Attending university can be a costly experience for students. Not only do they have to pay the hefty £3,200 per year tuition fee, which is set to rise to a maximum £9,000 next year, but they also have to budget for daily expenses, including food, rent and travel.
When you consider the average cost of rent for student accommodation in Manchester is £3,530 per academic year and the maximum student loan available for a student living away from home is £4,950, it becomes obvious there is a significant shortfall in finance that needs to be filled.
That is why, according to a study carried out by Santander Universities, around 43 per-cent of students take on employment to help them meet their daily living expenses. The most popular jobs being bar and waitressing work.
Working while at university
If you decide to take part-time employment of around 15 hours a week, which is the maximum amount recommended by most universities, there are many things you can do to help you find the right job. Such as:
• Handing your updated CV into local pubs, bars and restaurants stating your availability for work.
• Visiting and signing up to job search websites, checking them daily for new jobs or opting in to job email alerts.
• Checking university and library notice boards and local papers for jobs advertised.
• Popping into local job agencies and inquiring about temp work, which can be both well paid and flexible.
Post-graduation
Once graduated most students will either be heading back home or staying on in Manchester. Either way, they will undoubtedly be looking to get a foot on the career ladder. This is a task easier said than done after the 2008 recession, which the graduate job market is still trying to recover from.
Figures published by the Office of National Statistics in August show there are around 2.49 million people unemployed after an increase of 38,000 in the three months leading up to June. Other damning statistics recently published by the Higher Education Authority reveal that just over a quarter of students who graduated in 2007 – a year before the recession hit in April 2008 – are still seeking full-time employment.
Finding a job post-graduation
Although these recent figures may be disheartening, there are still jobs available and to claim one you need to work hard and make sure you stand out from the crowd.
Firstly it is important to consider a viable career path. Students must bear in mind which industries currently have the most graduate jobs. For example, graduate IT jobs have increased by just over a quarter year-on-year for the second financial quarter of this year. Whereas it has been reported around half of 2009 engineering graduates cannot find jobs in engineering.
Having an updated, easy to read CV that displays your potential to the maximum is also vital.
Job search websites are a valuable tool for finding a job. Check them regularly and sign up to job email alerts so you are always aware when a vacancy becomes available.
Scan local, national and trade newspapers in the classified job section where graduate jobs are often advertised.
It is also worth considering an internship which may lead to permanent work. Nearly half of internships are unpaid but it is important to know that a newly published code of practice states internships over six weeks should be paid.
Job centres are also there to offer financial support to graduates looking for work. They may also offer further training opportunities and will help you find a job.
Most importantly, when offered an interview remember preparation and research is the key to winning future employers over.
Source: Menmedia.co.uk, Wednesday 28th September 2011
Jobsbody provides a dynamic forum in which businesses can view and connect with graduates.
Friday 30 September 2011
Thursday 29 September 2011
Deloitte and PwC take on record number of graduates
The road to a career in the professional services sector has opened for hundreds of graduates this month.
Accounting and consulting firms, Deloitte and PwC have taken on a record number of graduates.
Deloitte has invested in some of the country's top talent, recruiting 63 trainees at its north west offices, with 54 new starters in just the Manchester office alone.
They will be working across all service areas from audit to corporate tax.
This year's intake includes a number of University of Manchester and University of Liverpool alumni, a first class graduate in management and a first class mathematician.
Most of the graduates are from the north west region whilst the scheme also attracted individuals from China and Romania.
Jane Boardman, Deloitte's partner in charge of talent in the region, said: “The calibre of graduate applicants this year has been unprecedented, which reflects the strength of our business and of the region as a whole.
“I am confident that the people we have recruited will have a long and successful future at Deloitte, and I am very much looking forward to seeing their skills and careers develop and flourish.”
The Manchester office of PwC has welcomed 43 graduates from a group of 1200 new starters to join PwC offices all across the UK including 20 across the north.
Twelve school leavers have also joined through the firm's headstart programme.
The graduates faced stiff competition, with a 2870 applicants across the north – double the number who applied last year.
Nick Boden, senior partner on PwC's Manchester office, said: “The massive increase in applications we've received this year shows that students are back in the game.
“They are realising that despite many saying otherwise, there are jobs out there with top notch training schemes and excellent prospects.
“We are also seeing more applicants from school leavers who choose not to go to university.”
Martin Heath, head of the assurance practice in Manchester, said: “We held our nerve during the recession and continued to invest in graduate recruitment.
“That decision has paid off as we are seeing some exciting opportunities emerge despite the fragile state of the economic recovery.
“We've taken in graduate talent in assurance, tax and advisory to help us harness those opportunities.”
Source: Menmedia.co.uk, Thursday 29th September 2011
Accounting and consulting firms, Deloitte and PwC have taken on a record number of graduates.
Deloitte has invested in some of the country's top talent, recruiting 63 trainees at its north west offices, with 54 new starters in just the Manchester office alone.
They will be working across all service areas from audit to corporate tax.
This year's intake includes a number of University of Manchester and University of Liverpool alumni, a first class graduate in management and a first class mathematician.
Most of the graduates are from the north west region whilst the scheme also attracted individuals from China and Romania.
Jane Boardman, Deloitte's partner in charge of talent in the region, said: “The calibre of graduate applicants this year has been unprecedented, which reflects the strength of our business and of the region as a whole.
“I am confident that the people we have recruited will have a long and successful future at Deloitte, and I am very much looking forward to seeing their skills and careers develop and flourish.”
The Manchester office of PwC has welcomed 43 graduates from a group of 1200 new starters to join PwC offices all across the UK including 20 across the north.
Twelve school leavers have also joined through the firm's headstart programme.
The graduates faced stiff competition, with a 2870 applicants across the north – double the number who applied last year.
Nick Boden, senior partner on PwC's Manchester office, said: “The massive increase in applications we've received this year shows that students are back in the game.
“They are realising that despite many saying otherwise, there are jobs out there with top notch training schemes and excellent prospects.
“We are also seeing more applicants from school leavers who choose not to go to university.”
Martin Heath, head of the assurance practice in Manchester, said: “We held our nerve during the recession and continued to invest in graduate recruitment.
“That decision has paid off as we are seeing some exciting opportunities emerge despite the fragile state of the economic recovery.
“We've taken in graduate talent in assurance, tax and advisory to help us harness those opportunities.”
Source: Menmedia.co.uk, Thursday 29th September 2011
Wednesday 28 September 2011
14% of university freshers admit they don't even know how to boil an egg
Cutting the apron strings for the first time many university students are lacking basic life skills.
According to a poll of 512 freshers many teenagers have never cooked or cleaned for themselves.
After years of being looked after at home 14 per cent of participants in the survey carried out by Sainsbury's said that they wouldn't know how to boil an egg while one in ten (11 per cent) said that didn't know how to cook at all.
With 57 per cent claiming to have never lived away from home it seems that many are unprepared for the challenges they face.
More than a fifth of university students questioned said that they had (22 per cent) never shopped for food alone and 13 per cent have never done their own ironing.
Of greater concern is the lack of financial know-how in light of rising financial pressures following this year's increased tuition fees.
The supermarket giant warned that more than a quarter (25 per cent) of freshers have never budgeted for themselves and 18 per cent have failed to open a savings account.
Setting up on their own for the first time, 69 per cent said that they were new to paying utility bills and 68 per cent said it was their first time paying rent.
Natasha Virtue, from Sainsbury's Finance, said: 'Living alone for the first time with the responsibility for studying, managing finances and making new friends can be a daunting prospect.
'We'd urge students to take time to think about their finances, there are lots of helpful tools online for example on the UCAS website itself.
'Better figure out how to boil that egg too.'
The results are based on a poll conducted this September by the UK student and graduate market research group Opinion Panel.
Source: Sadie Whitelocks, Dailymail.co.uk, Tuesday 27th September 2011
According to a poll of 512 freshers many teenagers have never cooked or cleaned for themselves.
After years of being looked after at home 14 per cent of participants in the survey carried out by Sainsbury's said that they wouldn't know how to boil an egg while one in ten (11 per cent) said that didn't know how to cook at all.
With 57 per cent claiming to have never lived away from home it seems that many are unprepared for the challenges they face.
More than a fifth of university students questioned said that they had (22 per cent) never shopped for food alone and 13 per cent have never done their own ironing.
Of greater concern is the lack of financial know-how in light of rising financial pressures following this year's increased tuition fees.
The supermarket giant warned that more than a quarter (25 per cent) of freshers have never budgeted for themselves and 18 per cent have failed to open a savings account.
Setting up on their own for the first time, 69 per cent said that they were new to paying utility bills and 68 per cent said it was their first time paying rent.
Natasha Virtue, from Sainsbury's Finance, said: 'Living alone for the first time with the responsibility for studying, managing finances and making new friends can be a daunting prospect.
'We'd urge students to take time to think about their finances, there are lots of helpful tools online for example on the UCAS website itself.
'Better figure out how to boil that egg too.'
The results are based on a poll conducted this September by the UK student and graduate market research group Opinion Panel.
Source: Sadie Whitelocks, Dailymail.co.uk, Tuesday 27th September 2011
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Is University still worth the cost?
Just over 10 years ago, higher education was free to students. But according to recent statistics, the average student now incurs over £5,000 of debt per year of study at a UK institution, and that number is set to rocket when fees increase in 2012. At present, every university is planning on charging over £6,000 a year for tuition, with two thirds (including the University of Nottingham) intending to charge the full £9,000 tuition fee. This means that students starting in the next academic year could graduate with over £25,000 of debt from tuition fees alone.
And what’s worrying is that many are starting to question whether it’s all worth it. According to a survey conducted by Edge, a charity chaired by the former Tory education secretary, Lord Baker of Dorking, nearly 60% of parents think that a degree is less valuable than it was 10 years ago. In fact, nearly 50% of parents are now under the impression that degrees no longer give young people a good start in life. With headlines suggesting that 1 in 10 graduates are facing unemployment, the worst figures in 17 years, it’s easy to see why parents are worried. Students are also ever more concerned about the financial implications of going to university.
Impact spoke to Kate, who is starting at university this year. She explains, “I’ve started to look into all the costs and they just keep building. Tuition fees are one thing, but now I’m look at paying £98 a week on accommodation before even considering the price of food, books and socialising.” She continues, “With no promise of a job at the end, I have found myself asking — is it worth it?”
And Kate’s fears mirror the thoughts of many students during the current economic slump. According to Sam, a recent graduate of Nottingham University, “There just isn’t much around at the moment. And the few jobs that are available are obviously very competitive. It’s not much fun being stuck back at your parent’s house, with no job and no money.”
In this current climate of confusion, more and more students are finding themselves unsure whether the university experience qualifies the huge debt. With fewer job opportunities, many are trying to gauge just how useful a degree actually is in trying to attain a career after leaving university.
Nevertheless, graduate recruiters Dave Andrews from Accenture and Giovanna Miceli from Mercerare adamant that they appreciate the extra skills students gain whilst studying at university. Dave Andrews explains that students gain skills in “problem solving, general knowledge and the ability to learn more independently. They also develop skills in communication, teamwork, and emotional maturity. University is a great way to develop academically, professionally and personally.”
Meanwhile, Giovanna Miceli emphasises that, “Graduates can be at an advantage as they may be on the way to obtaining professional qualifications through exemptions from their degree.”
So, university provides an outlet for gaining invaluable skills which employers find important, and could even provide opportunities to advance careers quicker than those without.
That’s all well and good, but should we have to pay such high tariffs for this opportunity? Many argue that an education is a fundamental human right and yet students are stiffed with high tuition fees every year. Impact spoke to one business student from the University of Nottingham, who had just 6 contact hours a week for most of the term, meaning that (in theory) each lecture was costing him nearly £30! But are tuition fees that transparent? Do most students even know what they get for their money?
According to the University of Nottingham’s annual financial statement (which is published online), the university made £165million in tuition fees (home, international and other) in 2010. Other incomings included £127m from HEFCE re Teaching and Research grants, £100million via other research grants and contracts and a further nearly £100m from other sources, notably accommodation, catering and conferences. Thus, tuition fees made up 32% of the university’s income last year.
In terms of how that money is spent, in 2010, the university’s spending included staff costs of £273million (i.e. pension and social security costs and covering all staff, whether academic, administrative or technical), which represents ca. 58% of all the costs. Other major cost items includes laboratory equipment and consumables, scholarships, catering and the costs of running the various campuses, including all maintenance, utility bills and depreciation on all buildings. In total, the university spent nearly £480million last year.
Essentially, this means that the money we provide to the University by way of tuition is one of their key revenues. However, it only goes some way in covering even their staff costs. Whilst we may expect our money to pay for lecturers and tutors, we perhaps forget about all the other employees that are involved in running the university. This includes the library staff, technicians, security, maintenance workers and many more.
It also suggests that the improvements made to the sites, including the construction of new buildings, such as the Geospatial building on Jubilee Campus, are rarely covered by the income of tuition fees alone. We may therefore be taking the sheer quality of facilities we are provided with here at Nottingham for granted.
Impact caught up with Martin Wynne-Jones, the Director of Finance at University of Nottingham, to ask him if he thought the university offers good value for money. He replied, “The University, I think, offers a high quality teaching and learning experience with a highly regarded degree awarded at the end – the campuses offer excellent facilities as well as an outstanding environment to live in. The quality of the facilities rivals any other university across the country.”
But with fees at Nottingham rising to £9,000 in September 2012, will it still feel like students are getting such a fair deal? How does the decision to increase tuition fees affect the level of services the university provide? Will the extra money be pumped straight back into services and resources for the student?
Martin explains, “Firstly it has to be recognised that the increased fees are replacing reduced grants from the Government, particularly in relation to the teaching and capital grants. We are also required to plough a significant proportion of the additional fees to support increased bursaries, scholarships and widening participation.”
“Yes, additional money is planned (but not finalised) to be spent on enhancing the student experience whether through further improvements in the campus infrastructure, staff/student ratios or changes to the ‘extras’ students are required to pay for.”
University then is still, in a literal sense, good value for money in terms of the pure quality of living and studying you experience. And it appears that a university degree will give you the best possible head start in the fierce job market. But looking at higher education from a personal perspective, can we even put a monetary value on our time at university? It may sound particularly cliché, but, do we ever stop to consider how invaluable our memories, friends and experiences really are?
Lydia, a recent graduate from Nottingham, reminisces on her time at university. She says, “I had the best time of my life. I have made friends who I hope to keep in contact with for the rest of my life, and so many amazing memories.” She adds, “Looking back, I would never change my decision to go to university.”
