A Students' Guide to the Top Placement & Internship Employers 2012 -2013 by RMP Enterprise Ltd

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Placement and Internship Opportunities

Insight Academy Insight Partner Shadowing Insight Internship Insight International Internship Insight Business Placement 280+ UCAS tariff (or equivalent) Diverse people make us stronger

Get a unique insight into the world of professional services. Make the most of your drive and initiative on one of our six Insight work experience programmes. You’ll develop valuable business skills, discover where your strengths and interests lie, and gain the kind of industry experience that will boost your employability and could open all sorts of doors for you. You’ll also find out what makes us so good at what we do: measuring, protecting and enhancing what matters most to our clients. And you’ll soon see why we’ve been voted number one in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last eight years. Be part of something special and start exploring the possibilities ahead. www.pwc.com/uk/careers © 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a limited liability partnership in the United Kingdom) or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate legal entity.

The Top 50 Placement & Internship Employers Table 2011- 2012

Ranking in the Top 50 table

8.51

102

8.27

8.08

8.06

7.98

7.96

7.81

7.66

7.62

7.60

7.84

7.52

130

7.24

7.52

7.10

7.51

8.05

104

7.02

8.18

100

8.04

7.78

128

7.60 40

118

7.48

6.96

112

8.00

7.77

7.56

7.41

6.96

7.76

7.55

7.40

6.92

7.55

110

7.74 36

7.90

8.12 16

7.94

120

122

106

8.01

108

8.15

7.94

114 9

8.59

126

8.45

124

8.61

7.99

Page number

8.61 5

8.72

Average Rating

7.38 50

6.84

116

Contents

3 Advice 3. Introduction 5. How the Top 50 Table was compiled How to get the most out of the Top 50 Guide 7. Why is a placement or internship so important? 8. What types of opportunities are there? Where to look for placements & internships 9. How to succeed with Cover Letters, CVs and Online Applications 11. The Assessment Centre and Interview: How to impress the recruiters 13. How to make a success of you placement or internship 15. What about placements & internships abroad?

17 Industry Insights 17. Industry Insights Introduction 18. Accountancy & Finance 20. Banking 22. Engineering 24. Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism 26. Investment Banking 28. IT/Telecommunications 30. Law 32. Management Consultancy 34. Property & Real Estate 36. Retail & FMCG 38. Science & Research 40. International

133 Best Small or Medium-sized Enterprises 133. SME Introduction 134. Ash Gaming 136. Champions Life Academy 138. ProspectSoft 140. We Brand It

142 More About Us 142. The National Placement & Internship Awards 2011 147. On-Campus Promotions 150. About RateMyPlacement

45 The Top 50 Employers 45. Top 50 introduction 46. Bank of America Merrill Lynch 48. Barclays 50. Barclays Capital 52. BDO 54. BlackRock 56. Bloomberg 58. BP 60. Citi 62. Credit Suisse 64. Cummins 66. Deloitte 68. Deutsche Bank 70. Enterprise Rent-A-Car 72. Ernst & Young 74. FSA 76. GlaxoSmithKline 78. Grant Thornton 80. HP 82. HSBC 84. IBM 86. Intel 88. KPMG 90. Linklaters 92. M&S 94. Mayer Brown 96. MBDA 98. Mercer 100. Metaswitch Networks 102. Microsoft 104. Morgan Stanley 106. Nabarro 108. National Grid 110. NHS 112. Pinsent Masons 114. PwC 116. RBC Capital Markets 118. Rolls-Royce 120. Royal Bank of Scotland Group 122. Savills 124. Standard Life 126. TUI 128. Unilever 130. Vauxhall

RMP Enterprise Ltd. Vintage House 37 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TL

0203 242 0520 enquiries@ratemyplacement.co.uk www.RateMyPlacement.co.uk ÂŠRMP Enterprise 2011

Advice

Introduction

After months of hard work, we are delighted to bring you the official 2011-12 Students’ Guide to the Top 50 Placement & Internship Employers, by RateMyPlacement. co.uk. This is the only employer ranking that is actually based on the experiences of those students who have been there and done it! Building on the success of the 2010-11 ‘Top 20’ edition, we have increased this year’s Guide to bring you more advice, information and access to a wide range of employers who are looking for talented students like you! We first set up RateMyPlacement.co.uk in 2007 as students ourselves at Loughborough University after our own experiences out on placements and internships. We felt a website that allows students to rate and review their experiences would be a really useful resource for other students following in our footsteps. Since then, we’re pleased to say the website and business has grown considerably and a key factor in our growth has been the increasingly important role that placements and internships are playing.

employers includes organisations from a wide range of industries, offering placement years, summer internships and short-term insights across a huge range of roles. And you can find them profiled on pages 46 - 130. Alongside this, the Guide also features a selection of Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) who also offer great placement and internship roles. So there really should be something for everyone on the next 150 pages! Before the employer profiles, you’ll also find expert advice and information on everything from why you should do a placement or internship, through to making a success of your role once you begin! Plus, we have a selection of twopage insights on a range of key industries which can be found on pages 18 - 43. We’ve designed the Top 50 Guide with you in mind - we want you to use the Guide throughout your search for a placement or internship and beyond. Be sure to regularly check out RateMyPlacement.co.uk too as we’ll have a huge range of placement and internship vacancies available throughout the academic year.

In today’s competitive graduate job market, the need to differentiate yourself from your peers has never been greater. Leaving university with employability skills and relevant work experience has become the key to securing a successful graduate career and a placement or internship is the perfect way of achieving this.

Finally, we’d like to thank all of the students who submitted a review on RateMyPlacement.co.uk, which allowed us to compile the Top 50 table. We’d also like to extend a special thanks to our premier sponsors, PwC (see page 114) and all of the organisations who have taken part in this year’s Guide.

So, the fact that you’re reading our Top 50 Guide is a great start! This Guide is designed to showcase the best organisations when it comes to undergraduate placement and internship schemes. Based on reviews submitted by students on RateMyPlacement.co.uk, the Top 50 table of

Best of luck! Ali Lindsay, Oliver Sidwell & Chris Wickson Co-founders RMP Enterprise Ltd | RateMyPlacement.co.uk 3

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Advice

How the Top 50 Table was compiled The Top 50 Table is based on reviews submitted by students on RateMyPlacement.co.uk. For an organisation to qualify, they must have met the following criteria: • The organisation must employ 250 or more people • The organisation must have received a minimum of 10 reviews during 2010, for placement years, internships and insights that were completed in 2010. Within each review, students are required to rate and review their day-to-day role, the company in general and the other aspects that complete an experience such as the opportunities outside of work and the local area. Each

review for a particular employer then combines to formulate an average rating. We then factored in the total number of students employed on undergraduate schemes and those organisations with a high ratio of reviews:total students employed were given a positive weighting factor. Companies offering more than 50 undergraduate opportunities were also positively weighted. Once the weightings were taken into account, we were able to establish our final Top 50 Employers table!

How to get the most out of the Top 50 Guide Advice Section On pages 7 - 15, you will find expert advice and information on topics such as why a placement or internship is so important, the options available to you and how to ensure you successfully apply and secure a role. We have input from graduate recruiters and university careers advisors and we would definitely recommend utilising the Advice section as your search for a placement or internship progresses. Top 50 Profiles On pages 46 – 130, you will find two-page employer profiles of the top placement and internship employers. Following this, you will find a selection of featured Small & Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs) who were shortlisted at the National Placement & Internship Awards in 2011. Each profile contains an overview of the organisation and the undergraduate opportunities available, plus key information and stats that you need to know. The majority also contain a case study with a student who has worked there too.

Industry Insights On pages 18 - 43, we have profiled some of the top industries that you may consider doing a placement or internship in. Within each Industry Insight, you’ll find an overview of that particular industry, the types of roles available within it, the key skills and characteristics you’ll need and more. We have also gained the advice of an industry expert for each Insight.

Opportunities available at this company QR Code: scan this with your smart phone -see inside back cover

Rank in the Top 50 table Average student review

Quote taken from a review left by a student on RateMyPlacement

Key stats and information A summary of reviews by students on the RateMyPlacement site 5

Don’t think about your future. Give it a try. EY FastTracks programmes in Advisory, Assurance, Corporate Finance and Tax, help you experience work and life at Ernst & Young. No matter which year you’re in there is an opportunity for you. • EY Insight Day • EY Leadership Academy • EY Global Exchange • EY Summer Internship • EY Placement

To find out more visit www.ey.com/uk/careers

© Ernst & Young 2011. Ernst & Young is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The UK firm Ernst & Young LLP is a limited liability partnership and a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

Employability, employability, employability… Employability is one of the hottest topics in the world of higher education and graduate recruitment today. Quite simply, for an ever increasing number of employers, a degree is not enough to secure you a graduate position. Therefore, the need to acquire the relevant employability skills and work experience that recruiters are looking for before you graduate has never been greater and a placement or internship is the perfect way of achieving this.

It is your chance to find out not only what you might like to do as a future career but perhaps just as importantly, what you don’t want to do!

Stephanie Lee, Head of Graduate Recruitment at Intel, explains:

placement or internship, before you apply.

“In today’s environment, students need to develop and improve their employability skills as well as gaining work experience before they graduate to secure the best opportunities in the market.” With record numbers of unemployed graduates and applications per graduate role, recruiters are looking for those students who can differentiate themselves from the rest. A placement or internship provides you not only with the opportunity to apply and develop your skills, but also with the practical examples you’ll need for successful graduate applications and interviews. Research what a career is really like… As well as improving your employability, a placement or internship provides you with the opportunity to do some research. As Lucy Hearne, Graduate Recruitment Manager at BDO tells us:

“They are a great way of getting real life experience in a company or industry and finding out exactly what a career will involve before committing to a graduate position.”

Another great way of finding out what it is really like to work for a particular company or in a certain role is to check out the thousands of reviews held on RateMyPlacement.co.uk. We have student-written reviews covering a huge range of employers and sectors, providing you with a unique student-to-student insight into life on

Improve your chances of getting a higher degree result… Studies have continuously shown that if you do a placement or internship you are more likely to obtain a higher degree result. In one study, students with a placement experience had a 39% better degree performance in their final year than those without. And with many employers now only accepting applications from students with a 2:1 or above, obtaining a good result in your final year is crucial. Secure a graduate position before your final year… Imagine starting your final year at university knowing you’ve already secured a graduate position? A placement or internship provides you with a foot in the door and the opportunity to meet and network with the people who can shape your future career. Make an impact, exceed expectations and you could be heading back to your final year at university with a graduate job offer already in the bag! Along with this graduate job, you may be asked to promote your employer whilst back on campus to further boost your CV and potentially earn a bit of extra cash. Our On-Campus Promotions arm (turn to page 147) of the business manages teams of Brand Managers in all years, therefore contact us via OnCampusPromotions.co.uk if you would like to be a Brand Manager!

Advice - The Basics

Why is a placement or internship so important?

Advice - The Options / The Search

What types of opportunities are there?

Where to look for placements & internships…

There are many different variations of work experience and often no definitive agreement on what some of the terms actually refer to, so it’s understandable that students can get confused. Here, we’ve looked at three different options to give you an idea of the opportunities available to you...

Your University Find, meet and talk to your university careers and/or department placement office. They will be able to advise you on the type of companies and roles that might be suitable and help you find any relevant and interesting opportunities that you can apply for. University careers and placement advisers have a wealth of experience and will be able to help you with your CV, cover letters and applications.

Placement Years Also known as: Industrial Placements, Sandwich Years, Year in Industry (and we should add, some employers also rather confusingly refer to them as a year-long internships, so always check!) These are structured programmes where you spend an entire academic year working for a company as a full-time employee before returning to university for your final year. For a “thick” placement this is in one 12 month block, or for a “thin” placement, it’s in two six month placements. A full-time job means a full-time salary, with the average placement salary of £15,704 per annum, which works out at £302 per week – having said that it can be significantly higher – think investment banking!). Internships Also known as: work experience schemes, vacation schemes, summer internships Generally speaking, internships are formal and structured programmes which typically last for 8-12 weeks over the summer period but can sometimes can be as short as 1 or 2 weeks over Easter or at Christmas. Internships are often used as a way of identifying future graduate recruits and introducing them to the company. For those of you on straight 3-year degree courses, an internship is the perfect way of gaining the all important work experience and employability skills during your break from university. The majority of summer internships are paid and as with placement years, are the perfect opportunity to impress and line up a graduate position.

It is highly likely that your university will also arrange Careers Fairs for you to attend and meet with a wide range of employers and if you’re lucky, you can meet the RateMyPlacement team! RateMyPlacement.co.uk Shameless plug coming up – make sure you check out and sign up to RateMyPlacement.co.uk, we are the leading website when it comes to undergraduate placements and internships! We have the largest database of placement, internship and short-term insight vacancies across a wide range of industries for you to apply for. As the name suggests, you can also read through thousands of student-written reviews on their experiences – providing you with anonymous, honest and independent feedback on exactly how it is! Alongside the vacancies and reviews, we have expert advice, videos and tools such as your very own application tracking system to provide you with a complete and comprehensive resource to help you find your ideal placement or internship. And it’s all completely FREE of charge!

Short-term Insights An increasing number of organisations are running ‘insight’ days or weeks primarily for first year students, however many are open to all undergraduates. Often taking place during the holidays, these are designed to give you a taster of a particular company or industry and at the same time allow the organisation to identify potential future interns and placement students.

Top 50 Employers offering Insight Opportunities: • Bank of America Merrill Lynch • Barclays • Barclays Capital • BP • Credit Suisse • Deloitte • Deutsche Bank 8

• Ernst & Young • FSA • KPMG • Linklaters • Mayer Brown • Mercer • Morgan Stanley RateMyPlacement.co.uk

• Nabarro • NHS • PwC • The Royal Bank of Scotland • Savills

In theory the application process should be very simple: an employer tells you what they’re looking for, you tell them how you meet those criteria and the employer asks the best candidates back to find out more. What gets in the way though is the confusion over covering letters, CVs and online application forms and, often, some very silly mistakes. Cover Letters and CVs The first step is often the covering letter. This is your introduction to the company and the first thing a recruiter will read. In it you should introduce yourself and give three or four reasons why you’re really excited about this opportunity and why you’re perfect for the role. Be polite, but above all, be engaging. Your covering letter should be enough to get a recruiter to read your two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV). This sets out a more formal overview of your experiences, qualifications and achievements. Each CV must be different and tailored to the particular job you’re applying for, companies want relevant applications, not generic applications! Jo Chester, Graduate Recruitment Support Manager at Cummins, gives us her tips for a successful application:

“Ensure your application is specific to the company and the vacancy. Research the company ethics, core values and mission statement to tailor your application to show you would fit in well. Make sure you include the modules you have covered so far and any work experience, however small as there will be transferable skills such as team work; working to deadlines; using your initiative; problem solving; communication skills etc. Start your CV with the most relevant information - the degree you are studying. Make sure your contact details are up to date and include an email address and mobile phone number.” Online Application Forms Most companies now use online application forms so make sure you read the guidelines, these often include maximum word counts – something you should pay careful attention to. Alongside standard questions about personal details and education background, you will usually be asked to complete a series of questions designed to explain how your skills and achievements make you an ideal candidate for the role.

Nicola Jay, HR advisor at MBDA, gives us her advice:

“Take your time to complete a form and provide as much information about yourself as possible - if you are allowed up to 200 words for a question - use 200 words! Always re-read application forms before you submit them, and ask someone else to check through it.” We recommend that you prepare your answers in a separate document and save them for future use - this will also help with spell check as Online Application Forms often don’t have this functionality! However make sure you don’t just copy and paste your answers into future applications – always ensure you tailor your answers to the specific role and company.

Top 3 mistakes that get your application binned! 1. Poor spelling and grammar This is always top of an employer’s list of pet hates and will guarantee your CV goes in the bin! Check, check again and then ask someone else to check your CV, Cover Letter and Application! 2. Copy and paste The amount of times that we’ve come across applications that contain the wrong company name is frightening! Recruiters are looking for people who want to work for them, and not their competitors! 3. Not meeting the required criteria Many employers have strict criteria that must be met before you can apply. Always ensure you meet the criteria before wasting hours submitting an application. If in doubt, contact the company directly beforehand to check.

RateMyPlacement Co-founder, Oliver Sidwell, gives us his thoughts. “Online applications do take time, try not to get frustrated! Think about it from the recruiter’s perspective as opportunities are competitive and therefore the online application forms have been implemented and designed to whittle down a large pool of candidates. We have recently added a new ‘Application Tracking System’ on the RateMyPlacement website which will help you keep a track of all of your applications and progress too, completely free of charge.”

Advice - The Application

How to succeed with Cover Letters, CVs and Online Applications…

Intern Programme

Graduate Programme

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BE CURIOUS

Advice - The Assessment Centre and Interview

The Assessment Centre and Interview How to impress the recruiters… So you’ve made it this far. The fact that you’ve got to the interview/assessment centre stage shows that you have the skills and experiences that the employer is looking for. Now is your chance to impress them face-to-face and secure that placement or internship offer. Be prepared! One of the first mistakes students sometimes make is not going back over the information that got them through the door in the first place. So read and re-read your CV and application form. It doesn’t look good if an employer has to remind you of what you said on your CV – at the worst it can make you look like you were being generous with the truth. There’s a fine line between rehearsing and learning answers off-by-heart so that you can only deliver them with the emotion of an android. Speak to your careers/ placement office which will give you a head-start on some of the most common interview questions and allow you to practice what you would say in response. Finally, do your research on the company. Find out as much as you possibly can about the industry, the organisation and the role – be prepared to impress with your knowledge and demonstrate that you really want to work for that particular company, this can often set you apart from the rest. Assessment Centres and Interviews Many organisations now use assessment centres to make their final decision. Whilst they may sound a bit intimidating, with the correct preparation, they are nothing to be feared! It’s likely you’ll have to attend a company location and join in a schedule of exercises, tests and interviews. Speak to your careers/university office and ask for examples to familiarise yourself with the types of different exercises you may encounter to give yourself a head-start. Lucy Hearne, Graduate Recruitment Manager at BDO:

“Make sure you find out what the interview or assessment centre will involve, most employers will have information about this on their website but if you cannot find what you are looking for contact them directly, recruiters should be happy to answer your questions and will be glad to hear you are taking the process seriously. Once you know what you are going to be doing make sure you set aside time to prepare, ideally not the night before. It may also sound like common sense but make sure you can talk about the company and position you are applying to, a surprising number of people can’t.”

There is no secret to doing well at assessment centres and in interviews. You’ve already proven that you have the necessary skills to do the job, now the company just wants to see what your personality is like and how it would fit in with the firm. Ultimately, the best advice is just to be yourself, and when you’re participating in the exercises always remember: • Be positive • Listen to everyone and consider all points of view • Give constructive feedback, never criticise • Enjoy the exercises • Relax • Prepare examples from your own experiences to use • Ask questions! This is a two-way process, prepare good questions that show you’ve thought ahead and considered potential eventualities

Top 3 tips to make a good first impression Research shows that we make an impression on someone within the first few seconds of meeting them. So how can you ensure it is a positive one! 1. Be on time It goes without saying, but make sure you arrive for the assessment centre or interview on time! 2. Be yourself and be at ease Try to relax and smile when you first meet people, make eye contact and demonstrate you are enthusiastic and delighted to be there. If you’re nervous and uncomfortable, the recruiters will pick up on it – and it won’t help! 3. Present yourself appropriately Again, this should go without saying, but ensure you are dressed appropriately. Looking smart and overdressed is definitely a better option than being underdressed. If you’re not sure, send a polite email and ask. 11

Looking at an IT career? Upgrade your placement... If you’ve read this far in the booklet, you probably don’t need us to remind you how worthwhile a placement is. The evidence is clear: placements enhance your employability and improve your skills; just as importantly, they help you make informed judgements about your future and your career. They send you back to your studies with a new focus – many students believe that the experience contributed to a higher degree classification. Not all IT placements are created equal If you’re planning a career in the competitive but rewarding IT sector, a placement will get you off to a great start – but there’s a way to be certain you’ll get the best possible experience. Look out for an e-skills Professional Placement: alongside the standard benefits, you’ll be supported to develop the employability skills that employers really value, from commercial awareness to personal effectiveness. What’s more, you’ll get a certificate to prove it – a boost to any CV. The e-skills Professional Placement – managed for success The e-skills Professional Placement has been specially designed to give you the assurance that your placement is the best it can be. Set up by employers and universities, recognised as supporting the best placements available, it is based on a set of Best Practices and Learning Outcomes that define • Roles and responsibilities for you, your employer and your university, both before and during your placement • Clear expectations of what you should achieve and what your employer should offer you • Regular online reporting, submitted to your Line Manager for approval and grading, and a final assessment • Support from your university during your placement, including monitoring through your online submissions Everything’s directed to developing the qualities that will land you the job you aspire to. Alongside your normal work requirements, you’ll work on your business understanding, and will have opportunities and encouragement to develop your interpersonal and team-working skills. Proof positive of success At the end of a successful placement, you’ll receive a certificate endorsed by your employer emphasising their recognition of your employability skills. It’s a reflection of all the effort you’ve put in, and a powerful addition to your CV. Good for you, good for employers The e-skills Professional Placement works for everybody: it’s designed and supported by employers in partnership with universities, and is managed and supported by e-skills UK, the respected employer body for business and IT. It’s been planned to attract the best, and to help you achieve an agreed national standard, in whatever type of company you pursue your placement. It’s the gold standard, and is now offered by more than 200 employers: don’t settle for less.

info@e-skills.com www.e-skills.com/internship

Advice - The Job Itself!

How to make a success of your placement or internship… So you’ve made it! You’ve secured yourself a placement or internship and it would be easy to think that the hard work is done but the question is now, how do you make the most of the opportunity? Remember: You’ve got a foot in the door – you’re not through yet It’s no secret that many employers view placement and internship schemes as ‘extended interviews’, giving them the opportunity to identify future graduate talent. So, it’s essential that you make the most of your opportunity to impress says Maria Floud, Grant Thornton’s Graduate Recruitment Manager:

“When we do see someone with focus, who knows where they want to be and who’s done their homework then they really stand out.” Be professional throughout your placement It’s vital to remember that you’re not a student any more and you won’t be treated like one either. So, you must quickly adapt and ensure you behave in a professional manner from day one; treat everyone with the upmost respect as you never know who you may meet during your first week!

“We don’t expect our placements to know everything when they start with us so we do expect them to ask lots of questions,” says Jo Chester, a Graduate Recruitment Manager at Cummins.

“As we look for innovation and enthusiasm in all of our employees, we also welcome their input and suggestions. Treat your placement like a 12 month interview; it could be the first step to a very bright future if you make a good impression.”

(even if people are really busy). Effective feedback can only help you to improve.” Make and take your own opportunities It’s an obvious statement, but those students who push themselves and get involved as much as possible often get the most out of their placement or internship. Ask good questions, do your upmost to exceed expectations and you’ll not only enhance your own skills and development, but will improve your chances of being asked back into a graduate role. Meet people, remember their names and develop your network Ultimately, when it comes to a recruiter deciding whether they want to employ you, it will be influenced by the people you’ve been working with during your placement or internship. This doesn’t mean you have to suck up, but you should be polite and approachable and get to know as many people as possible while you’re on the inside. Take every opportunity to work with as many different colleagues as you can and get involved in activities outside of your normal day-to-day tasks. Work hard but don’t forget to enjoy yourself No one wants employees who are 100% about work, so socialising with your new colleagues is a great chance for you to impress outside of work and make new friends. Employers are not only keen for you to succeed in your role, but they also want you to enjoy your placement or internship, have a great experience (and positively review your placement on RateMyPlacement.co.uk!). Most employers will organise social events to welcome you to the organisation and there are often chances to get involved in sports clubs and events outside of work.

Learn how to communicate and how to listen A placement or internship provides the ideal opportunity to improve your communication skills. Ask plenty of questions and expect to be communicating with colleagues and customers from a wide range of areas. Your manager should carry out regular one-to-one meetings with you to ensure your progress and development is on track and you should not be afraid to speak up if things aren’t going well or you have any questions. Giovanna Micelli, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Mercer, provides her input: “Don’t wait until the end of your internship to hear how you’re doing; make sure you ask for feedback after you do a piece of work 13

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Advice

What about placements & internships abroad? Demand amongst students to acquire work experience abroad has been on the rise in recent years. Internships, placement years, volunteering, teaching and international study are just a few of the options available to students who wish to travel abroad in search of that all important work experience! What are the benefits? The beauty of taking a placement or internship abroad is that it allows you to not only gain work experience and vital employability skills, but also allows you to incorporate the option of travelling and exploring the country (or continent!) you are working. A placement abroad is also excellent for those who wish to develop their language skills. Mat Lucas, an intern at a top Investment bank in Paris tells us more:

Top Tips from those who have been there and done it... From thousands of reviews on RateMyPlacement, there are three key things that are consistently cited within fantastic experiences, and the lack of these are often cited in poor experiences: • Responsibility - The well rated reviews shout about how much responsibility the student asked for and were given as a result. The impact upon productivity and motivation was huge due to this level of responsibility. You may have to earn it first, but the best employers aren’t scared to delegate to those they trust. On the flip side, poor experiences are met with low levels of responsibility, boredom and overall, an unsatisfactory placement or internship. If you find yourself with little to do - ask someone and do something about it!

“I moved to Paris as I wanted to become fully bi-lingual. I have always wanted to work in the banking and finance industry and an international placement has allowed me to combine the two. I now have the opportunity to work all over the world, something that I am unsure I would have experienced if I had remained in England.” For anyone considering international work experience there are a number of options available to help you. Turn to pages 40 - 43 to find out more about the companies who can help you to find a placement or internship overseas. There are huge benefits of working abroad and in today’s increasingly global business world, international experience could prove invaluable. However, it is certainly not the easy option; be prepared to put in plenty of hard work in finding, arranging and securing your placement or internship abroad and bear in mind that you may not enjoy the financial benefits associated with working in the UK.

• Support/Guidance - Something the well rated reviews all cite is support and guidance from upper management, either a senior boss, partner, HR or line manager. Make sure you’re aware of the levels of authority and work out who to go speak to if you have questions. Poorly rated reviews all cite a lack of this and feeling undervalued and lonely is no way to learn. • Work hard, play hard! At the end of the day you want to do a placement or internship to further your career and learn so the best advice has to be - give it your best shot. Work hard, put in the hours and you’ll make the most out of it. Alongside this, the company recognise you are students and want you to enjoy yourselves too so make sure you take every opportunity! 15

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have benefited enormously from the experience and input of my colleagues and managers, and this knowledge is reinforced by formal training sessions held across the countryâ&#x20AC;? - Nicola Macaulay, Aston University. Placement Student 2010-2011

Cooper Industries, a global manufacturer with 2010 revenues of over $5 Bn and administrative headquarters in Houston USA, devotes substantial resources to the recruitment and ongoing development of graduates from the best colleges and universities around the world. Our twelve month placement programmes cover most areas of our business and are designed to give you an insight into a real manufacturing business whilst exposing you to large projects and preparing you for a potential return on to one of our specialised graduate programmes. At the same time we will prepare you for future leadership opportunities by offering the chance to learn through hands on experience and professional training. Placements available in Operations, Engineering, HR, Finance, Marketing and Customer Service.

www.cooperindustries.com

Industries

- Industry Insights On the following pages you will find a selection of ‘Industry Insights’ - two-page profiles of a selection of the most popular industries for placements, internships and graduate schemes. Within each section, you will find an industry overview together with a Q&A with an ‘industry expert’ from one of our Top 50 Employers. Enjoy...

Industries - Accounting & Finance

Accountancy

Finance

Industry Overview The accountancy and finance sector consists of firms offering a variety of professional services for organisations and individuals including audit and assurance, tax, advisory and outsourced services. All large businesses and many small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have a finance function that could potentially employ finance staff. Accountancy and finance professionals have a wide range of responsibilities, from ensuring that company finances remain ‘healthy’, to analysing if the organisation can afford to expand or diversify, and making sure routine functions such as paying members of staff and suppliers are completed accurately and on time. Their functions are integral to their employers’ decision-making processes and also crucial for long-term organisational stability and growth. Accounting and finance professionals operate across every industry, and generally work in one of the following: • Industry: In other profit making firms across all sectors ranging from engineering and media companies, to insurance and investment firms.

• Private practice: These range from large UK based firms which offer a broad range of audit, accountancy, taxation, and consultancy services, including research and organisational development, to small and mid-tier accountancy firms who operate locally in every town across the UK. • Public sector: These are organisations such as the NHS, local authorities, schools, the government, charities and other non-profit making organisations. Accountancy and finance is a broad term which can refer to the full spectrum of specialisms including auditing, bookkeeping, payroll, financial accounting, forensic accounting, corporate treasury, tax consultancy, insolvency management, plus many more. Important skills to succeed with a career in accountancy and finance include good communication and analytical skills, a high attention to detail and level of accuracy and both numeracy and IT skills. To find out more, visit the Financial Skills Partnership website – www.fssc.org.uk.

An Industry of choice Over 2 million people work in finance, accountancy and financial services in the UK in over 67,000 firms ranging from international corporations to small local firms. The industry is fast-paced, innovative and influences everyone’s life every day. It offers global opportunities and many rewarding careers. The workforce is made up of people coming from a multitude of backgrounds who altogether form an inclusive, diverse and competitive sector. 18

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Industries - Accounting & Finance

Industry Expert

Name: Kimberley Company: Assurance Manager at PwC Bio: • Completed an Insight Business Placement with PwC from June 2006 to June 2007 • Graduated from Robert Gordon’s University in Aberdeen in June 2008 and returned to PwC in September 2008 as a full time graduate (with one year of my training contract already completed) • Qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) in March 2011 • Promoted to Assurance Manager in July 2011

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? I am a Manager within Assurance which involves leading teams in providing audit and non-audit services to a variety of clients. On a day to day basis, I will be responsible for a number of clients, ensuring that PwC provide a quality service to them, building and maintaining strong client relationships and focussing on developing the team members that I work with. What attracted you to the industry? I was interested in accounting and finance since school and during my degree programme I attended a number of recruitment events. I became particularly interested in working within the assurance field due to the exposure I would receive to a variety of different clients and industries and being in the unique position of working with some of the largest and most interesting companies in the country whilst gaining an inside knowledge of how they work. I also liked the idea of not being based in the office every day and working with different team members. What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? Definitely the variety of work. As my role involves working with different clients, primarily on site with them, no two days are ever the same and when you come in each morning, there is no telling what I might be faced with. I also enjoy working with clients and within different teams as I will work with a variety of interested and talented people each day, it means that my day is never boring. What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? The job isn’t all about number-crunching, so you have to have good communication skills to deal with your colleagues and clients. You will also have to be flexible and have good time management skills to ensure that you

can meet your client deadlines. It is also important to be proactive and have good problem solving skills to ensure that you can deal with the wide variety of situations which may arise on any day. What challenges do you/the industry face? The job involves taking on a large amount of responsibility very quickly after joining the industry and this continues throughout your career, which can be challenging in comparison to other jobs, however everyone within the industry has already been through what you will be going through and as a result there will be a significant support network available. What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? A lot of people think that accounting can be boring, however your placement is the ideal time to find out if assurance is for you. It will be a steep learning curve initially but you will learn a lot and the people you work with are guaranteed to be interesting!

