GradU8 2012 - Monday Afternoon highlights
Monday 5 November 2012
It was another busy GradU8 session this afternoon as a range of companies talked to graduates about CV mistakes, graduate programmes and potential jobs.
Missed the chat? Here are the highlights.
Intellectual Property Office
Granting patents to property, the intellectual property office also takes care of designs, trademarks and copyright.
- Relevant sectors – Science and engineering
- Minimum entry requirement – 2:2 in a science or engineering degree
- Location – Wales
- Salary and benefits – Starting wage of £22,808 plus £1,500 annual retention bonus
Chat highlights:
Thomas Britland, a Patent Examiner told GradU8 some exciting news, the Intellectual Property Office is currently recruiting, and there’s a range of positions available.
Thomas went through the list of specific fields they’re looking to recruit in and explained what the average day will hold for successful applicants. He told graduates, “Day to day involves getting patent applications, reading (and understanding) them, then comparing them to what is already out there on patent databases. There are lots of other bits and bobs you can do eventually (like live chats with prospective new examiners) but the core job involves basic case work.”
Royal Navy and Royal Marines
Helping to protect Britain and its seas, the Royal Navy and Marines have a range of other responsibilities including helping out on relief missions and tackling smuggling, terrorism and piracy.
Chat highlights:
Lt Rachel Hunt & Chris Sharp (a member of the recruitment support team) advised graduates on how to apply for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and explained the recruitment process.
Lt Rachel Hunt told GradU8 the interview process wasnít just for the interviewer to see if applicants have got the right qualifications and skills, but for candidates to decide whether theyíd suit working for the Royal Navy.
What advice would she give to those looking to impress at the interview stage? “Be yourself, think carefully about your motivation and reasons for joining and make sure you have done your research – same as many other job interviews really!”
Electricity North West
Supplying electricity to millions of homes, Electricity North West currently runs graduate engineering programmes. Offering across a range of engineering roles, it teaches graduates through a mixture of classroom teaching and practical experience.
- Relevant sectors – Science and engineering, customer service
- Minimum entry requirement – A Level/ONC (for the trainee engineer programme)
- Location – North West England
Chat highlights:
Janice Hawkins, the Talent and Resourcing Manager for Electricity North West answered questions about the graduate engineering scheme and offered advice to anyone who was thinking of applying.
Janice said they were seeking people who could demonstrate they had, “analytical, communication, problem solving and team working skills as well as a focus on quality and the customer”.
Janice also advised graduates on mistakes to avoid. “The most common mistakes candidates make are not giving enough information about what they’ve done, experiences they have and what their degree has covered – make sure your passion for engineering shines through!”
“Also, poor attention to detail when submitting their application – we see many spelling mistakes!”
National Audit Office
An independent organisation, the National Audit Office is in charge of auditing financial accounts within the public sector.
- Relevant sectors – Finance
- Minimum entry requirement – 2: 1 undergraduate degree
- Salary and benefits – Starting salary in London is £27,432 and in Newcastle its £21,825.
- Benefits include access to the Civil Service Pension scheme, an interest free travel season ticket loan, childcare vouchers, and subsidised gym membership.
Chat highlights:
Katie Clifford, HR Advisor at the National Audit Office and Rob Senior answered questions about their Graduate Accountancy Scheme (which lasts three years) and the interview process.
Katie also told GradU8 about the perks of working in the public sector, and in particular for the Audit office. Some of her favourite things about the job included a friendly working environment, great career progression, a chance to learn transferable skills and a competitive salary.
She highlighted the impact of the job as it can “drive improvements in public services and ensures value for money for taxpayer funds. It’s really rewarding work”.
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Helping to set the training standards of paediatric doctors, the Royal College also has a huge influence on the quality and advancing of medical practises for children.
- Relevant sectors – Medical
- Minimum entry requirement – 2: 1 undergraduate degree
- Benefits: 27 days annual leave, a good pension, travel loan, childcare vouchers, occupational health and an employee discount scheme
Chat highlights:
Samantha Pearce and Katie Dawson, HR/OD Business Partner for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, answered questions from graduates that wanted to work for the College.
Katie advised graduates to tailor their applications if they wanted to stand out. Tell the employer why you want to work there and always try to provide examples to show you meet their job specifications, whether itís from work experience or your time in education.
Katie also told graduates to continually try and develop skills and experience in a variety of ways, from volunteering to internships.
Smiths News PLC
A leading wholesale magazine and newspaper supply chain, Smiths News has three graduate schemes (operations, commercial and marketing), which Tom Shaw popped onto the GradU8 forum to talk about.
- Relevant sectors – Retail, Sales, Marketing,
- Minimum entry requirement – 2:2 undergraduate degree
Chat highlights:
As well as telling graduates about the application process, Tom chatted about what sort of candidate they want applying for the graduate schemes. With a big emphasis on wanting to create future leaders in the industry, Tom told GradU8 they want enthusiasm, commitment and a “can-do” attitude.
And it’s clearly an enjoyable workplace, as Smiths News has retained 84% of their graduate intake.
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