positions. The support and development offered to me at Gist has been excellent, and I feel like I am in a great position to develop into a future business leader.

@RateMyPlacement Placement

complete with @Gist_World. What a

tremendous experience! I feel so grateful to have had such a great opportunity so early in my career

What do you most enjoy about your role? Engaging and working with my team is The Top Undergraduate Employers | 217

2nd Reviewed by 3 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Software Implementation, Software Development & IT Locations: Pease Pottage - near Gatwick Airport Salary & Benefits: £17,000 pa, free lunch & parking, 20 days holiday, relocation assistance

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in a related degree, maths or physics Application Process: Online Application and Assessment Day fb.me/ @ShopfloorOnline

218 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We are a specialist Software Development “Microsoft Gold Partner” Company using the latest technology in .NET, C#, JavaScript and SQL Server to develop our globally recognised software product, Shopfloor-Online™. The software is a configurable solution used by manufacturers to increase efficiency and their customer satisfaction. We work in the automotive, food & beverage, and packaging sectors with companies such as Nissan, Airbus, United Biscuits and Toyota. With a passion for technology, working in our development or implementation & support teams you can make a real contribution. Our aim is for our students to have the best possible experience during their time with us, placing them in a challenging environment in which they can take on responsibility and develop skills such as requirements gathering and project management, working on real projects with international customers. Past placement students agree that one of the best things about our placement programme is that they got to work in a positive and collaborative environment.

What Tabetha thinks...

Tabetha Slade From University of Kent Studying BSc (Hons) Computer Science with a Year in Industry Position Software Engineer

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What was the interview process like? This involved submitting my CV, code and online tests, an assessment day with 2 interviews – one technical the other general – a group exercise and short personal presentation; daunting but a good experience. How much responsibility do you have? After the first 7 weeks of training we were thrown into the deep end, answering phone calls and supporting customers straight away. I was given ownership of a group of customers to support along with ad hoc support for other customers as required.

“I did not expect a placement to offer me such a wide range of experience and responsibility.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be confident and demonstrate your relevant skills at interview; assessment days and interviews are good experience for the future. Describe your biggest achievement. In the first weeks after training one of my customers had an issue printing reports. I worked with the development team to fix this, creating a new label monitor and templates and installing this on the customer’s live system.

How has this experience exceeded your expectations? Everybody was very welcoming, even the directors knew the students by name after the first couple of weeks. I did not expect a placement to offer me such a wide range of experience and responsibility; if you do something good, people remember it. What activities are there outside of work? There is an office football team and Friday drinks at the pub. It’s a very friendly and social company, a lot of people socialise together outside of work. There is a weekend away for the Christmas party every year. How promising are the graduate prospects? Lighthouse is a growing company, the chances of returning as a graduate with them are high. Many of the current employees were placement students at Lighthouse before graduating university and joining the team. @RateMyPlacement Lighthouse

Systems really helped me to improve my confidence and get the best out of my

placement year. I was treated like an equal and an important member of the team! #LighthouseFamily

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 219

15th Reviewed by 8 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Number of Industry Focus: Investment Banking Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Summer Internship Locations: London Salary & Benefits: Competitive

How to apply Entry Requirements: Min. 300 UCAS points, min. 2:1 in any degree Application Process: Online application form, online tests, telephone interview, assessment centre fb.me/ @

220 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Joining us means enjoying a better balance in banking. We’re part of MUFG – a group with 140,000 employees in over 40 countries. Their size gives us stability and a global network upon which to build. Yet we, MUFG Securities, remain agile, entrepreneurial, and specialist. It’s a rare blend – one that defines our positive culture, gives us a unique position in the financial industry, and provides a unique experience for our interns. You’ll join a select intake and benefit from a buddy, a mentor and an inclusive, friendly work environment. You’ll carry out a series of department rotations and grasp just what it’s like to work within a global organisation. Our outstanding training will ensure that, even if you don’t have a financial background, you’ll rapidly develop the skills you need to build one. Put simply, we’ll want you to succeed – and you’ll be rewarded when you do. For more information about our opportunities, our events and how to apply, please go to muscampus.com. And if you want a truly balanced view from our people, visit our blog.

What Rachael thinks...

Rachael Solway From Loughborough University Studying International Economics Bsc (Hons) Position Analyst (Capital Markets Group)

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What was the interview process like? The internship interview process was daunting, but everyone I met throughout the recruitment day made me feel comfortable. There were challenging questions, but these were just to demonstrate your ability rather than catch you out. How much responsibility were you given? The internship was structured well and my rotations were very well suited. I was given responsibility from the outset which was great because you felt as though you were adding value immediately. Having responsibility can be stressful at the beginning, but communication is vital for you to succeed.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The experience has exceeded my expectations in the form of exposure to senior management.â&#x20AC;? What advice would you give to someone applying for your role? Be communicative, determined and motivated. It is also important to stay humble and be a team player. What has been your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge has been my confidence; a new role can be

overwhelming for any new graduate. Asking for feedback, the good and the bad, ensures you settle in smoothly and feel more comfortable/confident in your own work. Where has your experience exceeded your expectations? The experience has exceeded my expectations in the form of exposure to senior management. As a 2nd year university student, you would never expect to sit down and have lunch with the CEO of a major investment bank within three weeks of starting! What did you most enjoy about your role? I enjoy many things about my role; I am able to work with many different teams and products, utilising my communication skills, providing analysis and following the market. Importantly, I feel like a valued member of the team; seeing your work being used in senior meetings is particularly rewarding.

