May 2008

£16,000 to be won

see page 12

CAREER ADVICE +100s OF JOBS + GRAD INTERVIEWS + CAREERS FAIRS + RECRUITER TIPS +

www.realworldmagazine.com » SOCIAL CARE» REALITY BYTES» SPOTLIGHTON FINE ART

» PR, SALES, & MARKETING

» CAREERS FAIRS SPECIAL

MAY 2008

p04

SIR ALAN’S FIRST APPRENTICE TELLS YOU HOWSIR ALAN’S FIRST APPRENTICE TELLS YOU HOWYOU ’RE HIRED!

REALW.MAY08.COVER.indd 1 14/5/08 16:15:24

We’ll give you the encouragement, support and tailoreddevelopment you need to design your own career path. That’swhy our development training programmes are flexible enough tocater for people who want to specialise in one specific businessarea as well as those keen to get a variety of experience. Andwhatever’s right for you, we’ll make sure you pick up the keytechnical, business and personal skills you need to progress. For a career that will fit you perfectly just bring us a 2:1 in anysubject, at least a 280 UCAS tariff or equivalent, and plenty ofenthusiasm and ideas. We’re the one firm for all smart graduates.

www.pwc.com/uk/careers/ Text: PwC to 85792*

© 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

Nationwide Opportunities Spring and Autumn 2008AssuranceTaxAdvisoryActuarialStrategy

TA LORED

We value diversity in our people.

*Texts charged at your standard network rate.

018679-297x210-Real World:34185-A4-Tailored 19/2/08 09:46 Page 1

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WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor Dee Pilgrim • Designer Yang Ou • Features Writer Hannah Davies • Sales Paul Wade, Harmesh Sansoa, Terry McNally, Mitul Patel • Marketing/Distribution Manager Poonam SharmaPR Coordinator Madhvi Pankhania • Client Services Manager Marie Tasle • Online Brett SingerManaging Director Darius Norell • Real World is a publication of Cherry Publishing: 22-26 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ • Tel: 020 7735 4900, Editorial – 020 7735 2111• Fax: 020 7840 0443 E-mail: [email protected] •Website: www.realworldmagazine.com – for job vacancies, career advice and case studies • Copyright © 2008 Cherry Publishing

RW

SPOTLIGHT ON16 Fine Arts Why the new

generation of Brit Artists are

so business savvy.

UP FRONT06 Reality Bytes: all you need to

know to get the most out of the

real world of work.

10 Just The Job Find out who is

still recruiting with our late job

availability.

12 The Real World Awards We

want to celebrate students who

have made a real contribution

to uni life with our best ever

awards, offering up to £5,000 to

our winners.

20 Leading Lights Inspirational

mentor Tim Macartney talks

about the personal qualities that

will shape our future leaders.

22 You’re Hired! Apprentice Tim

Campbell gives his top tips for

interview success.

RW FEATURES24 Selling Points We delve into

the worlds of Marketing, PR,

and Sales.

34 Middle Earth Why the West

Midlands are the place to be.

38 Socially Minded Why Nursing

and Social Work can give your

work life meaning.

44 Careers Fairs Special How to

prepare in advance for this

year’s round of fairs.

COMING UP THIS AUTUMN>> A veritable feast of

Real World issues including

City & Finance,

Law, Engineering & IT,

Built Environment,

and brand new for 2009

Real World Europe

ON THE COVER

CONTENTSMAY 2008

No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher. We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs or for material lost or damaged in the post. The views in this publication or on our website are not necessarily those held by the publisher.

The Big Sell

W ith the May Ball season fi rmly underway, you could fi nd yourself getting

distracted from the serious business of thinking about your end of term exams

and your future career. But don’t panic; Real World is here to help you consider

all your employment options. If you’ve not got a job fi rmed up yet, we’ve got a roundup

of the companies that still have vacancies for graduates this autumn, so take a look

through to see if something suits you. May also happens to be the month for careers fairs.

They are a great way to discover what’s actually out there, who is recruiting, and what

employers really want from prospective employees. So what are you waiting for? Turn to

this month’s special section dedicated to careers fairs to fi nd out what to expect.

If you already know you’d like to build a career giving something positive back to

the wider community, you could consider the Social Work sector. Not everyone has the

temperament to make a success of this often demanding career, which can take its toll

both mentally and physically, but also be tremendously rewarding.

Alternatively, you may be attracted to the perceived glitz and razzmatazz of Sales,

Marketing, and PR. While these are indeed all dynamic and fast-moving sectors, they

too can be very demanding, as our case studies from across all three work areas attest.

We’ve turned the spotlight on the often misunderstood world of Fine Arts. Far from

being the refuge of dreamy creatives with no business sense, Britain’s justly famed Art

Schools and Colleges are turning out a new generation of cutting edge fashion designers,

jewellers, sculptors, and photographers all capable of earning very decent livings.

Check out our latest competition! See page 32 for your chance to win a Nintendo Wii Fit!

Dee Pilgrim, [email protected]

P16

P38

REALW.MAY08.ED_CONT.indd 3 14/5/08 16:18:07

Parcelforce Worldwide is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified members of the communityirrespective of religion, gender, disability or race.

Graduate Opportunities£23,000 plus benefits and bonusesWith a placement that runs across Operations, Sales and our International network, you’ll be given realprojects and genuine responsibility. So expect to be challenged. But you’ll also be provided with structureddevelopment and a dedicated mentor. So look forward to plenty of support and encouragement too.

This is your chance to work alongside a diverse group of talented and experienced professionals, as part ofa network that reaches 99.6% of the global population. Bring us your energy, your ideas and at least a 2:2 inyour chosen degree, and in return you’ll thrive as part of one of the country’s most trusted brands.

For your chance to go all the way; read more information or apply on our website at www.parcelforce.com/jobsquoting PFW001434.

We can cover the world in two days. Imagine how far you’ll go in two years.

The Warwick Institute of Education offers a variety of ITE courses: Early Years (3-7), Primary (5-11), Secondary (11-19) PGCE and the Graduate Teacher Programme (employment based route)

NEW: For 2008/2009 PGCE 14-19 DiplomasThe introduction of 14-19 Diplomas into schools, further education colleges and work based training organisations means there will be a high demand for suitably qualified teachers to teach on these programmes. We are recruiting trainee teachers for the delivery of these diplomas in the following subject areas:

� Creative and Media� Society, Health and Personal Development

This PGCE course would be especially relevant for people with a background in creative and media, art, nursing and health and safety.

Would you make a good teacher?

PGCE: [email protected] or +44 (0)24 7652 8148GTP: [email protected] or +44 (0)24 7652 2918or go to our website: http://go.warwick.ac.uk/education

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The New Nuclear Boom

Recent announcements by

the Government, including

speculation it is to collaborate with

France (where 79 per cent of the

country’s electricity comes from

nuclear stations) on future

projects, and with four new

nuclear plant designs provisionally

OK’d by the Health & Safety

Executive, indicate Britain will soon

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At Birmingham University, 36 students

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before, now is a great time to start.

For more information, job vacancies,

and case studies with people working

in this exciting industry, go to the

Engineering sector at:

www.realworldmagazine.com

Once seen as a dying industry, nuclear energy is about to enjoy a new lease of life.

BOOK Of the mOnthThe Fairtrade Everyday Cookbookcontains over 100 recipes to help you

create fantastic food with Fairtrade

products. Recipes are easy-to-follow and

include such tasty treats as Chocolate

Brazilian Banana Bread, Thai Fish Curry,

Roast Chicken, and Vegetable Biryani.

Celebrity chefs including Hugh Fearnley-

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have contributed some great eating ideas. This

gorgeously illustrated book is essential equipment

for any student kitchen. £16.99, Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd, 2008

We have five copies of this top title to give away! Just email

your name and address to [email protected]

with ‘May Book Giveaway’ as the subject. Good luck!

Interested in ethical issues? Visit the new Ethical Careers

sector guide at www.realworldmagazine.com

BOOKGIVE-AWAY!

REALW.MAY08.REALITYBYTES.indd 6 14/5/08 16:40:59


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How To Succeed at Case Study InterviewsCase Study interviews are becoming an increasingly popular way for recruiters to assess a candidate’s skills and abilities.Many Merchant Banking fi rms,

Consultancies, and Marketing Agencies

now use them extensively. If you’ve

never come across one before they can

seem daunting, as the recruiter asks you

to make informed analysis and

recommendations on the basis of the

information the Case Study contains.

But there’s no need to panic. Arthur

Krebbers, co-founder of ‘Generation 2

Generation’ www.g2gnetwork.co.uk - a forum for interaction between today’s

and tomorrow’s leading fi gures in

business, politics, and culture - has just

published The

Complete

Guide to

Case Study

FIVE WAYS TO Win an argument

1. Listen to what the other

person is saying fi rst – don’t

interrupt when they are

making their case

2. Make the other person feel

good about themselves. If you

can give compliments without

seeming too obvious (or

obsequious), then do so

3. Find out why they have

a different view. You

might be able to meet

their real needs in another

way, which allows them to

be convinced by your

argument more easily

4. Ask questions.

People are more likely

to change their mind if

they are talking rather

than listening

For more tips, grab a copy of The Mind Gym: Wake Your Mind Up (little brown books £12.99) or check out the website www.themindgym.com

5. If possible, link your

position with the other

person’s values or

aspirations. Don’t

rely on logic

Excellence, so you’ll know

what to expect. Here he

gives advice on getting

through.

In order to succeed at Case Study

interviews, you have to do the following

fi ve things:

1. Gain and confi rm information2. Convey interest and understanding3. Be structured4. Build rapport5. Show confi dence

• Focus on the important points and don’t

start talking mumbo-jumbo. It is

important you shift your focus from

quantity (what do I know about this

topic?) to quality (what is relevant to the

question at hand?).

• Make sure you bring a pen and paper

into the interview.

• Asking questions shows initiative.

• Be curious. Even if you hardly know

anything about the topic of the case,

you should convey strong interest.

• Don’t go off into loops. Stay friends

with your interviewer, and be

structured in your answers.

• Create some chemistry between the

two (or three) of you in the room.

• Use body language to your

advantage: Maintain eye contact:

look at the interviewer, not away

from him/her or to the fl oor. Smile.

• Be honest; if you don’t understand

a question, say so.

• Give yourself time. It often helps to

collect your thoughts for a few

seconds before proceeding.

• Think out loud. Once you have a rough

idea of what you’re going to argue,

you should begin talking. However, do

this without too many ‘ums’ and other

fi llers. You may even consider practising

this with family and friends.

The Complete Guide To Case Study

Excellence is available to buy at www.casestudyexcellence.com for £7.50.

However, Real World readers can get

the book for just £5 by logging on at

www.casestudyexcellence.com/realworld.html

REALW.MAY08.REALITYBYTES.indd 7 14/5/08 16:42:03

THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY

LondonIn these days of the credit crunch the whole financial sector becomes volatile and the FSA’s role takeson even greater importance – from protecting and educating consumers, to ensuring the stability ofthe entire financial system.

Joining our three-year Graduate Development Programme at this pivotal time, you’ll be at the heart of thefinancial issues that make headline news. The programme will see you move around three core areas offinance from the list above and you’ll also enjoy a six-month external secondment, giving you a fascinatingoverview of the financial world. We’ll also offer full support to gain professional qualifications and anexcellent package that includes a starting salary of £29,000, plus £2,500 to help get you started in London.

Three rotations, one unique experience. We're currently recruiting for our graduate development programmeand finance/management accountancy programme (which leads to CIMA qualification), so if you'reexpecting a 2:1 or above now's the time to find out more and apply at www.fsagraduates.com

Deadline for applications: 23rd June 2008

Graduate Development Programme

Investment Banks

Financial Markets & Financial Stability

Asset Management

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Retail Banks/Intermediaries

Consumer Protection & Education

Insurance & Mortgages

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WOMENIN LEADERSHIP

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2007 participating organisations included:

CV Clinics

Exhibitions

Interview Skills

Networking Sessions

Leadership Training

Company Presentations

Panel Debates

www.qsforums.comRegister for invitation:

The leading career development event for students, graduates and professionals

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LATE JOB VACANCIESRW

AS THE END OF TERM DRAWS CLOSER,

IT’S TIME TO TAKE

ACTION IF YOU WANT

A GREAT GRADUATE

JOB. DON’T PANIC: THERE ARE STILL

MANY VACANCIES OUT

THERE, AND YOU CAN

RELY ON REAL WORLD

TO GIVE YOU THE INSIDE LINE.

Read on for a rundown of some interesting graduate opportunities with a summer or autumn 2008 start date. Don’t forget to check out www.realworldmagazine.com for full listings.

JUST THE JOB!

NATIONWIDE Nationwide Building Society has the following places available on its two-year Graduate Programme:Commercial, Retail Branch Network, Product Management, Central Retail, Change Management, Information Security & Business, Continuity, Specialist Lending. Apply online at: www.nationwide.co.uk/graduate. Closing date: 31st May 2008.

Nationwide Building Society has the following places available on its two-year Graduate Programme:Commercial, Retail Branch Network, Product Management, Central Retail, Change Management, Information Security & Business,

www.nationwide.co.uk/graduate. Closing date: 31st May 2008.Commercial, Retail Branch Network, Product Management, Central Retail, Change Management, Information Security & Business, Nationwide Building Society has the following places available on its two-year Graduate Programme:Commercial, Retail Branch Network, Product Management, Central Retail, Change Management, Information Security & Business,

. Closing date: 31st May 2008.

ROLLS-ROYCE PLCWe’re proud to be a company with a great heritage and a bright future – a high technology engineering company providing

worldwide power solutions in challenging civil aerospace, defence aerospace, energy, and marine markets. Our well-established

Professional Excellence Programme is a 12-18 month programme designed to develop a high level of competence in a particular

career area. Through a series of three-month placements, graduates are given the chance to develop their knowledge and skills,

becoming a respected professional in their chosen fi eld. Business areas: Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial.