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 1 / Page: 78 Top 50 Rank: 4 / Page: 114 Top 50 Rank: 7 / Page: 52 Top 50 Rank: 10 / Page: 88 Top 50 Rank: 12 / Page: 66 Top 50 Rank: 19 / Page: 72

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Industries - Banking

Banking

Industry Overview The financial services sector is vast, and the variety of jobs within the sector is equally vast. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that more than one million people work in the sector, making the industry a key driver within the UK economy. The people who work in the industry therefore can rightly feel that they make an important contribution to British life. While the sheer size of the banking and finance sector makes it hard to describe and define, broadly speaking, it can be broken down into banking, insurance, asset management, organised and informal markets and a range of supporting professional services. There are several types of banks and it can be difficult to grasp the differences between each of these banking institutions. Commercial banks are the most common, and include global banks such as RBS and HSBC. An investment bank brings investors (i.e. governments, institutions or large corporations) together with new opportunities that will deliver a return on their investment. In return, the investment bank receives a fee. Many banks are both commercial and investment banks. Private banks provide banking services to high net-worth individuals While a good degree is essential, banks invest a great deal to attract a diverse range of students from a cross section of Universities. As for the boy’s club; this is very much a sentiment of the past and females are now an integral part of the investment banking workforce. You have to be a mathematical genius to apply to banking and those from Arts/ Humanities or other backgrounds have no chance of securing a job. 20

exclusively, community banks are smaller and focus on local services and online banks operate over the internet. While the recent economic downturn has had a significant impact upon employment, positive signs are clear in the graduate market for those interested in a career in banking and finance. High Fliers reported in their recent report, The Graduate Market in 2011, that vacancies in the banking and finance sector across the Times Top 100 Employers has increased by 5.3% since 2010 and the median average graduate starting salary across these employers was £30,000. The opportunities available to students within the sector are endless and the best way to gain first hand exposure in a business is to undertake an internship or work placement. Not only will this enhance your employability but it will put you a step ahead of your peers in securing an early offer of a graduate position. To find out more about intern or graduate opportunities at RBS, please turn to page 120-121.

industry review • Degree Required: The majority of banks recruit across all academic disciplines. • Entry Requirements: A strong academic record, good communication skills and an interest in the sector are all general requisites. • Popular Placement & Internship Roles: Placement opportunities are extensive and divisions vary greatly between investment banks, retail banks, accountancy firms and other related professional services companies.

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Name: Jason Richardson Company: RBS Global Banking and Markets Position: Global Head of Emerging Markets Trading Bio: My career really began in 1995 when I started at Natwest Markets as an intern and from there, was offered a graduate position the following year on the FX Option Trading desk. I spent a number of years in the late nineties working overseas in Hong Kong and Singapore before returning to London in 2001. The last ten years have seen me working in both London and the US, focused on FX Options and the Emerging Markets. I was appointed as Global Head of Emerging Markets Trading in 2009.

What are your top tips for career progression? Do something you enjoy passionately! Work hard and ask a lot of questions. Never pretend to know something when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

enjoy and equally as importantly, what you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy. The workplace is vastly different from university life and an internship allows you to experience the working world and see where you might best fit into a business area.

What has been your biggest achievement in the workplace? One of my most significant professional achievements took place in 2008 during the acquisition of ABN Amro. I had assumed responsibility for the Latin America markets five days before the collapse of Lehman Brothers. The crisis that ensued had no historical equivalent to compare with or learn from. Against this backdrop I had an additional 50 new staff looking for directions in a time of great uncertainty. In such situations you just have to hold your nerve, believe in yourself and the training you have undertaken and have the confidence of your convictions. We collectively survived that experience and came out stronger for it.

What can you remember about your internship? My internship back in 1995 was less structured than the programme is today. Above all else, being an intern helped me develop an understanding first hand of how a bank functions on a day to day basis. Working in the environment allows you to really grasp how each role works with another and while the chances of finding your perfect role initially may seem slim, an internship allows you to see the scope of opportunity within a company. I worked on the dealing floor at Natwest and spent my internship building asset allocation models. This experience certainly gave me an advantage over my peers. I was able to make a clearer decision about my future direction, commit with a greater level of certainty and feel more comfortable and prepared in the workplace when I started full time work.

How important is the internship programme for RBS? The internship programme is absolutely vital for RBS and is symbiotic in every sense. That is, the programme is mutually beneficial for both the students and the business - it provides students with an insight into the industry, ensures we receive informed applications and allows each party to gauge compatibility. It offers students the chance to network with fellow peers and business people which is invaluable when at University and trying to establish your career goals. Internships are central to our overall graduate recruitment strategy and above all else, help both students and the business make a more informed decision about the future. In your opinion, why should students consider doing an internship? An internship offers you the chances to work out what you add your notes here...

Any top tips for a student interest in a placement / internship at RBS? My advice is to try and gain experience in as many different industries or part of a business as you can to help you work out what it is you like most. Stay informed about the industry and undertake a range of rotations if possible. The most successful interns at RBS are those who are enthusiastic, good listeners, opened minded, flexible and know how and when to ask questions.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 27 / Page: 48 Top 50 Rank: 44 / Page: 82 Top 50 Rank: 46 / Page: 120 Top 50 Rank: 50

Industries - Banking

Industry Expert

Industries - Engineering

Engineering

Industry Overview Engineering makes up an exciting range of businesses and industries, including construction, transport, cosmetics, medicine, food, fashion and many more. Engineers work in all kinds of environments, from offices, laboratories and film studios to outdoors and underground. Engineering today is closely linked with technology, and plays a major role in many technological devices and advances. The growing low carbon economy means the demand for skilled engineers will be considerable and engineers are also in demand for exciting major infrastructure projects, such as Crossrail and the Olympics. The financial rewards are significant too: last year, four of the top ten graduate salaries were in engineering subjects, with Chemical Engineering coming in just behind Dentistry and Medicine. Engineering graduates could earn around £243,730 more over their working life compared to those who begin work straight after A Levels and the average starting salary of a manufacturing engineer is around £25,000. How do I become an engineer? As well as good grades in mathematics and sciences, engineering requires hands-on experience and an understanding of innovation principles, processes, On average, professional engineers can expect to earn more than £10,000 per year over and above the national average salary. Engineering is just for men... Absolutely not! Year-on-year the number of women working as engineers is increasing, as the range of career options available in design, television, mobile phones, medicine, materials, civil engineering and construction and more. 22

design and society. Qualifications in ICT and design and technology (D&T) are also extremely useful. The good news is that, whatever your strengths, there is probably a branch of engineering that will match your interests and there are also plenty of routes into engineering – such as apprenticeships and vocational schemes – that focus more on your experience of practical problem-solving. Professional Qualifications There are three internationally recognised professional qualifications that you can work towards: Engineering Technician (Eng Tech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng). These form a progressive structure and can be achieved via various pathways. To find out more about professional qualifications in engineering please visit the Engineering Council website www.engc.org.uk Further information You can find out more about engineering, routes into it and grants on the Tomorrow’s Engineers website www.tommorowsengineers.org.uk

industry review Engineers influence every aspect of modern life and it’s likely that today you will have already relied on the expertise of one or more engineers. Perhaps you woke to a DAB clock radio, or used a train or a bus? Maybe you’ve listened to an iPod? Or watched television? Did you wash your hair today? Do you have a mobile phone in your pocket or trainers on your feet?

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Name: Phil Clements Company: National Grid (Electricity Alliance Central) Position: Development Engineer Bio: After completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering and having spent a number of years as an Electrical Designer for a major multi-national engineering consultancy, the desire to increase my knowledge in electrical engineering reached a level which drove me to leaving full time employment to undertake my degree qualifications. Having then been successful in securing a place on National Grid’s highly beneficial Graduate Development Scheme, I am now responsible for the development of multiple large-scale construction projects across the UK.

I currently work as a Development Engineer for one of National Grid’s Electricity Construction Alliances, which involves responding to the various investment needs of National Grid, whether driven by the need to replace aging infrastructure, or to connect new generation in line with National Grid’s responsibilities under our Transmission Licence. This involves leading multi-disciplinary teams of engineers to explore various system options and evaluate construction feasibility towards identifying the right solution for all internal and external stakeholders in each case. I think the biggest buzz in working within this industry is that presented by the dynamic environment I work in. The future of energy is very uncertain, though one thing is very clear, - National Grid and our industry partners face a huge challenge in contributing to securing a sustainable energy future by providing the right transmission infrastructure to facilitate the ongoing requirement for the transport of energy. Coupled with this, a large quantity of existing transmission assets installed many years ago are in need of replacement. This all equates to a large scale and highly demanding construction programme. Working within teams of intelligent and enthusiastic engineers, it is an enjoyable experience working together in rising to this challenge. In my mind, to become a successful engineer, it is about far more than obtaining a formal qualification and then entering the industry to apply it. Of course, it is essential that qualifications are obtained in order that fundamental engineering principles are understood. However, equally essential is something which cannot be bought, and that is time in which to gain experience. Every day in my role I learn something new, yet I know that this is equally shared by far more experienced engineers alongside whom I am

working. We never stop learning throughout our entire careers, therefore I think the over-riding skills that are required by anyone considering a career in engineering within this industry are enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, great interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively within a team to help solve problems together. If I were to give advice to a student looking to enter this industry, I would initially recommend that they work hard and stretch themselves at achieving the highest level in education, and then be prepared to do the same in a busy engineering environment. I would also simply say “there are no silly questions, so keep asking them!”. Every day I ask questions of others to aid understanding, as others do of me also. This is the only way we can pull together and meet the challenges ahead.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 28 / Page: 58 Top 50 Rank: 32 / Page: 108 Top 50 Rank: 35 / Page: 96 Top 50 Rank: 39 / Page: 118 Top 50 Rank: 40 / Page: 64

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Industries - Engineering

Industry Expert

Industries - Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism

Hospitality Leisure, Travel Tourism

Industry Overview A World Of Opportunity in Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism

anywhere; from booking luxury travel trips for businesses, to organising hospitality and catering services at highprofile events like the FA Cup Final or Brit Awards.

If you enjoy working with people, have a passion for customer service and food, or want to travel the world, a career in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism (HLTT) could be right up your street!

You’ll gain transferable skills if you want a change of environment - as a chef, for example, you could work in a restaurant, hotel, holiday park or even on a cruise ship - and there are opportunities for graduates to progress quickly into management roles.

Employing around two million people and accounting for approximately seven percent of all jobs, HLTT is one of the largest industry sectors in the UK – and it’s growing. When replacement demand is taken into account, the industry will need an estimated one million additional workers by 2017, including over 200,000 managers. And, with a ‘golden decade of sporting events,’ including the 2012 Olympics, 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2015 Rugby World Cup, attracting millions of tourists to the UK, it’s an exciting time to join the industry. With fourteen vibrant industries to choose from - including: hotels, restaurants, gambling, foodservice management (sometimes called contract catering), events, visitor attractions and travel agents – a job in HLTT could take you The HLTT industry is growing, and will need an additional 69,000 managers by 2017 – over 200,000 when accounting for replacement demand. That’s a lot of opportunities! HLTT is a job, not a career – wrong! There are excellent progression opportunities available, and leading employers like Whitbread, McDonald’s, Mitchells & Butlers, TUI Travel all run graduate schemes for aspiring young managers. 24

People 1st is working to transform skills across the industry – particularly in the areas of management and leadership, customer service and craft skills. We are committed to ensuring that public funds support the industry to develop only those qualifications and programmes that meet employers’ needs. If you’re interested in a career in HLTT, you can find a wealth of detailed information on careers, jobs and training on People 1st’s UKSP website at www.uksp.co.uk.

industry review 14 industries to work in: Coffee Shops, Holiday Centres, Visitor Attractions, Tourism, Travel, Youth Hostels, Events, Fast Food, Hotels, Pubs, Bars & Nightclubs, Restaurants, Gaming, Membership Clubs, Food Service Management

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Name: Victoria Rogers Company: TUI Position: Cruise Trading Manager Bio: Graduated in 2008 with a 1st class honours degree in Business Tourism Management from the University of Hertfordshire. Joined TUI in June 2008 as a Cruise Trading Assistant, before being promoted to a Cruise Trading Executive in April 2009 and a Cruise Trading Manager in February 2011. Has been involved with the Placement Scheme since it begun in 2008, and started running the scheme in 2011.

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? I am responsible for the cruises on sale for winter 2011 currently. This means ensuring we sell all the cabins and flights to a high occupancy with as high margin as possible! It is an analytical role, looking at sales patterns and data and changing prices accordingly. A big part of trading is promoting offers and sales messages to the trade. What attracted you to the industry? I worked in a hotel on my gap year and loved the fast-paced nature of the industry, which led me to choose Tourism Management at degree level. From this point, I knew I wanted to work for a leading multinational organisation within the travel industry in order to get as much exposure as possible to the various parts of the industry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so TUI was the perfect choice for me! The industry is dynamic and exciting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after all, everyone loves going on holidays and it was important to me to do something I enjoyed. What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? No two days are ever the same. There are so many external factors that can influence the travel industry from swine flu, to political unrest, to natural disasters which means that there are often unexpected hurdles to overcome which means I am constantly challenged and learning new things. I also love the fact that I am part of a company that provides fantastic holidays to millions of customers every year.

What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way!

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 3 / Page: 126 Top 50 Rank: 49 / Page: 70

useful resources To find out more about intern or graduate opportunities at TUI, please turn to page 126.

What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? Passion and enthusiasm for the industry are vital to success. Adaptability and communication are important in this ever-changing customer-focussed industry, regardless of what role you are in.

add your notes here...

Industries - Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism

Industry Expert

Industries - Investment Banking

Investment Banking

Industry Overview Investment banks assist institutional and individual investors and investment banking clients, including corporations, governments and other entities with almost every kind of financial product and service across the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major markets. These services include planning complex deals, trading current movements of the capital markets and analysing the financial needs of a company or a wealthy family. Financial advisory services are generally provided by the investment banking division and include, in addition to mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, financing methods, risk management and restructuring. Trading in stocks, bonds, derivatives, foreign exchange, commodities and other asset classes on behalf of the client or the bank itself is done by the sales and trading division. Dedicated sales desks are in close contact with investors to discuss market developments, communicate trading ideas and to take orders. The pricing and execution of the trades is performed by trading desks.

Six of the ten largest global investment banks, according to the Financial Times are featured within our Top 50! See: Bank of America Merrill Lynch (pg 46), Morgan Stanley (pg 104), Deutsche Bank (pg 68), Credit Suisse (pg 62), Citi (pg 60) and Barclays Capital (pg 50). The global financial crisis means there are no jobs available in the industry... Incorrect! Confidence is growing again and the investment banks are still investing in future talent, particularly when it comes to students. 26

Research creates value for clients and the bank itself by developing non-consensus trading ideas and research, helping validate the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own investment initiatives. Investment and Wealth Management generally provide investment advice and assistance to wealthy individuals and institutional investors. Together, Finance, Operations and Technology provide the global infrastructure and controls for the core businesses above. Human Resources provide support and strategic direction in employee recruiting, retention, development and compensation. To find out more about the student opportunities within Morgan Stanley, please turn to pages 104-105.

industry review A career in investment banking can open doors across the globe. As well as London, important financial centres include New York, Geneva, Zurich, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney, to name but a few.

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Industries - Investment Banking

Industry Expert

Name: Paul Thomas Walsh Company: Morgan Stanley Position: Vice President, Operations Bio: Paul was a student at the University of Birmingham, studying an M.A. in International Political Economy before embarking on his career within the banking industry.

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? I run the European Securities Projects Team. We are a dedicated project team managing front to back renovation for Sales and Trading in Europe. We are a global team and we manage large multi year/region projects, but also smaller tactical projects. Our aims are to generate revenue for the Firm, increase efficiency for Operations and reduce risk and overall Firm costs. Day to day, I manage my team of analysts to ensure projects are on track and delivered correctly; I work with my counterparts in New York and Asia to help set the strategy of the team globally and I am answerable to key stakeholders from Sales and Trading, Technology and Operations and my team know that they can come to me when any issues arise; we always work closely together to ensure they have what they need to deliver. What attracted you to the industry? The high profile nature of the industry, the fast-paced nature of the market trends/regulatory changes and the key political events which often shape what we have to do. I like things that move quickly and the responsibility that comes with responding to that. What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? • The dynamism of what we do and how so many moving parts are brought together to deliver on change within the Firm. • The impact of global events and how this shapes the projects on which we work. • The fact that I’m constantly challenged to learn/deliver more.

What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? • Capacity to learn in detail and quickly - There are always a lot of moving parts and we need people who can think creatively and logically at all stages. • Motivation - People who can work independently but can also collaborate effectively with others globally. • Tenacity and resilience - Things can get tough sometimes and people need to have the right approach; they must always aim to succeed but at the same time be open and pragmatic when they make mistakes and know when to raise their hand. What challenges do you/the industry face? The industry landscape has changed a great deal in terms of the regulatory environment, our competition and our clients. They’re a key focus for everyone. What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? Understand your environment: never focus on just one single task without understanding the inputs and the impacts you will have to your client/team/the Firm. It will ensure you’re asking the right questions and making a more informed decision.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 13 / Page: 104 Top 50 Rank: 14 / Page: 50 Top 50 Rank: 23 / Page: 62

add your notes here...

Top 50 Rank: 29 / Page: 46 Top 50 Rank: 38 / Page: 60 Top 50 Rank: 41 / Page: 68 Top 50 Rank: 43 / Page: 116 27

Industries - IT & Telecommunications

IT Telecommunications

Industry Overview 1.5 million people work in IT & Telecoms in the UK and employment in the industry is growing at 5 times the national average. Across the UK, 110,400 IT recruits are required each year, and the level of advertised vacancies has risen in each of the last 5 quarters. But there is a significant mismatch between the needs of industry and the skills of graduates, in particular, the blend of technical, business and interpersonal skills needed in the occupations that are growing fastest. A recent CBI survey found that 58% of scientific, high-tech and IT businesses looking to recruit STEM graduates found graduate employability skills lacking. e-skills UK research shows a clear need to improve the ability of graduates entering IT to deploy their skills in a business context, In 1998, 30% of Computing students had been on placements. By 2004 that number had dropped to less than 20%. Numbers have continued to collapse.

and to further develop their interpersonal skills for communicating with teams, clients and sub-contractors. The most valuable degree courses for employers, in terms of employability, are those developed and delivered with industry. The best way to ensure that your degree is really valued by employers is to ensure that it includes an industrial placement. The e-skills Professional Placement is an industry backed placement programme designed to boost the employability of graduates. Students undertake placements and develop a set of employability skills defined by employers in the IT sector. The certificate of employability skills, awarded at the end of the placement, provides evidence of highly valued skills to employers that are recruiting graduates. To find out more visit the e-skills website: www.e-skills.com/internships

HESA figures for July 2010 show that 17% of 2009 computing graduates were unemployed. Of all the graduates, students from Computing had one of the worst employment rates. Students think there are fewer placements available. The truth is, student take-up is falling. There are plenty of unfilled placements out there BUT students need to work on their CVs in order to be considered. Students say they lack the technical skills for many placements that are advertised. This is not the case; they just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t present their skills well on their CVs. 28

industry review Research shows IT & Telecoms plays a large role in working Britain with a workforce of 1.5 million. â&#x20AC;˘ 862,700 people work in IT & Telecoms products and services. â&#x20AC;˘ 673,900 IT & Telecoms professionals work for organisations outside the IT & Telecoms industries.

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Name: Krupa Company: Microsoft Position: Technical Account Manager Bio: â&#x20AC;˘ Completed a placement year at Microsoft from July 2005 to August 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Graduated from Aston University in Birmingham in June 2007 and returned to Microsoft in June 2008 as a full time graduate.

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? I am a Technical Account Manager which involves being a trusted business advisor to Microsoftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Support customers, providing guidance around operations and optimisation of their IT infrastructure through Service Delivery Management. What attracted you to the industry? I have always had a passion for technology since school and this developed further through my choices of A-Levels and at university. The opportunity to take part in a placement scheme at Microsoft further increased my interest in technology. I enjoy the culture, it is very open and being able to interact with a team of really talented individuals allows more sharing of experiences and best practices, which helps in being able to deliver an even better experience to our customers. What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? I like the way technology is always changing and developing, it makes it a very exciting industry to be a part of and being at Microsoft allows me to be at the forefront of technology. This means working with different customers in different sectors is refreshing, as every customer requires differing IT needs to meet their business needs, so having a view of the technology and services is key. What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? Having a passion for technology and understanding the value technology can bring to the consumer is important, however being deeply technical is not always required and very role dependent. There are many business and soft skills required to succeed in this industry, as many of the roles are interfacing with customers, good communication is important. Other skills include leadership, risk analysis, decision making and problem solving.

What challenges do you/the industry face? The industry is always evolving, so being up to date with the latest and upcoming changes can sometimes be challenging. Opportunities to go on training to build your breadth of knowledge are always available and having insight helps to build credibility with customers. Being close to the product groups is also good in being able to shape changes and understanding the lifecycle. What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? Choosing a degree with a placement year is a great head start, it allows you to get a feel for the industry and the roles available. With IT being a broad industry there is a variety of roles, so understanding what drives you will help define the role for you. There are opportunities to shadow different roles and this again can help to get the right fit.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 2 / Page: 102 Top 50 Rank: 8 / Page: 100 Top 50 Rank: 16 / Page: 84 Top 50 Rank: 20 / Page: 86 Top 50 Rank: 42 / Page: 80

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Industries - IT & Telecommunications

Industry Expert

Industries - Law

Law

Industry Overview When you hear the word law, it may conjure up movie scenes of intense court room battles, white-haired men writing wills, or judges wearing ridiculous robes and tatty wigs. Actually, law is a fabulously varied sector that has a profound impact on every part of our lives. Law is an extremely popular industry and for lots of good reasons: it’s stimulating, it’s constantly changing, it’s complex and it can be lucrative. Salary is one of the key draws for students considering a career in law. Indeed, the average starting salary for trainees working at City law firms is £36,500. When we talk about law, solicitors and barristers are the traditional occupations that come to mind. Either of these routes into law will take upwards of five years (usually five to seven) until qualification and there is a lot of competition. The truth is: getting into law is pretty tough. Around 20,000 law students graduate each year and only around 1,500 barristers are admitted to the bar, whilst only approximately 6,000 people are awarded registered solicitor training contracts. People from all kinds of universities and backgrounds are successfully able to secure training contracts with City firms. In recent times, gender balance and ethnic diversity have improved massively. In fact, according to the Law Society, over 60% of new trainees are female and over 20% are now from ethnic minority backgrounds. Solicitors that work for City law firms are all white males, who have been to Oxford or Cambridge. 30

However, besides solicitors and barristers, there is a massive array of other career paths you can follow within this sector; from legal journalists, legal secretaries, typists, paralegals and legal executives, to solicitor advocates, coroners, law lecturers and court clerks. Careers in the legal sector are well paid, well respected and incredibly exciting. The rewards can be great, but the hours can be long and it requires many years of sustained effort to get where you want to be; but if you are up for the challenge, it’s definitely worth exploring this sector in more detail. For more information on law careers, visit www.allaboutlaw.co.uk and www.allaboutcareers.com

industry review • You don’t have to do an undergraduate law degree (LLB) to become a solicitor or barrister. However, if you do a non-law degree you will have to do the law conversion course (GDL). • To become a solicitor or barrister, you will have to do a postgraduate course before beginning your training, i.e. the LPC for future solicitors and the BPTC for barristers. • If you do a vacation scheme, you are likely to be paid between £250 and £400 a week.

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Industries - Law

Industry Expert

Name: Mark Cooper Company: Linklaters Position: Managing Associate Bio: • Bristol University (LLB) 1998-2001 • Nottingham Law School (LPC) – 2001-2002 • Trainee (Linklaters London and Paris) – 2003 – 2005 • Associate (Linklaters London and Shanghai) – 2005 - 2010

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? I am a Managing Associate in the London Corporate Department of Linklaters. My role involves running and coordinating the various transactions we undertake and managing our internal teams. I have responsibility for a number of clients and transactions and aim to ensure that we always provide the best service possible to our clients, while ensuring that the members of my teams develop their own skills as much as possible on the transactions they work on with me.

What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? Finding the legal answer is only one part of our job. The rest revolves around presenting these answers in as comprehensible and digestible manner for the client. A lot of our role involves advising on tactics, strategy and commercial judgement, so it’s not just a question of whether something is legally possible or not. The ability to assimilate a large amount of information and present solutions concisely and clearly is crucial.

What attracted you to the industry? When I left school I knew I wanted to work in the City in some way. Studying law was the most attractive option at university and this enabled me to secure a Summer placement at a construction firm in Paris where I worked in the legal department. Working on a number of transactions during my time there made me realise how much I enjoyed the legal side of commerce and transactions and so applying for a training contract seemed the natural step.

What challenges do you/the industry face? Because of the nature of the work that we do, we are expected to take on a large amount of responsibility at a fairly early stage. This can be fairly daunting at the outset, but there are always people available to assist and help out and you’re never left to fend for yourself. There can be heavy demands on your time but you do get some good perks and downtime too, so it’s not all work and no play.

What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? Variation for me is key. The type of work we do is always different on a day to day basis and no transaction is ever the same. You can arrive a work with a list of things to do, answer the ‘phone and have your day go off on a totally different tangent. We get to work with a wide range of clients, each of whom have different goals and requirements, all of which keeps us on our toes and the job interesting. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some quite interesting places during my time at Linklaters; I’ve been down a diamond mine in Lesotho, on a yacht in Cape Town and surveyed oil fields in Dallas.

What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? We play a pivotal role in the market-leading transactions you will see in the headlines of the business pages every day. While the work is challenging and demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to see the transaction you have been working on be announced in the headlines that morning.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 5 / Page: 90 Top 50 Rank: 9 / Page: 106

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Top 50 Rank: 15 / Page: 112 Top 50 Rank: 31 Top 50 Rank: 34 / Page: 94

Industries - Management Consultancy

Management Consultancy

Industry Overview Want a challenging and financially rewarding start to your career? Anxious to keep your future career options open? Keen to see the world and broaden your horizons before deciding on your ultimate career path? Then kick-starting your career by joining a graduate scheme in Consulting sounds like your ideal choice! Large global businesses hire teams of consultants to come into their organisations and tackle pressing business challenges they are facing. Sometimes they use a team of consultants because they don’t have enough internal resource to undertake these projects. Sometimes it’s because they want to tap into expert advice. Other times it’s that they simply need an “external viewpoint” to challenge the status quo.

Consultant grade and be earning £64k to £77k. At this point you are most likely to either study for an MBA – potentially sponsored by your employer – or to leave the consulting industry altogether. For the minority that remain within consulting, the path is then from Project Manager to Principal to Partner. Partners can earn from £150k to £800k – with £300k being quite attainable for a high achiever in their late 30s / early 40s.

The exciting prospect for you as a graduate joining a Consulting firm is that within the first years of your career you’ll have had the chance to work on projects in a range of industries; to have tackled a variety of business issues; and to have gained exposure to all the key departments within a global brand.

However, most people use consulting as a stepping stone to other things. Many take the business experience they’ve gained in consulting and use this to become successful entrepreneurs. The founders of businesses like Innocent Drinks and Lastminute.com are examples of graduates who’ve started out their careers in consulting before pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions. The majority of people entering consulting as a graduate will go on to pursue a successful corporate career in later life – often in whichever industry has most enthralled them during their time as a consultant. The value of a good consulting brand on your CV really comes into its own at this stage, with consulting graduates often leap-frogging their peers into more senior corporate roles.

The diverse experiences you’ll gain as a graduate in consulting – working under pressure on business-critical assignments – make you a highly employable graduate in later life. Starting your career in consulting will both keep your future career options open and fast-track your career progression in a manner that is the envy of other sectors.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the consulting career path, though, is that you don’t need to know right now which of these routes appeals the most or which industry you ultimately want to work in. The simple act of starting out your career in consulting will keep these options open to you in a way that few other careers can.

What might I earn and where might a career in Consulting take me? Straight from university you will be a Business Analyst or Junior Consultant and will typically command a remuneration package of £24k to £35k. Within 5 years of graduation you would aim to have made it to Senior

You can find out more about careers in Consulting and the consulting industry in general by visiting: www.Top-Consultant.com, www.mca.org.uk and www.sourceforconsulting.com

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Industries - Management Consultancy

Industry Expert

Name: Yash Puri Company: Deloitte Position: Manager Bio: Yash has operational and strategic management experience in a variety of multi million pound Technology change programmes where he has operated with his clients at CIO level in private sector environments. Yash has worked across various sectors within Management Consultancy including, media, telecoms, pharmaceuticals, defence, automotive, manufacturing, energy and retail. His main sector focus in recent years has been Financial Services specialising in; IT Effectiveness, Outsourcing/Shared services, System integration and Transformation services.

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? As a Management Consultant, my day to day activities vary greatly! It varies from starting the day with enough time to have a Chai Tea Latte while pulling together my action plan to frantically working on the train to work to deal with a client issue (no time for a Chai Tea Latte). My role varies depending on who my client is, but typically I work on large IT Change Programmes, managing the delivery of system implementations, assisting clients with their IT strategy and advising them how to make their operations more effective. What attracted you to the industry? I started my career in Financial services working for the banks. I worked with many Managing Consultants and they all loved their work as it was varied, challenging and always exciting....you never knew where your next opportunity would be (it could be Newcastle or even Hong Kong!). Being a recent graduate, the same commute, the same office, the same lunch began to bore me. Understanding the variety of work in consultancy lead me to the industry which I have been in now for 6 years. What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? Working with intelligent people who are all enthusiastic makes working in the industry enjoyable. Everyone I know working in Managing Consultancy has made a conscience decision to work in this industry and we all enjoy it! What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? You need to be flexible, personable, well organised, and good at understanding the low level details but also have the ability to convey high level messages. To succeed, you need to be a peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s person and be happy to network and make an impact.

What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? Do your research and understand what managing consultants do and what the alternatives are. Be clear in your mind what area excites you, is it Technology, Finance, People and Organisation, Strategy or Programme Leadership. If you are clear when you join the industry it will help your career take off in the right direction!

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 4 / Page: 114 Top 50 Rank: 6 / Page: 56 Top 50 Rank: 10 / Page: 88 Top 50 Rank: 12 / Page: 66 Top 50 Rank: 16 / Page: 84 Top 50 Rank: 30

useful resources For an in-depth look, download the Top-Consultant guide to careers in consulting by visiting: http://news.top-consultant.com/guide_to_consulting_ firms.aspx

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Industries - Property & Real Estate

Property

Real Estate

Industry Overview Property is a dynamic and exciting industry which demands high interpersonal skills and ambition to succeed. A career in property offers a balance between office based business and time in the market working with tangible assets, shaping the environment in which you live and work. Different areas include; • Rural - farms and estates • Residential – homes • Commercial – offices, shops, hotels, restaurants • Building – looking at the structure and fabric of a building • Planning – the process of changing the built environment • Development – looking at the potential of a site

Business and communication skills are key as, in addition to your technical knowledge about your chosen market you will work to understand your clients, their businesses and their markets, acting as an advisor to them about how they can leverage their assets to their best advantage. Students can get involved in real work from day one when on work experience or having joined a graduate programme. Technical knowledge is an essential to pass your professional qualification, but you can build this on the job meaning that study can be part time or distance learning. Alternatively an accredited degree can see you right at the heart of the business in some of the busiest teams, working on the biggest deals in the market. To find out more about intern or graduate opportunities at Savills, please turn to page 122.

