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Make the most of university / Gain vital work experience / Expand your social network name
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job for
Have got the you!
we

Now hiring Graduate Client Managers

£17-20k starting salary, £2,000 annual bonus | fast-tracked progression with
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Apply today! All-year round recruitment but places fill quickly.

To learn more, check out our feature in this career guide or visit www.cga.co.uk/careers
 THIS IS BELONGING

WHERE REAL LEADERS BELONG

The opportunity to do something that matters. Building bonds that never break.
A career full of adventure and accomplishment. You’ll find all of this as a British
Army Officer. We’ll give you world-class training and state-of-the-art technology
to use, so you’ll achieve great things. You’ll have a career steeped in tradition,
filled with responsibility and rich with opportunity. You’ll find a clear career path
for progressing through our ranks and be awarded a starting salary of £31,232
(upon completion of training). And you’ll develop into an exceptional leader,
playing a key part in building the sense of belonging that empowers you and
your team to accomplish anything.
Find where you belong. Become an Army Officer.

FIND WHERE YOU BELONG

SEARCH ARMY OFFICER
What’s inside
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Student Career Guide 2017/18

Employability
In such a competitive jobs market, you need to do as
much as possible to make yourself stand out. Read our
advice on making yourself more attractive to employers

Plan your career path ........................................................................................... 14

The importance of gaining experience.............................................. 16
Making the most of university .................................................................... 20
Skills that employers look for ........................................................................ 22
How to secure an internship.......................................................................... 24
What to do on your placement.................................................................. 28
Working in a small business ........................................................................... 29
The benefits of self-employment ............................................................. 32
How to be an entrepreneur ............................................................................ 34
Overseas experience.............................................................................................. 36

Job hunting
Looking for a job can be stressful, so let us ease the
pressure with tips on choosing your career, application
processes and how to best engage with social media

Choose a career ........................................................................................................ 154

Relocating after university ............................................................................. 162
Recruitment events................................................................................................ 164
Social media and networking ..................................................................... 166
Applying for graduate jobs ............................................................................ 168
CVs and cover letters ........................................................................................... 172
Graduate schemes ................................................................................................. 174
Interviews........................................................................................................................ 176
Tests and exercises................................................................................................. 178
Professional membership ................................................................................ 180

PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 2017/18 is published by Graduate Prospects, Prospects House, Booth Street East, Manchester M13 9EP
ADVERTISING 0161 277 5200 SUBSCRIPTIONS 0161 277 5271 enquiries@prospects.ac.uk www.prospects.ac.uk
Company registration No.2626618 · 3rd edition © Graduate Prospects 2017 · ISBN 978-1-84016-221-9
PUBLISHER Mark Howell ADVERTISING MANAGER Paul Naylor EDITOR Daniel Higginbotham

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Prospects are the experts in graduate careers, inspiring life-changing choices with our unrivalled information, advice and opportunities for success. We produce the market-
leading Prospects portfolio of graduate employment and postgraduate study guides – online, digitally and in print as well as providing unique career tools like Prospects Planner,
which matches skills and interests with the best career options. Prospects is the commercial trading subsidiary of the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU), a higher
education agency and registered charity. Unlike commercial competitors, Prospects is not responsible to a remote body of shareholders and instead reinvests its profits back into
the higher education system to the benefit of careers services, students and graduates, and recruiters. Prospects Student Career Guide 2017/18 © Graduate Prospects 2017

4 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

 SPONSORED BY:
Make informed decisions on who you’d like to work
for, by getting to know UK employers with a strong
track record for providing graduate opportunities
A-Z recruiter index ................................................................................... 186

Sector profiles
Discover what skills employers are looking for and how
to find a job in 20 of the UK’s most important sectors
Accountancy, banking and finance..................................................................48
Business, consulting and management ......................................................66
Charity and voluntary work ......................................................................................72
Energy and utilities ...........................................................................................................73
Engineering and manufacturing.........................................................................75
Environment and agriculture..................................................................................95
Healthcare .................................................................................................................................99
HR and recruitment...................................................................................................... 101
Information technology .......................................................................................... 105
Law ................................................................................................................................................ 118
Marketing, advertising and PR .......................................................................... 120
Media and internet....................................................................................................... 121
Property and construction ..................................................................................... 122
Public services and administration ............................................................... 127
Retail............................................................................................................................................ 128
Sales............................................................................................................................................. 133
Science and pharmaceuticals ............................................................................ 139
Social care.............................................................................................................................. 142
Teaching and education.......................................................................................... 144
Transport and logistics .............................................................................................. 151

Companies to consider

Aldi is one of the fastest- Challenging projects, early Be part of an organisation Premier Pathways offers Our graduate programme
growing grocery retailers responsibility, outstanding that is developing new a successful future for isn’t easy, but who wants
in the UK and we’re regular professional development technologies, pushing graduates wanting easy? You’ll be encouraged
contenders for the top and a series of unique the boundaries of digital, a meaningful career, to push yourself forward
spot in The Times Top experiences – that’s and shaping the way a top salary, and and develop the skills and
100 Graduate Employers. what you can expect we live our lives. continuing progression abilities that will serve
FOR MORE INFO, as a graduate at GCHQ. FOR MORE INFO, with first class support. you well beyond your
SEE PAGE 129 FOR MORE INFO, SEE PAGES 114-115 FOR MORE INFO, SEE placement programme.
SEE PAGE 7 PAGES 15 & 148-149 FOR MORE INFO, SEE PAGE 62

www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.ukPROSPECTS STUDENT
PROSPECTS CAREER
STUDENT GUIDE
CAREER 5 5
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What can I do with my degree?

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6 6PROSPECTS
PROSPECTSSTUDENT
STUDENTCAREER
CAREERGUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
GUIDEwww.prospects.ac.uk
 www.gchq-careers.co.uk

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Number of vacancies
200+.
Work offered
• Cyber security
• Software engineering
• Information assurance
• Mathematics
• Technology and engineering
• IT service management
• Research and development
• Information management
• Language analysts
• Intelligence analysts
• Systems engineering
• Computer network
gCHQ, Britain’s signals intelligence those of you who, are planning to, or are operations
agency, plays a major role in protecting already studying a STEM subject at university. • Project managers
the country’s people, businesses and • Finance/accountants
At GCHQ, you won’t just be discovering • Procurement
infrastructure. Think terrorism, espionage,
innovative ways of using advanced tools • Administrative support
organised crime and cyber attacks. Using
and technologies. You’ll be collaborating on
technical expertise and intelligence to Summer internships
challenging projects, taking responsibilities,
counter these threats, graduates can CyberFirst courses,
developing new skills and ultimately,
expect a truly fascinating career Cyber Summer school,
protecting your country. It’s the kind of work
As Britain faces increasingly sophisticated you simply won’t find anywhere else. undergraduate maths
threats, at GCHQ, we constantly develop summer placement and
We welcome applications from everyone foreign languages summer
unique and creative solutions to stay one step
– regardless of age, experience, cultural placements.
ahead of adversaries. Our intelligence helps
background or sexual orientation. The
prevents terrorism, serious crime and protects Subject of study
nature of our work means that we have
Britain against cyber attacks. All subjects welcome, from First
strict nationality, residency and security
To achieve our mission, we are looking for requirements, so you need to be a British to 2:2 degrees.
graduates from different backgrounds with citizen and have lived in the UK for the See individual role
diverse skills and perspectives. Graduates who majority of the last ten years. Our rigorous, requirements on our careers
dare to think differently. but fair, vetting process will look into your website for more details.
character, family history and personal
No matter what your degree subject is, Locations
circumstances. It’s a thorough process that
you could be eligible to apply to a number Cheltenham, London,
can take up to nine months and you must
of areas, including intelligence analysts, Scarborough, Bude, Harrogate,
be over 18 to complete it. We’re also a
technology and engineering, maths and Greater Manchester and
disability confident employer, dedicated to
cryptography, languages analysts, project Lincolnshire.
providing guaranteed interviews to all disabled
management, finance, leadership and others.
candidates who meet our minimum criteria. How to apply
Look out for our apprenticeships, languages
and maths summer placements opportunities www.gchq-careers.co.uk
in the autumn. We even offer bursaries for

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE

GUIDE 7
•
•
•
• IT
•
Countries we’re present in

191
Brands in our portfolio
If you love KitKat ,
this is the break you’ve
®

2000+
Years we’ve been operating
been looking for
You know Nestlé. But you may not know about the
delicious opportunities we offer graduates and university

150
students across the UK. Welcome to the Nestlé Academy.
We’re proud of our amazing range of globally recognised
brands, including Nescafé, Buxton, Felix, Fruit Pastilles and
everyone’s favourite, Quality Street. And the variety of projects
and work we deliver at Nestlé are just as diverse, meaning you’ll
have every opportunity to develop your skills and gain real
experience in a company that’s leading the way. And if you’ve
got it, you’ll grow it with Nestlé.
We thrive on the energy new talent brings us, and look to
inspire and educate every single person that joins us through
the Academy as an intern, placement, or graduate on one of
our brilliant schemes:

Graduates
18 locations | £27,000 + £2,000 starting bonus
Customer Development, Supply Chain, Engineering,
Manufacturing, Quality, HR, Marketing, SHE, Product Technology

Internships
18 locations | £16,500 pro rata | 10 weeks
Customer Development, Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing,
Marketing, Quality, SHE

Placements
York | £16,500 pro rata | 12 months
Business Applications, IS/IT

We believe your contribution to our success deserves more

than our core package of benefits. Whichever role you come
into, you will be rewarded as a full member of the Nestlé team
with a flexible range of benefits to choose from.

So, how do I apply?

The application process is designed to find out if you have the
strengths and values we’re looking for at Nestlé. We believe
the best talent should have the best chance of joining us,
so whilst we’ve tried to make the application process as
straight-forward as possible, we’ve also included a range
of online tests and strengths based interviewing techniques to
decide who will get to join us at one of our assessment centres.
However, and wherever you join us, we’ll be there to support
you at every stage, building on your strengths so you can
achieve your future ambitions. If you’ve got it grow it with Nestlé

Find out more at:

nestleacademy.co.uk
 www.bailliegifford.com
linkedin.com/company/baillie-gifford

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
number of vacancies
18.
Work offered
Investment management
Application development
Technical infrastructure
Business operations
Location
Edinburgh city centre.

Create the ideas, concepts and solutions VMware, Splunk, Cisco, AirWatch, Bloomberg, Salary
that will drive future development. use Microsoft, Apple and Palo Alto. You will have Highly competitive.
your curiosity, imagination and individual studied an IT related degree, but just as Benefits
thinking to explore new possibilities and important you must be able to explain to us • bonus;
opportunities. Welcome to Baillie gifford how technology can make our business better. • golden hello (sign on bonus);
– and a group of people who think like • life assurance;
Business operations
you. a team of 950+ individuals, based in • pension scheme (with
Interested in business? Join a two-year
Edinburgh, who shape the future of this company contribution);
rotational programme, and experience the full
leading global investment management • 26 days’ holiday.
cycle of over a dozen operational teams which
firm. Join one of our four graduate training
support our growing business. Once you’ve How to apply
programmes – and shape your future too
built that foundation, launch your career in Online at
investment management a specialism that’s matched to your talents, www.bailliegifford.com/
Research potential investments from every skills and aspirations. Your degree could be in graduates
possible angle – politics, people, culture, any subject.
geography, social-economic conditions and Closing date
a long-term approach Application Development
more. Seek out the unique angle or insight
Baillie Gifford was established as an and Technical Infrastructure
that no one else has spotted. We welcome
investment management partnership over Programmes:
applications from all degree subjects but you’ll
100 years ago. Today, with more than 950 30 November 2017.
need to be an original thinker who can present
people based in Edinburgh, we are a leading
a compelling argument. Investment Management
independent global investment management
application development business with over £125 billion under Programme:
Creating innovative software solutions to management. 15 December 2017.
make our business work better. We work Business Operations
We look to buy stakes in companies that have
with users to define and create systems with Programme:
the potential to grow significantly over the
technologies including HTML5, Java Script, 31 December 2017.
long-term – and our track record has proved
ASP.NET MVC, Oracle SQL and PL/SQL, and
our ability to seek out and invest in businesses Contact details
C#. You’ll need an IT related degree, and real
that change the way the world looks – like Baillie Gifford & Co
commercial awareness.
Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Tesla, Facebook, Calton Square,
Technical infrastructure TripAdvisor, Alibaba and Ocado for example. 1 Greenside Row,
Exploring how advanced technologies can In other words, we put a high value on Edinburgh EH1 3AN
shape the future of imaginative business innovative thinkers – and that’s as true of our Tel: 0131 275 2000
solutions. Our team maintains and develops colleagues just as much as the companies we
the entire IT infrastructure. Our platform uses work with.
technologies from leading vendors such as

8
10PROSPECTS
PROSPECTSSTudEnT
STUDENTCaREER GUIDEwww.prospects.ac.uk
CAREERguidE www.prospects.ac.uk

As a pioneering construction business,
we design and build complex, iconic and
sustainable structures. With a diverse
portfolio of work covering sectors
from commercial, health and retail to
infrastructure, residential, tourism and
education, we can offer a career that never
stops moving
As a graduate at Multiplex, you can begin to
build a career you are proud of as you follow
our comprehensive development programme,
which combines on-the-job practical learning
from your day-to-day role on your project with
structured training and development sessions.
Our goal is to provide you with a fundamental
understanding of the way we run our business
and set you on your path for success.
Your development
As well as your daily on-the-job development,
you will be supported with the following:
• Interactive workshops to hone your
professional skills in areas such as
relationship-building, presenting, leadership
and time management.
• A one-on-one mentor to help you navigate
your new role and the wider business.
• The Global Multiplex Graduate Scholarship
– offered to one talented graduate from
our global pool. The winner participates in a
world-leading leadership programme
www.multiplex.global/eugrads
eugrads@multiplex.global
instagram.com/multiplexconstruction
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Become a graduate with
Multiplex in September
2018
Roles offered
• Graduate construction
manager
• Graduate design manager
• Graduate quantity surveyor
• Graduate engineer
• Graduate planner
• Graduate M+E manager
Eligibility to apply
1. Be a student expecting to
complete a relevant
including time spent overseas undertaking
university degree before
practical investigation into an important
September 2018 or a
business issue.
graduate who has
• Accreditation programmes for the Royal
successfully completed
Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS),
a degree no earlier than
the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
September 2016.
and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
2. Are working towards or
• Company sponsored sporting events and
have obtained a degree
dinners.
classification of ideally 2:1
• On completion of the graduate programme
or above.
there is the opportunity to partake in a
3. Have the right to work
secondment to one of our international
in the UK at the time of
businesses where you could work on a
employment.
project in Europe, Australia, the Middle East,
Canada, or growth areas such as India. Subject of study
We accept applications from
Your career
students who have degrees
Working on a variety of industry-leading
in engineering, construction
construction projects, your graduate
management, architecture,
programme is designed to develop both
quantity surveying or other
technical and behavioural skills, providing you
construction related subjects.
with a clear route to success. With Multiplex,
you will enjoy the scope to grow with the Salary
business and push forward with your ideas. £31,000-£32,000 plus
We will support you in building your own benefits.
career, as we have built ours, by delivering the
Closing date
impossible. So our challenge to you is; what do
31 December 2017.
you want to achieve?
We will be attending various
university careers fairs, check
out our website for details.
www.prospects.ac.ukPROSPECTS
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTSSTUDENT
STUDENTCAREER
CAREERGUIDE
gUiDE11
9
12 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 audit.wales
twitter.com/walesaudit
facebook.com/auditwales

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
Graduate trainee programme.
Location
Cardiff, Swansea, Abergele.
Subject of study
Open to applicants from all
disciplines.

The Wales Audit Office support the As an organisation, we pride ourselves on Salary
Auditor General as the public sector being well-run, respected and a great place £20,100-£28,000.
watchdog for Wales. Our aim is to ensure to work. We employ around 260 people with Benefits
that the people of Wales know whether a variety of different skills and knowledge to • Fully paid tuition and
public money is being managed wisely and deliver our work. generous study leave to
that public bodies in Wales understand achieve an internationally
Our main duties and responsibilities include
how to improve outcomes recognised ICAEW
examining how public bodies manage
We do this on behalf of the Auditor General in: and spend public money, including how qualification.
• auditing the financial accounts of public they achieve value in the delivery of public • 33 days holiday plus public
bodies services. We do this through our financial holidays.
• reporting on how services are being and performance audit teams. We also have • Salary advance for tenancy
developed people working in other areas such as business deposit.
• assessing whether value for money is being services, finance, HR, IT and communications • Travel allowance (subject to
achieved who support the work we do. eligibility).
• checking how organisations are planning • Civil service pension.
Our main offices are located in Cardiff,
and delivering improvements How to apply
Abergele and Penllergaer. Trainee roles will,
We are also committed to identifying and however, be geographically based meaning Further details on the role and
publicising good practice, to help public bodies there is a possibility to work across Wales in a how to apply is available at
deliver better services. variety of different client offices. www.audit.wales/jobs

The Auditor General is the statutory external More information about the Wales Audit
auditor of most of the Welsh public sector. Office is available at www.audit.wales
This means that he audits the accounts of
county and county borough councils, police,
fire and rescue authorities, national parks
and community councils as well as the Welsh
Government, its sponsored and related
public bodies, the Assembly Commission and Please note – as we conduct the majority of our work
National Health Service bodies. through the medium of English, the exercises used
within our assessment process will also be conducted
in English. However, we can provide assessment
exercise instructions in Welsh. If you wish for the
interview elements of the process to be conducted
in Welsh, please let us know and appropriate
arrangements will be made.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE

GUIDE 11
13
SPONSORED BY:

Plan your career path

EMPLOYABILITY

Career planning may not be

your main concern during
your first couple of years
at university – but early
preparation can give you
a significant advantage
Graduation can seem a long way off and
making the most of your time as a student
is inevitably a higher priority than thinking
about your future job. However, doing some
research at this stage will make the process
much easier in the long run.
‘You already started career planning when
you chose which subject to study and which
university to study at,’ says Ailsa McLeod,
careers adviser at Newcastle University.
‘Build on this good work by setting
yourself goals throughout your time
at university that will help you explore
a range of opportunities and experiences

SET YOURSELF GOALS THROUGHOUT

to help you understand yourself better,’

UNIVERSITY THAT WILL HELP YOU

she advises.

EXPLORE A RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES

AND EXPERIENCES TO HELP YOU
Get ahead

UNDERSTAND YOURSELF BETTER

Many students make little use of their
university’s careers service until they’re
nearing the end of their course. But Ailsa
says this resource has much to offer from
CV, engaging with the opportunities Seek out opportunities
the outset, providing expert guidance
presented by your careers service will It’s much easier to build a formidable CV
even for those who have no idea of their
help you to understand what’s involved over a number of years than by realising
next move.
in different jobs and whether it suits you don’t meet the entry requirements for
‘Careers services can help you plan
you as an individual. your chosen job once you’ve reached the
ways to explore and research different
This two-sided approach to career end of your course. There are plenty of ways
ideas,’ she explains. ‘They offer one-to-one
planning will ensure that you leave to enhance your job prospects and enjoy
support and opportunities in the form
university with more than just academic yourself at the same time.
of careers fairs, work experience, business
achievements to impress employers ‘As you settle into university life, you
start-up support or career insight sessions
with and you’ll have a better idea of the could get involved in societies, volunteer
for first-year students.’
career path you wish to follow. or become a student ambassador,’ says
The close links they form with employers
In your second year, Ailsa suggests Ailsa. ‘Employers really value students
and alumni can also be utilised, as you carry
that you could apply for placements or who take advantage of the whole
out research into various jobs and sectors.
internships to gain work experience and university experience.’
For helpful guidance on choosing a career,
refine your idea of what’s important to you. For advice on possible extra-curricular
see page 154.
Read more about the importance activities, see page 20. By the time your
Discover what suits you of gaining work experience on page 16, third year comes around, you’ll then be
Ailsa explains that as well as adding and for advice on securing a placement, ready to start applying for jobs (page 168)
a range of skills and experiences to your see page 24. or graduate programmes (page 174).
14
14 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
If you’re
considering
Teaching...

Consider getting paid to qualify as

a teacher...

with On-
Demand
Mentorship

and
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on a personalised timetable that matches

your confidence…

Based at a school that

suits your style, in a
location you choose…

whilst getting a PGCE from the UK’s consider

leading provider.

go to premierpathways.co.uk to
start your own teaching story
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 15
SPONSORED BY:

The importance
EMPLOYABILITY

of gaining experience
Now integral to graduate recruitment, completing a work placement during university
gives you a significant advantage when entering the competitive job market
You may think that you’re perfectly suited
to the job you’re applying for, but if you
don’t have any examples of how you’ve
put your skills to good use, it’ll be much
harder to convince employers of your
suitability for the role.
High Fliers’ The Graduate Market
in 2017 report asked recruiters about
the value of work experience when
assessing students’ applications. Over
a third of those questioned said that
a graduate without any previous work
experience would be ‘unlikely to be
successful’ during the selection process.
In fact, they’d have ‘little or no chance’
of being offered a place on these
companies’ graduate schemes irrespective
of their academic achievements.
A pathway to employment
Many employers are now using work
placement schemes as the first stage
in their graduate recruitment process. The
High Fliers report explains how entry-level
positions are often filled by graduates who
have already worked for the company in
some form, either through a paid internship,
summer job or industrial placement – with
job offers frequently made to students
up to a year before their graduation.
Camilla McBride, senior consultant for
the Starting Out team at Sky, reveals that
they welcome a thousand people every
year for their work experience roles across
more than 20 departments.
Sky’s six- to eight-week summer
placements and 11-month programmes
give students the ‘chance to spend
more time in teams, really developing
their business skills – with the wealth
of experience gained putting candidates
in a strong position when applying for
future roles,’ says Camilla.
Furthermore, networking opportunities
provided by work experience will connect
you with people who may be able to help
progress your career.
An opportunity for self-discovery
It’s never too early to get some work
experience, with many employers offering
something for those at each stage of the
student journey. High Fliers found that
more than half of organisations offer
paid internships and vacation work

16
16 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
 SPONSORED BY:
placements, or open days, introductory
courses and other taster experiences
to first-year undergraduates.
For instance, Sky also provides THE EXPERIENCE WAS INVALUABLE
IN BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN
UNIVERSITY AND EMPLOYMENT
placements that typically last one or two
weeks. You may join a specific team,
be rotated around different teams or work
on a group project. ‘Whichever format

is chosen, participants tell us that their
confidence, communication skills and
understanding of the skills businesses are
looking for, improve,’ explains Camilla.
You can use the opportunity to discover
what a job entails, or what a particular
company is actually like to work for.
If it turns out that the job isn’t right
for you, then it’s best to learn this
on a short placement.
Better career preparation
Camilla explains that as well as showing
recruiters what you have to offer, gaining
work experience while at university gives
you a greater understanding of the working
world, which can help you feel better
prepared for starting your career.
‘Work experience can be hugely helpful
for graduates looking for their first job,’
says Camilla. ‘It’s a great way to work out
what you want to do, the type of role that
might suit you and whether the business
feels like a good fit.’
When it comes to job applications
(page 168) and interviews (page 176),
there are other plus points too. Camilla
says that the experience can really help
you to stand out from other candidates,
as ‘it gives you working examples that you
can use to answer the questions’.
In fact, once you’ve gained a better
understanding of the job role and sector,
you’ll be more confident in discussing
its challenges with employers.
INSIDE VIEW
Physics graduate George Singer
completed a ten-week summer
internship at Tesco between his
second and third year at university,
before accepting a place on their
graduate scheme
Physics is all about solving problems,
so I wanted an opportunity to apply
this in a real-world environment. I was
also looking to build on an interest
in technology and retail.
I’d worked as a customer assistant
in my local Tesco store, so had a feel for
the company’s welcoming and inclusive at work, and the experience was
nature. The internship programme
is designed to give students valuable
experience of delivering a project
with real value.
The project required me to gain
supply chain knowledge, and then build
a small system. My current graduate
role involves improving our supply chain
systems, and the technical skills I picked
up really helped me settle in.
One of the main differences between
work and study is that work is far more
collaborative. It’s all about working
together with other passionate
colleagues, doing everything possible
to maximise value for customers.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT
The office was a really welcoming
environment, and people really helped
me settle into working life.
The feedback I received from the
placement was really beneficial. Tesco
encourages people to give and receive
feedback and they were great at helping
me to create a plan to work on this.
My advice is to make the most
of the flexibility you have at this time
in your life to really push your interests
and explore a career in an area
you’re passionate about.
I learned so much about myself
invaluable in bridging the gap between
university and employment. If you’re
a student with a passion for technology,
I’d fully recommend Tesco as a place
to explore this interest.
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE 17
17

Sparx is a cutting-edge and research-
based educational technology company.
We’re using technology, data and
real
world classroom observation to investigate
scientifically the way young people learn
Our intelligent technology platform is an
extensible, data-driven, web and mobile
framework. Designed for the classroom,
it
delivers truly adaptive mathematics lessons.
School children can learn at their own pace,
using tailored questions and tutorials to help
them reach their full potential. Each task
generates data about how they’re learning
and teachers can see at a glance how the class You’ll be in your penultimate year of study for
are doing, focusing their attention where it’s our internship, or graduating in 2018 for our
needed most.
Back at Sparx HQ, in beautiful Exeter, we run
trials, explore what works and analyse the
data that we capture in every lesson and
each piece
of homework. Our team of data
scientists, developers and content scientists technology to improve it – people who want
use these insights to drive the development
of new questions, games and incentives,
all tailored to increase the students’
understanding and to help us deliver better,
more effective lessons every time.
Being an intern or graduate at Sparx isn’t
about taking a
back seat; you’re an integral
member of the team. You’ll be right in there
getting involved in our research, helping
discover what works (and what doesn’t) in the
field of education.
18 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.sparx.co.uk
recruitment@sparx.co.uk
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Areas of organisation
• Software development
• Education technology
Starting salary
£30,000 for graduate roles.
Benefits
• Free meals and snacks each
day
• Green Travel incentive
We have roles for bright, motivated students • 25 days holiday plus bank
and graduates in: holidays
• Content science – you’ll develop engaging • Pension (up to 5% which is
and new ways to teach Maths topics and matched by the company)
support implementation in schools 
 • Electric car scheme
• Software development – you’ll work • Cycle to work scheme
• On-site gym, classes and
with web, server and cloud technologies in
use of the AstroTurf (lots
languages including Javascript, Python and
of activities to get involved
Go, to develop our learning platform 

in including five a side, yoga,
• Data science – you’ll put the data through
military circuits, pilates to
its paces and perform rigorous statistical
name a few)
evaluation to research what works in
• Free passes to use at
student learning 

Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo
or Torquay’s Living Coast
• Free parking
graduate roles, with at least a 2:1 in Maths,
Science, Computer Science or a relevant Subject of study
computer science/IT, software
numerate or technical subject.
engineering, mathematics,
We’re looking for people with a passion science.
for education, and a belief in the power of
Location
to make a difference. 
 Exeter, Devon.
Contact
Are you up for the challenge?
01392 440431
recruitment@sparx.co.uk
Apply online at
www.sparx.co.uk/join
 FIND THE MOST MIND-BOGGLING,
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INSPIRING WAY TO CHANGE LIVES.

FIND YOUR WAY TO LEAD.

Everyone can remember one incredible teacher that made

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destiny. Find out more at teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 19

SPONSORED BY:

EMPLOYABILITY

Making the most of university

Participating in extra-
curricular activities
complements your degree,
while also providing you
with a more rounded
university experience
There’s more to university than
studying. Lectures, essays and exams
are only one part of student life, and
higher education provides a fantastic
opportunity to experience new things.
‘Extra-curricular activities are a perfect
way for students to fully immerse
themselves in the diverse and exciting
student community,’ says Samuel Ridley,
events and partnerships officer at the
University of Bradford.
Here are three ways to make the
most of your time as a student...
Sports clubs and societies
Getting involved in a university club
or society can create lasting memories
and stories to share with your friends, while
greatly increasing your appeal to graduate
employers. They can offer some examples
to talk about in job or further study
applications and interviews.
You’ll build valuable connections, meet
hundreds of like-minded students from all
backgrounds that share your passions, and
gain transferable skills such as teamwork,
leadership, organisation, communication,
problem solving and time management.
Participation also improves your
confidence, which is beneficial when you’re
new to university and looking to settle
in. ‘It will give you a sense of belonging
while providing more structure and
routine to your week,’ adds Samuel.
There are countless sports available,
from football, rugby and basketball to
fencing, rowing and athletics. Some
students take part to keep fit and play
competitively, while others join in for
the social life.
For example, at the University of
Plymouth Students’ Union there are
a huge range of societies and clubs for all
tastes – from Viking and international Latin,
to Harry Potter, burlesque and cabaret.
If nothing matches your interest, you
can apply to create your own society
by contacting the students’ union.
To boost your CV further, you could look
at becoming chairperson, secretary
or treasurer of a university club, or put
yourself forward as a course representative
or member of the students’ union.
Volunteering
Unpaid voluntary work is often undertaken
with charities and non-profit organisations
such as schools, hospitals and community

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
ARE A PERFECT WAY FOR STUDENTS
TO FULLY IMMERSE THEMSELVES
IN THE DIVERSE AND EXCITING
STUDENT COMMUNITY

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20 PROSPECTS
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GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
 SPONSORED BY:
centres, and is a fantastic way to meet
people outside of your university and
connect with potential employers.
‘Students can benefit enormously from
volunteering,’ says Janice Montgomery,
senior careers adviser at the University
of Aberdeen. ‘It expands students’
networks, builds self-confidence, and
allows them to develop key skills sought
by almost every graduate employer.’
Janice points out that rather than simply
enhancing an education-focused CV,
employers appreciate the student’s
willingness to engage with unfamiliar
contexts and groups of people, which
would enable them to fit in more
effectively in the workplace.
Volunteering can also deepen your
knowledge of a particular type of work,
helping you decide on your career.
In certain sectors, it may even provide
an opportunity for you to gain ‘real life’
experience in a hard-to-enter area such
as conservation.
Research suggests that volunteering
can benefit your mental health by
increasing your self-esteem and sense Part-time work In addition to enhancing your CV and
of purpose. ‘Overall, it allows for crucial Working at university is great for improving your graduate job prospects,
self- development, while enhancing future supplementing your student loan – but part-time work is a way of making new
employability and therefore your graduate the benefits go far beyond extra money friends outside of your course or halls
job prospects,’ says Janice. in your pocket. According to Jay Russell, of residence, explains Jay. ‘It can also
Before you start looking for opportunities, campus jobs manager at the University be fun – from free screenings, if you work
think about the type of organisation that of Reading, part-time work is an opportunity for a cinema, to staff discount cards,
you’d like to help and what you’d like to try out different industries and gain Christmas parties and other activities.’
to achieve. By having clear aims, this an insight into the roles available. Begin your search for work at your
will focus your search. ‘Graduate employers actively look for university’s careers service or students’
Volunteering databases, for example work experience on CVs and application union. Both will advertise part-time
Do-it, allow you to search for opportunities forms, and part-time work demonstrates opportunities at local shops, bars and
by sector or location. The Volunteer Centre responsibility, time management and a host restaurants. Universities also employ
Finder on the NCVO website also lists of other transferable skills that are valuable students in numerous different roles.
local volunteer centres, where you can to graduate employers,’ he adds. You might be able to give campus tours,
discuss your particular interests with However, it’s important to make the for example, or work in IT, administration
a trained adviser. most of any part-time work you’ve done, or the library.
Most voluntary positions, especially especially when completing job application You’ll still need to bear in mind the
those working with vulnerable people, will forms. For instance, Jay warns you not time implications of part-time work
require you to complete an application to refer to your job as ‘only in a coffee on your academic life. Generally speaking,
form and attend an interview. You’ll have shop’. Instead, he says, ‘Tell employers you should look to spend no more than
to undergo security checks with the about your responsibilities – for example, 20 hours every week in the workplace.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) cashing-up, opening and closing the store, Find out more about the practicalities
to work with children or the elderly. or when you deputised for the team leader.’ of securing work experience on page 24.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS
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STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE 21
21
SPONSORED BY:
Skills that employers look for
The graduate jobs market is highly competitive,
so being able to show off a great set of transferable
skills will help you to impress recruiters
Of course, different jobs have their own
requirements. But there are several skills
that are applicable to most graduate roles
– and employers will expect you to provide
evidence of when, where and how you’ve
put them into practice.
Try to use your university coursework
as well as any part-time jobs, extra-curricular
activities and placements to develop and
demonstrate these skills. This means you’ll
have plenty of examples to use when you’re
asked about them on application forms
and in interviews. Here are some of the
key abilities employers are looking for.
Analytical thinking
Many jobs require graduates to gather
relevant information, compare data
from different sources and spot trends,
associations and cause-effect relationships.
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22 PROSPECTS
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EMPLOYABILITY
To succeed, you’ll need to show that
you can take these complex tasks in your
stride and be a problem solver.
This is a skill you can develop during
your studies. For example, to write
an essay or dissertation you’ll need
to do extensive research, consider evidence
and draw conclusions. Any coursework
or work experience where you’re involved
in analysing and manipulating large
sets of data is also relevant.
Commercial awareness
Having a thorough understanding of the
business you’re working for, its competitors
and the wider industry is a skill prized
by graduate employers, especially in the
business, finance and law sectors. Building
up this knowledge demonstrates your
enthusiasm for the role.
Getting experience in your chosen sector
– whether through a part-time job,
placement or volunteering – is the best
way to grow your knowledge. It’s also
a good idea to read appropriate trade
magazines and newspapers, visit the
websites of organisations in the sector
and follow them on social media, and
listen to industry-specific podcasts.
For tips on how to make the most of
networking and social media, see page 166.
You’ll make a great impression at
a job interview if you can discuss recent
developments and challenges in the
particular industry the company operates in.
Communication
You’d be hard pressed to find a graduate
job that doesn’t demand strong written
and verbal communication skills. But
it’s not enough just to state that you
have them – you need to show employers
examples of where you’ve put them
to good use.