@RateMyPlacement The Graduate

Programme at MUFG has been invaluable; providing daily opportunities, challenges

& support to help me showcase my skills #rewarding

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 221

24th Reviewed by 6 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Sales, Marketing, PR, HR, Aftersales

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Sales, Marketing, HR, Marketing Communications, Customer Service, Press, Aftersales Locations: Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire Salary & Benefits: £18,000, car lease scheme, subsidised canteen, 25 days holiday

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points Application Process: online application, telephone interview, SHL tests and assessment centre fb.me/ @NissanUK

222 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

We are Nissan and we make cars! But that’s only half the story. Here at Nissan Motor (GB) Limited, we are responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution activities for Nissan cars and commercial vehicles and services in the UK. Hardly surprising it’s such a fast-paced, exciting, creative place to work. We’re building a reputation as an innovative brand that’s challenging convention in the automotive industry. As the driving force behind the sales of our global brand in the UK, ours is a commercially focused environment, with a working culture that’s demanding but equally open, friendly and rewarding. It’s this innovative approach that has led Nissan to secure some of the world’s most exciting sporting partnerships, including the UEFA Champions League, coverage of the Premier League on Sky Sports and the International Cricket Council. We employ up to 10 industrial placements, with the aim of challenging you and providing you with a rewarding and insightful year in the industry. We aim to give you an experience that you will relish and use in your future career, hopefully with Nissan!

What Emily thinks...

Emily Hogg From Bournemouth University Studying Business Studies with Law Position Communications Assistant

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What was the interview process like? The recruitment process was extremely structured, permitting me to illustrate different skills. It started with an online application followed by a telephone interview and psychometric tests. We then had an assessment centre and finally a Skype interview. How much responsibility do you have? I’ve had more responsibility at Nissan than I could have ever imagined. I’m solely responsible for the Internal Communications in the organisation. I’ve also been involved in organising, executing and debriefing projects and events. What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Be ready to jump in as you’ll be a valuable member of the team. Enthusiasm is key and therefore you should get involved in every opportunity, such as training exercises and meetings with executives. Make the most of the programme as you can learn so much!

“The office atmosphere is great. It’s a fun and fast paced environment, where everyone is friendly and willing to help you whenever you need it.”

What do you most enjoy about your role? Working with the different Nissan partnerships. Nissan sponsor the British Olympics and Paralympics Association along with MCFC, ICC and the UCL. I’ve been able to assist in creating awareness of these partnerships by organising stunts and events. What has been your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge has been getting approval on proposals from Nissan Europe. As we are working with a variety of partners and teams within Europe, it can sometimes be a long approval process. What is the office atmosphere like? The office atmosphere is great. It’s a fun and fast paced environment, where everyone is friendly and willing to help you whenever you need it. There is also a great social aspect, we often go for lunch with colleagues. @RateMyPlacement My placement

at Nissan Motor GB Ltd was absolutely

fantastic. The responsibility was great and

the skills I’ve developed have set me up for the future. #innovationthatexcites

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 223

11th Reviewed by 8 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Automotive

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Commercial, IT, Parts Logistics, Finance, HR Locations: Coventry Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary of 17,000 per annum, Employee Car Scheme, 26 days holiday, gym, retail discounts

How to apply Entry Requirements: Working towards 2:1 in any

degree. A-C GCSE or equivalent in Maths & English Application Process: Online application form, ability testing, telephone interview, assessment centre

fb.me/ @CareersPSA

224 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

With three world-renowned brands, PSA Group sold over 2.9 million vehicles worldwide in 2015. The Peugeot, Citroën and DS brands have their own distinct identities and market a broad range of vehicles that meets an even broader range of customer expectations. We are an award winning manufacturer with accolades such as ‘Best Advertising Campaign’ with our Peugeot 308, our Grand C4 Picasso holds the title of ‘Best MPV’ at the Auto Express Awards alongside exciting ventures for our DS brand with Virgin Racing in Formula-E. Our strategy to success is based on the ‘Push to Pass’ plan – this effectively opens a new chapter in the Group’s history. As well as setting out the strategic focuses and specific objectives, it represents the first steps towards achieving the Company’s vision: To be the most efficient car maker and the preferred mobility services provider worldwide. PSA Group is integrating the talent and passion of our people with cutting edge technology to ensure our success. This is a future we would like you to be a part of.

What Katy thinks...

