Releasing performance

Page 1

Bright sparks wanted.


Kinetic, spontaneous and dazzlingly bright

Our people are

A rapidly growing FTSE 250 company,

Our flat management structure – and

– welcome to RM – the UK’s leading

with a turnover in excess of £130million,

professional, friendly, down-to-earth

supplier of software, systems and services

we can open up a diverse range of career

culture – has compelled an exceptionally

to education. From village primary

paths for you. In addition to the 1,000+

high percentage of graduates to

schools to large city universities across the

people at our Oxford HQ, we are also

stay and build their careers with us.

nation, we are a pioneer in applying

springing up all over the UK, with centres

It’s an environment for people who

technology to education – placing

in Dudley, Leeds, Stockport and Scotland.

crave involvement and responsibility.

powerful IT within easy reach of millions

If you’re looking for somewhere to

of students and educationalists.

invest your creativity and management

leading lights in educational IT potential, we’ll ensure you get a good return – with interest.


Kinetic, spontaneous and dazzlingly bright

Our people are

A rapidly growing FTSE 250 company,

Our flat management structure – and

– welcome to RM – the UK’s leading

with a turnover in excess of £130million,

professional, friendly, down-to-earth

supplier of software, systems and services

we can open up a diverse range of career

culture – has compelled an exceptionally

to education. From village primary

paths for you. In addition to the 1,000+

high percentage of graduates to

schools to large city universities across the

people at our Oxford HQ, we are also

stay and build their careers with us.

nation, we are a pioneer in applying

springing up all over the UK, with centres

It’s an environment for people who

technology to education – placing

in Dudley, Leeds, Stockport and Scotland.

crave involvement and responsibility.

powerful IT within easy reach of millions

If you’re looking for somewhere to

of students and educationalists.

invest your creativity and management

leading lights in educational IT potential, we’ll ensure you get a good return – with interest.


This is our passion – it’s what we win

Through our deep understanding of

NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

Dave Green

23

Systems Engineer, Operations Group, SIS (Software and Integrated Systems)

BS (Hons) Materials Science (2:1) 1997 MSc Control Systems (Distinction), 1998

Cambridge University Sheffield University

I originally wanted to do pure science – but the pace

On the hardware side of our business,

award after award for – the innovation

their needs we exploit every facet of IT to

we manufacture over 100,000 robust,

of academia was just too slow for me. I wanted

that’s the result of teamwork across the

help them achieve the highest standards.

high specification PCs every year –

something more dynamic. After looking at all the

company. It’s always been our aim to

Imaginative, stimulating and powerfully

tailored to meet a customer’s exact

provide education professionals with

advanced, our products are making a

requirements and budget. We also

industry leading technology, from total

revolutionary difference to education.

design and install major network

managed services to a range of individually tailored products.

Trail

Building productive working

management time from teachers.

schools, colleges and universities to

All our hardware and software is backed

provide long-term strategies and a totally

up by a comprehensive support team.

making the most of their investment.

blazing

products and services

We develop and design most of our network and learning software in-house. Our RM Primary Maths™

As

to work and this is where the learning begins.

and RM was easy to apply to –

When you first start, you feel a bit like you are thrown

no nasty form filling! It was also

in at the deep end but there are plenty of people

apparent that UK education was about to

infrastructures that require minimum

relationships, our sales teams work with

integrated approach to IT solutions –

options, IT offered the best of everything

From day one you are pretty much straight

around to help you out when you need it.

receive a large injection of resources and money

The emphasis is on you to go and ask.

from the government for ICT in schools –

The graduate training is tailored to your needs –

so RM also promised expansion and opportunity.

not a blanket of courses that everyone has to go on.

Systems Engineer I support all of SIS Division’s operating

platforms including RM Connect and RM Window Box, to make sure everything

learning software, and Living Library™

works together. In fact, the best part of the job involves learning about new

(our innovative web resource) have

hardware and software technologies and then integrating them into our products.

been awarded Millennium product status by the Design Council. We are also the

I also enjoy research into new technology areas and

It’s a really good feeling when a product that you’ve

UK’s first specialist education Internet

experimenting with product possibilities. When acting

worked on gets released and gets positive feedback

Service Provider (ISP), with a constantly

as Project Manager, I might be putting together a

from customers when they use it.

growing subscription.

definition of a project during start up phase, or overseeing all of the activities of the project team and ensuring effective communication between the team members. As a project team member, I’ll be directly involved in doing the development

RM FACTS

work for a project, getting to grips with the

RM has now connected more than 25% of all schools in England and Wales to the Internet.

technology and solving problems.


This is our passion – it’s what we win

Through our deep understanding of

NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

Dave Green

23

Systems Engineer, Operations Group, SIS (Software and Integrated Systems)

BS (Hons) Materials Science (2:1) 1997 MSc Control Systems (Distinction), 1998

Cambridge University Sheffield University

I originally wanted to do pure science – but the pace

On the hardware side of our business,

award after award for – the innovation

their needs we exploit every facet of IT to

we manufacture over 100,000 robust,

of academia was just too slow for me. I wanted

that’s the result of teamwork across the

help them achieve the highest standards.

high specification PCs every year –

something more dynamic. After looking at all the

company. It’s always been our aim to

Imaginative, stimulating and powerfully

tailored to meet a customer’s exact

provide education professionals with

advanced, our products are making a

requirements and budget. We also

industry leading technology, from total

revolutionary difference to education.

design and install major network

managed services to a range of individually tailored products.