As a surveyor you could be involved in valuing, selling, buying, investing, developing, planning, leasing, letting, managing, taxing, rating, assessing and advising the various different types of property. The business is entrepreneurial and fast paced, Planners and Surveyors are passionate about their markets, following them avidly and keeping ahead of the changes in the industry to get the best deal for their clients. The property & real estate market is both unpredicatable and unreliable... Unpredictable? Yes, as it is very much driven by the economic climate, but unreliable? No property & real estate is generally regarded as one of the safest longer-term assets to own. 34

industry review A career in property or real estate will often require an accredited qualification, for example from The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). For students on nonproperty/real estate degrees, a conversion course can be completed.

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Name: Sarah Nicholson Company: Savills Position: Associate in Country Homes team Bio: Sarah Joined the company on a 4 week placement, this was extended based on her exceptional performance and 6 years later she is now working as an associate in the country homes team. Sarah says, “it’s a great honour to be an associate. I love my job as I get out and about into the country, I’m fortunate enough to have been involved in some of the largest estate sales in the country. Every day is different and I’m constantly learning new things. I like the fact that there’s a clear career path and I can see where I’m going.”

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? I am an Associate in the Farms and Estates team, we sit in the head office in London and work alongside our regional offices buying and selling landed property throughout the UK. What attracted you to the industry? I am genuinely interested in property. I love architecture and am lucky enough to see some amazing properties with my job all of which have fascinating histories and are of national historical or architectural importance. The farmland and estate elements of the properties I sell brings a more complex dimension to transactions- there are issues such as taxation, employment law, different occupations and so forth to consider. I need to keep an eye on alternative investments (such as the stock market) as this can affect the demand for farmland as an investment. I also need to know what the farming commodity markets are doing (e.g. price of wheat) as this can effect supply and demand. What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? It is sociable and you get to meet a wide range of people. I travel throughout the country so am never chained to my desk and I get to see a great variety of property. What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? To be a Land agent you should be outgoing, have the ability to multi task, think outside the box, network, have an eye of detail and see an opportunity.

Properties are usually financed through lending and therefore the availability and cost of funding will affect activity in the market. What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? Be proactive and get lots of work experience. Be noticed, turn up early, do more than is asked of you, be presentable, show an interest, ask questions. Ask for references and do follow up on leads.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 33 / Page: 122

useful resources www.rics.org/careers www.rtpi.org.uk To find out more about the student opportunities within Savills, please turn to page 122.

What challenges do you/the industry face? Farmland is often compared to other investments so the state of the stock market etc can affect supply and demand.

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Industries - Property & Real Estate

Industry Expert

Industries - Retail & FMCG

Retail

FMCG

Industry Overview Being the largest private sector employer in the UK, retail/Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) is one of the most diverse and exciting industries graduates can go into. If you want to be challenged, get early responsibility, enjoy rapid progression opportunities and specialise in an area that interests you, it might just be the perfect fit. The varied nature of retail/FMCG means you can become an expert in a product area that really excites you, whether you have a passion for fashion, food or the latest electrical gadgets, you can indulge yourself by working with these products every day. In addition there are a variety of roles such as marketing, buying or merchandising which will allow you to really delve into your area of interest. Retail is a growing sector, with an estimated 214,000 new jobs being created by 2017 on top of the 1.2 million positions which need to be filled as people leave or change jobs. It is an industry which is constantly evolving to meet changing customer habits and demands, meaning ambitious and forward-thinking people are constantly needed to drive the industry forward. For example in the last few years there has been a huge increase in online retailing, which require technologically savvy and creative employees to develop and market their businesses. The great opportunities in retail mean there is good money to be made. Managers of large stores can earn upwards of £40,000, whereas senior jobs roles in head office can have salaries in excess of £70,000. Retailers also tend to offer substantial staff discounts.

possibly go into! 36

A job in FMCG is only about sales and marketing? Incorrect - this is one of the most diverse industries you could

Many of the leading retailers/FMCG companies offer graduate training programmes. The content of the programmes is as wide-ranging as the careers on offer and, although sections of the training may be mapped to higher qualifications, retailers/FMCG companies concentrate on the specific skills needed for the future role. Even when in your role, up-skilling will be paramount to your development and retailers will ensure your skills are kept honed through on-going training and personal development. For more information on retail careers visit: www.skillsmartretail.com and www.nsaforretail.com

industry review • You don’t have to complete a degree in retail to make a career in the industry; all you need are the right skills and attitude • Graduate programmes are very competitive and tend to be open to graduates of any discipline with a 2.2 or above • Employers will look for people who can demonstrate commercial awareness, motivation, excellent communication, good team working, problem-solving skills, a passion for the sector and previous work experience • Once working in retail there are a number of retailspecific qualifications employees can undertake to help you progress

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Name: Andy Robinson Company: Unilever Position: Factory Operations Manager, Supply Chain Management Bio: I studied at the University of Bath where I undertook a six month research project in New Zealand before doing a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial placement at Avecia Biotechnology. After graduating I joined the Unilever Future Leaders Programme where I undertook four six-month placements as a Factory Improvement Leader, Demand Planner, Factory Shift Supervisor and lastly a European supply planner based in Switzerland. I then returned to the UK to Project Manage a change in the planning processes before being promoted to become the Factory Operations Manager of one, then two laundry factories.

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? I am currently the Operations Manager of two factories which produce over 4000 tonnes a week of laundry products for the UK and Europe. I have around 200 people reporting to me and am responsible for all aspects of production including Safety, Operational Efficiency, Finances, Quality, Customer Service and HR. I basically ensure that the factory delivers what it says it will at the right time, the right cost and at the right quality. What attracted you to the industry? I like to make things happen and see the results of the work that I am doing. I enjoy working in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) because it is fast paced and very competitive in the market place. That means that we are constantly challenged to do things quicker or differently to give ourselves a competitive edge. I love working in Supply Chain Management as you get to work with a wide variety of people in lots of different areas which gives you a great overview of how the business runs. What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? There are a number of areas which allow people to succeed within Supply Chain Management and FMCG namely; determination, problem solving, getting the most out of your people, the ability to make things happen, as well as understanding the bigger business picture. What challenges do you/the industry face? Manufacturing in the UK in the 21st century is difficult as we work in a more and more globalised world, we have to be cost competitive with our European competitors and lead the way in technology and innovation. In terms of the wider industry, environmental concerns are playing a bigger role in consumer choices, the Unilever Sustainable

Living Plan seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of Unilever by half while doubling the size of the business. What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? My advice would be to believe in yourself, FMCG is a great place to work and if you believe in yourself there are lots of opportunities! People are unaware of the many business areas that you can work in FMCG aswell as Supply Chain Management, which are Financial Management, Business & Technology Management, Marketing, Customer Development, Human Resources and Research & Development.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 21 / Page: 92 Top 50 Rank: 26 / Page: 128 Top 50 Rank: 49 / Page: 70

useful resources To find out more about the student opportunities at Unilever, please turn to page 128.

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Industries - Retail & FMCG

Industry Expert

Industries - Science & Research

Science

Research

Industry Overview Most goods used by people in their homes, at work and in their everyday activities are products derived from the chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries. These industries combine to enable the production not only of fuel for cars and heating for homes, but also of bitumen, plastics, paints and inks, rubber, synthetic fibres for clothing, pharmaceuticals and the energy necessary for the whole country to function. Chemical With sales of £34 billion, the Chemical Industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the UK and has one of the highest growth rates. Approximately 240,000 people are employed in the manufacture of chemical ingredients used in the production of a wide range of products such as pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics and textiles. All chemicals end up being used in products and services purchased by the consumer and it is estimated that each UK household either directly or indirectly spends around £30/week on chemicals. Pharmaceuticals The Chemical and Biological sciences are the cornerstone of the Pharmaceutical industry and today the knowledge generated by this sector is producing treatments that have extended the average life expectancy by more than 30 years over the last century. Essentially the pharmaceutical industry has excelled in taking basic research and turning this knowledge into treatments. The Pharmaceutical Industry is a key driver in the UK economy, a top performing technology sector, underpinned by a strong academic pipeline. 38

Nuclear The nuclear industry in the UK operated the world’s first commercial nuclear power reactor in 1956. The industry now directly employs over 44,000 people in the UK with nuclear power at its peak providing around 20% of the UK’s electricity although many of the nuclear power stations are coming to the end of life. The nuclear fuel cycle operations in the UK are of major international importance and can provide for all the needs of the UK and for much of the export demand. Oil and gas The UK Oil and Gas Extraction industry, also referred to as Upstream, covers the exploration, extraction and initial processing of North Sea oil and gas (hydrocarbons) from around the UK, both on-shore and off-shore. The industry contributed over £30 billion to the UK economy last year. The centre of activity for the oil and gas extraction is off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland, however hydrocarbons are also produced in other areas of the UK such as the southern North Sea, offshore Humberside and the Liverpool and Morecombe Bays. Petroleum The UK Petroleum Industry is also referred to as the downstream sector. It is made up of companies involved in the refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products. The main product of the downstream sector is transport fuels (aviation kerosene, diesel and unleaded petrol) which can amount to 60% of a refinery output and the industry employs over 150,000 people directly, and several thousand contract workers. To find out more, visit www.cogent-ssc.com

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Name: Bethan Lenney Company: GlaxoSmithKline Position: Strategy Lead Bio: • Completed Industrial Placement at GlaxoSmithKline, R&D IT from 2005-2006 • Graduated from Loughborough University with BSc in Information Management & Computing 2007 • 2007 returned to GlaxoSmithKline on the IT Development Programme (ITDP) Scheme completing 3 years of rotations across 3 business units • 2010 exited the ITDP into Global Manufacturing & Supply IT as Regional IT Manager

Can you briefly describe your role and what you do? 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. I am currently shaping 2 projects that have the potential to rollout to up to 40 manufacturing sites across the world. It is vital to align any IT system to the business needs, so I work closely with a variety of groups across the world in the business and IT. What attracted you to the 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 IT Development Programme 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! What do you enjoy most about working in this industry? It is not always easy to feel that you are helping people on a daily basis, particularly in IT, 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”. What type of skills and characteristics does a student need to succeed within the industry? GSK is a very diverse company full of opportunity. Being such a large organisation, strong communication skills (both verbal and written) are important. Having good time management, flexibility and organisational skills are also key as work can (and does) vary on a daily basis. Within

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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 challenges do you/the industry face? Being a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry we must adhere to multiple regulations to ensure quality of our products. To deliver value, and continue being an effective IT group we support the business by finding ways to help them do their jobs quickly and more effectively. From an individual level, when starting a role in GSK you have to ‘hit the ground running’. There is a lot to learn but I have always found the level of support and guidance really helpful. What one piece of advice would you give to students looking to enter the industry? Placements are only a year, so work hard to achieve as much as you can. GSK uses a Personal Development Plan to document your objectives, and this is a great way to work closely with your manager to not only demonstrate how you have meet these, but also to develop your personal skill set such as confidence, presentation or influencing skills. I would thoroughly recommend a placement year at GSK.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Top 50 Rank: 18 Top 50 Rank: 25 / Page: 76 Top 50 Rank: 26 / Page: 128 Top 50 Rank: 48 / Page: 110

Industries - Science & Research

Industry Expert

Industries - International

International

IN ASSOCIATION WITH TRAVELLERS WORLDWIDE

Industry Overview As with all things in life, experience is invaluable. Handson learning provides a safe environment to: • implement ideas • practice • make contacts • learn from mistakes and experience success • observe mentors • nurture confidence and knowledge • help you understand if this is what you want to do Travellers is a leading provider of International Internships all over the world, with over 17 years experience. You’ll gain valuable skills needed to get ahead and stand out from the competition. Placements include medicine, law, journalism, catering, engineering, marketing, hospitality, business, media, teaching and more. Specialised placements can often be set up following phone consultations with you, and University accredited placements are available. Requirements vary between projects. So Why Go Overseas? An internship sets you apart from your competitors and by doing one in a different culture gives you an experience no books or local work experience possibly could. Learn how

your business works around the world gaining a pool of interesting experience to draw upon in future interviews. Discover the world and lifelong new friends whilst building your own confidence. Who knows, this could change your life… Andrew Coupe-Harris, Graphic Design & Advertising Internship in South Africa states: “I came out here just for the work experience, so I could have a pretty looking CV that companies back home would notice. It turned out to be the best thing I’ve ever done, I am SO glad I took the risk because it’s opened my eyes to what I can see and do with my life. It’s made such an impression the ‘safe career back in the UK’ sounds a bit... boring, so next I’ll look to doing a long-term internship someplace else instead! This is Andrew, on location. Back to the studio.” 6 months later Andrew was offered a permanent position with this firm and is currently moving to Cape Town. Where are YOU going?! Talk to us: 0044 1903 502595 / info@travellersworldwide.com Request your free brochure: www.travellersworldwide.com

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Top 50 Profiles

The Top 50 Placement & Internship Employers Table 2011- 2012

Ranking in the Top 50 table

8.51

102

8.27

8.08

8.06

7.98

7.96

7.81

7.66

7.62

7.60

7.84

7.52

130

7.24

7.52

7.10

7.51

8.05

104

7.02

8.18

100

8.04

7.78

128

7.60 40

118

7.48

6.96

112

8.00

7.77

7.56

7.41

6.96

7.76

7.55

7.40

6.92

7.55

110

7.74 36

7.90

8.12 16

7.94

120

122

106

8.01

108

8.15

7.94

114 9

8.59

126

8.45

124

8.61

7.99

Page number

8.61 5

8.72

Average Rating

7.38 50

6.84

116

Top 50 Profiles

- The Top 50 Placement & Internship Employers The following 86 pages will provide you with everything you need to know about the undergraduate opportunities within our Top 50 Employers! The two-page profiles are in alphabetical order, but you can quickly see a particular companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rank in our Top 50 table from their star in the top left hand corner. Enjoy...

Top 50 Profiles - Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.76/10

About Us Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. Bank of America Merrill Lynch is the marketing name for the company’s global banking and global markets businesses. By joining Bank of America Merrill Lynch, you’ll receive the highest level of training and mentoring support. Furthermore, our commitment to improving the quality of life within the local community and taking care of the environment means you can get involved in a number of volunteering initiatives. Opportunities Internship programmes are available in the following areas: Global Markets, Investment Banking, Capital Markets, Corporate Banking, Treasury Solutions, Wealth Management, Research, International Corporate Treasury, Risk, Compliance, Operations & Middle Office, Technology, and Human Resources. Internships Summer Internships Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Summer Internship programme is the ideal opportunity to gain an introduction into the world of banking. The nine-week programme begins with an induction week covering core skills where you will work alongside our full-time employees to gain valuable work experience in the financial industry. Fixed Term Placements Fixed term placements are available throughout the year,

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: c.300 Main Operating Industries: Banking & Financial Services Salary & Benefits: £Competitive Entry Requirements: 2:1 or above Locations: Europe, the Middle East & Africa Application Process: Online application followed by Assessment Centre Roles Recruiting Into: see above 46

varying from 3–6 or 12 months, depending on the business need. Locations vary, but the majority of opportunities are in London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Milan, Moscow and Paris within the Investment Banking, Global Markets and Technology divisions. Insight Week For students graduating in 2014, we are offering a oneweek insight programme at our London office in March 2012. This will be an opportunity for you to gain an early insight into Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and to get ahead in the race for Summer Internship positions. Deadlines Internships: Friday, 16 December 2011 Insight Week: Monday, 30 January 2012 To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/baml

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.20/10 Role 8.16/10 Social 6.61/10

University: Kings College London Course: Bachelors degree in Computer Science Position: Business Analyst within Global Risk & Treasury Technology

Kimberley

www.top50.gd/baml

What did you do on a daily basis? I was given a project to work on during the internship so most of my time was dedicated to working on it to ensure I met the deadline at the end. The project required conference calls with my business partners, excel work, programming and administration. In addition, I also attended team meetings and sat with colleagues to learn more about business technology and the types of roles they had. What was your greatest challenge? Having never worked in an international organisation before, the biggest challenge for me was working across time zones. I was based in London but my business partners were in Hong Kong and Tokyo. There was a seven to eight hour time difference and I had to adjust my day to ensure we had an opportunity to speak on the phone in the mornings, before their work day ended and kept them updated via email at the end of my day. How has this placement / internship affected your career prospects? This opportunity opened doors for me and allowed me to start my technology career straight out of university. Following the placement I earned a place on the Technology Analyst Graduate programme at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Any top tips for a student interested in a short term placement or internship here? Be yourself, be genuine and remember it is ok to make a mistake. It is not the error that will be remembered, it is how it is handled and resolved that leaves a lasting impression. Focus on the resolution and making that impression a good one.

What training did you receive throughout your internship? The first week of the internship programme was devoted to orientation and training. It involved intensive spreadsheet skills training as well as introductions to accounting and investment banking. The development did not stop there; I took part in web based courses with my team that helped me complete my project and assigned tasks. A weekly speaker series also gave me the opportunity to listen to senior leaders talk about their experiences, their role and their line of business; this really helped to put things in context. It was also a great opportunity to ask them questions directly.

“The skills that I have gained from the internship have been invaluable. By being able to put my theory into practice on project development has helped me to understand the pitfalls and experience them for myself.” - Student from Queen Mary, University of London

“Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/baml add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Student Case Study

Top 50 Profiles - Barclays

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.68/10

About Us Barclays is best known as one of the world’s leading banks; a far-reaching global financial services organisation, with 147,000 colleagues in over 50 countries serving more than 48 million customers. Barclays Retail & Business Banking provides banking and credit card solutions and services to personal and small business customers. About the Summer Internship Programme 8 weeks with Barclays is much more than a great way to spend your summer. It could also be the start of a journey that takes you all the way to the top of a global financial services powerhouse. This year you can choose from our Retail & Business Banking Leadership Programme or Functional Leadership Programmes in Credit Risk, HR, Marketing & Products or Technology - Product & Process. Our Summer Internship Programme is designed to help you see more and be more. It’s perfect for students who want real-world commercial experience and a broader, deeper look at a world-leading banking operation. About the Spring Insight Programme This is your chance to see, early on, whether a career with us would be for you, and to begin to demonstrate the leadership qualities we look for. Over four days at our headquarters in Canary Wharf, you will have the chance to network with some of our senior leaders and spend time in the business to see what they do day-to-day. It’s for those who are in their first year at university or the second year of a four-year degree. Whether you choose to join our Summer Internship or Spring Insight Programme, these offer a fantastic

Key Stats

Our next round of Summer Internships starts in June 2012 and our Spring Insight Programme starts even earlier in April 2012. That might seem like a long way off, but the application deadline (December 30th 2011) isn’t. And with demand for places always high and places offered on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s definitely wise to get your application in early. We are hiring future leaders. Be one of them. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/barclays

Number of Opportunities: 30+ Main Operating Industries: Banking & Finance Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: 2.1 and above Locations: UK Nationwide Application Process: Online then assessment centre - Summer Internship. Online then telephone interview - Insight Programme Roles Recruiting Into: Retail Business Banking, Credit Risk, HR, Marketing and Technology 48

opportunity to gain valuable insights and commercial skills as you immerse yourself in our business and see whether what we do is what you want to do in the long term. Better still, impress us at this stage and you’ll be offered the opportunity to fast-track onto the next stage of the programme.

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.64/10 Role 8.16/10 Social 6.81/10

Top 50 Profiles - Barclays

Student Case Study

University: University of Leeds Course: Mathematics Position: Technology Summer Intern at Barclays

Jacqueline Randall

www.top50.gd/barclays

What was the application process like? I was lucky enough to be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fast-trackedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from the Barclays RBB Spring Insight Programme to an assessment centre for a placement on the Barclays FLDP Summer Internship. At the assessment centre I took a variety of tests and had an interview with a Senior Manager from the technology function. The members of the FLDP team gave us some good advice about the tests and interview beforehand and were all very welcoming on the day. What did you do on a daily basis? Over the eight weeks my main objective was to monitor a pilot scheme of MySite; a sort of internal Facebook site for colleagues to interact and communicate with each other on a social as well as on a professional level. Although I was predominantly involved with the Business Analysis team within Collaboration Services, I had plenty of opportunities to talk to the technicians which enabled me to understand how the two areas worked together. Highlights of the job? I enjoyed working with a variety of people from the technology function; everyone was so friendly and encouraging. The meetings I found most enjoyable involved members from Collaboration Services, who were responsible for identifying the business requirements of colleagues across Barclays in order to develop a new Intranet. In terms of the internship itself, it was a great way to meet other students who were also interested in working within the financial sector. What was your greatest challenge? Although eight weeks sounds like a long time, it was still a very short period of time in comparison with the time scale of projects that my team were working on. This meant

initially it was hard to understand fully what was going on, but my colleagues in Collaboration Services did everything to fill me in on their work. What did you learn? I learnt the importance of asking questions. Even if you are worried that they are silly questions or that you may already know the answer, asking questions shows that you are enthusiastic and trying to get to grips with the objectives you have been set. I also learnt that good communication skills are vital for working in a team that is constantly changing and developing in the way that the technology function is. How has your internship affected your career prospects? I think internships are extremely valuable in the way they give you first-hand experience and how they are viewed by future employers. Taking part in the Barclays FLDP Summer Internship has also helped me to establish whether a future career in technology and banking is right for me. Any top tips for a student interested in an internship at Barclays? The business areas offered on the FLDP Summer Internship are all very different. I would recommend doing a bit of initial research into what area you think you may be interested in before you apply, as this will definitely help during an interview at the assessment centre. This is where my experience from attending the Spring Insight Programme really put me ahead. Also I would read newspapers on a regular basis in order to keep your commercial awareness up-to-date.

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/barclays add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - Barclays Capital

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.05/10

About Us Barclays Capital is the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, offering strategic advisory, financing and risk management solutions to large corporate, government and institutional clients. Employing 25,000 people globally in offices around the world, we have the global reach and distribution power to meet the needs of issuers and investors in all the major financial markets. Our distinctive business model has cemented our position as a world leader in the industry. But we’re still relatively young and extremely ambitious. Founded just 14 years ago, we’re still growing year on year and continually pursuing excellence in everything we do. With a pioneering spirit, intellectual rigour and an uncommonly collaborative approach, we put the needs of clients and stakeholders at the heart of every decision we make. Even against the backdrop of ever-changing financial markets, we’re continuing to expand, providing our clients with a more comprehensive service than ever. Our 2008 acquisition of Lehman Brothers’ US broker-dealer business has added M&A and cash equities expertise to our portfolio – a clear example of the bold thinking that defines our organisation. Interns joining us quickly discover that Barclays Capital is a different sort of investment bank. Our ethos is simple. We expect excellence, every second of every day and in every area of the firm. A true meritocracy, we have a flat structure and reward talent and innovation over position and tenure. So as you might expect, we have very high expectations of our interns. That’s why we give them as much responsibility as they can handle right from the

start. Wherever you join us, you’ll join as a valued member of your team, working alongside senior managers across departments, and even around the world. All of which means your core skills must include an international outlook. Our deadline for internships is 31st December 2011. We recruit on a rolling basis so be sure to get your application in early. We’re looking for highly numerate, analytical individuals who have strong English language skills (both written and verbal). Knowledge of more than one European language is an advantage for some roles. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/barcap

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 250 Main Operating Industries: Investment Banking Salary & Benefits: £competitive Entry Requirements: Strong academic background required Locations: London, Europe, Asia and the USA Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Compliance, Corporate Communications, Finance, Global Financial Risk Management, Human Resources, Investment Banking, Event and Roadshow Marketing, Operations, Prime Services, Quantitative Analytics, Research, Sales, Structuring, Technology and Trading 50

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.64/10 Role 8.44/10 Social 6.74/10

Top 50 Profiles - Barclays Capital

Student Case Study

University: University of Bath Course: BSc (Hons) Business Administration Position: 6 month off-cycle internship, Delta-1 & ETF Trading Assistant, Operations

Matthew Jones

www.top50.gd/barcap

I joined the Equity Derivatives Group at Barclays Capital for six months in 2011. The application process started with a series of short-answer questions relating to previous experiences, followed by a round of online testing before a group assessment and final face-to-face interview. The role of a trading assistant is to help the traders perform their jobs as efficiently as possible, primarily by performing the many tasks that they don’t necessarily get the time to do themselves. These include entering trades into the computer system, performing reconciliations, registering corporate actions and also managing settlement queries. The role provides a great deal of exposure to a large number of different people, all of whom have different perspectives and working styles. Arguably the greatest challenge lies in learning about priorities. That’s not just about learning which tasks are ‘very urgent’ and which are just ‘urgent’ - it’s also about balancing demands from a variety of people and working in a way which keeps everyone happy. The placement has been superb for developing my product knowledge. I have learned an incredible amount about how the derivatives that I handle actually function and how the bank functions. My tips would be to be keen and work hard. Barclays Capital goes a long way to ensuring that these attributes are recognised, and they will serve you well in life, too.

“The company culture stuck out as the best thing about my internship. Everyone was always very welcoming and willing to get to know you. I always had something to do and was able to use my initiative throughout my work placement.” - Student from Imperial College London

“Had a fantastic time and learnt so much about myself and the finance industry. I would highly recommend a placement here.” - Student from the University of Manchester

Barclays Capital is a respected company, and I am delighted to have had the experience of working here.

“Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement” To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/barcap add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - BDO

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.15/10

About Us Not all big accountancy firms are the same. BDO is building a strikingly different business, focused on exceptional client service. It employs exceptional people – and helps them get on with the job, without needless bureaucracy. Its systems work to support its people, not the other way around. The firm is looking for graduates who don’t fit the conventional accountancy mould. Talented people with the imagination and initiative to make a real difference – to be the difference that matters so much to its clients. It doesn’t want clones. Its people are as diverse as its clients: individuals who can think for themselves, appreciate and respect people whoever they are, build relationships and take personal responsibility. BDO’s training is as exceptional – and individual – as the people it recruits. Most study for the ACA, but there are also routes to other professional qualifications. Training is tailored to their needs and centred on first-hand experience. That’s why they get such excellent results. The firm offers you opportunities in a range of exciting areas from tax to forensic services, with the chance to take real responsibility on projects alongside partners and colleagues. Refreshingly, its partners are known for their hands-on involvement, and mutual support is an essential part of the culture. You could also spend time abroad: BDO is a global accountancy network with more than 1,000 offices in over 100 countries.

What else? BDO has figured repeatedly in The Sunday Times and FT best places to work lists, and won a number of service and sector related awards including Accountancy Age ‘Tax Team of the Year’, ‘Audit Team of the Year’ and ‘Corporate Finance Deal of the Year’ to name but a few. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/bdo

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 200 Main Operating Industries: Accountancy & Finance Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary + benefits Entry Requirements: Any degree discipline, minimum 2.1 Locations: Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Epson, Gatwick, Hatfield, Leeds, London, Manchester, Reading, Glasgow & Southampton Application Process: Online application Roles Recruiting Into: Business Assurance, Business Restructuring, Forensic services, Tax, Corporate Finance 52

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.30/10 Role 8.26/10 Social 7.78/10

Top 50 Profiles - BDO

Student Case Study

University: Lancaster Course: Accounting & Economics Position: Audit intern in Manchester

Sam Brooks

www.top50.gd/bdo

What made you apply to BDO? I was looking to gain practical experience before starting the final year of my degree and decided that an internship with BDO would be the perfect way to do this. The reason I decided to apply for BDO was its reputation of being different from other firms in the industry by really focusing on the individual. Everything I had heard and read about BDO described how they looked to develop you as a person and actively seeks to give you responsibility straight away which is what appealed to me. Throughout the application process the people I dealt with were all extremely warm and personable and convinced me that I wouldn’t be treated as just a number. To what extent did you enjoy your internship/placement? I found the internship extremely enjoyable; it more than satisfied every aspect of what I’d originally wanted to get out of it. The work was varied and enjoyable while the colleagues I worked alongside were all friendly and approachable. I felt I was given meaningful responsibility and was really able to understand what working in audit at BDO is like. The program felt well organised and plenty of opportunities were provided to socialise with other interns while being assigned an office ‘buddy’ and manager meant there was always someone to turn to. How much responsibility were you given during your internship? I was treated the same as a first year audit trainee would be at BDO and given responsibility from the start. I spent the majority of the internship working on the client sites and I was often assigned to complete sections of an audit myself, meaning I had the opportunity to deal with clients directly. The independence and responsibility afforded to me really made the internship feel worthwhile and let me understand what working for a firm like BDO is all about.

Working in teams meant that there was plenty of support available and my work was checked by a senior, giving the opportunity for quick feedback on how I was doing. How did the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in the final year of your degree studies? As I joint major in accounting the internship fitted in well with my degree, I was able to apply what I already knew whilst using training and work I carried out to expand my knowledge and see things from a more practical perspective. I was able to understand some difficult concepts with the help of more experienced colleagues that have definitely proved useful – especially in my auditing module! The opportunity to complete an independent project on a client improved my ability to produce professional reports and presentations which I also benefitted from in my final year. How well organised was the internship set up? The internship felt well organised from the beginning, Interns received packs detailing all essential information well in advance and it was explained how time would be split between head office and working at my regional office. The induction and training explained what type of work I would likely be doing and provided a good opportunity to meet and socialise with the nationwide interns at BDO. During my time in the office I was assigned to a number of different teams and got to experience a good variety of clients in a short space of time and I received feedback on all projects I was involved in. Finally a CSR project was organised for the final few days of the program which once again brought together all nationwide interns and was an enjoyable way to finish my internship.

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/bdo add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - BlackRock

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.24/10

About Us BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager with more than $3.6 trillion under management. We are a premier provider of global investment management, risk management and advisory to clients that range from individual investors to the world’s largest institutions. Our commitment to investment excellence is anchored in a shared culture that always places the client’s interests first. We act always as a fiduciary for our clients, never trading as a principal on our own behalf. Headquartered in New York, the firm employs more than 9,300 of the industry’s most talented professionals and maintains offices in 26 countries around the world. BlackRock manages assets for clients in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. BlackRock offers a range of career and internship opportunities in Portfolio Management, Technology, Sales and Marketing, Analytics and Risk & Quantitative Analysis. The summer internship is a ten-week programme that is designed to provide penultimate-year students detailed insight into BlackRock and the opportunity to learn about finance and assessment management through a ‘hands on’ experience. During the ten weeks, there is an induction that provides a thorough overview as well as senior speaker series, a team portfolio challenge, mentoring and networking events with BlackRock professionals and interns. For those that are successful on the internship, we offer the opportunity to join us on our graduate programme. At the start of our graduate programme, we offer a full two week induction providing a thorough overview of the

organisation, financial markets and BlackRock’s strategic positioning in the marketplace. This is followed by business specific training post the orientation programme designed to provide entrants with group-specific training to ensure participants develop skills essential to success on the job. We continue to invest in you throughout your career with ongoing training through ‘BlackRock University’ as well as offer the opportunity to study for the CFA. If you are an intellectually curious individual, from any degree discipline, with an interest in financial services and a passion to develop – look to BlackRock. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/blackrock

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: c.50 Main Operating Industries: Asset Management Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 in any degree discipline Locations: London and Edinburgh Application Process: CV and Application form online Roles Recruiting Into: Portfolio Management, Technology, Sales and Marketing, Analytics and Risk & Quantitative Analysis 54

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.52/10 Role 8.06/10 Social 5.66/10

Top 50 Profiles - BlackRock

Student Case Study

University: University of Pennsylvania Course: International Relations with European Studies Position: Global Client Group Intern

Celia Harrison

www.top50.gd/blackrock

Describe a normal day in the office I typically arrive around 8.15am, check emails and then join the rest of the EMEA institutional business for our weekly meeting. Then I have a few hours to carry out some competitor research at my desk before joining the other interns for an informal “Lunch and Learn” discussion with a head of one of the European businesses. In the afternoon I might sit in on a European Fixed Income conference call, spend a hour learning about a specific BlackRock product with a designated product expert and then have a meeting with my line manager before I leave my desk at a very reasonable 6.30pm. How did BlackRock prepare you for your internship? I knew very little about BlackRock before the summer, but the firm has been excellent about bringing everyone up to speed. All the interns took part in a two day induction at the start of the ten week internship which included how the business was structured and most importantly, investment management training. Coming from a non finance related degree, this was hugely helpful and made me feel at ease with the new material. What did you enjoy most about your internship? Without doubt, the most impressive aspect of the internship has been the people I have met. Unlike many firms in the industry, every person I have engaged with has been welcoming, warm and overwhelmingly happy to answer my countless questions. People here really do live by the unifying ‘One BlackRock’ mantra. I also greatly appreciate the accessibility to so many senior figures and ability to profit from their wise experience.