The Leadership Development programme (18-24 months) focuses on promoting leadership ability while continuing to develop

professional skills. Six-month placements across different sectors and locations give exposure to the breadth of the organisation.

Mobility is key as individuals will be moving to a different location, including internationally, every six months. Business areas: Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Management, and Operations.

Apply at www.rolls-royce.com/careers

KIMBERLY-CLARKLooking for a challenging Engineering career? Want a real job from day one and exposure to leading edge technology? Visit our website at www.kimberlyclarkcareers.co.uk to learn more about our two-year structured Electrical, Mechanical, and Process Graduate Programmes, accredited by IMechE, IET, and IChemI. Starting salary £25,000, start September 2008.

TEACH FIRSTTeach First is a unique two-year

programme that transforms high-calibre

graduates into inspiring leaders through

experience as paid teachers in

challenging London, Midlands or North

West secondary schools. Graduates

achieve Qualifi ed Teacher Status and

benefi t from an innovative business skills

and leadership training course, as well as

unparalleled internship, networking and

coaching opportunities with Teach First’s

numerous industry supporters.

APPLICATIONS ALREADY OPEN FOR 2009

AT www.teachfi rst.org.uk

10 RW10 RW10 RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

NATIONWIDE Nationwide Building Society has the following places available on its two-year Graduate Programme:Commercial, Retail Branch Network, Product Management, Central Retail, Change Management, Information Security & Business, Continuity, Specialist Lending. Apply online at:

Nationwide Building Society has the following places available on its two-year Graduate Programme:Commercial, Retail Branch Network, Product Management, Central Retail, Change Management, Information Security & Business, Continuity, Specialist Lending. Apply online at: www.nationwide.co.uk/graduat

TEACH FIRSTTeach First is a unique two-year

programme that transforms high-calibre

graduates into inspiring leaders through

experience as paid teachers in

challenging London, Midlands or North

West secondary schools. Graduates

achieve Qualifi ed Teacher Status and

benefi t from an innovative business skills

and leadership training course, as well as

unparalleled internship, networking and

coaching opportunities with Teach First’s

numerous industry supporters.

APPLICATIONS ALREADY OPEN FOR 2009

AT www.teachfi rst.org.u

STFCThe STFC e-Science Centre is looking for graduates with an interest in Software development and Advanced IT solutions in a scientifi c environment to start in September 2008. STFC manages world class facilities such as neutron sources (ISIS), high power lasers (CLF), and synchrotrons (DLS). The closing date is 20th June 2008, with the Interviews and Assessment Centre being held on 15th & 16th July 2008. For more information on the graduate training programme see http://www.graduates.scitech.ac.uk/home.aspx

REALW.MAY08.LATEJOBS.indd 10 14/5/08 16:55:00

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RWLATE JOB VACANCIES

WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW 11WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW 11WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW 11

CAPITAL ONECapital One has grown quickly in recent years because we have our fi nger on the pulse of the marketplace and have invested in attracting, retaining, and nurturing bright individuals. Through its on-the-job training and development programme, employees are given the structures and frameworks to solve highly complex problems, and are encouraged to challenge and innovate.Capital One has Business Analyst positions available. If you have a 2:1 or above in an analytical, business, engineering or scientifi c fi eld equivalent, please apply online at www.capitalone.co.uk/careers

CUMMINSCummins are still looking for exceptional Graduates - In Huddersfi eld we have opportunities in Business Systems; IT; HR and Sales. At our Darlington site we are seeking various Engineering and IT Graduates. Daventry want Manufacturing Engineers, as do Stamford along with a Graduate to join their Commercial Team. Service Engineers and a Technical Writer are needed at our Kent site. All applications should be made online at our recruitment website www.eujobs.cummins.com where you can also fi nd full details on these positions.

FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY

In these days of the credit crunch the

whole fi nancial sector becomes volatile

and the FSA’s role takes on even greater

importance - from protecting and

educating consumers, to ensuring the

stability of the entire fi nancial system.

Joining our three-year Graduate

Development Programme at this pivotal

time, you’ll be at the heart of the

fi nancial issues that make headline

news. The programme will see you move

around three core areas of fi nance and

you’ll also enjoy a six-month external

secondment, giving you a fascinating

overview of the fi nancial world. We’re

currently recruiting for our graduate

development programme

and management accountancy

(fi nance) programme (which leads to

CIMA qualifi cation), so if you’re

expecting a 2:1 or above now’s the time

to fi nd out more and apply at

www.fsagraduates.com. Deadline for

applications: 23rd June 2008.

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND GROUP

Make it happen with The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Graduate opportunities.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to get things done, there’s a fantastic future

for you with The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. We are currently recruiting for our

Retail Business Leadership, Group Technology & Technology Integration, Group

Business Improvement and Operations, Finance, and RBS Insurance programmes.

To fi nd out more and apply, visit www.makeitrbs.com

GE AVIATIONGraduate Software Engineer (job ref 807336) As one of our Engineering Graduates, you will take part in our structured two-year graduate development programme. The programme focuses on developing your understanding of GE, the business world in general, and your personal effectiveness. You will have an opportunity to work on exciting technology-driven projects designing and developing real time embedded software for avionic products.Graduate Safety Engineer (job ref 807333) As one of our Engineering Graduates, you will take part in our structured two-year graduate development programme. The programme focuses on developing your understanding of GE, the business world in general, and your personal effectiveness. You will also have an opportunity to work on exciting technology driven projects, carrying out safety assessment of avionic systems.www.ge.com/careers

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS – KTPKTP is a UK-wide programme funded by 18 organisations and headed by the Technology Strategy Board, a business-led, executive non-departmental public body. KTP aims to facilitate the transfer of knowledge through projects undertaken by high calibre, recently qualifi ed people under joint supervision from a company and an academic institution, and to provide company-based training for recently qualifi ed people to enhance their business and specialist skills. Currently recruiting for over 40 positions – from Civil Engineering to Architecture Analysts -- competitive salary, plus £4K training budget. Locations throughout the UK. Vacancies advertised on website www.ktponline.org.uk or call 0870 190 2829 or email [email protected]

Don’t forget to mention that you found these vacancies in Real World Magazine when you apply!

PILKINGTONThe Flat Glass business of NSG Group, trading under the Pilkington brand, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for the building and automotive markets, with manu-facturing operations in 27 countries on four continents, and sales in 130 countries.

Information Systems (Head Offi ce, St Helens) Information Systems (IS) Group Function is looking for three graduates to start September 2008 with a 2.1 degree or above, preferably in an IT related degree. Applicants with a 2.2 will be considered but must have industrial experience.

Electrical Engineering (Pilkington European Technical Centre, Lathom, Nr Ormskirk) We are interested to hear from applicants who have an accredited MEng 2:1 or above in Electrical/Electrical & Control Engineering, and although not essential, language skills and work experience are preferred.

Coatings Graduates - St Helens. Starting in September 2008, the successful candidates will initially be involved with on-line coatings. On-line coatings process is an atmospheric chemical vapour deposition process, which allows us to coat the glass as it is produced. We are interested to hear from applicants who have a 2:1 or above in a Science or Engineering related degree, and although not essential, work experience is preferred.

Electrical Engineering Summer Placement – St Helens. An opportunity exists for a third year Electrical Engineering student at one of our fl oat manufacturing sites, based in St Helens, Merseyside. Placements are generally for a minimum of eight weeks although this can be extended via mutual agreement, starting in either June or July 2008.

Application – is by Pilkington Graduate/Placement Application form which can be obtained from our website www.pilkington.com/careers. Closing date for all placements and vacancies is 15th June 2008.

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REALW.MAY08.LATEJOBS.indd 11 14/5/08 16:55:31


REAL WORLD AWARDS | 2008RW

Dear students,

Here at Real World, we’re all about students. That’s why we set up the Real World Awards: to celebrate and reward your achievements outside your academic work. Did you know that over 50% of employers believe that they will fi nd it diffi cult to fi ll their vacancies this year because graduates lack the right skills*? At Real World, we believe that these employers are mistaken – and we need your help to prove them wrong. Since our fi rst Awards in 2005 we’ve been inundated with inspirational entries, all of which show exactly the kind of skills employers are looking for: team work, initiative, social conscience, leadership… the list goes on. Hazel Mowbray, our 2005 winner, juggled her degree work with volunteering in inner city schools and acting as her student union’s Disability Offi cer. Kiril Makharinksy, who triumphed in 2006, founded the Oxford Entrepreneurs society and set up an online social enterprise. Our 2007 champ, Alexander McLean, established his own charity, the African Prisons Project.

We’re convinced that students’ talents are more diverse than ever – and that’s why we’ve expanded the Awards for 2008. We’ve created four new categories to showcase your abilities, from entrepreneurship to social responsibility. We’ve also set up an online voting system, so your fellow students can help vote you to victory.

We know that you didn’t get involved in your

extracurricular activities because you expected recognition; but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve it. This is your chance to shout about your achievements. Past winners have been featured in national newspapers, including The Evening Standard, The Guardian, and The Independent, regional newspapers, and local BBC radio.

AND DID WE MENTION THE £16,000?Oh, yes: we have a total prize fund of £16,000 to put towards projects our 2008 winners are passionate about.

If you want to know more, just visit our website: www.realworldawards.com. You can contact us with your queries, questions or comments at [email protected]. You’ve got until Friday 4th July 2008 to tell us why you should win and help us prove to graduate employers that today’s students have what it takes to succeed.

Good luck! We look forward to hearing from you.

The Real World team*According to the Association of Graduate Recruiters’ biannual survey, 2008

AN OPEN LETTERTO ALL REAL WORLD READERS

REALW.MAY08.RWA.indd 12 15/5/08 09:20:44


RWREAL WORLD AWARDS | 2008

WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

REAL WORLD AWARDS |

Hazel MowbrayHazel Mowbray

Kirill Makharinsky

WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

Kirill Makharinsky

Alexander McLean



REAL WORLD AWARDS | 2008RW

YOU DON’T HAVE TO ENTER TO TAKE PARTYOUR CAN STILL MAKE YOUR MARK BY NOMINATING AND VOTING FOR THE STUDENTS YOU WANT TO SEE REWARDED FOR THEIR EFFORTS. HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS YOU SHOULD VISIT WWW.REALWORLDAWARDS.COM TODAY:

• If you make the most nominations, we’ll give you £100.

• If any of your nominees goes on to win in their category, we’ll give you £100.

• This is your chance to be part of something amazing. The Real World Awards are among the most prestigious student awards in the country – and the only awards that let you infl uence the result.

• Your vote will make a difference. • Did we mention the £100 cash

bonuses on offer? Just checking.

• By voting and nominating, you will be raising awareness about the importance of extracurricular achievements.

• This is your opportunity to recognise the hard work your friends have put in to activities outside their degree – it’s like giving them a pat on the back, only with cash prizes and glory. They will love you for ever (probably).

• Oh, and there are several £100 prizes up for grabs, just for nominating. Or perhaps we mentioned that earlier.


Technical PartnerSponsored By


REAL WORLD AWARDS | 2008 RW

DON’T MISS OUTIt couldn’t be easier to get started – just log on* to www.realworldawards.com. With just a few clicks you can nominate your friends, and view the current entries in each category, so you can vote your favourites to victory. You can also vote and nominate by downloading the Real World Awards Facebook application. This is a quick (and, we must warn you, highly addictive) way of placing votes for different categories: http://apps.facebook.com/realworldawards/

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO IS…• An active member of a university sports club?

• Bursting with creative and cutting-edge ideas?

• An active participant in your university entrepreneurial society?

• Working on your university’s Young Enterprise scheme?

• Carrying out volunteer work in the UK or abroad, from

teaching English to collecting donations?

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environmental or social?

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campaigning on student issues or getting involved in student politics?

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purchasing & supply

feeling arty

REALW.MAY08.FINEART.indd 16 14/5/08 16:59:57

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Britain has an enviaBle reputation as far as fine art is concerned. from turner through to hockney, via damien hirst and tracey emin, the uk consistently turns out cutting edge artists who sell worldwide. now a new Breed of cool Britannia artists is looking for a piece of the action. read on to discover why fine art still attracts the Bold and the Brave.


RWspotlight on | fINE ARt

rom recent news stories you’d think all was doom and gloom in the world of Fine Arts and Arts education. According to the UK graduate Careers survey (conducted by High Flyers Research), which examined 17,000 students’ expectations of the graduate job market, almost half of Fine Arts students have no plans post-university and expect to travel or take temporary jobs rather than make a living from their art. With funding for the Arts under fire and no clear career path post degree, taking a Fine Arts Degree may seem like a risky course of action. Yet, for many, studying Fine Art is as relevant today as it has ever been. Sally Bowler is the Business Fellow in Visual Arts at University College, Falmouth. She says: ‘Fine Art today embraces many media and subjects. It’s not just about skill in painting, sculpture, and printmaking – although these may come into it. Studying art encourages close observation, not just of the physical world, but also of the economic, social, historic, and scientific trends of the time.’

Marcus Lanyon, a Fine Arts Graduate and Head of the Student Union at the Royal College of Arts, London, says people with real artistic ability will never be deterred from making a career in Fine Art. ‘You get into it because you love it. If you do this you have to be willing to say “I want to be an artist, I want to be a designer, I’m willing to do something where I am running my own career, with my own creativity and my own ingenuity”. You have to have the guts to say “I’m going to take the risk that it might take me years before I am financially stable, but I don’t really care.” When you get as far as postgraduate study then security is not really an issue, you are doing it because you love it – in fact, you do it because you have to.’

However, if you can’t make a living from your own art, Marcus explains there are plenty of other ways Fine Art graduates can support themselves.

F ‘You can get into lighting, teaching, film, advertising, and all forms of media. The mindset you get trained to use through this type of education is very valuable for all the creative industries – you are taught to problem-solve in a creative and innovative way. Take for example film director Ridley Scott: he actually came to the Royal College of Arts to do Graphic Design.’ Sally Bowler adds: ‘Artists are motivated self starters. They develop analytical and critical skills alongside practical experience. Curiosity is an essential element; the ability to research and experiment, whether practically or theoretically, linked to the capacity to evaluate their findings.’