Trail

Building productive working

management time from teachers.

schools, colleges and universities to

All our hardware and software is backed

provide long-term strategies and a totally

up by a comprehensive support team.

making the most of their investment.

blazing

products and services

We develop and design most of our network and learning software in-house. Our RM Primary Maths™

As

to work and this is where the learning begins.

and RM was easy to apply to –

When you first start, you feel a bit like you are thrown

no nasty form filling! It was also

in at the deep end but there are plenty of people

apparent that UK education was about to

infrastructures that require minimum

relationships, our sales teams work with

integrated approach to IT solutions –

options, IT offered the best of everything

From day one you are pretty much straight

around to help you out when you need it.

receive a large injection of resources and money

The emphasis is on you to go and ask.

from the government for ICT in schools –

The graduate training is tailored to your needs –

so RM also promised expansion and opportunity.

not a blanket of courses that everyone has to go on.

Systems Engineer I support all of SIS Division’s operating

platforms including RM Connect and RM Window Box, to make sure everything

learning software, and Living Library™

works together. In fact, the best part of the job involves learning about new

(our innovative web resource) have

hardware and software technologies and then integrating them into our products.

been awarded Millennium product status by the Design Council. We are also the

I also enjoy research into new technology areas and

It’s a really good feeling when a product that you’ve

UK’s first specialist education Internet

experimenting with product possibilities. When acting

worked on gets released and gets positive feedback

Service Provider (ISP), with a constantly

as Project Manager, I might be putting together a

from customers when they use it.

growing subscription.

definition of a project during start up phase, or overseeing all of the activities of the project team and ensuring effective communication between the team members. As a project team member, I’ll be directly involved in doing the development

RM FACTS

work for a project, getting to grips with the

RM has now connected more than 25% of all schools in England and Wales to the Internet.

technology and solving problems.


You don’t want to be spoon-fed or

People skills will be key.

What we need from you is the ability

NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

Jayesh Kotecha

23

Customer Support Engineer

Computer Science (2:1)

Coventry University

As strange as this might sound – I love my job.

frustrated by not being allowed your input.

We’re genuinely fun, informal and

to get things done, spark people’s

There’s no better buzz than solving a technical

Right from the start, your team will want

down-to-earth. But that doesn’t mean

enthusiasm and deliver on your promises.

problem and getting a relieved and delighted

your participation, ideas and energy.

we’re not professional or respectful.

Academic achievement is important – and

It does mean that we’re not bogged down

we do look for a high standard – but more

by bureaucracy and stifling formality.

than that, it’s also your team-working and

It’s the ideal environment for natural team

motivational skills, determination and

players and sociable people.

drive that we’re interested in. For the

A culture that will

spark

technical roles, we want people with a real desire to learn new technology and keep their knowledge up-to-speed with the latest developments.

your imagination

RM FACTS In 1999, RM Services will have handled over 190,000 telephone support calls.

customer on the other end of the phone. I started by taking A levels in Computer Science and Psychology – a weird combination I know,

Sometimes they become understandably

but it does help to understand the human side to

impatient, so you have to have a real empathy,

computers – especially in this role. After my degree,

patience and tactful people skills. We also talk

I did a placement as a Technical Support Engineer

through diagnostic steps with customers, write support

at a major UK organisation.

documents and provide training to hotline engineers.

Customer Support Engineer

As a I provide telephone support for our customers’ software or hardware needs. It’s an important role as the quality of my work and customer-handling can influence their decision to renew their contracts with us – or buy more equipment. Some of our customers are full-time teachers

We attend courses on new products all the time.

who look after IT on top of their normal

There’s also full support to study for professionally

work. I have to bear in mind that they

recognised qualifications. In fact, I became a

may have limited IT knowledge, and

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

time, to spend on the phone.

a few months ago. The company provides the training books, time off to study and will even send you on related courses to help you further. I think the atmosphere really makes a difference. Team working is a big part of the culture because interaction is so important to the job. In short – I’ve got no regrets!


You don’t want to be spoon-fed or

People skills will be key.

What we need from you is the ability

NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

Jayesh Kotecha

23

Customer Support Engineer

Computer Science (2:1)

Coventry University

As strange as this might sound – I love my job.

frustrated by not being allowed your input.

We’re genuinely fun, informal and

to get things done, spark people’s

There’s no better buzz than solving a technical

Right from the start, your team will want

down-to-earth. But that doesn’t mean

enthusiasm and deliver on your promises.

problem and getting a relieved and delighted

your participation, ideas and energy.

we’re not professional or respectful.

Academic achievement is important – and

It does mean that we’re not bogged down

we do look for a high standard – but more

by bureaucracy and stifling formality.

than that, it’s also your team-working and

It’s the ideal environment for natural team

motivational skills, determination and

players and sociable people.

drive that we’re interested in. For the

A culture that will

spark

technical roles, we want people with a real desire to learn new technology and keep their knowledge up-to-speed with the latest developments.

your imagination

RM FACTS In 1999, RM Services will have handled over 190,000 telephone support calls.

customer on the other end of the phone. I started by taking A levels in Computer Science and Psychology – a weird combination I know,

Sometimes they become understandably

but it does help to understand the human side to

impatient, so you have to have a real empathy,

computers – especially in this role. After my degree,

patience and tactful people skills. We also talk

I did a placement as a Technical Support Engineer

through diagnostic steps with customers, write support

at a major UK organisation.

documents and provide training to hotline engineers.