It may be costly, but going to university is an experience that very few would take back. With the job market looking scarier than ever, a degree is more likely to progress your career and the other skills learnt at university appear to be invaluable to employers. And having the privilege to graduate from Nottingham University (a university whose reputation continues to precede itself) we certainly have a helping hand. But beyond that, university gives you the opportunity to build a foundation of friends and recollections that will remain for a lifetime. Considering that the increased tuition fees will still have to repaid back in reasonably sized instalments, and hence should only take longer to be repaid, we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the academic and social values of higher education.
Source: Samantha Owen, Impactnottingham.com, Monday 26th September 2011
And what’s worrying is that many are starting to question whether it’s all worth it. According to a survey conducted by Edge, a charity chaired by the former Tory education secretary, Lord Baker of Dorking, nearly 60% of parents think that a degree is less valuable than it was 10 years ago. In fact, nearly 50% of parents are now under the impression that degrees no longer give young people a good start in life. With headlines suggesting that 1 in 10 graduates are facing unemployment, the worst figures in 17 years, it’s easy to see why parents are worried. Students are also ever more concerned about the financial implications of going to university.
Impact spoke to Kate, who is starting at university this year. She explains, “I’ve started to look into all the costs and they just keep building. Tuition fees are one thing, but now I’m look at paying £98 a week on accommodation before even considering the price of food, books and socialising.” She continues, “With no promise of a job at the end, I have found myself asking — is it worth it?”
And Kate’s fears mirror the thoughts of many students during the current economic slump. According to Sam, a recent graduate of Nottingham University, “There just isn’t much around at the moment. And the few jobs that are available are obviously very competitive. It’s not much fun being stuck back at your parent’s house, with no job and no money.”
In this current climate of confusion, more and more students are finding themselves unsure whether the university experience qualifies the huge debt. With fewer job opportunities, many are trying to gauge just how useful a degree actually is in trying to attain a career after leaving university.
Nevertheless, graduate recruiters Dave Andrews from Accenture and Giovanna Miceli from Mercerare adamant that they appreciate the extra skills students gain whilst studying at university. Dave Andrews explains that students gain skills in “problem solving, general knowledge and the ability to learn more independently. They also develop skills in communication, teamwork, and emotional maturity. University is a great way to develop academically, professionally and personally.”
Meanwhile, Giovanna Miceli emphasises that, “Graduates can be at an advantage as they may be on the way to obtaining professional qualifications through exemptions from their degree.”
So, university provides an outlet for gaining invaluable skills which employers find important, and could even provide opportunities to advance careers quicker than those without.
That’s all well and good, but should we have to pay such high tariffs for this opportunity? Many argue that an education is a fundamental human right and yet students are stiffed with high tuition fees every year. Impact spoke to one business student from the University of Nottingham, who had just 6 contact hours a week for most of the term, meaning that (in theory) each lecture was costing him nearly £30! But are tuition fees that transparent? Do most students even know what they get for their money?
According to the University of Nottingham’s annual financial statement (which is published online), the university made £165million in tuition fees (home, international and other) in 2010. Other incomings included £127m from HEFCE re Teaching and Research grants, £100million via other research grants and contracts and a further nearly £100m from other sources, notably accommodation, catering and conferences. Thus, tuition fees made up 32% of the university’s income last year.
In terms of how that money is spent, in 2010, the university’s spending included staff costs of £273million (i.e. pension and social security costs and covering all staff, whether academic, administrative or technical), which represents ca. 58% of all the costs. Other major cost items includes laboratory equipment and consumables, scholarships, catering and the costs of running the various campuses, including all maintenance, utility bills and depreciation on all buildings. In total, the university spent nearly £480million last year.
Essentially, this means that the money we provide to the University by way of tuition is one of their key revenues. However, it only goes some way in covering even their staff costs. Whilst we may expect our money to pay for lecturers and tutors, we perhaps forget about all the other employees that are involved in running the university. This includes the library staff, technicians, security, maintenance workers and many more.
It also suggests that the improvements made to the sites, including the construction of new buildings, such as the Geospatial building on Jubilee Campus, are rarely covered by the income of tuition fees alone. We may therefore be taking the sheer quality of facilities we are provided with here at Nottingham for granted.
Impact caught up with Martin Wynne-Jones, the Director of Finance at University of Nottingham, to ask him if he thought the university offers good value for money. He replied, “The University, I think, offers a high quality teaching and learning experience with a highly regarded degree awarded at the end – the campuses offer excellent facilities as well as an outstanding environment to live in. The quality of the facilities rivals any other university across the country.”
But with fees at Nottingham rising to £9,000 in September 2012, will it still feel like students are getting such a fair deal? How does the decision to increase tuition fees affect the level of services the university provide? Will the extra money be pumped straight back into services and resources for the student?
Martin explains, “Firstly it has to be recognised that the increased fees are replacing reduced grants from the Government, particularly in relation to the teaching and capital grants. We are also required to plough a significant proportion of the additional fees to support increased bursaries, scholarships and widening participation.”
“Yes, additional money is planned (but not finalised) to be spent on enhancing the student experience whether through further improvements in the campus infrastructure, staff/student ratios or changes to the ‘extras’ students are required to pay for.”
University then is still, in a literal sense, good value for money in terms of the pure quality of living and studying you experience. And it appears that a university degree will give you the best possible head start in the fierce job market. But looking at higher education from a personal perspective, can we even put a monetary value on our time at university? It may sound particularly cliché, but, do we ever stop to consider how invaluable our memories, friends and experiences really are?
Lydia, a recent graduate from Nottingham, reminisces on her time at university. She says, “I had the best time of my life. I have made friends who I hope to keep in contact with for the rest of my life, and so many amazing memories.” She adds, “Looking back, I would never change my decision to go to university.”
It may be costly, but going to university is an experience that very few would take back. With the job market looking scarier than ever, a degree is more likely to progress your career and the other skills learnt at university appear to be invaluable to employers. And having the privilege to graduate from Nottingham University (a university whose reputation continues to precede itself) we certainly have a helping hand. But beyond that, university gives you the opportunity to build a foundation of friends and recollections that will remain for a lifetime. Considering that the increased tuition fees will still have to repaid back in reasonably sized instalments, and hence should only take longer to be repaid, we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the academic and social values of higher education.
Source: Samantha Owen, Impactnottingham.com, Monday 26th September 2011
Monday 26 September 2011
Network Rail chief hopes electrification plans spark intrest in graduates
Applications open for around 100 places for the 2012 scheme. With the company receiving the green light from government to electrify hundreds of miles of track on the Great Western main line from London to Cardiff and in the north west of England, Network Rail’s chief executive David Higgins is hopeful that they can attract the very best young minds in this specialist field. A recent skills report by the Institution of Engineering and Technology found that 23% of British electrical engineering employers have experienced problems in recruiting engineering graduates.
Commenting on this, David Higgins said: “While we’ve had unprecedented levels of applications across the board, we’ve struggled to attract a great number of candidates for our electrical engineering graduate scheme. We understand that other sectors can be attractive but we need to shout louder about the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for electrical engineers as we develop and improve the network including our plans for electrification.
“We’re delivering a vital public service used by more than three million people every day to get to work, home, for business and leisure. A successful railway helps drive a thriving economy and we have big plans to expand it and make it even better – today’s graduates can be part of that future.”
Paul Davies, IET Head of Policy, said: “Our research clearly shows that there are opportunities out there for all engineers, including recent graduates. With many exciting railway infrastructure projects in the pipeline, now is a hugely exciting time to consider electrical engineering. Those considering a career as an engineer should take note that engineering employers, such as Network Rail, offer well paid and rewarding jobs for qualified graduates.”
Akthar Hussain, who is on the electrical engineering graduate scheme at Network Rail commented on his experience: “My first placement at Stratford in London brought all sorts of unexpected challenges. When we needed to discuss security cameras, I organised and hosted a meeting with senior managers and stakeholders. I enjoyed challenges in telecoms, signalling and played a role in increasing line capacity. On a typical day at Stratford there are 40,000 people using the station. When the Olympics gets going there will be 120,000. The decisions I’ve made so far will make a real contribution and I’m so proud of that. I love pushing myself forward in such a complex organisation.”
Whilst at Network Rail there are many engineering opportunities, there are also roles in network operations, finance, information management and commercial property - Network Rail is one of the largest land owners in Britain.
Robin Miedzybrodzki is on Network Rail’s civil engineering scheme as well as training to compete in the 2012 London Olympics. Commenting on his double life and how he’s preparing for the Games, Robin said: “The partnership I have with Network Rail allows me to develop my engineering skills while also providing the flexibility to train full time for beach volleyball and compete internationally for Great Britain.
“My playing partner, Tom Lord, and I are currently competing on the FIVB World Tour, CEV Challenger Tour, and the Volleyball England Beach Tour and these competitions are vital for our team as we aim to gain Olympic qualification points and develop our game to a level so to produce a world class performance for the 2012 Games. With the funding cuts from UK sport in 2010, Network Rail’s support has been absolutely crucial in keeping my Olympic dream alive.”
Kate Anderson, who joined the Network Rail graduate scheme in 2004 is now station manager at King’s Cross in London, which handles 25m people’s journeys every year. She said: “When I was at university, I knew I wanted to be a manager, I just didn’t know of what. I was looking at retail but after seeing Network Rail at a careers fair I realised that you could do almost anything on the scheme. It was the only scheme that offered that freedom, and I thought if I can’t get a great job there, I won’t be able to do it anywhere.
“Managing King’s Cross is like running your own business. I love having that ‘I did that’ effect. Every day I get to see the result of my work.”
Source: Breakingtravelnews.com, Sunday 25th September 2011
Commenting on this, David Higgins said: “While we’ve had unprecedented levels of applications across the board, we’ve struggled to attract a great number of candidates for our electrical engineering graduate scheme. We understand that other sectors can be attractive but we need to shout louder about the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for electrical engineers as we develop and improve the network including our plans for electrification.
“We’re delivering a vital public service used by more than three million people every day to get to work, home, for business and leisure. A successful railway helps drive a thriving economy and we have big plans to expand it and make it even better – today’s graduates can be part of that future.”
Paul Davies, IET Head of Policy, said: “Our research clearly shows that there are opportunities out there for all engineers, including recent graduates. With many exciting railway infrastructure projects in the pipeline, now is a hugely exciting time to consider electrical engineering. Those considering a career as an engineer should take note that engineering employers, such as Network Rail, offer well paid and rewarding jobs for qualified graduates.”
Akthar Hussain, who is on the electrical engineering graduate scheme at Network Rail commented on his experience: “My first placement at Stratford in London brought all sorts of unexpected challenges. When we needed to discuss security cameras, I organised and hosted a meeting with senior managers and stakeholders. I enjoyed challenges in telecoms, signalling and played a role in increasing line capacity. On a typical day at Stratford there are 40,000 people using the station. When the Olympics gets going there will be 120,000. The decisions I’ve made so far will make a real contribution and I’m so proud of that. I love pushing myself forward in such a complex organisation.”
Whilst at Network Rail there are many engineering opportunities, there are also roles in network operations, finance, information management and commercial property - Network Rail is one of the largest land owners in Britain.
Robin Miedzybrodzki is on Network Rail’s civil engineering scheme as well as training to compete in the 2012 London Olympics. Commenting on his double life and how he’s preparing for the Games, Robin said: “The partnership I have with Network Rail allows me to develop my engineering skills while also providing the flexibility to train full time for beach volleyball and compete internationally for Great Britain.
“My playing partner, Tom Lord, and I are currently competing on the FIVB World Tour, CEV Challenger Tour, and the Volleyball England Beach Tour and these competitions are vital for our team as we aim to gain Olympic qualification points and develop our game to a level so to produce a world class performance for the 2012 Games. With the funding cuts from UK sport in 2010, Network Rail’s support has been absolutely crucial in keeping my Olympic dream alive.”
Kate Anderson, who joined the Network Rail graduate scheme in 2004 is now station manager at King’s Cross in London, which handles 25m people’s journeys every year. She said: “When I was at university, I knew I wanted to be a manager, I just didn’t know of what. I was looking at retail but after seeing Network Rail at a careers fair I realised that you could do almost anything on the scheme. It was the only scheme that offered that freedom, and I thought if I can’t get a great job there, I won’t be able to do it anywhere.
“Managing King’s Cross is like running your own business. I love having that ‘I did that’ effect. Every day I get to see the result of my work.”
Source: Breakingtravelnews.com, Sunday 25th September 2011
Sunday 25 September 2011
Many engineering graduates are struggling to get graduate job opportunities
A quarter of graduate engineers taking non skilled or non graduate jobs after university.
A new report indicates that graduate engineers are having a hard time getting into graduate level positions related to their degree with many taking ‘unskilled’ positions in shops or restaurants. Many key figures within industry have highlighted that this may be to do with poor quality of engineering graduates coming through universities however a new report from Birmingham University questions this.
The report called ‘is there a shortage of scientists’ was based on the proportion of engineering and science based graduates entering related jobs between 1986 to 2009 and it suggests that less than half of engineering graduates entered related jobs with only 46% finding relevant graduate jobs, 20% were in unrelated roles and 24% were in non graduate employment.
The report went on to argue that it was unlikely that there is a shortage of quality science based graduates such as in engineering and rather it was more likely that there was no jobs waiting for all of these graduates or that graduates were dropping out of courses.
Emma Smith Author of the report commented ‘It is astonishing, in the light of claims of science graduate shortages, that so few new graduates go into related employment. The figures suggest it is not easy or automatic for qualified engineers to get related employment in the UK, despite the purported shortages."
However the CBI still argue that quality is still an issue and that graduates must branch out and get work experience and graduate positions that will enable them to “develop skills like team-working and self-management to have the best possible chance of finding a job."
Professor Nigel Seaton also argued that engineering degrees are perhaps undervalued and that they are good degrees that equip graduates for many graduate jobs such as management, finance and more.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Saturday 24th September 2011
A new report indicates that graduate engineers are having a hard time getting into graduate level positions related to their degree with many taking ‘unskilled’ positions in shops or restaurants. Many key figures within industry have highlighted that this may be to do with poor quality of engineering graduates coming through universities however a new report from Birmingham University questions this.
The report called ‘is there a shortage of scientists’ was based on the proportion of engineering and science based graduates entering related jobs between 1986 to 2009 and it suggests that less than half of engineering graduates entered related jobs with only 46% finding relevant graduate jobs, 20% were in unrelated roles and 24% were in non graduate employment.
The report went on to argue that it was unlikely that there is a shortage of quality science based graduates such as in engineering and rather it was more likely that there was no jobs waiting for all of these graduates or that graduates were dropping out of courses.