Marcus is, in fact, making a living from his art. He is selling work and taking on commisssions but explains he was lucky enough to get exposure by taking part in the 4 New Seasons project, run by the Saatchi Gallery and Channel 4. He says this sort of exposure and positive marketing is essential if you want to make it. ‘You have to get your art out there, you have to be proactive and talk to people and make yourself known. More and more graduates need to be able to get themselves across and market themselves and sell themselves.’ They also need to move into new areas, as Sally explains: ‘Many artists are now using the web to develop new types of networks and ways of communicating, which has an impact on how society functions and develops.’

Far from feeling depressed about the future, Marcus is remarkably upbeat about where Fine Art in Britain is now heading. ‘The general feeling of enthusiasm for what we do has never been stronger,’ he says. ‘I want to encourage people and say just go and do it.’»



Ed Thompson

‘i could have led a comfortable life in some other field, but that wasn’t a choice i made.’Age: 27 (Pictured on page 14)Degree and university: Masters Degree in photojournalism and documentary photography, London College of Communication (LCC)Title: Freelance Photographer

What do you actually do? I work in various fields of photography, from producing my own photo-stories aimed at magazines (George Bush’s next door neighbours and Cowboy Churches), portraiture for magazines, assignments for corporate and commercial clients, long-term projects produced for galleries and print sales, and even some photographic assisting.

Were you always interested in Fine Art as a career? I worked selling suits after secondary school, and realised I had to do something creative full-time, rather than juggle my artistic career with something else. Trying to work a 9 to 5 full-time job and commit to a creative industry just doesn’t work. There are creatives who are lucky enough not to need to work to live, and you’ll be up against them for the same jobs. Youth and ‘the hunger’ are powerful driving forces.

How did you find out about this particular career? I first saw a camera when I was six months old. I don’t remember that, but a relative photographed it at my christening. My dad used to have old National Geographic magazines about when I was really young, so I guess I worked out you could be paid to take photographs back then.

What do you like most about what you do and are there any downsides? I find the pressure is satisfying. A photographer is a one-man band mostly; if you succeed or fail at the assignment you’ve been set then it’s your own doing. I love to be challenged, both by the work and also by the environment I have to produce images within. Having photographed in tense or risky situations I have a very large comfort zone. It doesn’t mean I’m insensitive, far from it, it just means when something traumatic happens I can still do my job.

The downside is like any other industry where you are self-employed, it’s either famine or feast. You’ll have periods of no work, and bills are mounting etc, and then you’ll get a call and you’re back in business. I don’t recommend it to people of a weak disposition. When it comes to photography

I’m fanatical. I could have led a comfortable life in some other field, but that wasn’t a choice I made. In a film I’d be beyond the point of no return.

What skills do you think you need to succeed in this business? Most photographers who make it come from wealthy families, including Henri Cartier-Bresson and William Eggleston, and the majority of fashion photographers are from illustrious backgrounds, and now celebrities and celebrities’ children are getting into photography too. To beat them you’ll have to undertake outside commissions as well as produce your own work, and that means taking assignments you don’t want to do while saving enough money to do something you believe in. With time, people in the industry (and you) will know what you are best at and you’ll be able to complete more assignments that fit your style. It seems obvious, but generally it’s not something students seem to understand. Some colleges treat the students like they are all profound artists, which is great until they hit the real world and can’t earn a living from photographing skirting boards or dressing dead animals in tuxedos.

What would be your best piece of advice for students coming into this sector? Try and survive. When you leave an institution that’s really all you should aim to do, because being a photographer is a marathon, not a sprint. If you truly are passionate about photography then you’ll find a way because you have no other choice.

Amy Albright

Marcus Lanyon

Age: 24 Studied: BA(Hons) Fine Art at University College Falmouth Title: Fine artist (painter)

What do you actually do? In a nutshell, I work on a series of paintings and exhibit them and sell them through art galleries. After completing my A-levels, I had the intention of going into Graphic Design and it wasn’t until I did my Foundation Diploma that I realised I wanted to be a fine artist, mainly because I liked the freedom it offered with no direct briefs and deadlines. How did you find out about this particular course? Probably during my Art Foundation Diploma in 2004. I went around visiting different universities looking at the Fine Art degree courses. It was a real turning point for me. I remember visiting art galleries and seeing paintings that inspired me and thinking how I would like to produce paintings that would have that effect on other people.

Would you undertake further study to further your career? I haven’t ruled out doing an MA in Fine Art, but I want to have a few years as a practising artist first.

What do you like the most about what you do and are there any downsides? Waking up in the morning knowing I’m going to my studio to do what I love and that I’m not stuck in an office working 9-5! When I produce a painting that I know is my best yet, it’s such a powerful feeling that cannot be explained. Also the fact that I am using my talent to create paintings that are going to directly influence people’s lives. However, it is very hard starting out as an artist. Work doesn’t sell itself and financially, it is very tough to keep going. If I keep working hard it will pay off eventually!

What skills do you need to succeed and what advice would you give graduates wanting to come into this sector? Lots and lots of self motivation and dedication! The first year out of university is very hard, the transition from student to artist is difficult, and you just have to keep motivated, communicate with other artists, remember your goals, and go for it!www.amyalbright.co.uk

Age: 26Degree and university: Sculpture, University of Gloucester; Ceramics and Glass, School of Applied Art, Royal College of ArtTitle, President of the Student Union, RCA and artist



RW

Age: 25Degree and university: London College of Fashion, First Class BA (hons) Fashion Design Technology, WomenswearJob title: Womenswear Designer

What do you actually do? After working with Gareth Pugh for one season, I have set up my own label and am about to start selling to boutiques in London as well as working on my Spring / Summer 2009 Collection to show in September at London Fashion Week. I also work on various freelance projects with a wide variety of clients such as Ford, for whom I created a dress for a press campaign. I have also worked on a project called Shared Talent at South African Fashion Week which was a collaborative project working with crafters from Soweto and Hillbrow (Johannesburg). I am also one half of the design team for an ethical street wear brand for women.

Were you always interested in fashion as a career? I have always known I wanted to be a fashion designer since the age of five, when I screamed down an entire supermarket and refused to leave until my mother bought me a copy of Vogue.

Would you undertake further study? I would very much like to do the new MA course at London College of Fashion that focuses on sustainable design. As a designer I want to create consciously and whilst global warming may seem scary , it is also a huge opportunity for designers to create a future where all products are made sustainably and ethically.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? I like everything about being a designer and I’m doing exactly what I have always wanted to do. If it isn’t hard work, it’s usually not worth doing. www.adaz.co.uk n

Were you always interested in being an artist?Both my parents are artists and I’ve been used to going around galleries and exhibitions since I was very young. However, I started off at Drama School before swapping to sculpture. In fact, my first love will always be sculpture and making objects. I’ve never been tied to any one material; I just love making things with my hands.

What do you like most about what you do?The best things about being an artist are: ownership; being my own boss; and making my own week. I get out of it exactly what I put into it. It’s the most satisfying combination ever being able to do what I have always wanted to do, and having people look at it and hopefully liking it.

Are there any downsides to what you do? The downside is actually one of the positives as well, and that’s the freedom. Sometimes it is very useful to get up every day and be told what to do. Just a simple, menial task you have to get done each day. This freedom to follow any path means you can get obsessed with things and get bogged down. You need self-discipline to monitor yourself because you can disappear off into some strange, artistic hole for months on end.

What would be your best piece of advice for other graduates entering this sector? Be very clear-headed and ambitious about being successful. Graduates need to be able to get themselves across and market and sell themselves. Go and talk to people. Generate your own shows and set up your own sites.

‘Above All you’ll need to be creAtive.’

Age: 38University and degree: Glasgow School of Art, BA (Hons) Fine Art – Sculpture & Environmental ArtTitle: Self-employed artist

What do you actually do? I make kinetic sculptures in my studio that are then exhibited and hopefully sold. At the heart of my work lies a fascination with human biology; our physiology, neurology, and

Cheryl Field

Ada Zanditon

psychology. I’m in the very earliest stages of my career as an artist, so in order to get more experience and to supplement my somewhat meagre income, I also work part-time as an assistant to an artist who is already successful and well established in the same field of work.

Were you always interested in Fine Arts as a career? I’ve always had a passion for the visual arts, but my route into this field has been a long and winding one. I initially studied for a BSc in Molecular Biology at Edinburgh University, which I followed with four years as a researcher in an Immunology Lab at Imperial College. I then became a management consultant with Accenture – one of the world’s largest technology consultancies. But there was always something missing, and in essence that ‘something’ was art-shaped. In 2002 I finally quit my job and applied to The Glasgow School of Art to study for a BA (Hons) in Fine Art - Sculpture & Environmental Art. I think I was always vaguely aware that there were people out there called ‘artists’. But I don’t think I considered visual art as a career possibility until I met some arts practitioners; being a management consultant brought me into contact with professional filmmakers and graphic artists who were all managing to have careers in the creative sector.

Would you undertake further study in order to advance your career? I loved studying for my BA (Hons) at GSA and I would consider studying for an MFA if I thought it might give me a deeper understanding of my practice and lead to more opportunities (such as exhibitions / residences / commissions etc.). But right now I am satisfied with my career without returning to higher education.

What do you like most about what you do and are there any downsides? I think the best thing about this job is it is exactly what I make it and I engage both my brain and my hands on a daily basis. It can be a real financial and emotional struggle. From the financial perspective I’m thrilled to have recently received a Visual Arts - Creative and Professional Development Grant from The Scottish Arts Council. That will go a long way towards the rental of my studio, buying materials, and all the administrative costs associated with sending off proposals and applications. I know I’ve chosen a career that doesn’t present much long-term stability, but I think that’s an acceptable pay-off for doing something that I absolutely adore.

What skills do you think you need to succeed in this sector? Above all you need to be creative. You’ll need the appropriate practical skills specific to your field and pragmatism, determination, patience, and good written and verbal communication skills are vital too.



‘LEADERS ARE THOSE WHO, IN WHATEVER CAPACITY, EMBOLDEN OTHERS TO LIVE THEIR LIVES WITH COURAGE, HOPE AND INTEGRITY.’ TIM MACARTNEY, MENTOR AND FACILITATOR, EMBERCOMBE CENTRE.

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RWFEATURE | LEADERSHIP

im Macartney has

certainly had a

colourful life. After

spells as a gymnast

and drama

teacher, he somehow found himself in a

room full of gangsters with guns, and

decided it was time to rethink just where

he was going. He began working as a

gardener at a management training

centre, and within three years had

become Head of Consultancy. He then

founded a ‘people and organisation

development’ company, working with

the leaders of multinationals, and his

inspirational approach resulted in a

grateful client gifting him Embercombe, a

50-acre Devonshire smallholding, where

he has developed his vision: a social

enterprise ‘to inspire committed action

for a truly sustainable world’.

He says people who visit Embercombe

embark on a journey where they are

challenged to join conversations that

explore what it means to live and work in

organisations; how leadership needs to

evolve; how we can build energetic and

successful businesses that enhance the

environment and enliven the people who

work in them or buy their products.

Tim sees Embercombe as ‘a garden

that grows people; a place where

people can discover a profound and

true sense of who they are and make

choices in their lives. It’s about calling

and then action.’

In April of this year Embercombe will

launch its very fi rst graduate course

based on its fl agship programme called

The Journey. ‘I’ve been meeting up

with a group of high-fl ying university

entrants so they can help me

dovetail it to their

age group,’ explains Tim. ‘I want to

create something focused on people at

the beginning of their adult lives. Many

of them will have the personal resources

to do something in the world.

‘The journey is about saying, “Pause

for a moment and take a look at this

feast of possibility around you”. Ask

yourself questions that might mean you

don’t wake up one day and say “I had a

life, I had endless possibility. I had

intelligence and I somehow allowed

somebody else to bundle me into a

place that has no meaning for me”.’

However, rather than feeling daunted

at what lies ahead, he says young adults

should rejoice in the excitement and

possibilities they face. ‘What I would say to

graduates is this is the greatest period of

challenge our species has ever

encountered. There is a call to our young

people saying “open your ears, lift up your

hands, take a look and understand you

are being asked to contribute to this

time.” These young people have fabulous

qualities and they do care. They see life as

an adventure, but they need to make a

realistic assessment of their opportunities.

They should make a contract with

themselves to live their lives to the

absolute fullest. The worst thing would be

at the end of their days to look back on

the trail of their lives and know they had

played it safe, kept their heads down, and

done nothing.’

As far as Tim is concerned the main

point of The Journey is for people to ask

themselves the questions they often

overlook. ‘Ask youself this: if you want to

be an engineer, what will you build? If

you are going to be an entrepreneur,

what are you going to bring to the

table?’ His advice is to then go off and

fi nd your own ‘rite of passage’. ‘Do a

gap year or talk to CEOs of companies,

do some research and meet people.

Stop making excuses! If you are going to

be a leader it will cost you something,

none of it comes for free. Real fulfi lment

will always centre around service, but

that doesn’t mean you are sentencing

yourself to being a pauper. …I say you

will be a success if you make the right

choices because they make you

powerful, and we need powerful people

in leadership positions. In that sense,

anybody could be a leader. Leaders are

people that have vision and exert

infl uence. It’s anyone who steps forward

and hoists their fl ag.’

Tim’s book Finding Earth, Finding Soul: Looking for the Invisible Path to Authentic Leadership, is now available via the Embercombe website at www.embercombe.co.uk

T

‘THE JOURNEY IS ABOUT SAYING “PAUSE FOR A MOMENT AND TAKE A LOOK AT THIS FEAST OF POSSIBILITY AROUND YOU.”’P

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REALW.MAY08.LEAD.indd 21 14/5/08 17:07:43

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SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICE,

TIM CAMPBELL, GIVES HIS TOP TIPS

ON HOW TO SHINE AT INTERVIEW,

AND GET THAT DREAM JOB.