Customer Support Engineer

As a I provide telephone support for our customers’ software or hardware needs. It’s an important role as the quality of my work and customer-handling can influence their decision to renew their contracts with us – or buy more equipment. Some of our customers are full-time teachers

We attend courses on new products all the time.

who look after IT on top of their normal

There’s also full support to study for professionally

work. I have to bear in mind that they

recognised qualifications. In fact, I became a

may have limited IT knowledge, and

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

time, to spend on the phone.

a few months ago. The company provides the training books, time off to study and will even send you on related courses to help you further. I think the atmosphere really makes a difference. Team working is a big part of the culture because interaction is so important to the job. In short – I’ve got no regrets!


glittering prospects ROLE

TRAINEE SALES CONSULTANT

ANALYST PROGRAMMER*

If you prove your aptitude and the appropriate opportunity presents itself, you’ll be able to move anywhere in the company. The matrix that follows has. been designed to give you a good idea of the opportunities we have available, the requirements we need and what you can expect from each role.

NETWORK SERVICES SUPPORT ENGINEER*

SOFTWARE ENGINEER*

PC AND NETWORK SUPPORT ENGINEER* GLASGOW AND OXFORD

MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

ROLE

PC DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

MARKETING

FINANCE

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AUTHOR

INTERNET DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER AND INTERNET SUPPORT ENGINEER

PERSONNEL*

LEEDS AND OXFORD

PREFERRED DEGREES

Any discipline – relevant sales experience an advantage.

Computer Science or science related degrees with a programming content. However an aptitude for programming plus an interest in the business are equally as important.

A computing-related degree is preferable but not mandatory, given an aptitude and enthusiasm for IT.

Computer Science, Software Engineering.

Any degree with a technical bias.

Manufacturing, Information Systems and Computer Science.

PREFERRED DEGREES

Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Physics and Computer Science.

Marketing with a strong IT element.

Accounting, Business Studies, Maths/Physics.

Any degree with a strong computing element.

Computer Science, Software Engineering or any degree with a strong computing element.

Human Resources Management, Business Studies with significant HR content or any degree with a relevant post-graduate qualification.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

A fast-track route into field sales, developing into a high profile, customer-facing, solutions sales role.

Developing and supporting RM’s business systems to support our continued growth and success. As part of a team, you will work closely with a business area to define business system needs. You will then be assigned tasks, and use leading edge technologies and design methods to deliver the specified system. Developing our business systems for use over the Internet is one of our most exciting challenges.

You’ll be part of a team providing technical support to all areas of the company, relating to desktop, network, database and telecoms issues. You will be involved in projects to develop the infrastructure, such as connecting sites to the WAN or providing access to field-based users.

Developing networking and educational software.

Providing technical support and advice to our customers over the telephone. In the future this could include presenting technical advice at seminars. You’ll work on products including RM Connect, Internet, RM’s educational software and other standard applications.

You’ll work as part of our development team providing solutions to technical problems for our manufacturing facilities. This will involve project work developing systems and processes, fault analysis and providing technical support to other areas of the business.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

You will be working within project teams researching, selecting and providing new hardware technologies and products. This will mean working internationally to design and enhance RM’s range of leading edge Notebooks, Servers and PCs.

You’ll be at the forefront of RM’s business, taking new products from initial ideas through to market.

Providing financial and management accounting support throughout the business. Whilst this is a training role, you should expect contact with senior managers throughout the business from day one.

Taking educational concepts and developing creative solutions in conjunction with education specialists and artists.

You’ll be developing and maintaining RM’s core Internet infrastructure including both server and router development. As an Internet Support Engineer, you will support RM’s Internet service directly to customers and as third-line support to RM Services. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in some development work.

This role will initially focus on a wide range of recruitment activities across the business with on-going project work being incorporated alongside.

You’ll work on RM Connect (based on Microsoft NT) or our multimedia educational products under VB or C++.

This will include training and advising sales staff and producing product literature.

Though primarily a programmer, you’ll be involved from concept to product launch.

Project teams usually include multimedia designers and technical specialists.

WHAT JOB-SPECIFIC TRAINING WILL I GET?

You’ll receive an intensive training programme when you start, to equip you with sales skills, IT and product knowledge. Training will continue once you are field based.

You’ll receive technical training in the latest Microsoft Development toolset, including Visual Basic, Visual Interdev and SQL Server. You will be encouraged towards the Microsoft Certified Developer (MSCD) qualification and your personal development will be supported by business skills training.

You’ll receive training in the following Microsoft standard toolkit as appropriate: NT, SQL Server, Internet Information Server, Site Server, Exchange and TCP/IP. You will be encouraged to work towards the MCSE qualification.

Programming skills in C++ or VB.

Six weeks of technical product training. You’ll also be encouraged to work towards the Microsoft Certificated Engineer qualification.

Technical training is geared to ensure you are fully familiar with the core skills required such as Networking, Database structures and querying and PC architecture knowledge.