Emma Smith Author of the report commented ‘It is astonishing, in the light of claims of science graduate shortages, that so few new graduates go into related employment. The figures suggest it is not easy or automatic for qualified engineers to get related employment in the UK, despite the purported shortages."
However the CBI still argue that quality is still an issue and that graduates must branch out and get work experience and graduate positions that will enable them to “develop skills like team-working and self-management to have the best possible chance of finding a job."
Professor Nigel Seaton also argued that engineering degrees are perhaps undervalued and that they are good degrees that equip graduates for many graduate jobs such as management, finance and more.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Saturday 24th September 2011
Saturday 24 September 2011
There are 28 graduate applications per job in the front office; but only 8 in IT
Despite spending billions on technology and offering lucrative salaries, investment banks have in recent years struggled to attract sufficient numbers of graduates into their IT analyst programmes.
Most banks end their full-time graduate recruitment programmes in November, but last year – having increased their IT intake – many extended the technology recruitment process into the new year.
Instead, technically minded under-graduates have been increasingly lured towards IT companies with a reputation for innovation. In the battle for technology talent, Silicon Valley is beating Wall Street.
JP Morgan has just launched a new marketing campaign, called "Be the Spark", aimed at highlighting the technology opportunities for graduates within its investment bank.
This is not because it's struggling to attract candidates, but because "graduates often don’t realise that technology is our business,” according to Mark Kimber, its CTO for the investment bank in EMEA.
“Everything that JP Morgan achieves is underpinned by the work of our technologists and, in many cases, technology is what we directly offer to our clients,” he says.
Nonetheless, IT roles are nowhere near as popular as front office positions. JP Morgan, for instance, tells us the ratio of applications to vacancies is 28:1 for every available investment banking and sales and trading role. Within technology, the ratio is 8:1.
Citi tells us that it received 12 applications for every technology vacancy it has, but the number of full-time positions available demonstrates the division's importance. It has 75 full-time IT positions in London, Budapest, Warsaw and Belfast, and is offering around 250 roles across the bank this year.
JP Morgan suggests that any graduates looking to break into a technology role should come armed with a computer science, maths or engineering degree. Are technical UK graduates still eyeing careers in investment banks?
Professor Steve Renals, deputy head of the school of computing at the University of Edinburgh, believes so.
"The perception is that investment banks' reputations have been hit by recent crises, but we haven't found that among our students," he says. "Many of the brightest undergraduates, who would have traditionally stayed on to pursue PhDs, have gone into banks. There are interesting tech jobs in banks, they pay well and the higher level of student debt means there's a stronger pull to find employment, rather than continue studying."
"Financial services is still top of the agenda for many students, and we find our very best graduates end up in banking," adds Artur Czumaj, head of the computer science department at Warwick University.
Source: Paul Clarke, efinancialcareers.co.uk, Wednesday 21st September 2011
Most banks end their full-time graduate recruitment programmes in November, but last year – having increased their IT intake – many extended the technology recruitment process into the new year.
Instead, technically minded under-graduates have been increasingly lured towards IT companies with a reputation for innovation. In the battle for technology talent, Silicon Valley is beating Wall Street.
JP Morgan has just launched a new marketing campaign, called "Be the Spark", aimed at highlighting the technology opportunities for graduates within its investment bank.
This is not because it's struggling to attract candidates, but because "graduates often don’t realise that technology is our business,” according to Mark Kimber, its CTO for the investment bank in EMEA.
“Everything that JP Morgan achieves is underpinned by the work of our technologists and, in many cases, technology is what we directly offer to our clients,” he says.
Nonetheless, IT roles are nowhere near as popular as front office positions. JP Morgan, for instance, tells us the ratio of applications to vacancies is 28:1 for every available investment banking and sales and trading role. Within technology, the ratio is 8:1.
Citi tells us that it received 12 applications for every technology vacancy it has, but the number of full-time positions available demonstrates the division's importance. It has 75 full-time IT positions in London, Budapest, Warsaw and Belfast, and is offering around 250 roles across the bank this year.
JP Morgan suggests that any graduates looking to break into a technology role should come armed with a computer science, maths or engineering degree. Are technical UK graduates still eyeing careers in investment banks?
Professor Steve Renals, deputy head of the school of computing at the University of Edinburgh, believes so.
"The perception is that investment banks' reputations have been hit by recent crises, but we haven't found that among our students," he says. "Many of the brightest undergraduates, who would have traditionally stayed on to pursue PhDs, have gone into banks. There are interesting tech jobs in banks, they pay well and the higher level of student debt means there's a stronger pull to find employment, rather than continue studying."
"Financial services is still top of the agenda for many students, and we find our very best graduates end up in banking," adds Artur Czumaj, head of the computer science department at Warwick University.
Source: Paul Clarke, efinancialcareers.co.uk, Wednesday 21st September 2011
Friday 23 September 2011
University students think relevant summer placements will help land jobs
Almost three quarters (74%) of new university students think a summer placement is the key to landing a job after university, according to a new survey carried out by Centrica Energy.
However, money worries still sees students sacrificing this to take on any paid job they can get their hands on.
The research also shows 81% of recent graduates reveal their main motivation for seeking employment during the summer holidays was to earn money, with 41% taking jobs in telesales, factories, fast-food outlets and bars.
However, firms like Centrica are offering paid-for summer placements, as well as providing free accommodation.
Jill Shedden, group director, HR, Centrica, says: “Gone are the days when students were forced to make a decision between long-term career plans and short-term income – now, thanks to companies like Centrica, they can gain experience in their chosen career and get paid for it, giving them the competitive advantage. One of the best ways to get ahead of the competition and impress prospective employers is to gain as much relevant work experience as possible.
“As a company, we invest more than £12m in summer placement students and graduates – in salaries alone. We take great pride in our summer placement programme with applications rolling in as early as freshers’ week.
“Over the 10-week duration, they offer students hands-on experience working in the energy industry to help pave the way for their future career – whether they chose to come back to work for Centrica on the graduate scheme or find employment elsewhere.”
Source: Recruiter.co.uk, Thursday 22nd September 2011
However, money worries still sees students sacrificing this to take on any paid job they can get their hands on.
The research also shows 81% of recent graduates reveal their main motivation for seeking employment during the summer holidays was to earn money, with 41% taking jobs in telesales, factories, fast-food outlets and bars.
However, firms like Centrica are offering paid-for summer placements, as well as providing free accommodation.
Jill Shedden, group director, HR, Centrica, says: “Gone are the days when students were forced to make a decision between long-term career plans and short-term income – now, thanks to companies like Centrica, they can gain experience in their chosen career and get paid for it, giving them the competitive advantage. One of the best ways to get ahead of the competition and impress prospective employers is to gain as much relevant work experience as possible.
“As a company, we invest more than £12m in summer placement students and graduates – in salaries alone. We take great pride in our summer placement programme with applications rolling in as early as freshers’ week.
“Over the 10-week duration, they offer students hands-on experience working in the energy industry to help pave the way for their future career – whether they chose to come back to work for Centrica on the graduate scheme or find employment elsewhere.”
Source: Recruiter.co.uk, Thursday 22nd September 2011
Thursday 22 September 2011
Dyson Graduate Engineering Jobs Offered With Cash Bonus
The cash bonus – aka the “Golden Hello” – is usually the preserve of the banking world. But Dyson, the vacuum cleaner company, is currently offering graduate engineering jobs which come with a starter bonus of £3,000.
The starting salary for engineering graduates at Dyson is pretty impressive anyway at £28,500 – and you can add on even more if you are qualified to post-graduate level.
The company is hoping that the £3,000 cash sweetener will help them attract another 150 top graduate engineers into their fold. With a shortage of students entering the world of engineering at the moment, Dyson hopes that the starting bonus will help them catch the attention of the best graduates in the job market.
Although the main base for Dyson is at Wiltshire in the UK, the company employs people in locations around the world. With manufacturing facilities and offices in the USA, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia, Dyson employs over 3,000 people worldwide. The company hopes that figure will rise to 4,000 in the next few years – and around a third of the jobs they advertise are for engineers and scientists.
Source: E4s.co.uk, Tuesday 20th September 2011
The starting salary for engineering graduates at Dyson is pretty impressive anyway at £28,500 – and you can add on even more if you are qualified to post-graduate level.
The company is hoping that the £3,000 cash sweetener will help them attract another 150 top graduate engineers into their fold. With a shortage of students entering the world of engineering at the moment, Dyson hopes that the starting bonus will help them catch the attention of the best graduates in the job market.
Although the main base for Dyson is at Wiltshire in the UK, the company employs people in locations around the world. With manufacturing facilities and offices in the USA, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia, Dyson employs over 3,000 people worldwide. The company hopes that figure will rise to 4,000 in the next few years – and around a third of the jobs they advertise are for engineers and scientists.
Source: E4s.co.uk, Tuesday 20th September 2011
Wednesday 21 September 2011
The Graduate Jobs Market is Failing
"Are you AMBITIOUS?!? MONEY HUNGRY?!? COMPETITIVE?!? Would you slay a child's puppy to GET AHEAD?!?".
Whilst this might sound like some sort of anti-capitalist cliché from an agitprop film, it is, in fact, representative of the current face of the graduate jobs market.
The conveyor-belt suddenly comes to an end upon graduation, no longer are you able to sit around watching Countdown, studying, writing the odd essay, and being propped up with repeated cash injections as to fund your social-life. The real-world hits you in the face: no longer do you have money just appearing in your bank account to fund your various commitments, most importantly staving off moving back home, and you need something to do, other than sitting around watching Countdown (which becomes less and less socially acceptable until suddenly it becomes fine once again when you retire).
But, never fear; this conveyor-belt was designed with this in mind, along the way you have achieved GCSEs, A-Levels, a degree...truly, you have nothing to dread other than getting old and your alarm clock. Whilst sadly your student life is over, you will soon be working and doing something you might actually enjoy, earning £20,000 or more for the pleasure. That money actually lends the chance of growing maturity through staying out of the parental home, buying a first car, or, at the very least, previously unimagined purchasing power. This is, of course, a process which we all saw on the horizon and is, partly, why we studied at university and worked towards much-lauded academic achievement during our adolescence.
However, in the midst of debates over tuition fee rises, and, accordingly, the standard of university teaching, the current recession has largely destroyed the designed outcome of this process. Whilst the number of students entering university rises year-on-year and fee-rises bring questioning over the worth of this training, little has been done to acknowledge the glaring inadequacies of the graduate job market. There is now a large pit at the end of this conveyor-belt of achievement and, unless you are particularly decisive and savvy, you will be lucky to avoid falling into it.
Recent first-hand experience of trying to enter into the job market, in addition to the difficulties faced by my peers, has demonstrated that a well-respected degree from a leading university is inadequate ammunition for most. The main options open to graduates are, of course, graduate schemes, designed to cater for those looking to make a start in their chosen career; however, they offer false promise.
Firstly, graduate schemes are increasingly competitive, something the Association of Graduate Recruiters has, itself, acknowledged, revealing the daunting reality that there are 83 graduates for every graduate job. In addition, the culture of graduate schemes is misguided. For every graduate, in their early twenties, who has decided exactly which career they want to be in, there are scores of others who, justifiably, are uncertain. Most people study non-vocational and non-specific degrees, and many are probably somewhat idealistic about their future plans. But this is surely not something to be punished; it would be unhealthy and unrealistic to expect everyone to be entirely certain that they want to go into, for example, retail management by the time they graduate.
However, anyone looking for a job in an area they are perhaps slightly uncertain about, and accordingly don't particularly feel enthused about spending two-years tethered to a graduate scheme, but which is, nonetheless, relevant for graduates or at least suitable as a first-step into a career, are now found wanting.
Many companies will only invite graduates onto their tailored schemes, and those without them are, seemingly, ignorant of the worth and potential of hiring intelligent and ambitious graduates. Graduates applying for low-level jobs, even those in administration, are generally required to have specific NVQs or training, in addition to experience, and have their intelligence and potential as a high-achieving graduate overlooked. And employers can, currently, perhaps not be criticised for this; experience and specific skills are more cost-efficient than potential in a recession.
The jobs which are on offer are almost entirely in recruitment consultancy or sales, advertising themselves with the kind of sickly bravado acknowledged at the start of this article. Many of these positions are commission-based and insecure but, most damagingly, introduce graduates to a macho and self-indulgent commercial culture. If this is the future of the graduate jobs market then universities may as well get rid of arts degrees entirely and replace them with instruction in 'cut-throat selling' or 'killing off the competition'.
Graduates, put-off or rejected from long-term commitments to graduate schemes and generally unable to get jobs in less tailor-made positions are left on the scrap-heap. This leads to a continuation of the corporate slave trade of unpaid internships, minimum-wage employment if one can find an employer who is not fearful that their impressive qualifications will lead to them quickly leaving, or even unemployment.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency has released data showing that 28% of 2007 UK graduates were still not in full-time employment in 2011, many opting towards further study, and greater debts, or being forced into part-time or voluntary work. With unemployment rising and high-achieving graduates being forced into minimum-wage jobs in shops and bars, questions about the graduate job market need to be raised when considering the tuition-fee rises and, more generally, about the health of a society which seems to put its young at the bottom of its priorities.
Unemployment and uncertainty are problems for all age-groups and more immediately damaging to those with dependents and financial-responsibilities. However, entrenched graduate unemployment and lack of prospects for the young, especially those with the talent to excel, is damaging for society. If the government, employers, and education bodies continue to ignore it then, in the short-term, antagonism will grow and some of the most talented may choose to move abroad, whilst in the long-term it will lead to a scarcity of talent and will undermine the worth of the British education system.
A society which sacrifices its young has no respectability or sustainability; if 'we're all in this together' then why are graduates, who have followed the path towards success presented to them through their childhood, baring such a heavy share of the pain?
Follow Daniel Cowling on Twitter: www.twitter.com/danielcowling
Source: Daniel Cowling, Huffingtonpost.co.uk, Wednesday 21st September 2011
Whilst this might sound like some sort of anti-capitalist cliché from an agitprop film, it is, in fact, representative of the current face of the graduate jobs market.
The conveyor-belt suddenly comes to an end upon graduation, no longer are you able to sit around watching Countdown, studying, writing the odd essay, and being propped up with repeated cash injections as to fund your social-life. The real-world hits you in the face: no longer do you have money just appearing in your bank account to fund your various commitments, most importantly staving off moving back home, and you need something to do, other than sitting around watching Countdown (which becomes less and less socially acceptable until suddenly it becomes fine once again when you retire).