YOU’RE HIRED!

REALW.MAY08.HIRED.indd 22 14/5/08 17:09:02

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• ‘The fi rst thing I always tell people is you have to understand what your strengths are. A successful interview usually comes from confi dence. If you are confi dent about your abilities and your skill set then that will come across in your interview in the way you answer questions and present yourself. Companies are looking for people who can represent them almost as an ambassador.’

• ‘You may feel all the power lies with the people on the other side of the interview table, but in fact, the power is equally spread. You can assess prospective employers to see whether or not they can offer you what you want. You should do research around the job to see is this company right for you, or are they ethically in tune with you? Are there enough opportunities for career progression? I always tell my candidates, if you actually get to the interview process then you already have something that appeals to the company because interviews are a very costly way of assessing skills, therefore they would not waste their time on you unless they think you have potential.’

• ‘Find out about the company. It always amazes me how many people on The Apprentice and in the real world know nothing about the organisation they are applying to. Doing your research is an easy win because it shows you are interested.’

• ‘Dress appropriately. There’s absolutely no harm in ringing the company before you attend the interview and asking what is appropriate. Ask what its dress code is. I always found it encouraging when I worked at TfL if people would ring beforehand and ask a few questions.’

• ‘Don’t drink coffee because it dries out your mouth, and also don’t drink too much water because you don’t want to need a comfort break halfway through the interview.’

• ‘Take a copy of your application form and make sure you know it inside out and that you haven’t embellished it too much. Most importantly, never lie on your application form because you will be found out.’

• ‘Do take notes into the interview and if you need to refer to them, then take the time to do so. Often, people get so anxious they feel they have to respond to a question immediately, but it is quite alright to take your time and if you have to, ask the panel to repeat a question in order to take stock.’

• ‘Give real examples when you answer questions. Don’t answer by saying “I would” or “I could”, talk about concrete things in the terms of “I did” or “I took this action”.’

hey are two very similar

sentences, but with two

devastatingly different

effects. When Sir Alan

Sugar fi xes potential employees with his

steely stare and barks ‘you’re fi red!’ on the

multi-award-winning BBC series The

Apprentice, dreams are shattered and

plans put on hold. But, when he points his

fi nger at them and shouts ‘you’re hired!’ it

can be the start of a beautiful career.

Now reaching the climax of its fourth

series, The Apprentice is still compulsive TV

viewing. For Tim Campbell, the winner of

the original series, it became a reality as he

worked for Amstrad’s health and beauty

division for two years. 29-year-old Tim says

working with Sir Alan exceeded all his

expectations: ‘I thought it would be a

shadowing exercise, where I’d learn by

osmosis,’ he explains. ‘But the way Sir Alan

works is to throw you in at the deep end

and say “if there are things you don’t know

come and ask me”. It’s the old school way

of doing it, but it was just what I needed.

He’s a very good judge of character and

has an innate ability to size people up.’ Tim

has now given up his £100,000 a year job to

start a male grooming business of his own,

as well as The Bright Ideas Trust, a social

initiative to inspire the next generation of

entrepreneurs. He said he has done so

because no-one ever really tells you about

what it entails to set up a limited company

or why you should become VAT registered.

‘What we want to be able to provide is the

right amount of start up capital, just under

£25,000, and also access to real world

business information from people who

have actually been there, and done it.

People who have lived through the real

pain of risking their own money on a

business start up.’ Tim says he has had a

fantastic response to The Bright Ideas Trust

and has been pleasantly surprised by the

quality of the business ideas that have

been brought to him. He is now looking for

its fi rst start ups to be profi table within the

fi rst one to fi ve years.

However, before he appeared on The

Apprentice he worked for Transport for

London (TfL) as a Recruitment Consultant

and Graduate Recruitment Manager, so

understands all about the recruitment

process. Tim recently took time out of his

busy schedule to give Real World the inside

gen on what you really need to get

through those all-important job interviews.

• ‘Do get a partner or a parent to take you through a dummy interview, asking lots of questions, because it will give you experience of being in an actual interview situation. Get them to time the interview too so you get a feel of how long you need to spend on certain questions. It is really good preparation.’

• ‘Don’t be afraid if they ask you about weaknesses. Turn them into positives; fi nd a way around them because no one wants to be a perfect candidate - that will set off alarm bells in the interviewers.’

• ‘One question they are bound to ask is “what makes you the best candidate?” Have answers to that question ready prepared. In Britain we tend not to like to sell ourselves but we should be more American and we should sing our own praises more.’

• ‘You will also get asked “do you have any questions?” Once again, have something prepared, sensible questions about the position being offered such as who will you be working with, and what level of autonomy will you be given.’

• ‘Beware your non-verbal communication. Look people in the eye, give a fi rm handshake, and don’t fi dget excessively. You need to be focused on the interview with your body language.’

• ‘Finally, if you are not successful at interview I would always say go and ask for some feedback. Find out what you failed at so you can rectify mistakes and be successful the next time round.’

Find out more about Tim at www.tim-campbell.co.uk

The Apprentice, series Four, is on BBC One at 9pm, every Wednesday from now until June 18th.


RWYOU’RE HIRED!

They are two very similar They are two very similar

sentences, but with two Tsentences, but with two

devastatingly different Tdevastatingly different

effects. When Sir Alan Teffects. When Sir Alan

REALW.MAY08.HIRED.indd 23 14/5/08 17:09:32

MThe demarcaTion lines beTween whaT consTiTuTes The worlds of sales, markeTing, and Pr may aT firsT glance seem blurry, buT even Though They are inTerdePendenT, They all have disTincT, seParaTe funcTions.

freemarkets

REALW.MAY08.SMP.indd 24 14/5/08 17:10:25

MRWFEATURE | SALES, MARKTING & PR

arketing

departments

exist to

collate and

provide

information to

help

merchandisers make informed decisions

about products. Marketeers don’t just

sit in offices, they are out there, talking

to customers and looking at press

coverage to see what it is people

actually want to buy. They gather their

information through all areas of the

media and by conducting customer

questionnaires, and are responsible for

promoting the products wherever they

can, increasing customer awareness by

offering special vouchers, and

conducting national and local

marketing campaigns.

Ken Sheridan, Managing Director of

remoteemployment.com, knows the

sector inside out, as he has worked on

aggressive marketing programmes for

such well known brands as Pepsi, Tetley

Tea, Monster Munch, and Cow & Gate

baby food. He says: ‘Marketing can be

distilled into “finding out what people

want and giving it to them at a profit to

yourself”. That hasn’t changed.

However, the Marketing product is

changing and has had to because of

what is happening in respective

markets. These days the majority of

consumers are very discerning because

they are so much more able to access

information on which to base their

decisions. They are well informed and

they have clear preferences, so

marketeers who are able to put out the

correct information, and put it in the

correct way down the right channels,

are the ones that are going to be the

most successful.’

As far as Sheridan is concerned, this

makes Marketing a vibrant and

dynamic sector to work in. ‘I don’t think

there has ever been a better time to be

a marketeer, it’s great. The entry points

into Marketing and Sales are much

more diverse than they have ever been

before. The whole construction of the

Marketing profession has been altered

by the design and communication

explosions, so whether you are in the

planning end of Marketing or the

creative end, you have much more

choice about what you actually do. It’s

a great time for young Marketeers to

be setting out.’

Apparently, within Marketing itself

there are tremendous opportunities to

move up the career ladder and also to

move sideways. As companies are on

pretty short business lifecycles,

successful graduates who are part of

growing companies move on and up

fairly fast. Companies in this area

cannot stand still so they need their

employees to move with them.

Although starting salaries for

Graduate Supervisors are around

£21,000, this can quickly rise as long as

you have the right skills. Sheridan says

not only do you need excellent

academic qualifications, but you also

need to be a great communicator.

Then there’s the extra, added

ingredient – Sheridan describes it as ‘a

personal spark of enthusiasm’: ‘Be

enthusiastic and make yourself

indispensable. If you can persuade a

company it would be hard for them to

get someone else as helpful as you are

to that company, then they are going

to try and retain you as long as possible.

You don’t need to be arrogant, but you

do need to show that you are

competitive and ambitious.’ n


MARKETING: THE NUMBERS

Total number of marketing and sales managers: 494,334Part time: 32,635Source: ONS April-June 2007

Paul Martin

Age: 39University and degree: Part-time Masters in Strategic Charity Marketing and Fundraising

at Cass Business School, LondonTitle: Chief Executive of the Lesbian & Gay Foundation, which provides a range of health and advice services in the North West of England

What do you actually do? I run the organisation, particularly with respect to Marketing and positioning the organisation. This includes strategic development and liaising with the public sector. In addition, I liaise with the trustees to ensure that the organisation remains fit for purpose.

Were you always intersted in this career? I got involved in the charity sector 20 years ago, when I began working with gay men around HIV issues. Eventually I founded the organisation that grew into the Lesbian & Gay Foundation – at the time, I couldn’t see anyone else addressing these issues. My work has been highly rewarding: I have invested the last 20 years in building up an organisation that is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.

How has your postgraduate study helped your career? I did a part-time Masters in Strategic Charity Marketing and Fundraising at Cass Business School, London, while continuing with my day job. This took me approximately 14 months to complete. The Masters has been a great help to my work. The staff at Cass were fantastic: part-timers got exactly the same excellent level of support as those on the full-time pathway. The course has increased my confidence, and I can now write more focused and succinct reports. I learnt a great deal of theory, which has impacted positively on our strategic thinking.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? I get to see results almost immediately from the work our fundraising team puts in. Most of all, I enjoy seeing the difference made by our staff and volunteers. Funding in this sector is very much on a short-term basis, which means you spend a great deal of time fundraising. What’s more, lesbian and gay issues are still down in the funding pecking order. This is frustrating, and means we have to lobby very hard for change.

What do you need to succeed in this sector and do you have any advice for graduates? Perseverance, resilience, confidence, and tenacity. You should be bursting with ideas.Get some experience as a volunteer – partly so you can be sure whether or not this sector is suitable for you. Once you’ve decided, stick with it. There are lots of opportunities coming up, as charities are taking Marketing much more seriously. Remember that successful charity brands are now major players. Many people have very positive associations with these brands. Some charities have also considerably expanded their online presence. All in all, there is huge potential in this sector for graduates interested in Marketing. »


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case studies | SALES, MARKETING & PR RW

‘Having to be positive and proactive are botH very enjoyable.’

age: 24degree and university: Psychology and Physiology Bsc from cardiff universityJob title: account Manager, MRa Marketing Were you always interested in Marketing/PR? No. i wasn’t really sure what it was, but everyone around me kept telling me i’d be really suited to PR. i had a friend who worked in an agency and asked her to explain to me what it involved. i quickly realised that it seemed ideal. i enjoy the creative writing and design aspects of my job, but also relish the interaction and communication with others. i can’t work without pressure and with Marketing you’re always on the go because if you’re not working to a deadline, you’re creating your next one.

What factors made you decide on your particular university/degree? When i applied for university, i had little idea what career i

»

Alice Jackson

wanted. i’d always been passionate about Psychology and found the human mind and its characteristics fascinating. (i also found it fascinating that it could actually be taught to people and turned into statistics!) But because i wasn’t certain about careers i chose joint honours with Physiology, as human biology was another passion of mine. Having completed my degree, i am glad i chose to do subjects that interested me and i very much enjoyed university. can you describe exactly what you do? i am an account Manager responsible for several clients’ PR and marketing activities. My main role is to coordinate the writing of articles, letters, and press releases in trade magazines and direct mail campaigns and newsletters to the trade. i also work closely with our in-house creative team to develop effective advertising campaigns, direct mails, and websites for clients. Other parts of my job include networking and lobbying for my clients amongst editors. the company has gone through a period of change since i’ve been here, moving from being solely trade PR to doing consumer PR and creative design and Marketing. Like i say, you’re always on the go …but each aspect of the job is a lot of fun! Would you undertake further study to help your career progression? Yes. i would like to do my Marketing diploma in the next two or three years. While on-the-job experience is invaluable, i’d like to develop my universal knowledge in the field and may specialise in online viral Marketing in the future.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? Having to be positive and proactive are both very enjoyable. it’s very rewarding to see a website you’ve worked on for months go live or receive an enquiry from an advert you had the brainwave for. However, sometimes you have a lot of deadlines at the same time so you have to time plan efficiently. You have to be able to take criticism on the chin – sometimes your work and your ideas might seem great to you but your boss or client may think they’re rubbish! What do you believe you gain personally from your career? confidence – this has grown tremendously since choosing to work in Marketing. You have to approach people and appear confident in what you’re talking about all the time. at first, this was very daunting but once you’ve done it a few times, it gets more fun!

Looking for a dynamic sector that rewards taLent and hard work? hannah davies is soLd on saLes.

'A re you trying to sell

me something?’ The

suspicious tone in

which this question is

usually asked says all you need to know

about the traditional attitude towards

Sales. But if you think working in Sales is

just about cold-calling, you might well

miss out on your dream career.

Sales, in essence, is the practice of

selling goods or services. Given the

number of different saleable products in

the world, from financial services to

fireworks, paperclips to people (if you

work in recruitment, that is!), there is a

vast array of positions available for

bright graduates. Employers include

financial institutions, blue-chip

technology companies, and major

publishing houses. What’s more, sales

techniques vary between products and

companies. So whether you think you’d

prefer cultivating long-term relationships

or making quick sales, being based in an

office or taking to the road, there’s

bound to be the right role for you.

In financial terms, choosing a Sales

career might well be a shrewd move.

Starting salaries range from £17 – 22k, but

can quickly increase through commission.

Indeed, the commission-based system

used by many employers in this sector is a

huge incentive for ambitious graduates

who want tangible rewards for their hard

work. As Donna Miller, European HR

Director at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, puts it:

‘Careers in Sales allow you to determine

your income – and what’s better than

that?’ Mike Milford, Manager at Sales

and Marketing recruitment specialist BMS,

also points out the sector is likely to

survive recent predictions of global

economic instability: ‘Salespeople will

always be needed to sell products and

increase revenue.’