Would you want to return to work full time at BlackRock and if so, why? I would definitely come back to work at BlackRock. It maintains a very holistic approach to investing, with everyone thinking of the client first and this sentiment clearly acts as the fabric of the firm. I genuinely feel as though I am a valued part of my team and have been treated very well. BlackRock’s size provides the flexibility to move to different offices around the world and to explore different roles across businesses which is also a highly attractive longer term opportunity. What is your funniest memory of your time at BlackRock? Within the first 15 minutes of meeting my team, they made me perform my favourite karaoke song as stated on my intern information: the Pina Colada Song. Within seconds I had the whole team behind me singing along!

“The internship was certainly challenging, but being pushed was enjoyable.” - Student from the University of Oxford

“Very friendly atmosphere, people were always happy to talk to you or go out to lunch with the interns.” - Student from the University of Warwick “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/blackrock add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - Bloomberg

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.51/10

About Us Bloomberg leads the knowledge economy, delivering the competitive edge through critical information. We connect influential decision makers across business, finance and government to a thriving network of news, data, people and ideas. Bloomberg’s clients include corporations, news organisations, financial and legal professionals, and individuals around the world. With over 13,000 employees operating in more than 153 countries, Bloomberg is truly international. The largest offices include New York, London and Tokyo, and this is where the majority of graduate opportunities are located. Graduate positions include financial sales, software development, global data, IT, project management, news and many more. For most roles, a second language is desirable but not essential. Bloomberg recruits all year round and from any discipline. A passion for finance, technology or an international career is required. Bloomberg breaks down barriers between people and encourages communication by bringing colleagues together. With no job titles or executive areas, the culture fosters interaction at every level. What can you expect from Bloomberg? Immediate responsibility and the opportunity to reach the peak of sales, software, data, technology, finance, news and beyond. You’ll focus on building and defining

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 400+ Main Operating Industries: Financial News, Data and Analytics Salary & Benefits: Competitive + benefits Entry Requirements: For most roles, a second language is desirable but not essential. Bloomberg recruits all year round and from any discipline. A passion for finance, technology or an international career is required. Locations: London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo Application Process: Online application Roles Recruiting Into: Graduate positions include financial sales, software development, global data, IT, project management, news and many more. 56

your career, rather than climbing a predefined ladder. Entry-level hires receive immersive training, followed by immediate challenge. You’ll present ideas in a truly flat organisation: one that places you on par with experienced colleagues. Once your application has been received it will be reviewed by our recruitment team or another person within the business. We screen every CV individually and do not use psychometric testing. We will get back to every candidate with an update on whether or not they have progressed to the next stage of recruitment. Once you have progressed through the CV screening process you will be contacted to participate in a telephone interview, which will last 15-20 minutes. If you are successful at this point you will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview with employees from the business. Finally you would have an interview with the head of the business where you are applying. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/bloomberg Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.87/10 Role 8.82/10 Social 7.58/10

LEAD WITH IDEAS

>>>>>>>> Opportunities in Financial Software Development, Financial Product Sales and Analytics and Data.

Experience a 24/7 culture that values talent over résumé. Where “now” is currency, contribution is king and ideas accelerate careers. Where exceptional performance is rewarded, regardless of tenure. Lead the knowledge economy. Join a team creating three new Bloomberg Professional ® functions and over 6,000 news stories every day. Connect influential decision makers across business, finance and government to our thriving network of news, data, people and information.

ARE YOU THE NEW TYPE B? DRIVEN, RESOURCEFUL, BRILLIANT, RELENTLESS PURSUE YOUR OPPORTUNITY @ BLOOMBERG.COM/CAREERS

Top 50 Profiles - BP

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.81/10

About Us Our business is the exploration, production, refining, marketing, trading and distribution of energy, and we do it on a global scale. We currently own 16 refineries around the world, operate tens of thousands of miles of pipelines and run a fleet of more than 70 ships. We produce over 3.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day and have revenues of around $300 billion a year. We own world-leading brands, such as BP, Amoco, Aral, Ultimate and Castrol serving millions of customers each day. We recruit into three key disciplines – Engineering, Science or Business. Within each of these, there is a wide range of opportunities - from chemical engineering to geoscience, chemistry to finance, trading to drilling and completions engineering. Whether you’re based in Upstream, Downstream, or within Integrated Supply and Trading, you will find the same support and encouragement to achieve new professional heights – and beyond. Is BP right for you? We look for drive, enthusiasm, ambition and the ability to think creatively and work well with others is essential. We are looking for people who are willing to learn and ready to make a difference. In addition to mobility and a minimum 2: 1degree classification in a relevant subject you’ll possess strong influencing, analytical and technical skills. If you want to understand more about what we look for and see whether you’re suited to life with BP, go to our website and use our self-assessment questionnaire.

Key Stats

• Business: Trading, Finance Commercial, Finance Accounting, Reporting and Control, Information technology & Systems, Procurement and Supply Chain Management. • Science: Geoscience, Environmental Science, Chemistry & Petrophysics. • Engineering: Mechanical, Chemical/Process, Instrument, Control & Electrical, Wells, Materials/ Corrosion, Petroleum/Reservoir, Naval Architecture/ Marine, Process Safety/Risk, Automotive, Subsea & Floating Systems, Project Services. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/bp

Number of Opportunities: 175 Main Operating Industries: Oil & Gas Salary & Benefits: Competitive + Benefits including location allowances and travel expenses to cover relocation costs Entry Requirements: Varies by business area and degree but must have 220 UCAS points and be on for a 2:1 or higher Locations: London, Sunbury-on-Thames, Aberdeen, Pangbourne, Hull, Milton Keynes Application Process: Online application, online tests, interviews and assessment centre Roles Recruiting Into: Business, Engineering and Science 58

Work Offered

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.14/10 Role 8.18/10 Social 6.83/10

Top 50 Profiles - BP

Student Case Study University: Loughborough University Course: Chemical Engineering Position: Process Engineer

Benjamin Demicol

www.top50.gd/bp

What was the application process like? I applied for a year long internship with BP. The process involved completing an online application form, which included some essay style questions. (Now you would also need to take some verbal and numerical online psychometric tests.) This gave me a great opportunity to demonstrate my passion with I had for the internship at an early stage of the application. Following this I was invited to the London offices in Sunbury for face to face interviews. There I was asked about both technical aspects and also competency related questions. The technical interview allowed me to talk through my thought process, I was asked to design something which I had not yet covered in detail at University, but the assessor was keen to see my methodology rather than just knowing the correct answer from the offset. What did you do on a daily basis? I worked in the Upstream segment of the business, which is involved in discovering, obtaining and extracting oil and gas from reservoirs around the world. I worked on a variety of projects at once, including design work, safety assessments and operational reviews, technology research and the development of software tools to name a few. Highlights of the Job? The biggest highlight of the job for me was to work on a major project that BP was interested in Iraq. I worked on a huge amount of the initial design for separation and flowlines between facilities. This project really gained momentum and exposure within the company and as a result I had an opportunity to meet and work with world experts. The real joy was discovering that my work lead to the successful bid for the Rumaila oil field in Iraq, from which BP is now producing 1146 million barrels of oil a day.

What was your greatest challenge? The biggest challenge for me was being asked to present my work on liquefied natural gas weathering models to the commercial teams at Canary Wharf. My project was inherently very technical, and the resulting spreadsheet incorporated some very complex work, but the really enjoyable aspect was explaining this in a presentation to colleagues who are not engineers and as such are more interested in the financial and business aspects of the project. It was challenging but extremely fulfilling, and probably one of the most enjoyable presentations I have delivered. What did you learn on your placement / internship? I learnt so much from my placement that i can only scratch the surface here. To put it in perspective, University taught me the foundations of the engineering and science that i needed at BP. After this, BP really built on these key skills and were passionate about developing me into a competent engineer. I had exposure to training courses as an intern (which was unusual among my peers at university), also the staff were very keen to teach me new methods and spend time with me so that i can continue with the new skills and carry out work independently. How has this placement / internship affected your career prospects? This placement could not have improved my graduate job prospects more! After attending a graduate assessment centre at the end of my internship, I was offered a graduate job. This really took the pressure off of me in my final 2 years at university when my peers were looking for jobs. BP was the first company I applied to for an internship, and am really excited about starting as a graduate!

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/bp add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - Citi

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.94/10

About Us Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 140 countries. Citi’s global presence isn’t just a question of size, it’s a way of thinking. The organisation is passionate about what it does and is looking for graduates who want to be a part of that vision. Wherever Citi operates, it anticipates change and turns opportunities into reality. The business isn’t static and neither are its people. Citi needs exceptional individuals, which is why it provides the brightest and best with an opportunity to make a difference, and ultimately a compelling career path. Citi’s 200-year heritage is built on a proud pioneering spirit, and it continues that forward thinking tradition today. Driven by a desire for entrepreneurship and creativity, Citi is helping to shape the future of banking. It is not progress at any price, however, as it strongly believes in a commitment to responsible growth that benefits clients, colleagues and communities alike. Citi is a lead player in its industry and a great place to start a career. Full-time and internship opportunities exist across a broad set of businesses including Investment Banking, Capital Markets Origination, Sales & Trading, Global Transaction Services, Private Banking, Corporate Banking, Risk Management, Human Resources, Operations and Technology.

Graduates with high levels of energy, enthusiasm and commitment, can help Citi to drive positive change across the organisation, the banking industry and beyond. At Citi graduates won’t just achieve their ambitions – they’ll exceed them. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/citi

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 300+ Main Operating Industries: Financial Services Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: 320 minimum UCAS points and 2:1 Locations: Europe, Middle East and Africa Application Process: Online applications only Roles Recruiting Into: Full-time and internship opportunities exist across a broad set of businesses including Investment Banking, Capital Markets Origination, Sales & Trading, Global Transaction Services, Private Bank, Risk Management, Corporate Banking, Human Resources, Operations and Technology 60

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 8.45/10 Role 8.5/10 Social 6.46/10

Top 50 Profiles - Citi

Student Case Study University: Bocconi, Italy Course: MSc Finance Position: Analyst

Federica Comunello

www.top50.gd/citi

What was the application process like? This application process was straightforward; you apply online, successful applicants are asked to sit an online test for which I recommend you practice. The next stage is the first round interview which I found to be very thorough. The final and most challenging is the assessment centre which took place in London, the toughest I’ve experienced. That said, I feel that the different tasks that candidates are required to do during the centre allow them to be tested in a way that demonstrates their knowledge and potential effectively, resulting in the best candidates for the job getting through. What did you do on a daily basis? My everyday duties included creating as well as updating market overviews, company profiles and databases, I worked some financial models and was often involved in internal meetings where exposure to senior management allowed me to really understand the rationale and the aims of the tasks I was taking care of. The role doesn’t allow you to get bored, it pushes you to cope with continuously changing situations, environments and people, I think it’s important for a young person at the beginning of his or her career to get to use to that kind of pace. Moreover, it allows you learn something new every day, both through the tasks that you are required to do and the large number of people you interact with. The experience itself was highly valuable, my 10 weeks was the fastest learning experience I have ever had. What was your greatest challenge? I think that the greatest challenge at the beginning was understanding the bigger picture, which was realising the

importance and the meaning of the tasks I had been given and truly seeing how this fitted into the wider activities of both my team and the company. How has this placement / internship affected your career prospects? At the end of the Internship I got a job offer and I am now an analyst. I can definitely say that the Internship has been key in shaping at least the beginning of my career. I have found the job that I enjoy, but even if that wasn’t the case, the experience forces you to develop some skills that I believe are a must in other industries and environments. It was certainly worth the effort required. For this reason, my strong advice is to exploit every single aspect of this experience. What was the social life like? The social aspect for our Intern class turned was helpful to the whole experience, as all the organized events helped me to get a better understanding of the firm itself and, most of all, of the people working in it. Conferences, meetings and a few good nights out have helped me to make good friends and to enjoy my time at Citi even better. Any top tips for a student interested in a placement / internship here? My advice for any student interested in an Internship here would be to try and get the most from the people they work with. At Citi there are plenty of experienced and highly skilled people and the chance to work with them has been the greatest value add of my time here and also the reason why I was more than happy to come back to Citi after graduating.

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/citi add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - Credit Suisse

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.96/10

About Us… Credit Suisse is a forward-thinking financial services firm providing private banking, investment banking and asset management services to clients worldwide. They are a stable global bank with a long heritage in the financial services industry. At Credit Suisse, graduates are given the chance to make a difference from day one, and are provided world-class training and support to help develop them into a future business leader. In addition to on-the-job experience, they receive formal training and mentoring tailored to their individual needs and to the demands of their chosen business area. This is just the first step in a program of continuous professional development that will be offered throughout their career. Summer internships typically last for ten weeks and are among the most in-depth programs in the financial services industry. The programs offer intellectual challenges,real business experience and meaningful insight into the different areas of the business. Interns receive world class classroom training, mentoring and on-the-job experience, and above all, will develop a skill set that will set them apart.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 700 - 750 Main Operating Industries: Corporate banking, corporate finance, financial accounting, investment banking, investment/fund management, IT, markets, operations, private equity, risk, sales, trading and research, structured finance Salary & Benefits: Highly competitive Entry Requirements: 2:1 or equivalent Locations: EMEA opportunities are available in London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Moscow, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Dubai and Johannesburg. Opportunities are also available in other worldwide locations; please see our website for further information Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Opportunities are available in the Investment Banking Department, Fixed Income, Equities, Asset Management, Information Technology, Investment Banking Operations and Finance. 62

Our Spring Program is a five day scheme, that aims to introduce you to the investment banking industry and give you a realistic understanding of what our world is like. You will join us in our London office, either in the Investment Banking Division (including Fixed Income and Equities) or our support functions (which include Investment Banking Operations, IT and Finance). While you’ll focus primarily on the area you select, you’ll also get exposure to other businesses. You will take part in a range of soft skill workshops and business information sessions, as well as social and networking events. Our Spring programs are a significant source for our internship hiring. Our vision is to become the world’s most admired bank. We look for people with a wide range of experiences, interests and degrees who will add fresh perspectives to our business. A career with us means that you can help shape our future. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/creditsuisse Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 8.74/10 Role 8.39/10 Social 6.31/10

Top 50 Profiles - Credit Suisse

Student Case Study

University: LSE Course: BSc Business Mathematics and Statistics Position: Spring Program Intern & Summer Intern

Alessandro Babini

www.top50.gd/creditsuisse

What did you do in your spring and summer internships? The spring week is an insight into banking, It is divided in two parts: Investment Banking Department (IBD) and Securities (Equities and Fixed Income). It was an interactive week and included different talks and case studies e.g. an M&A deal between two renown beer companies and a trading game involving chocolate bars. The 10 week summer internship starts with a week of training. We then rotate on three different desks within the division we chose (i.e. Fixed Income or Equities). This is an amazing opportunity to meet many people and experience different areas. We are given projects by every team and a ‘surprise’ trade idea to pitch. Highlights of the spring and summer internships? Both programs are amazing opportunities to become familiar with finance, witness live deals and network. I am still surprised how much CS employees are open minded, diverse, friendly and willing to help. What was your greatest challenge? My first team asked me to create, structure and price a financial product for one of their clients and pitch it as a practice. It was a really challenging and exciting experience as I could see that my work would probably be useful for the team and I got to study and understand investors’ real needs and concerns. It was an amazing opportunity to deepen my knowledge, practise using tools such as Bloomberg and understand the market interactions. What did you learn from your spring program that’s helped you in your application for summer and now in your internship? The spring program helped me realise I did not want to work in IBD and more specifically that I was interested

in Fixed Income rather than Equities. I would not have been that confident about my choice had I not done the spring week. It also gave me a better understanding of the banking industry which is hard to get from the outside. What was the social life like? It was great to see that many social events are organised for the interns, which creates strong and meaningful networks plus it’s really useful to meet some employees in a different context. People are very friendly; I feel I have made really good friends during this program. Any top tips for a student interested in a spring program or summer internship? Be confident but not arrogant and see the interviews as a one-to-one interaction rather than just answering the questions you are asked (it worked for me).

“In this industry, the one factor, which is eminent, when deciding who to work for is the firm’s culture. And on that note, Credit Suisse proved to have a great atmosphere!” - Student from the University of St. Andrews “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/creditsuisse add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - Cummins

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.52/10

About Us You’ll find us everywhere. Our people, our products, our impact - look closely and you’ll see Cummins everywhere you look. You’ll also see why the world’s best engineers, IT professionals and scientists choose a career with Cummins. Our Board of Directors even includes an astronaut who went to space seven times and started a rocket company. It’s all because we treat people with respect and listen to new ideas - even ideas that seem out of this world! See how far you can go. About the Student Programme Join Cummins and become part of a truly global company at the forefront of modern engine design and power technologies. You’ll thrive in a high energy, dynamic environment where you will constantly be facing new challenges, given new opportunities, be involved in Six Sigma projects and learn new skills. Cummins provides great opportunities for really talented people who are prepared to face them head on.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 100 Main Operating Industries: Engine Design (road and rail), Generator Technology, Turbo Technology and Filtration systems Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days paid holiday, Free parking, Subsidised meals. Entry Requirements: On track for a 2:1+ degree, Second language beneficial Locations: Cumbernauld, Darlington, Daventry, Huddersfield, Peterborough, Ramsgate, Stamford, Stockton, Wellingborough Application Process: Apply online. Early application recommended, please check our website for updates Roles Recruiting Into: Design Engineering, Manufacturing/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Product Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Manufacturing Support, Product Development, Systems, Quality, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, IT, Finance, Sales & Marketing, HR 64

You will be provided with a structured training plan consisting of corporate training programmes, product awareness and any technical requirements. Bursaries are offered to the most outstanding Placement students. 12 month placements, available from summer 2012, are specifically available for students taking a sandwich course. Make sure that you are energised for your final year and apply now! To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/cummins

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 7.55/10 Role 8.18/10 Social 6.49/10

Top 50 Profiles - Cummins

Student Case Study

University: Nottingham Trent Course: BA (Hons) Business Management and Accounting and Finance Position: Finance Placement Student

Hannah Wigley

www.top50.gd/cummins

What do you do on a daily basis? The main aspect of my placement was working within the compliance department. This involves putting together journals for invoices, working with data; ensuring it gets to department leaders on time and dealing with general ad-hoc queries that may arise. I have also been involved in working with the other students here at Cummins in organising fund-raising events for the office which have included a Charity Auction for Children in Need and a Bake sale and coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer. Whilst working at Cummins, I was also offered the opportunity to work within the other Departments including Travel, Payables and General Ledger. This gave me a fuller insight into finance and how the different departments rely on each other to ensure that accurate information is sent out efficiently. Highlights of the job One of the main highlights of my placement was being able to work with such a large variety of people. Not only was I working with the employees within my department, but also internal customers from other plants and external suppliers. This gave me a greater insight into how businesses work and I could relate a lot of my theory learnt at university to real life situations. Another highlight was the fact that I was given my own jobs and responsibilities, which meant that I developed my time management skills and learnt how to work independently, ensuring that all my work was ready for the deadlines. What did you learn on your placement? I have learnt a lot more on my placement than I ever thought I would. The main area I believe I have developed is my communication skills. Through working with external customers and suppliers, I have learnt how to

communicate appropriately through email and the phone. I also feel that I have improved my time management by working to deadlines. This is a great skill that I will take back to university with me and to future jobs after I have graduated. But the main thing I wanted to get out of my placement year was to link the theories learnt at university to real life business situations, and through working with Cummins, I believe that I will go back to university with a better understanding of Finance and the working environment.

“Working at Cummins has opened my eyes into the real world of work and put all the theory I have learnt into practice. It is a very enjoyable place to work as you are not thought of as a placement student, only as part of the team so you get a real feel for what working is really like.” - Student from University of Huddersfield

“Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - Deloitte

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.04/10

About Us Unsure how you want to launch your career? Don’t worry – whatever stage you’re at in your studies, Deloitte offers lots of ways to discover the right career path for you. You can get a taste of our Audit, Tax, Consulting, Corporate Finance and Technology opportunities at one of our insight days. Or you could take it further by spending seven weeks working with us during the summer vacation. Whatever you choose, all our schemes provide the opportunity to get to know one of the world’s leading professional services firms. With exposure to clients across all major industries – and working alongside experts in their specialist fields – you can expect to gain some amazing insights along the way. Provide us with the innovative thinking our clients value so highly and we’ll give you the perfect platform from which to build a lasting career – with the first-class training, mentoring and development you’d expect from a firm like ours. In fact, you’ll enjoy the same high levels of support as our graduates and you’ll be well paid for your hard work too. In addition to insight days, we also offer: Industrial Placements These six or twelve-week placements are designed for students on four-year sandwich degrees interested in gaining invaluable real-world experience.

Summer Vacation Scheme We run a seven-week scheme for students in their penultimate year of study. You’ll be attending meetings, assisting with projects and shadowing a senior colleague – all of which will give you an excellent insight into work at Deloitte. To find out more about the different undergraduate opportunities that are available at Deloitte and to submit your online application, visit our website today. It’s your future. How far will you take it? www.top50.gd/deloitte

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 200 across all schemes Main Operating Industries: Audit, Tax & Consulting Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: GCSEs: A-B in Maths and A-C in English (or equivalent if not taken in the UK). UCAS: Consulting & Scholar 320 UCAS Points. Summer Vacation Scheme and Industrial Placements: 300 UCAS Points (320 for Consulting) Locations: 21 offices throughout the UK Application Process: All online applications Roles Recruiting Into: Graduate and Undergraduate roles across Audit, Tax, Consulting, Corporate Finance and Technology 66

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 8.14/10 Role 8.12/10 Social 7.81/10

Opportunity knocks As the largest professional services firm in the world, we offer undergraduate opportunities within Audit, Tax, Consulting, Corporate Finance and Technology. All degree disciplines are welcome and we operate on a first-come first-served basis. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your future. How far will you take it?

www.deloittejobs.co.uk/rmp twitter.com/ DeloitteJobsUK

ÂŠ 2011 Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is an equal opportunities employer. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

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Top 50 Profiles - Deutsche Bank

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.4/10

About Us Named IFR “Bank of the Year” 2010 and “Best Global Bank’ 2011 in Euromoney Magazine’s annual Awards for Excellence, Deutsche Bank has a truly global reach. Throughout the world, we’re active in many markets, economies and financial sectors, and today are one of the worlds’ largest investment banks. Employing over 100,000 people, serving 17 million customers in 73 countries, we offer our workforce unprecedented opportunities to develop their careers and achieve their ambitions. A Passion to Perform. It’s what drives us. More than a claim, this describes the way we do business. We compete to be the leading global provider of financial services, balancing passion with precision to deliver superior solutions for our clients. Deutsche Bank is nothing without its people, which is why we offer students a number of programmes to find out what it’s really like to work here. Analyst Internship Programme For penultimate year students this is the ideal introduction to a career with us. Deutsche Bank’s internship programme is recognised as one of the best in the industry. It’s a job with real responsibility where you’ll focus on live projects and gain unique insights into our Bank and your business area. You’ll experience the pace, the excitement and the raw energy of life at a leading global investment bank. It’s an intensive learning experience which will include orientation and community action teambuilding; classroom training sessions and exposure to senior management.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 200+ (UK) Main Operating Industries: Investment Banking, Technology, Human Resources, Finance, Risk, Operations Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points, 2.1 degree Locations: London Application Process: See more at our website. Roles Recruiting Into: Asset Management, Finance, Corporate & Investment Bank: Corporate Finance Corporate & Investment Bank: Markets Corporate & Investment Bank: Global Transaction Banking, Human Resources, Group Technology & Operations, Risk and Private Wealth Management 68

Programmes for first year students To establish your place in the world of banking you need to know where you are going. But how do you know where to start when you are only in your first year of study? Our Spring into Banking and Start-Up Scholarship Programmes have been specifically created to give you the support to move in the right direction. Spring into Banking is a week-long internship, where you’ll receive an insight into what it takes to achieve in our fast-paced world. Our Start-Up Scholarship Programme is designed to provide you with the skills to launch your career. Join us and you’ll become part of a culture that nurtures talent, embraces diversity and rewards outstanding performance. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/deutschebank Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 7.52/10 Role 7.53/10 Social 7.04/10

Top 50 Profiles - Deutsche Bank

Student Case Study

University: Oxford University Course: Mathematics and Computer Science Position: Business Analyst

Anne-Marie Imafidon

www.top50.gd/deutschebank

How did your internship help you get a Graduate Training Programme at Deutsche Bank? My internship exit interview was effectively my only interview for the graduate programme. They say an internship is a 9/10-week interview process, so that also contributed to me getting the offer. What were your Highlights of the Internship? The group presentation - we had to work together on a presentation about Vendors and presented it to some senior people at the Bank. We were able to give suggestions on how to improve vendor management, and although they didn’t necessarily agree with everything we said, some ideas have been taken on. Lunch’n’Learn sessions – These sessions taught us more about projects and departments in the Bank, with an added Q&A session and some free lunch. Extra cash - As it’s a paid internship, it was also nice to have a bit of extra cash – being a student can be hard sometimes! What did you learn from your internship? In the end, I learnt a lot about Deutsche Bank and my division, so that when I came back to start full-time I knew exactly what I was getting into, and the role that my team plays in helping Deutsche Bank be a world class firm. Do you have any top tip for students interested in an internship at Deutsche Bank? Speak to as many reps at campus events as possible – speaking to them is like speaking to Deutsche Bank. If you like what you see, apply!

“I’d highly recommend Deutsche Bank for any IT minded student. DB is always looking for new and agile methodologies when developing solutions, hence you will always be on the forefront of industry leading solutions.” - Student from Imperial College London

“As an intern I was given the chance to sit on the trading floor and was able to learn a lot from colleagues outside of my own division - such as sales and traders - which greatly enriches my knowledge of the bank” - Student from LSE “Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - Enterprise rent-a-car

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 6.96/10

About Us Add an annual turnover of more than $12 billion to a rental and leasing fleet made up of over one million vehicles spread across some 7,600 locations worldwide and you get Enterprise Rent-A-Car – a business that’s grown into the largest car rental company in North America and arguably, the world. Something else is for certain too – and that’s the fact that we owe our success to each and every one of our people, from senior managers to management trainees alike. We firmly believe in empowering each of them to make the decisions that will affect their work and their career. This philosophy, along with our uncompromising commitment to customers, is what has made Enterprise a genuine success story and a truly special place to work. Just imagine the possibilities that come with joining a huge, internationally successful business with the type of personal, entrepreneurial approach which allows individuals to stand out. Enterprise Internships If you’re already planning a successful career in business, you should make that all important first step with us. After all, we’ve plenty of tips and pointers to get you off to a flying start. As a paid intern with Enterprise, you’ll learn what it takes to run a successful business while acquiring valuable

Key Stats

From a few weeks over the summer to a year-long placement, we can offer plenty of flexibility with regards to how long your internship lasts. There’s plenty of scope for promotion too, including the chance to work your way up from an intern into a professional role when you graduate. Start getting ahead of yourself. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/erac

Number of Opportunities: 750 Main Operating Industries: Retail, Merchandising and Sales Salary & Benefits: £16,000–£19,000 dependent upon location. Other benefits include: Stakeholder pension plan, Life assurance, Childcare vouchers, Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leaves, plus much more Entry Requirements: All degree disciplines Locations: Over 400 locations throughout the UK and Ireland Application Process: Please apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Management Training Internship Programme 70

skills and experience, covering everything from fleet management and marketing to profit and loss analysis and sales techniques. And you’ll be learning by doing too, taking on the same challenges as our first and second year full-time professionals.

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 7.12/10 Role 7.41/10 Social 6.07/10

University: Oxford Brookes Course: BA (Hons) Business and Management Position: Management Trainee Intern

Philippa Heelis

www.top50.gd/erac

What was the application process like? The application process was very smooth and easy – plus it helped that the Enterprise website outlined the whole process from start to finish. Make sure you’re as accurate as possible on the application form though, and take time to answer any specific questions. Do that, and a recruiter will be in touch with you extremely quickly. I had a phone call the very next day! What did you do on a daily basis? Working in an Enterprise branch is incredibly varied. One day I can be in the office calling customers and the next I will be out on the road making sales calls. I got a good sense of all areas of the business, from sales to customer service. Highlights of the job? I really liked how busy I was on my internship with Enterprise. From day one, I was given lots of responsibility, and that motivated me to do the best I could. Plus there was a great team of people around me providing support, and that really helped me to make the most of my internship. What was your greatest challenge? I struggled slightly with the sales aspect of the job at first as I hadn’t had a direct selling role before; however, my manager was a great help and of course, there were many training opportunities available which helped me to improve my skills. What did you learn on your placement/internship? My internship with Enterprise has improved my skills in many areas. My sales knowledge and people skills have benefited and my problem solving abilities have greatly improved too – which is great news, as solving problems provides me with a great sense of achievement.

How has this placement/internship affected your career prospects? I believe that this internship has greatly enhanced my career prospects. First and foremost, it’s provided me with a great deal of business experience which will benefit both me and my CV. Secondly, I have the possibility of returning to Enterprise when I graduate. What is the social life like? The branch atmosphere is vibrant and as most employees start as an intern or graduate, everyone understands being new! There are also various dinners, lunches, sales events and get-togethers which allows for socialising between branches. Any top tips for students interested in a placement/ internship here? Go for it! The experience that I have gained and the people I have met have made the internship very worthwhile. Top tips would include not putting off doing the application forms and making sure you give 100% at the assessment centres and interviews to make sure that you show that you are the right candidate for the job.