But, never fear; this conveyor-belt was designed with this in mind, along the way you have achieved GCSEs, A-Levels, a degree...truly, you have nothing to dread other than getting old and your alarm clock. Whilst sadly your student life is over, you will soon be working and doing something you might actually enjoy, earning £20,000 or more for the pleasure. That money actually lends the chance of growing maturity through staying out of the parental home, buying a first car, or, at the very least, previously unimagined purchasing power. This is, of course, a process which we all saw on the horizon and is, partly, why we studied at university and worked towards much-lauded academic achievement during our adolescence.
However, in the midst of debates over tuition fee rises, and, accordingly, the standard of university teaching, the current recession has largely destroyed the designed outcome of this process. Whilst the number of students entering university rises year-on-year and fee-rises bring questioning over the worth of this training, little has been done to acknowledge the glaring inadequacies of the graduate job market. There is now a large pit at the end of this conveyor-belt of achievement and, unless you are particularly decisive and savvy, you will be lucky to avoid falling into it.
Recent first-hand experience of trying to enter into the job market, in addition to the difficulties faced by my peers, has demonstrated that a well-respected degree from a leading university is inadequate ammunition for most. The main options open to graduates are, of course, graduate schemes, designed to cater for those looking to make a start in their chosen career; however, they offer false promise.
Firstly, graduate schemes are increasingly competitive, something the Association of Graduate Recruiters has, itself, acknowledged, revealing the daunting reality that there are 83 graduates for every graduate job. In addition, the culture of graduate schemes is misguided. For every graduate, in their early twenties, who has decided exactly which career they want to be in, there are scores of others who, justifiably, are uncertain. Most people study non-vocational and non-specific degrees, and many are probably somewhat idealistic about their future plans. But this is surely not something to be punished; it would be unhealthy and unrealistic to expect everyone to be entirely certain that they want to go into, for example, retail management by the time they graduate.
However, anyone looking for a job in an area they are perhaps slightly uncertain about, and accordingly don't particularly feel enthused about spending two-years tethered to a graduate scheme, but which is, nonetheless, relevant for graduates or at least suitable as a first-step into a career, are now found wanting.
Many companies will only invite graduates onto their tailored schemes, and those without them are, seemingly, ignorant of the worth and potential of hiring intelligent and ambitious graduates. Graduates applying for low-level jobs, even those in administration, are generally required to have specific NVQs or training, in addition to experience, and have their intelligence and potential as a high-achieving graduate overlooked. And employers can, currently, perhaps not be criticised for this; experience and specific skills are more cost-efficient than potential in a recession.
The jobs which are on offer are almost entirely in recruitment consultancy or sales, advertising themselves with the kind of sickly bravado acknowledged at the start of this article. Many of these positions are commission-based and insecure but, most damagingly, introduce graduates to a macho and self-indulgent commercial culture. If this is the future of the graduate jobs market then universities may as well get rid of arts degrees entirely and replace them with instruction in 'cut-throat selling' or 'killing off the competition'.
Graduates, put-off or rejected from long-term commitments to graduate schemes and generally unable to get jobs in less tailor-made positions are left on the scrap-heap. This leads to a continuation of the corporate slave trade of unpaid internships, minimum-wage employment if one can find an employer who is not fearful that their impressive qualifications will lead to them quickly leaving, or even unemployment.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency has released data showing that 28% of 2007 UK graduates were still not in full-time employment in 2011, many opting towards further study, and greater debts, or being forced into part-time or voluntary work. With unemployment rising and high-achieving graduates being forced into minimum-wage jobs in shops and bars, questions about the graduate job market need to be raised when considering the tuition-fee rises and, more generally, about the health of a society which seems to put its young at the bottom of its priorities.
Unemployment and uncertainty are problems for all age-groups and more immediately damaging to those with dependents and financial-responsibilities. However, entrenched graduate unemployment and lack of prospects for the young, especially those with the talent to excel, is damaging for society. If the government, employers, and education bodies continue to ignore it then, in the short-term, antagonism will grow and some of the most talented may choose to move abroad, whilst in the long-term it will lead to a scarcity of talent and will undermine the worth of the British education system.
A society which sacrifices its young has no respectability or sustainability; if 'we're all in this together' then why are graduates, who have followed the path towards success presented to them through their childhood, baring such a heavy share of the pain?
Follow Daniel Cowling on Twitter: www.twitter.com/danielcowling
Source: Daniel Cowling, Huffingtonpost.co.uk, Wednesday 21st September 2011
Tuesday 20 September 2011
John Lewis launches 2012 graduate scheme
John Lewis has launched its 2012 graduate scheme, which offers applicants jobs in one of five specialities – retail management, buying, merchandising, corporate finance and Corporate IT.
The three-year programme will provide university graduates with the chance to kick-start their career via valuable on-the-job experience and fast track career development. Throughout the programme, successful applicants will be constantly challenged and given a variety of responsibilities, which will help prepare them for a long-term career in the retail sector.
Sophie Adams, recruitment manager, John Lewis said: "John Lewis offers successful graduates the chance to accelerate their career development with training sessions and guidance. We have seen many Partners (staff) progress through our graduate training up to senior management roles and we hope to see many more graduates achieve this with the combination of high quality training, interesting roles and generous reward schemes."
For buying he course starts with training in an entry level buying role as well as some time on the shop floor. From there, graduates will move to an assistant buyer role, taking on management responsibilities and ultimately moving into a buyer role.
Merchandising graduates will start in an entry-level role, and will attend coaching sessions as well as undertake special projects to support their development. From there they will step into an assistant merchandiser role, taking on management and stock flow responsibilities as well as forecasting market trends.
Retail graduates will start within a section manager role and will rotate between branch and head office work. Following this, they will work towards department manager level and will be expected to manage their team, ensure targets are met and also make sure their department is aesthetically pleasing
Graduates on the finance scheme will start in analyst roles in commercial finance or financial accountancy. From there, they will work towards becoming senior analysts and will be expected to get involved in several areas of the business, from reporting on corporate risks to analysing the performance of individual products or shops.
Graduates in IT will start as trainee programmers or assistant analysts within John Lewis, managing the shared technical infrastructure for systems used by personnel and finance. From there, they will progress along the programming or analyst routes or move into project management.
On top of the training they will receive, graduates will be able to take advantage of the many benefits offered to Partners. As well as receiving a share of company profits and having a 'say' in the running of the organisation, they can also join a number of John Lewis clubs and societies such as sailing, surfing and wine tasting. In addition they will also have the opportunity to take part in the John Lewis 'Partners in Sport' programme in the run up to London 2012, which offers staff the chance to become sports coaches as well as the opportunity to bid for funding for team or group sporting events.
Source: Hrmagazine.co.uk, Tuesday 20th September 2011
The three-year programme will provide university graduates with the chance to kick-start their career via valuable on-the-job experience and fast track career development. Throughout the programme, successful applicants will be constantly challenged and given a variety of responsibilities, which will help prepare them for a long-term career in the retail sector.
Sophie Adams, recruitment manager, John Lewis said: "John Lewis offers successful graduates the chance to accelerate their career development with training sessions and guidance. We have seen many Partners (staff) progress through our graduate training up to senior management roles and we hope to see many more graduates achieve this with the combination of high quality training, interesting roles and generous reward schemes."
For buying he course starts with training in an entry level buying role as well as some time on the shop floor. From there, graduates will move to an assistant buyer role, taking on management responsibilities and ultimately moving into a buyer role.
Merchandising graduates will start in an entry-level role, and will attend coaching sessions as well as undertake special projects to support their development. From there they will step into an assistant merchandiser role, taking on management and stock flow responsibilities as well as forecasting market trends.
Retail graduates will start within a section manager role and will rotate between branch and head office work. Following this, they will work towards department manager level and will be expected to manage their team, ensure targets are met and also make sure their department is aesthetically pleasing
Graduates on the finance scheme will start in analyst roles in commercial finance or financial accountancy. From there, they will work towards becoming senior analysts and will be expected to get involved in several areas of the business, from reporting on corporate risks to analysing the performance of individual products or shops.
Graduates in IT will start as trainee programmers or assistant analysts within John Lewis, managing the shared technical infrastructure for systems used by personnel and finance. From there, they will progress along the programming or analyst routes or move into project management.
On top of the training they will receive, graduates will be able to take advantage of the many benefits offered to Partners. As well as receiving a share of company profits and having a 'say' in the running of the organisation, they can also join a number of John Lewis clubs and societies such as sailing, surfing and wine tasting. In addition they will also have the opportunity to take part in the John Lewis 'Partners in Sport' programme in the run up to London 2012, which offers staff the chance to become sports coaches as well as the opportunity to bid for funding for team or group sporting events.
Source: Hrmagazine.co.uk, Tuesday 20th September 2011
Monday 19 September 2011
11 jobseekers competing for each vacancy in region
With a degree in television production and a glowing CV, Kristian Snowden should have the world at his feet.
Instead, new figures obtained by the Grimsby Telegraph reveal that the 21-year-old is one of the 11 people in North East Lincolnshire chasing every job advertised in Grimsby's Job Centre Plus.
And, despite applying for countless posts in the last three months – sending out up to five applications a week – he has yet to even be offered an interview.
Today, as the Telegraph reveals the continuing difficult situation for jobseekers, we can also show how many agencies are working tirelessly to get people into work.
A recent Get Britain Working event organised by the Jobcentre Plus and North East Lincolnshire Council's Change programme attracted more than 200 people to the event. Latest figures show the Change programme has helped 434 unemployed residents in the borough to get back into work since January 2010.
However official statistics reveal the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in the borough has increased from 6,501 in July to 6,559 last month. Of those in receipt of out of work benefits, 2,145 are below the age of 24.
The number of young people – aged between 18 and 24 – claiming JSA in North East Lincolnshire has increased by 3.6 per cent from 2,070 in July.
In Cleethorpes, there are 7.1 people competing for every Job Centre Plus advertised post, while in Louth and Horncastle, there are four per vacancy.
The unemployment statistics for North East Lincolnshire mirror the picture nationally, which shows the biggest rise in the unemployment rate for two years.
The increase been driven by a surge in the number of jobless young people. The country's jobless rate stood at 2.51 million between May and July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, after the total number of unemployed increased by 80,000.
This was the largest quarterly increase in unemployment since August 2009.
Within these figures, the number of unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds surged by 77,000 to 769,000, the ONS said.
Kristian, of Durham Road in Cleethorpes, said he is "frustrated" with the lack of response to his efforts.
He said: "I wanted to get a job in TV production out of town, but I need to save up money to move away and I'm not guaranteed a job straight away. I have been looking for any job in town and sometimes when I take my CV in to places, they look at me as if I'm stupid.
"I'm claiming Jobseeker's Allowance and receiving about £56 a week and living with my dad. The Job Centre said taking my degree off my CV was an option, so I don't appear overqualified."
Kristian said he is now pursuing opportunities with eFactor to start his own video editing business.
He continued: "If nobody is going to employ me, I might as well employ myself.
"I'm now looking at getting a loan, I already have people interested in using the service.
"This is the first time in my life that I have been out of education. It's easy to look at someone who has been unemployed for a lengthy period and assume they are lazy and don't do anything to help themselves, but I must stress that this is not always the case.
"I desperately need work at this point.
"I'd say that only one in 20 jobs even bother to respond to turn down my application. I would appreciate a letter or e-mail to tell me that my application has been unsuccessful, just so that I know.
"I have gone to great lengths to tidy up and tighten my application techniques and still I haven't had any interviews. It leads me to believe that most of my applications are going straight in the bin without so much as a glance.
"I would also like to urge businesses to pay more attention to application forms they receive in order to critically assess the best person for the job."
Source: ThisisGrimsby.co.uk, Monday 19th September 2011
Instead, new figures obtained by the Grimsby Telegraph reveal that the 21-year-old is one of the 11 people in North East Lincolnshire chasing every job advertised in Grimsby's Job Centre Plus.
And, despite applying for countless posts in the last three months – sending out up to five applications a week – he has yet to even be offered an interview.
Today, as the Telegraph reveals the continuing difficult situation for jobseekers, we can also show how many agencies are working tirelessly to get people into work.
A recent Get Britain Working event organised by the Jobcentre Plus and North East Lincolnshire Council's Change programme attracted more than 200 people to the event. Latest figures show the Change programme has helped 434 unemployed residents in the borough to get back into work since January 2010.
However official statistics reveal the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in the borough has increased from 6,501 in July to 6,559 last month. Of those in receipt of out of work benefits, 2,145 are below the age of 24.
The number of young people – aged between 18 and 24 – claiming JSA in North East Lincolnshire has increased by 3.6 per cent from 2,070 in July.
In Cleethorpes, there are 7.1 people competing for every Job Centre Plus advertised post, while in Louth and Horncastle, there are four per vacancy.
The unemployment statistics for North East Lincolnshire mirror the picture nationally, which shows the biggest rise in the unemployment rate for two years.
The increase been driven by a surge in the number of jobless young people. The country's jobless rate stood at 2.51 million between May and July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, after the total number of unemployed increased by 80,000.
This was the largest quarterly increase in unemployment since August 2009.
Within these figures, the number of unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds surged by 77,000 to 769,000, the ONS said.
Kristian, of Durham Road in Cleethorpes, said he is "frustrated" with the lack of response to his efforts.
He said: "I wanted to get a job in TV production out of town, but I need to save up money to move away and I'm not guaranteed a job straight away. I have been looking for any job in town and sometimes when I take my CV in to places, they look at me as if I'm stupid.
"I'm claiming Jobseeker's Allowance and receiving about £56 a week and living with my dad. The Job Centre said taking my degree off my CV was an option, so I don't appear overqualified."
Kristian said he is now pursuing opportunities with eFactor to start his own video editing business.
He continued: "If nobody is going to employ me, I might as well employ myself.
"I'm now looking at getting a loan, I already have people interested in using the service.
"This is the first time in my life that I have been out of education. It's easy to look at someone who has been unemployed for a lengthy period and assume they are lazy and don't do anything to help themselves, but I must stress that this is not always the case.
"I desperately need work at this point.
"I'd say that only one in 20 jobs even bother to respond to turn down my application. I would appreciate a letter or e-mail to tell me that my application has been unsuccessful, just so that I know.
"I have gone to great lengths to tidy up and tighten my application techniques and still I haven't had any interviews. It leads me to believe that most of my applications are going straight in the bin without so much as a glance.
"I would also like to urge businesses to pay more attention to application forms they receive in order to critically assess the best person for the job."
Source: ThisisGrimsby.co.uk, Monday 19th September 2011
Sunday 18 September 2011
Engineering graduates 'taking unskilled jobs'
Nearly a quarter of UK engineering graduates are working in non-graduate jobs or unskilled work such as waiting and shop work, a report suggests.
The study says it is "not easy or automatic" for qualified engineers to find related employment in the UK.
Employers and industry leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about a lack of good quality science and engineering graduates.