Still need convincing? Sales offers

graduates rapid career progression –

whether or not you ultimately decide to

stay in this sector. ‘Working in Sales gives

you the opportunity to equip yourself

with invaluable skills, such as persuasion,

communication, and negotiation skills,’


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they are interested in for them to review, and then negotiating a contract when they decide they want to licence a book. i also draw up the contracts and then see they are signed and that we invoice the advance. sometimes, when we sell a book to the usa, we make what’s called a co-edition deal, where we print the books for the us publisher. in this instance i also make sure that we have all the extra things we need from the us publisher (their cover, isBN, copyright information) and that it arrives in time for the print deadline. in addition, i deal with all the permission requests that are sent to us when someone wants to reproduce some of our material.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? it’s pretty varied. i can be writing a contract,

negotiating terms, booking a stand at a book fair, or writing sales material all in one day. i also get to set my own schedule, which is nice. in Rights there are not many hard and fast deadlines, so i don’t feel too pressurised most of the time. it’s only really in the run up to book fairs that things can get stressful. Of course, i would rather have more control over what books are produced. although it’s nice that you get to work with a wide variety of books, it’s not much fun when you have to sell books you don’t like, or worse, don’t understand. ultimately i’d like to be buying rights as well as selling them.

What strengths do you need to succeed at what you do? selling rights is all about organisation. With so many books and different foreign publishers the key is to keep on top of your workload. it’s good to be something of a salesman/negotiator as well, but there’s no real ‘hard selling’ in publishing, so you don’t necessarily need the gift of the gab. You are usually dealing with publishing directors or editors who know what they want, and will usually only offer on a book after consultation with their board. it’s more important to research the companies you’re dealing with and be good at selecting which books might interest them, so that you can target your selling.

Emile Farley

Hannah Crampton

age: 24degree and university: Ba ancient History, Bristol (2004), Ma Publishing, London college of communication university of the arts London (2006)title: Rights administrator for sPcK Publishing

What do you actually do? i manage the process of selling foreign rights to our books. this involves generating interest through emailing/mailing out sales material (catalogues etc), meeting with foreign publishers at book fairs, sending out the books

says Miller. ‘These are really important

business assets that can be used in any

career in the future.’ For example,

Milford believes that Sales can be an

excellent starting point for anyone

interested in management: ‘One of the

advantages of Sales as a career is that it

allows you to progress through an

organisation quickly,’ he says.

Sales, therefore, is the perfect

destination for high-flyers. As you would

expect, people skills are a must –

shrinking violets need not apply. ‘From a

Sales perspective, we are looking for

candidates with flexibility, a sales

aptitude, and strong communication

skills,’ says Donna Miller. Extracurricular

activities can provide vital CV points for

aspiring super-salespeople: ‘We like to

see candidates that have had some

work experience as well as participated

on their campus in clubs and

organisations,’ she says. Organisations

such as the Institute of Sales and

Marketing can provide advice on Sales

qualifications and training, but Miller

recommends gaining real world

experience first: ‘I strongly believe that

further study is mostly beneficial after

some initial professional experience.’ n

What piece of advice would you give graduates coming into this sector?Get work experience. as well as helping your chances of actually getting a job, it will help you decide whether it actually interests you. the good thing is that jobs in Rights are (marginally) easier to get than editorial jobs.

‘I enjoy seeIng new HeInz products on tHe sHelf, and feel proud to be part of tHe company.’

age: 22 years old university and degree: sheffield Hallam university, Bsc Hons Food and Nutrition Job title: sales Graduate on the 2007 Heinz Graduate Programme. customer analyst on the sainsbury’s and Waitrose account team

What do you actually do? at present, i am a customer analyst working across all product categories. On a day-to-day basis, i manage the customer Marketing budget, and ensure as a team we are planning and executing relevant and effective marketing in store. this includes in store and outdoor sampling, magazine advertorials and online promotions. examples of activity i have recently booked include an outdoor sampling road show, which was used to drive trials of our new soup ranges, Farmers’ Market and soups of the World, and a brand advert in the sainsbury’s Magazine to raise awareness of additional products in the hugely popular cook at Home infant Feeding range. i also provide the National account Managers with accurate information on how categories and products are performing in sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

Were you always interested in sales as a career? i have always been interested in working in the food industry, but i was undecided about the specific area of work until i completed a one-year placement working for a large food manufacturer. Whilst at work, i decided i wanted to move into the commercial side of the business, hence my application for the Graduate sales position at Heinz.

How did you find out about this opportunity? i was carrying out some research on the Heinz website when i came across the Graduate application form.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? i enjoy seeing new Heinz products on the shelf, and feel proud to be part of the company. i also enjoy seeing the activity i organise in sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores in action and the sales it drives in store.

there are no real downsides to my job. Managing the budget is quite a time- »


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consuming task, however the work involved is necessary to ensure the budget is effectively managed and no over or under spend is missed. What skills do you need to do what you do?• Great team player with both Heinz

employees and external agencies • Willingness to work hard• Organisation skills• Numerical reasoning• Excellent communication skills

What would be your best piece of advice for people coming into this sector? Wherever possible, work in the industry whilst studying at university to understand what you truly want to do and are passionate about. My degree was a sandwich course, so i worked in industry for a year and this proved invaluable for both my final year at university and my career progression following graduation. a sandwich course enables you to explore career options in a safe environment, which you will not

experience at any other time in your career. i also completed a month’s voluntary work at a nutrition company during the summer break, which taught me about the areas i wanted to specialise in in the future.

Would you like to add anything? i would highly recommend joining Heinz. Although it is hard work, i have fun and smile every day at work.

Screen legend lauren Bacall once Said: ‘in Hollywood, an equitaBle divorce Settlement meanS eacH party getting fifty per cent of tHe puBlicity.’ in a world wHere reputation iS everytHing, puBlic relationS (pr) can Have a very real impact on BuSineSS. HannaH davieS findS out more.

R is all about

communication. The

industry is concerned with

getting the word out about

goods, services, organisations or people.

As Joanna Trezise, Associate Director of

Fishburn Hedges PR agency, puts it: ‘The

role of the PR adviser is to ensure that the

message and means of its delivery have

the maximum impact.’ PRs work either on

a consultancy basis, which means

dealing with a variety of different brands,

or as part of an in-house team. Careers in

Public Relations encompass a wide

range of sectors, from City, financial, and

corporate PR to consumer, technology,

music, and film. As such, it’s difficult to

summarise exactly what a new graduate

joiner would do on a daily basis, but

typical tasks include helping to plan

campaigns, creating press releases, and

organising and attending events.

This is an exciting time for the PR

industry. While PRs are most often

associated with the traditional print

media, Trezise highlights ‘the constant

evolution in how audiences want to be

communicated with’, from social

networking sites to mobile phone updates;

creative thinking is key. Such a fast-

moving sector offers considerable scope

for bright graduates: ‘You are never

bored. There is always an opportunity to

think deeply and be challenged,’ says

Trezise. The starting salaries may not be

great – around £18,000 in London and

£12,000 elsewhere – but as Ann Mealor,

Deputy Director-General of the Chartered

Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), points

out: ‘Career prospects are good and

there are opportunities to progress quickly

if you are talented and committed to your

professional development.’

Indeed, the industry regularly ranks

among the five most popular career

choices for UK graduates. Competition for

entry-level positions is intense. Your first PR

challenge is to promote yourself to

prospective employers as the best

possible candidate in a crowded field. As

you might expect, Trezise confirms that

communication skills are vital, such as ‘the

ability to read people and adjust your

communication with them accordingly,

confidence in presenting to clients and

journalists.’ But it’s not just about the gift of

the gab: the attributes of Trezise’s perfect

PR also include ‘excellent writing skills,

attention to detail, pursuit of perfection,

and the ability to grasp new subjects and

concepts quickly.’ »


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getting in:

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• Some of the larger PR firms offer graduate schemes.

• Work experience is essential.• See www.realworldmagazine.com/

jobs for the latest PR opportunities.

Paul Raeburn

Suhan Razzaque

Age: 24Degree and university: BA in Politics, Philosophy & Economics from Pembroke College, Oxford University. Job title: Associate Consultant at Fishburn Hedges PR, (joined in August 2006)

Were you always interested in PR? I had never really considered PR while at school or university. When I graduated, I looked around at all the options open to me, and wasn’t initially convinced I suited any particular career. It wasn’t until someone said to me ‘in PR, you’re paid to read newspapers’ that it dawned on me. I’d always been a big consumer of media and, once I found out more about PR, I realised the chance to earn a living through your writing, and verbal communication skills really suited me.

What factors made you decide on your particular university/degree? My two favourite subjects at school were History and Economics, and I’d always had a keen interest in Politics. Oxford had a great reputation for Politics and Economics, and although I had to do a year of Philosophy (which was tough at times) it was worth it to study the two subjects I enjoyed the most. Having a good understanding of the news agenda and the big issues of the day was part of my degree and is now a big part of my job.

Can you describe exactly what you do? I work with five clients, all with differing needs. For some, I spend a lot of time talking to journalists, trying to persuade them to write directly or indirectly about my client. The trick is to provide journalists with ideas or content that will be useful to their readers or viewers, but also positive and helpful to my client. At other times, I will be advising clients about engaging with other stakeholders, such as the government or consumer watchdogs, to build support for what they do. In and among all this, there is a lot of writing to be done, such as drafting press releases, preparing briefing documents for clients, writing proposals for new ideas, and producing copy for the articles we sometimes write for our clients.

Would you undertake further study to help your career progression? Not in the short-term. In the early years, I think you progress fastest

by doing the job, and there is no substitute for experience in handling tricky situations, which unfortunately you won’t get in a classroom.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? I like the fact you really need to have a lot of skills at your disposal. You need to be creative to come up with new ideas, but that’s only the start – you need to sell your ideas, manage your relationships with clients and journalists, and be able to deliver on what you promised at the end of it all. On top of this, the issues and challenges can be completely different from one client to another. You can be trying to engage teenagers in the morning, and then appealing to CEOs of major companies in the afternoon. The feeling of looking back at an idea that you came up with and then hearing it being discussed on the radio is very satisfying, and there aren’t too many other professions where you can really see your results so vividly.

You need to understand that your role can sometimes be in the background to others and you may not get all the glory from your good work. Clients can also be demanding of your time, and you always need to remember who’s paying the bills and be nice to them! I also have a lot of friends who work in the City and I would admit that my wages don’t compare to theirs. That’s never been too much of a problem for me, but I guess that could be annoying if you’re very motivated by money.

AGE: 25Degree and university: MSC Human Computer Interaction with Ergonomics from UCLJob title: Assistant Publicist, Premier PR (film PR)

What do you actually do? I am responsible for maintaining press cuttings files and scanning press cuttings as requested for reviews and other material relevant to Premier PR (PPR). This includes updating our publicity reports as new projects break. I also compile research for press releases and other purposes, for which I use image.net/PAPicSelect or similar online photography distribution systems. During the day I answer and respond to

telephone enquiries. Premier PR is involved with handling the press for many films from pre-production right through to post-production and until they are released, so I book preview screenings, compile invitation lists to those press screenings, and coordinate the mail-outs for invites and press materials (press kits, EPKs and audiovisual material), as well as logging in RSVPs. I then attend the press screenings and events to check-in guests and to hand out press material.

Were you always interested in film PR as a career? While I was at University I had a part-time job at my local cinema called the Stratford Picture House, where I had various roles. I was given responsibility for the PR work by liaising with head office and this is where my enthusiasm for this area developed.

How did you find out about this particular job? I saw the job advertised in The Guardian newspaper. This was for a six month internship with Premier PR via Skillset. The reason why I applied for the programme was down to Skillset’s moral value of creating equal opportunities within the media and film sectors and the great opportunities for learning while I was training. I was selected via an interview process by Charles McDonald who is one of the Chief Executives of Premier PR. After my six month contract had ended I was given a permanent job as Assistant Publicist within the company. Without Skillset I would not have been able to fulfil my dreams of working in this lucrative business of film PR.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? I like the fact my role is flexible and I get to do something different everyday. It’s really nice to meet new people on a day-to-day basis. I also get to see lots of new films! There are not many downsides to what I do. But at times, when we are extremely busy, it can get quite hectic and stressful.

What skills do you ned to succeed in this sector? You definitely need the ability to multi-task, to pitch, and to persuade. You must be extremely flexible, and a quick thinker with the ability to be spontaneous. But most of all you need to be good with people and have excellent communication skills. n



PROMOTION | WEST MIDLANDSRW

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WHAT DO OZZY OSBOURNE, LENNY

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THIS IS A GREAT AREA TO CONSIDER ONCE

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OPPORTUNITIES. BY LUCY DINSDALE, PROJECT MANAGER

GRAD-CENTRALSTAFFORDSHIRE

HEREFORDSHIRE

or a start there’s the exciting

city of Birmingham, which boasts more

attractions than you can shake a stick at.

The recent development of the Bullring

Shopping Centre, with the award-winning

Selfridges store, is a shopping experience

you’ll never forget. Wander further and

the bars of Broad Street and Brindley

Place buzz at every hour of the day and

night. A fi fteen-minute train journey away

is the National Exhibition Centre, which

hosts events to cater to every taste -- from

the annual Clothes Show Live, to the latest

pop and comedy acts.

Thanks to organisations such as

Birmingham Future, the city’s graduate

scene is also an active one. Birmingham

Future is a lobbying and networking

organisation whose aim is to represent the

vibrant community of young professionals

working in the city’s professional and

fi nancial services sector. Annually, it hosts

a Welcome to Birmingham event for

graduates new to the city. Alex Bishop,

Chairman of the organisation and a

Partner at law fi rm Shoosmiths, says: ‘There

has never been a better or more exciting

time to establish a career in Birmingham.

Whether you’re looking to work in a large

or small company, from the professional

services to the creative sector,

Birmingham has it all.” As a student city

Birmingham boasts its fair share of

chilled-out suburbs only a bus ride from

the centre. Moseley and Harborne are

popular with new graduates as they retain

a mixture of affordable housing to rent,

and great bars and restaurants.