EMPLOYERS WILL EXPECT
YOU TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE
OF WHEN, WHERE AND HOW
YOU’VE PUT THESE SKILLS
INTO PRACTICE
It’s important to demonstrate that you can
use language accurately and appropriately,
understand others’ reactions and feelings,
and give clear and persuasive presentations.
In terms of written communication,
highlight any work you’ve had published
– for example in your student newspaper –
as well as your best university coursework.
Ensuring that your job application is
professional and free from spelling or
grammar errors is another excellent
way to show off your ability.
You can develop verbal communication
skills, including listening as well as speaking,
by presenting work to fellow students,
through part-time jobs that involve
customer interaction (such as bar or retail
work) and by joining university societies
or sports clubs that require public speaking
or communication with teammates.
Getting this sort of practice while you’re In a fast-paced graduate job, you need
a student will allow you to demonstrate
your verbal communication skills in a high-
pressure job interview (page 176).
Organisation
Graduate jobs often demand that
you undertake a number of tasks
simultaneously. As a result, employers
will look to recruit candidates who are
able to prioritise their workload and
meet deadlines.
Juggling part-time work and extra-
curricular activities with the successful
completion of your degree is a great way
to show that you’ll be able to deal with
the multi-tasking that comes as standard
in most graduate-level careers.
Another good example is the organisation example, by taking a summer internship
that goes into planning a gap year, as this
shows you can manage a budget, assess
risks and work out the logistics of your trip. dealt with a difficult customer or team
For advice on gap year travel, see page 36.
Resilience
to demonstrate flexibility by adapting
quickly to changing roles and working
environments. Will you take on additional
tasks at short notice? Are you happy
to work above and beyond the duties
set out in your job description?
But as well as being flexible, you also
need to be resilient. This means dealing
with setbacks, learning from mistakes
and bouncing back stronger. Your ability
to show resilience in the face of pressure,
stress and failure is something that
graduate employers increasingly look
for when recruiting.
Show that you’ve taken on board criticism
of your university work and improved it.
Take yourself out of your comfort zone, for
abroad or learning a new skill, and see
how you react. Think about how you’ve
member in your part-time job.
www.prospects.ac.uk
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This is an especially important skill in sectors
where you’ll be put under a lot of pressure
to succeed, such as finance, healthcare
and law. You may be asked in an interview
to discuss a time when things have gone
badly and how you responded to that
setback – so it’s important to be prepared.
Your university may offer specialist training.
Teamwork
It’s very rare that a job application form
or interview doesn’t include a question
on how well you perform as part of a team.
That’s because being comfortable working
with your colleagues is a vital skill in the
vast majority of graduate roles.
Any group work you’ve been involved
with at university, part-time jobs where
you’ve worked closely with others, and
sports teams you’ve played for are all
good examples to use.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/applying-
for-jobs/what-skills-do-employers-want
PROSPECTSSTUDENT
STUDENTCAREER
CAREERGUIDE
GUIDE23
23
SPONSORED BY:

How to secure
EMPLOYABILITY

an internship
FOCUSING ON YOUR AIMS WILL HELP
YOU SEARCH MORE EFFECTIVELY
AND YOU’LL ULTIMATELY GAIN
MORE FROM THE PLACEMENT

Gaining relevant work

experience is vital to career
success – but to secure
an internship, you’ll need
to approach your search
in the right way
You should tackle the search for an
internship as you would for a job – but
you’ll first need to decide what kind
of experience you’re looking for. ‘Are you
aiming to test out a career idea or develop
specific skills such as project management
or commercial awareness,’ asks Sarah
Allbeson, careers adviser at Cardiff
University. ‘Focusing on your aims will help
you search more effectively and you’ll
ultimately gain more from the placement.’ a wealth of opportunities and excellent ‘Organisations often tweet or post
Before beginning your search, consider networking prospects, so don’t pass on Facebook or LinkedIn when they have
the practicalities – such as when you’ll up the chance to attend. opportunities, so students should follow
be able to start, how much time you’ll companies they are interested in.’
be able to dedicate to an internship and Network To explore social media and networking
manageable locations. This will enable you You may feel that you don’t have any in more detail, see page 166.
to filter out any unsuitable opportunities contacts, but this is rarely the case. Family,
and narrow down your options. friends and work colleagues all count Apply speculatively
as contacts, so let them know that you’re Don’t be scared of the speculative
Utilise university careers services actively seeking an internship. They may approach. This involves identifying and
Sarah believes that an appointment know of an opportunity, or be able to put contacting potential employers to ask
with your university careers service you in touch with their contacts. about unadvertised opportunities. It’s
should be your first port of call. ‘At Cardiff, If your existing networks are thin on vital to do your research and tailor your
students can speak to a careers adviser the ground, consider joining a relevant application to the organisation and role.
to get advice on how to search and apply professional body as a student member ‘With fierce competition for internships
for internships. We also have a work (page 180) – this is a great way of finding at bigger firms, it’s worth looking at
experience team that sources full- and useful industry connections. smaller companies who will receive fewer
part-time placements for students.’ applications,’ explains Rebecca. ‘Many
According to Rebecca Chard, internships Search the web great opportunities are developed because
coordinator at the University of Reading, Company websites are the obvious place an individual has proactively contacted
it’s also worth looking into any internship to start; openings can appear without an organisation to ask about openings.
programmes run by your institution. warning, so check them regularly. You might have to contact a few companies
The experience will be of a high quality, Social media is a great way to search for before finding success, but there’s no
with particular focus on adding value placements, but you could also be directly competition for an opportunity that
to the student. approached by employers if you’ve got you create for yourself.’
The majority of universities run a professional online presence. FIND OUT MORE
annual internships, work experience and ‘Using social media can have a big www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
volunteering fairs. These events provide impact on your search,’ says Sarah. experience/work-experience-and-internships
24
24 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
 find out more at: wwww.aiesec.org

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www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 25
 www.gistworld.com

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‘Gist stood out to me – I could secure a graduate role following a

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26 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 27
SPONSORED BY:
What to do on
your placement
Once you’ve secured an internship or placement, it’s important to take
full advantage of the opportunity to develop your skills and experience
This means taking the right approach
before, during and after your placement.
‘Experiencing a meaningful work
placement can have a really positive impact
on your skills development, confidence
and career,’ says Pamela Crawford, joint
head of careers and employability services
at the University of Stirling.
It’s a chance to understand how the
content of your course and your skills relate
to the world of work, she explains.
Katie Seymour-Smith, senior careers
consultant at the University of Derby,
adds that a placement gives you the option
to ‘try before you buy’ a particular career.
Before you start
Don’t turn up on your first day without
doing any preparation. ‘Identify what
development needs you have and what
you would like to experience,’ advises
28
28 PROSPECTS
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www.prospects.ac.uk
EMPLOYABILITY
Katie. ‘Consider, what are your gaps?
What do you need further evidence of?’
It’s also important to research the
organisation, she says. Will it give you
the opportunity to build on certain
skills and gain insights into particular
working practices?
Remember to check the practical details
too. For example, do you know what time
you need to arrive and what the dress code
is? Contact the employer if you’re unsure.
During your placement
Making a good first impression is vital
and, as Pamela points out, it’s easy to do.
‘Be punctual, polite and dress appropriately
and you’ll be off to a great start.’
Then ensure that you’re clear about
what you’re supposed to be doing.
‘Clarify your role and any targets and
timelines set,’ says Pamela.
BE PUNCTUAL, POLITE
AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY
AND YOU’LL BE OFF
TO A GREAT START
She urges you to be proactive and sociable
throughout the placement. ‘Be positive,
volunteer for tasks, get involved in team
activities when appropriate and bring
a can-do attitude to the placement – you’ll
get so much more out of the experience.’
Katie agrees that putting yourself forward
and taking ownership of a task is important.
She says, ‘Generally, people are kind and
welcome those who are interested, so ask
‘can I be of help?’ You’ll be surprised at the
response you get and what this leads to.’
Build contacts, establish networks
and think about how your role fits into
the wider organisation, she adds. Ask
questions about recruitment processes
and career progression.
Throughout your placement,
communication is crucial. ‘Don’t let
problems and issues develop,’ says Pamela.
‘Talk them through with your placement
mentor or course contact and have regular
meetings to make sure you’re on track
to meet and fulfil your original aims.’
Looking back
When your placement is over, add details
of the skills and experience you gained
to your CV and take some time to think
about how it went.
‘Seek feedback from your supervisor and
from others you worked with,’ says Katie.
‘Then consider what happened, what
did you learn, what did you gain?’ Not
all experience is positive and that’s fine
– learn from it and move forward.
If it did go well, be sure to stay in
touch with the company. ‘There may be
opportunities for employment with your
placement provider in the future,
so keep the channels of communication
open,’ advises Pamela.
 SPONSORED BY:
Working in a
EMPLOYABILITY

small business
THE OPPORTUNITIES TO GAIN
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS IN AN SME
MEAN THAT OFTEN THE REWARDS
OUTWEIGH THE CHALLENGES

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provide applicants will need to be quick learners,’
she adds. ‘Workflow and requirements
excellent opportunities for students showing initiative, can change drastically and suddenly.’
including greater responsibility and a varied workload One drawback of SMEs is the general
lack of dedicated human resources
According to HECSU’s (the Higher You could even find permanent employment
(HR) departments, which can lead
Education Careers Service Unit) What at the company. Progression can be quick
to administrative obstacles, for instance,
do graduates do? 2016 report, over a third as you’ll work closely with experienced
surrounding pay and holidays. Not having
of graduates in 2015 went to work for colleagues in smaller teams and have daily
the opportunity to work within a larger
companies with fewer than 250 employees, contact with management staff. ‘Your
team is another potential pitfall.
and a fifth with companies with fewer contribution is important and will
than 50 employees. be recognised,’ says Sophie. How do I apply?
However, there are many advantages Making speculative applications is key
to working as an intern in a small business Is working for a small business to gaining work experience, as many SMEs
while still at university. ‘The opportunities right for me? don’t formally advertise their opportunities.
to gain experience and skills in an SME SMEs are ideal for interns with initiative Research the companies that interest you,
mean that often the rewards outweigh who require little direction. You’ll be thrown discovering ways in which your skills and
the challenges,’ says Sophie Kanabar, in at the deep end and might be expected personality suits them. Your careers service
employer engagement associate to know things you don’t. ‘This doesn’t can help you with your application.
at Loughborough University. mean you cannot progress,’ says Sophie. Explore the practicalities of securing
‘But you’ll need to be proactive in your an internship (page 24) and read advice
Why work for a small business? attitude to personal development.’ on applying for graduate jobs (page 168).
You’re likely to have greater responsibility You’ll require common soft skills, such Openings can also be found through
than at larger organisations, improving as flexibility, resilience and adaptability. your university, as Pam says that most
your chances of making important decisions Pam says that applicants may also have contacts with smaller businesses
and influencing operations. Handling need specific skills in areas such as web that can offer short-term placements with
projects and seeing your ideas implemented development or social media. ‘Potential a view to longer-term opportunities.
will make you feel that you’re genuinely
making an impression.
‘Students are able to make a significant
impact within a smaller business from
day one,’ says Pam Pickles, student
employability manager at Lancaster
University. ‘This early responsibility builds
confidence and earns respect, and looks
extremely positive on a CV.’
Work within an SME is often more varied
than at larger organisations. Experiencing
many business functions and taking
ownership of more tasks significantly
boosts your skillset.
‘This can help a student to quickly learn
where their strengths are, to make decisions
about what type of work suits them and
what areas of their knowledge might
need development,’ adds Pam.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE 29
29

dragonmobility’s passion is to support
disabled people in their access to
mainstream life. We manufacture
bespoke powerchairs, enabling disabled
people worldwide to be fully integrated.
Our managing director, Ruth Everard,
leads our thriving company and lives her
own busy life while living with a severe
neuromuscular condition
Our opportunities (including internships)
Ruth offers salaried one-year contracts for
new graduates, working as her personal
assistants.One of the team of three or four
assistants stays with Ruth at any one time, so
each assistant has plenty of time off duty in
between.
Dragonmobility also offers diverse internships
and graduate roles.
What makes us different
We are a family business and the practical,
problem-solving nature of our founders runs
throughout our wider team.
FIND YOUR
PERFECT
CAREER
Search jobs, graduate schemes, internships and
work experience opportunities from a huge range of
employers on the UK’s biggest graduate careers website
26
30 PROSPECTS STudEnT
STUDENT CaREER
CAREER guidE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.dragonmobility.com
graduates@dragonmobility.com
ruth@assistants.org.uk
Although not all of us have personal
Work offered
experience of disability, we are all driven by
• Personal assistants to
the principle that nobody should be excluded
Ruth Everard
from normal life.
• Graduate engineer(s)
What we’re looking for • Client team internships
These roles are for graduates of all disciplines, (fundraising and philanthropy,
including science, engineering, marketing, communications and design)
design, humanities and languages. You have a
Location
proactive approach and an inclusive mentality,
Within East Anglia/South East
you take pride in doing a job well, and you are
(Cambridge-centred).
excited to use your skills to make a difference
to real people. How to apply
For Ruth’s assistants please apply
development and career progression
online at www.assistants.org.uk
Every individual has broad opportunities to
expand their natural skills, and is actively For other Dragonmobility
encouraged to undertake further training opportunities please apply with CV.
and gain new qualifications. Members of
past and current teams have all progressed
as their skills have developed, in areas as
broad as medicine, finance, management,
engineering, teaching, law, public services and
infrastructure.
www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate-jobs
J.P. Morgan
GRADUATE VIEW
Kate Poskitt graduated
with a BA in PPS (politics,
psychology, sociology)
from the University of
Cambridge. She’s now
working as an emerging
markets trading analyst
for J.P. Morgan (JPM)
How did you get onto the JPM graduate
scheme? Alongside attending the careers
fair, I also went to a range of events hosted
by different companies in Cambridge. The
dinners were the most useful, as they gave
you a chance to talk to senior people in the
business, hear about their careers, and ask
about things you can’t find out from the
website or a careers fair stand.
I then applied for a summer internship
at JPM, which involved two rounds of
interviews. I completed a ten-week summer
internship and then started full time in the
November of the same year.
Describe a typical working day in your
current role. A day in markets is always
varied – elections, political developments,
economic data and central bank rhetoric
drive moves in different markets, prompting
investors to act and keeping you on your toes.
As an analyst, there are regular tasks that
punctuate your day: managing electronic
trades, working with the sales team on
enquiries, preparing marketing information
and checking risk and profit reports.
I start at 7.15am – everyone is reading
the news and looking at what’s happened
during Asian trading. We work closely with
our partners in Asia during the morning,
executing and discussing trades with
them. The rest of the day is entirely variable;
it can be incredibly busy with constant
live trades, or there can be more time to
research and discuss different viewpoints.
At 4pm, the markets ‘close’: closing prices
are published and end of day reports are
compiled and submitted to management.
My day typically finishes at around 5.30-
6pm, and it’s fun because you’re constantly
learning, thinking and engaged with
what’s going on in the world.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 31
What training and support have you
received? Training starts with your first day
of the internship programme, and it doesn’t
really ever stop. Interns spend a lot of time
shadowing people – listening, learning
and being quizzed. The job is incredibly
specialised and not something you can just
read in a textbook, so there are also ‘teach-
ins’: training run by senior staff on a specific
product or area of expertise.
As a graduate within markets, you’ll spend
eight weeks in New York City where there’s
more generalised finance training for markets
graduates from all over the world.
How has your role developed and what
are your career ambitions? I’ve now been
at JPM for almost two years, during which
time I’ve gained more responsibility both
in terms of trading and interactions with
different departments.
I’ve been particularly involved with
technology – banking is a fast moving
industry and efficiency counts. There are
lots of exciting things going on with making
technology smarter and systems more useful
for quick decision-making and synthesising
large amounts of information.
What advice would you give to
graduates wanting to work in the sector?
Be proactive and inquisitive. Markets are not
static, they constantly move in unexpected
and sometimes inexplicable ways that
challenge your frame of seeing the world.
Almost all of your learning will come from
the people you work with, so maximise those
interactions. Do background research and be
prepared to think on your feet. Interviewers
aren’t looking for someone who can
regurgitate the entire Financial Times; they
want to know what your opinion is.
SPONSORED BY:
The benefits of
self-employment
It takes tenacity, dedication
and initiative to create
a successful business or
to work for yourself – but
if you’re an enterprising
individual, the effort has
its rewards
Over 5% of 2015 graduates were either
self-employed, working freelance or
starting their own business six months
after graduation, reveals the latest HESA
(Higher Education Statistics Agency) figures. necessarily be expected to devise untested
While this is only a small proportion of
higher education leavers, there’s certainly
a growing trend towards going it alone.
If you’re contemplating some form
of self-employment when you graduate –
or even to get a head-start while you’re still employees (if you have any) and keep
a student – here are a few of your options.
32
32 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
EMPLOYABILITY
Run a small business
A 2016 study from the New Entrepreneurs
Foundation found that almost a third of
young British professionals aged 18 to 24
have plans to start their own business.
The main barriers to taking this big step,
however, are a lack of finance, business
knowledge and the right contacts. If all
this sounds familiar, don’t be disheartened,
as even successful entrepreneurs have
met with difficulties in getting their ideas
off the ground.
While a small business owner won’t
ideas, make high-risk decisions and
generate buyer interest in their company,
as an entrepreneur would, their problems
will typically all be at the local level. Your
main job will be to closely manage your
track of your finances.
Be an entrepreneur
The characteristics of an entrepreneur
vary widely from that of a small business
owner, with ideas often growing from their
skills, interests or personal circumstances.
These are usually formed in response
to an unmissable market opportunity.
Even bringing a small-scale enterprise
to fruition will require plenty of effort,
planning and dedication. This naturally
means working extremely long hours,
especially in the beginning.
As well as conducting thorough market
research, you’ll either have to look into
self-funding your venture – possibly by
starting your business from your home –
or seeking support from investors. Despite
this greater level of risk, it can often reap
bigger rewards.
Support is now widely available for
those looking to acquire the necessary
skills and contacts. Many universities and
accelerators are there to help you overcome
the traditional obstacles to making your
business idea a reality.
Work freelance
In many professions, including numerous
writing, programming and graphic design
roles, it’s tough to find work without
having already gained that much-needed
experience. Therefore, freelancing is one
way to build up a portfolio of work to
show to employers. Some people enjoy
the freedom and flexibility that this brings
and by growing a network of clients, you
may also find that doing this full time is
preferable to working for an employer.
However, you’ll still have to take into
account challenges that include a possibly
unstable income, filling out tax refunds
– with bookkeeping another popular self-
employed profession – and the fact it may
restrict and encroach on your social life.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/self-employment

Not everyone wants to work for someone
else. With 2 million freelancers in the UK,
more and more people are taking control
of their careers and becoming their own
boss. Working for yourself provides the
opportunity to be more flexible, work on
projects you are passionate about and
reap the financial rewards
So, to give you a kick start, here are some top
tips for setting up and getting going:
• Learn the business basics – it’s useful to
develop an understanding of the basic
aspects of running a business to give
your freelance career the best start. IPSE
run around 100 events each year breaking
down business aspects to give you the best
chance of succeeding.
• Get networking – as the saying goes ‘It’s
not always what you know, it’s who you
know’. Meeting new people and
developing the habit of telling others
what you do is a great way to find
potential business. With networking events
and platforms, IPSE provides the
opportunity to meet other freelancers and
secure new projects.
• Have confidence in your talents and
abilities – it’s a brave move to start
working for yourself so confidence is crucial
to drive your business forward. Confidence
www.ipse.co.uk
twitter.com/teamIPSE
facebook.com/freelancingmatters
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
IPSE – the Association of
Independent Professionals and
the self employed, supports
and represents freelancers,
contractors, consultants and
independent professionals
from every sector of the
economy.
IPSE recognises that everyone
who is new to freelancing and
self-employment may need
some help along the way.
That’s why IPSE student
is infectious, so if you’re confident in what membership is specifically
you do, your clients will feel assured in your designed for students and
ability. recent graduates who are
considering becoming self-
• Don’t wait – what common advice do our
employed.
members give those starting out? ‘Go for
it’. With a 66% increase in the number of And if you are already
young freelancers since 2008, there’s no freelancing, IPSE membership
need to wait. Everyone starts somewhere, will help broaden your
so why not start now? networks and knowledge to
support your ambitions.
IPSE represents and supports self-employed
professionals from every sector. Our members
are a diverse spectrum of freelancers from
designers to engineers, wine consultants
to forensic scientists, IT consultants to
copywriters, and everything else in between.
With more than 20,000 members you’re in
good company.
Get your freelance career off to the best start
by joining IPSE Student membership forjust
£35 per year and get access to:
• contract and invoicing templates
• freelancing guides and advice
• expert knowledge and networking events
• discount on training courses
• subscription to IPSE’s digital magazine
and newsletter
• discount on higher levels of membership
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 33
SPONSORED BY:

How to be
EMPLOYABILITY

an entrepreneur
Neil Clough, a 2013 finalist
on the popular BBC show
The Apprentice, tells us his
story and provides some tips
for students interested in
entrepreneurship
Why become an entrepreneur?
My journey was different to most as it
came off the back of my appearance
on The Apprentice. After reaching the final
five and being dubbed the ‘right man,
wrong plan,’ I decided to learn from where
I went wrong and launch my own business.
My biggest lesson was to stick to what
I know – not what I wanted to know –
so I co-founded a business called Prime,
focusing on sales where I’ve spent my
entire business career.
What advice would you give
to budding entrepreneurs?
• Partner with someone that complements
your skillset – this makes you a stronger
force. One person can only do so much,
and when starting a business, you have
to quickly become a master of all trades.
• Be different – you must have a clear
unique selling point (USP) and know
what makes you stand out from the
competition. This can simply be a tweak
to the normal way of doing things, but
the difference is what gets you noticed
and makes you memorable.
• Have a clear vision – know where you
want to get to, and then do everything
in your power to make it happen. Also,
set out your company values from day
one. These are the foundation of your
business, you have to live and breathe
them every day.
What are the top three skills
needed to be an entrepreneur?
You have to be able to sell your product
or service. You also have to sell yourself
to gain new clients, as without sales you
have no business.
Market knowledge – this comes from
where I fundamentally went wrong with
my business plan for The Apprentice.
I had an idea, but had never worked
in that market. Stick to a market you
know and enjoy; a market where you
can perform at your best.
Finally, you need to believe in yourself,
as if you truly believe you can, you’re
already halfway there.
How do you generate new ideas?
I come up with my best ideas when running,
so always write things down afterwards. It’s
also worth asking the people closest to you
about their ideas and then bouncing yours
off them. They’re the people most likely
to give you honest feedback, as they want
you to be successful.

What sacrifices have you had to make?

I left my job to start a business without
a salary – you must take risks, or you’ll
never reach your full potential.

What are the key elements for

starting a successful business?
• Launch your business in a market
you know and love.
• Take your time when writing your
business plan – and present it to people
you know to gain honest feedback
Also, do your market research.
• Have a clear vision – so you know
where you want to get to.
• Set core values – this creates your
MY BIGGEST LESSON culture, and when you grow, you’re
WAS TO STICK TO WHAT only as good as your people.
I KNOW – NOT WHAT
I WANTED TO KNOW
Find out more
www.thisisprime.co.uk
@NeilWClough
34
34 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
Infinite possibilities.
At Arup our people are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to
transform the world’s infrastructure and built environment. We help to turn
the challenges and obstacles of the past into the achievements of the future.
We approach our work with fresh eyes and enthusiasm – working to take our
industry in exciting directions. This philosophy has helped us design and deliver
groundbreaking and iconic work across the world. Involving everyone from
design teams and engineers, through consultants, project managers and
a myriad of other professions and disciplines.
Early exposure and responsibility is a given. Work life balance is a reality, not
an aspiration. And we share our success with everyone – we deliver results
collaboratively and we all benefit from those results. It’s about making
the impossible happen, making a real difference to the world around us.
It’s about infinite possibilities.

Explore an opportunity where the possibilities are endless...

www.arup.com We shape a better world

We are committed to equal opportunities.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 35

SPONSORED BY:
Overseas experience
If the idea of taking some time out to sample a different culture
sounds appealing, explore your gap year and work abroad options
The traditional idea of a gap year involves
taking a break from work or study and
heading off to visit far-flung countries with
a few possessions and even fewer concerns.
While this is still a popular choice for
many students and graduates, others use
their travels as a tool for securing future
employment, volunteering or learning
a language while they experience
a different culture.
Gap years
Ignore the parodied cliché of the traveller
‘finding themselves’, advises Neil McQuillian,
editor at Rough Guides. A gap year can
do so much for you and, arguably, for
the destinations you visit.
‘You’ll meet a rich and varied cast
of characters, both travellers and locals,
36
36 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
EMPLOYABILITY
and hopefully learn invaluable people skills,’
reveals Neil. ‘You might not want to think
too much about it now – but it’s going
to be very important when you return.’
If you’re doing a language degree –
being immersed in it day to day will
improve your skill level hundredfold and
hopefully remind you why you chose
this degree in the first place.
As well as encountering others on your
travels, Neil explains how you’ll also learn
to go it alone and appreciate solitude,
giving you the chance to be resourceful
and decisive. ‘You’ll bring that confidence
to whatever you do back home afterwards,’
he adds.
In terms of planning for the trip, you
won’t be left to fend for yourself, as there
are plenty of resources on the subject.
If you’re a first-time traveller in need of
guidance, you might want to read Rough
Guides’ On a Budget and First-Time series.
You can learn more at www.prospects.
ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/gap-year
Working abroad
A culturally rich gap year spent clocking
up the miles across different continents
certainly has its benefits – as Neil suggests,
‘There’s some evidence that employers
are getting more interested in this kind
of get-up-and-go, self-starting experience
than solely academic qualifications.’
But to ensure that employers value
your gap year, you should consider
basing the trip around some form of work
experience. Casual work or volunteering
Top 10 gap year destinations
Australia
Thailand
USA
Peru
Vietnam
New Zealand
Laos and Cambodia
Colombia
East Africa
India
(ABTA, August 2016)
 SPONSORED BY:
YOU’LL MEET A RICH AND VARIED
CAST OF CHARACTERS, BOTH
TRAVELLERS AND LOCALS, AND
LEARN INVALUABLE PEOPLE SKILLS

can offer you the chance to work in an

area that you’re interested in – and it’ll
look good on your CV.
Neil says, ‘Stopping to work or volunteer
for a few weeks can give you a rest from
being constantly on the move; you can
get to know a place better too.’
Working while travelling can provide
a great talking point in interviews, and
you can build a network of international
contacts as you move from nation to nation.
For those contemplating longer-term
travelling, it’s a golden opportunity
to build on your skills and experience,
which until now will likely be mainly
academic. However, if you’re looking
at paid employment, be sure to research
the working visa requirements and tax
situation before you go.

Work placements and internships

An internship abroad proves to employers
that you’re motivated and actively
looking for a challenge that tests your
independence. It also demonstrates
that you’re prepared to adapt to a new
working culture and way of life.
Typically arranged by a third-party
organisation, or by applying directly to
a specific company overseas, you can sort
either paid or unpaid work lasting anywhere
between three months and a year.
In terms of structured work programmes,
one of the key remits of the British
Council’s Study Work Create web portal is
to highlight work options abroad based on
opportunities, locations or qualifications.
These include Erasmus+ work placements
and working and studying abroad as part
of your degree.
The UK government has confirmed that
UK universities and organisations can
participate in Erasmus+ as usual in 2018,
as it will underwrite grant agreements
signed while still a European Union (EU)
member, so people should prepare to take
part as normal while that’s the case. They
have indicated that participation in some
EU programmes may continue, subject
to the Article 50 negotiation.
Other work abroad options include
working in India, teaching as a language
assistant and taking a paid industry
placement through IAESTE (The
International Association for the Exchange
of Students for Technical Experience).
For further details visit www.britishcouncil.
org/study-work-create
If you’re thinking of working abroad
during the final year of your degree,
GlobalGraduates.com is a network
supporting those in your position. You can
get tips from fellow students who’ve worked
in specific countries and job sectors, while
sharing experiences and recommendations.
For more advice, visit www.prospects.ac.uk/
jobs-and-work-experience/work-experience-
and-internships/experience-abroad
www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.ukPROSPECTS
Volunteering
If you want to help others while helping
yourself, volunteering shows that you’re
both hardworking and unselfish. It can also
be used as time to reflect before making
important decisions.
As a volunteer with the European
Voluntary Service (EVS), part of the
Erasmus+ programme, you could be
involved in sports and outdoor activities,
education, arts and music or cultural
associations.
While funding for these opportunities
can vary according to location and duration
of the placement, you’ll generally get help
towards your travel costs, accommodation,
meals and insurance, plus additional funds
to cover daily expenses. The continuation
of this programme is subject to the same
conditions as outlined above.
Learn more at www.prospects.ac.uk/
jobs-and-work-experience/work-experience-
and-internships/volunteering
PROSPECTSSTUDENT
STUDENTCAREER
CAREERGUIDE
GUIDE37
37
 ENHANCE YOUR
EMPLOYABILITY
Work abroad and stand out
from the crowd. Develop
skills whilst you live out
your travel dreams. It’s a
wondrous world out there.
Go and explore it.

WORK INTERN VOLUNTEER

BUNAC.ORG/PROSPECTS
38 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
VOLUNTEER &
INTERN ABROAD
Improve your CV and experience new cultures
whilst making a real difference, on a choice of over
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Project work with;

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www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 39

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 35
 Spain Awaits
Become a CAPS Language
Conversation Assistant
My host family is beautiful and generous. The kids are
all super motivated. CAPS has been hands down the
International work experience. Monthly grant. Living expenses covered. Live as a local. Free TEFL course.
bestHighly
time of my life. Helping people learn English has
reputable Spanish schools. 9 month placement. CAPS established in 2009. 300 positions from Sept to June.
made me want to become a teacher. My Spanish is
25 Classroom hours per week. Safe & comfortable environment. Erasmus & GAP Year placements welcome.
mproving by leaps and bounds! I immediately felt at
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home. The teachers made me feel so welcome. I will
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cherish these memories forever! Friends I have made
Placements in Primary & Secondary Schools. Become a big brother or sister to the host families children.
haveApplicants
become like my family. I have fallen in love with the
between 18-30. Native level of English. Enjoy working with children. Passion to embrace the culture.
Spanish people and culture. The experience has been
The desire to live with a volunteer Spanish host family. A fun and outgoing personality. Flexible & openminded.
something I can´t recommend enough! Big thanks to
he CAPS team, for making my time in Spain so special
If you feel you are ready for the CAPS adventure, we want to hear from you!

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caps@hometohome.es

Over 1800 assistants have joined CAPS so far, why dont you be next?
40 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
e
e
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China International Schools Program
l ⦁ Teach English in China ⦁ 100+ positions open
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42 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
38 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 43
40
44 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
RISE TO THE
CHALLENGE
A Guide to a Career in Law
Advice and guidance on becoming a solicitor or barrister,
routes to qualification and views from students and recruiters

www.prospects.ac.uk/publications/law
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 45
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42
46 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
Sector profiles
Deciding which area you want to work in can be a challenge, but
doing a little bit of research can help to make your decision easier...
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:

Accountancy, Engineering and

SPONSORED BY:

Information technology
SECTOR PROFILES SECTOR PROFILES SECTOR PROFILES

banking and finance
Offering some of the best
starting salaries in the
graduate job market, this
can be a lucrative as well
as professionally-rewarding
area of work
Despite job cuts in banking and financial
departments within the company before
selecting your preferred area.
Among the main graduate employers are
the ‘big four’ accountancy and financial
services firms: Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC.
However, there are many more small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
than large companies in the UK, and this
type of employer provides excellent career
charities and not-for-profit organisations,
but the majority of finance opportunities
are with profit-generating businesses.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• employee benefits, such as pension
plans, private healthcare, joining
bonuses and sports club membership
manufacturing Skills shortages in key areas of the digital economy mean there are lots
There’s never been a better of opportunities for talented graduates to launch a career in this sector
time to get into engineering, in the public sector, can also be found
as between now and 2022 on specialist industry recruitment sites.
more than one million In addition, you can search for IT
vacancies on general jobs websites – don’t
job vacancies will require
forget that many large firms in other sectors
engineering skills offer IT or technology-based streams
on their graduate programmes.

What roles are on offer?

prospects for graduates. Bear in mind • good opportunities for progression Graduates have a range of industries Jobs in IT can be found in all parts
services during the recession, the sector
that recruitment, selection and training • average starting salaries of £30,000 to consider, including space, electrical, of the UK, but particularly in its larger
has bounced back and the future is more
arrangements may not be as formal. in accountancy, £32,500 in banking biotechnology, oil and gas, film and TV, Aerospace engineer cities. The Experis Tech Cities Job Watch
positive, with finance and accountancy
While there’s no disputing London’s and £47,000 in investment banking and metals, minerals and materials. report for the second quarter of 2016
leading the way in the recovery. This is Contracting civil engineer
dominance as a global finance centre, other (High Fliers’ The Graduate Market There are opportunities for software, identified ten cities that are building
a field in which the UK is a global leader. Electronics engineer
major UK cities such as Leeds, Glasgow, in 2017 report) with salaries chemical, electrical, electronic and a reputation as ‘technology cluster hubs’
You could work in a number of areas,
Edinburgh and Manchester are also increasing rapidly with experience mechanical engineers within many Maintenance engineer where established firms and start-ups tend
including insurance, financial planning,
and professional qualifications of these, and you could work in a design, Quality manager to group together. These are: Birmingham,
investments and pensions, accountancy and flourishing. A 2016 report by TheCityUK

What roles are on offer?

finance, and banking and building societies. shows that two-thirds of jobs in finance and
What do employers look for?
While there are opportunities for
graduates from a range of subjects,
a good level of numeracy is important
for most roles. Many major employers
ask for a 2:1 and sometimes also specify
UCAS points. Requirements set by
smaller companies may vary.
Employers in this sector place a strong
emphasis on work experience. Many firms
offer internships, summer placements
or a year in industry for undergraduate
students, which may lead to permanent
jobs or entry onto graduate schemes.
Visit individual company websites or your
university careers service for the latest
work placements and internships.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with a real interest in finance,
analytical skills, attention to detail and
accuracy, and the capacity to work with
figures and statistics.
How do I find a job?
Many graduates begin their career
by being accepted onto a company’s
graduate scheme. You’ll usually follow
a structured training programme and
have the opportunity to work in various
professional services are outside the capital.
There may also be opportunities to work
overseas for some of the bigger financial
companies – although this could depend on
having additional skills such as languages.
Graduate jobs in accountancy exist within
What roles are on offer?
Corporate treasurer
Financial trader
Insurance underwriter
Internal auditor
Stockbroker
• substantial bonuses in some
finance professions
• to work long hours in a fast-paced
office environment.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/accountancy-banking-and-finance
production, maintenance, or research
and development function.
Who are the main graduate employers?
Graduates are employed by large
companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems
and Thales Group (aerospace industry),
Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce
(automotive industry), Heinz, Mondelez
International and Nestlé (food and
drink industry), BP, ExxonMobil and
Schlumberger (oil and gas industry).
Other large companies that recruit
engineers include P&G, Siemens and
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
Despite this, the engineering and
manufacturing sector is dominated
by small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs). Most graduates of this discipline,
therefore, work in smaller organisations.
What do employers look for?
A degree in an engineering or technology-
related subject is usually necessary.
A qualification in any discipline of
engineering may be acceptable for some
roles, but others – such as those in chemical, Scientist and The Engineer.
mechanical or electrical engineering –
usually require a specific degree.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with a high standard of
numeracy and computing skills, analytical
and problem-solving skills, communication
skills, innovation, planning, organisation
and project management skills and
technical and scientific knowledge.
Recruiters look favourably on those
who have the relevant work experience
to complement their degree.
How do I find a job?
Some degrees in engineering and
technology include a placement year.
You can also apply directly to companies
such as Siemens for industrial placements.
Recruiters often offer permanent jobs
to graduates who’ve performed well
on their schemes.
Large employers such as BP, Nestlé,
BAE Systems and Jaguar Land Rover offer
graduate schemes in engineering and
manufacturing. Smaller organisations
also have opportunities.
You can search for jobs in the usual
places, plus specialist press such as New
Professional bodies, for example the
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and
the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
(IMechE), also advertise vacancies.
Joining a professional body isn’t usually
necessary to gain your first graduate job;
however, it provides access to networking
opportunities, training events, discussion
forums and the latest industry news.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect to:
• enjoy continuing professional
development (CPD), perhaps working
towards becoming a Chartered Engineer
(CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• receive an average starting salary
of around £27,000
• use their creativity and problem-solving
skills to design innovative products
or tackle some of the world’s most
pressing challenges
• work differing hours depending on
the role, with some projects and
assignments – such as disaster relief
work – requiring greater flexibility
• be in differing environments depending
on the industry, with work locations
including laboratories, hospitals,
offices and factories.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/engineering-and-manufacturing
Areas of work available in the information
technology (IT) sector include cyber
security, data analytics, computer
games development, IT consultancy and
telecommunications, among others.
Your job could involve creating
applications or systems, solving problems
with technology, or supporting people
who use it. Employers in the IT industry
also require graduates in functions such
as business, marketing, human resources
(HR) and finance.
Many IT and telecommunications
professionals work in other sectors,
for example, in the IT departments
of retail, finance, manufacturing and
public sector organisations.
What do employers look for?
For some roles you will need a degree in IT,
maths, science or engineering, although you
Applications developer
Database administrator
Network engineer
SEO specialist
Systems analyst
will usually be able to enter more business-
focused careers (for example IT consultancy)
with a degree in any discipline. Significant
and relevant work experience will give you
an advantage when applying for jobs.
Many IT jobs demand specific
technical skills, such as proficiency in
a particular programming language,
software application or method of project
management. Perhaps more than in any
other sector, professional qualifications
and certifications demonstrating these
are highly valued by IT employers.
You can take short and online courses
in many of these areas.
How do I find a job?
Visit the websites of major IT and
telecommunications companies to find
out about their graduate schemes. Entry-
level and graduate vacancies, including
Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester
and Newcastle upon Tyne.
When applying for jobs, ensure that
your CV is tailored to the sector you want
to work in – for IT roles, a technical CV
showcasing your skills is the most suitable.
See an example at www.prospects.ac.uk/
careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/
example-cvs
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• starting salaries of around £30,000
according to High Fliers’ The Graduate
Market in 2017 report, close to the
national median across all sectors
• typically long working hours because
employers emphasise completing
a task or project over maintaining
a standard 9am to 5pm day
• the chance to work abroad, as many
large IT companies have branches
or subsidiaries in other countries
• self-employment opportunities,
as it’s not unusual for graduates
to go freelance early in their career.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/information-technology

44 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 69 www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 95

The following 20 profiles offer an overview of the sector, the Information technology ............................................................................................. 105
skills that employers are looking for, what it’s like to work in the SPONSORED BY RBI
field, and how to go about finding a job. More information Law ................................................................................................................................................... 118
and case studies can be found at www.prospects.ac.uk/ SPONSORED BY CMS
jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors Marketing, advertising and PR ............................................................................. 120
Accountancy, banking and finance..................................................................... 48 Media and internet.......................................................................................................... 121
SPONSORED BY ALLIANZ
Property and construction ........................................................................................ 122
Business, consulting and management .........................................................66 SPONSORED BY LENDLEASE
SPONSORED BY GIST
Public services and administration .................................................................. 127
Charity and voluntary work ......................................................................................... 72
Retail............................................................................................................................................... 128
Energy and utilities ..............................................................................................................73 SPONSORED BY ALDI
SPONSORED BY NUCLEARGRADUATES
Sales................................................................................................................................................ 133
Engineering and manufacturing............................................................................ 75 SPONSORED BY SOFTCAT
SPONSORED BY COLAS RAIL
Science and pharmaceuticals ............................................................................... 139
Environment and agriculture..................................................................................... 95 SPONSORED BY CELLMARK
SPONSORED BY GRUNDON Social care................................................................................................................................. 142
Healthcare ....................................................................................................................................99 SPONSORED BY FRONTLINE
SPONSORED BY ASHFIELD Teaching and education............................................................................................. 144
HR and recruitment......................................................................................................... 101 SPONSORED BY EXPLORE LEARNING
SPONSORED BY CIPD Transport and logistics ................................................................................................. 151
SPONSORED BY KUEHNE + NAGEL

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 47

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 47
SPONSORED BY:

Accountancy,
SECTOR PROFILES

banking and finance

Offering some of the best departments within the company before charities and not-for-profit organisations,
selecting your preferred area. but the majority of finance opportunities
starting salaries in the Among the main graduate employers are are with profit-generating businesses.
graduate job market, this the ‘big four’ accountancy and financial
What’s the working culture?
can be a lucrative as well services firms: Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC.
Graduates can expect:
as professionally-rewarding However, there are many more small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) • employee benefits, such as pension
area of work than large companies in the UK, and this plans, private healthcare, joining
type of employer provides excellent career bonuses and sports club membership
Despite job cuts in banking and financial
prospects for graduates. Bear in mind • good opportunities for progression
services during the recession, the sector
that recruitment, selection and training • average starting salaries of £30,000
has bounced back and the future is more
arrangements may not be as formal. in accountancy, £32,500 in banking
positive, with finance and accountancy
While there’s no disputing London’s and £47,000 in investment banking
leading the way in the recovery. This is
dominance as a global finance centre, other (High Fliers’ The Graduate Market
a field in which the UK is a global leader.
major UK cities such as Leeds, Glasgow, in 2017 report) with salaries
You could work in a number of areas,
Edinburgh and Manchester are also increasing rapidly with experience
including insurance, financial planning,
and professional qualifications
investments and pensions, accountancy and flourishing. A 2016 report by TheCityUK
• substantial bonuses in some
finance, and banking and building societies. shows that two-thirds of jobs in finance and
professional services are outside the capital. finance professions
What do employers look for? There may also be opportunities to work • to work long hours in a fast-paced
While there are opportunities for office environment.
overseas for some of the bigger financial
graduates from a range of subjects, companies – although this could depend on FIND OUT MORE
a good level of numeracy is important having additional skills such as languages. www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
for most roles. Many major employers
Graduate jobs in accountancy exist within job-sectors/accountancy-banking-and-finance
ask for a 2:1 and sometimes also specify
UCAS points. Requirements set by
smaller companies may vary.
Employers in this sector place a strong
emphasis on work experience. Many firms
offer internships, summer placements
or a year in industry for undergraduate
students, which may lead to permanent
jobs or entry onto graduate schemes.
Visit individual company websites or your
university careers service for the latest
work placements and internships.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with a real interest in finance,

What roles are on offer?

analytical skills, attention to detail and
accuracy, and the capacity to work with
figures and statistics. Corporate treasurer
How do I find a job? Financial trader
Many graduates begin their career Insurance underwriter
by being accepted onto a company’s
graduate scheme. You’ll usually follow Internal auditor
a structured training programme and Stockbroker
have the opportunity to work in various
48 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
48 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 www.allianz.co.uk/graduates
graduates@allianz.co.uk
twitter.com/allianz
facebook.com/allianz

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Number of vacancies
We are looking to recruit for 60
positions in 2018 .
Work placements
Roles such as:
• Actuarial
• General management
• Finance
• Insurance claims
• IT
• Underwriting
• Engineering
Location
26 offices nationwide.
Benefits
We offer competitive salary,
At Allianz Insurance, we provide peace Our opportunities annual bonus, golden hello,
of mind and protection in unforeseen We have summer internships, 12 months gym membership/subsidy,
circumstances, for individual private placements and graduate opportunities in the life assurance, pension scheme
customers as well as large business clients following areas: with company contributions,
• Actuarial season ticket loan, company
We’re one of the world’s largest insurance and
• General management share options, 22 days annual
financial services providers serving more than
• Finance leave.
85 million customers in over 70 countries. We
• Insurance claims
currently have 142,000 employees globally How to apply
• IT
with 4,600 employees in our UK insurance You can apply for our graduates
• Underwriting
business at over 26 office locations. schemes, summer internships or
• Engineering.
We are big enough to give you plenty of 12 months placements at
What we’re looking for www.alliianz/graduates
opportunities, experience and responsibility,
We look for passionate, enthusiastic and
but not too big to know your name and Closing date
challenge-hungry individuals looking for real
genuinely care about your career. We are open for applications
responsibility and the opportunity to make a
By engaging our employees, enabling them valuable contribution to the business. from 22 September until
to develop and grow their career, we aspire to 20 November 2017.
Development and career progression
be a great company to work for and deliver
Our graduate programmes are between two
outstanding and innovative products and
and three years depending on the scheme. As
services to our customers.
well as working closely with your line manager,
We are committed to operating as a you will have a mentor to offer guidance and
responsible business, taking into account the help you reach your career aspirations. We
impact of our activities on society and the will also fully fund and support you through
environment. professional/technical qualifications and
develop your leadership skills through both
Graduate Development Programme and
mentoring.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 45

49
 Graduate
Programme
The Partnership Bank 2018

Put yourself

Bank of Ireland UK’s core purpose is to become THE Partnership Bank, by providing simple,
flexible, accessible financial service propositions to UK customers, both directly and through
partnerships with trusted, respected UK brands and intermediaries.