But research from Birmingham University research challenges this viewpoint.
The report - entitled Is there a shortage of scientists? - is being presented to the British Educational Research Association (Bera) annual conference in London on Thursday.
It analysed figures from 1986 to 2009 from the Higher Education Statistical Agency on the proportions of engineering students entering related jobs, other professions or work that did not require a degree in 2009.
The findings suggest that less than half (about 46%) of 2009 engineering graduates were in jobs directly related to their degree subject six months after leaving university.
About one in five (20%) were employed in roles that were not directly related to their degree and about one in four (24%) were in "non-graduate" employment, for example working as waiters or in shops.
The report says: "Perhaps, because of recent initiatives, there seem to be too many people studying science for the labour market to cope with, or perhaps graduates are no longer of sufficient quality.
"It is more likely, however, that all of these scientists are without relevant employment every year because the shortage thesis is wrong and there are no jobs waiting for all of them or because they are 'dropping out' having learnt that they do not enjoy their subject areas."
The report also suggests attempts to encourage more people to study science, technology, engineering and maths ("Stem subjects") have not proven successful.
Its analysis of long-term patterns of subject take-up shows that none of the three science A-level subjects has grown alongside increased post-16 participation rates.
"The number of young people continuing to post-16 education generally has risen since 1961 in the UK, but this has made little difference to the overall number taking physics, chemistry and biology," it says.
"Instead the picture shows the sciences largely competing among themselves for approximately the same total of students each year.
"The number of young people studying physics was lower in 2009 than in 1961 but was compensated for, if that is the right term, by an increase in numbers studying biology."
Report author Professor Emma Smith added: "It is astonishing, in the light of claims of science graduate shortages, that so few new graduates go into related employment.
"The figures suggest it is not easy or automatic for qualified engineers to get related employment in the UK, despite the purported shortages."
But the CBI, which represents British businesses, said employers still complained of a shortage of suitably qualified and employable candidates.
The CBI's director for education and skills policy, Susan Anderson, said: "The latest CBI survey shows that the shortage of science, technology, engineering and maths graduates is an issue for businesses, but companies also raised questions about the quality of Stem graduates coming through, many of whom were lacking in practical workplace experience or employability skills.
"It's crucial for graduates of all disciplines to do work experience and develop skills like team-working and self-management to have the best possible chance of finding a job."
Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of Engineering UK said there were skills shortages in some areas, such as power engineering, petrochemicals and systems engineering and talented students should not be put off by the research.
And Philip Greenish, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering said: "Engineers are highly skilled professionals. Employers recruit them from wherever they can in a global marketplace. Only a proportion will be fresh UK graduates.
"To infer that employers don't know their own workforce needs when they identify a shortage of engineers, and to do this based on data that only considers a subset of recruits is just plain wrong."
Professor Nigel Seaton, senior deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Surrey and a chartered chemical engineer, said engineering degrees were often undervalued.
"They are good degrees to have, and equip students for a wide range of jobs. While many students embark on an engineering career, others thrive in a range of jobs, for example in management or finance."
Source: Katherine Sellgren, BBC.co.uk, Thursday 8th September 2011
The study says it is "not easy or automatic" for qualified engineers to find related employment in the UK.
Employers and industry leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about a lack of good quality science and engineering graduates.
But research from Birmingham University research challenges this viewpoint.
The report - entitled Is there a shortage of scientists? - is being presented to the British Educational Research Association (Bera) annual conference in London on Thursday.
It analysed figures from 1986 to 2009 from the Higher Education Statistical Agency on the proportions of engineering students entering related jobs, other professions or work that did not require a degree in 2009.
The findings suggest that less than half (about 46%) of 2009 engineering graduates were in jobs directly related to their degree subject six months after leaving university.
About one in five (20%) were employed in roles that were not directly related to their degree and about one in four (24%) were in "non-graduate" employment, for example working as waiters or in shops.
The report says: "Perhaps, because of recent initiatives, there seem to be too many people studying science for the labour market to cope with, or perhaps graduates are no longer of sufficient quality.
"It is more likely, however, that all of these scientists are without relevant employment every year because the shortage thesis is wrong and there are no jobs waiting for all of them or because they are 'dropping out' having learnt that they do not enjoy their subject areas."
The report also suggests attempts to encourage more people to study science, technology, engineering and maths ("Stem subjects") have not proven successful.
Its analysis of long-term patterns of subject take-up shows that none of the three science A-level subjects has grown alongside increased post-16 participation rates.
"The number of young people continuing to post-16 education generally has risen since 1961 in the UK, but this has made little difference to the overall number taking physics, chemistry and biology," it says.
"Instead the picture shows the sciences largely competing among themselves for approximately the same total of students each year.
"The number of young people studying physics was lower in 2009 than in 1961 but was compensated for, if that is the right term, by an increase in numbers studying biology."
Report author Professor Emma Smith added: "It is astonishing, in the light of claims of science graduate shortages, that so few new graduates go into related employment.
"The figures suggest it is not easy or automatic for qualified engineers to get related employment in the UK, despite the purported shortages."
But the CBI, which represents British businesses, said employers still complained of a shortage of suitably qualified and employable candidates.
The CBI's director for education and skills policy, Susan Anderson, said: "The latest CBI survey shows that the shortage of science, technology, engineering and maths graduates is an issue for businesses, but companies also raised questions about the quality of Stem graduates coming through, many of whom were lacking in practical workplace experience or employability skills.
"It's crucial for graduates of all disciplines to do work experience and develop skills like team-working and self-management to have the best possible chance of finding a job."
Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of Engineering UK said there were skills shortages in some areas, such as power engineering, petrochemicals and systems engineering and talented students should not be put off by the research.
And Philip Greenish, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering said: "Engineers are highly skilled professionals. Employers recruit them from wherever they can in a global marketplace. Only a proportion will be fresh UK graduates.
"To infer that employers don't know their own workforce needs when they identify a shortage of engineers, and to do this based on data that only considers a subset of recruits is just plain wrong."
Professor Nigel Seaton, senior deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Surrey and a chartered chemical engineer, said engineering degrees were often undervalued.
"They are good degrees to have, and equip students for a wide range of jobs. While many students embark on an engineering career, others thrive in a range of jobs, for example in management or finance."
Source: Katherine Sellgren, BBC.co.uk, Thursday 8th September 2011
Saturday 17 September 2011
Can science and IT graduates find relevant jobs?
The lack of skilled young people taking on science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) careers could be down to a lack of job opportunities.
New research suggests that it is the UK's poor jobs market that is really letting skilled young people down and not just the small numbers of people studying Stem-related degrees at university.
According to a study by Birmingham University titled 'Is there a shortage of scientists?', nearly a quarter of engineering graduates are working in unskilled jobs.
Moreover, 20 per cent of students enter graduate jobs that are not related to their degree.
Analysing figures from the Higher Education Statistical Agency, the report's author Professor Emma Smith found that fewer than half (46.4 per cent) of IT, engineering and science graduates in 2009 were actually working in fields related to their course.
This is only fractionally higher for physics and chemistry graduates, 55 per cent of whom were working in these industries within six months of qualifying.
"The figures suggest it is not easy or automatic for qualified engineers to get related employment in the UK, despite the purported shortages," Professor Smith said.
Indeed, it has been widely reported by businesses, organisations and the government that there are not enough skilled workers in Stem industries.
The report highlighted a 2008 survey from the Confederation of British Industry which revealed that 42 per cent of businesses believed candidates applying for jobs did not have the appropriate skills and that there was a particular shortage of women with IT skills.
"Perhaps, because of recent initiatives, there seem to be too many people studying science for the labour market to cope with, or perhaps graduates are no longer of sufficient quality," Professor Smith suggested, claiming there are not enough jobs for them and even stating that some people are dropping out of the industry from lack of interest on their part.
Her findings have been presented to the British Educational Research Association's annual conference and address other issues such as why there is still a lack of women studying Stem degrees and why the industry is still the preserve of the white middle class.
However, what could answer some questions is a new report by the Science Council, which has uncovered a significant number of scientists who are working in other industries but are still using the skills they learned during their course.
It claims there are 5.8 million people employed in science-based roles in the UK, of which 4.6 million are classified as 'secondary' science workers who are employed in other industries such as IT, education and health.
The report also claims that by 2030, the UK will employ 7.1 million people in science jobs, suggesting that as the country moves to a low carbon economy, the situation raised by Professor Smith may change.
Source: Womenintechnology.co.uk, Monday 12th September 2011
New research suggests that it is the UK's poor jobs market that is really letting skilled young people down and not just the small numbers of people studying Stem-related degrees at university.
According to a study by Birmingham University titled 'Is there a shortage of scientists?', nearly a quarter of engineering graduates are working in unskilled jobs.
Moreover, 20 per cent of students enter graduate jobs that are not related to their degree.
Analysing figures from the Higher Education Statistical Agency, the report's author Professor Emma Smith found that fewer than half (46.4 per cent) of IT, engineering and science graduates in 2009 were actually working in fields related to their course.
This is only fractionally higher for physics and chemistry graduates, 55 per cent of whom were working in these industries within six months of qualifying.
"The figures suggest it is not easy or automatic for qualified engineers to get related employment in the UK, despite the purported shortages," Professor Smith said.
Indeed, it has been widely reported by businesses, organisations and the government that there are not enough skilled workers in Stem industries.
The report highlighted a 2008 survey from the Confederation of British Industry which revealed that 42 per cent of businesses believed candidates applying for jobs did not have the appropriate skills and that there was a particular shortage of women with IT skills.
"Perhaps, because of recent initiatives, there seem to be too many people studying science for the labour market to cope with, or perhaps graduates are no longer of sufficient quality," Professor Smith suggested, claiming there are not enough jobs for them and even stating that some people are dropping out of the industry from lack of interest on their part.
Her findings have been presented to the British Educational Research Association's annual conference and address other issues such as why there is still a lack of women studying Stem degrees and why the industry is still the preserve of the white middle class.
However, what could answer some questions is a new report by the Science Council, which has uncovered a significant number of scientists who are working in other industries but are still using the skills they learned during their course.
It claims there are 5.8 million people employed in science-based roles in the UK, of which 4.6 million are classified as 'secondary' science workers who are employed in other industries such as IT, education and health.
The report also claims that by 2030, the UK will employ 7.1 million people in science jobs, suggesting that as the country moves to a low carbon economy, the situation raised by Professor Smith may change.
Source: Womenintechnology.co.uk, Monday 12th September 2011
Friday 16 September 2011
PwC sees a close to its graduate recruitment in 2011 as 1,200 graduates join the firm this week
Professional services firm PwC is taking on 1,200 graduates into its offices across the UK.
There were around 22,000 applications for all the graduate roles that start this September, which is double the number from last year, with a total of 33,000 applications for all internships and A-level programmes.
This years intake has seen the return of 223 interns which means that 18% of this autumns intake have completed an internship scheme with the firm, with 95% of interns offered full time training roles.
Richard Irwin of PwC and head of student recruitment said; "The high number conversions from internships into full time roles represents great return on investment for our firm, and supports our belief that as a business the earlier we work with students, the more successful our recruitment, and their experience will be."
"The recession and financial crisis marked a shift in attitudes towards understanding more about employability with students getting work experience earlier, rather than just relying on the degree on their CVs to get their foot in the door for a job.
"Those who start building their work experience portfolio early on have a much better chance of securing the role of their dreams, and not being left in the frustrating position of post-graduation unemployment. The massive increase in applications we've received this year shows that students are back in the game. They are realising that despite many saying otherwise, there are jobs out there with top notch training schemes and excellent prospects."
The graduate jobs will be across PwC’s tax, assurance, consulting, actuarial, legal, consulting and advisory practices. The graduate trainees will be provided with full training and involved in welcome activities which are designed to show the graduates the firms culture and provide them with an overview of it’s brand values. The graduates will also take part in volunteer projects across the UK to experience PwC’s community programme.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Thursday 15th September 2011
There were around 22,000 applications for all the graduate roles that start this September, which is double the number from last year, with a total of 33,000 applications for all internships and A-level programmes.
This years intake has seen the return of 223 interns which means that 18% of this autumns intake have completed an internship scheme with the firm, with 95% of interns offered full time training roles.
Richard Irwin of PwC and head of student recruitment said; "The high number conversions from internships into full time roles represents great return on investment for our firm, and supports our belief that as a business the earlier we work with students, the more successful our recruitment, and their experience will be."
"The recession and financial crisis marked a shift in attitudes towards understanding more about employability with students getting work experience earlier, rather than just relying on the degree on their CVs to get their foot in the door for a job.
"Those who start building their work experience portfolio early on have a much better chance of securing the role of their dreams, and not being left in the frustrating position of post-graduation unemployment. The massive increase in applications we've received this year shows that students are back in the game. They are realising that despite many saying otherwise, there are jobs out there with top notch training schemes and excellent prospects."
The graduate jobs will be across PwC’s tax, assurance, consulting, actuarial, legal, consulting and advisory practices. The graduate trainees will be provided with full training and involved in welcome activities which are designed to show the graduates the firms culture and provide them with an overview of it’s brand values. The graduates will also take part in volunteer projects across the UK to experience PwC’s community programme.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Thursday 15th September 2011
Thursday 15 September 2011
UK unemployment hits 2.51 million
The number of unemployed in the UK has risen by 80,000 to 2.51 million in the three months to July.
This increase of 80,000 is the largest increase in nearly 2 years according to the Office for National Statistics. The unemployment rate now stands at 7.9%, with youth unemployment rising by 78,000 to 973,000.
The total claiming jobseekers allowance has hit 1.58 million, with the number in employment standing at 29.17 million.
"Clearly this is a very unwelcome set of figures. Any increase in unemployment is something we really don't want to see happen," said Employment Minister Chris Grayling.
The government is looking towards the private sector to offset the job losses in the public sector because of the spending cuts to reduce the UK’s debt levels. This data shows that the slow down of the economic recovery is having severe affects on the labour market.
While the latest figures for the public sector showed a fall of 110,000 between March and June, the number of people employed in the private sector rose by 41,000. The ONS also outlined that total pay for the three months to July rose by 2.8% with bonuses rising by 2.1%.
Many businesses in the UK feel the government needs to instigate a jobs growth programme to stimulate economic growth. The current problem within the labour market means many graduates are been ignored for skilled jobs and businesses are looking for experience which means we may lose a generation of graduates.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Thursday 15th September 2011
This increase of 80,000 is the largest increase in nearly 2 years according to the Office for National Statistics. The unemployment rate now stands at 7.9%, with youth unemployment rising by 78,000 to 973,000.
The total claiming jobseekers allowance has hit 1.58 million, with the number in employment standing at 29.17 million.