However, the West Midlands is far more

than just the metropolis of Birmingham.

Travel a mere thirty minutes south by train or

car and the cityscape disappears to make

room for the rolling hills of Shakespeare’s

Warwickshire. Career opportunities in the

south of the region are plentiful as Lucy

Abbot, a Warwick University graduate, has

found. ‘During my degree, I lived in

Leamington Spa and absolutely loved it,’

she explains. ‘Many of my friends applied to

large blue-chip training schemes that would

take them away from the area. But I was

keen to stay there, and got my

fi rst graduate job with a creative

consultancy called Impact Innovation in

Leamington. Although the company was

small, our clients were all blue-chip

organisations such as John Lewis,

O2 and Britannia Building Society. Working

for a small company was

great as I got to be involved in every aspect

of the business – I would defi nitely

recommend it!’

The West Midlands is living proof that

graduates can put their skills to good use

in the most rural of places. After

graduating with a Law degree from

Cardiff University, Helen Turner returned to

her home in Worcestershire with the

intention of developing her career locally.

She was successful in gaining a job as an

account executive with PR consultancy

Pinstone Communications, based just over

the border in Leominster, Herefordshire.

Her experience shows graduates looking

to work in popular areas such as PR don’t

necessarily have to head for the bright

lights to realise their career ambitions.

In Staffordshire the number of

businesses totals 27,000, and opportunities

for graduates looking to work surrounded

by beautiful countryside are plentiful.

With some of the most affordable housing

around, and a location less than an hour

away from Manchester, the towns and

villages of the region’s most northerly

county are defi nitely worth considering.

Now a new service designed

specifi cally to help graduates fi nd quality

jobs in the West Midlands has been

launched. Grad-Central aims to bring

together graduate-hungry employers

from across the area, and those looking

to develop their career anywhere from

Worcester in the south, to Newcastle-

under-Lyme in the north, and all

destinations in-between.

Visit Grad-Central at www.grad-central.co.uk to register your details and

receive news of upcoming job

opportunities as they happen.»



PROMOTION | WEST MIDLANDSRW

Age: 22Degree and university: BA Journalism, Media & Broadcasting, Cardiff UniversityTitle: Client Services Assistant / Graduate for Urban Communications, Brimingham

Natalie was born in the Far East and moved to the Midlands when she was 10 years old. After studying in Wales she decided not to head off to the bright lights of London, but to return to the Midlands to pursue her career.

What do you actually do? Effectively, there are two main roles in my capacity of a client services assistant/graduate. The first is to help the Directors in handling client queries, requests or needs efficiently, and the second is to watch and learn.

The client handling often involves telephone or email correspondence to ensure clients are updated on progress and to verify if they are satisfied with our service. The role also involves assisting the two Directors in the handling of projects. They will tell me what it is that they’re looking for and through extensive researching and analysing of information I deliver the raw goods they can then mould into something that fits the clients’ needs.

What I have found is because the company I work for is a SME, there isn’t a rigid job role that I adhere to. This is mainly because there are so few of us, and so we all have to chip in and do a little extra. My role can be said to be fairly open and can change from day to day depending on the nature of each project. I find this very interesting and stimulating. It also provides me with a wider scope of experiences and exposure, as well as space to develop into a part of the team.

Why did you decide to stay in the West Midlands after graduation? A number of reasons made me decide to stay in the West

Midlands.1) It offers a vibrant and diverse community2) Everything you need and more is in the West Midlands 3) The West Midlands is undergoing massive regeneration and there are plenty of opportunities for people4) Practicality, as living costs are reasonable (especially for a graduate with debt!)5) Familiarity, because this is my first proper job I like to have my support network of friends and family close by.

What do you most like about what you do?Independency - I don’t feel like I am constantly being monitored when handling projects but that I have been entrusted with the freedom to get on with what I doGuidance – Though I have that freedom, I always feel like I have a strong guidance behind me. Whenever I am unsure, there is always someone I can turn to for helpExperience & exposure – Because the team is fairly small, I have been entrusted with a range of responsibilities that I would not necessarily have the opportunity to do if I were working within a large corporationDiversity – The range of clients and projects that the company deals with provides variety to my job role. It also provides an opportunity to meet a range of people.

Are there any downsides to living in the West Midlands? I love the West Midlands and it will always be the place I grew up. The only reason I would ever leave the West Midlands is because I do not want to fall into the trap of complacency. Because the West Midlands is my home and where the majority of my friends and family are, it is very easy for me to stay and not move on. However, I firmly believe that eventually, I will have to move away to further expand my horizons and seek out new challenges. Other than that, I cannot find any downsides to living in the West Midlands.

Natalie Chiang

Jason Norris

Lucy Abbot

Age: 24Degree and university: BA (Hons) Politics and Philosophy, University of Warwick

Lucy grew up in Cornwall and moved to the West Midlands when she went to study at Warwick University on the outskirts of Coventry. Following her first year living on campus, she moved to live in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. She works for Impact Innovation, a creative consultancy in



PROMOTION | WEST MIDLANDS RW

‘i really loved living in leamington so when the opportunity to work there came up, it was a no-brainer!’

‘living in the west midlands oFFers the perFect balance oF a proFessional working liFestyle with an active personal liFestyle.’

Age: 23University: University of Durham 2004 – 2007, BA Business HonsJob Title: Graduate Apprentice

Jason was born & brought up in Devon, but after Durham, decided to stay in the West Midlands because of the varied and interesting work that exists there.

What do you actually do? I’m going to spend one year following three diverse work placements within the professional services industry. The scheme has been developed by Birmingham Future, the young professionals networking organisation. The placements are with Deloitte in its International Tax Department, and then two SME’s: LMM which is a property management company, and 3Form, a creative design agency. The idea is to give me a wide ranging level of experience to be able to make an informed decision about my career upon completion of the scheme. As the only UK Graduate Apprentice, it also allows me fantastic exposure to the Birmingham and West Midlands Business Community, enabling me to build networks to benefit my future career.

As I do not have a set career path yet, for me the aim is to make an informed decision about where I want to head, and I can only do that by ‘trying things out’. The Graduate Apprentice role gives me the chance to work for a corporate giant in Deloitte, as well as

showing me the more personal side of a family-owned business. It enables me to compare the differences between how the two are run, and to learn about the complex relationships within SME’s. I can see how the large, corporate world would lead to a specific job role, whereas within a SME, the work is varied and job descriptions are constantly evolving.

For me, my career is about being challenged, as traditionally it is the way in which I produce my best results. For me, it’s fantastic that I can come to work on a daily business and be working on real life projects, where my input makes a real difference. Being young and a recent graduate also means that I can sometimes have a new way of looking at old problems, which can produce interesting solutions, and this opportunity to establish myself is a unique one.

Why did you decide to stay in the West Midlands after graduation? My partner is currently completing her LPC at the College of Law in Birmingham, and after she had studied at Birmingham University, we both decided

that the city was a place where we wanted to establish our careers. To us, Birmingham offers the corporate, young professional lifestyle that we both desire, but at a cost of living that we can afford. Having both grown up in Devon, the opportunities available in a thriving city are fantastic, and now living in the Jewellery Quarter, our work/life balance is fantastic, and to me, unrivalled by any other city. I am also passionate about the development of the city, and through Birmingham Future, take an active part in helping to shape the future of the city for young professionals.

How did you find out about this particular scheme? The Graduate Apprentice programme is marketed by Birmingham Future through university career’s websites. The scheme is designed for a recent graduate (within the last three years), and as such, all advertising takes place through universities and Graduate Advantage. I was fortunate enough to have access to Birmingham university’s careers website where I first found out about the position. This then enabled me to find out more about the three placements.

What do you like the most about living in the West Midlands? Living in the West Midlands offers the perfect balance of a professional working lifestyle with the opportunity to have an active personal lifestyle at the same time. With easy access to the city centre, and developed areas such as Brindley Place and the Mailbox, finding new things to do is never a problem. Birmingham’s Business Community, while compact, is fantastically diverse, and new opportunities are constantly evolving. The city is also extremely focused on development, and this is shown by the large amounts of residential and commercial building that is taking place. The city is an exciting place to be, and with fantastic links to the rest of the country, it’s easy for me to invite my friends from other regions.

Are there any donwsides to living in the West Midlands? I am some distance from my family in Devon, but ultimately they are only a phone call away. I do think that the transport links need an urgent upgrade. I believe that the development of New Street Station is vital to the local economic growth, and am delighted it has now been given the go ahead. The West Midlands can also struggle to establish its identity, it’s not quite the North, not quite the South, and therefore ends up somewhere in the middle. While the cost of living is low in comparison to London, I still believe there needs to be more affordable housing options within walking distance of the city centre. n

Leamington Spa advising companies that want to do something different in their approach to customer service.

What do you actually do? Absolutely anything and everything – that’s the great thing about it! In my role as Creative Co-ordinator, I am the main source of support for the consultants in the business. When I first started in the role, I provided creative and logistical support for client projects but I became really interested in the design side so my work has become more focused on that area. I came up with the idea of our “coffee reads” – they’re a promotional tool we use to tell companies about what we do, but they’re a bit quirky. I was really able to let my imagination run wild and developed the look and feel of them. They’re now sent out to all prospective clients, and the response has been really positive.

Why did you decide to stay in the West Midlands? I really loved living in Leamington and thought a lot about the

opportunities to work there. My friends were all prepared to move away after university to work on various blue-chip schemes but I thought working in a small company might suit me more. So when the opportunity came up at Impact, it was a no-brainer!

What do you like most about what you do? I’ve been able to see how every part of the company works, which is really interesting – I’ve learnt so much. I also get to do something different everyday! There’s a massive amount of camaraderie – you know everything that’s going on and you can be really nosey! The great thing about Impact is that they’re a small company which really values the approach a graduate brings to them. I also get to see the big company picture too, through the work that Impact does with their clients who are mainly large organisations. On a daily basis, I work with people from the likes to O2, Waitrose and Accor hotels which gives me a great view of life in a large company.


SOCIAL WORK CAN BE AN EXTREMELY REWARDING CAREER, BUT IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. AS A SOCIAL WORKER YOU BECOME AN ADVISER, ADVOCATE, LISTENER, AND COUNSELLOR TO SOME OF

THE MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN SOCIETY, OFTEN PEOPLE WITH

PHYSICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS WHO NEED REAL,

PRACTICAL SUPPORT.

SOCIAL WORKSOCIAL WORK CAN BE AN SOCIAL WORK CAN BE AN SOCIAL WORKEXTREMELY REWARDING CAREER, EXTREMELY REWARDING CAREER, EXTREMELY REWARDING CAREER, EXTREMELY REWARDING CAREER, BUT IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. AS A BUT IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. AS A

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REALW.MAY08.SOCIAL.indd 38 14/5/08 17:16:02

ocial Workers help

them to live more

successfully within

their local

communities by

enabling them to fi nd

solutions to their problems. However, it

can be mentally harrowing when their

physical or emotional sufferings seem

insurmountable. You need to be

mentally resilient yourself in order to

cope. But, when you know you have

made a tangible difference to your

clients’ lives, it can be very satisfying. It

can also offer a decent living wage, with

newly trained Social Workers earning

around £18,000 rising to £30,000 and

above as they become more

experienced. If you are the kind of

person who likes to put as much back

into the community as you take out, and

are outgoing and sociable, then being a

Social Worker could be for you.

WHAT THEY DO, WHERE THEY WORKBecause of the many different sections of

society they work in, and variety of

people they help, Social Workers don’t

spend their lives stuck in an offi ce; for

much of the time they are out in the

community interacting with their clients.

Some work in outreach teams, making

visits to family homes where the welfare

of the children is the priority. Others work

in youth clubs, in both adult and

children’s residential homes, in respite

homes and hospices, and even in

hospitals. Also, Social Work is not just

about helping your clients; it’s about

assisting their families and friends too. For

example, Social Worker Nicky Martin

works in a hospice for terminally ill cancer

patients. Her job is to help the children,

siblings, and other relatives of these

patients come to terms with their

bereavement, both before and after the

actual death. She says: ‘Working with the

children is what I like best about what I

do. I also like working in a very supportive

team with the doctors and nurses. The

worst thing is that there is a lot of sadness

attached to my work.’ Because of this

Nicky says you have to have a positive

outlook on life and be able to balance

your work life and your private life. She

believes a sense of humour is paramount

to being a successful Social Worker as

well as having the ability to connect with »

Social workers in employment in the UK: 96,831 (Source: ONS April – June 2007)

Social Work: Degree Count of Registrations in UK Undergraduate: • Full-time College based 3633 • Employment based 131 • Part-time College based 100 • Employment based 371• Undergraduate Total 4235 Postgraduate:• Full-time College based 1187 • Employment based 41 • Part-time Employment based 7• Postgraduate Total 1235Grand Total: 5470 (Statistics for the period: 1-Apr-06 to 31-Mar-07)

SOCIAL WORKERS - THE NUMBERS

other people. ‘Above all else you have

got to have an interest in helping others.’

Social Workers operate closely with

other organisations including the police,

NHS, schools, and the probation service

in order to assess their clients’ care

requirements, to ensure they receive the

specifi c support they need. Many start

their careers with experience in Social

Care and they tend to specialise in either

adult or children’s services.

BECOMING QUALIFIEDTo become a Social Worker you must take

an honours or postgraduate degree that

involves coursework and a minimum of

200 days spent in practice settings. Social

Workers must also register with the

General Social Care Council. A high

proportion of students come to the course

as a second or third career, bringing

previous qualifi cations and a range of

work and life experience with them. This

experience may be considered in place

of formal academic qualifi cations when

assessing your eligibility. Most universities

ask for two A Levels or equivalent

qualifi cations, and experience of working

with people as a volunteer or employee in

Social Care (say in a nursing home or

youth centre). A full-time course usually

takes three years, although some

universities offer part-time courses.