We partner with two of the most trusted brands in the UK, the Post Office and the AA.
Partnership is what makes Bank of Ireland UK unique - and what sets us apart from our
competitors. Our approach to business is different because of our Partnership ethos. It’s
essential to our business strategy and it’s key to the way we work with each other and deliver
for our partners and customers.

As we continue to grow in the UK market, we are looking for motivated graduates who would
relish the opportunity to be an integral part of our team. Our award winning Graduate program
offers exceptional opportunities to grow personally and professionally while developing key
business skills.

We can offer openings to students who have achieved or are expected to achieve a minimum
of 2.1 Honours Degree or Masters from all disciplines to apply for one of the following streams;

• Bank of Ireland UK
• Corporate Banking UK

To find out more about Bank of Ireland UK, the Graduate streams offered, how to apply and
hear from our current Graduates please visit www.boigraduate.com

#actiongrads

boigraduate.com

50 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

Bank of Ireland UK is a trading name of Bank of Ireland(UK) plc which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority

Barnes Roffe is an independent firm of
chartered accountants and business
advisers. We have been providing audit
and assurance, consulting, financial
advisory, risk management and tax
services to SME’s since 1899
We are one of the UK’s top 50 accounting
firms, and our 20 partners and more than 150
employees are all committed to delivering
outstanding value to our clients.
Our opportunities
Our graduate accountant training scheme is
designed with the specific purpose of giving
you the best of both worlds: fast access
to credible learning opportunities and the
consideration to allow you to focus on what’s
important – your studies, while at the same
time offering hands-on client experience.
We want to free you from the excessive
burdens that can accompany some graduate
training schemes and offer you the means to
successfully pass your exams first time.
Our trainees receive support throughout the
training programme and beyond. At the end
of the three year programme, our trainees are
experienced accountants with exceptional
accounting and tax knowledge and skills.
www.barnesroffe.com/careers
twitter.com/BarnesRoffe
facebook.com/Barnes Roffe LLP
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Number of vacancies
20.
Work offered
• ICAEW graduate trainee.
• AAT trainee.
Subject of study
2:1 and above.
Locations
South London, East London,
West London.
Starting salary
£25,000 rising to qualified
What makes us different ACA accountant rate when
Barnes Roffe is a medium-sized firm and that exam qualified.
means you are a big fish in a small pond. How to apply
The partners and managers know who you Online at
are, they are interested in you and your www.barnesroffe.com/careers
progression within the firm.
Success is recognised and responsibility is
given early on meaning you can develop your
knowledge and skills as an accountant at a
much faster pace.
We are a team, we work together, we help
each other, we train each other, we share
knowledge among each other and we get the
job done together.
What we are looking for
Ambitious, hard-working and driven individuals
who can communicate with colleagues and
more importantly with our clients. These
are all qualities held by a Barnes Roffe
accountancy trainee.
Development and career progression
More than half of our partners started as
graduate trainee accountants with our
firm. Working their way up from assistant
to senior to manager to become a practice
partner; the key to their success has been the
knowledge that through our graduate training
programme they could succeed, and become
a partner within ten years.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE
GUIDE 47
51

52 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE
Fast Data.
Financial Domain.
Flourish. Develop.
www.prospects.ac.uk
Focused. Determined.
 www.firstderivatives.com/careers/graduates/options

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Number of vacancies
250+.
Work offered
• Financial engineering
• Data science
• Trading technology
• Software engineering
Requirements
• You must have already
achieved or are on track
to achieve a minimum of a
2:1 degree classification.
• For financial engineering,
have AAB at A-level or
equivalent.
First Derivatives (FD) is a leading provider Your graduate package • For software engineering
of products and consulting services to What makes us different at FD is the have a minimum of BBB
some of the world’s largest finance, competitive graduate package we provide. at A-level or equivalent.
technology and energy institutions. FD Our award-winning Capital Markets Training Experience in Java, C/C++
is the developer of the world-leading Programme combines theoretical learning and/or UNIX.
database technology kdb+. Incorporated with practical, on client-site experience, • For technology trading/
in 1996, FD has served the capital markets working in the fields of finance and data science have ABB or
industry since its incorporation technology. We also provide you with support equivalent. Experience in
to undertake professional accreditations. Java, C/C++ and/or UNIX.
Opportunities
Are you a graduate from a STEM, finance, Other benefits include: Locations
computer science, law, business or similar • Work on client projects in tier one Nationwide.
discipline? investment banks.
• Rapid career development. Starting salary
We have fantastic global roles within our Competitive salary and
• Competitive salary plus graduate package
Options programme for graduates straight expense package worth
in excess of £60,000.
out of university. This programme will fast £60,000.
• Package includes a weekly food allowance,
track your career in the Big Data and financial
accommodation, utility bills and flights How to apply
industry and afford you the rare opportunity
home. Apply online via our website.
to work as a junior consultant for some of the
world’s most reputable tier one investment Fill out our employer
banks in locations as diverse as Dublin, application form and upload
London, New York, Sydney, Singapore and your CV
Hong Kong, to name a few. www.firstderivatives.com/
careers/graduates/options
Select your stream:
• Financial engineering Closing date
• Data science October 2018.
• Trading technology
• Software engineering

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 53

54 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
J.P. Morgan
INTRODUCING
What do you look for in an employee?
From my experience at JPM, the firm
welcomes graduates with degrees from
various fields, not only finance. However,
it’s imperative that they’re eager to learn
and capable of grasping new concepts –
as specific knowledge can be acquired
through training. They’ll also require the
technical skills, right attitude and strong
work ethic to succeed.
The ability to work in teams is expected
by all employers, and the firm also looks for
graduates who will contribute to the business.
Indeed, being part of the culture at JPM
Charlotte Bottcher, is equally as important as technical ability.
an associate within Therefore, it’s advisable for students to
risk management at explore the business principles set out on our
J.P. Morgan (JPM), website before attending an interview.
discusses gender diversity
How is the graduate programme at
in the sector and offers JPM structured? In market risk, graduates
advice to students looking are hired through the summer internship
to work for a leading programme. Graduates join a three-year
financial institution programme including eight weeks of
intensive training. While many tasks may
seem simple in the beginning, if you show
you’re capable and willing to learn, you’re
more likely to work on long-term projects.
Networking outside of the day-to-day
activities provides opportunities to get to
know your colleagues and other teams, in
a less formal way. This takes place through
team events, formal working groups or simply
representing the firm at a community event.
What advice would you give to
graduates wanting to work in banking?
Be curious in your quest for knowledge;
read international newspapers such
as the Financial Times and The Economist,
and keep updated with news stories.
It’s imperative you have an awareness
of what’s going on in the sector and
what’s impacting on the markets.
Contact people from teams and
companies you’d like to work in, and
engage in networking. Ask them about their
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT
recommended reading, heed any advice they
give. Always be prepared to concisely present
yourself and articulate your aspirations,
as this may help you to land a role or an
internship at a firm like JPM.
Set high performance standards for
yourself and ask for regular feedback
from your peers. Take it step-by-step.
You’ll prove your worth and improve your
performance continuously.
What are your views on gender
diversity in the sector? At JPM, there’s
a commitment to equality which is actively
put into practice at every level in the firm.
The firm aims to develop the best talents
and treat everyone with respect. So, you’ll be
given an equal chance whatever your gender.
What can the sector do to be more
inclusive? Here, brilliantly talented women
have great (and equal) opportunities through
their entire career to be promoted from
junior analysts up to managing directors; the
wider sector would benefit from encouraging
cultures such as the one that we have at JPM.
The company still recognises and
welcomes the differences between men
and women, providing dedicated initiatives
such as supporting women during maternity
transitions through the maternity buddy
program, to assist with the work-life balance.
The firm employs people from different
backgrounds and a range of qualifications,
with global recruitment programmes
providing a number of diverse possibilities.
Everyone has the same opportunity to
perform and succeed.
How can graduates find out more
about JPM? By visiting jpmorgan.com/
careers and interacting with us via our
social media channels:
@jpmorgan
www.facebook.com/jpmorganchase
www.linkedin.com/company
/j-p-morgan
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE
GUIDE 55
55

Kirk Rice is a 10 partner top regional firm
of accountants and financial advisors with
staff across multiple offices. Supporting
individuals, local businesses and multi-
national corporations since 1989, we offer
specialist advice across our core business
areas of accounting, audit and tax,
financial services and outsourcing
Our opportunities
Annually, we recruit up to eight graduates for
our training programmes across our offices in
the Thames Valley and West London.
As an IIP accredited firm, we are committed
to offering a first class training package;
successful candidates will train towards the
ACCA or ACA professional qualification.
Within our General Practice department,
candidates can expect to have a multi-
disciplined approach across areas including
audit, accounts preparation and taxation work, Development and career progression
progressing on to become trusted business
advisors.
In our Outsourcing department, candidates
can develop all round knowledge of financial
management functions with strong and close The opportunities at Kirk Rice are limitless
client relationships at the heart of our service. and our track record proves it. Those with the
Successful candidates will be ambitious, client
solution driven individuals who are equally
52
56 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.kirkrice.co.uk
recruitment@kirkrice.co.uk
twitter.com/kirkrice
facebook.com/kirkricellp
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
Up to eight ACA and ACCA
graduate roles in Thames Valley
and West London.
Subject of study
Minimum requirement of 2:1
degree in any discipline and
300 UCAS tariff points with
grade B or above in GCSE
mathematics and English
language.
Starting salary
£24,000 plus generous benefits
package and full study support.
Requirements
comfortable working individually or as part of
• Candidates must
a team.
demonstrate good
What makes us different communication skills and a
As an authorised training employer with high level of numeracy.
ICAEW and holding platinum training status • Ability to develop team and
with ACCA, you can be sure to receive the client relationships.
best training opportunities available. We are • Enthusiastic approach
a diverse and fast paced firm that is rapidly to work and training and
growing, yet we retain a personal touch with intellectual calibre necessary
our clients. An exciting atmosphere and to pass demanding
constant support from your peers ensures you professional examinations.
get the best out of yourself to pursue your • Driven and committed, good
ambition of becoming an accountant. communicator.
• Must have eligibility to work
Benefits include full study support and a
in the UK.
competitive starting salary with six monthly
reviews and a generous benefits package How to apply
including a group pension scheme, death in To apply for one of our
service, critical illness and permanent health highly sought after graduate
insurance. positions, please email your CV
and cover letter to
recruitment@kirkrice.co.uk
By joining the Kirk Rice team you have the
opportunity to be part of an exciting forward
thinking firm and make a positive impact on
our joint future.
drive to progress to partner will find Kirk Rice
a growing firm which actively encourages
such ambition.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 57
 Dare to be
Remarkable
Menzies L L P i s lo o k i ng fo r t he brighte s t ta lent to join our

Tra inee Programmes 2 0 1 8 :

AC A Gra d u ate Tra i n ing
ACC A Inso l ve nc y Grad uate Training
AT T Ta x Tra i ni ng
A AT Acco u nt a nc y Ap p renticeship

We are als o lo o ki n g fo r amb i t i ous

s econd year u n i vers i t y s t u d ent s for our

1 ye a r ‘Rot at io n’ Pl ace m ent Programme

Interested?
Apply online at menzies.co.uk/careers

@MenziesCareers

/menziesllpcareersuk

London | Surrey | Hampshire | Cardiff

58 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk


Helping our clients thrive in a changing
world
We provide our clients with support and
guidance to deal with new risks and
opportunities.
We have a range of core services, including
audit, accounting, tax, risk and systems
assurance, corporate finance, restructuring
and insolvency, wealth management and
disputes analysis. As a Top 10 accounting
and advisory network we support a broad
range of individuals and entrepreneurs, large
organisations and complex international
businesses.
For our clients who need to expand, we help
make it happen – coordinating advice from a
network of offices throughout the UK and in
over 100 countries.
Joining one of our early careers opportunities
you’ll be a valued member of the firm. You’ll
find a personable, friendly approach with
encouragement to help you develop. You’ll
receive dedicated training to be successful,
coupled with the responsibility and autonomy
to allow you to grow.
www.moorestephens.co.uk/careers
early.careers@moorestephens.com
twitter.com/MSLLP_Careers
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
Graduate, apprenticeships,
internships and work
experience.
Number of vacancies
We have around 80 vacancies
across our early careers
programmes, we also offer
around 40 work experience
places each year.
Subject of study
You don’t need to have
studied accountancy before
as we recognise how valuable
the skills gained from studying
other subjects can be.
Locations
London, Birmingham and
You need to be switched on and capable with
Reading.
exceptional communication skills. You’ll need
good attention to detail and an inquisitive Training and development
mind. You should have a desire to learn and be We offer full study support
ready to impress. towards gaining your
professional qualification and
We have a number of early careers
dedicated internal training to
opportunities across different levels.
maximise your personal and
Our graduate roles include full study support technical skills.
towards the ACA and our apprenticeships
How to apply
include gaining a level 4 apprenticeship
To apply please submit an
plus full study support towards the AAT,
online application form via our
ATT or CFAB. Both are available across our
website www.moorestephens.
September and January intakes within our
co.uk/careers
London, Reading and Birmingham offices. We
also have 12 month internships for sandwich Where to meet us
placement students within our Corporate We’ll be attending a number
Audit and Marketing teams available in of events this year – take a
London. look at our website to find out
when to pop along and say hi.
We provide the opportunities – you take them.
 
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 59
 Go places. With a focus on innovative
thinking, ethics and leadership,
ICAEW Chartered Accountancy
Become an creates insightful leaders with
integrity. And because it’s recognised

ICAEW and respected in 154 countries

worldwide, you’ll be able to go
further than you’d imagine.
Chartered
Accountant. ICAEW.
More than you’d imagine.
icaew.com/careers
60 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 PERSONALITIES WANTED
GET THE CAREER YOU WANT AT RSM

Keep moving forward at RSM. Join our global network and discover an
environment where everyone can reach their potential.
It’s your future. Own it at RSM.

Apply at rsmuk.com/careers/students

The UK group of companies and LLPs trading as RSM is a member of the RSM network. RSM is the trading name used by the members of the RSM network. Each member
of the RSM network is an independent accounting and consulting firm each of which practises in its own right. The RSM network is not itself a separate legal entity of any
description in any jurisdiction. The RSM network is administered by RSM International Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 4040598)
whose registered office is at 11 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU. The brand and trademark RSM and other intellectual property rights used by members of the network are
.owned by RSM International Association, an association governed by article 60 et seq of the Civil Code of Switzerland whose seat is in Zug
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 61
 “ There is a huge culture of
investing in and developing
young people in the company
which I have benefited
from first hand.
The amount of support
I receive is immense
and I am hugely
grateful for it. ”

Standard Life is an investment company

with world class ambitions
Our purpose is to invest for a better future. For our customers and ACCOUNTANCY
clients, for our shareholders - and for our people too. If you are one of ACTUARIAL
our graduates or interns, this means you too. CUSTOMER OPERATIONS
HUMAN RESOURCES
Our graduate programme isn’t easy, but who wants easy? You’ll have LEGAL
big challenges, real responsibilities – and a great support network. MARKETING
You’ll be encouraged to push yourself forward and develop the skills RISK
and abilities that will serve you well beyond your placement programme.

Invest in your future today www.standardlife.com/graduates

GRADUATE CAREERS
62 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
EXTRAORDINARY
STARTS HERE.
BECOME A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT.
If you want your career to be challenging,
rewarding and exciting, becoming an ICAS
Chartered Accountant (CA) offers all this
and more.

CAs don’t just work for accountancy firms;

they work in every business sector and for
some of the best known global brands.

Whatever you want to do, wherever you want

to go, becoming an ICAS Chartered Accountant
is the perfect start to an extraordinary career.

Discover an extraordinary career today at

icas.com/becomeaca

THE
QUALIFICATION Kevin Harvie CA
CEO Hectares

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 63

FIND YOUR
PERFECT
CAREER
Search jobs, graduate schemes, internships and
work experience opportunities from a huge range of
employers on the UK’s biggest graduate careers website

www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate-jobs
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
64 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
YOUR
CAREER
COVERED
Pick up our guides to graduate jobs and postgraduate study
at your university careers service, careers fairs or online

www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 65
SPONSORED BY:
Business, consulting
and management
Extensive work experience, a keen eye for detail and the drive to hit targets
are the skills needed to break into this fast-paced, incredibly rewarding industry
You could work either as a general manager
or in a specific area such as marketing,
human resources (HR) or information
technology (IT). You could also work
in consultancy, which involves advising
organisations and helping them to
solve problems.
There is some overlap with the
accountancy, banking and finance sector.
Professionals in these industries will
often work together to ensure the best
outcome for the client.
What do employers look for?
A relevant degree is not necessary, but
may be advantageous. Depending on their
business focus, some employers will seek
particular skills, such as for roles in IT or
marketing. A postgraduate qualification,
What roles are on offer?
Economist
Financial risk analyst
Management consultant
Product manager
Project manager
66 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
66 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
SECTOR PROFILES
such as a Master of Business Administration
(MBA), can help to further your career.
Some of the larger companies ask for
a 2:1 and sometimes also specify UCAS
points. The requirements set by smaller
companies vary.
Many graduates won’t walk into
a consulting or management role
immediately after graduation. You’ll
generally need extensive experience and
knowledge of the business world before
you can manage a team or offer advice.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with analytical skills and
strategic thinking, good interpersonal
skills, motivation and leadership skills,
time management skills and the ability
to be flexible and open to change.
How do I find a job?
Employers in this sector place a strong
emphasis on work experience. Many large
companies offer summer placements
or a year in industry for undergraduate
students. These can lead to a permanent
job or a place on a graduate scheme.
Many large companies are present
at university careers fairs (page 164),
but you can also find details of their
schemes – including how and when
to apply – on their websites.
Agencies and specialist recruitment
websites can also be valuable sources
of information for identifying vacancies,
and they allow you to keep up to date
with key issues in the sector.
A speculative approach is best for
smaller companies, so send a CV and
cover letter. Turn to page 29 to find out
more about what it’s like working for
a small business and page 168 for advice
on applying for graduate jobs.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• a high level of responsibility from
an early stage, and opportunities for
rapid career progression
• a varied working life, spending time at
client sites, away from home and abroad
• high starting salaries of £30,000 to
£47,000 excluding bonuses, rising
quickly to around £50,000
• self-employment or freelance work
to be an option after several years
• working hours to be typically long,
and focused on completing projects
to tight deadlines.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/job-sectors/business-
consulting-and-management
 *
ASPIRE
TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Established in 1951, CEF is a privately owned, expert
supplier of electrical products and services for
The CEF graduate programme
Setting you on the road towards your first sales
professional buyers and installers all over the UK.
role as an Account Manager

You may not have heard of us before, but you have

Key benefits
probably seen one of our 400+ vans or 390 branches,
you may even know one of our 2,500 staff. Company car

Great salary
Chances are you haven’t seen our award winning
website* cef.co.uk, but we would definitely like you Product training
to find out more about our award winning graduate
training program* Career progression

Industry placement

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With such a variety of content covered on the course,
there’ll never be a dull day. We’ve structured the
course so you’ll gain and develop the essential skills
required to reach the top.
Day to day operations

Customer service

Commercial business training

Product knowledge training

Professional sales training

Management training

Download your
information pack online
* Winner of Best Website Award and Training Excellence Award at the Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2016.

CEF.CO.UK/ASPIRE
@CITYELECTRICALFACTORS @CEFONLINE
 Gist
INTRODUCING

Emma Niland, from Gist’s early

talent team, talks about the
motivation and flexibility you’ll
need to forge a successful career
in the highly-competitive and
demanding world of logistics
What do you look for in an employee?
Logistics is a fast-paced world, with
high demands and round-the-clock
operations. Every day is different and
our people find this ever-evolving
environment, and the challenges that
come with it, really exciting.
What makes you great, what
motivates you and how you deal with
people are much more important to
us than what subject you’ve studied
at university and the grades you’ve
achieved – so we accept applications
from all degree disciplines.
To be successful with Gist, flexibility
is vital. You could be based at any of our
UK sites, so you need to be fully mobile
and happy to relocate if necessary. You’ll
also need to hold a full UK driving licence
by the scheme’s start date.
What makes a graduate stand out?
Our graduate and industrial placement
schemes are designed to create future
business leaders who thrive on taking
real responsibility, delivering a high level
of service for all customers and ensuring
our people reach their full potential.
We look for highly motivated individuals
who are ambitious, resilient, a leader,
innovative, adaptable and engaging.
How is the graduate programme at
Gist structured? We offer two graduate
schemes, in logistics management and
project management, which offer fast-
track routes into key management roles
across our business.
Our two-year logistics management
scheme consists of two 12-month
placements, each at a different site
across our network, spanning both our
warehouse and transport departments.
From day one, you’ll have real
responsibility. You’ll join us as a team
manager where you’ll be running a shift
or managing teams of up to 30 people
and, together with your team, you will
be responsible for ensuring our customers
receive their deliveries at the right quality
and on time, while providing the best
possible service.
As a project management graduate,
you’ll complete a three-year scheme
based within the IT projects team at our
Basingstoke head office. From the outset,
you’ll assist in the delivery of a range
of projects, both at our head office and
at our operational sites. Over the course
of the scheme, you’ll take on more
responsibility and will develop towards
becoming an IT project manager,
leading your own projects and delivering
solutions to the Gist operations.
For both schemes, our supportive and
experienced team will guide you through
hands-on training, central management
workshops and a tailored development
plan. In your first year, you’ll also have
the opportunity to undertake a paid
charity placement to help us give back
to our community.
What advice would you give to
those interested in Gist’s graduate
programmes? If you’re intrigued and
excited by what we’ve talked about
so far, then a career in logistics with
Gist could be for you.
Every year, we receive over a thousand
applications for 15 to 20 places on our
graduate schemes. Those that stand out
from the crowd genuinely understand
what they’re getting into. We expect
you to demonstrate that you’re truly
motivated and serious about
progressing rapidly.
Be yourself, whether that’s in your
online application or when meeting you
at our assessment centre. We’re a people
business and we want to see the real you.
How can graduates find out more
about Gist? Visit our website
www.gistworld.com/careers or at one
of the events we attend in the autumn.

68
68 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 www.gistworld.com

a mbitious resilient a le ader

innovative adap table engaging

Sound like you?

‘My career at Gist has provided me with a huge variety of roles,
across a range of sites, and real responsibility from very early
on. Six years down the line I now manage a team of 142 in my
role as Logistics Manager.’
Jennifer McGuire, Logistics Manager

We offer Graduate schemes in Logistics

Management and Project Management.
Apply now at www.gistworld.com/careers

two day one our ceo

loc ations ove r managing started on our
two years up to graduate scheme
3 0 people

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 69

 www.uk.issworld.com
twitter.com/issukcomms
facebook.com/issfsuk
instagram.com/trainees_issworld

We are an ambitious organisation with
a passion for extraordinary people
empowered to think big
We are looking for people who are forward
thinking and excited to help bring our big
vision to life – to become the world’s greatest
service organisation.
We have a big presence. We offer integrated
facilities management services in 74 countries
worldwide with 520,000 members of our
family. You will be allocated a personal
mentor from the management team who
will act as your coach and sponsor within the
organisation, and support you in your personal
development plan.
What do we offer?
Opportunities for you to develop and thrive in
our organisation, underpinned by a structured
programme of learning with a number of
experiences all focused on enhancing all
aspects of your life. Our learning programmes
are built to be interactive, grow your network
and boost your opportunities to gain
professional qualifications. Along your 18
month learning journey you will work with a
number of diverse operational and business
support teams in our exciting client and
community locations in the UK and beyond.
You will have the unique opportunity to learn
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
first-hand from our managing directors with
their expert guidance and coaching allowing
you to fulfill your potential. We invest in you.
Work offered
Ready to invest in yourself?
• UK Management Trainee
We are interested in the skills, experiences
Programme
and strengths you may have gained during
• Global Management Trainee
your studies, some through work experience or
Programme
internship and some that make you – you.
Location
We would love to hear how you would create
Nationwide.
memorable service moments for our clients
and customers and how you can help us to be Starting salary
the world’s greatest service organisation. Competitive.
How to apply
Apply now to be considered for
our 2018 intake.
Email your CV and cover letter
to
employability@uk.issworld.com
Closing date
31 March 2018.

64
70 PROSPECTS STudEnT
STUDENT CaREER
CAREER guidE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 MDS
MDSLtd
Ltd
Food&&Fresh
Food Fresh Produce
Produce
A graduate Industry
Industry
A graduatescheme
schemewith
with aa
difference Ever
Ever wondered
wondered how
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it it
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across the world
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scheme ininthe
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Fresh Industry
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What
What wewe offer:
offer: driving force behind these supply
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chains.
 4 paid placements in different
 4 paid placements in different
companies The industry is a buzzing assortment of
companies The industry is a buzzing assortment of
procurement, new product
 Roles across the whole supply chain procurement, new product
 Roles across the whole supply chain development, agronomy, technical,
development, agronomy, technical,
production, commercial and many,
 27 formal training days
 27 formal training days production,
many commercial and many,
more opportunities.
 Personal coaching many more opportunities.
 Personal coaching The MDS graduate scheme is the
 Competitive salary
The MDS
gateway graduate
to this scheme
exciting is the
industry.
 Competitive salary
 Workplace pension gateway to this exciting industry.
 Workplace pension
By working in four different companies
By and in fourindifferent
working roles, rather
four different than
companies
just one, you will gain a wider
and in four different roles, rather than
experience of the industry and a better
just one, you will gain a wider
understanding of where you fit within
experience of the industry and a better
it.
understanding of where you fit within
it.
Find out more at http://www.mds-ltd.co.uk/
Email: info@mds-ltd.co.uk
Find out more at http://www.mds-ltd.co.uk/
Email: info@mds-ltd.co.uk

MANAGE
YOUR
FUTURE
MBA Directory
Whether it’s a general, executive or specialist
MBA, we have the right course for you

www.prospects.ac.uk/publications/mbadirectory

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 65

71
Charity and
voluntary work
There’s more to the charity
industry than fundraising
or volunteering in your local
Oxfam. There’s a place
for everyone from finance
graduates to midwives
You could work in a hands-on role such as
social care, or in a support or management
role, such as fundraising. As in the private
sector, not-for-profit organisations also
have positions in finance, marketing,
human resources (HR) and information
technology (IT).
The sector includes large, well-established
organisations such as the British Red
Cross and Alzheimer’s Society, pressure
groups such as Amnesty International, and
education charities such as Teach First.
What do employers look for?
For some roles, your degree subject isn’t
as important as your practical skills and
passion for the charity. However, experience
in areas such as sales, events, finance,
marketing and public relations (PR)
is sought-after by many charities and can
make you invaluable to an organisation.
Other areas, such as international
development, have specific roles for people
with professional qualifications, such
as doctors, midwives, nurses and teachers.
Bachelors degrees in logistics, public
health or social policy may also be useful;
so might a Masters in international
development or a related area.
Degrees in business-related subjects
such as finance and marketing may
be beneficial for a range of organisations,
while qualifications in social work may
be useful for community development
and volunteer coordinator roles.
Work experience is highly sought-after
by graduate employers. Large charities,
such as Barnardos, Age UK, Oxfam GB,
the British Red Cross, Macmillan Cancer
72 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
72 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
SECTOR PROFILES
Support and the National Trust, provide
work placements and internships – often
on a voluntary basis. The Wellcome Trust
and People & Planet offer paid internships.
Smaller charities also have opportunities
that can provide valuable experience,
while Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)
offers projects abroad. However, you can
develop useful skills simply by setting
up a student society or organising
fundraising activities at university.
How do I find a job?
Some large organisations – such as
IntoUniversity, Cancer Research UK and
the Wellcome Trust – offer extremely
competitive graduate schemes. You
may need a 2:1 and a specific number
of UCAS points.
The Charityworks graduate programme
provides a one-year, full-time paid job
in a non-profit organisation. You also
undergo a professional development
programme and receive opportunities
to conduct research assignments. You
could be in an operational role working
What roles are on offer?
Community education officer
International aid/development worker
Public relations officer
Social researcher
Volunteer coordinator
with service users or in a corporate role
in campaigns, research, fundraising
or business development. Lucky candidates
may enjoy a range of experiences.
Jobs are advertised on specialist
websites, including Third Sector,
CharityJob and Jobs In Charities. You
can also find vacancies on the Institute
of Fundraising (IOF) website. Smaller
organisations may advertise on their
websites or in local newspapers.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• a relatively low salary compared to the
private sector, although pay differs
greatly depending on the job
• flexible working conditions, part-time
work and working from home, but
sometimes on short-term contracts
• high levels of work satisfaction
• opportunities for travel, especially
in international development.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/charity-and-voluntary-work

Energy and utilities
Its role in delivering power and water to customers makes the energy and utilities sector vital
to our everyday lives – and it also provides many opportunities for rewarding graduate careers
Employers in the UK’s energy sector are
involved in a range of activities including:
• generating electricity using fossil
fuels, nuclear or renewables
• distributing electricity and gas
around the national network
• extracting, transporting and
refining oil and gas
• providing clean water to homes
and businesses.
The key roles for graduates are in fields
such as engineering, project management
and research and development (R&D)
as well as finance, human resources
(HR), information technology (IT),
sales and trading.
However, this is a fast-changing sector
– for example, the UK government has
committed to developing a new generation
of nuclear power stations – meaning
there’s significant demand for graduates
with the latest technical skills.
What roles are on offer?
Energy engineer
Environmental consultant
Geoscientist
Water engineer
Wellsite geologist
SECTOR PROFILES
What do employers look for?
For technical or engineering roles,
an accredited degree or postgraduate
qualification in a specific discipline
(for example, a chemical, electrical or
mechanical engineering) is often required.
Meanwhile, a 2:1 degree in any subject
is typically the minimum requirement
to enter commercial functions such
as marketing, sales or HR. A degree that
demonstrates your numeracy skills will
give you an advantage when it comes
to jobs in finance and trading.
Graduate employers look for candidates
who show a willingness to work outdoors,
offshore and overseas, analytical skills
to deal with complex technical issues,
knowledge of specialist technologies, the
ability to work in a team and manage
projects, budgets and people, and
communication skills, for example to explain
designs or problems to non-technical staff.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 73
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 73
SPONSORED BY:
How do I find a job?
This sector has a long-established tradition
of sponsorship and sandwich placements
where you can spend a year of your degree
on a paid internship. Many large companies
also offer summer placements for students
and graduates.
Vacancies are posted on organisations’
websites, trade websites and industry-
specific websites. Opportunities can
also be found in trade publications,
local and national press, and through
networking events.
Small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs) are more likely to advertise their
vacancies through the local press and
university careers service bulletins.
Large energy and utility companies offer
graduate schemes in commercial, technical,
engineering and environmental functions.
If you’re looking to work overseas,
organisations in the oil and gas industries
will usually have international jobs available
where active extraction or prospecting
takes place. Competence in relevant
languages is therefore an asset.
Other useful resources include industry
organisations such as the Energy Institute
(www.energyinst.org).
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• higher starting salaries than in most
other sectors, with a median of £38,000
according to High Fliers’ The Graduate
Market in 2017 report
• to be based in offices, laboratories
or offshore locations, depending on their
role, with opportunities to work abroad
• a heavily regulated working environment
that requires employees to keep up
to date with the latest developments.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/job-sectors/energy-and-utilities
 Begin a career.
explore a whole
industry.

two years.
three secondments.
endless possiBilities.
nucleargraduates is a unique graduate programme
where you join three different employers over two
years to get your career within the Nuclear Industry
off to a flying start.
Discover more about this exciting gateway to
one of the most stable and secure industries
in the United Kingdom today by visiting
nucleargraduates.com/apply

nucleargraduates.com

74 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk


Engineering and
manufacturing
There’s never been a better
time to get into engineering,
as between now and 2022
more than one million
job vacancies will require
engineering skills
Graduates have a range of industries
to consider, including space, electrical,
biotechnology, oil and gas, film and TV,
and metals, minerals and materials.
There are opportunities for software,
chemical, electrical, electronic and
mechanical engineers within many
of these, and you could work in a design,
production, maintenance, or research
and development function.
Who are the main graduate employers?
Graduates are employed by large
companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems
and Thales Group (aerospace industry),
Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce
(automotive industry), Heinz, Mondelez
International and Nestlé (food and
drink industry), BP, ExxonMobil and
Schlumberger (oil and gas industry).
Other large companies that recruit
engineers include P&G, Siemens and
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
Despite this, the engineering and
manufacturing sector is dominated
by small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs). Most graduates of this discipline,
therefore, work in smaller organisations.
What do employers look for?
A degree in an engineering or technology-
related subject is usually necessary.
A qualification in any discipline of
engineering may be acceptable for some
roles, but others – such as those in chemical, Scientist and The Engineer.
mechanical or electrical engineering –
usually require a specific degree.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with a high standard of
SECTOR PROFILES
numeracy and computing skills, analytical
and problem-solving skills, communication
skills, innovation, planning, organisation
and project management skills and
technical and scientific knowledge.
Recruiters look favourably on those
who have the relevant work experience
to complement their degree.
How do I find a job?
Some degrees in engineering and
technology include a placement year.
You can also apply directly to companies
such as Siemens for industrial placements.
Recruiters often offer permanent jobs
to graduates who’ve performed well
on their schemes.
Large employers such as BP, Nestlé,
BAE Systems and Jaguar Land Rover offer
graduate schemes in engineering and
manufacturing. Smaller organisations
also have opportunities.
You can search for jobs in the usual
places, plus specialist press such as New
Professional bodies, for example the
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and
the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
(IMechE), also advertise vacancies.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 75
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 75
SPONSORED BY:
What roles are on offer?
Aerospace engineer
Contracting civil engineer
Electronics engineer
Maintenance engineer
Quality manager
Joining a professional body isn’t usually
necessary to gain your first graduate job;
however, it provides access to networking
opportunities, training events, discussion
forums and the latest industry news.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect to:
• enjoy continuing professional
development (CPD), perhaps working
towards becoming a Chartered Engineer
(CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• receive an average starting salary
of around £27,000
• use their creativity and problem-solving
skills to design innovative products
or tackle some of the world’s most
pressing challenges
• work differing hours depending on
the role, with some projects and
assignments – such as disaster relief
work – requiring greater flexibility
• be in differing environments depending
on the industry, with work locations
including laboratories, hospitals,
offices and factories.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/engineering-and-manufacturing
 www.colasrail.co.uk/graduates
linkedin.com/company/colas-rail-ltd
facebook.com/colasrailuk

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
• Future Leaders Programme
• Technical Programme
• Commercial Programme
Locations
Various across the UK
Subject of study
Any degree accepted for the
Future Leaders Programme
and the Commercial
Programme, engineering
degree required for the
Colas Rail is one of Europe’s leading All of this is achieved through our greatest Technical Programme.
suppliers of railway infrastructure services. asset, our people. With this unity of purpose,
Benefits
We are award-winning specialists, having we will play our part in providing 21st century
• Healthshield Cash Health
designed and constructed all forms of railway systems.
Care Scheme
railway across Europe and the uK
At Colas Rail we seek energetic graduates • Aegon pension: employee
Colas Rail is responsible for delivering major capable of making a significant impact contribution 5% employer
projects and maintenance frameworks for our within a short period of time. Our graduates contribution 6%
clients. The brand is well-established, with a join a renowned scheme that develops their • Season ticket loan
great reputation within the rail industry, and individual talents with our business needs. • Cycle to work scheme
the business is growing at an impressive rate. Graduates are supported through tailored • Employee Assistance
development and encouraged to gain Programme
We are looking to our future in the railway
professional qualifications to suit their needs. • 22 days holiday rising to
industry with continued enthusiasm and a
26 days after one year’s
commitment to improve everything we do. We have a tradition of developing talent and
continuous employment
To deliver the challenges set by a rapidly giving our graduates the opportunity to take
• Life assurance
changing railway environment, we constantly their career in their own hands.
seek to adapt our behaviour and culture in Training and development
There are three main programmes that we
order to meet and exceed the expectations Technical and management
recruit for on an annual basis:
of our clients and stakeholders. We have training courses across all
focused our business on providing best-in- • Future Leaders Programme three programmes. Six month
class performance in key areas, which is • Commercial Graduate Programme performance and development
demonstrated in the way that we deliver rail • Technical Graduate Programme reviews to determine training
infrastructure projects. needs and strengths.