Katy Bates From Newcastle University Studying BA (Hons) Business Management Position Retail Group Human Resources

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What was the interview process like? The Interview process was quick, convenient and relevant! The HR Team explained each step and you were made to feel comfortable from the word go. How much responsibility do you have? I am completely autonomous in my role, meaning high levels of responsibility. My main areas of responsibility revolve around cost monitoring, recruitment and reward & recognition. These are all extremely important aspects for the team and the Company.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is so much to do here with the Head Office being based in the Midlands. Close by you have the work gym or the football and netball teams.â&#x20AC;? What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Get stuck in, never say no to anything! If you want to do something then just ask! I have been all over the country with events having an absolute ball; none of my friends have even come close to having this sort of opportunity. What do you most enjoy about your role? I enjoy how much you learn on a day to day basis. HR is an academic heavy job,

and I feel I learn more and more each day through new experiences that I have. No two days are ever the same! What is the office atmosphere like? There is always someone laughing in the office! Everyone works hard but I am sure they will all agree they play much harder. What activities are there outside of work? There is so much to do here with the Head Office being based in the Midlands. Close by you have the work gym or the football and netball teams. Further afield you have Warwick, Leamington Spa and Birmingham brimming with activities. How promising are the graduate prospects? You can really tell PSA Group wants to keep their homegrown talent, as many of the current managers came through the Placement and Graduate route. It gives the company a really nice family feel and I hope that maybe one day I will be able to rejoin the family! @RateMyPlacement I could not

have asked for a better placement year!

Challenges and achievement come hand in hand at PSA Group, all whilst having a fantastic year and fun time with the best people! #timeofmylife

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 225

32nd Reviewed by 4 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Professional Service

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Audit, Business Tax, Private Client Tax and Forensic Accountancy Locations: Nationwide Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in any degree, 300 UCAS points and achieved a minimum of a B or above in GCSE (or equivalent) English and maths Application Process: Online application form, online numerical and verbal reasoning test, assessment centre, first & final round interview fb.me/ @SmithWilliamson

226 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Smith & Williamson is a leading independently owned financial services firm combining an accountancy practice, an investment management arm and a private bank. We provide award-winning services to individuals, corporates, professional practices and non-profit organisations. The breadth of services we offer as a firm is unparalleled and makes us unique in the industry. However, our hallmark is the integrity and the commitment we give to our client relationships. To provide the service our clients expect we know our trusted business advisers need an empowering and supportive work environment. With 13 UK offices and global reach through membership of Nexia International, we’re big enough to be competitive. Yet our size means you’ll be part of a friendly, enthusiastic team – and get to know colleagues across the firm. Your career is our future. That’s why we are committed to developing trusted business advisers who can really fulfil our clients’ potential.

What Sophie thinks...

Sophie Kelly From University of Durham Studying Biology and Chemistry Position Trainee in business tax

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What do you most enjoy about your role? I wanted to do something finance based that would still allow me to use the soft skills I developed while studying for my degree. Corporate tax caught my interest around the time I was applying because there was a lot about it in the news. Accountancy has a reputation for being separate from the world and, until I started looking into it, I hadn’t realised how connected it is to what’s happening in the media, in politics and in all businesses. The work changes a lot as each new budget is released; it’s never stagnant. It’s nice to know that you’re doing something that’s very relevant.

“My communication skills have definitely improved, given both the team environment and client-facing aspects of the job.” What was the interview process like? Due to the nature of the questions you have to answer, I found it very difficult to get my character across. At the same time, I was very aware of who I was up against and conscious that I needed to make an impression. As you get further along in the application process, you become more attached to whichever firm you’ve applied to, but it’s important not to let rejection hurt too much.

How much responsibility do you have? Each of our clients has a dedicated team working for them, typically made up of a trainee, manager and partner. As a first-year trainee I assist with the tax compliance process and also get involved with ad-hoc advisory projects. My responsibilities and involvement will increase in line with my level of experience. What’s great about Smith & Williamson is that our Business Tax department isn’t segregated, so I get to experience working for all types of clients and gain a real breadth of knowledge and training as a result. Describe your biggest achievement. My communication skills have definitely improved, given both the team environment and client-facing aspects of the job. Good communication with your manager is also essential because, as a trainee, you will need to ask for clarification and help. Time management is fundamental, especially during exam time as you need to be able to do your job while revising – you can’t let anything slip by the wayside. @RateMyPlacement the opportunities

I have gained at Smith & Williamson so

far are invaluable, and are really helping

me to develop and progress in my career! #greatexperience

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 227

A E K A M , E C N E DIFFER

A E T NOT

challenge a r o f p u Are you

Visit sparx.co.uk/ignite

25th Reviewed by 3 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Education Technology

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Content Science, Software Development and Marketing Locations: Exeter, UK Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, free accommodation, 25 days holiday pro rata

How to apply Entry Requirements: Minimum 2:1 in relevant technical discipline Application Process: Online Application, Online Assessments, Video Interview, up to two office based interview days fb.me/ @

228 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Sparx is a cutting-edge and researchbased educational technology company. We’re using technology, data and real world classroom observation to investigate scientifically the way young people learn. Our intelligent technology platform is an extensible, data-driven, mobile framework. Designed for the classroom, it delivers truly adaptive mathematics lessons. School children can learn at their own pace, using tailored questions and tutorials to help them reach their full potential. Each task generates data about how they’re learning and teachers can see at a glance how the class are doing, focusing their attention where it’s needed most. Back at Sparx HQ, we run trials, explore what works and analyse the data that we capture in every lesson and each piece of homework. Our team of data scientists, statisticians and content scientists use these insights to drive the development of new questions, games and incentives, all tailored to increase the students’ understanding and to help us deliver better, more effective lessons every time.