WHAT JOB-SPECIFIC TRAINING WILL I GET?

You’ll receive extensive technical and non-technical training and through regular contact with national and international suppliers keep abreast of technology development. Support will be available to gain professional qualifications.

Technical training will be provided to ensure you understand the products you are marketing. We also provide support for gaining qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Your training will be structured to allow you to study for a recognised professional qualification – either CIMA or ACCA.

You will have the opportunity to learn our multimedia product development language, tools and methodologies.

You’ll receive technical training as well as coaching and mentoring on the job.

A diverse array of training is included, starting with interviewing and assessment centre training, presentation skills and certified occupational/psychometric testing.

HOW WILL I PROGRESS?

You’ll develop to become a fully-fledged sales consultant within one year of joining. Further progression can be within field sales and sales management.

You’ll develop your business knowledge, analytical skills and technical skills in parallel. We have an excellent track record of developing our graduates into Senior Analyst Programmers and Development Leaders.

You’ll have the opportunity to choose between developing within the support team as a team leader, or moving to full-time project work as a Technical Consultant.

As your experience increases you may progress into a team leader role or as a technical specialist.

You’ll either become increasingly specialised in a technical area or develop into team leadership or move across to related areas such as contract management or a field-based support role.

You could move into team leadership or a more specialist technical role.

HOW WILL I PROGRESS?

Over time you could move into team leadership or become a technical authority for all of RM’s hardware products.

Many of our graduates choose to stay in this role, taking on greater responsibility and managing larger portfolios of products.

As you progress towards professional qualification, which usually takes 2-3 years, your role will expand to include additional responsibility.

You’ll have the opportunity to move into areas such as technical product marketing or programming.

You could move into team leadership, become a technical expert in a specialist area or move into Services.

Having established your recruitment skills, your development will involve taking greater responsibility for a specific division of the business and managing projects within the personnel function – or continuing in a specialist training or recruitment role.

NOTE

*

All these positions are based in Oxford, unless otherwise stated.

These roles are also available as a one year industrial placement commencing in the summertime. Applications should be made by the end of February.


glittering prospects ROLE

TRAINEE SALES CONSULTANT

ANALYST PROGRAMMER*

If you prove your aptitude and the appropriate opportunity presents itself, you’ll be able to move anywhere in the company. The matrix that follows has. been designed to give you a good idea of the opportunities we have available, the requirements we need and what you can expect from each role.

NETWORK SERVICES SUPPORT ENGINEER*

SOFTWARE ENGINEER*

PC AND NETWORK SUPPORT ENGINEER* GLASGOW AND OXFORD

MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

ROLE

PC DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

MARKETING

FINANCE

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AUTHOR

INTERNET DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER AND INTERNET SUPPORT ENGINEER

PERSONNEL*

LEEDS AND OXFORD

PREFERRED DEGREES

Any discipline – relevant sales experience an advantage.

Computer Science or science related degrees with a programming content. However an aptitude for programming plus an interest in the business are equally as important.

A computing-related degree is preferable but not mandatory, given an aptitude and enthusiasm for IT.

Computer Science, Software Engineering.

Any degree with a technical bias.

Manufacturing, Information Systems and Computer Science.

PREFERRED DEGREES

Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Physics and Computer Science.

Marketing with a strong IT element.

Accounting, Business Studies, Maths/Physics.

Any degree with a strong computing element.

Computer Science, Software Engineering or any degree with a strong computing element.

Human Resources Management, Business Studies with significant HR content or any degree with a relevant post-graduate qualification.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

A fast-track route into field sales, developing into a high profile, customer-facing, solutions sales role.

Developing and supporting RM’s business systems to support our continued growth and success. As part of a team, you will work closely with a business area to define business system needs. You will then be assigned tasks, and use leading edge technologies and design methods to deliver the specified system. Developing our business systems for use over the Internet is one of our most exciting challenges.

You’ll be part of a team providing technical support to all areas of the company, relating to desktop, network, database and telecoms issues. You will be involved in projects to develop the infrastructure, such as connecting sites to the WAN or providing access to field-based users.

Developing networking and educational software.

Providing technical support and advice to our customers over the telephone. In the future this could include presenting technical advice at seminars. You’ll work on products including RM Connect, Internet, RM’s educational software and other standard applications.

You’ll work as part of our development team providing solutions to technical problems for our manufacturing facilities. This will involve project work developing systems and processes, fault analysis and providing technical support to other areas of the business.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

You will be working within project teams researching, selecting and providing new hardware technologies and products. This will mean working internationally to design and enhance RM’s range of leading edge Notebooks, Servers and PCs.

You’ll be at the forefront of RM’s business, taking new products from initial ideas through to market.

Providing financial and management accounting support throughout the business. Whilst this is a training role, you should expect contact with senior managers throughout the business from day one.

Taking educational concepts and developing creative solutions in conjunction with education specialists and artists.

You’ll be developing and maintaining RM’s core Internet infrastructure including both server and router development. As an Internet Support Engineer, you will support RM’s Internet service directly to customers and as third-line support to RM Services. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in some development work.

This role will initially focus on a wide range of recruitment activities across the business with on-going project work being incorporated alongside.

You’ll work on RM Connect (based on Microsoft NT) or our multimedia educational products under VB or C++.