“Great for development and training. You will learn how to run a business, managing each aspect from sales to staffing levels. ” - Student from the University of Brighton

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Top 50 Profiles - Enterprise rent-a-car

Student Case Study

Top 50 Profiles - Ernst & Young

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.75/10

About Us At Ernst & Young, we believe you already have the skills and strengths you need for a great career. Because it’s your natural strengths that really matter, you shouldn’t worry that your degree will send you down the wrong career path. Ernst & Young is a leading professional services organisation with 141,000 people, in 700 locations across 140 countries around the world. We work closely with other organisations to improve how they work, make vital business decisions and explore opportunities. There are undergraduate opportunities here no matter what stage you are at in your studies and what degree you are studying. Join us on an EY FastTracks Programme and you’ll use your strengths to help solve complex problems for some of the world’s leading businesses and putting you right on track to secure a graduate job with us before your final year. EY Insight Day A one-day experience at an Ernst & Young office, designed to give you a real insight into life and work here. You’ll see what people do day-to-day at a global professional services firm, what joining a company like ours can lead to, and start to learn about your personal strengths. EY Leadership Academy This elite programme is a three-day residential course to help you develop leadership skills. The stimulating, intensive training is conducted by recognised experts and will really push you. You’ll learn skills and self-awareness that will help you hit the ground running.

Key Stats

EY Placement If your course requires you to spend a year in industry and you’re committed to a career in professional services, put an EY Placement at the top of your list. You’ll spend a year working with clients and sitting some of your professional exams. It’s an exciting chance to make great contacts, and many EY Placement students go on to graduate jobs with us. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/ey

Number of Opportunities: 600 Main Operating Industries: Salary & Benefits: Competitive package and graduates will also have access to a £7,000 interest-free loan Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 degree. Minimum 300 UCAS and B for English Language and Maths GCSE Locations: UK wide Application Process: Apply online, 1st interview and strengths-based assessment centre Roles Recruiting Into: Advisory, Assurance, Corporate Finance, Management Consultancy and Tax 72

EY Summer Internship A summer programme to get you fully involved with life and work at Ernst & Young. To start with we’ll help you develop your fundamental business skills, but before long you’ll be doing the same kind of work as our graduates. It’s a great chance to really explore what Ernst & Young has to offer – and a good stepping stone to a future career here.

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 7.84/10 Role 7.97/10 Social 7.27/10

Top 50 Profiles - Ernst & Young

Student Case Study University: University of Leeds Course: Accounting and Finance Position: Tax trainee

Olivia Evans

www.top50.gd/ey

Are you enjoying your placement? It’s been a really good experience - it’s been hard work but enjoyable. Ernst & Young is a very welcoming environment and I’ve made a lot of friends. How much responsibility have you been given during your placement? I’ve basically been doing the same job as a graduate. I’ve been given clients to handle and have been to quite a few client meetings and client sites. I’ve worked with some interesting banks – we get to travel on occasions too. It’s been very challenging – I’ve had to learn how to do tax audits. The first one I did, I didn’t have a clue, but you learn fast at the deep end and are supported along the way by your team and Managers. How well organised is your placement? Was it easy to get settled in? It’s a bit of a shock going into a full time job, but they help you ease into it, give you time to adjust and don’t rush you off your feet with work at the start. There was a real structure for us to come into, so from day one I felt part of the team. During the first week of induction, I got to meet everyone. There were also welcome drinks in my business area to welcome the new interns There’s a strong support network here. If you don’t feel comfortable about something, or don’t feel you’re getting the experience you need, there’s always someone to turn to. There’s lots of help available if you need it. I’ve got a counsellor and a buddy, to answer any questions. What experience and skills have you gained? My time management skills have improved. Now I know what it’s like to work in a nine-to-five job. My business

communication skills are much better too, and I’ve learnt how to work in a team. But overall, it’s shown me working life in the real world. I think I’ll work harder at university, because I’m used to working full days now! And it’s given me an insight into what I’m learning at university and how it’ll help me at work. What’s the best thing about your placement? All the new people I’ve met and the different backgrounds they’re from. And it’s really shown me what it’s like to work full time. It’s harder than I expected, but it’s also more interesting and fun than I expected. What advice would you give to someone planning their placement? Be yourself and work hard, and you’ll do ok. And make sure you read the website and know which department you’re applying for before starting your interview process.

“My experience has highly exceeded expectations. Great social events, opportunities to travel, interesting projects, appropriate tasks, amazing people.” - Student from the University of Glasgow “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - FSA

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.38/10

About Us The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is currently the UK’s sole financial services regulator, but by the end of 2013 we will divide into two new regulatory bodies. The Prudential Regulation Authority will ensure the prudent operation and stability of the financial system. The Financial Conduct Authority will ensure protection, enhancement and confidence in financial services and markets, including specific protection for consumers. The new bodies will continue our policy of robust regulation of the markets, which is so crucial to financial consumers and the stability of the UK economy in the present climate. This means working with banks, building societies, insurance companies, financial advisers, fund managers, mortgage brokers and intermediaries to ensure adherence to firm but fair standards. Ultimately, we aim to give a strong lead to the industry, ensure transparency in the system, maintain London’s status as a world-leading global financial centre and target – and reduce – financial crime. Internships We offer a ten-week summer internship programme as well as one-year placements, beginning in June. These will give you invaluable exposure and practical experience necessary to build on your existing knowledge and develop your understanding of the financial services industry. You’ll be given similar responsibilities to our graduates, as well as all the training you need to make the most of your experience – beginning with a course that introduces you to the organisation, regulation and the industry as a whole.

Throughout your internship, you’ll continue to receive training designed to improve key business skills, including IT, teamworking and presenting, as well as management and peer support to aid your professional development. Rewards You’ll receive an intern salary equivalent to £450 per week, and benefit from our subsidised restaurant and in-house gym. We’ll try and get you involved in our culture from day one through our sports and social activities, community affairs work as well as other intern activities. Based on your performance during the internship, you could also receive a graduate job offer, giving you time to focus on your final year of study. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/fsa

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: See website for details Main Operating Industries: Financial Services, Regulation Salary & Benefits: £450 per week plus benefits Entry Requirements: Expecting a 2.1 Locations: London or Edinburgh Application Process: Application form, Online financial reasoning test, Telephone interview Stage 1 assessment centre, Stage 2 assessment centre Roles Recruiting Into: Summer Internships and Placements 74

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.77/10 Role 7.78/10 Social 6.29/10

Top 50 Profiles - FSA

Student Case Study

University: Cambridge University Course: PPS (Politics, Psychology, Sociology and International Studies) Position: Thematic and Aggregated Risk Team

Becky Lane

www.top50.gd/fsa

What was the Application Process like? The application process was clearly structured and communicated, with result dates outlined and tailored feedback. Although it can appear daunting with five phases, the last two hurdles at the offices allow individuals to catch a glimpse of the FSA’s friendly and vibrant environment, meeting potential fellow interns, touring the building and confirming your eagerness to join. What did you do on a daily basis? Every intern has the flexibility and opportunity to take the reigns with regard to their own work. In the Risk Management Department, I had an impressive overview of both Prudential and Conduct Business Units. This spanned from producing summary documents of key FSA legislation and giving feedback on Business cases to working with my team to produce medium-term macroeconomic outlooks for supervisors dealing with banks that have exposure to certain countries. Highlights of the Job: The FSA puts you at the heart of policy review, analysis and creation, having a direct impact upon the financial system. A rare insight into the intricacies and mechanics of the financial system from an exceptional regulatory perspective combines with the chance to work with experienced and knowledgeable individuals, making the internship an extremely rare opportunity to gain an insight into financial services. What was your greatest challenge? During the internship, my manager gave me a project involving the investigation of Risk surrounding departments covering Investment Firms, General Insurance and Wholesale Banks. I was to produce a

PowerPoint conveying my findings to various Departmental managers. The research involved was testing but the project allowed for the maximum innovation on my behalf to decide its content and design. What did you learn on your internship? Opportunities to meet with team managers and workshadow graduate ‘buddys’ gives you invaluable coverage of the way in which the FSA functions as a whole. Furthermore, a development workshop and various Directors’ seminars helped to convey the fundamental role of the FSA in the complex financial system. What was the social life like? The interns were split into two induction weeks and the graduate team arranged drinks during both to get to know your fellow interns and ‘buddys’. There’s an intense sense of team spirit within the FSA and they often take part in Community Affairs Days and go for drinks after work. The interns tended to work with the grads to organise their own nights out aswell! Any top tips for a student interested in a placement/ internship here? Be pro-active, enthusiastic and keep up-to-date with financial news, most especially regulatory cases and the impact of the FSA’s involvement. How has this placement/internship affected your career prospects? The skills gained are applicable to the majority of financial careers and depending on performance, interns can gain a place on the FSA’s graduate programme.

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/fsa add your notes here...

Top 50 Profiles - GlaxoSmithKline

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.52/10

About Us One of the world’s leading healthcare companies, GSK gives its people the chance to answer some of the biggest questions facing everyone on the planet. Questions about future healthcare needs and questions about building a responsive, innovative, global business to meet them – as well as questions about their own personal and professional growth. Based in the UK, with operations in over 100 countries, GSK is dedicated to helping millions of people around the world to do more, feel better and live longer. We produce almost 4 billion packs a year of lifesaving prescription medicines, vaccines and popular consumer healthcare products like Lucozade, Ribena, Sensodyne, Aquafresh and Panadol. What industrial placements are on offer? We offer a whole range of industrial placements as part of a recognised sandwich degree – building on the skills you’ve gained at university by applying them in a practical environment. You’ll also develop several new ones with training packages designed to meet your individual needs, as well as a proper performance development plan. Our industrial placements cover Manufacturing (including Production, Engineering, Science), IT, Research & Development, Sales, Marketing, Communications, HR and Finance. So there are opportunities relevant for people in all kinds of degree disciplines from business, finance, communications and media-related courses to IT and multimedia degrees, not to mention practically every type of science, engineering, biological, chemical and pharmaceutical discipline.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: Approximately 300 Main Operating Industries: Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, FMCG Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Must be expecting a 2:1 or above in any degree discipline. For industrial placements you must be on a sandwich degree course and for Summer Placements you must be a penultimate year student. Locations: UK and Ireland Application Process: Visit our website Roles Recruiting Into: See above 76

Recruitment takes place annually in autumn, with start dates July-September and locations across the UK and Ireland. What summer placements are there? We offer summer placements in either Marketing or Purchasing. They typically last 10 to 12 weeks and are aimed at students who have the skills and experience to add value to our company, as well as the potential to build a long-term career with us. What will I learn? GSK is deeply committed to personal and professional development so, whatever placement you do, you’ll learn a huge amount, enhance your technical expertise and improve your business knowledge. Working in an environment full of trust and respect, you’ll gain priceless communication, planning, organising, problem solving, teamworking, confidence and networking skills. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/gsk Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.67/10 Role 8.11/10 Social 6.45/10

What does your future hold? What do you want from your placement? Support? Training? Investment? A solid grounding in the business world? The chance to have a real impact on global projects? The opportunity to shine? Inspiration for your long-term future? All of the above? Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be great if a company could answer all those questions for you? And give you the opportunity to explore your potential answering some of the biggest healthcare questions around? Are you looking for a truly rewarding industrial placement in Manufacturing (including Production, Engineering and Science), IT, Research & Development, Sales, Marketing, Communications, HR or Finance? Or a summer placement in either Marketing or Purchasing? Have you visited www.gsk.com/uk-students yet?

ANSWER THE BIG QUESTIONS

Top 50 Profiles - Grant Thornton

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.72/10

About Us Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading names in accounting and consulting with a presence in over 100 countries. In the UK, we have more than 4,000 people and over 40,000 clients. We take on graduates, placements and interns in audit, tax and advisory in over 20 of our offices around the country. We were proud to be awarded ‘Best Internship and Placement Provider’ by RateMyPlacement, especially as this is entirely based on reviews made by previous interns and placement students. About you Who are we looking for? People with a genuine interest in business who listen critically, dig beneath the surface, challenge assumptions and are credible and confident enough to make suggestions right from the start. They know it’s about more than just the numbers, it’s about enjoying tough challenges and seeking out opportunities to make a difference. About the role The 100 interns and placement students who join us each year get variety and responsibility. They work on a huge range of clients in many different sectors. And most of the clients are international businesses, so there are plenty of opportunities for exposure to global business issues. As a 12-month placement student or summer intern you’ll have the opportunity to get stuck in straight away. You’ll gain a real insight into who we are, what we do and how we do it. You’ll get to develop new skills, build your commercial acumen and kick start a career right at the heart of business. You’ll quickly become part of the team, and can expect to take on the same responsibilities as a

first-year trainee. Which is exactly what we hope you’ll become. Our aim is to fast-track all of our placement students and interns to the graduate programme for the following year. About applying…. Our internship and placement are open to all students in their penultimate year. Sound like you? Then take our advice and visit the website below to apply. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/grantthornton

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 100 Main Operating Industries: Audit, Tax, Advisory Salary & Benefits: Varies on location Entry Requirements: B at GCSE Maths and English, 300 UCAS points and 2.1 degree (or equivalent) Locations: Nationwide, Scotland, Northern Ireland Application Process: Online application, online verbal and numerical reasoning tests, competency based assessment with HR, managers and partners Roles Recruiting Into: Audit, Tax, Business Risk Services, Actuarial, Recovery & Reorganisation 78

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.87/10 Role 9.05/10 Social 8.03/10

Top 50 Profiles - Grant Thornton

Student Case Study

University: Durham Course: Economics Position: Summer intern in Audit (Manchester)

Lizzie Antrobus

www.top50.gd/grantthornton

How have you found the training? Excellent. I did two days of e-learning exercises to learn how Grant Thornton operates and how audits are done, which was very interactive. The knowledge itself involved a lot of detail, but obviously necessary if we were to go out and represent the firm. I also took part in a two-day training course at the firm’s training centre in Bradenham, Buckinghamshire, a true highlight of the internship. It allowed me to get to know other interns from across the country, while learning new skills, as well as being extremely well fed! How did your internship help you get a graduate training programme at Grant Thornton? I was already preparing to apply for a graduate position at the end of the programme, if I performed well obviously. The internship itself just assured me that this business line and the company were definitely the route I wanted to take. It also meant in my final interview I had more than enough to talk about. What work did you get involved in on the placement? I took part in a variety of audits, ranging from colleges, big companies to hotel chains. I was thrown in the deep end; talking on numerous occasions to managing and financial directors. I also did a lot of work in the office, for example helping out anyone who had accounts to check. I also spent a few days in other departments. What were the highlights? Definitely the training days at Bradenham; painting a school in London as part of a corporate responsibility day; the office summer barbecue, and my days at the hotel chain audit.

And the toughest parts? Two things: accepting the fact I had to ask a lot of questions because I was new to the firm and getting my head around the financial jargon. Everyone in the office made this easy for me though, never seeming to get annoyed even if I didn’t understand things that for them would have been very basic. Also the travelling is something I had to get used to, along with the early mornings – it was almost like being back in my old school routine! What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying for the placement? Make your application stand out, go to all the events offered at the office itself or at the university you are studying, and just get to know employees. Ask them all as many questions as you can and make it evident in your application that you have actually been to the events. Showing a keen interest prior to your application will definitely help set your application apart from the others. Best piece of advice you were given during your placement? To make sure that when I start my graduate programme I try and spend an hour a night studying, so that all my weekends won’t be eaten up with revision, even though I know some will be! What does the future hold for you? It’s not long now until I join the firm as a graduate. So the future holds… exams, exams and more exams, alongside working and trying to get used to the work routine, especially when compared to my university lifestyle!

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Top 50 Profiles - HP

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.48/10

About Us Having talent is great. Making the most of it is better. At HP, we didn’t become the world’s leading technology company by standing still. We did it by inspiring ourselves to better things, challenging conventions, making the impossible, possible. We did it by investing in our people, encouraging them to think in new ways, daring them to reach their potential. We now have over 320,000 people working for us in over 170 countries. And every single one of those people plays a critical role in enabling us to deliver technological solutions to a billion customers worldwide. You could help us make it two billion. Professional and Personal Development If you’re looking for hands-on experience, look no further. We’ll give you all the practical training you can handle, not to mention plenty of one-to-one meetings with your manager to ensure you’re always on the right track. The success of our programme leads to a large number of interns returning to HP as graduates, and many interns are fast-tracked through the graduate application process. We have a broad range of areas on offer for you to explore so, whatever your area of interest, we can offer you the perfect fit for your talents.

We currently have vacancies across: • Technical • HR • Sales • Finance • Marketing • Business • Marketing Communications Ready to get the most out of your talent? Then start now. Explore the possibilities of our Internship Programme at our website. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/hp

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 50+ Main Operating Industries: IT Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Must be expecting a 2:1 Locations: Various Application Process: For full details and to apply, visit our website Roles Recruiting Into: IT, Marketing, Events, Finance, Management, Sales 80

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.43/10 Role 7.94/10 Social 6.87/10

Top 50 Profiles - HP

Student Case Study

University: Oxford Brookes Course: Business and Marketing Communications Position: Business Development and Communications

Rebecca Naydorf

www.top50.gd/hp

What was the application process like? The application process was straight forward. I simply selected the role that interested me and suited my skill set, this was an online application. The assessment day was extremely professional, and I was tested on several competencies and asked to accept the position within 24 hours. Highlights of the Job? Getting the chance to work with people all over the company, and gaining insight into areas of such a huge company, and being immersed in a variety of different teams from Global Branding to HR. My manager was non-prescriptive which gave me the opportunity to take an idea and concept and make them my own, he allowed me to run national internal campaign and initiatives and his only demand was that I carried it out effectively, so I learnt to think on my feet very quickly. What was your greatest challenge? My greatest challenge was running HPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national campaign with our strategic partners Comic Relief. Working across 18 sites in the UK&I I had to create the national campaign with minimal budget, whilst leveraging other HP sites, and ensure HP gained good PR exposure. In total we raised over ÂŁ33,000 in 3 weeks. What did you learn on your placement / internship? I learnt about the realities of corporate business, as I was working with all levels of the business from the board of Directors, to the outsourcing accounts, and the challenge is to the engage and relate to employee on a personal level in a company so large. This made me realise that is vital to have an awareness and understanding of all areas of any business from an internal communications perspective, as

people work far more effectively when they feel they are understood. How has this placement / internship affected your career prospects? I have realised that my skill set lies in innovative planning. Although I applied to do a marketing role, I enjoy the freedom to think of new ways to develop business, which incorporates the aspect of marketing. Therefore I would like to go into a more project management, or consultancy role, rather than just focusing on one specific area. What was the social life like? There are over 60 internship students, and most of them are based in the HQ at Bracknell. HP interns select a committee that organise events and initiatives for all the interns over their placement. A charity committee organised the 3 Peaks challenge, the Ball committee organised our end of year ball and the social committee arranged nights out and extra activities for the weekend, so there was always something on the social calendar! Any top tips for a student interested in a placement / internship here? You need to be aware of the constant changes and different areas of growth within IT, as it is a very fast paced market. This will impress and generally help you stay ahead of the game. Always network so you can have people all over the business you can contact, navigating around such a large organisation is daunting but having the connections makes it feel a lot smaller.

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Top 50 Profiles - HSBC

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.10/10

About Us Explore HSBC and you’ll discover a global financial services organisation with 7,500 offices in 87 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. You’ll discover a business open to understanding and responding to the needs of its 95 million customers – wherever they are, and that’s why we are the world’s local bank. Our network is linked by advanced technology - including a rapidly growing use of e-commerce - and allows HSBC to provide a huge range of financial services to customers across the globe. HSBC has weathered change in all forms – revolutions, economic crises, new technologies – and has adapted to survive. These experiences have created core strengths of resilience and a capacity for innovation. We have a whole range of generalist and specialist programmes, as well as internships and year-long placements for students looking for working experience. So there’s a lot to discover and here’s where you start. Our Undergraduate Opportunities As the first financial services organisation to offer first year internships, we’re always leading the way. Our 7-week Summer Internships are open to any undergraduate in their first or penultimate year of study, in any discipline. You’ll be based in one of our branches or commercial

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 80+ Main Operating Industries: Banking & Financial Services Salary & Benefits: Summer interns – 1st years (£18k), Penultimate years (£18.5k) per annum pro-rata for 7 weeks. Placement Years - £20,000 per annum. 25 days holiday per annum + Benefits scheme Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 honours degree + minimum of 2 months customer-related work experience, this need not be over a continuous 2 month period & can be non face-to-face Locations: Nationwide and Group Head Office Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Customer Propositions, Corporate & Structured Lending, Global Premier Services 82

centres nationwide (we’ll try to find one convenient to you). We’ll give you an induction, on the job training, real work within a team, plus the support of a line manager and a ‘buddying’ network from our current graduate population. The best news of all is that our opportunites are paid and provide a potential stepping-stone into a rewarding long-term career with us. Other benefits include a £1,000 bursary for those that return to commence a penultimate year internship following successful completion of the first year programme and a further £2,000 if you are then selected for one of our full-time graduate programmes. On our Placement Year Programme you’ll be taken into a real role, with real responsibilities. Support will include an induction to HSBC, training and development appropriate to the role (you may even gain some additional qualifications on the way) and line manager support. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/hsbc Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 6.87/10 Role 7.84/10 Social 6.28/10

Top 50 Profiles - HSBC

Student Case Study

University: Sheffield Course: Economics Position: Penultimate Year Internship in Lending Services, Head Office 1st year internship in Corporate Real Estate, Commercial banking London

Sophie Petrie

www.top50.gd/hsbc

How much responsibility were you given during your placements? During both my internships I had been given a fair amount of responsibility and the projects I had been given always had the opportunity to really add value to my departments. My managers always involved me so I could witness how certain processes worked and they really made me feel part of the work they were doing at the time. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues? HSBC really makes their interns and graduates feel valued. You have exposure to senior management from very early on and the unusual opportunity to move around within the Bank from department to department or from country to country. The unique point about HSBC to me is that they don’t recruit due to someone’s knowledge base, they recruit you for the type of person you are and then teach you the knowledge you need. Every single employee that I have encountered has been more than happy to help, interested in what I’m doing and always strived to involve me wherever possible. What was the general atmosphere in your office? Having done previous internships in other companies, I cannot speak highly enough of the environment at this organisation. HSBC places a real importance on bringing your whole self to work and they mean it. Everyone is genuinely themselves here, no false pretences or people leaving their jackets on their chair overnight to make it seem like they’re at work at 1am! It was a very happy and friendly environment to work in. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company invest in you? Staff development is top priority for HSBC. Before you start your internship you spend two days at Bricket Wood

(HSBC’s residential training centre), learning about yourself, the Bank and the other interns. Then in your first few days you must complete some mandatory learning which is all highly interactive and informative. There is also the HSBC Business School on the Intranet which gives you the flexibility to tailor your learning and develop in the areas you want to concentrate on in more detail. The first month of my graduate scheme will be spent learning on the GGDP (Group Graduate Development Programme) and during my two years, I will receive full support (funding and study leave) towards gaining the IFS BSc in Banking Management and Practice. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work? One of the biggest draws of working for HSBC for me, other than the global aspect of the business, is their involvement in charitable work and commitment to environmental issues. Even though I was only there for seven weeks in total this summer, I was given the opportunity to work with fellow interns to organise an event to raise money for KidsCompany – the charity chosen by the Graduate Communities Committee. I was also involved with the Diversity Team within the Global Bank, to encourage gender diversity across the organisation.

“It is great knowing that after all my hard work I have a job waiting for me at the end of university!” - Student from the University of Liverpool “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - IBM

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.90/10

About Us In 1969, IBM helped put a man on the moon. In 1981, IBM unveiled the first ever PC. And in 2011, the Watson computing system defeated the two great ‘Jeopardy!’ champions. Behind each of IBM’s accomplishments over the past 100 years has been an idea. And behind every great idea has been an even greater mind. Technology has helped to bring them to life, but it’s that spark of inspiration that’s turned an idea into an innovation. From the first ever barcode to helping find the cure for AIDS – IBM is one of the best ideas companies in the world. Working across markets and countries, we embrace innovation at every turn. From Consulting and Sales to Software Development and Technology, we are making the world work smarter not only for clients, but for society as a whole, quite literally changing the way the world works. Summer Internship Our ‘Extreme Blue’ summer internship is all about pushing boundaries. It’s challenging, rewarding, and a chance to test yourself on live projects as you help to bring a new product to life. You’ll develop the technology and business plan behind it. Design and test it. And 12 weeks later, showcase it to our business partners and clients. If you’re ambitious, ‘Extreme Blue’ is nothing short of a dream come true.

Joining IBM places your CV head and shoulders above the rest. And if you’re highly ambitious with a passion for business, we’ll ensure that your talents are too. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/ibm

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 250 placements, 16 summer internships Main Operating Industries: Consulting and IT Salary & Benefits: £15,000 (pro-rata for summer internships) Entry Requirements: Predicted 2:1 honours degree; international students must have a valid visa to cover the placement period (see website for full details) Locations: Nationwide (see website for full details) Application Process: Online application followed by First Round and Second Round Assessment Centres Roles Recruiting Into: Business, Finance, IT, HR, Marketing, Software Development 84

Industrial Placement If you’re looking to take a year out as part of your degree, our Industrial Placement Scheme offers it all - real responsibility from the start, exposure to live and exciting projects and fantastic support. It’s much more than just getting a great name on your CV. It’s 12 months to start building the future you want before you’ve even got your degree.

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.82/10 Role 8.34/10 Social 7.35/10

Top 50 Profiles - IBM

Student Case Study

University: Nottingham Trent University Course: Business Management and Human Resources Position: Graduate and Student Recruitment Coordinator

Phillippa

www.top50.gd/ibm

I applied to the IBM placement scheme because of the reputation of not only the scheme itself, but also the company. I feel proud to have been a part of such an innovative and exciting organisation that continually develops, especially during this Centennial year. As a Graduate and Student Recruitment Coordinator, I gained a high level of responsibility from day one and this continued throughout my placement. IBM’s culture is welcoming and there is always someone on hand to offer their support and guidance. I have thoroughly enjoyed my year due to the people and the abundance of opportunities to develop my skills. Thomas from Cambridge University, studying Economics, tells us about his experiance on the Extreme Blue Programme as a Business Student. I picked Extreme Blue because I wanted an internship where I had real responsibility, real work, and a real challenge. I got all three, and much more! The internship is, in a nutshell, creating an entirely new product for IBM in just 12 weeks, and presenting it at an expo in Europe at the end. It’s a significant challenge, so IBM make sure you have access to their best and brightest, give you all the support you could ever want, and give you plenty of amazing technology to play with. The application process is very competitive, so the people you work with are extremely knowledgeable and I’ve learnt an awful lot from my team. If you want an internship where you are pushed hard, learn quickly, and end with a sense of real accomplishment, IBM Extreme Blue is for you.

“Great teamwork. Really friendly working environment.” - Student from the Aston University

“Within IBM as an IT you are given a real role with real responsibilities, this is the real world and is worth doing as part of any degree.” - Student from Sheffield Hallam University

“My placement year with IBM was an invaluable experience. It boosted my confidence, communication and teamwork skills.” - Student from the University of Sunderland

“Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - Intel

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.08/10

About Us For over 40 years Intel has been leading and bringing new technology to the marketplace. Now we are building on our historical strength in silicon innovation and global manufacturing capacity to create new products and technologies that help people live happier, more productive lives. Whether it’s a mobile lifestyle or a new way to enjoy entertainment at home, Intel is helping people all over the world accomplish things they never before dreamed possible. We are driven to constantly push the boundaries of innovation in order to make people’s lives more exciting, more fulfilling and easier to manage. We’re a company that’s always in motion, fuelling an industry that never rests. Intel in the United Kingdom offers under-graduates many chances for growth and learning while working with industry-leading innovation via our Internship programme. Here are some of the ways in which students find opportunity, experience and inspiration with Intel United Kingdom. We offer: • An opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on industrial experience. • A chance to develop personal skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. • The ability to relate and apply knowledge gained from University. • The ability to make informed choices about personal career development.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 50 Main Operating Industries: IT/Engineering Salary & Benefits: £14,500 + bonuses+ health insurance + Stock Participation Plan Entry Requirements: 2nd year bachelor’s students with relevant degree disciplines Locations: Swindon Application Process: CV + cover letter, assessment centre Roles Recruiting Into: Sales and Marketing, Finance, IT, Engineering, HR, Logistics, Business Operations

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/intel Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 7.83/10 Role 8.78/10 Social 7.32/10

Top 50 Profiles - Intel

Student Case Study

University: University of Bath Course: Electronic Engineering (Computers, Electronics & Communications) Position: Technical Marketing Engineer

Steven Briscoe

www.top50.gd/intel

What was the application process like? I applied via a fairly unofficial channel, my CV was sent to the intern team at Intel by my tutor. I was then contacted and invited to attend the Intel Intern assessment day. I was impressed by the assessment day, there were many varied activities which didn’t only test what you know but also who you are as a person. I believe that the intern assessment centre is one of the best ones around, in particular I thought that the presentation and the group exercise were very good activities. Following this the job offers came a week later. I had to choose between two departments within Intel, one located in Swindon the other in Lincoln. What did you do on a daily basis? This is hard to pinpoint as it varies dramatically, one week you could be building machines, the next designing scripts, travelling, designing benchmarks and presenting at events. I worked on a project called the Retail Road show for approximately 75% of my time, however I was involved in other projects such as working as a zone manager on this year’s REC in Monaco. This involved presenting to account managers, major customers and Intel VPs. To prepare this I had to design and source the demos and write the marketing and graphics content for the area. Highlights of the Job? The amount of travel I have done has exposed me to not only different cultures but also different ways of doing business in the technology sector. For example it was interesting to compare markets and business environments in Switzerland and Israel, and the contrast between the two is enormous. I also really enjoyed presenting on topics I am passionate about to big companies such as Acer, Asus, Comet, HP, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba.

What was your greatest challenge? I was given 5 hours to create a demo on behalf of a senior Intel figure for a very large client with no background knowledge of the underlying technology. I received some basic guidelines and directions from colleagues at Intel, but had to do the majority of the discovery and learning by myself. What did you learn on your placement / Internship? I chose to work in the PTEG department because it gave me the opportunity to learn about Technical Marketing. I had no previous experience of marketing before so learning techniques and practices in a Technology environment was a big learning curve. How has this placement / internship affected your career prospects? Intel produces an appraisal document which gives a very in depth account of my performance whilst I was here. In addition I believe that the placement has given me some real experience of the technical sector which I can carry forward to any new job application and position. Any top tips for a student interested in a placement / internship here? Be yourself in the assessment day – you can’t learn to pass an assessment day beforehand. Investigate what you are getting into – don’t go in blind – talk to people at the assessment centre, find out exactly what you will be doing and try to understand the department you will be entering.