What Chris thinks...

Chris Williamson From University of Oxford Studying Mathematics Position Content Scientist

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What was the interview process like? The process had a number of different stages to test a variety of skills, including two assessment centres at the company’s office; although these days were quite intense everyone was really friendly and it was good to look around the company’s office. How much responsibility do you have? My work had a direct impact on the company’s product and the content I created will be used in future lessons. Additionally, my side-projects were directly relevant to the company’s interests and my contributions in meetings were taken seriously.

“The part I enjoyed most was almost immediately getting to work on real lesson content.” How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I was really pleased with how well I got on with my colleagues and I really enjoyed the activities that were organised for us in the evenings after work. There was something new pretty much every week. What do you most enjoy about your role? I really enjoyed doing something different every day. It was great to experience

working across a variety of areas, such as proofreading and data analysis. The part I enjoyed most was almost immediately getting to work on real lesson content. What is the office atmosphere like? Very friendly - the open layout of the office meant that sharing of ideas happened freely and the size of the company meant that it was always clear who to ask for advice. Pool and table football in the downstairs area aided relaxation. What activities are there outside of work? There were regular social events in the evenings to which I would be invited. How promising are the graduate prospects? Very appealing - I cannot imagine enjoying a job much more than this one. I have been offered and have accepted to return to Sparx as a Graduate in the Content Science team and I cannot wait to return!

@RateMyPlacement I worked on maths

content for the classroom from day one.

You can make a real impact at Sparx as a content science intern #illuminatelearning

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 229

5th Reviewed by 8 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Retail

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Merchandising & Buying and Finance Locations: Watford, UK Salary & Benefits: Competitive to market, 25 days holiday + other company benefits

How to apply Entry Requirements: We accept and encourage applications from all degree disciplines Application Process: Online application, online assessments, assessment centre fb.me/TJXEuropeEarlyCareers @

230 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Hello, we’re TKMaxx, and we want to invite you to be part of something huge. We’re part of The TJX Companies, Inc. – the world’s leading off-price apparel and home fashions retailer. We have an annual turnover of over $30.9 billion in revenues (FY16). What’s so different about off-price retail? It’s a lean business model without frills or fancy extras. It involves buying when we find something amazing – much like our customers do – all year round and as close to season as possible to get the best deal. No two deals are ever the same, and Buyers are in the market all the time with an open brief to buy anything – as long as it’ll wow customers. We are excited about our growth prospects and we think big – and this translates into huge opportunities for you. As a graduate you will be given unparalleled opportunities to develop commercial sense and business management skills, allowing you to play a role in driving our expansion.

What Alexander thinks...

Alexander King From Bournemouth University Studying Retail Management Position Allocation Analyst

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The interview process consisted of online tests and a video interview. The assessment centre involved an interview, and two group discussions. There was an opportunity to shadow a current analyst who gave insight into their job. How much responsibility do you have? After the first month’s training, I then went “live” as an Allocation Analyst responsible for the Men’s Accessories Department. This role has many responsibilities including partnering with buyers to choose the products for stores and partnering with my team to produce strategies to improve the product mix.

“I’ve enjoyed working with product as it’s both creative and exciting.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? There is an eclectic mix at TJX so it’s important to just be yourself. It’s important to show your passion about products. I would encourage you to take risks and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

given more responsibility. I’ve enjoyed working with product as it’s both creative and exciting. Working with others has been rewarding and helped with my learning. I’ve enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. Describe your biggest achievement. Being able to negotiate my own deals with vendors under my buyer’s supervision was rewarding, as it gave me a direct insight into a buyer’s role. Also working with my buyers on production stock and seeing my idea put into action. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I initially thought I would be shadowing someone on the placement as opposed to being given real responsibility, I’ve been massively surprised in a good way. The companies open culture has also exceeded my expectations.

@RateMyPlacement My placement

was a fantastic opportunity to build

networks across the company as well as

externally, which is crucial for a buyer to be

successful. I was given the responsibility to travel across the UK and Europe.

What do you most enjoy about your role? Slowly gaining trust and in turn being The Top Undergraduate Employers | 231

9th Reviewed by 5 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Marketing & Sales

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Various business-related roles, including Marketing, Social Media, Finance & Press/PR Locations: Epsom, Surrey Salary & Benefits: £17,500, 25 days hols, car scheme, on-site gym, sport/social club

How to apply Entry Requirements: Undertaking student placement as part of undergraduate degree Application Process: Online application, CV & Cover letter, Ability Tests, Interview with line manager fb.me/toyotauk @ToyotaGB

232 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Join us, and make a real difference! We look after sales, marketing, after sales and customer relations nationwide for Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles. As makers of the best-known hybrid car, the Prius, and new hydrogen-powered Mirai, we have a clear environmental vision. We work closely with Kew Gardens to make our site sustainable, bio-diverse and home to a range of native wildlife, whilst always looking for ways we can do even more. At our head office, near Epsom, Surrey, our team of c. 400 people work to coordinate our main operations and support the national network of c. 200 Toyota & 50 Lexus centres, as well as specialist fleet centres dealing exclusively with commercial customers. You will be doing work that directly impacts our success. Our students often say they did not expect to have so much responsibility – but they love it! We think it’s important to make the most of your placement – so if there’s a project or event that you are interested in, get involved!