Our approach to project delivery is to How to apply

challenge the status quo through value www.colasrail.co.uk/graduates
management and value engineering, offering
innovative solutions, while ensuring that
output quality is guaranteed first time.

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76 PROSPECTS STudEnT
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Our People







 











success. Colas Rail has an outstanding track record of apprenticeship and graduate programmes to fill the
infrastructure skills gap in the UK.

Our principles of Employment 25%

To provide safe and healthy working conditions for all employees; Of our leaders have

To provide an open, challenging, rewarding and participative environment for
all who work in the company;
progressed from our

To train and develop all employees to achieve their full potential; Graduate Schemes

To communicate the goals, direction and performance of the company;

To reward collective and individual abilities and personal performance;

To provide a working environment which encourages team work, commitment
and loyalty;
55.000
Group employees

To ensure an open access to career opportunities.
on five continents
Our global capability means that graduates have the advantage of being able to
travel all over the world. Some have undertaken placements in Morocco and
received training in the delivery of a High Speed Line between Tangier and Follow Colas Rail UK
Kenitra (North of Rabat).
www.colasrail.co.uk
ww w.colasrail.co.uk

On track for the future

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 77

We shape a better world
Arup is a global firm of designers, engineers,
planners and business consultants providing a
range of professional services to clients around
the world. With over 13,000 staff in more than
35 countries, we make international team-
working part of everyday life. Our people have
one core focus: to work together to shape a
better world.
Arup brings together professionals from
diverse disciplines and with complementary
skills on a uniquely global scale. We have a
healthy mix of people with very different
perspectives and from many cultures, working
together, learning from each other and
generously sharing knowledge and ideas.
Our people exert a significant influence on the
built environment and are the creative force
behind many of the world’s most innovative
and sustainable designs. Examples of these
include: Sydney Opera House, Beijing National
Stadium and Water Cube, Millennium Bridge,
the Swiss Re Headquarters and the City of
Manchester Stadium.
Explore the extraordinary
Arup recruits around 200 graduates in the
UK every year and has vacancies in acoustics,
architecture, bridges, building design, digital,
energy, environment, fire, finance, geotechnics
and tunnelling, highways, intelligent transport
systems, lighting, management consultancy,
project management, quantity surveying,
rail, risk management, site development,
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78 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.arup.com
twitter.com/arupjobs
facebook.com/arupgroup
linkedin.com/company/company/arup
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
We are
Consultants, designers,
engineers, planners, technical
specialists.
Locations
Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff,
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds,
Liverpool, London, Manchester,
Newcastle, Nottingham,
Sheffield, Solihull, Winchester,
York.
town planning, transaction advice, transport
planning and water. Application process
• Online application at
Talented people like you join Arup for the www.arup.com
opportunity we provide to work on some of • Telephone interview
the world’s most exciting projects, to develop • Assessment centre
a specialism of your own or simply to find
your niche. The chance to work with some Our application deadlines and
of the world’s leading experts, the range of the dates of our telephone
professional opportunities, and the support interviews and assessment
and freedom for innovation means that we centres are advertised online.
remain a magnet for many of the world’s We offer
most skilled engineers and designers. • The opportunity to work on
Upon joining, graduates enter a welcome some of the world’s greatest
week to equip them with the technical and projects with technical
soft skills required to get started in a career challenges that will stretch
with Arup. Following that, most training and and test your skills
development will take place on live projects, • A competitive salary and
settling in allowance
as you work with real clients from the day you
• A bi-annual profit share
join. This level of responsibility means we seek
scheme
Graduates that have great communication
• A comprehensive benefits
skills and are curious, passionate and
package, including a flexible
technically excellent in their chosen discipline.
benefits fund and highly
competitive pension
• Opportunities to work
abroad
• A supportive and friendly
team, based in an excellent
working environment
• Various sports and social
activities in all our locations
• Support towards
professional accreditation
and career development
opportunities
Explore an opportunity where the possibilities are endless...
www.arup.com We shape a better world

We are committed to equal opportunities.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 79

 BAE Systems
INTRODUCING

of placements, the GDF will give you a solid

Sarah Ashton, resourcing
specialist at BAE Systems,
discusses the defence
company’s graduate
programme and gives
her advice on starting
your career in the
engineering sector
What do you look for in an employee?
We’re looking for people who have the
vision and talent to make one of our
opportunities their own.
We look for candidates who have, or are
expecting to achieve, a 2:1 degree. For most
roles this should be in a related subject.
When you apply, give details of your degree
modules, work experience and relevant final-
year projects – recruiting managers will want
to see exactly what you’ve done and how
this fulfils what they’re looking for.
What makes a graduate stand out?
Passion. That’s our secret – you’ll need
it to be successful. We want you to see
opportunity where others see problems
and navigate around challenges that
others cannot.
How is the graduate programme
at BAE Systems structured? Our two-year
Graduate Development Framework (GDF)
scheme develops people who are passionate
about and have the potential to be great
in their chosen field – be it business or
engineering. By combining formal learning
with real-world challenges across a number
foundation to establish a successful career
within one of our UK businesses.
Your career with us starts with an induction,
where you’ll join a community of fellow
graduates and find out more about what
your future holds. Shortly after joining,
you’ll be assigned a mentor who can act
as a source of advice and insight.
You’ll also participate in our ‘Graduate
Developing You’ training, which brings
together graduates from different
business areas for a series of personal
effectiveness modules.
At the end of your first year, you’ll attend
our graduate conference. Here, graduates
from across the globe gather in an event
comprising of interactive educational
workshops, speeches from senior BAE
Systems leaders, and an exhibition that
showcases some of the most interesting
work that we’re engaged in.
All of this will complement your
placements to help you realise your
potential. You take ownership of your
career aspirations; we give you support,
training and practical experience.
What advice would you give to
graduates wanting to work in the sector?
Engineering is a significant part of our
business, and the opportunities that you
can find with your degree are endless.
Don’t just think that you’re limited to the
exact field you’ve studied; engineering
degrees provide students with many
transferable skills.
Our graduate programme is designed
to help you excel in your field, providing
you with the necessary training to become
a great engineer or business leader;
we aren’t looking for the finished article
to walk through the door on day one.
How can graduates find out more
about BAE Systems? Take a look at
www.baesystems.com/graduates

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CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
Remarkable people
doing work that matters

Opportunities for graduates and undergraduates

Business Information Technology
Business Development Cyber Security Consulting
Commercial Business Consulting
Human Resources Technical Consulting
Procurement Data Analytics
Project Management Business Analytics
Engineering Finance
Electrical & Electronic Financial Accounting
Manufacturing & Production Management Accounting
Mechanical Project Accounting
Naval Architecture
Software
Systems

If you’re ready to work on projects

BAE Systems Graduates that make a real difference visit:
@BAESGraduates baesystems.com/graduates
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 81
 Babcock International Group
INTRODUCING

Craig Smith, talent development
manager at Babcock, discusses
what the company looks for
in candidates and how to
avoid common mistakes when
applying for a place on their
graduate programme
What do you look for in an applicant?
We typically take on graduates who
deliver excellence, collaborate, focus
on safety, are customer-focused,
innovate and think creatively, simplify
complexity, and adapt to change.
How is the graduate programme at
Babcock structured? We take over 200
graduates each year across a number of
disciplines and locations. Our graduate
programmes are between two and
four years in duration, and comprise
of six-month rotations. In return for our
graduates’ commitment and ambition,
we also offer a structured development
programme alongside mentoring to aid
ongoing professional development and
support towards chartership.
most exciting projects while delivering
specialist knowledge in their field. For
example, our electrical and electronic
graduates could be on the team designing
submarines or refitting warships – or
perhaps helping to build the UK’s next
generation of nuclear power plants. At
Babcock we give graduates ownership to
make an impact where it matters most.
What specific skills are you currently
in need of? Given our international
growth aspirations, we’re hoping to
attract applications from graduates who
speak other languages and those who
are nationally and internationally mobile.
Also, as a provider of engineering
services in the UK and overseas,
engineering capability is incredibly
important. We therefore welcome
applications from a range of engineering
disciplines, including electrical engineers work experience. At Babcock, we offer a
and naval architects. Business and
management disciplines are also
of importance – to support us in
managing our customer relationships
and core services.
In your experience, what are the four
most common applicant mistakes?
• Not proofreading applications –
you should be aware of typos and
not simply rely on spellcheckers to
correct words.
• Not asking questions at the interview/
assessment centre – this is a great
opportunity to show that you’re
genuinely interested in the role.
• Not researching the company and
its values – this is a two-way process,
as you’ll need enough information
to decide if the job’s right for you,
while we’d always expect to see a level
of commitment to the business.
• Not providing examples from past
experience – being prepared with
examples gives you confidence at the
interview, and the interviewer will be
more likely to have confidence you’re
ready for the assessment process.
What other advice would you give
to students interested in working for
Babcock? If you have the time, get some
range of internships and year in industry
opportunities. These placements can give
you an insight into life at Babcock and,
more broadly, into the engineering sector.
How can graduates find out more
about Babcock? If you’re graduating
this year, you should aim to understand
our business and employment
requirements by taking a look at the
range of information that we have
available at www.babcockgraduates.com

What would a graduate be doing on

the programme? Within this two to four
year learning experience, graduates will
be immersed in a variety of environments
within their sector, tackling some of the

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CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 WHAT
ENGINEERING,
SCIENCE AND BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT GRADUATES

MAKES Helping design the UK’s largest-ever

aircraft carriers. Decommissioning

YOU
nuclear power plants. Maintaining
the Metropolitan Police’s fleet of
vehicles. These aren’t just extraordinary
engineering challenges — they are
extraordinary business projects that
require real drive, imagination and
intellect to deliver. They require you
to bring your whole self to work,
to explore new possibilities and to
see things from new perspectives.
At Babcock, we can offer you those
opportunities. Along the way, you’ll
work with brilliant people and discover
talents you never knew you had.
Babcock. We are what makes you.
To find out more visit
babcockgraduates.com

F O L LOW I N G
THE M ARKE TS

W E I G HTL I F TI N G
ENTHUSIASM

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 83

 “ I’m helping to Graduate and undergraduate opportunities
£competitive pay | Opportunities across the UK

power our world.” At Atkins we’re taking on the most exciting

engineering challenges of our time. From
Michael, graduate London to Singapore, our team of people are
designing, engineering and project managing
bridges, skyscrapers, roads, airports, power
stations, tidal lagoons and more.
Join us on a placement or as a graduate and
you’ll take your skills to the next level, working
on amazing projects and achieving great things.
So, discover more about Atkins, our projects
and our opportunities.
The future is in your hands.
Visit atkinsglobal.com/careers/graduates

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84 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 85

Standing in a building, knowing you
designed solutions that made it what
it is: how it feels, how it functions, how
it looks… That’s the moment great
engineering comes to life
What are you looking for?
Are you an aspiring design engineer looking
to make a difference to the world around you?
Do you want the chance to grow, learn, and
be supported by industry leaders? This ever-
changing world will be shaped by the buildings
put into it; and we know it’s often the newest
minds who have the brightest ideas.
What can we offer you?
As a leading international firm of consulting
engineers, we didn’t build a 150-year legacy
by standing still. The built environment is
where our design-led work can carve out a
better future for the planet and its people.
For us, it’s about putting heart, soul,
innovation and sustainability into the
buildings we work on.
What could you be part of?
These days, engineering is a lot more than
pipes and wires; we look at the building as
a whole and are involved in every stage,
from initial client discussions right through
to construction and even the building’s
ongoing performance. We collaborate with
colleagues, architects and other construction
professionals, playing a critical role in every
building’s design.
80
86 PROSPECTS STudEnT
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CAREER guidE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.hoarelea.com/careers
graduates@hoarelea.com
twitter.com/hoarelea
linkedin.com/company-beta/33000
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
Mechanical, electrical,
public health, fire, intelligent
buildings, acoustics, air quality,
sustainability, communications,
lighting and vertical
transportation.
Locations
Bristol, London, Manchester,
Leeds, Birmingham,
Bournemouth, Oxford,
What might you be doing?
Cambridge and Plymouth.
As a graduate engineer, your day-to-day tasks
will vary, as we’ll expose you to all aspects Benefits
of our work so you can discover what suits • Competitive salary
you. You could produce detailed designs • Award-winning training and
and drawings, use the latest computer development
modelling software, undertake site surveys, • Private medical scheme
or research ground-breaking technologies. • Contributory pension scheme
Communicating will span all of these, as • 25 days annual leave, rising
we regularly liaise with project teams, meet to 30 days with length of
clients or end users, and attend collaborative service
meetings. • Range of flexible benefits
tailored to your needs:
Why does our work make a difference?
discounted gym
We play a major role in driving sustainable
membership, cycle to
development. We help create some of
work scheme, professional
the most innovative low-carbon buildings,
subscriptions, and buy/sell
pushing the limit on what’s possible. Our
holiday scheme etc.
projects cover almost every sector – from
• We’re a sociable and active
healthcare, residential and retail, to defence,
bunch, and the firm regularly
arts and heritage and education – ranging
holds events such as inter
from small studies and reports to large-scale
office sports competitions,
developments valued at more than £4billion.
sailing, pub quizzes, running
events and nights out.
Closing date
1 January 2018.

Leonardo is the largest inward investor in
the UK defence sector, the largest italian
inward investor to the UK, and one of the
biggest suppliers of defence equipment to
the UK MoD
The company generates exports worth around
£1.3bn to the UK economy every year.
Our long-term investment in emerging
technologies and subsequent development
of intellectual property in the UK is achieving
export success and delivering huge economic
benefits back into the UK, enabling investment
in highly skilled jobs and helping to rebalance
the UK’s economy.
Building skills for the future
Leonardo employs 7,400 people throughout
the UK, 67% of whom hold highly skilled
positions.
We are one of the largest employers of
engineering apprentices and graduates in the the Investors in Young People (IIYP) Gold
UK, with some 415 people on undergraduate, accreditation, across the Engineering and
graduate and apprentice training
programmes. Our apprenticeship programme commitment to supporting young peoples’
was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED.
In the UK Leonardo spends around £3.5
million on employee training and development
annually, providing young people with the
opportunity to gain qualifications through
on-the job training, whilst simultaneously
undertaking academic study.
Leonardo is a member of the 5% Club,
through which the Company has committed
to deliver 5% of its UK workforce on graduate
and apprentice programmes within 5 years.
We are proud to be exceeding this target, with
9% of the workforce currently on graduate
and apprentice programmes.
www.uk.leonardocompany.com
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Developing graduates and
apprentices
Leonardo prides itself on
recruiting the very best. We
run award-winning graduate
and apprentice schemes
for some 415 young people
nationwide. Boasting a current
retention rate that has seen
Leonardo actively supports education and 95% of apprentices stay with
skills development through partnerships with our companies at the end
schools, colleges and universities throughout of their schemes, Leonardo
the country, investing substantially in school understands that the future
engagement and supporting Science, of its high-tech business
Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) rests in the hands of the next
curriculums. generation of engineers.
Leonardo is committed to maintaining a The Leonardo National
skilled and diverse workforce and recognises Apprentice Scheme has
the need to expand the UK’s pool of been awarded the grade of
engineering resources. We are focussed on ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED.
encouraging females into technology and
A multi award-winning
engineering – in schools, through university,
company
and into working life, actively supporting
The company is always
initiatives such as the Governments’ Your
Life’ Campaign, part of a national effort to working on improving its
encourage greater participation amongst policies and procedures to
young people, particularly women, in STEM. ensure that our employees
are satisfied and fulfil their
Leonardo’s Electronics, Defence & Security potential.
Systems Divisions were first to achieve www.uk.leonardocompany.
com/people-careers/graduate-
programmes
Aerospace sectors, reflecting the company’s
educational development
Leonardo’s growth in the UK has resulted from
the skills, energy and dedication of our people.
We are committed to equal opportunity
and offering personal fulfilment through the
highest quality education and development.
Leonardo’s growing national and international
footprint offers real depth of capability – with
over 7,400 employees in the UK and 47,000
worldwide, we have the global resources
to deliver. By instilling the importance of
engineering in younger generations, we
nurture the talent of tomorrow and help
guarantee our future business prosperity.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE
GUIDE 81
87
 Sellafield Ltd
INTRODUCING
Daniel Gilmore graduated with
a degree in civil and structural
engineering from the University
of Leeds. He’s now in the first
year of the Sellafield Ltd
graduate scheme
What attracted you to this graduate
scheme – what were the steps you
took from graduation? I was accepted
onto the scheme after completing
a ten-week summer placement between
my third and fourth years at university.
I found Sellafield Ltd to be a very
welcoming organisation where people
were prepared to help and the benefits
were very competitive.
Tell us about your time at Sellafield.
What have been the highlights?
I’ve completed two placements – both
quite contrasting: one working for the
Infrastructure Strategic Alliance (ISA),
a joint venture between Sellafield,
Arup and Morgan Sindall, where
I was responsible for improving the
site infrastructure; and another for the
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CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
analysis section, carrying out finite
element analysis (FEA) of structures.
For the ISA placement, I was
involved with different areas of the
site, including doing substantiation
for a booth, which only had one 3D
drawing. The work focused on small
jobs and mainly involved checking
drawings and designing structures for
constructability, which I hadn’t done
much of at university.
On the second placement, I developed
skills in using Ansys and Mathcad.
It incorporated an analysis of an
underground culvert junction where
I tested it to see what maximum wheel
load could be applied to the structure.
I got to build models of complex
structures and check the capacities
of the members.
What training and support have
you received? A number of events
are planned as part of the graduate
scheme, such as a week-long training
session based on progressing from
university to the workplace, and an
overview of the nuclear industry, plus
many other sessions and tasks.
Graduates on the scheme regularly meet
up at lunchtimes and we frequently
arrange social events together.
What extra-curricular activities are
you involved in? I’ve taught evening
classes at a local college in Warrington,
and have led a session teaching students
about civil engineering and performing
tasks such as designing a beam and
building a bridge.
I’ve also taken part in a community
challenge to carry out improvement
works (gardening, painting and building
chicken coops) at a community centre.
What work will you be involved
with next? I’m set to do a placement
in the geotechnics section before
undertaking a design placement. I’ll
finish the scheme with a construction
placement on-site at Sellafield.
I’ll also be presenting a paper
to the International Conference on Soil
Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
(ICSMGE 2017) in Seoul, South Korea.
What does it take to be successful
in this industry? Ask questions – as well
as developing your knowledge, it helps
your line managers to know that you’re
trying to understand what you’re doing.
Communicate well and ensure the
people you’re doing work for are kept
informed of your progress. Don’t be
afraid to pick up the phone and ring
someone if they don’t immediately
respond to emails.
Do you have any advice for graduates
interested in working for Sellafield?
Be social to the people around you.
Developing and building working
relationships with fellow graduates
and colleagues can help you to enjoy
working at Sellafield, as well as helping
you get your work done.
 sellafieldsites.com/careers

The Smart Community

The ultimate environmental

challenge here

Learn from world

experts here

See your project

Find the responsibility you’ve succeed here
been searching for here

Be welcomed by the
community here
Input into multi-million
pound projects here

Graduate & Placement Opportunities 2018

Location: Sellafield, West Cumbria & Risley, Warrington.
£competitive salary plus benefits.
Wherever you join us you’ll be part of a 100-year mission, surrounded by industry-leading
experts. You’ll help transform the UK’s first nuclear site, leaving it a safe, environmentally
sound space for all the generations that follow.
We are keen to hear from Graduates and Students with a Civil Engineering degree
discipline for our Design Engineering or Plant Engineering programmes.
We also look for Graduates and Students across our various schemes including;
Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics,
Physics, Project Management and Quantity Surveying.
Visit sellafieldsites.com/careers to find out more.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 83


MBda is a global leader in the design
and manufacture of missiles and missile
systems; competing at the forefront of
the defence industry. Voted as one of
The Sunday Times Top 30 Big Companies
to Work For, we are a multi-national
organisation with 10,000 employees across
Europe and the united States
As a prime complex weapon contractor to
the UK MOD and Europe’s leading guided
weapons company, MBDA has some of the
most sophisticated technology in defence
and some of the most innovative minds in
engineering.
What makes us different?
We offer you an opportunity to experience
different aspects of the business and really
gain an insight into the kind of career
you could have at MBDA. You will follow
a professional development programme
consisting of four, six month placements
– three within your internal specialist area
and one external, either in another area of
the company or with one of our partners or
customers.
With four out of five of our current graduates • Sport and social activities
saying that the scheme met or exceeded their • Fantastic site facilities
expectations, we believe our success is based
on the dedication to our people and offering
them an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding • Private healthcare scheme
career. The work is innovative, interesting and
complex, perfect for talented and motivated
84
90 PROSPECTS STudEnT
STUDENT CaREER
CAREER guidE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.mbdacareers.co.uk
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
Business and technical roles
ranging from human factors,
design integration systems
and validation, synthetic
environments, war head
manufacturing, mechanical/
electrical engineering, seekers,
simulation and modelling,
finance, supply chain,
project management and
procurement.
professionals across the full and commercial
spectrum. Subject of study
We will consider a huge range
In the UK, MBDA has received ten Queen’s of engineering degrees;
Award’s for Enterprise and holds accreditation aeronautical, aerospace,
from Investors in People. Redefining the aerosystems, electrical,
established standards in the industry, our mechanical, computer science,
people contribute to a great work environment software, mathematics,
with a strong belief in professional physics or similar as well as
development, an innovative culture and a business studies/management,
good work/life balance. supply chain for a business
roles (minimum 2:2 required).
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people who: Location
• Have an adaptable approach, capable of Stevenage, Bristol and Bolton.
focusing on multiple needs of the business.
• Are team players, capable of working with Training and development
others from various disciplines. Full training provided.
• Have an ability to use their enthusiasm How to apply
to engage and influence others in order Visit our careers website
to produce work of good quality within www.mbdacareers.co.uk
strict deadlines.
• Are proactive self-starters with the drive to
learn and develop their skills
Rewards and benefits
• Fexi-time scheme
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Bonus scheme
• Investment in training and development
Where can you build
for a better society?
Naturally Skanska

We are Skanska.
One of the UK’s leading construction contractors, we’re an inclusive, responsible business that’s helping
to build a better society. Known for major projects like the Gherkin and Crossrail, Skanska is building for
a better future. Drawing on our Scandinavian heritage, we’re green, innovative and progressive. We
bring people and technology together, as part of our commitment to making construction a safer and
more collaborative industry.
Join us in any one of our technical or support roles, to discover plenty of opportunities to grow your
experience across a breadth of projects, whilst making a positive impact on society.
We have a variety of exciting programmes available for school and college leavers, interns and
graduates, including:
• A two year development programme for graduates,
• An eight-week summer or year-out placement for interns,
• The chance to earn while you learn as an apprentice or trainee.
Help us build for a better society.
Make your next career move with us: skanska.co.uk/careers

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 91

 Can you fill in
the gaps for the
next generation of
thinkers, innovators
and enginners?
Are you extraordinary, passionate and looking for a future with
no limits?

We’re Spencer Group, one of the largest independent engineering

companies in the UK. We’re looking for extraordinary talent to help
us create and develop some of the most unique engineering solutions
for some of the most innovative engineering projects in the country.

If you have vision, relish a challenge and have a different way of

thinking, we have graduate opportunities in Design, Civil Engineering,
Commercial and HR Strategy.

Think you could help fill in the gaps… talk to us today.

Apply now: thespencergroup.co.uk/grads

92 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

KNOW
YOUR
SECTOR
Comprehensive guides to Accountancy, banking and finance,
Engineering and manufacturing and Information technology.
These digital guides contain an overview of the sector, information
on graduate jobs and advice on professional qualifications

www.prospects.ac.uk/prospects-publications
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 93

We’re the faces behind the services you
use every day. We’ve been in the business
of creating better places to live, work
and travel for nearly 100 years - it’s our
purpose and our passion and it’s what
drives us to keep improving our services
every day
We make a difference – we make things
better
As well as managing large and high-profile
infrastructure projects, our 19,000 employees
deliver great services that you rely on daily,
at home and on the move. In a nutshell, our
services include engineering, facilities, utilities,
transport, environmental, defence and justice.
You’re one of 64 million people who’s used a
service we support today.
We’re proud of the difference we make -
making things better every day for people
and communities is at the heart of the way
we work.
What makes us different?
Our services are all underpinned by our
leading consulting and asset management
capabilities. We help our customers get the
most out of their assets, tackling issues of You can make a real difference to your career
ageing infrastructure and increasing demands. and the lives of the communities you work in.
We use cutting-edge data and technology to
enable us to make smarter decisions
94 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.amey.co.uk
twitter.com/ameyplc
facebook.com/ameycareers
linkedin.com/company/11797
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Our Graduate Scheme
We offer a two year graduate
programme which focuses
on providing you with the
tools and skills you’ll need
to succeed in a challenging,
dynamic and supportive work
environment.
We’ll give you a real role
from day one, so you’ll get
invaluable experience and
exposure working on varied
and exciting projects.
We recruit graduates all year
and create better solutions. round, into careers in:
• Science, engineering and
A world of opportunities
technology
And it’s not just people in the UK we’re
• Environmental
helping, people around the world are also
• Quantity surveying /
benefiting. Although most of our work is in the
commercial
UK, we’re an international company with
• General management /
projects in the USA and Australia. Ferrovial,
operations
our parent company, are an established
• Business
international infrastructure and services group
with a long, successful track record in large- Benefits
scale operations and a presence in more than • Diverse, challenging,
25 countries worldwide. exciting and high-profile
projects
So, our access to international best practice,
• Gain a professional
our global reach and the diversity of our
aualification
business – the long term career opportunities
• Formal training
are huge.
• Annual Graduate
We provide a great place to work Conference
Working with us is always stimulating and • Potential opportunities
rewarding. Playing your part in providing for rotations
‘Better Places’ for our customers will help you • Competitive starting salary
to achieve your personal and professional
How to apply
goals at Amey. Whether that’s contributing to
We recruit graduates all year
significant large-scale projects, learning new
round. Please visit our website
skills or working with a great group of people
for more information and
every day, we’ll give you the chance to shine.
to apply: www.amey.co.uk/
careers-atamey
 SPONSORED BY:

Environment
SECTOR PROFILES

and agriculture
What roles are on offer?
Animal nutritionist
Environmental health practitioner
Fish farm manager
Recycling officer
There are many graduate jobs that allow you to pursue your Water quality scientist
passion for animals or care for the natural environment
You can find graduate schemes at large
companies such as AGCO, John Deere,
AB Agri, JCB and British Sugar. The
Forestry Commission runs a graduate
development programme for those with
degrees in forestry, estate management
or environmental science. Meanwhile,
the Scottish Environment Protection
Agency (SEPA) offers a scheme for trainee
environment protection officers with
a science-based degree.
There’s a shortage of workers with
agronomy skills (soil management and crop
production), an area of work increasingly
vital to modern agricultural practices.
A skills shortage also exists in horticulture,
landscape architecture and land-based
engineering. There’s also a need for young
people to enter fisheries management.

What’s the working culture?

Graduates can expect:
• a range of jobs, from consultancy
You could begin your career in an Graduate employers generally require
to practical hands-on and physically-
environmental role such as air quality, candidates with an interest in environmental
demanding work
conservation or waste management. There or sustainability issues, business awareness
• opportunities for self-employment,
or management skills, physical fitness,
are also opportunities in agriculture for those
as more than 55% of the agricultural
wanting to work with crops or livestock. relevant practical and technical skills,
workforce is self-employed, compared
You could consider animal technology, and teamwork skills.
with the national average of 13%
landscaping or veterinary work if a land Entrepreneurial ability can also be
• to work outdoors in all weather,
or animal-related job is more your thing. valuable due to the abundance of self-
or be part office-based
employment opportunities in the sector.
What do employers look for? • varied salaries that depend on entry
Entry to some jobs in this sector, such How do I find a job? qualifications and the industry you work
as land-based engineering, is only possible Work experience is essential for most in; graduate members of the Institute
with a specific degree. For others, such jobs, and voluntary work is a way into of Environmental Management and
as conservation management, entrants many areas, such as ecology, conservation Assessment (IEMA) earn an average of
usually have a relevant degree. Postgraduate and animal care. £25,000, rising to £37,700 at associate
qualifications are increasingly common. Jobs aren’t always formally advertised, level, while environmental professionals
Science, agriculture, geography or as the sector is dominated by small in mining and quarrying have the highest
business degrees are useful for many other companies. Sending out speculative median annual salary of £57,000.
jobs. Companies will often consider any applications is one way to combat this. FIND OUT MORE
degree subject for commercial graduate Turn to page 168 to find out more about www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
schemes – although most will require a 2:1. applying for graduate jobs. job-sectors/environment-and-agriculture

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 95

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 95

From empty takeaway cartons to waste
paper and plastic bottles, every day we
throw away a vast amount of rubbish, but
few people ever look beyond the bin bags
to find out what happens next
Lifting the lid on a career in the waste
and recycling sector is Grundon Waste
Management, an award-winning company
keen to attract high calibre candidates for a
raft of exciting opportunities.
Operating throughout the Thames Valley
and the wider South East, and with an
annual turnover of more than £90million, the
business provides waste collection, recycling
and specialist cleaning and environmental
monitoring services to a wide range of
organisations.
It is the largest family-owned waste
management company in the UK, and with
over 700 employees, operates state-of-the-
art treatment and recovery facilities and an
extensive vehicle fleet.
Training
Working within this fast-growing and
innovative business means being part of
a creative and customer-focused team of
experts who are passionate about quality and
88
96 PROSPECTS STudEnT
STUDENT CaREER
CAREER guidE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.grundon.com
hr@grundon.com
twitter.com/grundonrecycle
facebook.com/grundonwastemanagement
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
As a fast-growing business,
roles are available to suit a
variety of skills, including IT,
compliance, sales, engineering,
technical, marketing, contract
management and helpdesk.
Subject of study
Degrees accepted and
core skills required will vary
depending on specific roles.
Location
Opportunities exist at
Grundon’s head office at
Benson, Oxfordshire and at its
bases throughout the Thames
setting new standards for environmental best
Valley region, including Slough,
practice and resource management.
Maidenhead, Reading and
From highly-qualified technical experts and Banbury.
industry chemists to engineers, IT specialists
Salary and benefits
and marketing gurus, Grundon offers first-class
Roles enjoy competitive
career prospects for the right individuals.
starting salaries and
Employee training and development is central opportunity for progression.
to its success and Grundon puts great value Benefits include pension
on attracting, retaining and developing the scheme with associated life
very best people. A snapshot of its investment insurance, holiday purchase
includes internships, apprenticeships, a scheme, discount shopping
highly-successful Grow@Grundon training scheme, childcare vouchers,
programme and the Grundon Development healthcare cash plan and
Programme – an intensive management and Employee Assistance
leadership behavioural course. Programme.
industry leader Training and development
As an industry leader and innovator, Grundon Grundon is fully committed to
has always been at the cutting edge of waste offering training and career
management – it was the first to introduce progression.
the wheelie bin to the UK – and it continues to
How to apply
invest millions of pounds in new technologies.
To view current vacancies and
Proud of its environmental commitments, apply, visit www.grundon.com
Grundon achieved an industry first by
introducing CarbonNeutral® certification
across its entire road-going vehicle fleet and,
with an emphasis on being a good neighbour,
supports many different community, sporting

Produce Investments Plc is a leading
operator in the fresh potato and daffodil
sectors with a turnover in excess of
£200m. We have up to 1,500 staff, around
11 different sites/facilities around the
country, and have a significant presence in
all of the UK’s key potato growing areas
The group is split into three segments:
Fresh - Comprising of Greenvale AP, The
Jersey Royal Company and Rowe Farming.
Customers include a number of the UK
leading grocery retailers and wholesale and
food service companies.
Processing - Swancote Foods provides a
number of food ingredient manufacturers
in the UK with additive - free cooked potato
products as well as raw potato ingredients.
Other - including Greenvale Seed, a significant their full potential and provide our graduates
grower of seed potatoes and Restrain
Company Ltd which provides the only residue • Management skills (Management
free solution for sprout suppression in stored Development Programme)
potatoes and onion in the UK, Europe and
other territories across the world.
Our opportunities
The deeper you dig, the greater the rewards.
We have opportunities within our business for
www.produceinvestments.co.uk
twitter.com/greenvaleap
facebook.com/greenvaleap
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
We offer two exciting graduate
schemes within our business:
Business scheme – two year
rotational programme, working
in different functions and
locations.
Agricultural scheme – two year
programme which involves
working in different locations
and travel throughout the UK.
It is advantageous to hold a
degree in agricultural or land-
based subjects.
Person requirements
• The successful applicants
people who are simply passionate about a will hold a degree.
great career in the food industry - ultimately, • It is essential, that
you could take up a management role here applicants have a
in our agricultural, commercial, procurement, demonstrable passion for
technical, operations, processing, HR or the produce industry.
finance teams. • A full, clean driving license
is essential, as is a
Over the duration of the two year graduate willingness to travel and to
schemes offered, you will be working on real relocate if necessary.
business projects that will be completed
Location
during the placements. Attention to detail
Nationwide.
with a planned approach to work is essential,
fast paced deadlines are required to be How to apply
met with high levels of responsibility. Our Please submit a cover
graduates will be working with differing levels letter together with your
of management and staff and so excellent CV to: marie.speight@
communication is vital. greenvale.co.uk, or head
to our careers hub: careers.
We are committed to our staff and nurturing
produceinvestments.co.uk
our teams. We support individuals in achieving
Closing date
with off the job training which includes: 31 December 2017.
• Accredited health and safety qualification
• Opportunity to study towards a
postgraduate certificate in the second year
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 97
LOVE
WHAT
YOU DO
Pick up our guides to graduate jobs and postgraduate study
at your university careers service, careers fairs or online

www.prospects.ac.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
98 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

Healthcare
A career in this sector gives you the chance to make a real
difference to people’s lives – on the front line treating
patients, conducting research or in a management role
There are a vast number of jobs available
in the different fields of healthcare such
as dentistry, mental health, pharmacy,
psychology, nutrition and diet – and
many more. Within the National Health
Service (NHS) alone, there are more
than 350 career paths on offer,
according to Health Careers.
You could work for the NHS, private
healthcare or non-profit organisations
in a range of settings including care
homes or hospices, hospitals, people’s
own homes, community healthcare (such
as dental surgeries) or medical laboratories.
In the NHS and major private providers
such as Bupa, there are also jobs for
graduates in finance, human resources
(HR), information technology (IT) and
procurement and sales.
What do employers look for?
For many graduate healthcare careers
– including medicine, nursing, midwifery
and allied healthcare – you must be
a registered healthcare professional,
meaning that to work in these roles you
need a relevant approved degree and
to register with the appropriate
professional body.
It’s a good idea to consult the websites
of these professional bodies, such as the
General Dental Council, the Nursing &
Midwifery Council and the Royal College
of Surgeons in England, for full details
of how to qualify.
If you’ve not studied an approved first
degree, graduate entry ‘accelerated’
courses are available for certain careers.
Employers will usually require candidates
who possess the ability to stay calm
in high pressure situations (such as in
surgery), attention to detail, empathy
and an approachable nature, good
communications skills (for example
SECTOR PROFILES
to advise patients about their options),
and the ability to work in a team.
Most undergraduate and postgraduate
programmes in healthcare include work
placements as part of the qualification,
although prior experience is typically
required to get a place on these courses.
This can be gained by volunteering,
work shadowing or through work
experience with an NHS Trust.
How do I find a job?
The largest employer in healthcare is the
NHS, which employs more than 1.5 million
people in the UK. Jobs are advertised
on www.jobs.nhs.uk. The NHS also runs the
Graduate Management Training Scheme,
with options to specialise in finance,
general management, health informatics
and HR. If you have at least a 2:1 in pure
or applied science, you could consider the
NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 99
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 99
SPONSORED BY:
What roles are on offer?
Chiropractor
Dispensing optician
General practice doctor
Paramedic
Psychiatrist
Jobs in independent healthcare are
typically advertised on company websites.
Vacancies at smaller organisations can
be found by contacting them directly
or through the local press.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• national pay rates for NHS employees
except doctors, dentists and senior
managers
• shift work with unsociable and often
long working hours
• a potentially stressful and emotionally
draining working environment
• to be able to work anywhere in the
country and experience a range of
different working conditions depending
on the role and organisation.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/job-sectors/healthcare

Ashfield, part of UDG Healthcare plc is the
UK’s largest contract services organisation,
offering the most comprehensive and
flexible solutions in pharmaceutical
outsourcing
As an international healthcare services
organisation, with more than 6,000
employees across 22 countries, we are united
by a single mission; to partner with our
clients to improve lives by helping healthcare
professionals and patients get the medicines,
knowledge and support they need.
For us, it’s about having people in the business
who are capable of seizing opportunities and
driving sustainable growth. For you, it’s about
having opportunities to learn and develop
while building a long-term career in an
international company.
It’s our people that have made us successful,
which is why we employ people who are
committed to our values; quality, partnership,
ingenuity, expertise and energy.
Our mission
Our mission is to partner with our clients,
improving lives by helping healthcare
professionals and patients get the medicines,
knowledge and support they need.
Career opportunities and training
We offer a world of opportunities for talented
people, creating a better place for your future.
At Ashfield, we’re passionate about
developing our people, so we’ll encourage you
to learn, grow and share in our success.
90
100PROSPECTS
PROSPECTSSTUDENT
STUDENTCAREER GUIDEwww.prospects.ac.uk
CAREERGUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
facebook.com/ashfield.careers.uk
You’ll be highly valued at Ashfield. We’ll
give you all the support, training and
encouragement you need to deliver world-
class results for our clients. There’s nothing
more satisfying than knowing you’re providing
an outstanding service. With an international
reach and great support, the opportunities
here are wide and diverse.
Our team
Ashfield is a fast-paced place to work where
you’ll enjoy a steady stream of opportunities.
You can take pride in your work and realise
your potential.
We employ people who are committed to
our values - quality, partnership, ingenuity,
expertise and energy - and are driven to
succeed in every task. We strongly believe in
teamwork to ensure you receive the support
required in your day to day role as well as
developing your own future.
The Ashfield Way
There are lots of reasons why, as individuals,
we do the jobs we do. But at Ashfield, why do
we do what we do?
Ultimately, we do what we do because we
have the opportunity to help improve people’s
lives and to identify their role in helping to
improve people’s lives.
The Ashfield Way is a division-wide initiative
that gives all of our 6,000 employees, across
the 22 countries we have offices in, the
opportunity to identify their role in improving
people’s lives.
www.ashfieldhealthcare.com
twitter.com/ashfieldcm
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Location
Our international headquarters
is located in Ashby de la Zouch,
Leicestershire and is easily
accessible from the M1 and
M42.
We also have offices globally
and our medical sales roles are
available nationwide.
Benefits
We realise it’s our people that
have made us the success
we are. That’s why, if you
join us, you’ll be recognised
and rewarded for your
achievements, and given the
support you need to reach
higher and develop further.
As well as an excellent starting
salary, laptop, pension and
healthcare scheme, we’ll tailor
training around you, based on
the direction you want to go in
and the hard work you put in
will be reflected in the rewards
you receive.
We think the generous
rewards and massive scope for
development are why many
talented people choose to stay
with us. We hope you’ll join us
and be one of them.