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Top 50 Profiles - KPMG

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.01/10

About Us At KPMG, the people make the place. And what’s that place like exactly? It’s one where everyone feels valued, and hard work is recognised and rewarded. It’s also a place that’s growing. Since a number of European firms merged to form KPMG Europe LLP, we have become the largest fully-integrated accountancy firm in Europe, offering Audit, Tax and Pensions, and Consulting services to everyone from oil companies to music gurus. But it’s not just what we do that’s important, it’s the way that we do it. Our values don’t just live on a wall. They’re a way of life, underpinning the way we work with clients and each other. So what can you look forward to at KPMG? Exposure to clients from day one and the chance to work on challenging projects. Join us on a First Year Internship or Vacation Programme, and you’ll have the perfect opportunity to find out more about working in professional services and discovering whether it’s the right path for you. And, as we want you to feel at home from day one, we’ll give you the support of a mentor and a senior manager to help you settle in. Despite the focus on developing your skills, it’s not all work and no play. Whether it’s joining sports teams or enjoying

free lunches and social activities, KPMG is a fantastic place to start developing your technical and personal skills. KPMG would like to hear from students with a great academic record, studying for a degree in any discipline. Once you’ve applied, you can expect a response on the next working day. So stand out from the crowd by applying now. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/kpmg

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: c.150 Main Operating Industries: Professional Services, Accountancy and Consulting Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Please refer to our website for specific entry requirements Locations: UK-wide Application Process: Online application form, Situational Judgement Test, Online Numerical and Verbal Reasoning Tests, First Round Telephone Interview and Assessment Centre. Check out our website for more information about our recruitment process. Roles Recruiting Into: Audit, Tax & Pensions, Consultancy and Facilities. 88

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Organisation 8.2/10 Role 8.26/10 Social 7.39/10

Top 50 Profiles - KPMG

Student Case Study

University: University of Bristol Course: MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering Position: Internship in Advisory, accepted position in Performance & Technology, Financial Services

Richard O’Brien

www.top50.gd/kpmg

What initially drew you to KPMG’s summer vacation programme? I wanted an opportunity to experience consulting and to see if it was for me. I’d decided to head in a new direction away from engineering (which I was studying at Uni) and thought management consultancy would suit me; an internship seemed like the ideal way to find out. KPMG attracted me in particular because of its strong reputation as well as its experience with internship placements. What was the application process like? Pretty straightforward actually. KPMG kept me up-to-date on progress throughout. There was an online application form and then I had to pass some psychometric tests. I did practise, but on the day, I didn’t complete it in time and thought I’d done badly. I’ve since learnt that it’s more about accuracy than quantity. Most Careers Services have lots of practice tests, so make use of them! Finally there was an interview with a manager who mainly asked about my competencies (have lots of examples prepared!). Highlights of the internship? There were lots. Two things that really stand out though are the level of responsibility I was given and the positive responses I got from the client. The main highlight was being offered a job at the end of my placement! What did you do on a daily basis? What I loved most was that there was no ‘daily basis’ work; every day really was different. One day I might be travelling to client offices for meetings to discuss our strategy and another I‘d be helping with a workshop or conducting interviews and research.

What did you learn on the internship and what was your greatest challenge? A huge amount! Some of the skills I learnt include improving my PowerPoint and presentation skills, effective interviewing technique and the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication. The greatest challenge would have to be the ‘Launch Day’ we held with the client to communicate their new approach. All the key stakeholders in one place meant there was a lot riding on it. It all went off without a hitch though. What was the social life like? You launch yourself straight into the project you’re working on so build relationships quickly. And KPMG takes on quite a few interns, so we made a point of meeting up occasionally for drinks or a meal. It was a good balance and good to find out about what others were working on. Any top tips for a student interested in a placement with KPMG? Go for it! An internship generally can be a fantastic experience and you learn so much. KPMG in particular is well set up and experienced in hosting interns – so it’s a great place to apply to.

“My manager and mentor both helped me in terms of making sure I got a wide variety of experience, both work and social.” - Student from the University of Cambridge “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - Linklaters

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.59/10

About Us Join Linklaters and you become part of one of the world’s most prestigious law firms – a global network of exceptionally talented, highly motivated lawyers working as a team and learning from one another to fulfil our ambition of becoming the leading global law firm. Types of work While many law firms are strong in particular areas, Linklaters is the only firm to have market- leading global teams across the full range of corporate, finance and commercial practice areas. This, partnered with our culture of innovation, teamwork and entrepreneurship, means that we have built strong relationships with the world’s leading companies, financial institutions and governments and are asked to advise them on their most important and challenging transactions and assignments. Vacation Schemes Our four-week Summer programmes are designed for penultimate-year law students. We have worked hard to design a vacation scheme that successfully combines real life experience in our practice areas with workshops and seminars dedicated to your professional development. Our Winter scheme lasts for two weeks and provides an intensive introduction to Linklaters for final-year students who are studying a degree subject other than law. The structure is very much the same as the Summer vacation scheme – a mix of real life experience, seminars and personal project work, backed up by a range of social activities. We adapt the syllabus to accommodate people who have no legal background, but the experience is still completely authentic.

Key Stats

Who should apply If you really want to know what it’s like to be a Trainee in a global law firm, this is your chance to experience it for yourself. Linklaters has high expectations of its trainees and recruits talented and motivated graduates who expect a lot from themselves. The application deadline for the Winter scheme is 13 November 2011, and for the Summer scheme is 8 January 2012. Our Pathfinder applications open 2 January 2012 and close 29 February 2012. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/linklaters

Number of Opportunities: 90 vacation scheme placements. 45 Pathfinder placements Main Operating Industries: Law Salary & Benefits: £300 per week for vacation schemes Entry Requirements: Expecting a 2:1 degree Locations: London Application Process: Please visit our website. Roles Recruiting Into: Vacation Schemes, Pathfinder 90

Pathfinder We now offer first-year law undergraduates the opportunity to experience life working in Linklaters through our new ‘Pathfinder’ scheme. This two-day programme runs in the spring and offers candidates the chance to interact with Linklaters’ employees through presentations, workshops and work shadowing.

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Organisation 8.99/10 Role 8.71/10 Social 7.89/10

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Link up. If you are ready to focus on developing trusted partnerships with premium clients around the world; if you want exposure to the widest range of practice areas, across the broadest spectrum of sectors; if you have the talent, energy and insight to make the most complex deals happen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; link up with Linklaters. Our sights are set on Flickr Twitter Retweet becoming the leading global law firm. That is why we seek out the very brightest graduates to join us. So if you would like to develop your career in a culture that thrives on collaboration and innovative thinking, find out more about our vacation MySpace StumbleUpon Digg schemes at www.linklaters.com/ukgradsRMP

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Top 50 Profiles - M&S

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.06/10

About Us You don’t need to work at M&S to have a special relationship with us. Just ask our millions of customers. But if you join us on our Business Placement scheme, you’ll gain a unique insight into the hard work, expertise and passion that goes into creating one of the UK’s bestloved retailers.The majority of our opportunities are in Retail Management, but we also offer placements in head office within our IT, Design and Food Technology teams. Our principles Every person that steps through our doors has their own relationship with M&S; a familiarity and trust that goes beyond that of other retailers. And we work hard to earn this trust. It’s not just our pioneering Plan A pledge to help the planet and operate sustainably. It’s about doing the right thing for everyone, every day and in everything we do. It’s how we’ll continue to take the M&S experience forward – as well as a company you’ll want to be part of. Our rewards We expect a lot from our people. High standards. Hard work. And a genuine commitment to doing the right thing for customers and colleagues. So it only makes sense you should expect plenty back in return. We’re investing more than ever in the rewards we offer. Not just a competitive salary and the essential benefits you’d expect from a leading employer like M&S. But also a range of flexible rewards you can tailor to your individual needs.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 40-50 Main Operating Industries: Retail Salary & Benefits: £17,500 + benefits Entry Requirements: See website Locations: UK-wide Application Process: Please apply online. Roles Recruiting Into: Retail Management, IT, Design and Food Technology 92

Our team M&S might be made up of thousands of different people, but they all have one thing in common – they believe in winning as a team. So, if you need a little help, someone will roll up their sleeves and lend you a hand. If you’ve got a question, someone will be happy to share their experience. Experience being part of the M&S family and you’ll feel valued, supported and respected. It’s good to know. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/mands

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.68/10 Role 8.7/10 Social 6.35/10

Top 50 Profiles - Mayer Brown

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.77/10

About Us Mayer Brown is a leading global law firm with offices in key business centres across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The firm has more than 1,600 lawyers, including approximately 875 in the Americas, 425 in Europe and 300 in Asia. The firm’s Asia presence was enhanced by its 2008 combination with Johnson Stokes & Master, the largest and oldest Asia law firm. (In Asia, we are known as Mayer Brown JSM.) In December 2009, Mayer Brown formed an association with Tauil & Chequer, a leading law firm in Brazil. This impressive on-the-ground presence in the world’s leading markets for legal services enables Mayer Brown to offer clients access to local market expertise on a global basis. From its trendy city location, the London office provides a full service presence working together with its US, European and Asian counterparts to provide clients with complete representation on local and multi-jurisdictional matters alike. Our lawyers practise in a wide range of areas including corporate, finance, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate, insurance and reinsurance, pensions and employment, competition and trade, tax, intellectual property, and information technology. The firm advises many of the world’s largest companies including a significant proportion of the Fortune 100, FTSE 100 and DAX and Hang Seng Index organizations from the worlds of banking, insurance, communications, industrials, energy, construction, professional services, media, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and mining. One of the advantages of joining Mayer Brown are the choices available to you. Our trainees can tailor their

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 25 training contracts per annum Main Operating Industries: (see above) Salary & Benefits: starting salary £37,500 Entry Requirements: 320 UCAS points and a minimum of a 2:1 at undergraduate degree level Locations: London Application Process: Online application form accessed via the website Roles Recruiting Into: Training Contracts and Work Experience Programmes 94

training contract from a range of different seats, including our main practice areas in London (as listed above) and international secondments (Hong Kong and New York). If you don’t want to stray too far, a wealth of in-house experience is also available via our client secondments within the UK. For a large international firm, our London office remains a tightly knit team with an open and inclusive culture. You will nevertheless be given significant opportunities to assist on matters which may be multidisciplinary, cross-border, complex and high-profile in nature. Trainees are given high levels of responsibility, case management and client contact from an early stage. The firm also has an extensive support network in place throughout the training contract in the form of senior-level support and continuous appraisals. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/mayerbrown Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 8.15/10 Role 7.86/10 Social 7.15/10

Top 50 Profiles - Mayer Brown

Student Case Study

University: University of Southampton Course: History Position: Easter Vacation Scheme

Daniel Cook

www.top50.gd/mayerbrown

Mayer Brown initially appealed to me for several reasons. I was drawn towards the excellent reputation of the firm, the opportunity to work with exciting clients and the global scope of the firm. The fact that Mayer Brown is a full-service firm was important to me, as I was unsure of which area of commercial law I could see myself working in. During the scheme I was given the opportunity to talk to solicitors in each of the various practice areas, allowing me to gain abetter insight into the sort of work an individual could expect in their respective group. The scheme was exceptionally insightful and enjoyable, and I found myself immersed in some very interesting work whilst in the office. My first week was spent in the Construction and Engineering group, and work included researching property trends in the Middle East and drafting letters. I found everyone in the group very helpful, and they were all more than happy to answer any questions I had relating to Construction or Mayer Brown in general. Mayer Brown was the first large global firm I had gained work experience at, and as such I was hoping to participate in some major international work. I was not disappointed. In my second week I sat in Banking & Finance, and I was involved in a deal that encompassed seventeen jurisdictions. My work included looking through the draft agreements, pointing out anything else that was required, and compiling folders containing various relevant documents. What impressed me the most were the organisational and communication skills exhibited by the solicitors that were clearly integral to the success of the deal. Aside from the work there were also various social activities we all took part in. The notable highlight was a day trip to Paris, which involved visiting the Mayer Brown Paris office and spending the afternoon taking in the

sights. Other social events included a charity football tournament and bowling with the trainees. This provided a fantastic opportunity to get to know the people at the firm, and also gave me a chance to speak to trainees about how they found working at Mayer Brown. The experience at Mayer Brown stood out for me over other work experience I have had largely because of the balance between work and social activities. This allowed me to learn about what working life would be like whilst also demonstrating that the employees at Mayer Brown are both interesting and enjoyable people to be around, something which I believe is critical in selecting the right working environment. I would recommend the placement to anyone who is seeking to learn more about working at a large international firm and who is attracted to first class work in supportive surroundings.

“The social events were excellent and the work was interesting. The people were very easy to get on with and there was an open door policy.” - Student from Durham University “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - MBDA Missile Systems

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.56/10

Eng Grad & Undgrad Opps _ Poster:Layout 1

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ENGINEERING GRADUATE & UNDERGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

About Us MBDA is a world leading, global missile systems company, delivering cutting-edge technologies to our multinational customer base. It operates in all of the major world markets and is the only company able to design and produce missiles and missile systems for the army, navy and air forces. MBDA has around 10,000 employees based across the UK, France, Italy, Germany and the USA. In the UK, research and development is carried out at Stevenage, Hertfordshire, while software and systems engineering takes place in Filton, Bristol, and production in Lostock, Lancashire. Our growing reputation for innovation and technical excellence owes much to our engineering facilities, rated amongst the most modern in the world.

worked enough hours earlier in the week! The placement is a structured programme of work experience, complete with competitive salary, benefits more information and to apply: you join us, you’ll get to make andFortraining. Wherever www.mbdacareers.co.uk a contribution to a project, and your professional and personal development. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/mbda

The company also offers a flexible working system, and so you can vary your start and finish times each day within set time limits, and finish at lunchtime on a Friday if you have

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: Approximately 18 year-long placement and 30 summer placement vacancies Main Operating Industries: Aerospace and Defence Salary & Benefits: Approximately £16,000 per annum salary, plus all company benefits Entry Requirements: Working towards a 2:1 in an engineering or science discipline Locations: Stevenage and Bristol Application Process: An online application form, online tests and business area review Roles Recruiting Into: Various departments across the company 96

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

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Organisation 7.83/10 Role 7.79/10 Social 6.88/10

Are you looking for an industrial year placement or a 10-12 week summer placement, and have you completed a minimum of two years of your degree course? If you can answer yes to both these questions MBDA can offer you a superb opportunity to gain valuable work experience on one of our undergraduate programmes. There’s no better way to gain an insight into our business than by spending time at the heart of it, and this placement can count towards a professional qualification, lead to final year sponsorship and a place on our graduate scheme after university.

University: University of Hertfordshire Course: Mechanical Engineering Position: Year-long undergraduate placement

Stuart Rae

www.top50.gd/mbda

I am undertaking the year-long placement scheme within MBDA, and this has been split into 2x6 month placements within the department I was recruited into. My first placement was platform integration on ASRAAM. That was an interesting placement, and I was able to see quite a bit of hardware. Specifically I started working on the environmental encoder on the ASRAAM missile and I was able to learn how things work whilst gaining hands-on experience. My second placement is on the Loitering Munitions Fire Shadow, and this involves keeping an eye on what hardware is coming in, where the hardware is going to be allocated, and getting to know people around the project. I have gained a good view of the overall project and met a lot of people across the site. I have a buddy, who is a member of the graduate scheme, and she is available to speak to about any issues I may have; not necessarily just about the company, but also to assist with settling in, which is useful. I also have a mentor, who is a more senior member of the company. He has taught me more about the business and the ways things work. Both my mentor and line managers have been very supportive, and I feel that line managers don’t look at me as an undergraduate, but they look at me as a resource as much as any other employee. I have been given ‘real work’, and have been able to use the skills I’ve acquired from university. I have been working hard, but there is a social side to MBDA as well amongst the graduates and undergraduates, which begins at our induction in September, and continues throughout the placement, and so I have made some great friends during my time.

Upon finishing my placement around October time I should hopefully receive an offer to come back either as a summer placement or as a graduate next year (dependent on how many years remaining at university). If I choose to accept the graduate offer (which is very likely!) I will receive a bursary during my final year of University which is about £1,500 – a pretty good incentive! Also if I do accept a returning offer I won’t have to go through interviews again because I have completed a successful placement. Overall I’m really enjoying the whole experience and would recommend MBDA to undergraduates for a placement.

“I would thoroughly recommend a placement at MBDA as there are a lot of perks for working at the company and the experiences you can gain from the placement are beyond what you expect.” - Student from the University of Hertfordshire

“Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - MBDA Missile Systems

Student Case Study

Top 50 Profiles - Mercer

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.02/10

About Us One of the world’s largest providers of consulting, outsourcing and investment services, we help our clients (all 25,000 of them) get the important things right for their people. We provide advice and guidance on everything from salaries, rewards and benefits, to pension schemes, investments and risk management. With over 20,000 people across 41 countries, we deliver HR and related financial advice, products and services on a global scale. Our work is delivered by professionals who can draw upon a real depth of experience and expertise. Choosing where you’re going to build your career is a big decision. We offer a variety of opportunities to help you reach that decision. Eight week summer internship programme If you’re in your penultimate year of study, this is your chance to get a taste of working for a multinational consulting firm. Each summer we offer internships across many of our UK locations in Retirement, Risk & Finance and Investment Consulting. It’s an 8 week programme running from the beginning of July to the end of August. You’ll get a real taste of the sort of work our graduates do, and we’ll be interested in getting to know you and seeing how much you learn and develop while you’re with us. We’ll also make sure you receive plenty of support and get useful feedback on your performance. Successful interns may be offered a graduate role at the end of their internship.

Insight Days For students who want a small taste of the opportunities at Mercer, we also run Insight days. These sessions will give you an overview of Mercer and what it’s like to work here. For details of our next insight days, please see our website. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/mercer

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 35 positions across the UK Main Operating Industries: Consulting Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary and 3 days annual leave throughout your summer internship. Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS and a 2.1 expected in a numerical/ semi-numerical subject Locations: – Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leatherhead, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Windsor Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Investment Analyst, Actuarial Trainee and Trainee Consultant (Retirement), Retirement Analyst 98

15 month placement opportunities For those in their penultimate year, wanting to gain greater exposure to our Retirement Service Centre in our Belfast office, we offer 15 month placements commencing in June. These are a great opportunity for you to learn more about the world of pensions as well as fully understand the role of a Retirement Analyst in a supportive team environment.

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 6.93/10 Role 7.73/10 Social 6.06/10

Top 50 Profiles - Mercer

Student Case Study

University: Oxford University Course: MEng Mechanical Engineering Position: Investment Analyst

Simon Colver

www.top50.gd/mercer

What made you choose Mercer for your internship? I wanted to discover what it was like to work in the financial sector. The investments industry captured my interest because it is dynamic. Mercer investment consultancy is well renowned and their support to new graduates is unparalleled. This is important for me as an engineering graduate making a move into the financial sector. What other types of companies and industries did you consider? What made you ultimately decide that consulting was right for you? I applied to a number of financial services firms for positions in consultancy, audit and corporate finance. Consultancy work provided the breadth of experience I was looking for. Mercer’s consultants have enormous expertise and the ability to communicate their ideas to clients and develop professional relationships. What type of work were you doing during your internship? My day to day tasks were varied. I prepared numerical data for investment performance reports by using online resources and by contacting fund managers directly to obtain necessary data. I was given the liberty to summarise my opinion on a fund performance. We also attended seminars led by experienced consultants. I was given a project by my team leader which provided a focus for the duration of the internship. What did you enjoy most about the internship? I was included as a valuable member of my team from the first day. I was also given the responsibility of producing work that was used in client meetings. What did you find most challenging about the internship? I encountered several new concepts which I had to become

familiar with very quickly. Throughout my internship I became more comfortable with working at a fast rate to meet deadlines without compromising on quality and thoroughness. How did the internship influence your decision to accept the offer of a graduate position with Mercer? By comparing my experience at Mercer with reports from interns elsewhere, it was evident that Mercer has a fantastic working environment. My colleagues at Mercer were extremely motivated. On top of this, I was made to feel immediately welcome. I also played for the Mercer cricket team on several occasions after work. How would you suggest that other interns can make the most of their time during an internship? It is essential to put all your effort into developing your knowledge of Mercer. By being motivated and using all the resources available at there is an enormous opportunity to gain during the 8 week internship.

“We had training on our first day and on the last day we gave presentations, both days held in London. I felt the company put a lot of thought into my development.” - Student from Heriot-Watt University “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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Top 50 Profiles - Metaswitch Networks

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.27/10

About Us Metaswitch is a global company that is powering a new generation of communications applications and infrastructure. We are proud to be in the top 10 of The Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’. Social networking, cloud computing, innovative mobile apps and internet voice services are changing the way that people live and communicate. The number of internetconnected PC and mobile devices is growing exponentially, creating big challenges within the companies that connect them. Metaswitch provides systems and software that powers new services - our customers include British Telecom, AT&T, Cisco, Ericsson and Microsoft. We are growing strongly in an exciting market. Work with us and you’ll see the effects of your work in how the whole world communicates. Your role You’ll work with leading edge technology, playing an important part in our success and making a real and significant contribution to our projects. From day one, you’ll be part of a high calibre team working on complex and challenging programming assignments. Like our graduates you’ll have a mentor and manager who will ensure you have the skills and tools required to do a great job. You will receive regular feedback on your performance including a comprehensive review before you leave. What we look for You do not need prior computing experience. If you fulfil the following criteria - we want to hear from you.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 40 Main Operating Industries: Communications Technology Salary & Benefits: £1,300 per month including subsidised accommodation Entry Requirements: Strong academic record (all A grades at A level or equivalent) Locations: Enfield (North London), Chester and Edinburgh Application Process: Complete online application form via our website Roles Recruiting Into: Software Engineering 100

• A strong academic record (all A grades at A level or equivalent). • An aptitude for understanding and solving problems. • Energy, enthusiasm, versatility and creativity. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • An ability to work for a minimum of eight weeks, and a genuine interest in technology. The rewards You will receive £1,300 per month. We also offer subsidised accommodation within walking distance of our offices. If you do well, you’ll receive a bonus; if you are outstanding, we’ll sponsor your next year at university. Like our permanent employees, you will be involved in team and company meetings and morale events (e.g. go karting). You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in the wide variety of sports and activities available. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/metaswitch Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.46/10 Role 8.51/10 Social 7.67/10

APPLY YOURSELF Metaswitch is a global company that is empowering a new generation of communications applications and infrastructure. World-class products, services and networks are ‘Built on Metaswitch’: Your career can be too. We are growing strongly in an exciting market. Work with us and you’ll see the effects of your work in how the whole world communicates. There’s never been a better time to join!

careers.metaswitch.com

Top 50 Profiles - Microsoft

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.61/10

About Us “We celebrate original thinking and embrace the wealth of ideas, talents and personal styles each person brings to the company. It’s a cornerstone of our on-going business strategy to build and protect a diverse team; a team that thinks inclusively, values differences and provides the tools to give each employee a chance to do his or her best work.” – Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO At Microsoft, the possibilities are endless. For our awardwinning student placements, we’re looking for true pioneers who can conjure up exciting new ways to share ideas and push boundaries. High achievers, who relish the thought of embracing real projects from day one. Innovative individuals, who are as excited by products like; Kinect for X-Box 360, Windows Phone 7, and Office 365, as we are. Based in Reading, London or Edinburgh, you’ll begin with a week-long induction, followed by on-the-job training. The programme balances work and learning to provide the perfect link between academic and professional life. You’ll get a real insight into what we do, all in one unforgettable year working on live projects in any number of areas: Account Management, Business Operations, Software Development, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Technical Consulting or Technical Product Support. We’ll expect you to challenge our thinking and voice your views and ideas; we want you to play a part in creating the next big thing that sets the world alight. Who you are and what you can contribute, is more impactful to your success than your chosen degree subject.

Key Stats

That’s not all - our desire to do better doesn’t end with technology. You will receive three volunteering days leave to work on a worthwhile cause and together, we’ll look at some of today’s most pressing economic and societal challenges through a range of programmes. We think you will love every minute and if you do you’ll have an opportunity to fast-track into one of our graduate schemes. It’s an ideal way to get into Microsoft UK. From the flexible benefits and generous starting salary, to the chance to break new-ground, this is your opportunity to ask ‘what if?’ To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/microsoft

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

Organisation 8.8/10

Number of Opportunities: 90 Main Operating Industries: Technology Salary & Benefits: Competitive salaries offered Entry Requirements: 2.1 in any subject Locations: Reading, London and Edinburgh Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: All disciplines 102

Role 9.11/10 Social 7.63/10 RateMyPlacement.co.uk

YOU WANT TO

PIONEER , ACHIEVE

EXCITE HEAD TO MICROSOFT We celebrate innovation, every single day. And our relentless creativity inspires audiences right around the world. Now you could be part of it. We’re looking for outstanding performers with the ability to make themselves heard right from day one. People with exceptional vision and drive. If that sounds like you, there’s quite simply no better stage for your skills.

Visit our website to ﬁnd out more and to apply online.

www.microsoft.com/uk/graduates

Top 50 Profiles - Morgan Stanley

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.78/10

About Us Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. Founded in 1935, the Firm has over 60,000 employees in more than 1,300 offices in 42 countries, serving clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. Opportunities available Morgan Stanley offers a variety of undergraduate programmes in EMEA. Summer Internships Morgan Stanley offers 10 week summer internships designed to attract, develop and assess the kind of people we feel are likely to succeed at our firm long-term. These well-structured programmes include training, workshops, senior management presentations and social events designed to give interns a unique experience in the financial services industry and provide a summer that is enjoyable and intellectually rewarding. Summer Internships are available in Asset Management, Equity Research, Finance, Global Capital Markets, Investment Banking, Operations, Private Wealth Management, Real Estate Investing, Sales & Trading and Technology. Industrial Placement Programme The Industrial Placement Programme is available in Finance, HR, Operations, Prime Brokerage and Technology and varies in length. Recruits will be working alongside experienced colleagues on real projects and will gain

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 250-300 Main Operating Industries: Global Financial Services Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Varies by programme, see website for details Locations: Worldwide Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Asset Management, Equity Research, Finance, Global Capital Markets, HR, Investment Banking, Operations, Private Wealth Management, Prime Brokerage, Real Estate Investing, Sales & Trading and Technology. 104

exposure to all levels of professionals within the respective division. You will receive regular mentoring and coaching, as well as regular evaluation reviews to ensure your career is on track throughout your time with us and that you continue to be developed along the way. Insight Programmes We also run a Spring Insight Programme which is designed for those of you who have just embarked on your University degree and wish to get an insight into the different areas that make up Morgan Stanley prior to qualifying for a summer internship the following year. The programme is a great opportunity for you to experience our working environment and culture and explore the type of work you could be doing if you joined as an intern or an analyst after graduation. The programme usually takes place between March and April every year. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/morganstanley Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.14/10 Role 8.08/10 Social 6.87/10

Top 50 Profiles - Morgan Stanley

Student Case Study University: Oxford, New College Course: Mathematics Position: Analyst in IBD (UK M&A)

Rachael Featherstone

www.top50.gd/morganstanley

What was the application process like? The application process was fairly standard to what I found across Investment Banks. I had to apply on-line and do some online tests. I was then asked to do first round interviews on campus, then second round interviews in the office. Finally, I attended a full-day assessment centre which involved a group exercise, a presentation and further interviews. What stood out for me was that I was assigned a buddy who gave me advice throughout the process, which made it a lot less daunting! What did you do on a daily basis? Everyday of my internship varied; there were lots of events organised throughout the internship, from informal meetings with Managing Directors to interactive games with my fellow interns. On a day-to-day basis, I sat with my assigned team and they gave me projects to work on. As the weeks went on, and my knowledge increased, I began to add more value to the team. I also shadowed other bankers to understand what other teams did, which gave me a much better understanding of the division as a whole. What was your greatest challenge? I would say my biggest challenge on the internship was sleep. It may sound silly, but I think it is easily overlooked. The internship is crammed full of events and the days are long. The worst thing an intern can do is fall asleep during a presentation or be so tired that they can’t perform well on the desk. You have to learn (quickly) how to best mange your time between working hard, socialising and sleeping! What did you learn on your placement / internship? I learnt a lot on my internship about the different divisions, what it was actually like to work in an Investment Bank and what area of the firm I thought was right for me. When I was offered a full-time position after my internship it felt

absolutely amazing. Not only did I go back to University feeling grateful to have secured a graduate position, I knew it was where I wanted to start my career and I knew I’d like the people. How has this placement / internship affected your career prospects? In addition to jump starting my career, the internship gave me a strong network of people also starting in the industry, many of whom I now consider to be good friends. We really got to know each other through the week of training as well as the social events held throughout the internship. Any top tips for a student interested in a placement / internship here? My top tips for those who are thinking about an internship at Morgan Stanley would be: be punctual and enthusiastic. Be confident but not arrogant and, most importantly, be yourself. It doesn’t matter what degree you’re studying or how much technical knowledge of Finance you have. What matters is that you demonstrate the ability to learn new concepts quickly and are passionate about the markets and business in general.

“MS is a really good company to work for, lots of things are organised for you but it is also up to you to make the most out of your placement.” - Student from the University of Bath “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/morganstanley add your notes here...

105

Top 50 Profiles - Nabarro

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.12/10

About Us Nabarro are a leading commercial law firm with offices in London, Sheffield, Brussels and Singapore. We offer extensive legal services to national and international clients. The working culture at Nabarro is open, friendly and highly professional. Our practice areas include: Banking & Finance, Construction, Corporate, Employment, Insolvency, Intellectual Property, Planning, Real Estate and Tax law among others. Our comprehensive three week vacation scheme is designed to give students a taste of what life is really like as a trainee at Nabarro. You will remain in one department for the duration of the scheme allowing you to build relationships with your team and experience real work and responsibility. You will be assigned a supervisor and a buddy who will ensure you are exposed to a wide variety of work and you will also complete a project alongside the other summer students. We arrange a number of breakfast briefings during the scheme to enable you to find out about more about the firm as well as a variety of social events. This year’s social events included a pub quiz, an Olympics tour, a networking event and a dinner with some of our partners. By the end of the three weeks students will have a clear idea of life as a commercial solicitor and the culture of the firm. We are three time winners of the ‘Best undergraduate internship/vacation scheme’ at the Target National Graduate Recruitment awards and were the 2011 winners of ‘The best short-term insight scheme’ at the National Placement and Internship Awards.

We aim to recruit more than 85% of our trainees through our summer scheme and take on 35 trainees per year; 30 in London and 5 in Sheffield. Each trainee undertakes 6 four month seats ensuring exposure to the firm’s core practice and specialist areas. Trainees return to the seat they will qualify into for their final rotation, ensuring a smooth transition from Trainee to Associate. We aim to keep all of our trainees on qualification and our average retention rate for the past five years has been 91%. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/nabarro

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 60 vacation schemes places available (50 London, 10 Sheffield) Main Operating Industries: Corporate/commercial law firm Salary & Benefits: £250 per week London. £200 per week Sheffield Entry Requirements: 340 UCAS points. Minimum 2:1 at degree level Locations: London and Sheffield Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts in London and Sheffield 106

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.15/10 Role 8.44/10 Social 7.6/10

Top 50 Profiles - Nabarro

Student Case Study

University: London School of Economics and Political Sciences Course: Law Position: Summer vacation scheme student

Tom Gay

www.top50.gd/nabarro

08:30 - BREAKFAST BRIEFINGS Some mornings we have a presentation from members of a department, followed by one from trainees on the wider life of the firm. The early mornings are made easier by the accompaniment of a full English breakfast. 09:30 - ARRIVE AT DEPARTMENT I begin the working day by checking emails to see if there is anything urgent that needs doing. If not, I do a lap of the department to offer help to anyone who needs it. Departmental work takes first priority. When set work, I write down my instructions so I am clear on what to do. By asking for a deadline I can prioritise tasks in order of urgency. I make sure I allocate enough time to potentially lengthy or detailed tasks. The work set is wide-ranging, for me it includes: • Getting to grips with loan agreements and picking out clauses pertinent to the specific client; • Accompanying my buddy around the financial district on a completion; • Drafting internal memorandums, schedules, emails and letters; • Finding a suitable venue for Nabarro’s banking department to host a drinks event with a client bank (the venue HAD to be showing the Wimbledon semi-finals!). 13:00 - LUNCH As the weather is good I head outside and enjoy lunch with my friends on the scheme, my Supervisor or other members of the Banking Department. 14:00 – PROJECT: NABARRO If there is little departmental work to do, this is an ideal time to work on our Project. I am in a team with three other vacation students, we meet after lunch to collate our

research on our business idea and prepare for the pitch presentation to potential investors - otherwise known as the Trainee Resources Team! 15:00 - DEPARTMENT There is rarely a shortage of banking work for me to get involved in. The work often challenges me intellectually or puts me under a degree of time pressure. This makes it feel real and valuable, I thrive on these challenges. As I complete work for members of the team I am given feedback, when necessary, in order to improve in the future. 17:30 onwards - SOCIALISE If it reaches 17:30 and I have completed all urgent tasks I leave the office. This is encouraged and I rarely have to stay late. There are numerous social events arranged as part of the summer scheme. These provide an opportunity to relax with my fellow students and mix with trainees, associates and partners. There is something for everyone during the course of the scheme, including an Olympic Village Tour and Pub quiz. These present an opportunity to let your hair down and have fun - provided there are no Hangover-style scenes the next morning!