What Hannah thinks...

Hannah Hart From Bournemouth University Studying BA (Hons) Business Studies with Marketing Position Placement Student, CSR & Environmental Affairs

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The application process required an updated CV and covering letter, online psychometric test, and subsequent interview with your prospective manager. This was a very enjoyable process with great feedback and opportunities to ask questions throughout.

What do you most enjoy about your role? The aspect of my role that I have enjoyed the most is getting involved with our local community, supporting them with the great work they are doing for those in need and less-fortunate. It has been the most rewarding part of my role.

How much responsibility do you have? It was clear from the start that I didn’t need to worry about a lack of responsibility. Being entrusted to take ownership of projects and manage them in their entirety is something that I have thrived upon throughout my placement year.

How has this experience exceeded your expectations? I was concerned when starting my placement that I would feel like a “student”. This has not been the case at all, and I have been provided with many other opportunities to get involved in all aspects of the company.

“The office atmosphere has largely contributed to the enjoyment of my year. I was shocked at how friendly and supportive everyone is.” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? The best advice that I would give to students applying for the role is to ensure they spend enough time checking their CVs and covering letters to ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.

What is the office atmosphere like? The office atmosphere has largely contributed to the enjoyment of my year. I was shocked at how friendly and supportive everyone is, even those in other departments. It’s a very fun place to work, with a healthy balance of hard work and laughter. @RateMyPlacement Fantastic

year at @ToyotaGB – I’ve learned so

much, had loads of fun & made great

connections. Hope I get the grad scheme!

#awesomeplacement #mycareerstartshere #abetterme #alwaysabetterway #amazinginmotion

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 233

27th Reviewed by 6 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Technology

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Finance, HR, Data Analytics, Marketing, Business Support Locations: Langley, Berkshire; Swindon, Wiltshire Salary & Benefits: £17,000, 25 days holiday, bonus plan, social club

How to apply Entry Requirements: Working towards a 2:1 or above in a relevant degree Application Process: Online application, telephone interview and assessment centre fb.me/ @Travelport

234 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Travelport, listed on the New York Stock Exchange with revenue exceeding $2.2bn in 2015, is the world’s only true Travel Commerce Platform, providing distribution, technology, payment and mobile solutions for the global travel and tourism industry. With a presence in over 170 countries, our platform facilitates travel commerce by connecting the world’s leading travel providers, such as airlines and hotel chains, with online and offline travel buyers. Travelport enables real time access to fares from approximately 400 airlines globally, including low-cost carriers and flagship carriers such as British Airways and Delta Air Lines. In addition, it provides the inventory of over 650,000 unique hotel properties, over 35,000 car rental locations, cruiseline and tour operators and major rail networks. Travelport’s Internship Programme offers students the opportunity to work on interesting technical and business challenges. Not only will your work directly impact Travelport’s success, it will also equip you with the skills necessary for your future career.

What Amarjot thinks...

Amarjot Singh From University of Reading Studying BA Accounting and Management Position Financial Operations Intern

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? Following the online application and phone interview, an assessment centre was held at the Head Office. We had a group task, Excel test and 2 interviews. The assessment centre was well organised and everyone tried to make us feel comfortable. How much responsibility do you have? From Day 1, I was given daily tasks to complete and as my confidence was building, my manager gave me more responsibility. A great thing about being an intern with Travelport is that you are treated like a regular employee, which is very rewarding.

“From my time here, I can say the culture at Travelport is very welcoming and supportive – especially to the interns!” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Prepare yourself for the assessment centre as this is a great way to showcase your abilities – but be yourself! Also, try to arrange a mock interview with your university tutor as it will help you prepare for the real interviews.

What has been your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge this year was heading up the Billing Support team on my own for a couple of weeks. This tested my time management skills to make sure daily issues were solved quickly and effectively. It helped me realise what I am truly capable of. Describe your biggest achievement. I was involved in a project relating to a contract review of multinational accounts that followed a strict timeline. I was able to quickly grasp the knowledge required to independently carry out the work and I received an award for my efforts. What is the office atmosphere like? Working in the Head Office provides a great working environment as you are able to interact with colleagues from different departments. From my time here, I can say the culture at Travelport is very welcoming and supportive – especially to the interns! @RateMyPlacement My time at

Travelport has been challenging, but also very rewarding. It has given me a great insight into my future career prospects within the finance sector. #motivation #enjoyedit

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 235

4th Reviewed by 7 students

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Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Number of Industry Focus: Travel and Tourism Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Product, Trading, E-Commerce Locations: Bedfordshire Salary & Benefits: £17,000, 20 days holiday, travel benefits, gym discount