"Clearly this is a very unwelcome set of figures. Any increase in unemployment is something we really don't want to see happen," said Employment Minister Chris Grayling.
The government is looking towards the private sector to offset the job losses in the public sector because of the spending cuts to reduce the UK’s debt levels. This data shows that the slow down of the economic recovery is having severe affects on the labour market.
While the latest figures for the public sector showed a fall of 110,000 between March and June, the number of people employed in the private sector rose by 41,000. The ONS also outlined that total pay for the three months to July rose by 2.8% with bonuses rising by 2.1%.
Many businesses in the UK feel the government needs to instigate a jobs growth programme to stimulate economic growth. The current problem within the labour market means many graduates are been ignored for skilled jobs and businesses are looking for experience which means we may lose a generation of graduates.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Thursday 15th September 2011
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Thousands of jobseekers helped by Next Step
More than 1,700 people in Wokingham have benefitted from a careers service which is celebrating its first year anniversary this month.
The Next Step career service has been running in libraries and community centres around the borough for the last year and has given hundreds of hours of support to people looking for job advice.
Emma Jacobs, South East adviser, said: “In difficult economic times people need to take all the help they can get to secure a job and our service is completely free to help people in Berkshire on their way.
“Over the last year I have helped many people secure work and training, from young adults struggling to get their first job to those who are facing redundancy or have been made redundant.
“It’s fantastic that we have been able to support over 13,000 adults in Berkshire, but now we want even more people to take advantage of our free services.”
In Wokingham the service has supported 1,462 people through face to face appointments and 319 people over the phone as well as thousands more around the country.
Sue King, who is a Next Step adviser for Berkshire, said the service was invaluable to those who had lost confidence in themselves after they had been made redunant.
She said: “It has a tremendous impact because redundancy is very difficult to cope with for everybody.
“It is very easy to become depressed especially when you get a lot of rejections or even when people have had so many applications they don’t bother to respond and you feel you are sending these applications into the ether,
“The longer it takes the more impact it has on their lift and to have someone saying you are doing all the right things just keep doing it really helps.”
Ms King also said the service had helped a number of graduates over the last year with fierce competition in the employment market for university leavers.
She said: “We do have a lot of graduates that come through.
“There are a lot of graduates that cannot get employment but there are also a lot who have high expectations.
“We look around you graduate programmes but they are a lot harder to get and a lot of people do question the benefits of having a degree at that point.”
Nationwide Next Step has supported more than 620,000 adults through face-to-face meetings and more than 240,000 over the telephone.
A further 2.8 million have been helped through the organisation’s website and it has more than 1,600 followers on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.
Statistics gathered by the company also show that more than half of clients visiting Next Step over the last year were aged between 25 and 49, while three quarters of which were seeking advice because they were out of work.
Ms Jacobs said: “What the Next Step service has enabled adults to achieve in its first year is amazing.
“So many more people are now better equipped for work and learning and have an area online where they can access the information they require on skills, employment and funding. Everyone should log on and take a look for themselves just what opportunities are on offer.”
The service provides help to all adults aged 19 and over with professionally qualified advisers who are on hand to give advice was well as offering a comprehensive website with more than 750 job profiles.
These range from anything from an administration assistant to a zookeeper.
People can also build a CV online and take a skills health check.
For more information on the services on offer, visit www.direct.gov.uk/nextstep.
Source: Jon Couch, Getwokingham.co.uk, Wednesday 14th September 2011
The Next Step career service has been running in libraries and community centres around the borough for the last year and has given hundreds of hours of support to people looking for job advice.
Emma Jacobs, South East adviser, said: “In difficult economic times people need to take all the help they can get to secure a job and our service is completely free to help people in Berkshire on their way.
“Over the last year I have helped many people secure work and training, from young adults struggling to get their first job to those who are facing redundancy or have been made redundant.
“It’s fantastic that we have been able to support over 13,000 adults in Berkshire, but now we want even more people to take advantage of our free services.”
In Wokingham the service has supported 1,462 people through face to face appointments and 319 people over the phone as well as thousands more around the country.
Sue King, who is a Next Step adviser for Berkshire, said the service was invaluable to those who had lost confidence in themselves after they had been made redunant.
She said: “It has a tremendous impact because redundancy is very difficult to cope with for everybody.
“It is very easy to become depressed especially when you get a lot of rejections or even when people have had so many applications they don’t bother to respond and you feel you are sending these applications into the ether,
“The longer it takes the more impact it has on their lift and to have someone saying you are doing all the right things just keep doing it really helps.”
Ms King also said the service had helped a number of graduates over the last year with fierce competition in the employment market for university leavers.
She said: “We do have a lot of graduates that come through.
“There are a lot of graduates that cannot get employment but there are also a lot who have high expectations.
“We look around you graduate programmes but they are a lot harder to get and a lot of people do question the benefits of having a degree at that point.”
Nationwide Next Step has supported more than 620,000 adults through face-to-face meetings and more than 240,000 over the telephone.
A further 2.8 million have been helped through the organisation’s website and it has more than 1,600 followers on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.
Statistics gathered by the company also show that more than half of clients visiting Next Step over the last year were aged between 25 and 49, while three quarters of which were seeking advice because they were out of work.
Ms Jacobs said: “What the Next Step service has enabled adults to achieve in its first year is amazing.
“So many more people are now better equipped for work and learning and have an area online where they can access the information they require on skills, employment and funding. Everyone should log on and take a look for themselves just what opportunities are on offer.”
The service provides help to all adults aged 19 and over with professionally qualified advisers who are on hand to give advice was well as offering a comprehensive website with more than 750 job profiles.
These range from anything from an administration assistant to a zookeeper.
People can also build a CV online and take a skills health check.
For more information on the services on offer, visit www.direct.gov.uk/nextstep.
Source: Jon Couch, Getwokingham.co.uk, Wednesday 14th September 2011
Tuesday 13 September 2011
'Google Please Hire Me' video goes viral (and even gets the graduate a job)
In these competitive and recession-struck times, job searchers must go to drastic measures in order to find employment.
One aspiring marketer was so disillusioned by the job application process that he decided he couldn't just sit by and wait for something to happen, but that he had to take drastic action.
So Matthew Epstein, from Florida, set his sights on Google and decided to set up a website entitled GooglePleaseHire.Me to get himself noticed.
On the website was a YouTube video, a plea to Google to hire him and his resume. But it was the video - which shows him in a fake moustache and suit swigging scotch - that attracted 720,000 hits to his site.
Although he did not land himself a job at Google, he managed to get a massive 80 job interviews and a job at a startup firm called SigFig in San Francisco.
Speaking to ABC, Matthew, who was three years out of college and still jobless when he made the website, said: 'The flurry wasn't manufactured by me. It was definitely much more organic than that.
'I was applying for jobs at LinkedIn but had no luck and started to feel discouraged so I decided you can't just sit and do standard stuff. You have to fight.'
The 24-year-old's postings was noticed by a technology blog, then another and another and it took off from there.
TechCrunch's Robin Wauters, one of the country's most popular technology blogs, wrote about the site: 'For what it's worth, Google has already gotten in touch with Epstein but informed him that he should go through the standard hiring processes over there.
'My spider senses are betting on Epstein getting hired rather swiftly, though.'
Matthew said that it was 'cool' travelling around the country for his 80 job interviews talking to companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
He said he was not disappointed at not getting a job at Google as he feel his skills are better suited with a startup firm.
'One of the best things I do is get people's attention, and Google doesn't need attention. With a startup, it's really about creating things, seeing your ideas really come to something without politics and red tape.'
Now Matthew's only problem is trying to find somewhere to live in a new city.
Source: Rachel Quigley, Dailymail.co.uk, Tuesday 13th September 2011
One aspiring marketer was so disillusioned by the job application process that he decided he couldn't just sit by and wait for something to happen, but that he had to take drastic action.
So Matthew Epstein, from Florida, set his sights on Google and decided to set up a website entitled GooglePleaseHire.Me to get himself noticed.
On the website was a YouTube video, a plea to Google to hire him and his resume. But it was the video - which shows him in a fake moustache and suit swigging scotch - that attracted 720,000 hits to his site.
Although he did not land himself a job at Google, he managed to get a massive 80 job interviews and a job at a startup firm called SigFig in San Francisco.
Speaking to ABC, Matthew, who was three years out of college and still jobless when he made the website, said: 'The flurry wasn't manufactured by me. It was definitely much more organic than that.
'I was applying for jobs at LinkedIn but had no luck and started to feel discouraged so I decided you can't just sit and do standard stuff. You have to fight.'
The 24-year-old's postings was noticed by a technology blog, then another and another and it took off from there.
TechCrunch's Robin Wauters, one of the country's most popular technology blogs, wrote about the site: 'For what it's worth, Google has already gotten in touch with Epstein but informed him that he should go through the standard hiring processes over there.
'My spider senses are betting on Epstein getting hired rather swiftly, though.'
Matthew said that it was 'cool' travelling around the country for his 80 job interviews talking to companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
He said he was not disappointed at not getting a job at Google as he feel his skills are better suited with a startup firm.
'One of the best things I do is get people's attention, and Google doesn't need attention. With a startup, it's really about creating things, seeing your ideas really come to something without politics and red tape.'
Now Matthew's only problem is trying to find somewhere to live in a new city.
Source: Rachel Quigley, Dailymail.co.uk, Tuesday 13th September 2011
Monday 12 September 2011
There has become a threat of a lost generation of graduates
Britain’s businesses face losing a generation of graduates unless certain procedures are put in place.
Employers are been called upon to provide more things like internships and training programmes to improve the current prospects for graduates in a stagnated job market. A survey of human resources directors by OfficeTeam has found that most HR directors are worried about the lack of entry level jobs and too few internships during this period of high unemployment.
OfficeTeam believe that this could create a skills shortage and a follow on affect for people at high levels unable to get a promotion because of a shortage of appropriately skilled employees to fill their previous position.
However only a 20% of HR directors expect educational funding cuts and rising tuition fees to have a negative effect on graduate’s job prospects. Non surprisingly HR directors from the public sector organisations are most concerned during the current economic climate, with two thirds saying that this will have a negative affect on graduates job prospects.
Phil Booth, director of OfficeTeam’s UK operations, said: “There have been a number of situational changes in the UK that many see as directly impacting new graduates’ chances of gaining employment.
“It’s imperative that employers create opportunities for graduates to ensure we avoid a lost generation of talent that will impact the modern workforce for years to come.”
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Monday 12th September 2011
Employers are been called upon to provide more things like internships and training programmes to improve the current prospects for graduates in a stagnated job market. A survey of human resources directors by OfficeTeam has found that most HR directors are worried about the lack of entry level jobs and too few internships during this period of high unemployment.
OfficeTeam believe that this could create a skills shortage and a follow on affect for people at high levels unable to get a promotion because of a shortage of appropriately skilled employees to fill their previous position.
However only a 20% of HR directors expect educational funding cuts and rising tuition fees to have a negative effect on graduate’s job prospects. Non surprisingly HR directors from the public sector organisations are most concerned during the current economic climate, with two thirds saying that this will have a negative affect on graduates job prospects.
Phil Booth, director of OfficeTeam’s UK operations, said: “There have been a number of situational changes in the UK that many see as directly impacting new graduates’ chances of gaining employment.
“It’s imperative that employers create opportunities for graduates to ensure we avoid a lost generation of talent that will impact the modern workforce for years to come.”
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Monday 12th September 2011
Sunday 11 September 2011
PwC swamped by 22,000 applications for graduate jobs
Fresh fears that the jobs market is saturated with over-qualified candidates surfaced when PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed it received 22,000 applications for just 1,200 graduate jobs.
The accountancy firm - recognised for high-quality training schemes - said it received double the number of applications for its graduate scheme compared with last year, suggesting students have wised up to the competitive jobs market by trying to secure a job to go to straight after university.
A futher 11,000 people applied for other training schemes at PwC, including its internship and A-level programme, the company said. Some 1,600 students applied for its A-level scheme, while it received 9,400 applications for 450 internship roles, usually dominated by undergraduates.
The rise in second-year undergraduates trying to get onto an internship scheme at the accountants showed students have been prompted into action following the financial crisis, afraid of being left unemployed unless they seek work experience during their course, PwC said.
Richard Irwin, PwC head of student recruitment, said: “The recession and financial crisis marked a shift in attitudes towards understanding more about employability with students getting work experience earlier, rather than just relying on the degree on their CVs to get their foot in the door for a job.
“Those who start building their work experience portfolio early on have a much better chance of securing the role of their dreams, and not being left in the frustrating position of post-graduation unemployment."
Source: Louisa Peacock, Telegraph.co.uk, Sunday 11th September 2011
The accountancy firm - recognised for high-quality training schemes - said it received double the number of applications for its graduate scheme compared with last year, suggesting students have wised up to the competitive jobs market by trying to secure a job to go to straight after university.
A futher 11,000 people applied for other training schemes at PwC, including its internship and A-level programme, the company said. Some 1,600 students applied for its A-level scheme, while it received 9,400 applications for 450 internship roles, usually dominated by undergraduates.
The rise in second-year undergraduates trying to get onto an internship scheme at the accountants showed students have been prompted into action following the financial crisis, afraid of being left unemployed unless they seek work experience during their course, PwC said.
Richard Irwin, PwC head of student recruitment, said: “The recession and financial crisis marked a shift in attitudes towards understanding more about employability with students getting work experience earlier, rather than just relying on the degree on their CVs to get their foot in the door for a job.
“Those who start building their work experience portfolio early on have a much better chance of securing the role of their dreams, and not being left in the frustrating position of post-graduation unemployment."
Source: Louisa Peacock, Telegraph.co.uk, Sunday 11th September 2011
Saturday 10 September 2011
Job demand in August remained steady according to Reed
Employer demand for workers has bucked the trend of the normal summer slump and stayed steady.
According to the data collected by the Reed job index there are now a fifth more jobs than twelve months ago. New job numbers have increased by up to 22% from when the index began in December 2009 according to the report from over 8,000 organisations. Yet salaries for these jobs fell by 2% in August compared to July.
Salaries for jobs are now lower than in December 2009 with a 3% drop. The demand for new jobs dropped across such sectors as financial services and manufacturing. Public sector jobs are still finding it hard to recover with demand dropping back down to half its original value from when the index began.
Martin Warnes, MD of Reed.co.uk, said: "Even though the jobs market is flat, our figures indicate that there are a fifth more new jobs available now than there were 12 months ago. Employers are able to attract the people they need and are investing in the future with skilled staff such as qualified accountants, purchasing professionals and marketers.”