“I had such a wide variety of work from meeting clients and drafting formal documents. It gave a real insight into the life of being a lawyer.” - Student from the University of East Anglia “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/nabarro add your notes here...

107

Top 50 Profiles - National Grid

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.6/10

About Us National Grid’s job is to connect people to the energy they use. We all rely on having energy at our finger tips: our society is built on it and National Grid owns and manages the grids to which many different energy sources are connected. In Britain we run systems that deliver gas and electricity across the entire country. In the North Eastern states of the US, we provide power directly to millions of customers. We hold a vital position at the centre of the energy system. We join everything up. Imagine having the opportunity to explore our business, and to experience the huge range of work we undertake. Imagine having access to structured training and development opportunities. Imagine being able to explore your talents and interests, and to take the first important steps to a rewarding long-term career. That’s what we’re offering on our Placements and Sponsorship opportunities. Our placements are an ideal way to develop ‘hands-on’ experience in a large organisation. Even better, they provide a head-start for your career, both by letting you get a feel for different types of work, and by putting you in a strong position for future opportunities with National Grid. The Year in Industry Open to engineering students who decide to take a year out before or during university, this scheme leads towards a Management qualification. Industrial Placement We can offer a range of year-long placements in both the engineering and commercial sides of our business. Internship Open to mechanical, electrical, electronic, civil and

Power Academy This excellent sponsorship package is open to anyone studying Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronic or Power Systems Engineering with one of our partner universities. Sponsored Student Programme For those who successfully complete one of the programmes above, we have a number of sponsorship opportunities available. Anyone on these programmes will be in a strong position to apply for our industry leading Graduate Development Programme. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/nationalgrid

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 25 Main Operating Industries: Energy Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: On target for 2.1 degree Locations: Nationwide Application Process: Online application form, telephone interview and assessment centre Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering and Commercial (IS, Property and Finance) 108

chemical engineering students, this award-winning long summer placement will set you on the path to a career in technical leadership.

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.79/10 Role 7.92/10 Social 6.88/10

Top 50 Profiles - National Grid

Student Case Study

University: City University London Course: Studying Masters in Mechanical Engineering Position: Industrial Placement student

Priya Talwar

www.top50.gd/nationalgrid

How did you find the assessment process? The assessment centre was very organised and structured. It was a long day but I didn’t find it stressful and I wasn’t rushing around – in fact I enjoyed it! What main highlights were there for you on the programme? I work across the gas and electricity side so I have a good insight into both. I’m involved in project management on the electricity side and it’s very technical so just what I was looking for. On the gas side I am managing a team which I wasn’t expecting to do but it’s really good to get this type of experience. The high level of exposure to very technical projects as well as the Maths and Physics elements have all been highlights for me. What was your greatest challenge? The electrical engineering project was outside of the knowledge base I’d built up at university so was all very new to me but I learnt so much because of this. What have you learnt on the programme? I found out more about myself and my key strengths and weaknesses so I can work on these. I think the technical knowledge that I’ve gained is far greater than I would have got from university alone. What was the biggest surprise / not what you were expecting? The level of responsibility – I wasn’t expecting to get this as an Industrial Placement student but I’m pleased that I did. How useful do you think it will be to you when looking for a job? The experience is invaluable – 12 months of exposure that others won’t have will help me to stand out to employers.

Also, on an engineering course the management aspect can be underrated so having this will also be an extra skill for me to build upon. How supported were you by National Grid? I was very supported and I felt National Grid went out of their way to help ensure that my placement year was successful and that I would be happy. Any tips for students applying this year? Make sure you research the company; know yourself and your strengths and weaknesses before the assessment centre, and think about what you want to get out of the programme. I had my own goals outside of the structured development that National Grid gave me, so I checked in on these regularly to make sure I was achieving them and getting the most out of the placement. Students should definitely consider a year out as you gain so much from it – even if you take a YIN before you start university this can allow you to try a job out and then choose your degree specialism based on the things that most interest you in the placement.

“The scheme was great; integrated into the business and with training. When I arrived all my equipment was ready and I received a good introduction.” - Student from the University of East Anglia “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/nationalgrid add your notes here...

109

Top 50 Profiles - NHS

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 6.84/10

About Us The NHS offers graduates personal challenge and stretch, a range of career opportunities across England, but in addition, it also offers the unique opportunity to make a real difference to people, to society and to the health of 60 million people in England. Now that really is worth pursuing! Founded in 1948, the NHS was created from the vision that good health care should be available to all, regardless of wealth. This is a vision that we continue to work with today. If candidates are driven enough to join the NHS, the NHS will give them comprehensive training and development and challenging work. However, to have a chance of joining the NHS, graduates need to be ready to put patients at the centre of their work and be dedicated to improving the healthcare of England. At the same time, a graduate needs to be an individual with high potential who wants to and is not afraid to: be a leader, challenge the status quo, deliver innovation and improvement, lead culture change and deliver major efficiency savings. The NHS offers a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who are passionate about making a difference. No matter what area of the NHS is joined, graduates will become part of a talented, passionate team of people committed to providing the best care and treatment to patients. Joining the NHS as an intern, you will be exposed to the difference a career in the NHS makes to the lives of the people of England. You must be ready for the huge challenge and willing to bring your unique contribution to

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: Varies depending on area, see website for details Main Operating Industries: Health/Public Sector Salary & Benefits: Will vary depending upon scheme Entry Requirements: Varies depending on area. See website for details Locations: UK wide Application Process: Will vary depending upon scheme Roles Recruiting Into: Various 110

an organisation that is undergoing unprecedented change. Or are you content to just sit on the sidelines and let somebody else lead the changes? For more information about upcoming internship opportunities and careers with the NHS visit our website or follow us on Twitter @NHSGradScheme or Facebook/ NHSGraduatescheme for the latest news. Alternatively you can contact your local NHS organisation direct to see if they have opportunities for work experience. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/nhs

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 6.74/10 Role 7.49/10 Social 5.99/10

Top 50 Profiles - NHS

Student Case Study

University: Kingston University Course: BSc (Hons) Computing with Business Position: Finance Graduate Trainee

Anand Patel

www.top50.gd/nhs

What aspects of your internship did you enjoy the most? My placement was based on a pilot costing project, whereby we were trying to find a more accurate cost to use as the PbR tariff. The fact that this was a real project with real deliverables was a fantastic motivator. The data analysis aspect of the placement was particularly interesting to me as I had never done data analysis before and was a great way to challenge myself. What kinds of things did you do during your internship? A major part of the internship was data collection and analysis. I needed to develop a way to capture the right information that could be easily replicated and produced consistent results. This was made even more difficult due to the fact that there were multiple variables. I also needed to produce a brief report of my findings for the budget holders (to see where costs lay and if they could be reduced) and the project leads. How much responsibility were you given during your internship? There was a great level of responsibility given from the offset. My placement manager explained the purpose of the project and gave a general idea of how to go about achieving the results, but from then on it was up to me to decide how to take the project further and produce quality results. To what extent do you feel the skills you developed will assist you in your future? I feel the skills that I gained over the six week placement will help a great deal throughout my career, particularly in the early stages. Gaining experience in a professional environment, improving my communication and data analysis as well as gaining practical organisation skills

have been and will be invaluable as I progress through my career. How well organised did you find your placement? The placement was very well organised, I was given clear objectives, an achievable timeline and introduced to useful contacts at the very beginning. There was a great support structure as well, with a designated buddy as well as a placement manager to go to for support and advice. What advice would you give someone considering embarking on an internship with the NHS? Go in to the internship with an open mind and try to get the most out of the environment that you are in. Try to build a network of contacts throughout your time on the internship as you never know who or when they will be useful.

“This gave me a chance to grow as an individual and be respected for my individuality, creativity and general work approach.” - Student from John Moores University

The NHS is a monster when it comes to diversity and challenges”

“

- Student from the University of Buckingham “Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/nhs add your notes here...

111

Top 50 Profiles - Pinsent & Masons

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.84/10

About Us You’ll have noticed, it’s a changing world. Everywhere, new business models are emerging. Increasingly, size and reputation alone aren’t enough – clients are more swayed by insight, flexibility and value. In ten years’ time, the landscape for commercial law firms is going to look very different indeed. Why not help shape it? Pinsent Masons is a full service international law firm with over 1000 lawyers globally. We have offices in all the major UK business centres and more recently have been developing our overseas network of offices in the Asia Pacific and Gulf Region. Pinsent Masons provides legal services to a wide variety of clients including multi-national corporations, government departments and public sector institutions. The firm has an ambitious strategy for growth in the years ahead. Our London office will be stronger, our international reach will be greater, but our values will remain the same. Anyone looking to join the firm will need to buy into this vision.

colleagues, finally you must have a genuine interest in our clients and the business world. How you demonstrate this is up to you, but we recommend joining us for a vacation placement. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/pinsentmasons

To achieve this we need exceptional individuals. This is not about the school or university you attended but your unique qualities as an individual. To be successful you will need to possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, have the ability to develop strong working relationships with both clients and

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 100 Main Operating Industries: Legal services Salary & Benefits: See website Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS Points across 3 A-Levels excluding General Studies Locations: London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow Application Process: Online Application via our website and an interview Roles Recruiting Into: Legal 112

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.82/10 Role 8.05/10 Social 7.56/10

University: The University of Birmingham Course: Modern History and Political Science Position: Vacation Placement Student

Rachel Cussen

www.top50.gd/pinsentmasons

What were the highlights of the placement? There are many highlights from my two weeks. What stands out in my mind was the people I met. I made some great friends whilst on the placement, many of whom are now my colleagues. It was fantastic to start my training contract surrounded by familiar, friendly faces.

with a bowling evening and a stroll to Brick Lane for a curry. A good social life is an important part of working at Pinsent Masons and we all value the opportunity to unwind and have fun with the people we work alongside on a daily basis. This process starts on the vacation scheme and continues throughout the firm.

What was your greatest challenge? The placement I attended was the first experience I’ve had of working in a corporate law firm. I found the level of intellect and professionalism incredibly impressive. For me the greatest challenge was ensuring I performed to the best of my ability to enhance my chance of securing a training contract.

Any top tips for a student interested in a placement here? The placement scheme at Pinsent Masons gives a great insight into the type of work we do and the clients we work with. Once you’re here, my main piece of advice would be to enjoy yourself and make the most of all the opportunities that will be on offer to you. It is a competitive process but it can also a fun one if you remember to be yourself and use the time to get a good grasp of what a career at Pinsent Masons has to offer.

How has this placement affected your career prospects? Did it influence your choice of firm? I believe that having vacation placement experience at a top 15 firm made me more appealing to potential employers. It demonstrated that I was able to successfully complete the application process, which can be very competitive. It also confirmed to me that it was the firm I wanted to complete my training contact with above any other. Spending two weeks with the firm afforded me the time to familiarise myself with the culture and working practices and feel comfortable that this was an environment in which I could thrive. It was important to me to find the firm that would provide a supportive environment and one which rewarded ambition and recognised personal achievements. What was the social life like? The social life was great and the events were really varied, involving dinners, lunches with partners, and a couple of late nights out with the trainees! More recently I have been looking after a placement student and we have been busy

“The team I spent my time with were very friendly and welcoming. I felt like I was doing real work that was helping my colleagues.” - Student from the University of Warwick

“I would advise anyone to apply to the firm if you are committed to a career in commercial law.” - Student from the University of Leeds “Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/pinsentmasons add your notes here...

113

Top 50 Profiles - Pinsent & Masons

Student Case Study

Top 50 Profiles - PwC

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.45/10

About Us We help our clients and our people create the value they want. We work alongside our clients – from public and private companies to governments and charities – to measure, protect and enhance the things that matter most to them. We help our own people to learn, discover, develop and make a real difference throughout their working lives. We have big ambitions to grow, and if you’re serious about a career in business, we don’t think anyone else can give you a better start. Students agree: we’re proud, based on the opportunity we offer, that they’ve voted us number one in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last eight years. In short, this is your chance to enjoy a huge variety of experiences, develop an enormous breadth of skills and build relationships that will stay with you throughout your life. What we offer On our Insight programmes, you’ll develop valuable business skills, discover where your strengths and interests lie and gain the kind of industry experience that could open all sorts of doors for you. First year undergraduates Find out more about our Insight Day where you’ll pick up loads of information about our work and decide which of our career options interests you most. Or join our 3-day Insight Talent Academy which will boost your employability skills and could result in an internship or business placement the following year. Penultimate year undergraduates On our UK or International Insight Internships, you’ll build

Key Stats

What you need • To be on course for a 2:1 or above in any degree discipline • From at least a 280 UCAS tariff (or equivalent) Equally important will be your ability to build relationships, to put yourself in others’ shoes and make a positive impact on our clients and us, while shaping your own future. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/pwc

Number of Opportunities: c.400 Main Operating Industries: Assurance, Consulting, Tax, Financial Advisory, Actuarial, Technology Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: At least a 280 UCAS tariff (or equivalent) and to be on course for a 2.1 or above in any degree discipline Locations: We recruit in to offices UK-wide Application Process: Online application Roles Recruiting Into: Insight programmes for first year and penultimate year undergraduates 114

your skills and your confidence by working alongside specialists in your chosen business area for six weeks during the summer. If you’re studying a 4-year degree, our Insight Business Placements allow you to work on real projects, get exposure to a prestigious client list and work towards a professional qualification.

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.73/10 Role 8.72/10 Social 7.69/10

Top 50 Profiles - PwC

Student Case Study

University: Reading University Course: Information Technology with Management Position: Business Placement Student (Associate level)

Lucy

www.top50.gd/pwc

How have you enjoyed your work placement, and what was your favourite aspect? I’ve really enjoyed my work placement with PwC and I’m very glad that I chose the firm over my other options. It’s great to be put in a year group with other new joiners and be able to go through the whole process together. My favourite aspect of the job has been the variety of work. Almost every week is different from the last, from a new client or location to a different area of the audit. I felt that the role was constantly changing and I was able to make it my own to allow me to work on my areas of weakness. How much responsibility are you given during your placement? You’re given a lot of responsibility straight away but don’t worry as this is after some very thorough training. I was given full responsibility of particular areas of the audit but there was always someone on each job who was there to help with anything I wasn’t sure about. My work was always reviewed by someone more senior who was able to provide constructive comments that helped me to develop my working practices. This was extremely important due to the amount of responsibility that was given to me. To what extent will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist in your degree studies and beyond? Having the opportunity to start the ACA qualification and therefore get ahead in my career has been particularly helpful to me, especially as I intend to come back to PwC after I finish my University degree. It is a tough qualification but it has been great to do it with a support network of people in the same situation. In addition to the qualification, I’ve also learnt a lot of employability skills, such as teamwork and organisational skills which will help me in the final year of my degree and in my future career.

How did you come across your placement, and how did you find the application and on-boarding experience? I already had some knowledge of PwC before looking into placements as I knew several people who worked here. However I actually found out about the opportunity from a placement and careers event at my University. The application process was relatively quick and straightforward compared to some others that I applied to but there was one question that involved a lot of research and careful planning in order to answer in appropriately. The on-boarding process was excellent and had all been carefully planned to ensure that we were introduced to the firm, our peers, and the office we would be joining. In total there were two weeks of training and introductions which provided all the key information that we needed for the role.

“The Insight Internship gave me realistic expectations about life at PwC. When I returned full-time, I already knew some people & felt like I was ‘coming back’, rather than starting afresh.” - Student from the University of Lancaster “The most enjoyable aspect of the Insight International Internship was the thrill of working entirely in a foreign language in a demanding business environment.” - Student from the University of Nottingham

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/pwc add your notes here...

115

Top 50 Profiles - RBC Capital Markets

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.41/10

About Us RBC Capital Markets 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 are the investment banking arm of Royal Bank of Canada. 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. You’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 world’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. Opportunities are available for 2012 in the following areas: • Global Markets • Global Investment Banking • Finance • Risk Management • Information Technology • Operations

(expected). Whether you’re a philosophy student or an engineer, we’re more interested in an agile intellect, strong numerical and analytical skills, an awareness of global economic issues and a genuine interest in the international financial markets. Creativity, logic, interpersonal skills and inner drive all come into the equation. Any additional languages, especially European, are a strong advantage but by no means a pre-requisite when applying. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/rbccm

We are not prescriptive on the subject of your degree, however, we will be looking for a minimum 2.1 degree

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 30-40 Main Operating Industries: Investment Banking Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Minimum 340 UCAS Points, minimum predicted 2:1 Locations: London Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: See above 116

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

Organisation 7.82/10 Role 8.01/10 Social 6.01/10 RateMyPlacement.co.uk

University: University of St. Andrews Course: Joint Honours: Economics & German Position: Investment Banking Analyst, Natural Resources

Beau Freker

www.top50.gd/rbccm

What was the application process like? The application process was fairly similar to those in other banks and included an online application and online testing. This was followed by face-to-face interviews with individuals from HR and a final-round assessment centre with individuals from investment banking. What did you do on a daily basis? Most of my time was devoted to preparing pitch books for clients across the mining & metals and oil & gas space. However, during the second half of my internship I was responsible for creating an industry review of the uranium sector with supervision from a senior member of the mining team. By the end of my internship I could consider myself somewhat of an expert. Highlights of the Job? The internship provided many opportunities to gain valuable exposure to clients and work with senior members of the team, which is quite rare for a summer internship in investment banking. What was your greatest challenge? The greatest challenge I had and which I expect most interns have is to make yourself as valuable as possible without feeling like you are hindering the efficiency of those around you. Initially it is crucial for you to develop sound fundamentals in finance and within your sector. What did you learn on your placement / internship? While I had opportunities to brush up on my financial knowledge at university I was completely new to natural resources, which is a particularly technical field. However all of my colleagues were so helpful with regard to my inexperience, and what had potential to be a very difficult

experience proved to be quite enjoyable and very rewarding. What was the social life like? There were many formally and informally RBC organised events throughout the summer of my internship.Within the office, interns are sat amongst the analysts and so there is limitless opportunity to integrate yourself and get to know your colleagues in a professional environment. Any top tips for a student interested in a placement / internship at RBC Capital Markets? It is absolutely crucial to ask as many questions as possible. There is a direct correlation between how useful you are as an intern and how much you learn on the job. No one expects you to become immediately useful, but the more questions you ask, the more you learn, the more you will be able to contribute to the team. It is a truly rewarding experience on its own, but by being proactive, you will make it that much better.

“Responsibility, encouragement and great people make RBCCM a perfect place if you want to experience investment banking.” - Student from the University of Cambridge “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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117

Top 50 Profiles - RBC Capital Markets

Student Case Study

Top 50 Profiles - Rolls Royce

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.55/10

About Us Rolls-Royce provides integrated power systems that redefine what’s possible on land, sea and air. At any one time, around 400,000 people are flying in aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce engines. Our ability to keep those aircraft in the sky is a powerful illustration of the ‘mission-critical’ nature of what we do. Hidden beneath the ocean – with our reactor providing its propulsion and energy – the Astute Class submarine can circumnavigate the world without resurfacing and go for 25 years without refuelling. And on land, our power equipment is generating electricity on installations all over the world from Svalbard in the Arctic, to Samarinda in the jungle of Borneo and Tierra del Fuego on the edge of Antarctica. Real-world experience Programmes are available in most of our business areas. Whether you choose a short-term placement (generally 10-12 weeks in the summer holidays) or a longer-term 12-month internship, we’ll give you real-life objectives and expect you to make a contribution to your department from day one. Whilst challenging, this gives you every opportunity to learn valuable skills, as well as providing an insight into what you might be capable of in the future. And we’ll be sure to provide you with all the support you need, including advice and guidance to help you make the most of your time with us.

What’s more, at the end of the programme, we’ll give you clear feedback, evaluating your strengths, your development needs and possible future career options. And, of course, as a real member of the team, you’ll get a real salary too - £17,850 p.a. with any subsequent offer of a place on one of our graduate programmes attracting an additional bursary. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/rollsroyce

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: Please see the website for current opportunities Main Operating Industries: Civil Aerospace, Defence Aerospace, Marine, Energy, Nuclear and Services Salary & Benefits: £17,850 p.a Entry Requirements: Minimum 2:1 Locations: Nationwide Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Engineering, Finance, General Management, HR, Logistics, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Sales 118

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.84/10 Role 7.90/10 Social 6.66/10

Top 50 Profiles - Rolls Royce

Student Case Study

University: Queen’s University Position: Summer Internship – Noise Engineering 12-month Internship – Fleet Development

Katie

www.top50.gd/rollsroyce

On why she chose to come to Rolls-Royce I was keen to have an industrial placement that would give me an insight into a wide variety of technical disciplines. Looking on the internet, I realised Rolls-Royce wasn’t just a leading ‘British aerospace’ company. The four businesses make it a global engineering company, and I found that very appealing.

Being able to experience something like that at first-hand puts the work you do into perspective.

On the variety of opportunities available Because the company has such a broad range of jobs available, I’ve been able to experience two completely different areas of engineering.

I think an industrial placement looks good on a CV, and increases your chances of gaining employment in the future. Personally, I also feel very proud, knowing that I’ve helped validate changes to engines now flying around in the sky.

On my first placement with Transmissions Development, I gained an understanding of the whole engine, with particular focus on the transmission components. My current placement with Noise Engineering has been completely different. I’ve relied much more on the knowledge I gained at university to understand a very detailed subject. On being challenged to perform During my 12-month placement, I was given several tasks I had to project manage. The level of responsibility I was given surprised me, but it made me work and think independently and start making decisions for myself. It was reassuring to know, though, that the rest of the team were always there to help if needed. On her most memorable experiences While working for the Development team, I was involved with several engine tests. During one, at an outdoor test facility, I went outside to see the engine running. Despite being several hundred metres away, the sheer power of the jet nearly blew me over!

On how she’s benefited from her time at Rolls-Royce Working for a company like Rolls-Royce is very different from university, and doing a placement indicates to employers that you’re able to work in the ‘real world’.

“The level of responsibility I was given surprised me, but it made me work and think independently and start making decisions for myself.” - Student from Queen’s University, Belfast

“Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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119

Top 50 Profiles - Royal Bank Of Scotland

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 6.92/10

About Us RBS is undergoing one of the biggest transformations ever seen. We’re building a new bank. One that will be safer, stronger and profitable for years to come. The changes we’re making are unprecedented, but so too are the opportunities. Now more than ever, our future will be shaped by new talent. That’s why we’re hiring more graduates than ever before. Over the next 12 months, we’ll be recruiting a record number of graduates and interns, from a variety of disciplines, into more than 30 different programmes. It’s an exciting time to join us. Opportunities Our graduate programmes encompass everything from Risk and Technology to Private Banking and Corporate Finance. We also offer a number of intern programmes, which are a great way to gain an insight into the world of banking. As well as providing valuable work experience, an internship could also help you secure a place on our graduate programme in the future. For penultimate year students, we offer a range of ten week to six month internships across our different business areas. These are open to students from all academic disciplines who can demonstrate an interest in banking and finance. For students in their first year, we also run an Easter Insight week which will give you the opportunity to experience our business first hand. Perform well and you may be offered a summer internship for the following year.

Development and training Our world class development programme gives you the opportunity to develop your key business skills under the guidance of your ‘buddy’, network with senior managers across the business, and track your performance to help build your career path. From your first day, we’ll be investing heavily in your development, providing you with the support and resources you need, so that you’re ready to grasp and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. It’s a defining moment for us. It could be for you too. The place is here. The time is now. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/rbs

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 500 Main Operating Industries: Banking and Financial Services Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Dependent upon programme Locations: Worldwide (EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas) Application Process: Online application Roles Recruiting Into: Various roles across GBM and the RBS Group 120

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.16/10 Role 7.12/10 Social 6.30/10

University: UCL Course: Politics and East European Studies BA Position: Markets Summer Intern

Hayley Jane Thatcher

www.top50.gd/rbs

To what extent are you enjoying your internship? I am having a fantastic time at RBS and really enjoying the experience. I would be lying in saying everyday is a picnic as each day presents a new challenge. Sometimes you will rise to these with ease but other times you will struggle - that’s just the nature of the business. However, when you have a good day and really succeed with something, whether it’s completing a piece of work or finally understanding a technical product, it is hugely rewarding. How much responsibility have you been given? The level of responsibility you are given will depend on which desk you sit on. I currently sit in Emerging Markets Research and Strategy. One of the benefits of being in research is that you can actually contribute and help the team with real projects therefore my team has given me a large amount of responsibility. I think that when it comes to working in an investment bank it is often a case of sink or swim; you are expected to learn fast, work hard and cope under pressure. To what extent will the skills you develop and training you have received assist you in your degree studies and beyond? At university I studied Politics and East European studies at UCL. Sitting on the Emerging Markets desk has meant I have really been able to utilise my degree as I have been focusing my research on Russia and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, the internship has also given me the opportunity to use my Russian language skills, and as a consequence of speaking Russian everyday I am improving very quickly. The past few weeks have been a very steep learning curve, I have learnt so much and know that these skills will prepare my for my future studies and career beyond university.

How well organised has your internship been? You cannot fault the organisation of the internship at RBS. HR do a fantastic job in making sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing and where they’re supposed to be. Also, the HR team really look after you, which is important as sometimes you will need someone to guide you through the tough times when you are feeling lost or struggling with work. And finally – what is the best thing about RBS and your internship? The people! During my internship I have met some amazing individuals that I hope to stay in touch with throughout my career. One of the most important things about entering a business is finding the right fit and I have been really lucky in that the culture at RBS has been perfect for me.

“RBS has a great culture where senior management are very accessible and willing to lend a hand.” - Student from the University of Oxford

“RBS strongly invests in the interns. We were given first class training “ - Student from the University Bath “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/rbs add your notes here...

121

Top 50 Profiles - Royal Bank Of Scotland

Student Case Study

Top 50 Profiles - Savills

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.51/10

About Us Savills is a leading global real estate service provider listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company employs over 20,000 staff and has 200 offices and associates worldwide, providing all trainees with excellent scope for international experience as their careers develop. Savills passionately believe their graduates are future leaders and as such make a huge investment in them. Savills graduates are given responsibility from day one, in teams who highly value their contribution, thus allowing them to be involved in some of the world’s most high-profile property deals and developments. Graduates are surrounded by expert professionals and experienced team members from whom they learn and seek advice. Individual achievement is rewarded and Savills look for bold graduates with entrepreneurial flair. This year Savills are proud to be The Times Graduate Employer of Choice for Property for the fifth year running and have been the TARGETjobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards’ “Most Popular Graduate Recruiter in Property” in 2009, 2010 & 2011. Savills Graduate Programme Offering permanent graduate positions in Commercial, Planning & Development, Residential, Rural, Capital Allowances (relevant for QS) and Building Surveying pathways plus Town Planning, over half of Savills graduate programme vacancies are for positions outside of London. Offices in exciting locations around the UK work with high-profile and important clients with lots to offer young professionals. The diversity of Savills services means there is the flexibility to carve out a fulfilling, individual and selftailored career path regardless of the location.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 50 plus (Graduate Programme) and 90 (Summer Scheme) Main Operating Industries: Property Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: 240 UCAS points Locations: Offices throughout the UK Application Process: Online application Roles Recruiting Into: Chartered Surveyor and Town Planner 122

DON’T GET A JOB GET A CAREER

Sophie Rosier, Planning & Development Graduate

Savills Graduate Scheme 2012 will open for applications on 1st October 2011. Savills Summer Scheme Savills operate a 4 week summer placement throughout the UK Planning & Development, Residential, Capital Allowances (relevant for QS) and Building Surveying offices each year. This offers prospective APC candidates the opportunity to come and experience working at Savills first-hand. During a placement, there is often the opportunity to go on site visits, attend client meetings, write reports and conduct research. Students are invited to attend departmental talks to learn about other areas of the business and meet directors from across Savills for lunch. Savills Summer Scheme 2012 will open for applications in February 2012. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/savills Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

Organisation 7.53/10 Role 8.07/10 Social 6.64/10 RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Top 50 Profiles - Savills

Student Case Study

University: Undergraduate degree - Birmingham University Post graduate degree - Nottingham Trent University Course: Undergraduate degree - Commerce Post graduate degree - Real Estate Position: Work Experience Student

Alexander Marten

www.top50.gd/savills

What are the highlights of your placement? I have been working in Savills Valuation team in the West End. The main highlight has been the opportunity to inspect and value a large variety of properties from development sites to £10M+ houses in Mayfair. I have enjoyed taking responsibility of the full valuation process from initial research through to inspection, measurement and finally valuation and I have been given real exposure to clients, agents and banks as part of my work. I think the most important thing to know is that you are not treated as an ‘intern’, but as an employee and you are given the opportunity to carry out valuable work which not only helps the business but also your personal development. How has this placement affected your career prospects? This placement has given me the valuable practical experience I required, whilst enabling me to make a contribution to the firm. As well as confirming that this is the career for me I believe this placement has made me much more employable, and given me confidence in my own abilities and knowledge within the industry.

the industry. On the social side there have been plenty of organised drinks and sports events as well as the slightly less formal after work drinks at the end of the working week. What do you do on a day to day basis? My role is incredibly varied. This week I have been on a number of inspections in London and the Home Counties. I have subsequently researched, valued and written reports on these properties and once agreed with my director they are sent off to the client. I like having a number of valuations on at the same time as it has allowed me to get involved with a variety of properties helping to keep the work varied. The responsibility I have been given to manage my work and conduct my own valuations has allowed me to develop useful practical knowledge, which has been a real added benefit of this placement.

How would you describe the culture at Savills? Savills has a friendly culture and I, like many was surprised to find that a large firm felt so small. You work closely with your team which to gives the firm an intimate feel with the benefit of being able to draw on the resources that only a large firm offers. Everyone I have met has been kind and helpful and I have always been made welcome at social and sporting events held after work.

“I enjoyed every minute of the placement, not only the work but also the people and the general atmosphere within the company. The work was stimulating”

What does the placement include? The placement offers a good mix of practical work as well as informal departmental talks, giving you experience in a specific area whilst allowing you to develop an understanding of the opportunities available elsewhere in

“Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

- Student from Reading University

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/savills add your notes here...