How to apply Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points Application Process: Online Application, Numerical Test, Telephone Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/ TUIUKPlacement @TUIUK_Placement

236 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

TUI UK & Ireland is part of TUI Group which is the world’s number one integrated tourism business operating in 180 countries worldwide. We’re a fastpaced business and the vision ‘Making travel experiences special’ underpins everything we do. As well as being a market leader with some of the most well-known holiday brands such as Thomson and First Choice, we’re a FTSE 100 company which means we have to make sure we’re always one step ahead of competition. What can you expect from an awardwinning placement scheme with us? You’ll be joining our head office in Luton working on the Thomson and First Choice brands. The roles are in various departments including Product, Yield, Cruise and E-Commerce. You’ll be in a full-time role with real responsibility, where you’ll be making important commercial decision from day one. It goes without saying that we think our Placement Scheme is one of the best. And we’re pleased to say that we’re not alone.

What Liam thinks...

Liam Burns From Coventry University Studying MSc Aviation Management Position Late Trading Assistant

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The interview process consisted of an application form, telephone interview, online test and an assessment centre. Here you experience the friendly atmosphere at TUI for the first time which really helped with the nerves! How much responsibility do you have? One of the benefits of this placement is that you are given the same responsibility as your colleagues. I work on high value contracts on a daily basis and am responsible for profitably selling our flight seats – all of this has really helped me develop.

“Before the placement, I didn’t know what I wanted to do postuniversity but this year has exceeded expectations so much that I want to come back as soon as possible!” What advice would you give to students applying for your role? Everyone at TUI has a passion for travel and their jobs. If you share this, I have no doubt the role will really interest you. On the assessment day come prepared but try to relax, be yourself and show your passion!

What do you most enjoy about your role? The responsibility I get to trade a specific resort is great; I make my own decisions on how I manage the pricing of flights and hotels. I’m often set challenging targets and really enjoy the autonomy I have over my own resorts. How has this experience exceeded your expectations? Before the placement, I didn’t know what I wanted to do post-university but this year has exceeded expectations so much that I want to come back as soon as possible! The work is extremely rewarding but it’s the people that make TUI the best place to work. How promising are the graduate prospects? The graduate prospects are really encouraging right from the start. You get a fast-track onto the assessment day for the graduate scheme and can secure a place for the following year before you’ve even finished your placement.

@RateMyPlacement I have loved every

second of my placement at TUI. I have met some fantastic people, gained invaluable

experience of a workplace and would love to come back! #TUIfied

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 237

17th Reviewed by 5 students

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Financial Services

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Multiple vacancies across a number of business areas Locations: Milton Keynes Salary & Benefits: ÂŁ16,500 + optional subsidised loan car, 27 days holiday, pension, healthcare, corporate gym rates

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 degree in relevant subject Application Process: Online CV, Telephone interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/ @

238 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited (VWFS) is the captive finance company for the Volkswagen Group in the UK, offering finance and insurance/ maintenance services to customers of the Volkswagen Group Brands including Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, SKODA, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Ducati and MAN. VWFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, which is based in Braunschweig Germany. VWFS offers affordable finance and insurance products to help people buy vehicles from the Volkswagen Group through dealerships. We also provide fleet management solutions for small and large businesses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anything from two to three vehicles, up to thousands of vans for larger enterprises. In addition, Volkswagen bank supports our dealerships by providing funding to dealerships to enhance their premises and purchase new vehicles to sell onto customers as well as demonstrator and courtesy cars.

What Katharine thinks...

Katharine Whiting From De Montfort University Studying Business and Management Position Customer Operations Reporting Analyst

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? At first I had a telephone interview which consisted of various competency questions. I then attended an assessment centre held at their head office where I had to take part in market place interviews, a group activity and individual presentation.

What is the office atmosphere like? The office atmosphere at VWFS is extremely friendly and supportive. All the staff fully embrace the positive organisational culture and you can really tell. As for the office environment, everything is brand new and very modern.

What do you most enjoy about your role? I enjoy the wide range of tasks I get to complete for various different departments as it makes all my working days different and interesting. I also enjoy how I am constantly up-skilling and challenging myself so I can complete more tasks.

What activities are there outside of work? Very good! VWFS Teamswork group are always organising fun, social activities for all staff to take part in. Most recently they have organised a summer social and Caribbean themed celebration party!

“VWFS Teamswork group are always organising fun, social activities for all staff to take part in.” How has this experience exceeded your expectations? My placement has exceeded my expectations! I have been able to challenge myself and develop professionally and personally throughout the year. All my colleagues have been incredibility supportive and I’ve been exposed to many different business areas.