This will include training and advising sales staff and producing product literature.

Though primarily a programmer, you’ll be involved from concept to product launch.

Project teams usually include multimedia designers and technical specialists.

WHAT JOB-SPECIFIC TRAINING WILL I GET?

You’ll receive an intensive training programme when you start, to equip you with sales skills, IT and product knowledge. Training will continue once you are field based.

You’ll receive technical training in the latest Microsoft Development toolset, including Visual Basic, Visual Interdev and SQL Server. You will be encouraged towards the Microsoft Certified Developer (MSCD) qualification and your personal development will be supported by business skills training.

You’ll receive training in the following Microsoft standard toolkit as appropriate: NT, SQL Server, Internet Information Server, Site Server, Exchange and TCP/IP. You will be encouraged to work towards the MCSE qualification.

Programming skills in C++ or VB.

Six weeks of technical product training. You’ll also be encouraged to work towards the Microsoft Certificated Engineer qualification.

Technical training is geared to ensure you are fully familiar with the core skills required such as Networking, Database structures and querying and PC architecture knowledge.

WHAT JOB-SPECIFIC TRAINING WILL I GET?

You’ll receive extensive technical and non-technical training and through regular contact with national and international suppliers keep abreast of technology development. Support will be available to gain professional qualifications.

Technical training will be provided to ensure you understand the products you are marketing. We also provide support for gaining qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Your training will be structured to allow you to study for a recognised professional qualification – either CIMA or ACCA.

You will have the opportunity to learn our multimedia product development language, tools and methodologies.

You’ll receive technical training as well as coaching and mentoring on the job.

A diverse array of training is included, starting with interviewing and assessment centre training, presentation skills and certified occupational/psychometric testing.

HOW WILL I PROGRESS?

You’ll develop to become a fully-fledged sales consultant within one year of joining. Further progression can be within field sales and sales management.

You’ll develop your business knowledge, analytical skills and technical skills in parallel. We have an excellent track record of developing our graduates into Senior Analyst Programmers and Development Leaders.

You’ll have the opportunity to choose between developing within the support team as a team leader, or moving to full-time project work as a Technical Consultant.

As your experience increases you may progress into a team leader role or as a technical specialist.

You’ll either become increasingly specialised in a technical area or develop into team leadership or move across to related areas such as contract management or a field-based support role.

You could move into team leadership or a more specialist technical role.

HOW WILL I PROGRESS?

Over time you could move into team leadership or become a technical authority for all of RM’s hardware products.

Many of our graduates choose to stay in this role, taking on greater responsibility and managing larger portfolios of products.

As you progress towards professional qualification, which usually takes 2-3 years, your role will expand to include additional responsibility.

You’ll have the opportunity to move into areas such as technical product marketing or programming.

You could move into team leadership, become a technical expert in a specialist area or move into Services.

Having established your recruitment skills, your development will involve taking greater responsibility for a specific division of the business and managing projects within the personnel function – or continuing in a specialist training or recruitment role.

NOTE

*

All these positions are based in Oxford, unless otherwise stated.

These roles are also available as a one year industrial placement commencing in the summertime. Applications should be made by the end of February.


NAME

AGE

Sarah Brunning 26

From the beginning, we hand over major

RM gave me an excellent start to my career

contribution is recognised – providing

non-financial benefits:

from day one. Quite a bit of training and

objectives that will stretch your abilities

• Competitive starting salaries

At every step, we ensure your

responsibility, offering you experience

time-management, project processes,

and genuine challenges. We think there’s

presentation techniques or effective

no substitute for reality – or allowing

working relationships. We also positively

and enable you to go one step further

people the room to prove themselves.

encourage people to take on technical

towards your ambitious targets.

You’ll be backed-up by strong support

and non-technical professional

and encouragement. Everyone’s different

qualifications where appropriate.

people, we also have a very active sports

so we won’t pigeonhole your needs

Sponsorship and time off for study is

and social scene.

with a specific training programme.

often available for these courses. We’ll help you develop a planned

As a naturally sociable group of

Our Summer and Christmas parties are legendary. Of course, you’ve

development on an individual basis with a

approach to your growth. With informal,

been skimping and saving as a student

tailored plan that’s designed to fulfil your

one-to-one meetings with your

for three or more years, so in addition

own specific role and goals.

manager every month, we keep a

to excellent training, we’ll ensure you

close eye on your progress.

DEGREE

share in our success.

sparkling rewards and training

• Higher salaries for graduates with relevant qualifications or experience • Performance related salary reviews • Bonus (average £700 per annum) or incentive scheme for sales staff • 25 days’ holiday a year • Relocation assistance where appropriate (a minimum of £1,000) • Free private medical cover

UNIVERSITY

Graduate Analyst Programmer, IS BSc in Industrial Information Technology (1st Hons) Analyst Programmer, IS Senior Analyst Programmer, IS Development Leader, IS

We offer a long-list of financial and

This could include vital skills in

We’ll approach your training and

PROGRESSION AT RM

University of Central England, Birmingham

the friendly work atmosphere meant that I made a lot of friends immediately.