123

Top 50 Profiles - Standard Life

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.94/10

About Us Standard Life is a long-term savings, investments and pensions company. We’re based in the UK and operate across the world, with businesses offering various financial products and services. We’ve been around since 1825 – and here, we like to let the numbers do the talking: • Group assets under administration – 198.4 billion as at end March 2011 • 6 million customers worldwide • Around 9,000 employees At Standard Life, we believe everyone should have a future to look forward to. You are just at the beginning of that future. Starting out on a journey that will bring many rewards along the way. And at Standard Life we can offer you a structured, progressive and satisfying career that grows from your time on our internships. Be inspired by our Summer Internships! Our summer internships are more than just summer jobs, and whichever internship you choose, you’ll come through the same application process as our graduates – so we’ll know you are fit for the challenge. Our 10-week internships will test and stretch you, and we’ll give you real responsibility. As well as on the job learning, you’ll have lunchtime masterclasses, a buddy to look after you and a placement manager on hand to provide structured feedback. It will be a steep learning curve, but lots of our interns do so well they come back on one of our graduate placements the following year.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 10 -15 Main Operating Industries: Financial Services Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: Varies depending on the opportunity but as a minimum, must be on track to achieve a 2:1 or higher Locations: Edinburgh city centre Application Process: Apply online by completing our application form and remember to apply early as we fill our vacancies on a first-come, first-served basis. Roles Recruiting Into: Accountancy, Actuarial, Human Resources, IT, Sales and Marketing 124

We’ll look after you with a competitive package and paid-for accommodation in Edinburgh during the Festival – spending a summer here will give you a taste for this vibrant, colourful city and all it has to offer. Have a look at our internships on our website www. standardlife.com/graduates to find out why Standard Life is the perfect launch pad for your career. Entry Requirements: We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated penultimate year students with a strong commitment to succeed. Initiative and innovation are a must. We expect the best and we offer the same in return. Specific entry requirements vary depending on the internship opportunity so please view our website. All internships require that you are on track for achieving a First or a 2:1 degree at undergraduate level. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/standardlife Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.79/10 Role 8.05/10 Social 7.97/10

Top 50 Profiles -Standard Life

Student Case Study

University: The University of Edinburgh Course: MA (Hons) Business Studies Position: Executive Assistant to the Group & UK Marketing Director

Zoe Pearson

www.top50.gd/standardlife

Where and what did you study? My degree is in Business Studies from the University of Edinburgh. Why did you choose to work at Standard Life? Like most people I applied to several big companies. But Standard Life’s offering stood out as a great opportunity to get real hands on experience during 10 weeks. What was it like on your first day? Understandably, I was nervous. But everyone was welcoming and I quickly felt part of the team. What kind of work did you do during your internship? I worked in the Insight team in Marketing, which looks after customer and competitor research. One of the main things I did was to set up an online portal for the team to share their work with rest of company. What is it really like as an intern? Straight away I felt I was an integral part of the project, and my internship offered a real insight into what it would be like working for Standard Life on a permanent basis. It’s your opportunity to ask questions and find out how the company fits together. So you’ll get as much out of the experience as you put into it. Of course, there was also time for lunch and catch up’s with my colleagues, which I found was brilliant for networking. What was your biggest challenge during your summer internship? Over the 10 week period it’s a steep learning curve and the main challenge I had was learning how to haggle with suppliers.

What most surprised you about the company? At Standard Life, nothing stands still, and progress is key. It’s a company with a focus on the future, which means as a graduate as there are lots of opportunities to drive change and make a difference. What’s the best bit about being an intern at Standard Life? Lots of other interns I had become friendly with came back to join the graduate programme, which means lots of familiar faces. There are around 50 graduates starting every year, which creates a great graduate community at Standard Life.

“I would sum up my placement as fun, unique, challenging and educational. As an IS student I wasn’t aware of the endless areas that could apply to my degree. This placement was structured in a way to give me the chance to see each area and draw conclusions as to if they were places that suited me.” - Student from the Heriott-Watt University “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/standardlife add your notes here...

125

Top 50 Profiles - TUI

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.61/10

About Us TUI UK and Ireland is the biggest tour operator in the UK. Thomson and First Choice merged in 2007 to become TUI Travel. We sell millions of holidays each year, and our brands include some of the best known names in the business – Thomson, First Choice, Crystal Ski and Skytours to name a few. As well as being a market leader, we’re a FTSE 250 company which means we have to make sure we’re always one step ahead of the competition. It’s a fast-paced business to say the least. What’s on offer? For 2012/13, we’re offering year-long placement opportunities on our award winning scheme within the Commercial Division of our head office in Luton. The roles are in three departments - Product, Yield and Cruise. You’ll be part of a huge organisation, in a fulltime role with real responsibility, where you’ll be making important commercial decisions from day one. Who do we want? A passion for the travel industry is a must, of course. But we’re also looking for enthusiastic undergraduates with at least 280 UCAS points – from 3 A-levels - under their belts. We want you to show great problem solving and communication skills, as well displaying an eye for detail. Plus, you’ll need to be ready to join us in August 2012. What’s in it for you? • Excellent training and career development • The chance to work in a fast-paced commercial environment • Real responsibility from the start • Generous travel discounts

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 11 Main Operating Industries: Travel and tourism Salary & Benefits: Competitive with flexible benefits, including generous travel discounts Entry Requirements: 280 UCAS points from 3 A-levels Locations: Luton, Bedfordshire Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: As above 126

Positions are... • Product Assistant - Involves pricing resorts, planning 5-year strategy with input from team, monitoring trading and quality and responsibility for brochure coordination. • Cruise Planning Assistant - Involves pricing cruise holidays, checking brochure accuracy, supporting Shore Excursion manager and product selection. • Trading Assistant - Involves analysing sales, adjusting prices, communicating offers and monitoring competitors. • Cruise Trading Assistant - Involves analysing performance, deciding price changes in line with strategy, supporting Sales Team on communicating offers and maximising sales. • Purchasing Assistant – involves supporting the overseas accommodation buying team with contracting, legal filing, reporting and hotel liaison. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/tui Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.73/10 Role 9.02/10 Social 7.82/10

Top 50 Profiles - TUI

Student Case Study

University: Leeds Metropolitan Course: International Tourism Management Position: Product Assistant

Laura Balcombe

www.top50.gd/tui

Working for a multinational organisation such as TUI UK & Ireland definitely has its benefits. For one there are the great travel perks that allow you to go on amazing holidays. But more importantly there are a wide range of training opportunities available and exposure to all areas of the business, which make the year’s placement scheme a great way to develop. The best thing about the commercial placement scheme at TUI is the amount of responsibility that each student is given. As a Product Assistant I have my own resorts - Mainland Spain, Portugal, France and Malta - to look after. I actively take part in making important commercial decisions such as selecting hotels to contract and establishing a strategy for each of my resorts. My role also involves liaising with various internal departments such as Marketing and PR, which has given me a broad understanding of how a large company works My year on the placement scheme has definitely helped develop skills that will be extremely beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate jobs. I now also have important commercial awareness that will no doubt be of use when I return to finish my degree in International Tourism Management and for future job applications.

“A challenging position, accompanied by a lot of opportunities for personal development.” - Student from Aston University

“As a Trading Assistant I managed my own regions independently. It’s exciting and rewarding to see how my decisions and actions affected TUI’s financial success through trading millions of pounds worth of product.” - Student from Loughborough University

“I have been on training courses throughout the year to develop my IT skills, time management and assertiveness, all which will help me in the future.” - Student from Nottingham Trent University

“Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

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127

Top 50 Profiles - Unilever

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.81/10

About Us Unilever, a leading consumer goods company, makes some of the world’s best loved brands: Dove, Flora, Tresemmé, Comfort, Knorr and Marmite to name a few. 150 million times a day, someone somewhere chooses a Unilever product. Our products are sold in 180 countries and we employ 167,000 people globally. Around the world, Unilever products help people look good, feel good and get more out of life. Each results from deep thought, hard work, and carefully applied skills. Unilever want graduates with the will to lead others in driving these brands forward. The Future Leaders Programme helps that talent reach senior management. Quickly. Graduates can apply for one of the following areas Financial Management, Supply Chain Management, Customer Development, Business & Technology Management, Research & Development, Human Resources, Marketing, China Programme or our new Asia, Middle East, Africa & Russia Programme. Graduates who succeed at Unilever are excited by business, relish competition and customer satisfaction and have the ambition to succeed. Our challenge? To develop ways of working that double our size, while reducing our environmental impact by 2020. Behind that ambition, and every brand, lie exciting challenges. Summer placement programme We run a summer placement programme for penultimate year students, which allows them to gain experience in one of our business areas over 12 weeks. We take summer placement students in Supply Chain Management,

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 55 Main Operating Industries: FMCG Salary & Benefits: £17,850 pro rata, 20 days’ annual leave, use of onsite facilities Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points, minimum 2.2 degree Locations: UK nationwide Application Process: Online application, telephone interview and half day assessment centre Roles Recruiting Into: See above 128

Financial Management, Research & Development, Customer Development and Marketing. Students who successfully pass our summer placement programme will have the opportunity to be fast-tracked to the ‘Selection Day’ stage for our Future Leaders Programme. Industrial placement programme We also run an industrial placement programme, which allows students to get experience in one of our business areas over 12 months. Students must have completed a minimum of two years of a degree by the time they start the placement and be returning to study afterwards. We take industrial placement students in Supply Chain Management, Financial Management, Human Resources, Research & Development, Customer Development, Marketing and Business & Technology Management. Students who successfully pass our industrial placement programme will be offered a place on our Future Leaders Programme. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/unilever Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.57/10 Role 8.51/10 Social 7.06/10

Top 50 Profiles - Unilever

Student Case Study

University: Durham University Course: Master in Mathematics Position: Supply Chain Academy Analyst

Marie Forster

www.top50.gd/unilever

What was your project and where were you based? I was based in Port Sunlight on the Wirral during my summer placement, working within the Supply Chain Academy (SCA). During my eight weeks I was given numerous projects, all relating to learning within the Supply Chain Management business area. One of my main projects involved working with people from all over the world, and collating data into a spreadsheet that could then be transferred into a pre-built scorecard. I also looked at improving the current reporting systems and making the reporting tools more user-friendly. I created training guides on using SCA reporting and also conducted an introductory Live Meeting Session on how to use the reporting tool. What were the biggest challenges and how did you tackle them? Probably the biggest challenge I faced whilst working here was getting to grips with all the information I needed in order to complete my projects. The Supply Chain Academy works with many elements of the supply chain at a global level, and I found the Unilever intranet site incredibly helpful with this. But the best way to find out about things was just to ask - my colleagues were extremely helpful and always happy to answer any questions I had. With their help I now feel confident talking about the Academy and I have even taught some people about using the reporting on SCA. What did you learn? Working in the Academy in a global role gave me real insight into the size of the business and the levels of communication that are needed. I also learned a lot about Unilever itself, from the company vision and ethics to people’s enthusiasm and enjoyment in working here. I’ve been told several times during my placement that once you

work here working elsewhere is never the same and I can see why (and not just because I got free Ben and Jerry’s!). Did you enjoy it? I thoroughly enjoyed working at Unilever and would definitely recommend it to anyone who has the chance to come and do a summer placement. My line manager was fantastic and was always there if I needed help. I also met several other summer placement students and graduates on the Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP) whilst I was here, all of whom were incredibly good fun and always willing to give me advice if I needed it. Meeting lots of graduates on the UFLP made a real difference and gave me an insight into what working for Unilever on the UFLP could be like – it looks great! I also got to go to a tea factory, a soap factory, see the Chimp suits from the PG Tips adverts and eat free Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream; what more could you want from a Summer Placement?

“I had an amazing year with Unilever, would fully recommend applying for a placement here.” - Student from the University of Central Lancashire

“Great people and working environment, and I got to work on some genuinely interesting projects.” - Student from Loughborough University “Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/unilever add your notes here...

129

Top 50 Profiles - Vauxhall

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 7.60/10

About Us Forward thinking, innovation and a team of passionate employees drives Vauxhall to excel in the automobile industry. The ability to provide consumers with the highest quality in products and services has shaped our business to develop a strong brand. This has enabled us to have the honour of sponsoring the Home Nation’s Football and hold events such as Vauxhall Fashion Scout. A customercentric attitude focuses Vauxhall to search for excellence and adhere to environmental issues. Boasting a vast range of launches this year such as the Ampera, the Astra GTC and the Zafira Tourer, there’s never a dull moment with us, can you handle the pace? What We Offer Vauxhall prides itself on the level of responsibility that each undergraduate is allocated for their new role. We understand that undergraduates are the driving force for the future and consequently we aim to invest significantly. Approximately 100 business and engineering roles will be available on our 12 month undergraduate scheme in 2012. A comprehensive coverage of General Motors is portrayed to our placement employees through plant and track tours enabling them to gain a great insight into all aspects of the business. Awarded “Britain’s Top Employee 2011” and proudly achieved highly commendable by the National Council for Work Experience. Vauxhall has the ability to enhance your skills and business knowledge dramatically. What we look for and need We require undergraduate students who have enrolled on a course which consists of a year in industry. Due to strong competition applicants must be achieving a 2:1 grade.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 101 Main Operating Industries: Automotive Salary & Benefits: Competitive Entry Requirements: 2:1 Locations: Bedfordshire, Cheshire and Berkshire Application Process: Apply online Roles Recruiting Into: Marketing, Finance, IT, HR, Engineering, Public Relations, Purchasing, Logistics, Sales 130

Vauxhall Motors seek the exceptional, the motivated and the innovative to add value to our team; you must be passionate about the role and ready to take on a challenge. Although academic results are important, a candidate’s attitude and willingness to be involved in extra-curricular activities are other key characteristics that we look for. Finally, if you have the opportunity to enrol onto a placement for the academic year 2012/13, don’t hesitate to look at Vauxhall’s website for further information. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/vauxhall

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 7.08/10 Role 8.38/10 Social 7.06/10

Top 50 Profiles - Vauxhall

Student Case Study

University: Oxford Brookes Course: BEng Motorsport Engineering Position: Powertrain Engineer (ETC) at Millbrook

Matthew Furlong

www.top50.gd/vauxhall

What tasks does your job encounter on a typical day? I don’t really have a typical routine; my work varies on a day to day basis. However, I am required to check and respond to emails daily. Project work can consist of checking that my engines ran successfully in testing and then comparing the results with the test data. A thorough run of analysis on data is required to check for any problems and consequently there may be a need to organise work with technicians.

What was the social life like? I’ve had a great time; made loads of friends from different departments and sites at Vauxhall. Luton isn’t the best night out but it’s all about the people you’re with rather than the location. There are always lots of social events to get involved in such as EXCITE (an employee engagement programme). Fellow colleagues have also arranged weekends away (we’re very close to Luton Airport) which have been brilliant.

I also have to speak to customers regularly to discuss any issues and update them on test progress. They may ask for test and analysis data, so I have to retrieve the results and then forward them on. Usually most of my time is spent trying to solve issues and mediating between two companies about the engines.

If you had to describe your experience at Vauxhall in three words what would they be? Well worth it!

How do you think the placement opportunity has developed your career prospects? It’s improved them greatly! I now have experience with an industrial environment, and I have acquired an extensive range of skills that are not just specific to this job but any job plus general life skills. I’m essentially a project manager so I have to be able to organise my time efficiently. Prioritising tasks correctly is also vital in order to keep all of my clients happy, especially as I am now working to very tight deadlines. What was your greatest challenge? Running 5 projects in parallel was a great experience. It was very time consuming and consequently enabled me to manage my time effectively. The research and development to get a new product into the market place was very challenging but when it was all finalised it was a very proud moment for me.

“The opportunity to work within a global organisation and to be given the level of responsibility that I have had has been incredible.” - Student from Northumbria University

“Amazing place to work. I have learnt so much and I couldn’t have asked for a better placement year.” - Student from Nottingham Trent University “Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/vauxhall add your notes here...

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SME Profiles

- Best Small or Medium-sized Enterprises On the following 8 pages you will find the four Small or Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that were shortlisted at the 2011 National Placement & Internship Awards. A placement or internship within an SME can provide you with a very different experience compared to working for a multinational organisation. You will most likely have a varied role, working across the business and gain close exposure to senior managers/company directors from day one. For some students, working in a close-knit, entrepreneurial environment can provide them with the perfect springboard to a future career. Enjoy...

133

SME Profiles - Ash Gaming

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.25/10

About Us Ash Gaming is a leading games agency providing best of breed betting and gambling games to top UK and international operators. Our client list reads like a who’s who in the betting and gaming world and placement students can expect to work with high profile clients such as William Hill, Bet365, Ladbrokes, 888.com, Partygaming and Paddy Power. Our aim is to develop exciting and new gaming experiences for the player while creating a profitable game for our customers using innovation, creativity and flair. Our extensive product portfolio ranges from new takes on gaming greats such as Sensible Soccer™ to quirky and fun slots such as Madness – made in conjunction with the popular UK band! Because of this we have achieved a commendation two years running for Innovation in Slot Provision from Egaming Review magazine and regularly receive widespread industry accolades. About the placement programme Our award winning program is designed for placements by placements! At Ash Gaming students will be working on real life projects with the aim of developing a strong understanding of the industry, their role within the company success and a portfolio of project work at the end of the placement year.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 4-6 Main Operating Industries: Gaming, IT, Media Salary & Benefits: Salary from 15k, Travel Loan, Free Fruit, Poker Nights, Launch Lunches, Free Beer Entry Requirements: 2.1 Locations: Central London Application Process: Online Application – keep an eye out on our website or RateMyPlacement Roles Recruiting Into: Junior Developers, Flash Designers, Maths and Programming Analysts, Localisation & Translation Analysts, Quality Assurance Analysts and Social Media Marketing Developers 134

Cool placement facts! • Four of our top managers all started out as placement students • 80% of placements return to work with us full time, in fact a staggering 30% of all employees at Ash Gaming are – or once were - placements with us. • Current placements all have a role in reviewing and shaping the next year’s placement programme ensuring it always adds the most value for both parties. • All placements are assigned a mentor and buddy as well as a line manager with monthly 1-2-1 catch up’s so help, training and guidance is always at hand • Placements benefit from a monthly developer meeting where you can learn new techniques and tricks of the trade from Ash Gaming’s most senior staff • All placements are offered an annual season ticket loan to assist with your travel arrangements To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/ashgaming Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.42/10 Role 8.83/10 Social 7.50/10

SME Profiles - Ash Gaming

Student Case Study

University: University of Portsmouth Course: (BSc) Computer Games Technology Position: Junior Developer

Sam Danbury

www.top50.gd/ashgaming

What is the social life like at Ash Gaming Everybody is very friendly, welcoming, and supportive, which makes for a superb social atmosphere at the company! There are endless opportunities to socialise with everyone, after work, during lunch times and on events outside of the office. We have been for drinks and meals together, attended launch lunches and recently we all went to Epsom Races on a team building exercise, which was amazing. The team enjoys monthly poker nights with a plentiful supply of pizza and refreshments. There is a large pool table and recently we all took part in a pool tournament. I was also delighted to discover that there was a wide-screen television and several games consoles available on which to challenge my colleagues. A day in the life of a Junior Developer at Ash Gaming Responsibility is given very early on in the placement, becoming involved in a wide range of different projects, starting with making demo versions of games for the marketing department to display to clients. Also, for the entirety of the placement I was also given the large responsibility of being the person to come to regarding test applications for each of the games, which are used to ensure each of the new games are paying out the correct amounts! The main task of my typical working day however, is to develop the front-end of games for well-known, professional clients. Working on a commercial project in turn gives me the opportunity to program games at an industry standard, which I find a considerable motivation, due to the experience and techniques I am learning being transferable to not only my University course, but also to my future career within a computer science based industry.

In-between developing games I am also given the opportunity to work on personal projects which are either assigned or an idea of my own choice. The projects in all cases have been very flexible in that I am able to use different programming languages depending on the project. Skills developed Thanks to Ash Gaming I have learnt a staggering amount about games development whilst in a friendly, welcoming and encouraging environment. Some important experiences where I have learnt crucial skills include: • Working towards milestones and client deadlines • Working within small and large teams within my own, as well as other departments • Understanding where I fit into the product lifecycle of a game and how each department intertwines • The industry standard testing procedure and how I approach fixing bugs in my games • Developing my own programming ability within a professional environment, where I have been able to learn good code techniques and best code practices.

“The placement was very well-organised. Little by little I was working on more complicated things, until finally I started to produce actual games for clients.” - Student from the University of Warwick “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/ashgaming add your notes here...

135

SME Profiles - Champions Life Academy

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 8.07/10

About Us Champions Life Academy runs an annual 10 week fundraising programme that seeks to prepare students for the world beyond university, offering them the chance to acquire key transferable skills. This is achieved through the medium of direct door-to-door fundraising with candidates receiving thorough and ongoing sales, communication and leadership training. The programme was voted Best Work Experience at the National Council for Work Experience Awards for its effort in helping undergraduates increase their employability. Over a 10 week summer programme, successful candidates will gain both practical and theoretical experience of business in its rawest form, using door to door sales as a foundation upon which to build. Interns will learn the importance of professionalism, communication techniques, work ethic, effective time management and resilience, increasing their future employability. If accepted onto the programme, students will live and work in a team environment gaining the opportunity to meet like-minded people from both the UK and abroad. For the top interns, there are opportunities to progress into management team the following year, where they will

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 200 Main Operating Industries: Sales & Business Development Salary & Benefits: Basic allowance of ÂŁ2000 over the 10 weeks + bonus scheme, Company Holiday to Tenerife, Prizes and Competitions throughout the summer Entry Requirements: 300 UCAS points and strong desire to learn. Locations: South of England, with candidates living and working together in teams Application Process: Send your CV to info@championslifeacademy.com and attend one of our Information Meetings. Competency based assessments with our recruitment team are held on the same day Roles Recruiting Into: Range of roles available across the business. We accept applications from any degree background. 136

embark on a journey that will take their experience to a level well beyond that of a graduate. We provide a training system which can develop a student at university from Salesperson to Team Leader, to running a division with the responsibility for 20 people. Having direct sales experience has been recognised by many employers as perhaps the most desirable work experience to feature on a graduateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CV. Champions alumni have found that learning the ability to communicate with a huge spectrum of other people over the course of a summer holds considerable weight when applying for many graduate roles, regardless of industry or field. As a result we found out that 89% of our alumni have landed their first choice job within a year of graduation. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/cla

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.39/10 Role 8.68/10 Social 6.84/10

University: Plymouth University Course: Geography Position: Fundraiser

Tom Ledward

www.top50.gd/cla

What were your reasons to take part in the programme? I was at the point where I realised that just having a good University degree wasn’t enough and that I needed to stand out from the crowd. My CV wasn’t really demonstrating that I was a strong team player or that I had worked in a target-led and intensive environment, and I saw Champions as a great opportunity to finally get that experience. Taking part in the internship allowed me to gain more confidence - having to deal with rejection all day made me develop resilience and a positive attitude. Knowing that I’d get some bonus money at the end of the summer to start my 2nd year was also a big motivator in itself. What kind of support were you given during the internship? I received training at the 4 day Sales School at the start of the programme and received ongoing training from the managers. Every time I needed a bit of advice I could just go up to them and they would organise 1-2-1 sessions to work out what I could improve on. What do you do on a day-to-day basis? We live in team houses so myself, the 3 other fundraisers and our manager all have breakfast together. Once that’s done we go out for training where we get feedback on how well we’re doing and get given new skills to work on. Then we all make lunch as a team and head out to location where we do door to door for our partner charities. After work we all drive back home and catch up on the day, make dinner and just hang out as a team. The weekly performance meeting is awesome and quite often there are exams and other things going on around the job itself, meaning I know I’m developing my skills and will have a lot of great content to demonstrate I’m a cut above the rest.

Days off are seldom but great fun as we really make the most of it- paintballing with the entire company was epic!

“This placement has not only improved my transferable skills, it has also opened so many doors for my future career.” - Student from Bournemouth University

“I’m simply better at communicating now and feel better equipped to tackle Uni work and future employment.” - Student from Birmingham University

“Quotes from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/cla add your notes here...

137

SME Profiles - Champions Life Academy

Student Case Study

SME Profiles - ProspectSoft

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 9.06/10

About Us Formed in 1994, ProspectSoft is a rapidly growing, UK based, software company that develops CRM systems aimed at the SME and small corporate user. Our business partners include major IT players such as Intel, Hewlett Packard and software suppliers like Access Accounting, Pegasus and Iris Exchequer, providing market leading flexibility, integration and mobility. In the UK, ProspectSoft supplies its software and services to end-users through a network of more than forty five highly-trained and qualified Reseller partners. About the Student Programme Shortlisted for the ‘Best Small or Medium-sized Enterprise Provider of Placements’ at the National Placement & Internship Awards, ProspectSoft have been running their placement program for over 8 years and are recognised as offering a huge amount to undergraduates. The ProspectSoft Placement program has personnel development at its core with a structured placement academy and regular appraisals to make sure you are getting the most out of your experience in conjunction with the e-skills scheme, who focus their efforts on encouraging IT and Business skills across the nation. ProspectSoft is an SME business and because of this all the student placements are involved in the core business and quickly become an essential part of the team dealing directly with customers and gaining experience in a huge variety of projects. ProspectSoft provide various placement opportunities across the Sales, Marketing, Support and Development departments. All of our work placements provide students

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 8 – 12 placements available Main Operating Industries: IT & Software Salary & Benefits: £15,275 (13 months) Entry Requirements: Prediction of 2:1 Locations: Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, South East Application Process: CV and Cover Letter Roles Recruiting Into: Sales and Marketing, IT and Software Development 138

with a diverse and challenging environment in which to develop their skills. We have a history of providing superb placement opportunities for top calibre students. We recruit with future permanent job opportunities in mind and are therefore ONLY looking for ambitious students who wish to pursue a career in the IT industry. If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging year where you can make a real difference then ProspectSoft might be the right career choice for you. To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/prospectsoft

Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 8.86/10 Role 9.44/10 Social 8.75/10

SME Profiles - ProspectSoft

Student Case Study

University: Sheffield Hallam University Course: Marketing Position: Sales and Marketing Assistant

Alex Smith

www.top50.gd/prospectsoft

I applied for a placement at ProspectSoft because of the company’s commitment to its placement program and its high re-employment rate. Around 70% of placements return after graduation, which is a testament to ProspectSoft’s focus on providing students with the experience necessary to enter the world of work after university. The company is fairly small but rapidly growing, so placements play a big part in business growth. At the core of my job is marketing, but my role extends to meetings with directors, visiting clients and liaising with partners, which keeps the job interesting and dynamic. The amount of responsibility given to me means I’m involved in so much. No two days are the same and I can see the difference my own work makes to the company’s overall success. This year Pete (another placement student) and I worked together with a returned placement student running the company’s entire marketing department. The company makes adjustments for individual interests and skills. I’ve always been interested in media and graphic design so was able to use knowledge and skills from both my degree and personal interests to run my own marketing campaigns and produce my own marketing materials. During the year I made adverts, videos, brochures and even an advent calendar with real chocolate! My biggest project was building an entire website from scratch using our own web design software!

Tom Wolfe, from the University of Brighton, who completed his placement at ProspectSoft as an Assistant Solution Consultant, tells us more:

“The great thing about working at ProspectSoft is that you’ll never do the same thing twice. There’s always a new and exciting challenge to overcome.” “My placement year at ProspectSoft has prepared me for my final year at university more thoroughly than any amount of revision could, and I know that I’ll be able to face my lectures and my exams with all the confidence that a year’s industry experience can bring.”

You can take a look at the finished product here: www.50integration.com

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/prospectsoft add your notes here...

139

SME Profiles - We Brand It

Opportunities Available:

Placement Years

Summer Internships Short-term Insights

Average student review rating 6.98/10

About Us As one of the leading promotional merchandise distributors in the UK and currently the fastest growing company in the industry we supply branded products such as pens, mugs, bags, USB devices and a lot more to clients of all sizes – from a couple wanting wedding gifts to nationally known names like Muse (yes, the band), Children In Need and Microsoft. From our very beginning, placement students have always been an integral part of our business. We love the fresh ideas and enthusiasm that comes with working with undergraduates like you and, in return, we promise a challenging yet rewarding experience. A real job with real responsibilities All the placements offered are REAL jobs with REAL responsibilities. We make you an active part of the team whatever your role. For most students this is their first real job, and that is how we treat it. We want this to be a fantastic learning experience for you, so we show you what the expectations and demands of the “real world” will be whilst, at the same time, supporting you during the experience. We’ll help to make your placement year a great transition between university life and your working life. There are also great opportunities for top performers to come back full time after completing their studies and we have had several staff that have done just that.

We take care of some of the bigger worries you may have in your placement year so you can concentrate on enjoying your time with us: • We provide your accommodation – with WiFi broadband internet access • We pay your household bills • We provide transportation to and from work You’ll also get 20 days holiday (pro-rata) and a great social life outside of work as well.

Key Stats Number of Opportunities: 20 Main Operating Industries: We serve all sectors with branded promotional merchandise Salary & Benefits: £150 per fortnight (tax free) PLUS accommodation, bills and travel to/from work + bonuses Entry Requirements: See website Locations: Maidenhead, Berkshire Application Process: Please apply online (CV and cover letter) Roles Recruiting Into: Sales, International Procurement, Marketing, Finance, Artwork and Design 140

Understanding and caring for our staff We like to do things differently at We Brand It. Having worked with over 100 placement students during the last seven years, we have developed a unique placement package for you.

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/webrandit Summary of Reviews on RateMyPlacement Average student review rating

RateMyPlacement.co.uk

Organisation 6.70/10 Role 7.31/10 Social 6.83/10

SME Profiles - We Brand It

Student Case Study

University: Nottingham Trent University Course: Business Management with Accounting and Finance Position: Sales Coordinator

Chris Dawson

www.top50.gd/webrandit

What do you do on a daily basis? Tasks such as sending order forms and following up quotes is a daily occurrence to ensure the monthly target can be reached if not surpassed. Responding quickly to leads to clarify prospects requirements and sending out samples is essential when winning business. Taking payment, placing orders with suppliers, and ensuring the correct products are delivered to the right place on the right date feature daily. The last stage in this process is sending invoices to the client and supplier, upon receipt of goods. What are the highlights of your job? The highlight of my job at We Brand It is the level of involvement given in the daily tasks of the business. I have responsibility of managing the entire process, from dealing with inquiries, to gathering prices, pitching to win deals and then managing the order. The atmosphere at work is friendly which makes the job enjoyable, there are also perks when hitting company target which increases motivation to work hard and win orders. What have you learned on your placement? I have enhanced my communication and negotiation skills with clients and colleagues. I have a fundamental understanding of how companies use promotional merchandise as part of their marketing campaign. Organisation levels have improved due to the multitasking involved in the role. Working for a small company has enabled me to see how departments interact and work together in the business. What is it like working for We Brand It? Working for We Brand It has been a great experience in which I have constantly felt a valued member of the team as opposed to a temporary member of staff. It has also been exciting to be a part of a growing company and

getting involved with interesting projects where I have been able to be creative and learn new skills. How have you benefited from your placement at We Brand It? This placement has given me invaluable experience in the work environment, which will aid me when securing a job upon graduating university. I have first hand practice to use in my final year to relate to the theory. I have enhanced communication, team work and time management skills which is critical for future employment in any industry. What is the social life like? We Brand It offers a unique social life compared to most placements, living with other students means there is a life outside of the workplace; with Reading and Windsor only half hour away, weekends are easily filled.

“It is a really nice work environment with great colleagues. They arrange a house with other students for you to live in and provide transportation to work.” - Student from Aston University “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”

To find out more, visit www.top50.gd/webrandit add your notes here...

141

THE NATIONAL PLACEMENT & INTERNSHIP AWARDS 2011