HR and recruitment
A strong human resources
(HR) department is at
the core of any successful
business, so if you’re a great
communicator there are
endless opportunities across
a multitude of organisations
Opportunities can be grouped into several
categories, including employee relations,
industrial relations, employment law,
health and safety, payroll and pensions,
performance and reward, recruitment
and talent management, strategy and
organisation development, and training,
learning and development.
Graduates in the sector usually take one
of two routes: they either work in-house for
an organisation, or for a recruitment agency letter with your CV to local recruitment
that hires employees on behalf of clients.
What do employers look for?
You don’t need a relevant degree for a job
in HR and recruitment. However, employers
seek graduates who have at least a 2:1 and,
in some cases, 300+ UCAS points. You’ll
also need to take a professional course
by the Chartered Institute of Personnel
and Development (CIPD) at some point
in your career (page 180).
Most employers in the HR and recruitment
sector will consider graduates of any
discipline. Despite this, some employers
do prefer degrees in certain subjects, such
as HR, business, finance, management,
economics and psychology.
Applying to a recruitment consultancy
specialising in an industry that’s related
to what you’ve studied may increase
your chances of securing a job.
The sector normally requires graduates
with ambition, confidence and the courage
to challenge, excellent communication
skills, organisational skills and the ability
to multitask, strategic thinking and the
ability to meet deadlines.
SECTOR PROFILES
How do I find a job?
Administrative skills are an important
part of the job, so finding part-time work
in an office environment while studying
would be beneficial. You’d also be able
to build on your commercial awareness,
and gain an understanding of the important
role that HR plays within an organisation.
Talent management is a recent growth
area and is a reaction to companies
placing greater emphasis on attracting
and retaining the best employees.
Graduate entry schemes in HR are offered
in many large organisations. These include
BP, Tesco, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), KPMG
and the National Health Service (NHS).
There are plenty of entry level HR positions
available, allowing you to work your way
up in the profession.
You could also send a speculative
consultancies (page 168). You can search
for recruitment consultancies in your
area through the Recruitment and
Employment Confederation (REC).
What roles are on offer?
Human resources officer
Management consultant
Occupational psychologist
Recruitment consultant
Training and development officer
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 101
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 101
SPONSORED BY:
Some recruitment consultancies offer
graduate schemes or encourage
newly-qualified graduates with the
right personality traits to apply. For
more information, see individual
company websites.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• a competitive industry with deadlines
and targets
• high earning potential, with an average
salary range of £21,000 to £41,000.
Some companies offer commission
and bonus schemes for meeting
recruitment targets
• office-based roles and teamwork.
However, in smaller companies it’s
likely that you’ll work on your own
• self-employment as an option
for an experienced recruitment
or HR professional.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/job-sectors/recruitment-and-hr
 Endless
possibilities
with a career
in HR!

Human Resources (HR) is about making

sure the right people are in the right jobs, and plays a
vital role in business performance and people’s careers.

A career in HR opens doors to jobs in every sector,

from media to engineering, internationally or at home!

cipd.co.uk/hr-careers

102 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 103
 www.globalintec.com
info@globalintec.com

Global Intec is an IT recruitment agency
specialising in the International Oracle
Retail market. Established in 2002, a key
component to our success is that we focus
on our niche area, making us experts
within this field and well known within the
industry
The retail technology market is continuing
to grow, placing a high demand on our
services. With a five year expansion plan,
this is an exciting time for Global Intec and
we are looking for enthusiastic, driven and
hardworking individuals to join our team.
What do we do?
We understand our space and its unique roles
and demands. We recruit candidates for both
permanent and contract roles across the
globe. We have made placements in the UAE,
Australia, Thailand, China, South America
and across the EU. Global Intec Limited has
sister companies in the USA and UAE which
Work offered
enable our global reach. Our clients include Graduate trainee recruitment
some of the world’s top retailers and blue chip consultant.
consultancies. Subject of study
Any.
Our graduate programme
We are hiring graduate trainee recruitment Starting salary
consultants to join our expanding London £20,000-£25,000 .
team. The ideal candidates will have a strong
desire to work in a sales environment, excellent Location
communication skills and be confident and London.
comfortable interacting with new people. A How to apply
positive ‘can do’ attitude and a willingness to Please send your CV and a cover
work will also be valuable. In return, we offer a letter detailing why you are
competitive salary and commission structure interested in a career in recruitment
in addition to regular social events and a and highlighting your suitability to
friendly working environment. On your first the role to info@globalintec.com
day, you will be enrolled into a comprehensive
in-house training programme to enable you
to progress to a 360-degree recruitment
consultant role.

STUDY FOR
SUCCESS
Postgraduate Study Guide
Advice on choosing a course, applying, funding and studying abroad.
Available from your university careers service, postgraduate fair or online

www.prospects.ac.uk/publications/pgstudyguide

94
104PROSPECTS
PROSPECTSSTUDENT
STUDENTCAREER GUIDEwww.prospects.ac.uk
CAREERGUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

Information technology
Skills shortages in key areas of the digital economy mean there are lots
of opportunities for talented graduates to launch a career in this sector
Areas of work available in the information
technology (IT) sector include cyber
security, data analytics, computer
games development, IT consultancy and
telecommunications, among others.
Your job could involve creating
applications or systems, solving problems
with technology, or supporting people
who use it. Employers in the IT industry
also require graduates in functions such
as business, marketing, human resources
(HR) and finance.
Many IT and telecommunications
professionals work in other sectors,
for example, in the IT departments
of retail, finance, manufacturing and
public sector organisations.
What do employers look for?
For some roles you will need a degree in IT,
maths, science or engineering, although you
SECTOR PROFILES
What roles are on offer?
Applications developer
Database administrator
Network engineer
SEO specialist
Systems analyst
will usually be able to enter more business-
focused careers (for example IT consultancy)
with a degree in any discipline. Significant
and relevant work experience will give you
an advantage when applying for jobs.
Many IT jobs demand specific
technical skills, such as proficiency in
a particular programming language,
software application or method of project
management. Perhaps more than in any
other sector, professional qualifications
and certifications demonstrating these
are highly valued by IT employers.
You can take short and online courses
in many of these areas.
How do I find a job?
Visit the websites of major IT and
telecommunications companies to find
out about their graduate schemes. Entry-
level and graduate vacancies, including
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 105
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 105
SPONSORED BY:
in the public sector, can also be found
on specialist industry recruitment sites.
In addition, you can search for IT
vacancies on general jobs websites – don’t
forget that many large firms in other sectors
offer IT or technology-based streams
on their graduate programmes.
Jobs in IT can be found in all parts
of the UK, but particularly in its larger
cities. The Experis Tech Cities Job Watch
report for the second quarter of 2016
identified ten cities that are building
a reputation as ‘technology cluster hubs’
where established firms and start-ups tend
to group together. These are: Birmingham,
Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester
and Newcastle upon Tyne.
When applying for jobs, ensure that
your CV is tailored to the sector you want
to work in – for IT roles, a technical CV
showcasing your skills is the most suitable.
See an example at www.prospects.ac.uk/
careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/
example-cvs
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• starting salaries of around £30,000
according to High Fliers’ The Graduate
Market in 2017 report, close to the
national median across all sectors
• typically long working hours because
employers emphasise completing
a task or project over maintaining
a standard 9am to 5pm day
• the chance to work abroad, as many
large IT companies have branches
or subsidiaries in other countries
• self-employment opportunities,
as it’s not unusual for graduates
to go freelance early in their career.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/information-technology
 Reed Business
Information (RBI)
INTRODUCING
Charles Hide, recruitment
manager at RBI, reveals how
highly the data services company
values passion, ambition and
confidence in its graduate recruits
What do you look for in an employee?
Attitude and aptitude are important.
We have high standards, but we’re not
a company that insists on ‘degree X’
from ‘University Y’; we’re open-minded,
understanding that talent comes
in many shapes and sizes. We do like
to see a good degree, as it shows us that
somebody has direction, ambition, and
a good work ethic – but we’re also
seeing superb candidates coming
through more vocational routes.
Communication is key, whether you’re
a designer, web developer or an
accountant. The ability to present to
and work with new people from different
backgrounds is vital – the more you
communicate, the faster you learn.
How can a graduate stand out?
We see a lot of candidates with great
backgrounds, but there are a few things
106 PROSPECTS
106 PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
that help you to stand out. A well
written CV and cover letter may sound
obvious, but so many people get
it wrong. A CV that is clear, structured,
and mistake-free, supported by a short
but well-targeted cover letter is so
refreshing. Another benefit is extra-
curricular work, home projects and part-
time work – anything that shows us that
you’re passionate about your subject.
Finally, give us a call. Set yourself apart,
by having the confidence to tell us why
you’re a great fit.
What’s the working culture like
at RBI and what are its core values?
In many ways, RBI is a ‘best of both
worlds’ business, a longstanding
company with a progressive culture,
established brands but constant
evolution, traditional values with
cutting edge technology, and small
teams delivering big things. It’s about
fulfilling potential while encouraging
a work/life balance, delivering excellence
through knowing our customers and
collaborative working, nurturing the very
best talent available. As a global business
of around 30,000 employees, we can
offer outstanding career opportunities,
investment, stability, and superb benefits.
At the same time, we run small collegial
teams so people feel part of a close-knit
community. We’re big on corporate
responsibility, charity work, green
issues, and staff wellbeing.
How is the graduate programme
at RBI structured? Each scheme
is different, but they all share some
important key themes. Training and
development are paramount, as we
understand that keeping talent in the
business requires us to invest in our staff,
as well as them in us. All graduates will
have a structured blend of role-specific
and more general training, equipping
them to succeed. We offer tailored
career planning to ensure that each
individual progresses at the right pace,
in the direction that’s best for them.
Many companies take a ‘cookie-cutter’
approach to their grad schemes, but this
assumes that everybody is the same.
We hire individuals and offer a path
that suits them. Finally, we’ve put
together a fast-track process whereby
our graduates receive multiple reviews,
allowing us to reward achievement
while our graduates feel valued.
How can graduates find out more
about RBI? Our website, www.
reedbusiness.com, is a good place to
start. We also have a really helpful video
on YouTube – search ‘Working at RBI’.
Aside from that, give us a call – or even
better, apply and if selected, you’ll be
invited to spend a full day with us. You’ll
learn all about what we do and what
our schemes offer, while having the
opportunity to grab a coffee and chat
with staff across the business – from
current graduates to board members.
 www.reedbusiness.com
linkedin.com/company/reed-business-information

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
We have three schemes
covering technology,
commercial (incorporating
data science, UX design, and
product management) and
finance.
Subject of study
• Technology scheme –
computer science/
computing, maths and
physics
• Data science –
mathematics and related
subjects
• UX design – UX, visual
Here at Reed Business information In each case you’ll benefit from our structured design, product design or
our goal is clear. Through advanced training and development programme (both similar
technology we deliver data, analytics and formal and on-the-job), as well as mentoring, • Product management –
information which helps our customers fast-track career progression and pay reviews. marketing, business or
become more successful You’ll also get the opportunity to work with, similar
and learn from, some of our truly outstanding • Finance – accounting,
So who are we?
people. mathematics, economics or
We’re also part of RELX Group, a FTSE-100
similar
company and a world-leading provider What sets us apart from the crowd?
of information and analytics to a huge We’re uniquely placed to offer our graduates a Locations
range of industries. With more than 28,000 rare blend of fast-track progression alongside Sutton (Greater London) and
employees in over 30 countries, and revenues enormous diversity. Central London.
approaching $10billion, there’s a lot of
We’re a global business with renowned Salary
opportunity for you to succeed.
global brands such as Accuity, FlightGlobal Competitive starting salaries
What are we offering? and ProAgrica which our graduates can work with a fast-track review
We’re running three graduate schemes in across. process and extensive benefits
2017, each with outstanding opportunities for including our SAYE share
Being part of RELX Group means that we can
your development. options scheme.
also offer an enormous breadth of opportunity
Our technology scheme focuses on web – many of our people have worked across Find out more
development and testing, business analysis, different brands, roles and countries. • www.reedbusiness.com
and operations and systems specialisms. • www.relx.com
Above all, your career path can be tailored
• search ‘working at RBI’ on
Our commercial scheme involves product to you. There’s no cookie-cutter approach –
YouTube.
management, UX design and data science. we’re a graduate employer which works hard
to define the right path for you.
Our finance scheme provides the opportunity
to rotate across a variety of finance functions
and global business units.

www.prospects.ac.ukPROSPECTS
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTSSTUDENT
STUDENTCAREER
CAREERGUIDE
gUiDE107
97
 Alfa
INTRODUCING
HR manager Gillian Bray
explains what’s required
of graduates looking
to pursue a varied and
technically-focused career
developing asset finance
software for Alfa
108 PROSPECTS
108 PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
What do you look for in an employee?
We want people who are bright, inquisitive,
technically-minded, and fun to work with.
We have a collaborative company culture
and while we give our employees plenty of
responsibility, we ensure that they are fully
supported. Induction and pre-project training
lasts around 10 weeks, so new joiners need
to be ready to learn. If you have a 2:1 or
better, and As and Bs at A-level, we know
you are bright. Add to that the motivation
to learn about technology and asset finance,
and you have a successful Alfa consultant.
This is why we have achieved IiP Silver status,
Best Companies accreditation and are
one of TheJobCrowd’s Top Companies for
Graduates to Work For.
How can a graduate stand out? We receive
thousands of applications for around 20
graduate places. It’s easy to blend into the
background. The most memorable applicants
are those who really know their stuff about
what we do. There’s no point in rehashing
an advert and using that as a cover letter.
Think about what makes you right for the
role and tell us your story. Are you interested
in the technical direction we are taking? Are
you excited by the opportunity to work on the
various parts of a project, rather than pinning
yourself down to one career path? We are not
run-of-the-mill, so you shouldn’t be either.
How is the graduate programme
at Alfa structured? You will spend
four weeks in our training room learning
about all that is Alfa: our industry, software
and the technologies we use. You will then
spend six weeks putting all that into practice
in a heavily supervised team before moving
onto a project. Over the next couple of
years, you will undertake further core
training at regular intervals, teaching you
in more detail. Your training will then start
to differ as you spend your annual five-day
training budget on the things that interest
you. For some, that might be technical
conferences, while for others it’s project
management accreditation.
What advice would you give to graduates
looking to work in the IT sector? Get
some experience to show that you genuinely
know what you are getting into. If you are
from a non-technical background and simply
want to learn to code, you could develop
skills through sites like Coursera, which lets
you add course information directly to
LinkedIn, enhancing your profile in the eyes
of potential employers. With some basic
coding skills, you can start writing software
for fun. If you are already skilled in software
development, you could volunteer with the
Barclays Code Playground and run sessions
helping youngsters to learn the coding basics.
Alternatively, you could get involved with
an open-source project like Google Summer
of Code, work on pet projects and share
the source code on public repositories such
as GitHub, take part in coding competitions
(hackathons), where those with no
professional experience get to work in teams
with more experienced people. This is a great
way to experience a ‘real’ project and work
in a multinational team of developers.
How can graduates find out more about
Alfa? From our website www.alfasystems.
com/careers or at one of the many fairs
we attend in the autumn.
 WHAT NUMBER replaces the question mark and why?

AN IT CONSULTANCY FOR PEOPLE WHO THINK.

Alfa employs graduates and professionals from many disciplines.

You will be curious, have a logical mind, and be confident,
ambitious and ready for a challenge.
 
We are established in the UK, US, Asia-Pacific and throughout
Europe. You will be based in our London City office and go on
to work in a variety of roles on projects with some of the world’s
leading leasing and asset finance companies.
 
We will train you so you can work on any part of our
business change projects, building and implementing
our industry-leading software.
 
You will have an outstanding academic background including a
2:1 degree or better and a minimum of 320 UCAS points. Starting
salary is £40k with excellent benefits. Find out more about
opportunities with Alfa at alfasystems.com/careers.

20170315_165mmx220mm_Alfa_ProspectsAd_3.indd 1 16/03/2017 16:22

 Capita IT Resourcing
INTRODUCING
Graduate recruitment manager
Samantha Smallwood and
operations manager Craig
Chitty discuss how Capita IT
Resourcing’s accredited IT skills
and development programme,
Novus, prepares graduates for
a rewarding career
What do you look for in an employee?
At Capita IT Resourcing, our employees
are at the heart of everything we do,
and we know that our success is
shaped by our most valuable resource
– our people. We look for those with
enthusiasm to succeed and the desire
to contribute to the future of our vast
and diverse organisation.
Along with a degree, candidates must
also have excellent communication
skills and an interest in IT. You’ll also
need to have the passion to contribute
to the world that Capita IT Resourcing
helps shape on a daily basis.
110 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
How can a graduate stand out?
We pride ourselves on having a diverse
workforce, knowing that everyone
is an individual. This enables us to
provide dynamic and varied solutions
for our clients. So while we won’t
ask you to change, candidates
can certainly stand out by having
some or all of the following: a great
attitude, high enthusiasm towards
all aspects of work, a suitable level
of professionalism and strong
attention to detail.
Furthermore, your hobbies and
interests along with relevant work
experience are also a plus for your
application; we want to know who
you are as an individual.
What advice would you give to
How is the Novus programme at graduates wanting to work in the
Capita IT Resourcing structured? IT sector? While a basic level of
Novus specialises in developing technical ability would be suitable, you
individuals as the next generation certainly don’t have to be the next Bill
of IT professionals. Gates. One thing that we feel is crucial
The programme begins with for working in the IT industry, however,
industry-accredited skills development is an interest and awareness of the
in either our London or Manchester technology used to shape our world.
training academy, where you can gain Staying up to date with the latest news
relevant professional certifications. and social media around IT is always
Upon successful completion of the a good place to start.
training, you’ll be given the opportunity
to embark on a rewarding journey How can graduates find out more
and could be working in roles such about Capita IT Resourcing? Visit
as software developer, test analyst www.capitaitresourcing.co.uk/novus-
or business analyst representing graduates to find out more about
Capita IT Resourcing on client sites the programme, including current
across the UK. opportunities, upcoming events, FAQs
The programme provides you with and to register your details and apply.
the best of both worlds – industry We’re also active on social media,
relevant professional training and so why not follow us on:
certifications, followed by real-world
experience working on projects that You can also contact us via email
shape the world in which we live in. at novusrecruitment@capita.co.uk

Capita iT Resourcing’s skills and
development programme, Novus, combines
continuous professional development with
real-world experience to ensure the best
possible start to your iT career
Who is Capita?
Capita is a FTSE 250 company that plays
an essential role in the success of many
of the UK’s and the world’s leading
companies. We provide services across a
range of sectors, including local government,
central government, education, transport,
health, insurance and other private sector
organisations.
Our opportunities
Our Novus programme includes an initial
8-16 weeks training period put together by
industry experts and accredited by the British
Computer Society (BCS), which develops both
your technical and professional skills. You can
apply to one of two streams:
Change and transformation
Applicants will gain the skills to work
within roles such as IT business analysis,
requirements engineering, PMO and project
support. You will have the opportunity to gain
a number of certifications including working
towards an International Diploma in Business
Analysis.
www.capitaitresourcing.co.uk/novus-graduates
novusrecruitment@capita.co.uk
twitter.com/capitanovus
facebook.com/capitasnovusgraduatesprogramme
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Number of vacancies
Eight per training programme.
Work placements
Roles such as:
• Software testing
• Software developer
• Developer in test
• IT business analyst
• PMO
• Data analyst
Subject of study
2:2 degree (or equivalent) in
an IT, business or STEM subject
preferred. However, if you have
a passion for IT and have self-
taught in coding, test or think
Development and implementation you have transferable skills to
Applicants will gain the skills to work within work in an analytical role we
software testing, software development, would like to hear from you.
or development in test. If you major in Starting salary
testing you will learn standard test and agile £24,000+ in year one (upon
testing methodologies and will gain ISTQB successful completion of initial
qualifications in software testing. Developers unpaid training period and
will gain industry recognised professional commencing work placement).
certifications and will develop their technical
Requirements
skills in a minimum of one programming
Career driven, self motivated,
language such as Java or C#.
geographically flexible (willing
Throughout your time with Capita IT to relocate if required), able
Resourcing you will receive ongoing career to work in the UK unrestricted,
development and support from experienced able to commit to a two year
Capita professionals. graduate programme plus the
Development and career progression initial unpaid training period.
If you successfully complete your training you (Should you leave the training
will have the opportunity to further develop programme prior to completion,
your IT skills working on our client sites for two or within an initial period of
years. employment, some training
costs may be repayable).
Once you have successfully completed the
Novus Programme our graduates typically Locations
choose to work within one of Capita’s business Training in either London or
units, continuing to deliver professional IT Manchester. Work placements
solutions to our clients. Alternatively, you may throughout the UK.
have the opportunity to carry on working on How to apply
client site after your two years with Capita IT Visit www.capitaitresourcing.
Resourcing is complete. co.uk/novus-graduates
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE
GUIDE 101
111
DVIERSE TIHNIKNG
GARUATEDS IN ANY
SBEJUCT NEDEED
TO HLEP SFEGAAURD
THE NITAON.
Up fro teh cnahllege?
Intelligence Analysts
£25,738 – Various locations
GCHQ is an intelligence agency and a
very innovative one. We need diverse
thinking graduates to join our Analysis
Development training Programme
with the aim to see you become a
Professional Intelligence Analyst.
Alppy tdoay at
www.gchq-careers.co.uk Make a complex world yours
We are a global technology company looking for graduates
and postgraduates to join our team as Software Engineers!

Simply upload your CV and you’ll hear back within 48 hours:

No experience needed All disciplines welcome

Competitive salary plus benefits

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 113

 Fujitsu
INTRODUCING

Gemma O’Leary of Fujitsu
discusses how graduates on
their scheme can develop key
skills and get involved with
numerous activities, as they
enter the exciting and ever-
changing world of IT
What do you look for in an employee?
At Fujitsu, we’re looking for people who
will bring their own personalities and skills
to the role, those who are willing to learn
and eager to push themselves. If you’re
unique and want to help us constantly
develop our business, then you’re exactly
the sort of person we’re looking for.
We believe in the power of difference
to create a better future. We aim to
create an environment where people can
be themselves and feel able to contribute
to the success of the company. If you’re
talented, enthusiastic, and keen to
make a difference, you can succeed
in our organisation. We respect people
regardless of their background, ensuring
equal opportunities for everyone.
and opportunities as possible. You can
create vast networks within the business
if you want to, as there are a number
of exciting opportunities to get involved
with alongside your chosen role.
Our graduates regularly work with
our current charity partner Macmillan
Cancer Support. Fujitsu’s charity
partnerships are part of the company’s
commitment to making a positive
contribution to society and the
communities it operates in.
How is the graduate programme
at Fujitsu structured? Alongside your
chosen role and training, you’ll also
embark on a comprehensive 24-month
modular development programme.
These modules cover key skills such
as self-awareness, leadership, business
awareness and business knowledge.
In addition to the development
programme, you’ll also be assigned
a ‘buddy’ – a graduate from the year
above – as well as a professional mentor.
What advice would you give
to graduates wanting to work in the
IT sector? Our website is a great place
to start researching the company and
the services we provide – for example, the
developments within cyber security and
biometrics. We’re the largest Japanese
employer in the UK and a leader for
offering a full range of technology
products, solutions and services.
We’d recommend spending some
time researching the types of roles
available in IT to find out what interests
you. A keen interest in technology is key,
while you should also keep up to date
with the latest changes and updates
in the sector. IT is an exciting and ever-
changing area, which offers fantastic
opportunities to push the boundaries
of digital technology, and we see it
as shaping the way we live our lives.
How can graduates find out more
about Fujitsu? For more information
on Fujitsu, you can visit our website
www.fujitsu.com/uk
You can explore our current
vacancies at www.fujitsu.com/uk/
about/local/jobs/index.html
Also, follow us on social media
for all our latest updates:
@FujitsuGrads
www.linkedin.com/groups/8346445
@FujitsuGraduateRecruitment
@fujitsu_grads_uk

How can a graduate stand out?

We recommend that our graduates
get involved with as many activities

114
114 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 Disrupt our
digital future
at Fujitsu

We live in a world where everyone and everything

is becoming more connected. It is creating new
opportunities and new threats. From using sensors
to help farmers grow better crops to designing
augmented reality software with field engineers,
our approach is to work in partnership with our
customers – with our Graduates and Industrial
Placements at the heart of our work.
To apply for roles in areas such as Information
Technology, Project Management, Business
Management, Marketing, HR, Commercial,
Finance and Sales - please visit
fujitsu.com/uk/about/local/jobs/graduates »
@FujitsuGrads fujitsu_grads_uk

We call this Human Centric Innovation – bringing @FujitsuGraduateRecruitment

together people, information and infrastructure to
create real value from ICT. www.linkedin.com/groups/8346445
KNOW
YOUR
SECTOR
Comprehensive guides to Accountancy, banking and finance,
Engineering and manufacturing and Information technology.
These digital guides contain an overview of the sector, information
on graduate jobs and advice on professional qualifications

www.prospects.ac.uk/prospects-publications
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
116 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
YOUR
CAREER
COVERED
Pick up our guides to graduate jobs and postgraduate study
at your university careers service, careers fairs or online

www.prospects.ac.uk

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 107

117
SPONSORED BY:
Law
Determination and organisation are needed to kick-start
a career in the legal world, but the intellectual challenge and
professional responsibility on offer are the perfect payoff
You could work as a barrister, paralegal,
or solicitor in private practice or local
government. These roles are further broken
down into different specialisms, meaning
there’s a place for everyone.
What do employers look for?
If you’re graduating with a law degree
accredited by the Solicitors Regulation
Authority, you need to complete the Legal
Practice Course (LPC) before embarking
on a two-year, full-time training contract.
You’ll undertake the Professional Skills
Course during your training and, once this
is all successfully completed, you’ll become
a qualified solicitor.
If you studied law at undergraduate
level, you need to complete the Bar
Professional Training Course (BPTC)
to become a barrister. From here, you
need to do a pupillage before getting
a tenancy in chambers or working
as an employed barrister.
118 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
118 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
SECTOR PROFILES
If you studied a different subject
at undergraduate level, you’ll have
to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law
(GDL) conversion course before following
the same path as those with a law degree.
There are different rules for graduates
looking to begin their careers in Scotland
and Northern Ireland.
Graduate employers in the law sector
generally require candidates with
commercial awareness, customer service
skills, good written and oral communication
skills, problem-solving ability, personal
integrity and an ethical approach.
How do I find a job?
Most law firms advertise training
contract vacancies on their own websites,
so it’s worthwhile making a list of firms
that you’d like to apply to and keeping
an eye on their websites.
You should apply two years before
you want to start your training contract.
What roles are on offer?
Barrister
Barristers’ clerk
Chartered legal executive
Solicitor
Trade mark attorney
Competition is fierce, so to make yourself
stand out you may consider applying
for a vacation scheme – the first stage
of recruitment in some firms will be to
favour those who have completed one
over those who haven’t. For vacation
schemes, you’ll more than likely need
a 2:1 and good A-level grades.
Some larger law firms may pay course
fees and offer a maintenance grant
to enable students to complete the LPC.
It pays to make contact with law firms
that you’re interested in as early as
possible to find out what they offer.
Attending legal graduate recruitment
fairs gives you the chance to meet
representatives from firms face-to-face,
discover more about what they’re
looking for and ask any questions.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• intellectually challenging work
• a high level of responsibility in a fast-
paced environment
• starting salaries to vary widely, as the
training contract minimum salary has
been abolished. According to High Fliers’
The Graduate Market in 2017 report, law
firms in the UK’s top 100 employers offer
an average starting salary of £43,000
• to face tough competition to secure
a pupillage or training contract
• to work outside of normal office
hours to meet the workload demands
of a particular case
• with experience, to earn on average
£50,000 in private practice depending
on the size of the firm.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/job-sectors/law-sector
 CMS_LawTax_Negative_28-100.e

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 119

Marketing,
advertising and PR
Technology continues to play a dominant role in the sector – with the
growing influence of mobile, video and even virtual reality on campaigns
Marketing, advertising and public relations
(PR) exists in most businesses and across
all sectors. People working in this area
help organisations to connect with their
audiences and promote brands, products
and messages.
You could work in PR, advertising, market
research, brand management, direct
marketing, event management, sales
promotion, or marketing communications
(online marketing and social media).
What do employers look for?
It’s not necessary to have a related degree,
as employers often look for skills rather
than specific subjects. Graduates who’ve
studied courses that require creativity and
excellent communication often find that
their skills fit these roles.
However, a degree in PR, marketing,
media, advertising, journalism,
communications or event management
120 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
120 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
SECTOR PROFILES
will demonstrate an interest in the industry One way to find jobs is to create and
and may prove to be an advantage
in an increasingly competitive area.
Design positions in advertising may
specify an art and design degree.
On a Chartered Institute of Marketing
(CIM) Multi-Award Pathway, you can study
for a professional marketing qualification
alongside a marketing degree.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with a good understanding
of social media and digital marketing,
commercial awareness and financial
understanding, communication skills,
creativity and innovation, customer service
skills and numerical and analytical skills.
How do I find a job?
Getting a job in this area can be difficult, find candidates. Check marketing agency
as most employers don’t require candidates websites early in the academic year to find
to have related degrees, meaning that
vacancies are open to all graduates.
What roles are on offer?
Advertising account planner
Digital marketer
Marketing executive
Media planner
Public relations officer
maintain a profile on LinkedIn (page 166).
Many companies use social media
to advertise their graduate opportunities
and also promote their vacancies through
careers fairs and university careers services
(page 164). Make sure that you regularly
check the Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
pages of marketing-related companies.
There’s no standard application process
in advertising, and vacancies are often
filled by word of mouth, so making
speculative applications is essential.
Turn to page 172 for information
on writing CVs and cover letters.
It’s important to build up a network
of contacts, as smaller businesses may
use informal recruitment practices to
information on graduate or management
training schemes and deadlines.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• primarily office-based work, with some
travel to visit clients and attend events
• to be part of a young, dynamic and
sociable team, working in a fast-
moving and creative industry that
can sometimes become highly
stressful and pressurised
• salaries to vary greatly depending on
the role, region and type of organisation
• working hours to be 9am to 5pm,
Monday to Friday, with longer hours
sometimes required
• freelance work to be an option,
particularly in PR, exhibitions and
copywriting.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/marketing-advertising-and-pr

Media and internet
Jobs in the media are increasingly dominated by graduates, so coupling a good
degree with some practical work experience is often the best route into these roles
Opportunities in the media and internet
sector can be found in journalism, digital
marketing, animation, publishing, television,
radio, special effects, film and many
other areas.
Graduate roles are often at assistant
level and include jobs such as runner,
media researcher, production assistant
and editorial assistant.
What do employers look for?
You don’t need a relevant degree
to work in the media and internet sector,
as many employers will accept any
subject. Enthusiasm, determination and
relevant work experience can often
be more important than having
a particular qualification.
However, courses in areas such as media
production may boost your chances
of finding a job by giving you in-demand
practical skills and a working knowledge
of industry-specific software.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with a practical approach,
the ability to get on well with a small
team of people for long periods of time,
creativity and originality, organisational
skills and specific technical skills.
SECTOR PROFILES
How do I find a job?
Getting yourself known by building
up a portfolio of work is one of the main
routes into the media sector.
At university, take every opportunity
to be involved in student media including
radio, newspapers or magazines. It may also
be possible to write for local specialist trade
publications, or be involved in community
media or hospital radio.
Writing your own blog can also get you
noticed by employers. Demonstrate your
expertise in a specific subject, and show that
you can engage with and build an audience.
It’s also important to have a social media
presence and follow media companies on
Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, as this is
where you’ll commonly find recruitment
information and keep up to date with
industry trends. For advice on managing
your online profiles, see page 166.
Larger companies including Sky, News
UK, Harper Collins and Virgin Media offer
graduate schemes. These tend to be in
journalism, marketing, technology, media
production or commercial support functions.
For example, the BBC offers trainee
schemes in journalism, software
development, and TV and radio production.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 121
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 121
What roles are on offer?
Broadcast journalist
Editorial assistant
Radio producer
UX analyst
Web designer
Both The Times and The Telegraph offer
news journalism graduate schemes. Some
larger production companies, such as Tiger
Aspect, have formal ‘runner’ schemes.
Networking and building an extensive
list of contacts is the key to securing a job
with smaller companies in the media and
internet sector. Many smaller companies
use contacts to find suitable candidates
rather than advertising their positions
formally. See the benefits of working
for a small business on page 29.
Speculative applications (page 168)
are also a popular route.
Creative Skillset offers a trainee finder
database aimed at those who have
already completed work experience
or a relevant course.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• freelance work and short contracts
• long and unsociable hours
• possibilities to work away from home
or abroad on location
• varied starting salaries.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/media-and-internet
SPONSORED BY:

Property and construction

SECTOR PROFILES

The hands-on nature of the

job, and the opportunity to
work abroad, are just some
of the reasons graduates are
drawn to a career in property
and construction
Jobs are available in a number of areas,
including property, surveying, building

What roles are on offer?