For a full list of universities and colleges

who offer undergraduate and

postgraduate programmes, visit www.socialworkandcare.co.uk or www.gscc.org.uk/home/

RWFEATURE | SOCIAL CARE

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Age: 33Degree and university: BA (hons) in Social Work at London Southbank UniversityTitle: Children’s Practitioner

What do you actually do? I work for the London Borough of Hackney in the Looked After Children Service. I work with children who, for various reasons, cannot be cared for by their families. The children are in foster care or in residential care. I work as part of a small Social Work unit, which is led by a Consultant Social Worker and also comprises a Social Worker, a family therapist and a unit co-ordinator the administrative jobs that Social Workers hate. We work as a small team responsible for the care of 40 children. This way of working is new and unique to Hackney, which is what attracted me to the job. The work involves responsibility for ensuring that the children receive a good standard of care in their placements. I deal with problems that occur for the child or the carer, for instance if a child is unhappy at school. I ensure that good plans are in place for the children’s long term care.

My role in working with Looked After Children is to promote the child’s welfare and ensure that his or her needs are being met. I monitor the child’s health and educational development as well as working with other professionals and foster carers to help meet the child’s social, behavioural and emotional needs, this may include joint work with the unit’s family therapist. To enable me to do this, a big part of the role is building relationships with the children and I make regular visits to them. I also work with the children’s birth families and, where appropriate, promote, support and sometimes supervise ongoing contact between the child and their family.

As a unit of professional working with our 40 children we meet every week together to discuss the progress of our work with the children and to plan to address any potential problems for any of the children. These weekly unit meetings enable us to share our different perspectives on each child and to share the worries and responsibilities of such important work with often very vulnerable children. Although we don’t have the day-to-day care of the children, we certainly

Laura Murphy


You’re on the right pathNewly Qualified Social Workers

Schools, Children and Families Directorate

This is an exciting opportunity for you to develop

your career. We’re looking for creative and

enthusiastic individuals to take advantage of

the size, scope and variety we have to offer. Our

fully integrated service gives you the chance to

experience areas including Children’s Social Care,

Safeguarding, Adolescent Services, Strategy and

Business and Locality. What’s more, you’ll be

involved in some real innovations throughout our

services, schools and children’s centres as we

continue to work for a better quality of life for

children and young people in our community.

For an informal discussion, please contact

Sunny Beukes on 01245 436656.

Make a difference to your future too.

Application packs can be obtained by contacting

the Essex County Council recruitment line on

0844 892 0992, e-mail [email protected] or

minicom 0870 169 9734. Please quote ref: EST192D6.

For further information go to www.jobsatessex.co.uk

FULL_ads.indd 3 14/5/08 17:28:58


CASE STUDIES | SOCIAL CARE RW

‘I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING THAT MATTERED, AND WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE.’feel that we take the same sort of responsibility for decisions that parents have to take.

Why did you decide to do Social Work? I wanted to do something that mattered. I also wanted to do something that involved hands on work and would enable me to make a practical difference to children’s lives.

What do you like most about what you do and are there any downsides? I like having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Working with children is very hopeful, and often their resilience in the face of some of the terrible things they have experienced is really inspiring. I often have to travel long distances late in the day to visit children after school in different part of the country. This can be very tiring.

What skills do you believe you need to succeed at what you do? You need communication skills and the ability to communicate with both adults and children. You also need organisational skills, and you have to be a calm person under pressure, who has sensitivity, and also empathy.

What advice would you give others coming into this sector? If you are considering doing social work, get some work experience to see if you’ll like it and to see if it matches your idea of what it is. Children and adult social work is very different in my experience, so try and get some experience in both to see which you like best.

Samantha Woodall

Plejada Gugashi

Age: 24Degree and university: Robert Gordon University - BA (HONS) in Social WorkJob title: Social Worker in the Public Protection Team (Dundee City Council)

What does your work involve? My job involves working with prisoners who are subject to supervision once they have served a prison sentence. This mainly involves clients who have received long-term sentences (over four years), or clients who serve less than four years but are released on a Supervised Release Order, Extended Sentence, or have committed a sexual offence. The majority of clients in the team have been assessed as posing a high risk of harm and/or a high risk of re-conviction. The job involves working with clients to re-integrate them back into the community while undertaking relevant offence focused work in a bid to reduce their likelihood of re-offending. Risk assessment is a huge element of this work.

Were you always interested in social services as a career? When I was at High School I volunteered with the Angus Special Playscheme. The playscheme offered daily respite to parents who had children with a learning diffi culty. Volunteering showed me that I really wanted to work with people. When it came to applying for university courses I couldn’t decide between teaching and Social Work. Reading up on the required skills etc for both courses I decided I would probably enjoy the Social Work course more.

How did you get this particular job? I graduated from University in July 2006 and decided to take a month off. After this I began to look at jobs and came across one working within Criminal Justice. My fi nal placement had been within the Social Work unit at HMP Craiginches (Aberdeen) and I had really enjoyed working in the Criminal Justice sector. I applied for the job and was offered an interview. After what I thought was the worst possible interview I could have done, I received a phone call stating I had been successful in gaining a job!

What do you like most about your job? I enjoy the fact that as a result of the job I get to work with a number of organisations. I also like the fact I am constantly challenged. Although this can be diffi cult at times, I feel I have achieved something when I do something new. The job also offers a great deal of training and I enjoy this element. Part of the job involves undertaking Cognitive Behavioural work with the clients and I really enjoy doing this type of work.

Are there any downsides to your job? The job can be stressful at times. If you have a supportive team and senior this makes a massive difference to how you deal with the stress. When you are starting in any sector it can be a bit overwhelming as there is so much information to get your head around and so many articles, circulars, legislation, policies to read. However, people in your team will point you in the right direction as to the information you need to know from the start and as time progresses you will build on your knowledge of your particular sector.

What do you think are the most important skills/strengths you need to make a success of what you do? Communication is a very important skill in my job. You need to be able to have the confi dence to voice your thoughts, pass on and receive information and form a working relationship with your client. An important element of communication in my job is the ability to actively listen. Clients will tell you a great deal of information and you need to be able to pick out the important strands. By showing the client that you are listening you are helping to build a working relationship. Some of the information you hear from the clients can be diffi cult to deal with and I think being refl ective is important. You need to be aware of how the client makes you feel and how you deal with this. If you are not aware of these things it could impact negatively on your work with the client.

What would be your best piece of advice for graduates wishing to come into this sector? Firstly, when applying for a job, if you are interested then phone up the relevant person and ask questions. This will show them you are interested and they may remember this interest when it comes to interview. Secondly, when you get a job, don’t be afraid to ask questions. People who have been in the job for years tell me that they are still learning. If you don’t ask questions you run the risk of making mistakes that could have potentially serious consequences. People don’t expect you to know everything when you are newly qualifi ed so they’ll cut you some slack!

Age: 30 Degree and university: BA English and Literature, University of Tirana, AlbaniaMA Health and Social Care Policies, Middlesex University, UKJob title: Country Coordinator, The Olof Palme International Center, Offi ce Albania

What does your work involve? I work for an international Swedish organisation that believes that an active, democratic civil society, based on the needs and aspirations of people, is a basic precondition for sustainable democratic social development. My main task involves selecting local partner


Working for Europe’s largest local authority brings its challenges.That’s why we look after the people who work for us as well as thechildren, young people and families we care for.

We’re talking about the small things that can help to make a bigdifference in your career. Like listening to your ideas and giving you the freedom to put them into place. Like support and a clearreporting structure – so you can get involved in big city social workwithout getting lost. And, a whole raft of innovations to help you get onwith your job: from IT that works when you want it, to loans for a computer, a car or a bike.

To find out more about a one-in-a-million move, visitwww.birmingham.gov.uk/socialcarecareers

be one in a million

185735 BCC 297x210 RW 9/5/08 13:25 Page 1

FULL_ads.indd 5 14/5/08 17:29:16

For details of all our current vacancies log onto:www.rochdale.gov.uk

"Rochdale a 3 star Children’s Services Authority - APA 2007"

RochdaleCouncilsChildren’s Social Care

If you would like an informal chat, call Sharon Leech withinour HR Business Services team on 01706 925266, who can putyou in contact with a relevant manager.

We have excellent opportunities for social care professionals at all levelsand offer a range of benefits, including:

A generous relocation package of up to £8,000 Competitive salaries Effective workload management systems Strong practice development culture Good training and continuous professional development

opportunities Excellent admin support Work-life balance in place

The Council operates a childcare voucher scheme.

case studies | SOCIAL CARE RW

organisations in civil society in albania who have the potential to influence on poverty alleviation, development of democracy, and human rights. Moreover, i am involved in the day-to-day activities of partner organisations through monitoring their projects and offering support in the implementation of their activities. in addition, i play an important role in the process of reporting on project results and activities, for the benefit of the organisational memory and learning.

Were you always interested in social Work as a career? the interest in social Work started when i did my first voluntary job in the albanian Red cross in 1998, while i was attending university. i was involved in social welfare programs which aimed to support people with disabilities, especially the elderly and children. i felt that being involved in social Work, one has the potential to make a change and fight for social justice, and human rights. since then, i have always been

looking for job positions that involve social Work. However, as the social Work term has

evolved and become more dynamic, so has been my involvement. When i worked as a volunteer at the Red cross i was involved mainly as service provider, however, now i am more involved in social policies analysis, in social and political action, to influence social policies and development.

How did you get this particular job? (e.g. work experience, graduate scheme) i think my main credit was the experience i had working in similar programs as well as the enthusiasm and commitment shown in working in the field.

What do you like most about your job? What i like most is the potential that the organisation and its program offer in bringing real changes in the society i live in, and improving the lives of people. the feeling that i myself can contribute to improving the lives of people, and promoting the defence of human rights in my country brings a great satisfaction in me.

are there any downsides to what you do? sometimes it takes a long time to see the concrete results of the program, and other times it is hard to determine a realistic picture of one’s own contribution to social changes. However, as long as you make the best effort you can, it is most likely that you will achieve the expected results.

How has your postgraduate qualification helped your career? i think that to meet professional individual objectives, one has to inter-relate a system of both practice and theory. i had several years of working experience before deciding to take my master studies, experience which has helped me improve professionally and progress in my career. However, i felt that i was missing a thorough academic knowledge which would have helped me improve further. My master studies helped me gain a good knowledge and draw on a number of social theories and research methods to analyse situations, and facilitate societal changes. Now, i feel more confident in my work and more supportive towards local partner organisations which i work with.

What do you think are the most important skills/strengths you need to make a success of what you do? i consider that first of all it is important to love what you do and be committed to it. it is when you put you heart in work, that things become more achievable.

as related to skills/ strengths, i would mention that it is important to have experience and knowledge of the field you are working in be able to interact positively with people of different backgrounds and cultures, being those locals or internationals. My work involves building partnerships with local organisations, therefore, it is important to build a mutual trust and respect. n

‘one has the potential to make a change and fight for social justice, and human rights’


careers fair faQs

How do you get tHe most out of a careers fair? wHy sHould you go in tHe first place? real world asks tHe experts.words by HannaH davies

REALW.MAY08.FAIRS.indd 44 14/5/08 17:18:35

RWcaReeRs faiRs 2008 | overview

HoW sHould i pRepaRe?‘find out basic information, such as selection criteria and number of vacancies, from the company website; do not ask these things at the fair,’ says carr. it is highly unlikely that you will have the time or inclination to visit every employer at the fair, so find out which companies are attending and draw up a target list. ‘find out which skills your chosen employers are looking for and then ask yourself where you have shown these skills. look at your cV – what are your unique selling points [usps]?’ says carr. it is worth having a few copies of your cV to hand out if requested, but make sure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes.

WHat sHould i WeaR?‘You don’t necessarily have to wear a suit, but it pays to look presentable,’ says farrar. for recruitment-based fairs, it is best to dress as if for a first interview, whereas careers events that are mainly about imparting information will be more informal. comfortable footwear is essential, as venues can be large and the distance between different employers’ stands considerable.

HoW do i make a good impRession?‘Be aware of first impressions – not just what you’re wearing, but also what you say,’ says farrar. make sure you have thoroughly researched both the company and the available vacancy. ‘don’t be afraid to ask for contacts – take a business card and stay in touch by emailing after the fair to thank them for their time,’ advises carr.

HoW can i oVeRcome caReeRs faiR neRVes?preparation, preparation, preparation. ‘Have a little spiel you can introduce yourself with,’ suggests Hewitt. it’s also vital to devise questions in advance, so you don’t freeze when you get to the front of the queue.

WHat Happens at a caReeRs faiR?this depends on the kind of careers fair – and there are many different types. the majority are free events that take place in large venues and showcase a range of employers, from global corporations to smaller companies. some are themed, focusing on science or ethical careers, for example. some are organised by the local university careers service and these are usually, but not always, held on campus. others are organised by outside commercial organisations and are generally in city centre venues. it is important to know what kind of fair you will be attending. Jan Hewitt, fair organiser at manchester university, explains further: ‘autumn fairs tend to focus on exhibitors promoting their vacancies well in advance so that students can make informed decisions on whom to apply to – more of an information-gathering exercise for visitors, although companies will be eager to receive applications even at that early stage. However, the summer fairs are more immediate: at this stage it’s all about submitting your applications, making an impression, obtaining an interview, and employers may give “mini interviews” on site.’

WHY sHould i go?‘careers fairs are a good way of getting a considerable amount of information in a short space of time,’ says elspeth farrar, director of imperial college london’s careers service. You can learn a lot about the company culture: ‘lots of companies will send recent graduate employees along with the Human Resources staff, so this is your chance to get information you wouldn’t normally find in the glossy brochures,’ farrar explains. depending on the type of fair, you might also be able to improve your job prospects. ‘some employers are talent-spotting at fairs: they may take your email address and fast-track your application. this is your chance to do some networking,’ reveals lisa carr, advisor at Warwick careers service. meeting an employer face-to-face may give you an edge over other candidates when you come to apply. ‘attending a fair shows that you have been more proactive than just applying via the website,’ says Hewitt. careers fairs can be useful for students at any stage of their job hunt: ‘don’t just consider permanent work – many companies offer internships,’ says farrar.

and finallY...try to approach the fair with a positive mental attitude. ‘it’s important to remember that it’s a two-way process – companies are looking to make a good impression on you too,’ points out farrar. Be confident: you’re brilliant; you just have to show that.