Sadly for graduates they are only expected to see an increase of 9.4% in graduate vacancies as many businesses remain cautious. Three fifths of employers however are expecting to recruit more graduates in 2011 and aim to maintain their level of graduate intake for 2010.
Employers have the pick of the bunch however, and this means that many employers are taking the more experience graduates and workers as they require less training.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Friday 9th September 2011
According to the data collected by the Reed job index there are now a fifth more jobs than twelve months ago. New job numbers have increased by up to 22% from when the index began in December 2009 according to the report from over 8,000 organisations. Yet salaries for these jobs fell by 2% in August compared to July.
Salaries for jobs are now lower than in December 2009 with a 3% drop. The demand for new jobs dropped across such sectors as financial services and manufacturing. Public sector jobs are still finding it hard to recover with demand dropping back down to half its original value from when the index began.
Martin Warnes, MD of Reed.co.uk, said: "Even though the jobs market is flat, our figures indicate that there are a fifth more new jobs available now than there were 12 months ago. Employers are able to attract the people they need and are investing in the future with skilled staff such as qualified accountants, purchasing professionals and marketers.”
Sadly for graduates they are only expected to see an increase of 9.4% in graduate vacancies as many businesses remain cautious. Three fifths of employers however are expecting to recruit more graduates in 2011 and aim to maintain their level of graduate intake for 2010.
Employers have the pick of the bunch however, and this means that many employers are taking the more experience graduates and workers as they require less training.
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Friday 9th September 2011
Friday 9 September 2011
Graduate skills are getting worse according to London businesses
London businesses have urged London Mayor Boris Johnson to improve the literacy and numeracy levels in graduates.
The skill level of graduates in literacy and numeracy are a worry for graduate recruiters in London as they find it hard to fill their graduate job vacancies with the right person. Research by londonlovesbusiness.com which polled more than 760 London business leaders and 900 public members of London found that they have called for the Mayor to make these skills top priorities.
The survey also found that 60% of London’s business leaders would vote for a mayoral candidate who would take a strong stance on public sector strikes in London. 53% were also found to have little sympathy for those who would strike over spending cuts. Up to 66% believed that strikes should be banned unless there has been 50% turnout on the strike ballot.
Graduates are been urged to concentrate on literacy and numeracy skills with 58% of business leaders feeling graduates skills in this area are very poor. This means that around 37% of graduate recruiters feel it would be easier to recruit skilled graduates from abroad.
More worrying for graduates is that fact that 89% of business leaders in London feel the capital is too expensive to live in if you are earning an average salary.
Steve Turner, communications director, Home Builders Federation: "A young person in London would have to not eat, pay rent or go out and save every penny of their wages for three years to get the deposit required for a starter home. The mayor needs to find a way of ensuring more homes of all types and sizes are delivered in the capital."
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Thursday 8th September 2011
The skill level of graduates in literacy and numeracy are a worry for graduate recruiters in London as they find it hard to fill their graduate job vacancies with the right person. Research by londonlovesbusiness.com which polled more than 760 London business leaders and 900 public members of London found that they have called for the Mayor to make these skills top priorities.
The survey also found that 60% of London’s business leaders would vote for a mayoral candidate who would take a strong stance on public sector strikes in London. 53% were also found to have little sympathy for those who would strike over spending cuts. Up to 66% believed that strikes should be banned unless there has been 50% turnout on the strike ballot.
Graduates are been urged to concentrate on literacy and numeracy skills with 58% of business leaders feeling graduates skills in this area are very poor. This means that around 37% of graduate recruiters feel it would be easier to recruit skilled graduates from abroad.
More worrying for graduates is that fact that 89% of business leaders in London feel the capital is too expensive to live in if you are earning an average salary.
Steve Turner, communications director, Home Builders Federation: "A young person in London would have to not eat, pay rent or go out and save every penny of their wages for three years to get the deposit required for a starter home. The mayor needs to find a way of ensuring more homes of all types and sizes are delivered in the capital."
Source: Pareto.co.uk, Thursday 8th September 2011
Thursday 8 September 2011
Jobless Gateshead graduate Joe Busby prints CV on T-shirt
A graduate from Gateshead who has been looking for a job since January is taking a new approach to be noticed.
Joe Busby, 27, from Gateshead, has printed a T-shirt which says "employ me" in big letters across the front and has his entire curriculum vitae on the back.
After having experience in management in his early 20s, working in bars and then graduating from Teesside University with a business management degree, Joe is still finding it difficult to secure a job.
After searching for nine months, he has fallen at the last hurdle at his most recent interviews for management jobs and is starting to get "frustrated".
He spends most days advertising himself around Newcastle and Gateshead, hoping that a prospective employer will see the CV on his back.
He said: "I got quite frustrated after a visit to the job centre, it was quite depressing and I figured I have to do something different to stand out.
"When I wear it through the city centre, about 90% will take a good glance at it and a second look.
"So it only takes one executive or HR guy to look and take note of it."
With his previous experience and newly-gained degree, Joe didn't think it would be this difficult to find a new job.
"Seeing not many new jobs coming up together with the lack of response for jobs you know you're qualified and experienced for, it's quite a depressing atmosphere.
"I'm not in a position to be choosy but I will work for my money."
Source: BBC.co.uk, Wednesday 7th September 2011
Joe Busby, 27, from Gateshead, has printed a T-shirt which says "employ me" in big letters across the front and has his entire curriculum vitae on the back.
After having experience in management in his early 20s, working in bars and then graduating from Teesside University with a business management degree, Joe is still finding it difficult to secure a job.
After searching for nine months, he has fallen at the last hurdle at his most recent interviews for management jobs and is starting to get "frustrated".
He spends most days advertising himself around Newcastle and Gateshead, hoping that a prospective employer will see the CV on his back.
He said: "I got quite frustrated after a visit to the job centre, it was quite depressing and I figured I have to do something different to stand out.
"When I wear it through the city centre, about 90% will take a good glance at it and a second look.
"So it only takes one executive or HR guy to look and take note of it."
With his previous experience and newly-gained degree, Joe didn't think it would be this difficult to find a new job.
"Seeing not many new jobs coming up together with the lack of response for jobs you know you're qualified and experienced for, it's quite a depressing atmosphere.
"I'm not in a position to be choosy but I will work for my money."
Source: BBC.co.uk, Wednesday 7th September 2011
Wednesday 7 September 2011
Sandwich-board student lands RBS role
Remember James Elgeti, the Bath University undergraduate who, in his efforts to land a job in the City, took to the streets of London’s financial districts wearing a sandwich board with the slogan “You have the ability to kick-start my career in banking. Talk to me.”?
Well, it seems persistence and innovation are still rewarded in the financial industry, so many congratulations to Elgeti, who is set to start at Royal Bank of Scotland after landing a spot on the group’s graduate programme for corporate banking, a unit that employed 13,100 staff and generated £1.5bn in operating profits in the UK last year.
Elgeti told Financial News by email that his unusual approach of appearing in Canary Wharf and Bank in January wearing the sandwich board, which garnered him several business cards and emails from potential employers at the time, had paid off in a “tough” graduate jobs market.
“I’m glad I was able to come up with an unusual approach to differentiate myself. However, this was only a foot in the door, meaning I still had to pass all the tests and assessment centres.”
After winning a job offer from RBS, Elgeti said he was “excited” at the forthcoming challenge, adding: “It is exactly the role I’m looking for right now, and although it is just a first step in my career, I’m sure it’s a solid one.”
The RBS role will not be Elgeti’s first in the finance industry: the business administration graduate won a three-month internship in the summer with the depositary receipts business of Bank of New York Mellon.
BNY Mellon was one of the firms Elgeti was interviewed by after his sandwich board stunt, according to Canary Wharf weekly The Wharf in January.
Elgeti said the internship provided the opportunity to meet “fantastic professionals who have provided crucial support and advice”.
Source: Vivek Ahuja, efinancialnews.com, Wednesday 7th September 2011
Well, it seems persistence and innovation are still rewarded in the financial industry, so many congratulations to Elgeti, who is set to start at Royal Bank of Scotland after landing a spot on the group’s graduate programme for corporate banking, a unit that employed 13,100 staff and generated £1.5bn in operating profits in the UK last year.
Elgeti told Financial News by email that his unusual approach of appearing in Canary Wharf and Bank in January wearing the sandwich board, which garnered him several business cards and emails from potential employers at the time, had paid off in a “tough” graduate jobs market.
“I’m glad I was able to come up with an unusual approach to differentiate myself. However, this was only a foot in the door, meaning I still had to pass all the tests and assessment centres.”
After winning a job offer from RBS, Elgeti said he was “excited” at the forthcoming challenge, adding: “It is exactly the role I’m looking for right now, and although it is just a first step in my career, I’m sure it’s a solid one.”
The RBS role will not be Elgeti’s first in the finance industry: the business administration graduate won a three-month internship in the summer with the depositary receipts business of Bank of New York Mellon.
BNY Mellon was one of the firms Elgeti was interviewed by after his sandwich board stunt, according to Canary Wharf weekly The Wharf in January.
Elgeti said the internship provided the opportunity to meet “fantastic professionals who have provided crucial support and advice”.
Source: Vivek Ahuja, efinancialnews.com, Wednesday 7th September 2011
Tuesday 6 September 2011
The top 10 most wanted graduate employers in advertising
Just in case you missed the article in The Guardian’s Work section last Saturday, here’s the list of the top ten graduate employers in the advertising sector, as voted for by thousands of students in a poll for The Guardian UK 300, which will be distributed to university campuses at the end of September.
For students who want careers in advertising, here are the most popular recruiters in your sector:
Saatchi & Saatchi
M&C Saatchi
Ogilvy & Mather
Imagination
MediaCom
WPP
Leo Burnett
JWT
JCDecaux
Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO
The list, which was generated for The Guardian UK 300 by the trendence UK graduate barometer survey 2011, was accompanied by some useful insights from industry insiders. Christopher Morris, the programme leader for BA Advertising Design at the University of Salford’s School of Art & Design, said staff encouraged students to be proactive on social media networks, blogs and self-promotional websites, all of which were ‘essential steps towards employment’. Phil Edelston, managing director of Dylan Marketing Recruitment, agreed that candidates should use Twitter and LinkedIn to network, as well as industry events.
For students who want careers in advertising, here are the most popular recruiters in your sector:
Saatchi & Saatchi
M&C Saatchi
Ogilvy & Mather
Imagination
MediaCom
WPP
Leo Burnett
JWT
JCDecaux
Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO
The list, which was generated for The Guardian UK 300 by the trendence UK graduate barometer survey 2011, was accompanied by some useful insights from industry insiders. Christopher Morris, the programme leader for BA Advertising Design at the University of Salford’s School of Art & Design, said staff encouraged students to be proactive on social media networks, blogs and self-promotional websites, all of which were ‘essential steps towards employment’. Phil Edelston, managing director of Dylan Marketing Recruitment, agreed that candidates should use Twitter and LinkedIn to network, as well as industry events.
How to get a graduate job in advertising
Advertising is a tough industry to break into, and you’ll need to be persistent and persuasive. Creative positions may specify an art or design qualification or a degree in language or communications, while account management positions will often be open to graduates of any subject.
One of the most common ways in is to get a job as an account manager within an advertising agency. Account managers liaise with the client to understand their needs, and then work closely with their colleagues to ensure these needs are met, briefing the creative team and feeding back to the client.
Other roles include the account planner, who researches the market, looks at what has worked well in the past, and presents findings to the client in order to guide the strategy they decide to take. Some agencies also have a media planner who chooses and plans the appropriate media for a campaign. And then, of course, there’s the creatives – the people who come up with the bright ideas that build brand awareness and sell products. Whichever role appeals to you, a strong and varied portfolio of work experience will help you on your way.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Tuesday 6th September 2011
Advertising is a tough industry to break into, and you’ll need to be persistent and persuasive. Creative positions may specify an art or design qualification or a degree in language or communications, while account management positions will often be open to graduates of any subject.
One of the most common ways in is to get a job as an account manager within an advertising agency. Account managers liaise with the client to understand their needs, and then work closely with their colleagues to ensure these needs are met, briefing the creative team and feeding back to the client.
Other roles include the account planner, who researches the market, looks at what has worked well in the past, and presents findings to the client in order to guide the strategy they decide to take. Some agencies also have a media planner who chooses and plans the appropriate media for a campaign. And then, of course, there’s the creatives – the people who come up with the bright ideas that build brand awareness and sell products. Whichever role appeals to you, a strong and varied portfolio of work experience will help you on your way.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Tuesday 6th September 2011
Monday 5 September 2011
Half of all student internships still unpaid, survey shows
Nearly half of all internships undertaken by university students are unpaid, according to latest figures.
A survey by university careers agency Graduate Prospects asked 22,000 UK graduates between 2006 and 2010 if they did any work experience while studying for their degree. More than 70% reported they had secured some form of experience, often by taking on casual paid work. Others did unpaid voluntary work or secured an internship. Of the internships undertaken 43% were not paid.
Chief executive of Graduate Prospects Mike Hill said: "Despite the hype around unpaid work experience placements over the last few years, we can see from the study that a huge proportion of interns still have to work for free."
Earlier this year the TUC, backed by the government and several major employers' institutes, published the first code of best practice for high-quality internships. It states that companies offering a placement of six weeks or more should pay the national minimum wage (NMW) – currently £5.93 for those aged 21 and over and £4.92 for 18-20s – to an intern if they are contributing to a company, have a list of duties and are working set hours.
However, NMW legislation does not cover internships undertaken by those in full-time education, offering a convenient legal loophole for employers seeking to take advantage of unpaid student labour.
Even so, Becky Heath, chief executive of interns' rights organisation Internocracy, claimed the report showed how "the erosive culture of unpaid internships is affecting students as well as those who have graduated and are looking for work".
She added: "Although many employers are very conscientious about taking on young people, in many instances students are required to get work experience and this is exploited by unscrupulous employers.
"It's a trend which will only continue to grow as support for young people is stripped away. With the scrapping of the future jobs fund, many students and graduates are forced to do placement after placement of unpaid work, all for the hope of a decent job."
The Prospects survey also showed that nearly a third of students found their internships through family or friend networks – almost as many as those who secured placements through their university careers services.
The issue divided prime minister David Cameron and his coalition deputy Nick Clegg earlier this year, with the Lib Dem leader arguing that the practice of giving work experience to personal acquaintances is a bar to social mobility.
Separate figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that 28% of graduates who left university in 2007 were still not in full-time work three-and-a-half years later.
Source: Graham Snowdon, Guardian.co.uk, Monday 5th September 2011
A survey by university careers agency Graduate Prospects asked 22,000 UK graduates between 2006 and 2010 if they did any work experience while studying for their degree. More than 70% reported they had secured some form of experience, often by taking on casual paid work. Others did unpaid voluntary work or secured an internship. Of the internships undertaken 43% were not paid.