How promising are the graduate prospects? VWFS set up telephone interviews for all the undergraduates for VWG’s graduate scheme. As a result I have been fast tracked and given a golden ticket to the VWG graduate assessment centre which is amazing! @RateMyPlacement I have loved my

placement at VWFS! I have been given real responsibility, the opportunity to develop and the chance to get involved in many business wide projects. #Takemeback #GoldenTicket #Future

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 239

WINNER

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: Travel & Tourism

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, Finance, IT Locations: Windsor, Berkshire Salary & Benefits: Competitive Salary, 20 days holiday + bank holidays, Company Social Events + Venue Visits

How to apply Entry Requirements: Committed, enthusiastic team players with a real desire to ‘make a difference’ Application Process: CV and Cover Letter, Telephone Interview, Assessment Day fb.me/gbcareers @Golfbreaks

240 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Golfbreaks.com was formed in 1998 by Chief Executive Andrew Stanley, and is Europe’s specialist golf travel company, organising golf breaks for more than 220,000 golfers each year at over 2,000 resorts and courses in the UK, Europe and Worldwide. We have 150 staff based at our head office in Windsor, Berkshire – we also have offices in South Carolina and Denmark, from which our American and Scandinavian operations are run. We pride ourselves on our commitment to developing our employees and have been accredited with Investors in People since 2006. Last year we were awarded the Gold standard for the 2nd time, joining the top 7% of accredited UK organisations. As a medium sized business, we can offer students direct exposure to all aspects of the company, providing opportunities to gain advice and learn skills from experienced members of staff, making it the perfect environment for a student to thrive. Historically 25% of placement students, who have excelled during their placement year, return to permanent positions upon graduation.

What Thomas thinks...

Thomas Matthews From University of the West of England (UWE) Studying (BA Hons) Business and Management Position Customer Service Assistant

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the interview process like? The interview and assessment centre is quite relaxed and actually enjoyable! The aim is to get to know your personality and how you would fit into the company rather than focusing on psychometric tests which is different to other roles I applied for.

What has been your biggest challenge? The first day being on the contact centre floor. The training provided all the knowledge needed but it’s still daunting taking that first call. You do get the hang of it quickly and everyone offers lots of support which really helps!

How much responsibility do you have? The benefit of working in an SME is that you are given a lot of responsibility which I loved. Students are treated the same as full time employees and it’s great to see the work you are doing actually contributes to the success of the company.

What activities are there outside of work? There are lots of social activities to get involved in. From our two company social events (Summer Social and our Black Tie Annual Awards Evening) to 5 a side football, the company Match Play competition and Friday drinks, there is always something going on!

“The benefit of working in an SME is that you are given a lot of responsibility which I loved.”

What do you most enjoy about your role? The most enjoyable part of my role is the variety of situations I can get involved in. No client or situation is the same and it keeps the work interesting and keeps me learning.You also get trips to see the venues first-hand which are great fun!

How promising are the graduate prospects? Golfbreaks.com normally takes back around 25% of placement students each year as graduates. The majority of people I work with in my department are graduates so the graduate prospects are excellent. @RateMyPlacement Couldn’t

have asked for a better placement

year! Had some incredible experiences and met some amazing people

#myplacementsbetterthanyours

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 241

FINALIST CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Opportunities available Placement Years

Summer Internships

Short-term Insights

What you need to know Industry Focus: IT Software

Number of Vacancies:

Roles Recruiting Into: Marketing, Sales, Technical Support, Web Developer, Solutions Developer Locations: Stokenchurch Salary & Benefits: £15,613 (13 months), 21 days holiday + bank holidays, comprehensive training and development plan and social events

How to apply Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 Application Process: CV & Cover Letter, Test (Technical Applications) Telephone Interview, Assessment Centre fb.me/ProspectSoft @PS_Placements

242 | RateMyPlacement.co.uk

ProspectSoft is a British SME founded in 2000, offering software to users in the UK and worldwide. We help SME businesses improve the efficiency of their workforce by offering a suite of cloud based CRM, eCommerce and eMarketing solutions which integrate to a company’s accounting system making valuable customer information available to all. With all business information in one place, this leads to efficiency gains, generating more opportunities and ultimately more business. Our business partners include major IT players like Intel, HP and Microsoft. We specialise in helping SMEs refine their B2B processes, as our integrated systems can be tailored to their individual needs. ProspectSoft’s placement scheme has been repeatedly recognised having won the RMP award for ‘Best SME Placement Provider’ an incredible 4 times. Students are integral to our success, therefore each year we invest heavily in recruiting, training and developing our placements, seeing 51% return as full time employees.

What Lauren thinks...

Lauren Hines From University of Exeter Studying Ba Business Management with Marketing Position Marketing Assistant and Event Coordinator

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What was the application process like? The interview process is thorough and personable and consists of an initial application, a telephone interview followed by an assessment day. They have a very friendly and young culture which made me feel at ease during the whole process. It was obvious from the start that they just wanted to get to know you and wanted you to do well, rather than putting you under a lot of pressure. All the tasks in the process were challenging and engaging, making it very enjoyable.

“If you are looking for a placement that offers you vast and varied responsibility, then this is the company for you.” How much responsibility were you given? The word ‘responsibility’ is always used when I describe my placement year to others. If you are looking for a placement that offers you vast and varied responsibility, then this is the company for you. I am actually shocked with the amount I have been given this year which is just fantastic. I have been able to run and manage a vast array of projects, enabling me to learn and adapt my skills which is exactly what I wanted out of my placement year.