control, housing management, estate
management and buildings conservation.
There are also graduate opportunities
in business functions such as sales, finance,
marketing and human resources (HR).
Who are the main graduate employers?
Some of the largest companies in the
UK construction sector are Kier Group,
Willmott Dixon, Laing O’Rourke and BAM
Construct UK. Property and facilities
management companies in the UK include
Arcadis, GVA, Colliers International and
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).
Large property owners – such as retail
companies and hospitality and leisure
groups – also recruit graduates for facilities
management and property roles.
In addition, jobs can be found in
architectural practices, construction
consultancies and housing organisations,
while there are opportunities with local
authorities and infrastructure providers
such as train companies. You may also
be able to work with an organisation that
owns historic properties, such as English
Heritage or the National Trust.
What do employers look for?
You need to study a specific, accredited
first degree for specialist areas, such
as architecture and engineering.
For other areas, such as estate
management, construction management
and facilities management, having
a specialist degree may be an advantage – schemes. These can be in technical areas,
but many entrants have other qualifications. such as planning, surveying, engineering
A business-related degree may be required and environmental management,
for graduate schemes in commercial areas
such as marketing and HR.
A number of property companies offer
graduate schemes for those without
a related degree. These schemes provide
support to new employees hoping to
gain relevant postgraduate professional
qualifications in surveying or planning.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with skills in numeracy, problem
solving, negotiation, communication,
and project management.
How do I find a job?
Some of the larger organisations in the
construction sector offer 6 to 12-month
industrial placements or summer internships.
The majority of organisations are small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that
may not advertise formal work placements,
so approach them with a CV. It’s important
to build a network of contacts, as
opportunities in smaller organisations are
often found through word of mouth.
Large construction and property
companies offer formal graduate entry
or commercial areas, such as project
or operational management.
Building surveyor
Consulting civil engineer
Historic buildings inspector/
conservation officer
Landscape architect
Quantity surveyor
Many smaller organisations don’t recruit
at set times through graduate schemes, but
as and when they need staff. Specialist press
such as Building Careers UK or recruitment
sites such as Careers in Construction (CIC)
may be the best way to find vacancies.
Professional associations such as the
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(RICS) and the Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA) also advertise jobs.
The Institute of Residential Property
Management (IRPM) helps jobseekers
who are looking for a specific position.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• to spend significant time on-site
• to work as a self-employed independent
consultant with the right experience
and chartered status
• a starting salary in the range
of £20,000 to £29,000
• the satisfaction of working in a job
with a tangible end product
• opportunities to work abroad with
global consultancies.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/property-and-construction

122 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

122 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

With
Lendlease
You’re Going
Places
Every day people around the world live,
work, shop, play or travel via a place
created by Lendlease. To leave a lasting
impact on our communities, we know it
starts with building a great team. Join us
Who we are
Lendlease was founded over 55 years ago on
the firm belief that a successful company must
operate profitably, sustainably and ethically.
Today, we work closely with clients, investors
and communities in Europe, Australia, Asia,
and the Americas to create unique places
– places that leave a positive legacy and
inspire and enrich the lives of people around
the world. We do this through putting safety
first and delivering innovative and efficient
solutions which provide long-term sustainable
outcomes for a range of stakeholders. Our
world-class project portfolio includes:
• The London 2012 Olympic Village
• £2bn Regeneration Programme of
Elephant & Castle
• Sydney Opera House, Australia
• Petronas Towers, Malaysia
• Bluewater Shopping Centre
Start your future with us
Join our two-year rotational graduate
programme and become part of a diverse
team-based environment where you will have • Ongoing catch ups with senior leaders to
the opportunity to work with truly experienced
professionals, in a culture that ensures you
develop and grow.
Working on projects in a variety of sectors,
including commercial, residential, retail and
urban regeneration, you can choose from four
business streams:
114 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
www.lendlease.com/careers
buildingfutures@lendlease.com
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
• Assistant development
manager
• Assistant project manager
(consulting)
• Graduate finance trainee
• Assistant construction
manager
• Assistant commercial
manager
• Construction – we are an industry leader • Assistant design manager
delivering projects across both the public • Assistant planner
and private sectors. Subject of study
• Development – we have a proven global Built environment, property/
track record in delivering complex mixed real estate, accounting/
use large scale urban regeneration schemes finance and management
(including International Quarter London, related degree preferred. Other
the creation of London’s new destination degrees will be considered.
for progressive business).
Location
• Consulting – our priority is to ensure our
clients can focus on their core business. London and across the UK –
We provide project management, cost flexibility during the two-year
management and principal design services. programme
• Finance – our finance team provides both Benefits
strategic insight and operational financial Lendlease seeks to be an
support to all areas of our business, playing employer of choice. You will
a pivotal role in driving the performance of join us on a competitive salary
the group. and package including:
• A car allowance
We’ll get you where you want to go
• Private medical insurance
You will be supported through a structured
• Incremental fixed pay
learning and development programme,
increases throughout the
various on-the-job activities and networking
programme
opportunities, including:
• 25 days’ holiday plus
• An annual conference; developing your
wellbeing leave
self-awareness and ability to build great
• A flexible benefits scheme
relationships.
• A series of business capability workshops allowing you to shape your
in areas such as negotiating and business own package
acumen. • An industry-leading pension.
How to apply
encourage and steer your progress. Please refer to our website for
• Funding of your annual membership and details.
associated fees, plus access to a qualified
advisor to help you achieve your Contact us
buildingfutures@lendlease.com
professional chartered status.
• A buddy and a mentor.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 123
EXPAND
YOUR
KNOWLEDGE
Search thousands of postgraduate courses and
research opportunities in the UK and Ireland

www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
124 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

Let’s shape your world together!
Kier Group is shaping your world for a
sustainable, inclusive and positive future
within the built environment. As a member
of our Graduate Development Programme,
we’ll help you build the foundation blocks of
your career from day one, making the journey
in to your future and leaving a legacy for
generations to come.
You’ll receive industry-leading mentorship and
support, work on world-leading, cutting-edge
projects, and have the opportunity to develop
your practical and theoretical knowledge
whilst being nurtured by experts.
About Kier
The Kier Group of today was formed in 1992,
with roots dating back to 1928. Now, Kier is
the leading property, residential, construction
and services group which invests in, builds,
maintains and renews the places where
people live, work and play.
Which opportunity is right for you?
There are a number of career paths to
choose, from marketing to quantity surveying,
engineering to data analytics, finance to
design and IT to HR. As part of our graduate
programme, the door will be opened to the
career of your choosing within Kier.
Where can you work?
Operating across the whole of the UK, the
range of sectors we cover includes defence,
education, housing, industrials, power,
transport and utilities. Across our four main
www.kier.co.uk/earlycareers
twitter.com/Kiergroup
Facebook.com/pages/kier-group/820806144626074
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
We expect a lot from our
graduates, but that’s because
we’re investing in you for
the future. This includes
demonstrating how much we
value your contribution, and
ensuring your hard work and
achievements are recognised.
That’s why our rewards and
benefits are among the best in
the industry.
divisions of property, residential, construction
and services, our teams comprise: The package
• Building UK, highways, infrastructure and • Highly competitive salary
utilities and package
• Environmental, housing maintenance, • Start your pension with our
workplace services, living (residential) and scheme (up to 7.5%
property matched)
• HR, IT, marketing, finance, legal, • Two exclusive share options
procurement and corporate responsibility • 26 days’ annual leave plus
eight bank holidays
During the three-year programme, you’ll
• Kier awards –be part of our
receive and achieve
annual award scheme. You
• A professional body mentor, dedicated to
could be our next ‘Rising
you individually
Star’
• A committed and structured learning
• Kier rewards – get rewards
programme, with regular assessments
and cash back to book your
• Graduate forums, where you’ll build
holidays and shop online
relationships throughout the business
• Practical, on the job training within your How to apply
team of industry experts Visit our careers page at
• Shadow multiple teams and achieve a www.kier.co.uk/earlycareers
rounded view of your desired discipline and search for our graduate
• Become part of some of the UK’s most programmes
high-profile projects
Contact us
• An honest work/life balance
For any queries, please contact
• Responsibility for your own achievements,
earlycareers@kier.co.uk
taking control of project elements
• Progression in to the business to secure your
future career
• Support in achieving Chartership with the
relevant professional body for your
discipline
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 125
FIND YOUR
PERFECT
CAREER
Search jobs, graduate schemes, internships and
work experience opportunities from a huge range of
employers on the UK’s biggest graduate careers website

www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate-jobs
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
126 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
Public services
and administration
The public services sector has
plenty to offer graduates who
are passionate about making
a difference to the lives of
people in their community
You could work in central government,
local government, law enforcement,
security, the emergency services, health
administration, or management in the
National Health Service (NHS).
Opportunities in administration can
be grouped into: general administration,
specialist administration, such as legal,
education, agricultural, medical and library,
and professional administration, such as
personal assistant and company secretary.
What do employers look for?
Opportunities are out there for graduates
of any discipline. In general, degrees
in politics or social policy are particularly
useful for roles in public services. Degrees
SECTOR PROFILES
in business, economics, management,
finance, accountancy, IT or law can be
beneficial for administrative positions.
Any degree subject is acceptable for
the majority of Civil Service graduate
schemes, including most of the fast stream
options. However, some departments
may require or prefer specific degrees.
Language degrees – particularly those in
less commonly-studied languages such
as Mandarin, Russian and Japanese – are
advantageous for certain posts at the
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO),
MI5 and MI6. A 2:2 is required for most
Civil Service Fast Streams, but some
schemes in MI6 and at the Government
Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
require at least a 2:1.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with adaptability and flexibility,
a motivation to improve society or their
local community, good attention to detail,
strong organisation and planning skills and
the ability to prioritise and make decisions.
What roles are on offer?
Company secretary
Equality and diversity officer
Immigration officer
Police officer
Politician’s assistant
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 127
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 127
How do I find a job?
There are a number of graduate schemes
in the sector. Central government
department schemes can be found at:
• The FCO – includes diplomatic posts
• GCHQ – opportunities for language
analysts, technical specialists, and in
maths and cryptography. It also offers
a corporate services scheme with
opportunities in finance, legal and security
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – Tax
Professional Graduate Programme is open
to graduates of any degree discipline
• HM Treasury – opportunities in policy
formulation
• MI5 – Intelligence Officer Development
Programme and Technology Graduate
Development Programme
• MI6 – schemes for intelligence officers,
technology professionals and language
specialists.
Civil Service Fast Stream roles cover areas
such as commercial and finance, digital
and technology, GCHQ, generalist and HR.
The local government National Graduate
Development Programme (NGDP) is a two-
year management programme run by
the Local Government Association (LGA).
Options include policy and strategy posts,
customer-facing roles, and support positions
such as HR, finance, IT and legal services.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• an average starting salary of £23,000
• opportunities to work abroad, for example
in Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service
• some jobs to have strict nationality
entry requirements
• some jobs to have opportunities to use
languages, and a demand for less studied
languages such as Mandarin, Cantonese,
Japanese, Arabic and Russian.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/public-services-and-administration
SPONSORED BY:

Retail
SECTOR PROFILES

What roles are on offer?

Bookseller
Buyer
Customer service manager
With its year-on-year growth and variety of career Merchandiser
opportunities, you could join the three million workers Purchasing manager
employed in the fast-paced retail sector

How do I find a job?

Opportunities can be found in buying,
customer services, loss prevention and
security, merchandising and allocation,
store management, and visual
merchandising.
You could choose to work within a specific business-related degrees. Languages
area such as fashion, books, jewellery, music,may also be required.
sport, online or supermarket retailing.
What do employers look for?
Store managers have traditionally been
recruited internally or from school leavers, merchandising. Some employers specifically
so relatively few are qualified to degree
level. However, as demand grows for
store managers with high-level skills,
more companies are advertising schemes
specifically for graduates. For example,
Lidl offers a fast-track programme in area
management.
Retailers also recruit graduates in
a variety of other areas including buying,
finance, marketing, logistics, merchandising, leadership skills, numerical ability and
information technology (IT) and human
resources (HR). Most employers recruit
from any degree, but companies who run
schemes for buying or merchandising
look for commercial awareness, meaning
that some may prefer economics or other
A fashion degree is often preferred
for fashion buying, while an art and
design degree can be useful for visual
require a degree in transport, logistics
or supply chain management for logistics
and supply chain roles.
Graduate employers generally seek
candidates with a willingness to work
unsociable hours and at weekends,
commercial awareness, creativity,
negotiation skills and strategic thinking,
good verbal communication skills,
analytical skills and organisational skills.
There are a number of graduate schemes
available in the sector, covering all functions
of retail. For example, Tesco has graduate
schemes in store management, distribution
management and head office functions.
You should look on individual company
websites to find out what’s on offer. Buying,
merchandising and logistics graduate
programmes often require a 2:1 degree,
and most employers ask for experience
of working in the sector.
You may find that, if you’ve worked
with a large retailer part time during your
studies, there are opportunities to train
as a manager from within.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• an average graduate salary of £30,000,
according to The Graduate Market in
2017 report from High Fliers. However,
one of the highest graduate salaries in
2017 is Aldi’s Area Manager Programme
at £42,000, which rises in stages to
£73,450 after four years. Lidl’s Graduate
Trainee Area Manager Scheme comes in
second with a starting salary of £40,000
• many roles to be based on shift work.
This can mean unsociable hours and
weekend work, as retailers are often
open seven days a week with some
operating 24 hours a day
• a smart dress code for customer-facing
roles. Some head office positions may
also require smart dress and you’ll
be expected to be on trend when
working in fashion retail
• a fast-paced, pressured work environment,
which will be focused on generating
sales and making profit.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-
work-experience/job-sectors/retail

128 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

128 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 It’s tougher than
you think.
Turns out I’m tougher
than I thought.
Graduate Area Manager Programme
• £44,000 starting salary (rising to £73,450 after four years)
• Pension • Healthcare • Audi A4
• All-year recruitment but spaces go quickly
aldirecruitment.co.uk/graduates

Industrial Placements
• £25,000 per annum
• Four weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Application window open from the 1st August until
the 30th April
aldirecruitment.co.uk/industrial-placements

BECAUSE I’M ALDI. AND I’M LIKE NO OTHER.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 129

 OPEN TO EVERY DAY NOT BEING EVERYDAY?

130 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

Our unconventional business model means no two days are
alike at TJX Europe. With different challenges every day, you’ll
need to think fast, grab opportunities and thrive on change.
Our unique culture of teamwork and collaboration means that
whatever role you do, every day is exciting and unexpected.

Discover more about our Graduate and Placement Programmes

in Merchandising & Buying, Finance, Information Technology,
Product Development, Loss Prevention, Brand & Marketing
and Logistics.

earlycareers.tjxeurope.com

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 131

 AN INVITATION TO OUR
GRADUATE BUYERS TRAINING SCHEME

If you have a head for figures, an entrepreneurial spirit and are keen to start your career
in style look no further.
We are the UK’s leading independent store group with a reputation for distinction,
innovation and sourcing the very best merchandise. Buyers are at the heart of our
business and on our Graduate Scheme you’ll be on the fast track to becoming one.
If you’re ambitious with commercial acumen, creativity and bags of energy and initiative
then do get in touch. The scheme is available at three stores: Newcastle, Brent Cross and
Bentalls in Kingston.
Closing date for applications is 31/12/17 for the scheme that starts the following September.
For further details and to download an application form, go to www.fenwick.co.uk

Sales
Leading employers are
always looking to recruit
skilled professionals that can
effectively get their products
or services to market
You could work in business-to-business
(B2B), customer service, direct or field
sales, export sales, fast-moving consumer
goods (FMCG), information technology
(IT) sales, media and advertising sales,
retail motor sales, medical or scientific
sales, or telesales.
Sales jobs can be found in all industries,
including finance, transport, retail and
manufacturing. You could also consider
estate agents, travel agents and recruitment
consultancies for sales-related roles.
Depending on your interests, you
could be selling medical equipment,
IT software, a holiday or a house.
What do employers look for?
Personality can be more important
than specific qualifications for many
graduate sales roles. Employers will
consider graduates with any degree
subject in most cases, although some
will require a minimum of a 2:1.
SECTOR PROFILES
Some specialised positions that involve
selling IT, medical or engineering
equipment may require a related technical
degree. A business or computer science
degree may be preferred for an IT sales
role; otherwise you’ll have to demonstrate
your interest in IT and commercial
awareness. You’ll need a scientific degree
for some medical sales positions.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with ambition and drive,
confidence and resilience, customer service
skills, effective communication skills,
networking and relationship-building skills,
and the ability to work in a team.
How do I find a job?
Large companies across a variety of
industries, such as Softcat, Nestlé and
Microsoft, offer graduate schemes in sales.
Other companies offer sales or marketing
schemes, or general schemes where you
could opt for sales positions or rotate
between departments. You should check
employer websites early in the student
year for details of how to apply.
You can find graduate positions in sales
through job sites or specialist recruitment
agencies. For example, if you’re searching
for a medical sales position then head
to www.chasepeople.com.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 133
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 133
SPONSORED BY:
What roles are on offer?
Call centre manager
Estate agent
Purchasing manager
Sales executive
Sales promotion account executive
For smaller companies, you should
make speculative enquiries using a CV
and cover letter. See page 168 for advice
on applying for jobs.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• a basic salary with a chance to earn
more in commission for meeting
targets; in some companies, the level of
commission has no ceiling, providing very
high salaries for talented sales employees
• an emphasis on creating, building
and maintaining profitable customer
relationships, which requires a certain mix
of soft skills, including communication,
diplomacy, confidence and the ability
to deal with rejection
• to be judged by your results
• varied working environments; for
example, working in a sales department
can be target driven, challenging and
very busy, field work or medical sales
can involve long hours and being away
from home, while working in telesales
in a contact centre could involve regular
office hours or split shifts.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-
work-experience/job-sectors/sales

Founded in 1993, Softcat is one of the
largest iT resellers in the uK, with seven
offices nationwide. We pride ourselves on
our customer service; working with over
12,000 businesses across the private and
public sectors. We have a workforce of over
1,000 employees and we have been voted
within the top five best places to work in
the UK, for the last six years
Day to day we sell IT solutions to suit the
needs of the individual customer. We work
to find the best product, at the best price;
taking every order through from initial query
to implementation and aftercare support. We
work with in-house, industry experts to ensure
that we give quality advice that our customers
can trust.
What we’re looking for
We are always looking for sales account
managers, with a passion for brilliant customer
service. You don’t need to have worked in
IT sales before, or have extensive technical
knowledge prior to application – if you have
the drive to be successful, we can teach you
everything you need to know about sales,
business acumen and the industry.
Training and development opportunities
When you start at Softcat, you’ll go through
an intense three-week training period,
122
134 PROSPECTS STudEnT
STUDENT CaREER
CAREER guidE
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
covering all the basics and beyond. Following
this, we offer continuous opportunities to learn
from vendor experts about new technologies
as they develop, while furthering your career
with one-to-one coaching sessions covering
business and sales skills.
Career progression opportunities
Progression is on fast-track here at Softcat.
If you have the determination and the
willingness to learn, then you can find yourself
moving up in the business very quickly. We
reward great work and believe that no-one
should be held back from achieving their best.
How do you apply?
To apply for a role with us, please check our
‘Join us’ section on the website. On here,
you can see all our vacancies, explore our
offices and read real testimonials from past
graduates and apprentices.
www.softcat.com
twitter.com/softcatlimited
facebook.com/softcatcareers
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
Sales roles available in
Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol,
Marlow, Leeds, London and
Southampton.
Subject of study
2:1 minimum, in any subject
– don’t forget we also have
apprenticeships.
Requirements
The drive and enthusiasm to
build strong relationships, an
organised approach to work
and the ability to have fun.
Benefits
Contributory pension, incentive
trips, uncapped commission,
great salary packages and
regular company socials are
just some of the great benefits
available to our employees.
Training and development
Extensive induction training,
followed by one-to-one
business and sales skills
coaching and seminars on the
latest tech as it develops.
How to apply
Go to Softcat.com/join-us to
browse our vacancies.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 135
 Find your Future
with Countrywide
Here at Countrywide you could join some of the best people in the industry.
Kick start an amazing future with us and find yourself...
■■ Working for the UK’s largest property services group
■■ With plenty of opportunities to have a career anywhere in the UK
■■ Receiving industry leading training and development
■■ Choosing from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle and wellbeing
■■ Building an exciting and rewarding career that can move you across
many different departments and professions

Start here, go anywhere!

For more information visit: www.countrywidecareers.co.uk

FIND YOUR
PERFECT
CAREER
Search jobs, graduate schemes, internships and
work experience opportunities from a huge range of
employers on the UK’s biggest graduate careers website

www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate-jobs

124
136 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
It’s time to let you in on Marketing’s best kept
secret… Field Sales!
Ever wondered…
• who puts eye catching displays in stores and makes the products on the shelves look irresistible?
• who carries out audits in store to ensure that retailers provide the agreed amount of space for manufacturers
products, while giving it all that creative touch?
• how convience stores decide what to sell & get their products?
• who hands out tasty samples within grocery stores?
It’s all a part of the fascinating industry of Field Sales; Advantage Smollan is at the forefront of that world!
Who are Advantage Smollan?
REL Field Marketing and Powerforce (part of the
Advantage Smollan Group) work alongside well
recognised brands, manufacturers, and retailers, helping
our customers to achieve the best results and profit
margins from their in store investments. Just some of the
exciting sectors we work in include:
• Energy and Soft drinks
• Beer and Cider
• Technology
• Breakfast foods
• Chocolate and biscuits
• Newspapers
• Personal healthcare
We don’t manufacture anything… we are all about our
people – we’ve even won awards for being a ‘great
place to work’! We are committed to giving talented,
ambitious people the opportunity, tools and skills to
prove what they can do in a competitive and exciting
marketplace.
What we’re looking for
• Self-motivation and ambition
• Strong organisational skills
• Passion about your work and drive to excel
• Excellent communication skills
Career Advancement
We invest in our people by encouraging and supporting
their development. Depending on your goals, for field
based career advancement, a couple of options are:
Within the Advantage Smollan group
Field Sales Representative4 Regional People
Management4National People Manager and/or
Account Management4Account Director4Business
Unit Director4Managing Director
Progression directly into the client
Field Sales Representative4Regional Account
Management4National Account Management (usually
reporting into the client)4Working directly for the
client where the opportunities are endless
Each person is unique though and your career
progression is down to you and the path you choose to
take.
Check out REL Field Marketing and Powerforce online to
learn more!
www.relfm.com
www.powerforcegb.com
Since our inception in 1970 Trailfinders have sent over 15 million
clients off on their travels.

We now employ over 1000 people throughout our 32 travel centres in

the UK and Ireland. As pioneers of tailormade travel we believe there
is no substitute for one-on-one bespoke service. Our Travel
Consultants have between them travelled to 96% of the world's
countries and offer knowledge and service second to none in the
industry.

Virtually every member of our head office team and senior staff
started their career as a trainee Travel Consultant. We recruit almost
exclusively from internal applicants when it comes to promotions and
new positions.

The Travel Consultant

Over 80% of our clients are either referred to us by word of mouth or
have travelled with us before. We believe they do this because of the
superb level of service they receive from our Travel Consultants who
pride themselves on an ability to exactly match the most appropriate
travel products with the client's individual and unique needs, no
matter how complex the requirements are, and exceed their
expectations at every opportunity.

The ideal Travel Consultant will be well travelled with some previous
experience of sales. We need people with the ability and desire to sell,
plan and advise on travel arrangements to a diverse client base whilst
delivering an unparalleled level of client care. A strong worldwide
geographical awareness is needed as well as extensive and recent first
hand travel experience with particular preference for travel in Australia
& New Zealand, America & Canada or Asia.

We offer a fantastic career for those who are passionate about travel.
If you feel you have what it takes then visit us at
www.trailfinders.com/jobs to find out more and to access the online
application form.

www.trailfinders.com/jobs

Science and
pharmaceuticals
The UK’s science and
pharmaceutical industry is
one of its biggest – find out
how you could become a part
of this innovative sector
Jobs are available in a range of areas,
including geoscience, meteorology,
marine biology, forensic science,
material science and the life sciences.
These areas have opportunities
in academic research, research and
development, and product and process
development, plus commercial roles
in finance, marketing, human resources
(HR) and information technology (IT).
You may also wish to consider science-
related careers in sectors such as healthcare
(page 99), engineering and manufacturing
(page 75), energy and utilities (page 73)
or environment and agriculture (page 95).
Who are the main graduate employers?
Well-known science companies
include BASF, Bayer, Unilever and The
Technology Partnership (TTP). Examples
SECTOR PROFILES
of pharmaceutical companies include
AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK),
Novartis and Sanofi.
Scientific jobs also exist in the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(DEFRA), the Ministry of Defence (MOD),
local government and the National
Health Service (NHS). You could also work
in a university, research organisation
or for an environmental consultancy.
Some employers have several different
graduate programmes, with specific
requirements for each. For example, GSK
look for economics, biomedicine, biology
or pharmacology graduates for their
health outcomes programme.
What do employers look for?
For many jobs in this sector, you’ll need
a science or maths degree. However, some
roles require more specific qualifications.
For example, an analytical chemist will
need a degree in chemistry.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates with a methodical approach
to tasks, a keen eye for detail, the ability
to analyse and reason logically, an excellent
What roles are on offer?
Animal technician
Community pharmacist
Forensic scientist
Meteorologist
Scientific laboratory technician
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 139
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 139
SPONSORED BY:
grasp of numeracy, the ability to problem
solve and a high standard of scientific,
technical and/or research skills.
How do I find a job?
Four-year science-based sandwich degrees
involve spending a year in industry, where
you can gain valuable knowledge and create
contacts. However, if your course doesn’t
provide a compulsory placement, you could
consider applying directly to companies.
Some larger organisations, like Reckitt
Benckiser (RB), offer summer internships
for penultimate year students. Some also
offer short taster experiences for first-year
students, which often become talent
spotting exercises. Meanwhile, the Wellcome
Trust offers internships in a variety of roles
relating to its work in biomedical research.
Large science-based companies advertise
vacancies for jobs and graduate schemes
on their websites. You can also search for
jobs in trade magazines and the specialist
press such as New Scientist, or through
sector-specific recruitment agencies.
Professional bodies, such as the British
Pharmacological Society (BPS) not only
advertise graduate roles, but also provide
advice to jobseekers.
The sector needs technologists and
designers to respond to the worldwide
demand for more versatile, lightweight,
energy-saving products and applications.
There’s a further need for scientists in the
nuclear and oil and gas sectors.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• good salary prospects, with an average
starting salary for a graduate in
the pharmaceutical industry of
around £23,000
• opportunities to further your interest in
science through academic research or an
industrial research and development role.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/science-and-pharmaceuticals
 Evolving Together

Science Flexible
Innovation Influence
Responsible
Energetic
Everywhere

Be part of our journey

Croda is a global speciality chemical company inspired by nature. We produce the
most innovative range of renewable, naturally derived ingredients in the world.
You probably don’t know it, but you are already benefiting from our work as our
pioneering products are vital to many leading brands.
We are committed to minimising our impact on the environment, developing our
people and supporting local communities. Together, we are delivering innovative
solutions for a sustainable future.

Visit our website today to find out how you can be part of our journey.

www.croda.com/careers
l Are you a creative, innovative, proactive self-starter?
l Do you have a degree in chemistry, biochemistry,
chemical/process or instrumentation and control engineering?
l Do you have European language skills and or the
desire to work in a variety of European locations?

If yes, apply for one of our graduate development programmes now!

Innovation you can build onTM

140 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

Established in 1987, Cellmark has grown to Our culture
become part of one of the largest forensic At Cellmark, we believe that our employees are
and DNA testing companies in the world
Cellmark provides wide-ranging, multi-
disciplinary DNA and forensic casework
services. In the world of forensic analytical
services, the company is viewed as an
innovator, with a proven international
reputation for quality, reliability and service
excellence. Our customers include national
and international government agencies,
UK police forces, local authorities, the legal
profession and the general public.
Our opportunities
We are looking for dedicated and talented
science graduates who would like to develop a
career in forensic science or DNA analysis.
We provide a comprehensive development
programme which involves on-the-job training
combined with structured learning to provide
you with the knowledge and skills you need
to deliver results that meet our customers’
expectations. These opportunities would
suit someone looking for a career start as a
laboratory analyst or forensic examiner.
iDENTiFiCATiON iNTERPRETATiON iNNOVATiON
www.cellmarkforensics.co.uk/careers
topjobs@cellmark.co.uk
facebook.com/cellmarkforensicservices
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
If you are a science graduate
and are interested in being
part of a progressive company;
Cellmark could be the right
place for you.
Location
We have a number of roles in
Oxfordshire and Lancashire.
Benefits
• Competitive starting salary
and benefits package.
• Broad range of training and
development opportunities
to suit individual and
company needs.
How to apply
our greatest asset. They’ve made significant For further details and
contributions towards the success of our information about our
graduate opportunities, entry
company during the past 30 years. We
requirements and how to
appreciate their individuality; we value their
apply please visit our Prospects
integrity, professionalism and creativity.
page or visit
We encourage a focus on teamwork and
www.cellmarkforensics.co.uk/
close-working relationships. All this in a
careers/vacancies/index.html
challenging; fast-paced environment that is
geared towards attainment of results and Closing date
quality service. We recruit throughout the
Our diverse employee population has a year.
collective drive and passion to be the best at
what they do and share the desire to make a
difference. We aim to attract and retain the
top talent in the industry.
So, if you are highly motivated and
professional, with a focus on service excellence
and have the passion to succeed – contact
us today.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE
GUIDE 129
141
SPONSORED BY:
Social care
You’ll need extensive work
experience, a caring nature
and excellent problem-solving
skills to be successful in the
social care sector
You may provide care for a specific group
such as adults, children, elderly people
or families, or those with mental health
issues, physical disabilities, learning
disabilities, or alcohol or drug dependencies.
You can work in advice and guidance,
childcare and early years, child
protection, community work and day
care, counselling, fostering and adoption,
housing, occupational therapy, probation,
psychology, residential care, supporting
independent living, therapies, and youth
and community work.
What do employers look for?
The need for a degree depends on the
role that you’re interested in. For example,
you don’t need a degree to become
a family support worker. Employers typically
seek level three qualifications in childcare,
education, counselling or health and
social care.
For counselling roles a degree is not
required, but you’ll need to complete
a relevant professional course. If you’re
aiming for a career as a psychologist/
psychotherapist or occupational therapist
you will need a relevant degree or
postgraduate qualification.
To be a youth worker you’ll need an
undergraduate degree validated by the
National Youth Agency (NYA). For other
jobs, such as social work, there is more than
one entry route. You can gain a relevant
degree or postgraduate qualification or train
on-the-job with schemes such as Step Up
to Social Work and Frontline.
Degree subjects such as health and
social care, social science, psychology and
education are all relevant to social care roles.
142 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
142 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
SECTOR PROFILES
Graduate employers require candidates
with an ability to stay calm under
pressure, empathy and a caring and
approachable nature, good verbal and
written communication skills, patience and
resilience, problem-solving skills and the
ability to follow instructions and procedures.
How do I find a job?
Hands-on work experience is essential
for most roles in this sector. It can be used
to check if a specific type of work is for
you, to gain entry onto a course, or as
a requirement alongside qualifications
when applying for a job.
Many undergraduate and postgraduate
courses related to social care include
placements, giving you the chance to gain
experience alongside a qualification.
Large organisations, such as city and
borough councils or charities, advertise job
vacancies on their websites. Social care roles
are also advertised at www.jobs.nhs.uk,
jobs.communitycare.co.uk and in
The Guardian.
What roles are on offer?
Care manager
Family support worker
Probation officer
Social worker
Youth worker
Vacancies at smaller organisations can
be found by contacting a company
directly with a speculative application
or through the local press.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect to work:
• in a variety of settings including care
homes, clients’ homes, community
centres, hostels, probation offices,
homeless shelters, schools, Jobcentres,
council or charity offices
• unsociable hours particularly in
residential care and community work
• on temporary or fixed-term contracts
– many jobs are subject to the renewal
of funding
• in stressful or emotionally difficult
situations
• in a multi-disciplinary team, perhaps
alongside health workers.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/job-sectors/social-care

At least half a million children in England
don’t have a safe or stable home. These
children and their families face some of
the worst life chances, but we know that
great social work has the power to change
this. That’s why Frontline recruits and
develops outstanding individuals to be
social workers and leaders to transform
the lives of the most vulnerable children
and families
Our two-year Leadership Development
programme offers an exciting new route
into one of Britain’s most challenging and
rewarding professions: child protection social
work. You will work with children, families,
schools, courts and the police, empowering
families, while studying for fully-funded
qualifications.
We prioritise hands-on experience through
practice-based learning, and you will benefit
from intensive practical and academic
Most people know
someone who’s had
mental health problems.
But not everyone knows
someone who can make
a difference.
It was the opportunity to be out on
the frontline helping people that
really sold Think Ahead to me.
Jack – training to be a mental health social worker
on the Think Ahead graduate programme.
training, tailored to your needs, as one of a
new generation of children’s social workers.
Following a five-week residential training
programme, you will spend two years working
in a local authority, where you will start your
career in social work.
The first year qualifies you as a social worker
through direct work with children and families.
In the second year you will work as a newly
qualified social worker while completing a
fully-funded Masters.
Social work is a leadership profession in which
you must inspire, persuade and bring out the
best in diverse groups of people. Frontline
will help you develop these skills with our
leadership development coaching, designed
to support you to work with purpose to bring
about change in a range of challenging
settings.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE
www.thefrontline.org.uk
recruitment@thefrontline.org.uk
twitter.com/frontlinesw
facebook.com/frontline
changinglives
Frontline’s mission is to recruit and
develop outstanding individuals
to be leaders in social work and
broader society.
On our two-year Leadership
Development programme, you
will work directly with children and
families while qualifying as a social
worker, complete a fully-funded
Masters, and receive leadership
development coaching to help you
make a positive change for some
of the most vulnerable children in
our society.
This year Frontline have 352
programme places across London,
North West, the Midlands, North
East and South East.
thinkahead.org
GUIDE 131
143
SPONSORED BY:
Teaching and education
If you’re a compassionate,
patient, creative individual
with the drive to inspire,
teaching could be the
career for you
There are many different types of teacher.
You could work in adult and community
education, early years (aged 0-5), further
education, higher education, non-school,
primary or secondary, private tuition, special other education-related roles, degrees
educational needs (SEN), or teaching
English as a foreign or second language.
Roles in education also include careers
guidance, schools liaison, museum
education and outdoor education, which
may also be of interest to you.
What do employers look for?
There are various routes into teaching,
each with specific entry requirements.
For most roles, you’ll need a relevant
teaching degree or postgraduate
qualification such as a Postgraduate
144 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
144 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
SECTOR PROFILES
Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a school-
led training scheme that leads to qualified
teacher status (QTS).
If you wish to teach at secondary level,
your degree should be relevant to the
subject that you want to teach. If it isn’t,
then you may be able to complete a subject
knowledge enhancement (SKE) course.
A business-related degree or postgraduate
qualification could be advantageous for
management or administration roles
within a school, college or university. For
in social work, social sciences, education
or psychology may be required or useful.
Graduate employers generally require
candidates who can display excellent and
natural communication, are confident, with
strong leadership skills, are creative, flexible
and have efficient time management
and organisation ability.
How do I find a job?
Work experience is vital in getting into
teaching. You’ll need relevant voluntary
work experience with children or young
What roles are on offer?
Early years teacher
Educational psychologist
Education welfare officer
Primary/secondary school teacher
Special educational needs
(SEN) teacher
adults in order to get onto an initial teacher
training (ITT) course or school-based
scheme. According to the Department for
Education (DfE), universities will expect
you to have at least ten days of school
experience.
You could contact local schools and
colleges to ask whether they have any work
experience opportunities, or if you can
observe lessons. You could also volunteer
at youth clubs or afterschool clubs.
Vacancies in schools and colleges are
often advertised by the schools themselves
or through local education authorities
(LEAs). Visit local authority websites to find
vacancies and information on how to apply.
You may also find jobs advertised
via The TES, www.jobsgopublic.com
or www.lgjobs.com.
Specialist recruitment agencies such
as Eteach are good sources of vacancies
where you can also register for supply
or temporary teaching work.
You can also make speculative enquiries
to schools where you have contacts or
have done work experience.
Most universities and further education
colleges use their own websites to
advertise vacancies. There are also
specialist recruitment websites such as
www.jobs.ac.uk, www.fejobs.com and
www.timeshighereducation.co.uk.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• job satisfaction from helping students
and sharing enthusiasm for a subject
that you enjoy
• starting salaries ranging from £22,000
to £33,000, depending on location
• possibilities for self-employment
(as a private tutor or teacher)
• the need to be flexible in a sector
that’s subject to constant change
• to do extra work outside of your normal
working hours for marking, lesson
planning and other paperwork.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/teaching-and-education
STUDY FOR
SUCCESS
Postgraduate Study Guide
Advice on choosing a course, applying, funding and studying abroad.
Available from your university careers service, postgraduate fair or online

www.prospects.ac.uk/publications/pgstudyguide

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 133

145
 Explore Learning
INTRODUCING
Catherine Stoneman, head of
recruitment at Explore Learning,
talks about what skills candidates
need to have to successfully
manage their own maths and
English tuition centre
What do you look for in an applicant?
We’re really open when it comes to what
backgrounds and experiences people
come to us from. What’s important
is that we hire great ambassadors who
are ambitious and driven. We’re looking
for people that step up to challenges and
inspire great performance by making
a meaningful impact on our business,
as well as on the lives of the children
attending our centres.
Applicants will probably be graduates
with strong degree classifications in any
discipline, as well as B grades or above
in GCSE maths and English. Candidates
might have some experience working
with children, but they should have the
desire to meaningfully impact a child’s
education and be an aspirational role
model for our members and their team.
146
146 PROSPECTS
PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
How can a graduate stand out?
Whenever we’re looking for people
to join the Explore family, we are always
seeking those that will embrace our
culture and share in our vision and
values. We also expect graduates to be
strong in seven core competencies:
• Passion – a strong desire to
grow the business and make
a meaningful impact.
• Communication – assistant directors
are energetic, warm, positive,
articulate, adaptable, credible
and empathetic with fantastic
interpersonal skills.
• Receptiveness – always seeking
feedback, strong self-reflection
is crucial to recognising your own
strengths and areas for development.
• Leadership – developing into strong
people managers and taking
responsibility means you should be
confident, driven, assertive, and decisive
and demonstrate strong self-belief.
• Resilience – crucial to dealing with
setbacks and problem solving any
pinch points you encounter.
• Initiative – a ‘can do’ ‘go get them’
attitude, we really look for gumption,
in absolute bucket loads.
• Teamwork – family is one of our
fundamental values, which means
embracing the collaborative elements
of being in a team, taking shared
ownership and a conscientious
accountability for your centre.
What would a graduate be doing?
The main areas of responsibility
are management, sales and
marketing, customer service,
and, of course, teaching.
We aren’t expecting you to already be
an expert in all of these things,
as we deliver a vast amount of brilliant
training in everything from the
national curriculum and working with
particular educational needs through
to commercial and financial performance
analytics. What we’re really after is for
you to be willing, trainable, proactive and
resilient – so we can help you to learn all
of the elements that contribute towards
successfully running a centre.
How can graduates find out more
about Explore Learning? Working
at Explore Learning means joining an
ambitious, people-centred, conscientious
company. Everyone is dedicated and
excited about our vision and values,
which run through the heart of
everything that we do, uniting us in
making Explore an incredible place
for people to thrive in.
To find out how you could help
us inspire the next generations of
confident learners and grow Explore
Learning as a commercial business,
have a nosey through our website
www.explorelearning.co.uk/careers
You can also talk to us through our
careers social media channels:
www.facebook.com/
ExploreLearningCareers/
@Explore_Careers
www.linkedin.com/
company/Explore-learning/
Or contact us directly at careers@
explorelearning.co.uk or 01483 447410.