Chief executive of Graduate Prospects Mike Hill said: "Despite the hype around unpaid work experience placements over the last few years, we can see from the study that a huge proportion of interns still have to work for free."
Earlier this year the TUC, backed by the government and several major employers' institutes, published the first code of best practice for high-quality internships. It states that companies offering a placement of six weeks or more should pay the national minimum wage (NMW) – currently £5.93 for those aged 21 and over and £4.92 for 18-20s – to an intern if they are contributing to a company, have a list of duties and are working set hours.
However, NMW legislation does not cover internships undertaken by those in full-time education, offering a convenient legal loophole for employers seeking to take advantage of unpaid student labour.
Even so, Becky Heath, chief executive of interns' rights organisation Internocracy, claimed the report showed how "the erosive culture of unpaid internships is affecting students as well as those who have graduated and are looking for work".
She added: "Although many employers are very conscientious about taking on young people, in many instances students are required to get work experience and this is exploited by unscrupulous employers.
"It's a trend which will only continue to grow as support for young people is stripped away. With the scrapping of the future jobs fund, many students and graduates are forced to do placement after placement of unpaid work, all for the hope of a decent job."
The Prospects survey also showed that nearly a third of students found their internships through family or friend networks – almost as many as those who secured placements through their university careers services.
The issue divided prime minister David Cameron and his coalition deputy Nick Clegg earlier this year, with the Lib Dem leader arguing that the practice of giving work experience to personal acquaintances is a bar to social mobility.
Separate figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that 28% of graduates who left university in 2007 were still not in full-time work three-and-a-half years later.
Source: Graham Snowdon, Guardian.co.uk, Monday 5th September 2011
Sunday 4 September 2011
How to select the right graduate for a job in IT
Gary Kildare, IBM VP for Human Resources, blogs on how IBM recruits graduates.
What makes a young person stand out as a potential employee? IBM takes on between 350-500 students, graduates and apprentices each year. Over time, we've identified seven transferable skills which we ask young people to demonstrate in our recruitment process.
These are - in no particular order:
adaptability
creativity
leadership
communication skills
collaboration skills
passion for our business
a strong client focus
We find that people who demonstrate these skills during the recruitment process are more motivated and keen to take on board the training we provide.
We take on graduates and students with a variety of degree backgrounds. A recent IBM graduate studied the fall of the Roman empire and the origins of the British Secret Service for his degree. Not obvious choices for someone on their way to a career in IT. However, he is now a client systems manager and works closely with clients to understand their needs and identify the IT services and products which will support their strategy.
The world around us is constantly changing, becoming more interconnected and intelligent. Seeking out candidates with transferable skills help us make sure that our hires can adjust and thrive in the years to come.
Source: Cliff Saran, Computerweekly.com, Friday 2nd September 2011
What makes a young person stand out as a potential employee? IBM takes on between 350-500 students, graduates and apprentices each year. Over time, we've identified seven transferable skills which we ask young people to demonstrate in our recruitment process.
These are - in no particular order:
adaptability
creativity
leadership
communication skills
collaboration skills
passion for our business
a strong client focus
We find that people who demonstrate these skills during the recruitment process are more motivated and keen to take on board the training we provide.
We take on graduates and students with a variety of degree backgrounds. A recent IBM graduate studied the fall of the Roman empire and the origins of the British Secret Service for his degree. Not obvious choices for someone on their way to a career in IT. However, he is now a client systems manager and works closely with clients to understand their needs and identify the IT services and products which will support their strategy.
The world around us is constantly changing, becoming more interconnected and intelligent. Seeking out candidates with transferable skills help us make sure that our hires can adjust and thrive in the years to come.
Source: Cliff Saran, Computerweekly.com, Friday 2nd September 2011
Saturday 3 September 2011
Growing numbers of graduates prepared to work for free to secure a City job
Graduates in the city are willing to work for free so secure a footing on the career ladder, research published this morning reveals.
Competition to get a first job in the City is getting tougher, according to the latest survey from the leading global jobs site eFinancialCareers, with three quarters (75%) of students surveyed saying they'd be prepared to work for free - up from just over half (63%) last year.
And of those graduating this year currently looking for a job, only 16% have so far been offered a position.
While the City of London retained its popularity as the premier financial centre in which students wanted to work, students are under no illusions about the obstacles that may lie ahead. More than a third (36%) believe it will take up to three months to find a new job once they graduate, and more than a quarter (28%) think it could take as long as six months.
The overwhelming majority (98%) of those surveyed want to start work as soon as they finish their studies, with only a handful seeing any benefit in taking a Gap Year to wait for the market to pick up.
That said, many are optimistic about their earnings prospects once they do find employment, with more than half (59%) believing they would be able to pay off their student debt within five years. One in five (21%) say they expect it to take closer to ten.
James Bennett, MD, EMEA and APAC for eFinancialCareers, said: "The allure of the City remains strong and whilst overall hiring levels in the sector are up compared to 2010, this growth isn't being reflected in the number of graduate or internship roles currently on offer. Students fully understand that securing their first job in the City is going to be extremely challenging this year but our findings suggest that the overwhelming majority remain undeterred."
The most sought after companies to work for remain Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Barclays Capital, unchanged from last year's top three. The eFinancialCareers.com online UK survey of 234 students took place between the 17th of June 2011 and the 24th of July 2011.
Source: HRmagazine.co.uk, Friday 2nd September 2011
Competition to get a first job in the City is getting tougher, according to the latest survey from the leading global jobs site eFinancialCareers, with three quarters (75%) of students surveyed saying they'd be prepared to work for free - up from just over half (63%) last year.
And of those graduating this year currently looking for a job, only 16% have so far been offered a position.
While the City of London retained its popularity as the premier financial centre in which students wanted to work, students are under no illusions about the obstacles that may lie ahead. More than a third (36%) believe it will take up to three months to find a new job once they graduate, and more than a quarter (28%) think it could take as long as six months.
The overwhelming majority (98%) of those surveyed want to start work as soon as they finish their studies, with only a handful seeing any benefit in taking a Gap Year to wait for the market to pick up.
That said, many are optimistic about their earnings prospects once they do find employment, with more than half (59%) believing they would be able to pay off their student debt within five years. One in five (21%) say they expect it to take closer to ten.
James Bennett, MD, EMEA and APAC for eFinancialCareers, said: "The allure of the City remains strong and whilst overall hiring levels in the sector are up compared to 2010, this growth isn't being reflected in the number of graduate or internship roles currently on offer. Students fully understand that securing their first job in the City is going to be extremely challenging this year but our findings suggest that the overwhelming majority remain undeterred."
The most sought after companies to work for remain Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Barclays Capital, unchanged from last year's top three. The eFinancialCareers.com online UK survey of 234 students took place between the 17th of June 2011 and the 24th of July 2011.
Source: HRmagazine.co.uk, Friday 2nd September 2011
Friday 2 September 2011
Quarter of graduates without full-time jobs after three years
More than a quarter of graduates are still without a full-time job more than three years after leaving university, official figures show.
Rising numbers of ex-students are being forced to work as volunteers, join the dole queue or enrol on another higher education course, it was revealed.
In all, almost 28 per cent of UK students were not in full time employment after finishing degrees or postgraduate studies in 2007 – just before the economic downturn.
The disclosure – in data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency – underlines the extent to which the recession has placed a squeeze on graduate jobs.
Students from new universities are twice as likely to be out of work than those graduating from elite Russell Group institutions, it was revealed.
Liam Burns, president of the National Union of Students, said many graduates who failed to find decent jobs were being forced to support themselves with overdrafts and commercial loans.
He added: “Times are tough for young people at the moment with rising unemployment no matter how well qualified they are, and through its lack of support the Government risks losing a generation to low skills and high unemployment.
“If jobs aren't available on graduation, things like overdrafts and commercial loans become incredibly toxic.”
But David Willetts, the Universities Minister, insisted a degree was still "financially as well as intellectually rewarding".
"In the future, we want universities to become even more responsive to their students," he said. "That is why we are improving the information available on different courses, strengthening the links between employers and universities and putting a new focus on student entrepreneurs."
Hesa obtained data from 46,065 UK students and 3,000 Europeans who finished university courses in 2007.
Of those, just 72.3 per cent of UK graduates were in full-time paid work after three and a half years. This compares with 76.1 per cent who left university in 2005 when the survey was last carried out.
Some 3.5 per cent of students were unemployed, compared with 2.6 per cent of the 2005 cohort.
More than one-in-20 students who went to a university afiliated to Million Plus – which represents new universities – was unemployed after three and a half years. This compares with 2.5 per cent of those who attended a Russell Group institution.
And students taking courses in creative arts, computer science and architecture were most likely to be unemployed, it was revealed.
According to figures, remaining graduates were either in part-time jobs, working as volunteers or taking another university course.
Some 6.5 per cent of graduates were in further study, compared with 5.5 per cent two years earlier, suggesting more students are returning to university to insulate themselves from the tough unemployment market.
Source: Graeme Paton, Telegraph.co.uk, Thursday 1st September 2011
Rising numbers of ex-students are being forced to work as volunteers, join the dole queue or enrol on another higher education course, it was revealed.
In all, almost 28 per cent of UK students were not in full time employment after finishing degrees or postgraduate studies in 2007 – just before the economic downturn.
The disclosure – in data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency – underlines the extent to which the recession has placed a squeeze on graduate jobs.
Students from new universities are twice as likely to be out of work than those graduating from elite Russell Group institutions, it was revealed.
Liam Burns, president of the National Union of Students, said many graduates who failed to find decent jobs were being forced to support themselves with overdrafts and commercial loans.
He added: “Times are tough for young people at the moment with rising unemployment no matter how well qualified they are, and through its lack of support the Government risks losing a generation to low skills and high unemployment.
“If jobs aren't available on graduation, things like overdrafts and commercial loans become incredibly toxic.”
But David Willetts, the Universities Minister, insisted a degree was still "financially as well as intellectually rewarding".
"In the future, we want universities to become even more responsive to their students," he said. "That is why we are improving the information available on different courses, strengthening the links between employers and universities and putting a new focus on student entrepreneurs."
Hesa obtained data from 46,065 UK students and 3,000 Europeans who finished university courses in 2007.
Of those, just 72.3 per cent of UK graduates were in full-time paid work after three and a half years. This compares with 76.1 per cent who left university in 2005 when the survey was last carried out.
Some 3.5 per cent of students were unemployed, compared with 2.6 per cent of the 2005 cohort.
More than one-in-20 students who went to a university afiliated to Million Plus – which represents new universities – was unemployed after three and a half years. This compares with 2.5 per cent of those who attended a Russell Group institution.
And students taking courses in creative arts, computer science and architecture were most likely to be unemployed, it was revealed.
According to figures, remaining graduates were either in part-time jobs, working as volunteers or taking another university course.
Some 6.5 per cent of graduates were in further study, compared with 5.5 per cent two years earlier, suggesting more students are returning to university to insulate themselves from the tough unemployment market.
Source: Graeme Paton, Telegraph.co.uk, Thursday 1st September 2011
Thursday 1 September 2011
Graduates shun jobs in the public sector
Only 9% of graduates would choose to work in the public sector over the private and charity sectors, according to new research from totaljobs.com.
This is a surprising statistic considering 20% of recent graduates state they have been looking for a job for over a year, with 31% declaring they would take any job that came along. This is, in some part, explained by the fact that 47% of those that would consider working in the public sector stated they had been put off applying for jobs due to news of further cuts, leading to a potential gap in the graduate talent pipeline in the public sector.
Mike Fetters, graduate director at totaljobs.com said: “We all know that the graduate market is tough at the moment with further public sector job cuts looming, but it’s surprising to see so few would choose to work in the public sector. Only a few years ago, the public sector was a top graduate job destination and despite the cuts, there are still positions available, all of which provide good training, career progression and despite reports, a wide range of employee benefits. With this in mind, it’s really important for graduates to at least dip their toe in and look into this diverse sector and the opportunities it has to offer.”
Confidence continues to decrease amongst graduate jobseekers, with 82% believing they are in a tougher jobs market compared with two years ago – during the worst of the recession. However, the research also found that one quarter (24%) spend less than an hour on applying for a job, while nearly half (49%) spend only 1-2 hours on a single application.
Mike Fetters continues: “Graduates should be reassured that work is out there for those who are willing, but it is important that they spend time on each application. Graduates must be extra vigilant to ensure that each application is tailored to the employer they are applying to as well as being absolutely sure it is free from errors to allow themselves the best possible chance of securing an interview.”
Finally, as confidence is low, wage expectation amongst those questioned is also in decline, as over half believed that at the start of their course, they would earn £20,000 per year or above in their first graduate role. Now, of those still studying, only 45% believe they will earn £20,000 per year or above, while the majority (55%) believe they will get less than £19,000 as an annual salary.
Source: Onrec.com, Thursday 1st September 2011
This is a surprising statistic considering 20% of recent graduates state they have been looking for a job for over a year, with 31% declaring they would take any job that came along. This is, in some part, explained by the fact that 47% of those that would consider working in the public sector stated they had been put off applying for jobs due to news of further cuts, leading to a potential gap in the graduate talent pipeline in the public sector.
Mike Fetters, graduate director at totaljobs.com said: “We all know that the graduate market is tough at the moment with further public sector job cuts looming, but it’s surprising to see so few would choose to work in the public sector. Only a few years ago, the public sector was a top graduate job destination and despite the cuts, there are still positions available, all of which provide good training, career progression and despite reports, a wide range of employee benefits. With this in mind, it’s really important for graduates to at least dip their toe in and look into this diverse sector and the opportunities it has to offer.”
Confidence continues to decrease amongst graduate jobseekers, with 82% believing they are in a tougher jobs market compared with two years ago – during the worst of the recession. However, the research also found that one quarter (24%) spend less than an hour on applying for a job, while nearly half (49%) spend only 1-2 hours on a single application.
Mike Fetters continues: “Graduates should be reassured that work is out there for those who are willing, but it is important that they spend time on each application. Graduates must be extra vigilant to ensure that each application is tailored to the employer they are applying to as well as being absolutely sure it is free from errors to allow themselves the best possible chance of securing an interview.”
Finally, as confidence is low, wage expectation amongst those questioned is also in decline, as over half believed that at the start of their course, they would earn £20,000 per year or above in their first graduate role. Now, of those still studying, only 45% believe they will earn £20,000 per year or above, while the majority (55%) believe they will get less than £19,000 as an annual salary.
Source: Onrec.com, Thursday 1st September 2011
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