I started as a Graduate Analyst Programmer in the Information Systems department but I’ve moved on rapidly since, after fifteen months becoming a fully fledged

Analyst Programmer. In 1997 I became a Senior Analyst Programmer and more recently a

Development Leader, managing a group of Team Leaders and Analyst Programmers. RM has changed a lot since I’ve been here in terms

Project-wise, I specifically manage the Sales and

of growth, culture and direction. A great example of

Marketing portfolio – we’ve just started a large

• Free life assurance

this is my own department. We now have 65 people

strategic project to remove their current system and

• Staff share scheme

working in IS, compared with around

replace it with a Customer Relationship Management

30 when I first joined five years ago.

tool. The nature of this work means that I have to be

(after a qualifying period) • Pension scheme

Managing people can be tough...although its

adaptable relative to the current phase of the project.

• Long-term disability insurance

one of the most satisfying parts of my job, especially

The methods and procedures we used three years

• Staff purchase scheme

when you see people move forward in their careers.

ago have been totally revamped – the team effort is always centred around producing an even better

• Nursery provision • Enhanced maternity/paternity provision

software solution. Joining RM was the right move for RM FACTS We’re expanding our business overseas, establishing links with Switzerland, Germany, Malta, Australia and Singapore.

me and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in driving the technology of an IT company.


NAME

AGE

Sarah Brunning 26

From the beginning, we hand over major

RM gave me an excellent start to my career

contribution is recognised – providing

non-financial benefits:

from day one. Quite a bit of training and

objectives that will stretch your abilities

• Competitive starting salaries

At every step, we ensure your

responsibility, offering you experience

time-management, project processes,

and genuine challenges. We think there’s

presentation techniques or effective

no substitute for reality – or allowing

working relationships. We also positively

and enable you to go one step further

people the room to prove themselves.

encourage people to take on technical

towards your ambitious targets.

You’ll be backed-up by strong support

and non-technical professional

and encouragement. Everyone’s different

qualifications where appropriate.

people, we also have a very active sports

so we won’t pigeonhole your needs

Sponsorship and time off for study is

and social scene.

with a specific training programme.

often available for these courses. We’ll help you develop a planned

As a naturally sociable group of

Our Summer and Christmas parties are legendary. Of course, you’ve

development on an individual basis with a

approach to your growth. With informal,

been skimping and saving as a student

tailored plan that’s designed to fulfil your

one-to-one meetings with your

for three or more years, so in addition

own specific role and goals.

manager every month, we keep a

to excellent training, we’ll ensure you

close eye on your progress.

DEGREE

share in our success.

sparkling rewards and training

• Higher salaries for graduates with relevant qualifications or experience • Performance related salary reviews • Bonus (average £700 per annum) or incentive scheme for sales staff • 25 days’ holiday a year • Relocation assistance where appropriate (a minimum of £1,000) • Free private medical cover

UNIVERSITY

Graduate Analyst Programmer, IS BSc in Industrial Information Technology (1st Hons) Analyst Programmer, IS Senior Analyst Programmer, IS Development Leader, IS

We offer a long-list of financial and

This could include vital skills in

We’ll approach your training and

PROGRESSION AT RM

University of Central England, Birmingham

the friendly work atmosphere meant that I made a lot of friends immediately.

I started as a Graduate Analyst Programmer in the Information Systems department but I’ve moved on rapidly since, after fifteen months becoming a fully fledged

Analyst Programmer. In 1997 I became a Senior Analyst Programmer and more recently a

Development Leader, managing a group of Team Leaders and Analyst Programmers. RM has changed a lot since I’ve been here in terms

Project-wise, I specifically manage the Sales and

of growth, culture and direction. A great example of

Marketing portfolio – we’ve just started a large

• Free life assurance

this is my own department. We now have 65 people

strategic project to remove their current system and

• Staff share scheme

working in IS, compared with around

replace it with a Customer Relationship Management

30 when I first joined five years ago.

tool. The nature of this work means that I have to be

(after a qualifying period) • Pension scheme

Managing people can be tough...although its

adaptable relative to the current phase of the project.

• Long-term disability insurance

one of the most satisfying parts of my job, especially

The methods and procedures we used three years

• Staff purchase scheme

when you see people move forward in their careers.

ago have been totally revamped – the team effort is always centred around producing an even better

• Nursery provision • Enhanced maternity/paternity provision

software solution. Joining RM was the right move for RM FACTS We’re expanding our business overseas, establishing links with Switzerland, Germany, Malta, Australia and Singapore.

me and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in driving the technology of an IT company.


NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

NAME

AGE

PROGRESSION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

John Bleasdale

24

Internet Support and Development Engineer

MSc Computing in Earth Sciences Honours in Geology

Keele University Oxford University,

Shelley Hartwell

27

Marketing Consultant Sales Consultant Sales Executive Sales Training Manager

BA Hons in Business Administration and French (2:1)

Loughborough University of Technology

Whilst I did geology-

RM Facts

related studies, I decided

Our Living Library product – the UK’s first online reference library for primary and secondary schools, contains over two million items with 10,000 items updated every week.

I had no interest in studying seismic sections and number crunching all day! But computing did fascinate me. RM stood out because they seemed interesting

If I’m developing, there’s more programming work – where I’ve used Visual Basic, Pearl and Unix

automating tasks to major projects like web sites that

on the Internet particularly appealed

allow many more on-line services for our customers. I

change and challenge – and my limited computing experience wasn’t a drawback.

Sales Training Manager.