What advice would you give to someone applying for the role? Firstly to make sure you do your research, the interviewer wants to see your passion so knowing all about the company and its market is key. Also remember that they are a lovely company, they are not trying to trip you up, so try to relax on your assessment day as your personality should then follow naturally. During your placement, I would really recommend that you throw yourself into as many different projects as possible, don’t limit yourself to what your job roles states, otherwise you won’t get the maximum out of your year. Finally, always ask questions! What has been your biggest challenge? Being someone who wouldn’t particularly describe themselves as ‘tech savvy’, I think my biggest challenge this year has been adapting and learning all the technical terminology and technical systems, as quickly as possible. Having said that, ProspectSoft do a terrific job when training their placements to ensure you learn as much about the systems in the shortest time possible. @RateMyPlacement I enjoyed every

second of my placement at @ProspectSoft. It was challenging, insightful & above all so much fun! #PSFutures

The Top Undergraduate Employers | 243

WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN THE NATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY AWARDS 2016! Brought to you by the company behind RateMyPlacement.co.uk, the National Undergraduate Employability Awards (NUE Awards) celebrate the outstanding achievements of employers, universities and students in the field of work experience. Winners included Ben Kosky from Microsoft, who took home the title for Best Placement Student and a cheque for £250, as well as the University of Warwick Law Society who won a whopping £1000 for claiming the crown for Best University Society!

Ben Kosky, Best Placement Student

ARE YOU IN THE BEST UNIVERSITY SOCIETY IN THE UK? Are you part of a university society who loves to help their members with gaining work experience?

Warwick Law Society, Best University Society

We’re looking for entries from societies who have a real passion in supporting their members with employability skills.

Did we mention there’s a prize of £1,000 for the winning society?

To enter, visit nueawards.co.uk Deadline for nominations is Friday 11th November so don’t miss out on your opportunity to compete for the title of Best University Society!

Enterprise Rent-A-Car sponsors of Best University Society

TODAY

FIND THE PERFECT

OPPORTUNITY

FOR YOU

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want you to miss out on your dream placement or internship which is exactly why we host thousands of jobs and 40,000 student written reviews to ensure you make the right choice. Explore the wonderful world of work experience by checking out all of the opportunities we have available right now. From placements to insight days, we have options for everyone! Alongside the jobs you can read reviews posted by YOUR peers about their time at organisations such as PwC, Warner Bros, Barclays, Microsoft and more! Learn about the company culture, different roles and responsibilities as well as opportunities you can get involved with outside of work. Want moreâ&#x20AC;Ś Fear not, we even have industry zones and advice pages which have a ton of information which you can use to your advantage. From CV to assessment centre tips we have covered all bases to make sure you smash the application process.

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Looking for a student job with a difference? On-Campus Promotions work with companies to ensure students just like you know all about the career opportunities they offer. We’re looking for confident, hard-working and sociable students to work with us over the next academic year to help market these opportunities on behalf of our clients... What skills will you be gaining if you become a Brand Manager? • Public speaking and networking • Marketing, advertising and events experience • Written communication and business report writing • Exposure to professional contacts from the company you are representing and your university Companies you could find yourself working with: • Linklaters • Aldi • GSK • Citi Benefits Here’s the good news… • The work is well paid (£8 per hour) with opportunities to win bonuses and prizes along the way • The hours are flexible to fit in around your studies • You’ll gain invaluable insights and work experience • Make a good impression and you could find yourself winning an award at our annual Brand Manager Awards ...and many of our students go on to work in internships, placements or graduate roles for the companies they represent!

Who knows where this chance could take you! Contact us on 020 3823 4425 or email hello@oncampuspromotions.co.uk to find out more Apply today, visit oncampuspromotions.co.uk

“The Brand Ambassador role hugely improved my commercial awareness and employability skills, which were invaluable in helping me to secure my summer internship with Mazars” Marcus, University of Exeter - Mazars BA

“Being a Brand Ambassador taught me how to be persuasive and confident - the more energy you put in, the better the results. It’s also great work experience for my CV!” Sophie, Cardiff University

“I’ve combined my role as a Brand Ambassador with my duties as a member of the Queen’s University Trading and Investment Club, enabling me to network with students who have a keen interest in the Finance Sector.” Shannon - Queen’s University Belfast

FUTURE-DEFINING RETAIL PLACEMENTS You’re a nothing-fazes, positive-thinking, packed-with-potential undergraduate looking for a year’s experience that will open doors in retail management. We’re a supermarket with a do-it-different, keep-it-simple, make-it-better approach that has made us an international retail phenomenon. Let’s get together. At Lidl, we’ve applied the same game-changing thinking to our award-winning, 48 week Placement Programme as we have to creating the new face of supermarket retailing. This programme will see you embark on a journey through our business dipping your toes into Sales, Logistics, Head Office and an area of specialism in Supply Chain, Administration & Property. Regardless of your degree discipline, we’re on the look-out for second year students. If you are an up-for-the-challenge, passionate-for-retail, push-for-the-best undergraduate check out our award winning placement programme at

www.lidlgraduatecareers.co.uk

Find out more at www.lidlgraduatecareers.co.uk

Discover what you can do at IBM. ibm.com/jobs/uk