Working at Explore Learning means
joining an ambitious, people centred,
conscientious company
We are thrilled to have been recognised as one and to take real ownership within your centre
of the top companies to work for in the UK for for meeting ambitious targets and driving
five consecutive years by The Sunday Times
100 Best Companies to Work For List.
We’ve also been acknowledged as the best
tuition provider in the country.
Our CEO and founder, Bill Mills, first created
Explore back in 2001 and we have since grown
to open in over 127 locations in the UK and
proudly employ more than 3,500 passionate
and exceptional people.
Over the past 16 years we have helped over
175,000 children achieve their potential.
We get to know every child as an individual,
helping them to unlock their imagination and
discover the magic of learning.
Our goal is to build confident, fearless learners
who are hungry for knowledge.
As an Assistant Director you are taking the
reins in a challenging position that requires
www.explorelearning.co.uk/careers
careers@explorelearning.co.uk
twitter.com/explore_careers
facebook.com/explorelearningcareers
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Assistant director
Take on business
management, leadership,
teaching, customer service,
retail and sales.
2:1 preferred in any discipline.
Location
127 centres across the UK.
Application details
We keep our applications
open all year around so you
can apply at any time and
we have start dates available
throughout the year for you.
Apply through our website.
Benefits
oodles of gumption, determination and • £22,000-£24,500 location
flexibility. dependent
• targeted monthly bonuses
Be prepared to be thrown in at the deep end
with potential to earn an
additional £4,400 each
year
centre performance.
• quarterly competitions
You will get to promote, market and sell while where you can win team
running a business unit, and be responsible for holidays abroad
the recruitment and development of a team • corporate volunteer days
of tutors as part of the management team. with our charity partners
• structured training and
development.
‘I’ve never met a friendlier bunch of people Length of service benefits
to work for/with. They invest so much including:
time and effort into training you and • private medical insurance,
helping you to develop your centre, and enhanced maternity
you’re given a lot of responsibility from package and extra holiday
the word go. I really love coming in to allowance
work each day’ • generous staff referral
Assistant director, London scheme
• discounted Explore
membership for your family
• cycle to work scheme
• interest free loans
• childcare vouchers
• generous pension scheme.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 135
147
 Premier Pathways
INTRODUCING
How can a graduate stand out?
Clearly, any experience working in
schools, colleges or with children
(coaching, tutoring or clubs) helps
a candidate to stand out – but
experience is not an entry requirement.
We also look for a strong motivation
to inspire and influence learners and/or
share the knowledge of a valued subject.
Teaching requires confidence, clarity
and charisma. The best teachers are
also the best communicators. Anyone
who can captivate an audience while
effectively getting their point across
is just the sort of person who will thrive
in the classroom.
Finally, any expert knowledge
Lea Christodoulou, programme around their subject is important. One
director for Premier Pathways, of our favourite questions is, ‘Teach
discusses this exciting new route me something you learned in your
into teaching and what it takes degree’. Every teacher brings something
to become a trainee teacher unique to the classroom.
How does the Premier Pathways
teacher training programme
work? It offers a two-year paid route
What do you look for in an applicant? into teaching within a school-based
At Premier Pathways we’re looking for placement. The pre-PGCE year begins
applicants that have a real interest in with trainees working in a support role
dedicating themselves to the world of for the first two terms, and taking
education. Our programme has been on a small teaching timetable in the
designed specifically to help develop
third. This allows trainees to get used
knowledgeable and inspirational teachers to the school environment, at a steady
grow their careers within education.
pace. They will also receive ongoing
An innate passion and initiative, with
training relevant to teaching throughout
a good academic record at GCSE, A-level the first year.
and university, are the key essentials.
In the second year, trainees will
Education is all about discovery, both deliver an 80% teaching timetable
as a pupil and as a teacher. We look for and work towards completing their
committed and innovative graduates Qualified Teacher Status and PGCE
with the resilience to complete the qualifications.
programme, while learning on the Individual support is provided
job full time. at every step of the journey, with
148 PROSPECTS
148 PROSPECTS STUDENT
STUDENT CAREER
CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
school mentors, university tutors and
our own liaison officers.
All training takes place during half
term, and upon completion of the
programme trainees can also earn
credits towards a Masters.
What are the key benefits of the
programme? Premier Pathways is
unique because of its flexibility, training
and support structure. Trainees earn
as they learn in a unique and dynamic
environment, building experience
and confidence over time with built-in
bundles of support. Our candidates
choose the school, subject, how they
learn and the pace at which they take
on more responsibility. They’re in
control of their pathway. We aim to
find local placements for candidates,
acknowledging the importance of being
part of the local community, but also
ensure trainees have a support network.
The way the course provides
a natural escalation and acceleration
of responsibility is what makes it so
appealing, no one gets dropped in
at the deep end.
The classroom can be an intimidating
place. Our candidates are guaranteed
to benefit from the support of a team,
both inside and outside of their school,
wholeheartedly committed to their
wellbeing. A variety of peer networking
events are also held throughout the year,
allowing candidates to socialise with
other members of their cohort.
How can graduates find out
more about Premier Pathways?
www.premierpathways.co.uk
@premierpathways
www.facebook.com/PremierPathways
apply@premierpathways.co.uk
Great teachers are not born.
They are made.

Become a great teacher with Premier Pathways

A fully paid, two-year programme that’s based in schools and offers on-demand support
and mentoring

Your choice of school size, environment, and performance in a location that suits you

Complete PGCE with QTS awarded by the University of Buckingham, the leading provider
in the UK, with an employability rate of 96%

Apply today at
premierpathways.co.uk/graduates

Submit your application at www.premierpathways.com/graduates

 P
G
C

Join the UK’s No.1

educational publisher!
CGP is experiencing extraordinary growth, with huge increases in our sales
year after year. There are currently more than 1200 titles in our range, and we
have plenty of exciting new products in the pipeline...

To help us put our plans into action, we need to expand our team of talented
graduates. So if you like our books, have an eye for detail and a flair with words,
why not consider becoming a Graduate Editor?

For more information about how to apply (and what it’s like to work at CGP),
visit cgpbooks.co.uk — we recruit graduates several times a year, so we’d love
to hear from you any time.

CGP
cgpbooks.co.uk
150 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

Transport
and logistics
Record levels of investment in roads, rail, ports and airports mean a new generation of skilled
workers are needed to help shape the nation’s future transport network and infrastructure
The sector covers freight logistics, passenger
transport, transport planning and traffic
management. Passenger transport also
includes operations (driver, pilot and air
crew), route planning, customer service
and safety. This is then split into aviation,
bus and coach, light rail, tram and metro
services, rail, taxi and private hire, and
water transport.
Logistics and supply chain can be broken
down into freight transportation, maritime
and port operations, postal and courier
activities, and warehousing, storage
and handling.
What do employers look for?
A degree isn’t required for some jobs, but
you’ll still require professional qualifications.
For example, you need an Airline Transport
Pilot Licence (ATPL) to become a pilot
and a Driver Certificate of Professional
Competence (CPC) to drive a lorry, bus
or coach.
For civil engineering roles, available
across the sector, but especially in road
and rail, a Bachelors or Masters degree
is normally required. The Institution of
Civil Engineers (ICE) awards professional
qualifications in this field.
Any degree subject is usually accepted for
graduate management roles in passenger
SECTOR PROFILES
transport, although employers may prefer
a business or economics degree.
Logistics and supply chain positions
usually demand a logistics-related degree.
An accredited engineering degree is
required for engineering roles.
However, the majority of the workforce
doesn’t have a degree – making it an
easier industry to enter without a higher
education qualification.
Graduate recruiters typically look for
candidates with communication and
customer service skills, flexibility, adaptability
and the ability to be mobile, language
skills, organisational and strategic planning
skills and practical problem-solving ability.
How do I find a job?
Some of the larger organisations, including
British Airways, Virgin Trains and Transport
for London (TfL), offer graduate schemes
in areas including general management,
engineering, operations, transport planning
and logistics, as well as schemes for finance,
information technology (IT) and human
resources (HR). Explore your options by
visiting individual company websites.
To find out about vacancies in small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), you’ll
need to apply speculatively. It’s important
to build up a network of contacts, as many
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 151
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 151
SPONSORED BY:
What roles are on offer?
Air cabin crew
Air traffic controller
Logistics and distribution manager
Maintenance engineer
Transport planner
opportunities in smaller organisations
are found through word of mouth.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and
Transport (CILT) produces a careers guide
that includes a list of specialist logistics,
supply chain and transport management
recruitment consultants.
What’s the working culture?
Graduates can expect:
• a variety of working environments – for
instance, if you’re working in air transport
as a pilot or cabin crew member, you’ll
be travelling and spending time in airports
and on planes. Managers in transport
and logistics work in offices, but they
may be located in sea ports, airports
or distribution warehouses
• long working hours – employees often
work outside of normal hours including
early mornings, evenings and at weekends
• a range of salaries – in management
roles, starting salaries can be relatively
low but typically rise considerably
at senior levels. Train drivers earn
on average £47,000 a year, while pilots
can earn more than £100,000.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/
job-sectors/transport-and-logistics
KNOW-HOW NETWORKS

GRADUATE PROGRAMMES + SUMMER PLACEMENTS

NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

Kuehne + Nagel is one of the world’s leading logistics forwarding businesses.

We have over 1,000 locations in more than 100 countries around the globe;
from Derby to Dubai, from Aberdeen to Atlanta. If it needs transporting, we can
take it. Safely, securely and on time. Whatever it is. Whoever it’s for. Wherever
and whenever they need it. To do that we use the best equipment, the latest
systems and employ the most talented people. People like you.

We’ve opportunities on our Graduate Programmes and Summer Placements in

Contract Logistics, Integrated Logistics, International Freight
Forwarding, Finance, HR and IT.

There are millions of journeys happening in the world right now.

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of them all.

For more information and to apply visit kngraduates.co.uk

152 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

EXPAND
YOUR
KNOWLEDGE
Search thousands of postgraduate courses and
research opportunities in the UK and Ireland

www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses
www.prospects.ac.uk/url
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 153
SPONSORED BY:
Choose a career
If you’ve yet to decide on
the career path that you
want to follow, a vital step
is finding ways to narrow
down your job search
It’s important to enjoy your work and
stay motivated, and to achieve this, you’ll
need to find the right job for you. Although
a career change further down the line
is always possible, making the best choice
now will bring you great job satisfaction
and help to avoid boredom or stress
setting in at a later stage.
If you don’t know where to begin, take
a step back and think about the things
that would make up your ideal job. What
would you love to do? What are you good
at? What are your interests, motivations
154 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
154 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
JOB HUNTING
and values? What kind of lifestyle do you need for your future job, a description
want? What skills have you developed of these skills, your progress towards
gaining them, and evidence of when and
during your degree and work experience?
One way to start answering these where you’ve demonstrated each one.
questions is to use the Prospects career If you’re still struggling for ideas, take
planner. Go to www.prospects.ac.uk/ a look at www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-
planner to see how you match up to advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree
more than 400 job profiles. to see what careers are on offer for
someone with your degree and to find
Which jobs appeal to you? out what graduates of the subject are
Consider the skills you have that will impress up to six months after graduation.
employers, and carry out an audit to Another method of finding out about
identify these. As well as revealing where your character traits, strengths and
you are already strong, this approach will weaknesses is to take psychometric tests.
make you aware of any skills gaps you need You may have heard of these being used
to fill or qualifications you need to gain to in job interviews (page 176), but they can
meet the requirements of particular jobs. also serve as a self-assessment tool. They
There are numerous ways to conduct don’t require right answers – you simply
a skills audit. For example, you can draw need to respond honestly and the results
up a table that includes the skills you’ll will indicate where your strengths lie.

Identify employers
Another thing to consider is what type
of employer suits your personality and
work ethic. You could opt for:
SELF-EMPLOYMENT Covers freelance work,
setting up your own business (page 32)
and buying into an existing business. You’ll
need to be good at networking, making
decisions and focusing on achieving your
business goals. For more information,
see www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-
work-experience/self-employment
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
(SMEs) Made up of 250 employees or
fewer, these are sometimes overlooked
by job-hunters as they don’t have the
influence or visibility of larger corporations.
With a proactive approach and a bit of
research, however, you’ll find great graduate
opportunities in SMEs. Starting salaries may
be lower, but you’re more likely to have
greater responsibility earlier in your career.
LARGE COMPANIES Comprising more than
250 employees, these include many
well-known graduate recruiters as well as
national and global organisations. Better
resources and budgets lean towards higher
salaries and support for professional
qualifications, but longer hours and less
flexibility are also more common.
BEGIN YOUR SEARCH
To get started, make a list of graduate
employers that you’re interested
in working for and check to see if
they have any vacancies. Contact
companies that you’d like to work for
directly, even if they aren’t currently
advertising any positions. Take a look at
www.prospects.ac.uk/employer-profiles
to find out more about what’s on offer.
There are a number of resources
for you to use at this point. You
can attend graduate recruitment
events (page 164), use social media
Explore different sectors
An important factor in your job hunt is
deciding on the area that you want to work
in. For example, would you prefer the relative
security of working for a large corporate
entity in the private sector? Or do you want
to give back to society through public service
or charity work? Here are your options:
(page 166) and visit your university
careers service for advice and guidance.
Search for the latest graduate jobs at
www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate-jobs
When you’ve focused your search,
you should work on your CV and cover
letter (page 172). These should be
tailored to the role you’re applying
for. Read the job description and
person specification thoroughly, and
then match them to your skills and
qualifications. For more advice on
applications, see page 168.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 155
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 155
SPONSORED BY:
ALTHOUGH A CAREER
CHANGE FURTHER DOWN
THE LINE IS ALWAYS
POSSIBLE, MAKING THE
BEST CHOICE NOW WILL
BRING YOU GREAT JOB
SATISFACTION
PRIVATE SECTOR Encompasses all for-
profit businesses that aren’t retained
or run by the government. The main
types of organisations in the private
sector are sole traders, franchises,
partnerships and companies.
PUBLIC SECTOR Consists of national and
local governments, plus their agencies
and chartered bodies. Resources are
owned and controlled by the state.
The public sector has historically been
recognised as offering extensive training,
equal opportunities policies, and great
benefits and pensions.
CHARITY SECTOR Often referred to as the
third sector, the not-for-profit sector and
the voluntary and community sector. Its
priority is to use funds raised to deliver the
charity’s particular aims and objectives.
Paid and voluntary roles are available.
You can delve into much more detail
about the industries within each of these
areas – such as healthcare (page 99),
energy and utilities (page 73), retail
(page 128), and teaching (page 144).
 BECOME AN ARRIVA GRADUATE ARRIVA
6 reasons why GRADUATE
PROGRAMME
REAL RESPONSIBILITIES FAST PROGRESSION Our Journey. Your Future.
FROM THE START OPPORTUNITIES

SEE AND EXPERIENCE GRADUATE EVENTS AND

DIFFERENT PARTS TRAINING MODULES
OF THE BUSINESS
MENTORING, COACHING INTERNATIONAL
AND CAREER SUPPORT NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES

To see what opportunities we facebook.com/ twitter.com/

offer this year, visit our website: arrivagraduates arrivagraduates
www.arrivagraduate.com

berryworld.com/group/
careers

BerryWorld are experts in international
berry breeding and marketing, with
over 20 years’ experience, bringing the
sweetest, new soft fruit varieties to our
customers. We are a family business with
an entrepreneurial spirit and we value
our people. Due to our success, we are
experiencing significant growth and we are
seeking passionate graduates to join us on
our journey
What can we do for you?
We are offering on the job experience,
working alongside inspirational and like-
minded people. We will support you in your
development needs, throughout the two
year rotational programme. You will also be
provided with the tools to shape your future
career.
Work offered
Our graduate programmes Technical Graduate Scheme
Operational – technical; working very closely Internal Projects Graduate Scheme
with our growers and the consumer, to ensure Subject of study
we are delivering the best quality berry Minimum 2:2 degree (achieved or
predicted) in any subject.
Commercial – projects; rotational insight in
to strategy and procurement, across various Starting salary
companies within the BerryWorld Group. Competitive.
What sets us apart? Location
You will work on exciting projects, that will be Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.
fundamental in the growth of our business
How to apply
and be involved in decision making. This
Please email your cv to
is a real opportunity to work in a business
recruitment@berryworld.com
where you can add value and really make a
difference.

144
156 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

DHL is part of the world’s leading postal
and logistics company Deutsche Post DHL
Group, and encompasses the business
units DHL Express, DHL Parcel, DHL
eCommerce, DHL Global Forwarding, and
DHL Supply Chain
With a global network in more than 220
countries and territories across the globe and
a workforce exceeding 340,000 employees,
DHL is the most international company in the
world.
International express deliveries; global
freight forwarding by air, sea, road and
rail; warehousing solutions; mail deliveries
worldwide; and other customised logistic
services – with everything DHL does, we help
connect people and improve their lives.
Our vision
Bold ambitions are embedded in the vision
for DHL, which is to become ‘The Logistics
Company for the World.’
Mission statement
• We want to make our customers, employees
and investors more successful.
• We always demonstrate respect without
compromising on results.
• We simplify our customers’ lives.
• We want to make a positive contribution to
our world.
www.dpdhl.jobs
dhlcareers@dhl.com
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
• Industrial placement year
• Commercial and operations
graduate schemes.
Subject of study
Built environment, property/
real estate, logistics,
accounting/finance and
management related degree
preferred. Other degrees will be
considered.
Locations
East Midlands or London
Heathrow.
Benefits
These principles form the best foundation All graduates are given a
for becoming a high-performing company: a competitive salary and range
provider, employer and investment of choice. of benefits as soon as you join
us. This includes
Why choose us?
• Competitive salary.
DHL is committed to bringing in and
• Unsociable hours shift
developing talent across all levels of the
allowance.
organisation. The roles and opportunities
• Annual bonus up to 5%
available with DHL are as diverse as the people
(depending on company
who perform them. Many of our employees
performance).
spend their careers in various roles, different
• My DHL rewards (discount,
departments and divisions (and sometimes
saving, cash back at over
different countries too). We think this says a
3,000 retailers).
lot about the sort of company we are and it’s
• Pension scheme with up to
something of which we’re exceptionally proud.
5% company contribution.
To help us continue to run the successful • Access to occupational
business DHL is today, we invest a significant health.
amount of time, effort and attention in our • DHL share purchase plan
graduates – who we truly see as our leaders of (after three months).
the future. • Cycle to work scheme.
• CIS induction – a week’s all
With us, not only will you be developing your
expenses paid induction to
knowledge and understanding of the logistics
our company values.
industry, you will also grow both professionally
• Lifeworks – employee
and personally. From the moment you
assistance programme.
join, you will be given real responsibility –
• Payroll giving.
whether that’s for people, budgets, projects
• Free onsite parking.
or processes. Managing this effectively will
• 21 days holiday (pro rata)
ensure we achieve high impact results that
really make a difference to our customers. How to apply
Send a CV and cover letter to
dhlcareers@dhl.com
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 145
157
 www.cga.co.uk/careers
careers@cga.co.uk
twitter.com/cga_insights

ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Work offered
Graduate Client Manager
(GCM).
Subject of study
2:2 or higher at degree level
with a strong analytical/
thinking component.
Starting salary
£17-20k starting salary band
with a potential £2,000 annual
bonus. Career progression
is fast-tracked; GCMs are
generally promoted within
12-18 months.
Benefits
Do you have a passion for food and drink? insights that inform our clients’ decision-
• Flexible core hours – option
Your interesting and rewarding career is making. You will have the opportunity to
to start work anytime
here interact with clients across drinks, foodservice,
between 8 – 10 am.
restaurants, and pubs in the UK and U.S.
CGA is a great place to be. We’re a dynamic • Half-day summer hours every
and rapidly-growing company, who love what Responsibilities include: Friday from the end of July
we do and we’re shaking up our industry with • Report production, database management, through August.
our fresh way of doing things and making data extraction and interpretation • Minimum of 25 days holiday
a name for ourselves while we do it. We’re • Market trending and analysis reports including Christmas office
so proud of our bright, talented, positive delivered to clients as presentations closure plus UK bank
team and we’ve always got opportunities for • Establishing and maintaining strong holidays.
ambitious people with a passion for food and relationships with clients • Holiday buy-back scheme
drink to join our family. • First-line client support for any database, (up to five days).
reporting or answering queries • Casual dress code.
Why choose us?
• Travel opportunities.
So many reasons! We want to create a space What are we looking for?
• Christmas and summer
where people can really thrive and grow Ambitious and talented individuals that
parties.
career-wise, and have fun while they’re doing encompass the following qualities:
• Regular social events like
it. From the very beginning, you’ll be working • Deadline and quality driven with high
charity runs and bowling.
with household brand names in the leisure personal standards – willing to wow with
• Free bar tab last Friday of
industry, delivering insight that truly shapes every delivery
every month.
our clients’ strategies. • Values people and cares for the team and
• Muffins and fresh fruit every
consider the needs of all
What’s the position? Monday.
• Inquisitive, shows initiative, enjoys learning
As a Graduate Client Manager, you will • Unlimited tea and coffee.
and has a strong desire to improve
support our account management team in • NEST pension scheme.
• Excellent communication skills and
building and maintaining great relationships • Discount cards/vouchers
customer service focus
by delivering best-in-class market intelligence, towards shopping, groceries,
• Enjoys eating and drinking out
information and insight to our clients. You will movies, etc.
have the opportunity to take on significant
How to apply
responsibilities related to analysing CGA
Visit www.cga.co.uk/careers or
data to help the world’s biggest out-of-home
email your cover letter and CV
brands identify key market trends and uncover
to careers@cga.co.uk

146
158 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
Now hiring
Graduate Client Managers that are...

TRUSTWORTHY
Dependable and credible

EXPERT
Knowledgeable and geeky

INNOVATIVE
Fresh and creative

BOLD
Brave with an opinion

SPIRITED
Passionate and obsessive

Apply today: www.cga.co.uk/careers

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 159

exciting careers that
shape our digital
future
As one of Europe’s fastest growing companies and
the UK’s leading IT graduate employer, we have
launched over 5,000 careers to date. As an FDM
Consultant, you will have the opportunity to work
on-site with one or more of our 180+ prestigious
clients and add some of the world’s biggest brands
to your CV. We are looking for enthusiastic, driven
and motivated people to join our exciting and
challenging Careers Programme.
We create and inspire exciting careers that Our graduate opportunities include:
shape our digital future.
Who we are
FDM Group is a FTSE 250 global professional
services provider with a focus on IT. With more • Business intelligence
than 180 clients worldwide and over 3,000
IT and business consultants, FDM is the UK’s
leading IT graduate employer.
Our opportunities
The FDM Careers Programme is a fantastic
opportunity to fast track your career in the
world’s fastest growing industry. We provide
award-winning training with either a business
or technical focus and industry recognised
certifications such as PRINCE2 and ITIL
Foundation. You will learn the professional and
technical skills needed to excel in the world
of technology and business and will benefit
from invaluable commercial experience with
our high profile clients in various sectors
including finance, media, insurance, retail
and not-for-profit. Once the training has been
completed, you will work on client sites as an
FDM Consultant for a minimum of two years.
Following this, you may continue your career
with FDM as a senior consultant or transition
permanently with one of our clients.
With either a business or technical focus
you will learn the professional and technical
skills needed to succeed in the world of
business and IT.
148
160 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
world’s leading organisations. We have clients across
a variety of industries including finance, media,
insurance, the public sector and the charity sector, to
name a few. Exciting projects that our Consultants
have worked on include facial recognition systems,
fingerprint technology and developing applications
for global leaders in investment banking.
From company parties to charity runs, FDM hosts
events worldwide, as well as granting achievement
awards for exemplary work. The FDM community is www.fdmgroup.com/careers
focused on our dynamic, ambitious Consultants and
we pride ourselves on providing a positive working
twitter.com/fdmgroup
environment where we can succeed together. facebook.com/fdmgroup
With a truly global origin and outlook, we are proud linkedin.com/company/fdm-group
to be championing diversity in the workplace, with
ESSENTIAL
employees from over 60 nationalities working
together as a team. We embrace the differences of
INFORMATION
each one of our employees and use their unique
characteristics to make our workforce stronger.
FDM’s company culture is driven by this way of
thinking, which has helped us to create a dynamic
and inclusive workforce worldwide.
Find out more about our opportunities at: Number of vacancies
www.fdmgroup.com/careerguide 1,000+.
Locations
FDM consultants currently
work in 15 countries around
the world and we have centres
located in London, Leeds,
Glasgow, Frankfurt, New York,
Virginia, Toronto, Hong Kong
and Singapore.
Starting salary
FDM offers a starting salary of
c. £21,500 in year one and
c. £25,000 in year two.
• IT service management Salaries increase to
• Software testing c. £30,000+ in year three.
• Software development (Java and .Net)
Degrees accepted
• Project support office All degrees accepted.
• Business analysis Core skills required
• Risk, regulation and compliance • Bachelors degree of 2:2 or
What we look for higher
We welcome applicants from all degree • Demonstrate a passion for
backgrounds - you don’t have to study IT to IT and business
work in IT. • Excellent verbal and written
communication skills
After completion of the online application,
How to apply
successful candidates are invited for a
To apply, please visit our
telephone screening followed by a video
website fdmgroup.com/apply
interview. At the final stage, you will have the
opportunity to attend one of FDM’s digital If you have any further
academies for an assessment centre which will questions, please check out
include written and verbal reasoning tests as our list of frequently asked
well as strength-based interviews. questions on our website
Benefits fdmgroup.com/uk/about/faqs
• Pension scheme (with company Or contact our recruitment
contribution). team at
• Full training and opportunities for uk.recruitment@fdmgroup.com
certifications.
• Technical and professional career support Closing date
and development. Hiring all year round.
• Annual consultant parties and recognition
awards.
• FDM rewards – discounts on multiple
retailers.
 Training:
Award-winning training
in the latest industry
Why join us? standards

Opportunity:
Fast-track your career
working with some of the
world’s biggest brands

Support: Inclusivity:
Long-term career We embrace diversity with
development and support 75+ nationalities working
throughout your career at FDM worldwide

Global presence:
Centres across the UK,
Europe, North America
and APAC

For more information and how to apply, visit: Best Employer Brand

www.fdmgroup.com/careerguide

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 161

SPONSORED BY:
Relocating after university
With London attracting
many graduates, and other
UK cities offering jobs in
thriving sectors, you may
need to consider moving
to secure your ideal job
Centre for Cities’ The Great British
Brain Drain report (2016) revealed that
London was the prime destination for
almost a quarter of graduates who
decided to move city for work six
months after graduation.
This is no surprise, especially with
many of Britain’s leading employers
having their head offices in the capital
– but High Fliers’ The Graduate Market
in 2017 report points out that Manchester,
THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT MOVING,
BUT FULLY EMBRACE THE EXCITING
OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER AND
BENEFIT FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE
162 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
162 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
JOB HUNTING
Leeds and Durham were among the ten
most frequently targeted universities
to recruit graduates.
And with job opportunities also
concentrated in regional hotspots such
as the North West and the Midlands,
graduate migration patterns can also work
the other way. So it’s clear that you might
need to relocate a fair distance to land
that all-important first role.
Employer support
If you receive a job offer to work in a new
city, you’ll soon need to focus on the finer
details of the move, and find out whether
any help is available from your employer.
Some large organisations offer
relocation support to graduates in the
form of a welcome bonus or cash lump
sum, easing the financial pressure and
offering respite at a time when student
debt is on the rise.
You may receive contributions towards
your rent, travel expenses or money to
spend on new clothes. Practical help
from your company’s HR department
could involve setting up a bank account,
registering with a doctor or advice on
finding a suitable place to live.
Plan your move
Sorting accommodation in London
is tricky. Living alone in a flat can be
costly, so you may wish to look at renting
a room in a house or a house share.
It might also be worth asking your
employer if anybody else from your
university or part of the country is joining
at the same time, so you can discuss
the possibility of house-sharing.

The market moves very fast and as
graduates will face stiff competition for
properties; you should allow plenty of time
to secure a rental. You’ll also need to ensure
that you have enough money for a deposit,
the first month’s rent, estate agents’ fees,
plus travel and food costs.
Newcomers to London should be
prepared for a long daily commute, as it’s
not unusual for the journey to last an hour
or more. This can be a shock if you’re used
to walking to work or being just a short
train or bus ride away.
From student to worker
Even when you’ve secured accommodation
and finalised the practicalities, you’ll still
need to adapt to living in an unfamiliar
setting and get to know your co-workers.
Rupert Taylor, head of learning and
development at Bouygues UK, says,
‘A critical element of our graduate
development programme is the two-day
residential induction course we provide
for graduates.
‘It’s a carefully designed mix of insights
into corporate life, formal and informal
networking events with key speakers and
senior management, and challenging
but enjoyable teambuilding events to get
everyone working together and utilising
their personal skills to maximum effect.’
Flexibility and adaptability
Graduates may need to keep an open mind
on the type of projects they want to work
on and exactly where they want to work.
Rupert says, ‘We recruit graduates for
specific roles across our UK regions and
the range of work we deliver is incredibly
diverse. All of our projects offer individuals
a broad range of experience, and there are
as many benefits from working in London
as there are in our regional offices.’
For some graduate positions, there
may be a requirement to move on a fairly
regular basis, so being willing to relocate
could be vital.
INSIDE VIEW
English literature graduate Ben
McConnell moved down to London
from the North West to take up an
editorial assistant role at Penguin
Random House UK
After graduating from the University
of Liverpool, I struggled on a number
of unpaid work placements, but was
lucky to have parents who were able
to help financially.
I’d set myself clear goals of what
I wanted to achieve and was specific
in how I’d accomplish them. I always
made time to check job boards and
social media channels – the best way
to have your ear to the ground for
opportunities.
Anyone looking for a job in
a competitive industry needs to put
in the work beforehand. Research
everything about the business you
envisage working in, as it pays to be
sure before making a big decision.
In terms of planning the move,
having experience of the working
world prepared me for any difficulties
I had with the shift in cost of living
– although the entry-level salary
took this into account.
Fortunately, I’ve been visiting
London for weekend trips since I was
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 163
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 163
SPONSORED BY:
13 and so was already used to the city
– apart from the pace of life and lack
of personal space – yet I still found
myself yearning for home comforts.
I know so many people who’ve
relocated to Europe or Asia for work
and love it, while a lot of friends stayed
at home. It’s up to you how you
think you’d cope.
I’d advise others to think carefully
about moving, but also to fully embrace
the exciting opportunities on offer
and benefit from a new perspective
– not only do you gain a new job but
also a fresh city, different people,
and a change of scenery.
Once you graduate and start having
your own money it’s amazing, but
I still put money aside each month
so I’ve always got collateral in case
of any disasters.
SPONSORED BY:

Recruitment events
JOB HUNTING

Whether it’s a specialist careers fair dedicated to a job sector, or an event spanning
all degree disciplines, these are fantastic opportunities to boost your job prospects

Typically held on university campuses
throughout the year, recruitment fairs
provide a platform for students and
graduates to meet with potential employers
and discover a range of careers. However,
you’re likely to come up against some
tough competition, so allow yourself
time to prepare.
Lizzie Mortimer, careers consultant
for the University of Edinburgh’s careers
service, says, ‘it’s unlikely you’ll leave
a fair with a definite job offer, but you
can significantly increase your chances
at the application and interview stage,
f you’re prepared, as companies are
there to spot potential recruits.’
Do your homework
Beforehand, Lizzie suggests reviewing
the list of organisations booked to attend
to identify who you want to speak to. Even
if you have a ‘hit list’ of companies, don’t
discount those less well-known and not
typically associated with your sector
of interest; they might be offering just
what you’re looking for.
Regular fair exhibitor Amazon UK
employs 19,000 people across the country
in a variety of roles, from corporate
and operations, through to science and
technology careers. Dee Clarke, head
of its campus recruiting team, says that
it’s important to consider what type
of company you want to work for and
what drives you.
You can carry out research on Amazon
UK, by taking a look at the employee stories
published on its website (www.amazon.
co.uk/about), and the opportunities on its
careers page (www.amazon.jobs).
‘Students should come prepared with
specific questions about the role, career
path options, and our unique recruitment
process,’ adds Dee.
Presentation and punctuality
On the day, it’s important to dress smartly.
Lizzie advises, ‘You don’t need to wear
a suit, but business casual shows that

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164 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

you’re taking this seriously, and helps the
employers see you in a professional light.’
By arriving early, you often avoid queues
and get to speak to recruiters before they
get weary – as it can be a long day manning
the stands. However, conversely, if it’s
a busy and popular event from the outset,
getting there towards the end may
actually prove more fruitful in gaining
one-on-one time with employers.
When starting your conversation, give
the employer a quick snapshot of who you
are before launching into a question – your
name, year, what you’re studying is fine.
A notepad comes in handy too, suggests
Lizzie, as you can jot down the questions
you’ve prepared. This shows you’ve
researched that particular company, while
avoiding the common mistake of asking,
‘So, what does this company do?’
After speaking to an employer, be
sure to get their name before moving
to a quiet space to note down the key
points you’ve discussed. This gives you
time to prepare for your next conversation,
and you can later refer to something
interesting they said either in application
forms or at interview. It’s a great way
to elevate your answer to the question,
‘Why do you want to work for us?’
Adopt a strategy
Lizzie advises you not to walk around the
fair with friends, even if you want to talk
to the same organisations, as you won’t
stand out in this way. Instead, visit stands
on your own and ask questions. If you’re
feeling nervous, head to your top-priority
employer after you’ve talked with one
or two others, as this gives you a chance
to warm up and build confidence.
‘You’ll find that people on the stands
will be welcoming and friendly – they
also want to make a good impression
on you,’ says Lizzie. ‘Often, they’ll be recent
graduates themselves, and so remember
what it’s like to be in your shoes.’
Dee agrees that recruitment fairs are
not just for recruiters to assess candidates’
suitability for their graduate schemes.
‘They’re a great way for students to speak
one-to-one with Amazonians and learn first-
hand about pursuing a career at Amazon.
‘We seek out pioneers driven by an
intrinsic passion to build and invent
on behalf of our customers – to improve
their experience and make their lives
easier. If that sounds like you, definitely
come and speak to us.’
Other careers events
Janice Simpson, senior careers consultant
at the University of York, explains that
as specialist careers events and lectures
are on the rise, you should take advantage
of anything of interest – for example,
low-cost student conferences run by
a professional organisation such as the
British Psychological Society (BPS).
A simple introduction to an employer
leading a session could result in work
experience or a future job. This was
the case when York student Charlotte
Harborow met an NHS Scientist Training
Programme (STP) graduate at a life
sciences careers event in 2016. ‘I kept
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 165
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 165
SPONSORED BY:
IT’S UNLIKELY YOU’LL LEAVE
A FAIR WITH A DEFINITE
JOB OFFER, BUT YOU CAN
SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE
YOUR CHANCES
in touch, and 10 months later I was starting
the same job,’ she revealed. ‘The visit she
arranged for me at her hospital is what
got me the position – without that insight,
I definitely wouldn’t have got through
the interview.’
In addition to events you attend
in person, Janice suggests that you also
look out for online networking opportunities
such as webinars and virtual fairs –
interactive platforms where you can chat,
ask questions and make connections
with employers, relevant groups and
people who interest you.
They are usually easy and free to join;
all you have to do is sign up. To showcase
your skills and experience, upload your
CV, and ensure that your LinkedIn profile
(page 166) is up to date.
Finally, check whether your university runs
an alumni mentoring scheme. Graduates
are often keen to help current students and
can offer information and advice about
getting into their area of work.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/events
SPONSORED BY:

Social media and networking

JOB HUNTING

Using online platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn Grow your network
‘Build your LinkedIn profile and make
to create profiles and engage in networking is crucial if connections as early as possible,’ says
you want to impress social media-active employers Rachel – by making like-minded connections
and carefully fostering a solid network
With High Fliers’ The Graduate Market roles, target potential employees and of contacts in your chosen field, you’ll
in 2017 report confirming that graduate check out applicants.’ remain in touch with the latest industry
recruiters made more use of social media By coordinating your online presence developments.
during 2016/17 than in the previous across all the main platforms, this There’s no reason to limit your network
year, there are no excuses not to be well- integrated approach will ensure that you’re either, as in addition to connecting with
connected – as you could end up losing well-positioned to reap the career rewards people you’ve worked for, you can keep
out on opportunities to those who are. – both in terms of your current job search in touch with course tutors, friends and
Even if you’re not as digitally savvy and and when looking for future openings. family. Indeed, the wider your network, the
naturally comfortable on social media However, Rachel stresses the need for better the chances of being approached
as your peers, you can still use it to your students to create strong profiles that by recruiters. So ask your contacts if
advantage. But you’ll need to be proactive. don’t contain any spelling mistakes or anyone can help you to get relevant work
grammatical errors, while taking the time experience. For more on how to secure
Use multiple platforms to keep everything accurate and up to date. an internship, see page 24.
A good place to start is to, ‘Try googling You’ll also require a sensible email ‘LinkedIn is your online CV, so list
yourself and see what comes up in the address and consistent username alongside your course, key modules, dissertation,
search,’ suggests Rachel Basger, graduate an appropriate, current image for each work experience, interests, hobbies and
talent manager at The Hut Group. ‘Lots account, which should be made publicly key accomplishments – but be selective,
of employers are using LinkedIn, Facebook visible. You can then link to other platforms as some part-time jobs may not be
and other forms of social media to advertise that you’re using professionally. relevant,’ adds Rachel.