Shell Scripting. This can involve anything from

and friendly. The idea of working

to me because it guaranteed constant

My progression at RM is a living testament to the culture here. Initially, I joined the marketing department before moving into field sales as a Sales Consultant working on the South East of England. I was then promoted to Sales Executive. But I was immediately asked to set up and manage an inside sales team. After a year of this secondment, I have become the

also have to investigate previously unknown problems or new technology issues, which is actually an attraction as well as a challenge of the role.

Internet Support and Development Engineer I support and develop

Working as an

RM’s Internet service – both for the general infrastructure and for customers who use the service. It’s a good mix of technical and people work, from liaising with teachers, to complicated application and web development.

As my position is a new one, I’ve been creating the role and

Initially, I went on a week-long marketing course that was

the sales training team from the beginning. The challenge

specific to RM. This gave me an understanding of how the

was to identify what the priorities were within sales and how

marketing department functioned and gave me the relevant

sales training could satisfy these needs. In a typical day,

marketing skills. As I have progressed I have had the

I could be out on the road with sales personnel – delivering

associated training, e.g. sales training, presentation skills

training to new starters or organising induction programmes

training and then management and interviewing skills

– or planning for the sales training team.

when I took on line management. More importantly,

It’s up to me to ensure new starters gain a full understanding of our organisation, our sales process and our products. In just three weeks you see an

my line managers have continued to support me through coaching and mentoring. The organisation is ever-changing with new departments

enormous difference in them – more confidence and

and initiatives coming on board all of the time. So there are

understanding. It’s a great feeling when you see

always opportunities to progress within your career or to

them develop and move on.

move into other areas as I did.

The main appeal of my job is being at the cutting

I’ve had a number of rises and promotions so far –

RM Facts

edge of a rapidly expanding area of technology.

which is encouraging! But I’d like to get into

I also like the idea that what we do helps to educate

management now – so I’ve attended courses

We’ve been ranked the No.1 IT supplier to education by the Computer Weekly/Kew Associates PC Market Survey for five years running.

people – which sounds a bit corny – but I need to

and I’m mentoring a new team member to gain

know that I am doing something useful.

management experience.


NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

NAME

AGE

PROGRESSION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

John Bleasdale

24

Internet Support and Development Engineer

MSc Computing in Earth Sciences Honours in Geology

Keele University Oxford University,

Shelley Hartwell

27

Marketing Consultant Sales Consultant Sales Executive Sales Training Manager

BA Hons in Business Administration and French (2:1)

Loughborough University of Technology

Whilst I did geology-

RM Facts

related studies, I decided

Our Living Library product – the UK’s first online reference library for primary and secondary schools, contains over two million items with 10,000 items updated every week.

I had no interest in studying seismic sections and number crunching all day! But computing did fascinate me. RM stood out because they seemed interesting

If I’m developing, there’s more programming work – where I’ve used Visual Basic, Pearl and Unix

automating tasks to major projects like web sites that

on the Internet particularly appealed

allow many more on-line services for our customers. I

change and challenge – and my limited computing experience wasn’t a drawback.

Sales Training Manager.

Shell Scripting. This can involve anything from

and friendly. The idea of working

to me because it guaranteed constant

My progression at RM is a living testament to the culture here. Initially, I joined the marketing department before moving into field sales as a Sales Consultant working on the South East of England. I was then promoted to Sales Executive. But I was immediately asked to set up and manage an inside sales team. After a year of this secondment, I have become the

also have to investigate previously unknown problems or new technology issues, which is actually an attraction as well as a challenge of the role.

Internet Support and Development Engineer I support and develop

Working as an

RM’s Internet service – both for the general infrastructure and for customers who use the service. It’s a good mix of technical and people work, from liaising with teachers, to complicated application and web development.

As my position is a new one, I’ve been creating the role and

Initially, I went on a week-long marketing course that was

the sales training team from the beginning. The challenge

specific to RM. This gave me an understanding of how the

was to identify what the priorities were within sales and how

marketing department functioned and gave me the relevant

sales training could satisfy these needs. In a typical day,

marketing skills. As I have progressed I have had the

I could be out on the road with sales personnel – delivering

associated training, e.g. sales training, presentation skills

training to new starters or organising induction programmes

training and then management and interviewing skills

– or planning for the sales training team.

when I took on line management. More importantly,

It’s up to me to ensure new starters gain a full understanding of our organisation, our sales process and our products. In just three weeks you see an

my line managers have continued to support me through coaching and mentoring. The organisation is ever-changing with new departments

enormous difference in them – more confidence and

and initiatives coming on board all of the time. So there are

understanding. It’s a great feeling when you see

always opportunities to progress within your career or to

them develop and move on.

move into other areas as I did.

The main appeal of my job is being at the cutting

I’ve had a number of rises and promotions so far –

RM Facts

edge of a rapidly expanding area of technology.

which is encouraging! But I’d like to get into

I also like the idea that what we do helps to educate

management now – so I’ve attended courses

We’ve been ranked the No.1 IT supplier to education by the Computer Weekly/Kew Associates PC Market Survey for five years running.

people – which sounds a bit corny – but I need to

and I’m mentoring a new team member to gain

know that I am doing something useful.

management experience.


NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

Andy Lowe

22

PC Development Engineer

BA of Engineering in Electronics, Music and Media technology (2:1)

Leeds Metropolitan University

I’m actually a qualified music teacher! But it was a stint selling PCs whilst at Uni that sparked my interest in the PC market and the fast-paced technology involved. Imagine one hundred thousand PC’s that are shipped to customers on recommendation from you

RM FACTS

and your team – there’s no room for error! That kind

RM Primary Maths and Living Library have Millennium Product status awarded by the Design Council.

of accountability is quite a buzz.

The

Product and Manufacturing Development team have become so good at trapping problems early, that the ones I see later on are intermittent and really

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

SELECTION

INTERVIEW

ASSESSMENT CENTRE

Our selection process is designed to

We’ll read your application carefully

The interview is a two-way process: a

At this stage you’ll get to meet the team

ensure we both make the right choice.

looking for evidence that you’re the kind

chance for you to find out more about RM

and really see if RM and the role is for

of person who’ll thrive at RM. We look for

as well as for us to find out more about

you. Through a series of different

a 2(i) in a relevant subject plus 18 UCAS

you. We want you to do well, so we try to

exercises, you’ll also get the opportunity to

points or equivalent, but we’ll also look at

keep things relaxed and friendly – but be

show us what you can really do. If you’re

activities outside study to see if you’ve

prepared to answer some probing

offered and accept a job, we’ll use

demonstrated teamwork, enthusiasm, good

questions! We can usually let you know

information gained at your assessment

ideas, communication skills, interpersonal

within two weeks whether or not you have

centre as a first step in identifying your

skills, and commercial awareness. If you

been invited to the next stage.

training and development needs.

show us you match up, we’ll invite you to come and meet us.

stretch your problem-solving skills – that’s the main challenge – and one of the most rewarding. It’s quite a responsibility, especially with the quality-focussed market we are part of. The training is very proactive and tailored towards the individual. For example, I have been very involved with solving problems at Printed Circuit Board level, and so I was sent on a Signal Integrity course at Oxford University to help with this kind of troubleshooting.

As far as working life goes, you’ll never be spoon-fed, you’re able to have responsibility from the moment you sit down! It’s a very professional kind of culture – but definitely not uptight or formal. For new graduates the social front is very similar to student life, but with less assignments and lots more early mornings!

show your

flair

from the start


NAME

AGE

POSITION AT RM

DEGREE

UNIVERSITY

Andy Lowe

22

PC Development Engineer

BA of Engineering in Electronics, Music and Media technology (2:1)

Leeds Metropolitan University

I’m actually a qualified music teacher! But it was a stint selling PCs whilst at Uni that sparked my interest in the PC market and the fast-paced technology involved. Imagine one hundred thousand PC’s that are shipped to customers on recommendation from you

RM FACTS

and your team – there’s no room for error! That kind

RM Primary Maths and Living Library have Millennium Product status awarded by the Design Council.

of accountability is quite a buzz.

The

Product and Manufacturing Development team have become so good at trapping problems early, that the ones I see later on are intermittent and really

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

SELECTION

INTERVIEW

ASSESSMENT CENTRE

Our selection process is designed to

We’ll read your application carefully

The interview is a two-way process: a

At this stage you’ll get to meet the team

ensure we both make the right choice.

looking for evidence that you’re the kind

chance for you to find out more about RM

and really see if RM and the role is for

of person who’ll thrive at RM. We look for

as well as for us to find out more about

you. Through a series of different

a 2(i) in a relevant subject plus 18 UCAS

you. We want you to do well, so we try to

exercises, you’ll also get the opportunity to

points or equivalent, but we’ll also look at

keep things relaxed and friendly – but be

show us what you can really do. If you’re

activities outside study to see if you’ve

prepared to answer some probing

offered and accept a job, we’ll use

demonstrated teamwork, enthusiasm, good

questions! We can usually let you know

information gained at your assessment

ideas, communication skills, interpersonal

within two weeks whether or not you have

centre as a first step in identifying your

skills, and commercial awareness. If you

been invited to the next stage.

training and development needs.

show us you match up, we’ll invite you to come and meet us.

stretch your problem-solving skills – that’s the main challenge – and one of the most rewarding. It’s quite a responsibility, especially with the quality-focussed market we are part of. The training is very proactive and tailored towards the individual. For example, I have been very involved with solving problems at Printed Circuit Board level, and so I was sent on a Signal Integrity course at Oxford University to help with this kind of troubleshooting.

As far as working life goes, you’ll never be spoon-fed, you’re able to have responsibility from the moment you sit down! It’s a very professional kind of culture – but definitely not uptight or formal. For new graduates the social front is very similar to student life, but with less assignments and lots more early mornings!

show your

flair

from the start


HOW TO APPLY

You can apply by sending us your CV,

Graduate Recruitment,

Email: graduates@rmplc.net

which must include your full details,

RM plc,

If you want to find out more information

including grades, and a covering letter,

New Mill House,

about us, look us up on the web:

which should tell us what you’re applying

Milton Park,

http://www.rm.com

for and why (we’re afraid we can’t

Abingdon,

accept an application from people who

Oxfordshire OX14 4SE.

require a work permit), to:

RM is an equal opportunities employer Tel: 01235 826000.

and welcomes applications from people

Fax: 01235 823313.

irrespective of race, sex or disability.

Bright sparks wanted.


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