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caReeRs faiRs 2008 | CARDIffRW

WALES

exhibitoRs: exhibitors confirmed as of 06/05/08 (for an up-to-date list, visit the event website http://www.careers.cardiff.ac.uk/events/graduate_fair/) include: abbey, accenture, the army, bDo stoy hayward LLP, capgemini UK plc, cardiff school of Nursing and Midwifery studies, cardiff University careers service, cardiff University Postgraduate office, cerner, ciMa, ciPfa, Deloitte, eaDs Ds, eDs (UK) Ltd, enterprise, enterprise Rent-a-car, ernst & Young, european employment services, explore Learning, financial services authority, fis software Limited, GDs international, Go Wales, Graduate Prospects, Grant thornton, icaeW, inexus, iPL, Logica, London & country Mortgages, Lonza biologics plc, Majestic Wine Warehouses, Mitsubishi Motors UK, MWh, National instruments, office for National statistics, open University in Wales, Qinetiq, Real World, Rhondda cynon taff county borough council, Royal air force, Royal Mail, saudi archirodon, south Wales Police, swansea University, targetJobs, teach first, teacher training Wales, training and Development agency for schools, University of bath school of Management, Welsh assembly Government and WRc Plc.

caRDiff UNiveRsitYGRaDUate RecRUitMeNtDaY

Date: WeDNesDaY 11th JUNe 2008oPeNiNG tiMes: 11:00aM–3.00PMveNUe: citY haLL, cathaYs PaRK, caRDiff cf10 3ND

the cardiff Graduate Recruitment Day is one event you can’t afford to miss this summer. a great opportunity for graduates to meet a broad range of organisations exhibiting a whole host of opportunities including graduate training programmes, full-time work, travelling abroad, setting up your own business and short-term work placements. furthermore, as well as the main exhibition, the following workshops and drop-in sessions will be taking place: employment Regs for international students 12noon-1.00pmWorking in Wales 12noon-1.00pmWhat can i do With a career in humanities 2.00pm-3.00pmcv & careers advice Drop-in 1.00pm-3.00pmcareers for Researchers Drop-in 1.00pm-3.00pm open all new graduates, free entry. for full details of the event, visit the event website www.careers.cardiff.ac.uk/graduate_fair

tRaNsPoRt: city hall is at the heart of the University and cardiff’s civic centre, a short walk from the students’ Union. for full details of how to get there, visit the event website www.careers.cardiff.ac.uk/graduate_fair

coNtact DetaiLs: employer Liaison & Marketing team, cardiff University careers service. tel: (029) 2087 4712, e-mail: [email protected]

sPeciaL eveNts: cardiff Graduate Recruitment Day is part of the New Grad Programme (Monday 2 June – tuesday 17 June), workshops and talks for new graduates. to find out more please look at the careers service summer Programme of events – available at www.cardiff.ac.uk/carsv from 19 May.

faciLities: Wheelchair access, disabled parking available in the city hall car park. if you have any specific needs, please contact us at [email protected] in advance so we can ensure that we have adequately catered for them.



caReeRs faiRs 2008 | MANChEstER RW

MaNcHesTeRGRaDUaTeRecRUiTMeNTfaiR

DaTe: WeDNesDay 11TH aND THURsDay 12TH JUNe 2008DiffeReNT eXHiBiTORs eacH DayOpeNiNG TiMes: 10:30aM – 4:00pM eacH DayVeNUe: THe aRMiTaGe ceNTRe, MOseley ROaD, fallOWfielD, MaNcHesTeR M14 6He

lisT Of eXHiBiTORs: 180 exhibitors – different ones each day so you need to attend on both days. click on the a-Z list of exhibitors for each day at www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/graduatefair (updated daily up to the event)

aNy fiNal yeaR, GRaDUaTe OR pOsTGRaDUaTe WelcOMeif you’re a new graduate/postgraduate or a graduate/postgraduate from a previous year, regardless of where you studied, you are very welcome at the Graduate fair in Manchester. some exhibitors will be looking for applicants with specific qualifications, others will have vacancies where your degree subject is irrelevant.

THe BiGGesT GRaDUaTe RecRUiTMeNT faiR iN THe UKcome along and meet over 180 different exhibitors from all over the UK with hundreds of vacancies for autumn 2008 – mostly full-time graduate jobs, but also some postgraduate course places and some volunteer positions.

Different exhibitors will be present each day – large and small companies, recruiting for both national and local vacancies in a wide variety of sectors. aTTeND ON BOTH Days TO see eVeRyONe.

TRaNspORT: The armitage centre is just south of the city centre, within easy reach of the motorway network and railway stations. There is free parking around the centre. it is also on a bus route from Manchester city centre and a free bus to the fair leaves piccadilly Train station every 20 minutes from 9.30am until 3pm, picking up at the bus stop next to the taxi rank on fairfield street, beside the station.

for detailed information, please see the website: www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/graduatefair click on “How to Get There” for a map and travel directions.

special eVeNTs: in addition to meeting with over 180 exhibitors, you can also:•�Get free expert advice from a team of professional career

consultants who will be providing individual one-to-one help.•�attend the free seminars on applications, interviews and assessment

centres to help you succeed in your job search.

Remember there are different exhibitors each day

faciliTies: adjacent free car parking, Disabled access, Refreshments on sale at the firs pavilion (adjacent to the armitage centre), free

entry and free fair catalogue for all visitors on arrival, free transport from piccadilly Train station.

cONTacT DeTails:www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/graduatefairTel 0161 275 2828, eaill: [email protected]

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FAIRRECRUITMENT

THEGRADUATE



caReeRs faiRs 2008 | NEWCAstLERW

neWcastleGRaDUateRecRUitMentfaiR

Date: MonDay 9tH JUne 2008openinG tiMes: 10.30aM – 2.30pMVenUe: neWcastle UniteD st JaMes’ paRk

exHibitoRs: abbey, acca, accenture, advanced engineering solutions limited, aggregate industries Uk ltd, aldi stores ltd, assystem Uk ltd, belzona polymerics ltd, bradford University school of Management, cargill, charles River laboratories, christian aid, ciMa, cipfa, ck science, croda, cruickshanks ltd, ctc Marine projects ltd, Deloitte, Dornan engineering, Douglas & Gordon, Duco ltd, eclipse translations ltd. eDs, entrust, explore learning, frontier agriculture limited, gradcracker, graduate prospects, Graduate Recruitment bureau, graduate-jobs.com, HJ Heinz , ibM, icaeW, jjfox limited, kelly scientific Resources, launchpad to law / lawcareers.net, Majestic Wine Warehouses, Matchtech Group plc, Mcs, MDs, Milkround.com, Mott MacDonald, MWH, nepic, newcastle University, nexia solutions ltd, next, nigel Wright consultancy, northumbria University - school of law, northumbria University, parsons brinckerhoff ltd, perfect image limited, press association training, procter & Gamble, Quest business training, Real World Magazine, Robert Walters, Royal air force, Royal navy & Royal Marines, saudi archirodon, sembcorp Uk, siemens, solutions Recruitment, sRG (science Recruitment Group), studsvik Uk ltd, syngenta crop protection, targetjobs.com, tei ltd, the army, the college of law, the logic Group, the specials laboratory, the training & Development agency for schools, University of sunderland, University of teesside, Waitrose

newcastle Graduate Recruitment fair is the largest event of its kind taking place in the north east. open to new and recently qualified graduates, finalists and postgraduate students from any institution. the event attracts over 70 local and national organisations from a variety of sectors with immediate graduate jobs on offer. see website for more details about the fair and who will be there…www.careers.ncl.ac.uk/ngrf.

tRanspoRt: st James’ park boasts an easily accessible city centre location with excellent public transport links. for further detailed travel instructions, please see the ‘how to get there’ section on the event website.

facilities: on-site parking; fully accessible venue; refreshments available.

contact Details: angela smee, events co-ordinatoremail: [email protected], tel: 0191 222 7768



caReeRs faiRs 2008 | sCOtLAND RW

the summeRgRaduatefaiR inscotland

this fRee event, organised by the university of glasgow, will feature around 100 employers representing all uK job sectors. open to all graduates, students, postgraduates, pre-final students and job changers looking for permanent jobs, internships, voluntary, gap year work or postgraduate study…..or simply to gather information.

other fRee features include:•�complimentary fair guide with all the exhibitors credentials and

vacancy details • on-site careers advisers offering advice on your cV and career

questions. •�seminars hosted by a selection of fair exhibitors. topics include

‘interview skills’ and ‘a day in the life of a……..’

contact details: [email protected], tel: 0141 330 4084, Website: www.gla.ac.uk/services/careersfor directions to the fair visit: www.secc.co.uk

date: Wednesday 28th and thuRsday 29th may 2008 opening times: 28th may: 12.00pm – 7.00pm 29th may: 10.00am – 3.00pmVenue: secc, glasgoW

eXhiBitoRs: acca, agcas, aldi stores ltd, areva t & d, army, BioReliance ltd, Bnp paribas securities services, charles River, chartered institute of housing, cima, cipfa in scotland, citco, cogent sector skills council, covance laboratories, cranfield university, deloitte, department for employment and learning (ni), doosan Babcock energy, ecebs limited /trainline limited, ernst & young , europass, european patent office, eVh, explore learning, fdm group, glasgow caledonian university, gradcracker, graduate prospects, hannah-Reed, icaeW, it professional academy, lab support uK ltd, laing o’Rourke, lidl uK gmbh, majestic Wine Warehouses ltd, matchtech group plc, mds, morgan est, morgan stanley, mWh, nationwide Building society, nhs scotland, pathfinder energy services ltd, proctor & gamble, QinetiQ, Real World magazine, Royal air force, saBis - the international schools of choueifat (uae, oman, Qatar, Bahrain), scientfic staffing solutions, scottish enterprise - graduates for Business, scottish government, fresh talent, seleX galileo, siemans, simul8 coRpoRation, standard life assurance limited, strathclyde police, teach in glasgow, the herald, the scottish government statistics group, university of glasgow, university of strathclyde, uRs corporation ltd. for more information and a full exhibitor list visit: www.gla.ac.uk/services/careers/



caReeRs faiRs 2008 | xxxxRW

the summeRGRaDuatefaiR ateaRls couRt

exhibitoRs (over 100 exhibitors including): acca, accenture, alumni Plc, arcadia, atos origin, badenoch & clark, bbc, bDo stoy hayward, bloomberg, buNac, chartered institute of marketing, chartered management institute, club med, corporate executive board, Datamonitor, enteprise Rent a car, escP-eaP school of management, euromoney, fDm Group, flight centre, frontier Developments, Gallaher, Gap sports, Goldsmiths, Graduate Recruitment bureau, graduate-jobs.com ltd, hotcourses, huntress, ibm, icaeW, independent, Jobserve, Just it , latitude Global Volunteering, lorien Resourcing , logica , majestic Wine Warehouses, matchtech Group, michael Page, milkround, millward brown, mountbatten internship Programme, National audit office, Nielsen company, ocean Partnership, Pareto, Peter Dann limited, Piaggio, Prospects, Queen mary university, Raleigh international , RealWorld, Reed Graduates, Rm, Roehampton university, Royal air force, Royal Navy, second Post, 7city learning, snow challenge, softcat, sR media, sta travel, steria , sthree, targetJobs, training and Development agency for schools, thames Valley university, tNs, VDm Verlag, Waitrose, Writtle college, Zurich

Date:3RD/4th JuNe 2008oPeNiNG times:11am-4Pm both DaysVeNue:eaRls couRtloNDoN

london

sPecial eVeNts aND talks:Driving simulatorWin V festival tickets, sta travel flights, flat screen tV’s and more…how to succeed at interviewhow to write the perfect online cVhow to survive assesment centresPost Grad fundingWhat Recruiters look forexcelling at PR and marketinginsight talks into finance, consultancy, it, marketing, Retail, business Development, entrepreneurship, media and broadcastingand much more……

facilities: fRee entry, fRee event guide and exhibitors profiles, fRee seminars and workshops, fRee cv advice, WiN V festival tickets, sta travel flights a flat screen tV to Watch the olympics and much more… Disabled access and parking available. Drinks and refreashements available from the café points.

lookiNG foR a caReeR, PostGRaDuate oPtioNs, GaP yeaRs, aDVice?the summer Graduate fair at earls court is free to attend and is the largest graduate recruitment event in the south of england with over 100 exhibitors each day. the event offers 1000’s of jobs and careers, postgraduate opportunities, gap year options, free advice, seminars, workshops, and competitions. by Registering we can match you to specific exhibitors, make you eligible for interviews and enter you in competitions.

PRe-ReGisteR foR fast tRack eNtRy, iNteRVieWs aND comPetitioNswww.summergradfair.co.uk

tRaNsPoRt: earls court can easily be reached from any major train station in london. Nearets tubes are either the West brompton tube on the District line or earls court tube station (use the Warwick Road exit) on the District or Piccadilly lines. more details are available at www.summergradfair.co.uk

coNtact Details: [email protected]


KPMG’s Summer Events – all degree disciplines

You’ve thought about it for long enough.

Once you’ve made a decision it’s best to act. In fact,

it’s a relief to get on and do something. So, if you’ve been

concentrating on your exams and you’re now ready to

make some career choices, think about KPMG. We’ve still

got some places open on our Autumn 2008 programmes,

and that’s why we’re holding a number of summer events

across the country. Why not come and speak to us to find

out what we can offer you?

For more information and to register for an event, please visit

kpmgcareers.co.uk/summer

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REALW.MAY08.BACKCOVER.indd 52 15/5/08 13:37:20

May 2008

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