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 SPONSORED BY:
A professional attitude
While most people have a Facebook account
for personal use, Rachel poses the following
interesting questions: What does your profile
say about you? What are you posting?
What conclusions could someone draw
from these posts?
It’s important to remember that potential
employers will be viewing your profiles,
so you need to give a positive representation
of yourself.
Nik Hewitt, digital strategist at Tank PR, agrees
that the way students present themselves online
is certainly of interest to employers.
‘You can learn a lot about people by the way
they conduct themselves online. Would you
recruit someone with an incomplete LinkedIn
profile and no picture? What does it say about
someone and the way they might organise
their professional life?’
It gives you a sense of the company culture
Depth of persona
and how you might fit into that.
EMPLOYERS ARE USING
As social media is a highly creative medium,
You’ll need to demonstrate a genuine passion
LINKEDIN, FACEBOOK AND
it’s fine to show off your personality, putting
for the company and its ventures, so these can
OTHER FORMS OF SOCIAL
forward your ideas, opinions and interests.

MEDIA TO ADVERTISE
be discussed knowledgeably throughout the
Rhea Chatterjee, The Hut Group’s talent

ROLES, TARGET POTENTIAL

interview, explains Rhea. ‘Employers expect
business partner, describes how the company
EMPLOYEES AND CHECK
good candidates to be on top of this and
‘often targets students with particular interests
OUT APPLICANTS
to read up on the latest goings on.’
relevant to our brands, such as, fitness, beauty,
However, it’s imperative that graduates
blogging, gaming, fashion etc.’ because
remain engaged throughout the recruitment
‘understanding more about an individual’s
process. Nik says, ‘Even after the interview,
passions outside of academia and work
I know recruiters who check Twitter as standard
is a vital part of our recruitment.’ practice to see if the candidate commented
Therefore, what you detail in your profiles about the meeting afterwards.’
will provide an insight into your personality
that will hopefully impact positively on your

LINKEDIN NETWORKING TIPS

job applications.

Information and engagement
Rhea describes how students can use their
various social media accounts to track
important updates and read the latest news
from companies that they have an interest
in working for.
‘Social media is a great forum for finding out
more about organisations prior to interviews,’
she says. This is because the information
gathered can be used to come up with insightful
questions to demonstrate to the interviewer that
a particular organisation is a priority for you.
Rachel offers further guidance
on making the most of LinkedIn
as a networking tool:
• Use your biography to let recruiters
know what type of role you’re
after and share your current
location with them.
• Use the ‘LinkedIn Groups’ feature
to find people sharing job leads
in your local area.
• Look at people you admire – how
did they get to where they are?
You can then search similar
profiles and companies.
• Follow companies and ensure
your contact details are listed,
making it easier for potential
employers to get in touch.
See page 164 for advice on networking
at graduate recruitment events.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 167

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 167
SPONSORED BY:
Applying for graduate jobs
Competition for graduate
jobs is fierce, so you should
use every tool available
to widen your search and
improve your applications
Job hunting is time-consuming. However,
there are a variety of ways you can
approach it to boost your chances
of finding the ideal graduate role. When
you discover a vacancy you’re interested
in, it’s important to make the most of the
opportunity by ensuring your application
grabs the recruiter’s attention for the
right reasons.
Application forms
Employers may simply ask you to send
a CV and cover letter to apply for a vacancy
(page 172). But in many cases you’ll
need to complete a detailed application
form instead.
168 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
168 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
JOB HUNTING
This is your opportunity to show that you’re
perfectly suited to the role and deserve
to be shortlisted for interview – so read
the instructions and the job description
carefully before starting, to give yourself
the best possible chance of success.
Some sections of the form will require
factual answers: your personal details,
educational background and work history.
Make sure you have all of this information
to hand before you begin. You’ll also need
to provide contact details for two referees.
The rest of the form will assess whether
you’re the right person for the job. You may
have to answer a series of questions giving
examples of when you have demonstrated
relevant skills and competencies, or
alternatively write a longer personal
statement. Either way, you need to provide
evidence of how you meet the criteria
set out in the job description. As with
all types of application, proofread your
completed form before sending it.
Most application forms for graduate
jobs can be filled in online, allowing you
to save your progress and come back
to it later – as long as you hit submit
before the deadline passes. You may
be asked to attach additional documents
such as a CV or portfolio of work.
You’ll almost certainly have to complete
an extensive application form when
applying for graduate schemes (page 174).
Speculative applications
Not all graduate jobs are advertised, so it’s
worth using your initiative by approaching
employers directly to ask them whether any
suitable roles are available. This is known
as making a speculative application.
However, it’s no good firing off your
standard CV to hundreds of random
companies and hoping for the best. Tailor
each application carefully, just as you would
if you were responding to a job advert.
Draw up a shortlist of employers by
researching the sectors and companies that
 SPONSORED BY:
interest you, taking into account your skills
and qualifications. For each one, find out
who deals with recruitment – if it’s not clear
on the website, try LinkedIn or phone to ask
– and address your application to them.
Then send a CV and a cover letter
explaining why you are getting in touch.
Emphasise what you can bring to the table,
rather than focusing on what the company
can do for you.
Don’t pester the employer, but follow
up your application a couple of weeks later.
If there are no opportunities available, ask
them to keep your details on file in case
a vacancy comes up in future.
You can also apply speculatively for
work shadowing, placements or short-
term jobs. This method of application
is particularly common in the charity,
design, environmental and media sectors,
where roles are often filled without ever
being advertised.

Recruitment agencies

USE YOUR INITIATIVE

Another way to expand your job search

is to use recruitment agencies. Working
on behalf of employers to find suitable
candidates, they may cover a geographical
area or operate within a particular job sector.
You’ll usually need to attend a meeting
with a recruitment consultant before signing
up with an agency – they’ll assess your
skills and discuss your career goals with
you. Once you’re registered, your CV will
stay on file and the agency will attempt
to match you to vacancies.
When an employer provides them with
a job description that is a good fit, they’ll
add your name to a shortlist for the
company to interview. They’ll usually help
you prepare for the interview too.
Some companies do their recruitment
exclusively through agencies, meaning
that if you don’t sign up you’ll miss out
on these vacancies altogether. There’s
nothing to stop you signing up with multiple
agencies if you want to increase your
chances further.
Dealing with job rejection
A lot of strong candidates apply for every
graduate job, so it’s likely you’re going
to face a few rejections before landing
that dream role. Whether you miss out
at the application stage or after attending
an interview, it’s important not to let
it hit your confidence.
You should get in touch with your
contact at the company and ask for
feedback. Some won’t respond and others
will provide bland, generic responses –
but when you do get advice, it will be
invaluable. For example, you might learn
what experience was missing from your
CV so you can find ways to fill the gap.
Spend some time looking back at
your job applications and think about
how you could improve them. Are you
BY APPROACHING
EMPLOYERS DIRECTLY
answering the questions fully, referring
to the job description in your responses
and demonstrating that you have fully
researched the company? Have you
proofread your applications thoroughly?
Do your skills and qualifications match
what the employer is looking for? Being
self-critical and viewing applications
through the recruiter’s eyes will help
you do better next time.
Meanwhile, if you’re unemployed
immediately after graduating, do
whatever you can to improve your
employability by volunteering, getting
more work experience or learning
new skills.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-
advice/applying-for-jobs

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 169

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 169
 WHEN I BECAME A

MANAGER
IN THE
CARDIOVASCULAR
DIVISION,
I REALISED I WAS HELPING THE
NATION BEAT HEART DISEASE.
THIS IS NO ORDINARY
GRADUATE SCHEME.

The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme

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Whether you join our Finance, General Management,
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These aren’t clinical opportunities, but this is
about developing exceptional healthcare leaders.
High-calibre management professionals who will
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needs. Inspirational people who will push up
standards, deliver deeper value for money and
continue the drive towards a healthier nation.
nhsgraduates.co.uk

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170 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 FIND THE MOST MIND-BOGGLING,
EYE-OPENING, JAW-DROPPING,
INSPIRING WAY TO CHANGE LIVES.

FIND YOUR WAY TO LEAD.

Everyone can remember one incredible teacher that made

a difference to their life. We find and develop great people to
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need is a refusal to believe that disadvantage determines
Teach First is a registered charity, no. 1098294

destiny. Find out more at teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 171

SPONSORED BY:
JOB HUNTING

CVs and cover letters

These documents play an important role in the application process; get
them right and they’ll prove to be your golden ticket to a job interview

CVs
A CV contains your qualifications, skills
and employment history. Getting the basics
right is essential, and the good news is that
the key to a successful CV is simple: ensure
that it’s tailored to the employer reading it.
To achieve this, read the job description
thoroughly and make sure that your CV
is providing evidence for the criteria that
the employer is asking for.
Standard CVs should be no longer
than two sides of A4 and need to include
your contact details, skills and work and
education history in chronological order.
Pay particular attention to the presentation
and formatting and ensure there are
no grammatical errors. Avoid lying on your
CV at all costs. Briefly explain any gaps
in your employment history but don’t
go into too much detail, you’ll have the
Cover letters
Your cover letter enables you to market
yourself, tailor your application, prove
that you’ve researched the position and
it highlights your suitability for the job.
A recruiter sifts through hundreds
of applications, but your cover letter
should be unique to you. It should be
no longer than one side of A4, so keep
it to four or five paragraphs. It’s essential
to address the letter to a named contact
wherever possible.
The first paragraph should contain
the title of the position, where you saw
it advertised and when you’d be available
to start. The middle paragraphs should
cover why you’re interested in, and
suitable for, the role and what attracted
you to the company. Highlight all
relevant skills and experience and use
them to explain what you could offer
the organisation. The conclusion should
be positive, so reiterate your interest
in the job and state that you’re looking
forward to the interview. Provide available
dates that you’re free and finish by
thanking the recruiter for their time.
If sending electronically, put the text
of the cover letter in the body of the email
rather than as an attachment, to avoid
it being detected by spam filters.
Find inspiration at www.prospects.ac.uk/
careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/
cover-letters

THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL

opportunity to do so in your cover letter.
CV IS SIMPLE: ENSURE
Employers are inundated with
applications, so it’s important to make THAT IT’S TAILORED TO THE
your CV stand out. One way to get noticed EMPLOYER READING IT
is to use video. Despite the common
perception that video CVs are only
applicable to certain jobs – for example,
customer-facing and creative roles in
marketing, sales and the media – they can
get you noticed by employers in any sector.
Remember, the aim isn’t to be the
next Steven Spielberg, but rather to give
a glimpse into who you are and how you
can help organisations grow and deliver
value to their customers.
You can have the best-looking CV that
showcases numerous achievements, but
if you don’t take heed of the above advice
you’ll be limiting your chances of success.
Discover how to write a successful CV
at www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/
cvs-and-cover-letters/example-cvs

172 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

172 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
 Exciting Careers in Data Science,
Analytics & Software Engineering
Tessella is the Analytics World Class Center of the Altran Group. We are
leaders in the field of data science and analytics and we have developed a
reputation for helping clients solve their most complex technical challenges
by unlocking the power of their data.

We are looking for enthusiastic science,
mathematics and engineering graduates
and postgraduates to join us and help
our clients solve a variety of science and
engineering problems, all related to the
capture, visualisation and analysis of
complex data.
Projects can span a range of activities and
your responsibilities will include:
• Combining domain knowledge and
technical skills to understand and solve
complex challenges.
• Using a variety of analytical, statistical
or machine learning techniques to
interpret client data.
• Designing and developing custom
software solutions or tools.
• Building strong relationships and
collaborating with clients and
colleagues.
Our work is at the cutting-edge of high-
tech R&D and our projects are varied and
rewarding. For example, in pharmaceutical
companies we solve computational
problems for chemists at the early stages
of drug discovery and development. We
help consumer goods companies model
and simulate new product ideas. We also
support oil and gas engineers with the
computational challenges of exploration
and production, from reservoir modelling
to writing control systems. In space and
defence, we have written algorithms and
solved complex mathematical problems to
control satellites and radar systems.
We invest heavily in training and career
development, as endorsed by our Investors
In People “Gold” accreditation, which places
us in the top 2% of companies assessed.
You will have the opportunity to learn
new domains and technologies and apply
innovative thinking to solve new challenges.

Tessella Ltd The Sunday Times named us as one of the best small companies to work
26 The Quadrant for in 2017 and we are looking for more high achievers to join us. For more
Abingdon Science Park information, visit our careers website at: http://jobs.tessella.com
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 3YS

jobs@tessella.com
www.tessella.com
SPONSORED BY:
Graduate schemes
Many top employers use
these programmes to develop
future leaders – so if your
heart’s set on securing
a place, find out how to
impress recruiters
A graduate scheme is a structured training
and development programme run by
employers. Roles are often available in
a number of specialisms – or streams as
they’re known – ranging from finance, retail, £45,000 for their 2017 intake.
HR and marketing, to management and law.
Well-known organisations such as Aldi,
Amazon, Marks & Spencer, Nationwide,
the NHS and Tesco currently operate these
programmes, which usually last between
one and two years and can often lead
to a full-time role with the business.
174 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
174 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
JOB HUNTING
Discover the benefits
Being handed responsibility from the
outset and getting to understand the
workings of a business by experiencing its
various functions first-hand, are just two
of the benefits of joining such a scheme.
High Fliers’ The Graduate Market
in 2017 report has revealed that a sixth
of places on the top graduate schemes
now offer starting salaries of more than
£40,000, with 13 of the UK’s best known
graduate recruiters paying wages of at least
In return for the financial rewards,
graduates are expected to adhere to
the business needs of the employer.
The scheme may be focused on a specific
role or split into time-specific placements,
and this could involve working across
various business functions, teams and
possibly locations – so a large degree
of flexibility is required.
Secure a place
As you might expect, competition for
places on these schemes is fierce,
especially those offered by high-profile
companies featured in The Times Top
100 Graduate Employers list.
‘One of the hardest things about applying
to a graduate scheme is how you make
yourself stand out from the thousands
of other candidates applying,’ states Rob
Farace, senior programme lead, resourcing,
for the NHS Leadership Academy.
You’ll therefore have to make it through
the extensive screening processes used
to select graduates. While it’s a tricky task,
there are some simple and practical ways
to increase your chances of success.
IF YOU FOLLOW THESE TIPS,
IT CAN MAKE A POWERFUL
DIFFERENCE TO YOUR
APPLICATION FOR ANY
GRADUATE SCHEME – HELPING
YOU TO STAND OUT FROM
MANY OTHER CANDIDATES

Get advice via social media
With most graduate schemes having
a presence on social media – for instance,
Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and LinkedIn
– Rob recommends using these various
platforms to keep in touch with employers
throughout all stages of the selection
process, ensuring you don’t miss out
on vital information.
For example, at the NHS, this ranges
from current trainees giving tips on how
they prepared for their assessment centre,
to alumni sharing general advice on
interviews and the graduate team offering
pointers on passing online tests. This means
that as well as asking questions, you can
see useful answers to questions posed
by other candidates.
There’s also the potential for networking.
Rob explains, ‘Most of our trainees will
tweet about the university events they’re
attending, giving you the opportunity to
interact before you meet them in person.’
And once you’ve started talking to them,
they’ll normally be happy to stay in touch
with you during the selection process,
encouraging you and giving you some
useful pointers.
What you need to know about the application process
In most cases, you’ll be able to apply
for graduate schemes from the end
of your second year (June-onwards)
until November or December that
year, with start dates usually set for
the August or September following
graduation. However, the application
process can often be lengthy, involving
CVs and cover letters (page 172),
interviews (page 176), and tests and
exercises (page 178).
Victoria advises you to prepare, by
making sure to ‘practise psychometric
tests, which are common, and identify
your strengths and weaknesses
beforehand.’
‘If you follow these tips, it can make
a powerful difference to your application
for any graduate scheme – helping
you to stand out from many other
candidates,’ adds Rob.
For more on social media and networking
in your job hunt, see page 166.
Although graduate programmes
expect applicants to be awarded
a 2:1 or higher, some employers may
be more flexible – for example, those
looking to enter the NHS Graduate
Management Training Scheme and, if
you also hold a Masters, the Nationwide
Graduate Development Programme.
Read more about graduate schemes
for the next intake at www.prospects.
ac.uk/careers-advice/getting-a-job/
graduate-schemes
You can also apply for graduate jobs
(page 168) and search opportunities
in your chosen career at www.prospects.
ac.uk/graduate-jobs
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 175
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 175
SPONSORED BY:
Gain insight into the culture
By doing your homework on the NHS
or other leading recruiters through various
channels including social media, you’ll also
get to see and learn more about the current
issues they’re facing and decide if they’re
the right fit for you.
Rob explains that by closely following
what the organisation is doing, ‘you get
a really good feel for the culture of the
scheme; it’s a great way of helping you
to decide if the scheme’s right for you.’
Victoria Humphries, head of emerging
talent at Nationwide Building Society,
suggests another way to explore what
it’s like working for a particular brand
is to find out what existing employees
have to say about it on the company
website or dedicated careers site.
When carrying out your research,
Victoria stresses the need to refrain from
rushing into anything. Instead, ‘Take time
to decide what is most important
to you as a candidate in terms of work-
life balance, career progression, learning
and development support.’
For more guidance on planning your
career, see page 154.
SPONSORED BY:
Interviews
Often the first chance you
get to communicate with
potential employers in person
– you need to treat interviews
as your opportunity to shine
In order to achieve your career goals, it’s
fair to say that at some point you’re going
to have to tackle a job interview.
With a lot riding on the outcome, they’re
undoubtedly a nerve-wracking experience,
but like most things, they’re easier to deal
with when you know what to expect.
Types of interview
Graduate interviews can be conducted
in a variety of forms, so it’ll be useful
if you’re able to adapt your technique
to fit the style.
• Telephone – Acting like a screening
process, these tend to be less formal.
Make sure that you’re somewhere quiet
and try not to rely too heavily on notes.
Don’t speak too fast and be careful
not to interrupt the interviewer.
176 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
176 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
JOB HUNTING
• Video – Whether through Skype,
FaceTime or YouTube, this type of
interview is popular for graduate roles
in sales, media and marketing. Body
language is important, so look directly
into the camera and make virtual eye
contact with the interviewer. This gives
the impression of confidence.
• Face-to-face – Securing a face-to-face
interview means that you’ve got what
the company is looking for. Think about
what skills and experience you can
offer and how to demonstrate these
in your answers.
• Assessment centres – These can include
presentations, written tests and group
role play and in-tray exercises.
How to prepare
Preparation is key to interview success.
‘My advice is simple – do your research.
Start with an organisation’s careers website,
lots of companies use these to give insight
on behaviours that they’re looking for,’
advises Helen Alkin, future talent manager
at Marks and Spencer (M&S).
‘At M&S, research also means looking at our
customer website and visiting some stores.
We’re not looking for experts, but we want
to see potential and we want students and
graduates to demonstrate interest in, and
knowledge of, the company,’ adds Helen.
When it comes to research, Philippa
Hardie, careers consultant at the University
of Chester, suggests reading around the
company and the sector in which it operates
to discover who its competitors and target
markets are. She also advises seeking out
relevant journal or newspaper articles,
where appropriate.
An organisation’s social media platforms
can also be a useful aid to your research
so follow all relevant accounts (page 166).
Calm your nerves
‘It’s important to remember that nerves
are normal and recruiters want you
to do well,’ states Helen. You can calm
interview jitters by practising answers
to common questions in advance.
The types of questions that you’ll face
will be dictated by the role you’re applying
 SPONSORED BY:
WE WANT STUDENTS AND
GRADUATES TO DEMONSTRATE
INTEREST IN, AND KNOWLEDGE
OF, THE COMPANY

for. However, it’s easy to prepare for standard

questions such as ‘why do you want this job?’
and ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses?’
so don’t miss the opportunity to do so. Practise
your responses with a friend or family member.
Philippa recommends utilising your careers
service by taking part in mock interviews.
‘Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
technique to answer questions and always use
examples to demonstrate key competencies.’
Covering practical details such as planning
your journey and deciding what to wear well
in advance will also go a long way towards
easing your interview anxiety.

Boost your chance of success

After you’ve put in all this legwork, make
sure it doesn’t go to waste. Your chance
to make a good first impression happens with
the introductions, so don’t forget the basics:
a smart appearance, a confident handshake
and regular eye contact with your interviewer.
Set yourself apart from other candidates
immediately, by employing an optimistic
outlook. A positive attitude instantly makes

you more appealing, so be sure to convey your
motivation and enthusiasm for the role.
Before the interview ends, leave a lasting
impression by asking relevant questions.
‘To show that you’ve engaged with the
interview, ask the interviewer to expand on any
points you found interesting,’ says Helen.
‘To demonstrate real passion, ask questions
about the role, the challenges the sector
faces and how the organisation is responding
to these.’
If these answers have already been covered
during the interview, Philippa has some other
suggestions. ‘Consider asking questions about
how the role fits into the overall structure
of the company, the training and development
on offer and where they see the organisation
heading in the future.’
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips
TOP TIPS
If you’ve reached the interview stage,
the employer is already interested
in what you have to offer. A few
nerves can be a positive thing, but
don’t let them take over, so relax
and be yourself.
Once a question has been asked,
pause to take a breath before you
answer. This second or two gives you
the chance to process the request,
gather your thoughts and prevents
you from babbling.
To avoid interruption and awkward
embarrassment, make sure mobile
phones and tablets are switched
off, or at least on silent, before
starting your interview.
It might seem obvious, but don’t
be late. Tardiness creates a bad
impression before you’ve even
arrived and shows a lack of
preparation. If you’re running
late due to circumstances out
of your control, call ahead to let
your interviewer know.
Don’t be fooled into thinking
you can wing it. Interviewers will
automatically spot answers that are
made up off the top of your head.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 177

www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 177
SPONSORED BY:
Tests and exercises
Graduate employers can set many different interview tasks, so get the edge
over other candidates by preparing for what you might encounter on the day
Remember, you’re being assessed from
when you arrive to the moment you leave
– so don’t switch off. Be courteous and
professional with all staff and candidates,
as you don’t know who may be asked for
feedback on your performance.
Employers don’t always offer too many
details, but find out as much as you can
in advance and don’t be afraid to give
the graduate recruitment team a call
if something is unclear.
Case studies
The recruiter will describe a situation
to which you’re asked to respond with
advice, in the form of a report or verbal
explanation. Your conclusion is reached
by collating and analysing provided
information. Case studies test your skills
in analysis, creativity and problem solving.
Anticipate the type of case study you could
receive by researching the organisation
and sector; they’re particularly common
for management consulting and
accountancy firms.
178 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
178 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
JOB HUNTING
Group exercises
These usually involve eight to ten
candidates, and are often used in
assessment centres or when organisations
have multiple vacancies. The recruiter will
usually provide an industry or workplace-
related problem that requires a solution.
Typical group exercises include ice-breakers,
discussions, role play and interviews.
In-tray exercises
Also known as e-tray exercises, these
synthesised business situations require
you to organise your workload. You’ll have
around 30 to 60 minutes to work through
10 to 30 items of paperwork. They assess
key competencies such as analysis, decision-
making, time management, accuracy,
organisation and communication.
Presentations
Lasting between 10 and 20 minutes,
these assess your ability to communicate
clearly and formally, testing your skills
in timing, persuasion, analysis, public
speaking and creativity. You should:
maintain eye contact with your audience,
stay within the allotted time, leave room
for questions, and use pauses to allow the
audience to absorb your words.
Psychometric tests
These are often used during the preliminary
screening stage, or as part of an assessment
centre. They’re objective, convenient
and strong indicators of job performance
– making them very popular with large
graduate recruiters.
There are two main types: personality
tests that explore your interests, values and
motivations, analysing how your character
fits with the role and organisation; and
aptitude tests that assess your reasoning
or cognitive ability, determining whether
you’ve got the right skillset for a role.
Discover more about psychometric testing
at www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/
interview-tips/psychometric-tests
Social events
These ‘informal’ sessions allow you
to mingle with other candidates, assessors,
recent graduates and senior management.
They’re excellent opportunities for you
to learn more about the role. Remember
to behave yourself, as you’re being assessed
– despite social events not being an obvious
interview test. Try to appear confident and
capable of relating to different people.
Written tests
You will usually have to write an essay, email,
letter or report on a given topic, though
you may sometimes be asked to proofread,
review or summarise a document. Tasks
typically last 40 to 60 minutes, and your
common sense, comprehension and written
communication are being assessed.
FIND OUT MORE
www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-
tips/interview-tests-and-exercises

CONTEXT is a leading iT research
company that has been delivering market
analytics and business intelligence to the
world’s preeminent technology vendors
for over 30 years. CONTEXT has over 280
staff spread across 20 countries and is now
expanding, looking for fresh new talent to
grow alongside it
What makes us different
In 2017, CONTEXT was recognised as one
of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ by Great Place
to Work. We earned this award thanks to our
longstanding convivial and growth-orientated
culture, and a more recent concerted push
to rank with the very best employers in
the country. Newer initiatives include an
annual company-wide staff bonus, a greater
emphasis on formal training opportunities,
and a calendar full of fun staff events.
What we’re looking for
CONTEXT hires graduates from a broad range
of academic backgrounds. We are looking
for effective team players who are willing to
take ownership of their work. We invite people
with an investigative mindset, good attention
to detail, and strong verbal and numerical
reasoning skills to apply for an opportunity
to learn and progress in a nurturing work
environment.
www.contextworld.com
recruitment@contextworld.com
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Number of vacancies
10-15 per year
Work offered
• Project support
• Junior analyst
• Data analyst
• Developer
Subject of study
CONTEXT is open to those from
all academic backgrounds.
Location
Our opportunities Putney, London.
Work opportunities at CONTEXT include Benefits
customer-facing project-support roles; • Company-wide bonus
positions as analysts, responsible for the (business performance
production, maintenance, and delivery of our dependent)
core services; and jobs as developers dealing • Gym membership
with the technical back-end of our systems. contribution
• Healthcare cashback scheme
Development and career progression
The combination of highly specialised work • Leave early on your birthday
and a growth-orientated culture means • Daily fresh fruit basket
that CONTEXT prefers to promote internally • Unlimited fruit juices, coffee
rather than hire external candidates for and tea
management positions – looking for leaders • Local services discounts
from within its own ranks as it continues to Core skills required
grow. • Strong numerical and verbal
reasoning
New employees are given lots of responsibility
• Collaborative disposition
early on, as well as ample opportunities – both
• Ability to take initiative and
formal and informal – to acquire new skills.
work independently
The last few years have seen an increasing
number of structured opportunities, ranging • Investigative mindset and
from presentation coaching to PRINCE2 attention to detail
project training. • Microsoft Excel and
PowerPoint competence
• Knowledge of/interest
in business and consumer
technology
• Willingness to learn new skills
How to apply
Please email a cover letter
and CV to recruitment@
contextworld.com
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER gUiDE
GUIDE 165
179
SPONSORED BY:
JOB HUNTING

Professional
membership
If you’re working towards a specific career, professional organisations can provide
support and the ideal environment in which to make vital industry connections
By joining as an undergraduate student,
you can access resources and contacts
to accelerate your career. Here’s why it’s
worth exploring what’s available in your
area of specialism and how you can
go about becoming a member.
Looking at the bigger picture
Professional bodies promote best practice,
and strive to improve the skills and
knowledge of their members. They can
also give you the edge in an increasingly
competitive job market, and enhance
your status within your field.
However, it’s certainly not a one-way
street, as professionals strive to put their
newfound expertise to good use.
David Evans, director of policy at BCS,
The Chartered Institute for IT, reveals how
his organisation is determined to play its
part in making IT beneficial for everyone.
New members are encouraged to embrace
BCS values by ensuring that society benefits
from technology-led change.
Student member Andrew Barnes, who
is working towards a computer science
degree at the University of Plymouth,
is keen to take this on board. He says,
‘Becoming involved with subjects I’m
extremely passionate about through BCS
has given me greater insight into modern
research and the current issues facing
the IT industry.
‘By being a part of the institute
throughout my degree, I’ve been able
to satisfy my desire for making IT good
for society.’
An environment for collaboration
BCS membership provides access
to a talented and passionate network
of students from across the UK, and
fosters an environment for collaboration
and the sharing of ideas across all IT-based
disciplines, explains David. ‘Our student
chapters provide a platform to enable
and support students to succeed, as well
as a pathway to professionalism.’
Individuals are able to gain knowledge
and understanding of the IT industry
through guest speakers, events and
networking opportunities.
‘These events allow me to network with
a range of people, from chief technical
officers (CTOs) in big businesses, to fellow
students at other universities, and make
contacts with potential future colleagues,’
says Andrew.
Professional organisations also offer
the chance for members to develop their
technical and non-technical skills. Andrew
found that BCS has greatly helped his career
prospects, while networking has made him
more aware of the industry landscape and
what employers are looking for.

180 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

180 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

PROFESSIONAL BODIES PROMOTE
BEST PRACTICE, AND STRIVE
TO IMPROVE THE SKILLS AND
KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR MEMBERS
Integral to the career journey
While joining a professional body isn’t
compulsory for most professions, industries
such as law, accountancy and architecture
demand membership. For example,
you must register with the Architects
Registration Board (ARB) to legally use
the title of ‘architect’ in the UK. Trainees
must complete seven years of higher
education, work experience and exams
to reach this stage.
Full membership is usually obtained
through study. If you study law,
accountancy, architecture or engineering,
this begins at degree level. If you work
before studying for a professional
qualification, you can also enter through
the postgraduate route.
Cost of membership
Most professional bodies charge
a signing-up fee and an annual
membership fee. For example, the
Chartered Institute of Personnel and
Development (CIPD) has a joining fee
of £40 for new (pre-qualification) students
and a membership fee of £92 (until 30
June 2018). However, you’ll need to enrol
on your qualification within nine months
of becoming a student member.
Each professional body is different and
offers various grades of membership. For
example, membership of the Chartered
Institute of Marketing (CIM) ranges from
affiliate to chartered marketer.
Some professional bodies cover different
disciplines, such as the National Council for
the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), which
offers qualifications to the various sub-
sections of journalism.
For more information on professional
membership for a specific industry, visit
www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-
experience/job-sectors
SPONSORED BY:
INSIDE VIEW
Maria Delores Creisson is studying MSc My membership has improved my
career prospects, as like with anything
Human Resource Development and
in life, if you work hard, you can achieve
Consultancy at Birkbeck, University of
something. This is true if you do it
London, and is a member of the CIPD
alone, but being part of a large body
After graduating from the University of people means you can do far more
of East London (UEL) with a degree than you envisaged yourself. There’s
in HR management, I decided to opportunity, learning and, to some
work towards my CIPD-accredited extent, safety – in the knowledge that
qualification. I’m currently an if you’re stuck or need help, other
associate member, having joined members are there to support you.
the organisation as a student, which I embraced my membership and
didn’t require any qualifications. got involved, as to receive the benefit,
The key benefit for me is that you first need to do your part. My role
by getting involved in CIPD events, I’ve as London’s CIPD student ambassador
had the opportunity to network with is one I take seriously, and it was the
professional members. They’ve all been result of getting involved in various
ready to share tips and insights on what volunteering opportunities. Although
it’s like to be where I hope to be one secondary to supporting student
day. Networking with other student initiatives, it will ultimately add
members allows us to share our study to my portfolio of skills, which will only
experiences and find strength to face be beneficial, whichever direction
the associated challenges. Volunteering I choose to take my HR career in.
as a CIPD member is a huge benefit
too, as I get to work alongside
professional members.
This is supported by gaining access to
key industry research and professional
reading materials from the CIPD
website. It has enriched my learning
and keeps my HR knowledge current.
The CIPD also provides a free copy
of its People Management magazine.
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 181
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 181
Become a
business leader
Are you a university student or
recent graduate looking to start
your career in business or finance?

Studying the CIMA qualification

after university and boosting your
degree with a professional
qualification is a good career move.
You’ll gain new, employable
business skills and experience,
and you’ll impress potential
employers just by adding
‘CIMA student’ to your CV.
To learn more about becoming
a CIMA student, visit us at:
www.cimaglobal.com/unitocima
182 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
CIPD: A career in HR
INTRODUCING
The number one task for
human resources (HR) is to
help build and sustain strong,
well-defined cultures. Find out
how to get started...
Ask any top CEO what makes their
business special. Nine times out of ten
they’ll talk about people. It may be
a cliché, but it’s also true – outstanding
people create exceptional organisations.
When organisations are culturally
strong they are better able to attract
top talent, they have higher morale and
reduced staff turnover. HR covers
a range of interconnected activities, but
essentially they’re all about generating
performance through people.
HR professionals recruit, train and
develop employees, and look at how
they get rewarded. They deal with
legal issues, help to shape the culture
of their organisations, and focus
on what keeps their colleagues
productive and engaged.
Is it right for you?
If you’ve a strong interest in business
and the factors that make a business
a success, coupled with an interest in the
way people work then HR is for you.
The beauty of a career in HR is that
you get such great insights into all
aspects of business. There are many
different ways in, whatever your level
of experience or expertise. Once
there you’ll develop skills that are
highly transferable.
How do I get started?
Some organisations have graduate
training schemes that you can apply
for while at university. Many big
businesses have entry-level HR positions
which can be a great launch pad for
your career. Either way, there are great
opportunities if you are willing to work
hard and get involved.
What’s the pay like?
Experienced HR professionals command
attractive salaries. A graduate level
HR officer can expect to earn on
average £24,375. With the right skills
and motivation, you can expect swift
progression early on. HR managers earn
on average £47,145 and directors earn
on average £82,000.
For more information on starting
a career in HR visit cipd.co.uk/hr-careers
Top tips
• Gather feedback. Ask colleagues,
friends and family to help you build
awareness of your strengths, and
then play to them. If you enjoy dealing
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 183
with managers – both listening and
having the opportunity to use your
influencing skills – then you might
want to find out more about HR
adviser opportunities.
• Shadow a family member or friend.
Find out more about HR or specialist
roles by asking if you can shadow
someone in that role: for example
a specialist in reward management
or learning and development.
• Take time to really understand
business and operational priorities,
as this is fundamental to being
credible whichever avenue you
choose to follow in HR.
• Connect with the HR community and
tell them about your ambitions. HR
is everywhere; LinkedIn, CIPD events,
Facebook, Twitter, fellow students,
family and friends. Find others who are
working in HR and stay in touch; be the
first to find out about opportunities.
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Are you passionate about working
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We are looking for science graduates to join
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This is a great opportunity to work

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www.rsc.org/jobs

Registered charity number: 207890

184 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk

STUDY FOR
SUCCESS
Postgraduate Study Guide
Advice on choosing a course, applying, funding and studying abroad.
Available from your university careers service, postgraduate fair or online

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www.prospects.ac.uk/url
www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 185
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186 PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE www.prospects.ac.uk
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J.P. Morgan...................................................................................................................... 31, 55, 188
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The Association of Independent Professionals
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The Intern Group.......................................................................................................................... 143
Think Ahead...................................................................................................................................... 143
TK Maxx..................................................................................................................................... 130-131
Trailfinders........................................................................................................................................... 138
UNIQLO..................................................................................................................................................... 12
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www.prospects.ac.uk PROSPECTS STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 187
 Draw on all of your experiences and bring the whole

Your career. you to J.P. Morgan. We’ll make sure you have the

Your future
training and opportunities to turn your talent into
anDraw
exciting career.
on all Wherever
of your you want
experiences to go,the
and bring andwhole
whatever you want to achieve, we’ll help you getthe
there.

Your way.
you to J.P. Morgan. We’ll make sure you have
training and opportunities to turn your talent into an
If you’re talented and driven to succeed, start your

begins now.
exciting
journey career.
with us. Wherever you want to go, and
whatever you want to achieve, we’ll help you get there.
We’ll be hosting a range of exciting events and
If you’re around
programs talentedthe
and driven
globe to succeed,
throughout the year.
Westart your journey
encourage you towith
lookus.
for communications about
our upcoming events and programs and to check our
careers website regularly
The application deadlinefor fordates and deadlines.
our 2018 Programs is
Start your journey. approaching.
jpmorgan.com/careers We’ll be hosting a range of exciting events and
programs around the globe throughout the year. We
Apply by 28th November encourage you to look for communications about our
upcoming
J.P. Morgan is a marketing name for JPMorgan Chase & Co., and its subsidiaries events and
worldwide. programs
©2017 and
JPMorgan to check
Chase & Co.our
jpmorgan.com/careers
All rights reserved. J.P. Morgan is an equal opportunities employer. careers website regularly for dates and deadlines.