TARGETjobs Weekly Round-up | January 2015

Hello everyone!

I hope you have all had a good week? Happy Friday!!

Today I have a few updates and opportunities to share with you.

Let me start things off with our upcoming events...

UNDERGRADUATE OF THE YEAR

If you think you could potentially be one of the 12 Undergraduate of the year award winners this year! You may be interested to know that the deadlines for our Undergraduate of the year awards are closing nest week! With 12 fantastic awards available for the taking, and career changing opportunities with big name recruiters! (Not mentioning the money prizes that can be won!) It is worth taking the chance and entering! 

Here are the awards that you can apply for..

Male undergraduate of the year
Female undergraduate of the year
Future CFO award of the year
Engineering undergraduate of the year
Computer Science undergraduate of the year
Construction, Engineering and Design undergraduate of the year
Low Carbon Energy undergraduate of the year
Future Business Leader of the year
Mathematics, Economics and Finance undergraduate of the year
Management undergraduate of the year
Languages undergraduate of the year
Law undergraduate of the year

POSTGRAD WALES 2015

As I mentioned last week, our postgraduate fair in Wales in coming up fast. If postgraduate study is the route you want to go down, then we would like to invite you to our postgraduate fair on the 5 February in Cardiff. With over 30 postgraduate universities attending, there to answer your questions. It is the best place to be if you have any unanswered questions or worries. 

Register today to attend and get the information you need. 

We also have three more postgraduate events coming up over the next few weeks. 

Locations of postgraduate fairs:

North West: Liverpool

Yorkshire: Sheffield

Scotland: Glasgow

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now, onto our latest careers advice

DEADLINES

Are you looking for a graduate job? You will be pleased to know we have stacks of graduate job deadlines coming up. Apply now before you miss your chance.

CAREERS ADVICE

Did you know that one in four graduates land a job after work experience? Check out the latest survey that was published this week!

All investment banks and investment firms have a set of core values that underpin how they conduct their business. Find out how understanding your chosen investment employer’s core values will boost your chances of getting hired. 

Updated every Thursday, we bring you all the latest deadlines events and stories that you need while you’re considering a career in law. This weekend is your last chance to bag a vac scheme or make an application for the January  pupillage deadlines. Meanwhile, if you need topics to talk about with law recruiters, see what the Ministry of Justice is doing in Saudi Arabia, why Europe is miffed with the UK’s CCTV cameras and how a typo cost one company £8.8m. 

Other articles you may be interested in reading..

Interview Basics.. Look Smart...Think Smart..Dress Smart 

TARGETpostgrad Wales 2015 - What you need to know.

Best of luck with your applications!

Roxanne  

We caught up with Miklos ahead of his trip to Borneo!

Recently, the amount of ‘what are we going to do after we graduate’, and ‘I really want to travel before I jump into the real world’ conversations I’ve had with my friends has increased exponentially. Luckily, I have it all covered, and I believe that winning the Undergraduate of the Year Award for Commercial Excellence was the catalyst to my recent successes – I’ll tell you all about it!

Since my last blog entry, I finished up my internship with Nestlé in marketing, which was an amazing experience, as through my project I was able to deliver a new product prototype for one of the UK’s largest confectionery brands. I found the complexity of my project amazing, especially as marketing was a new area for me, while the support and the culture of Nestlé helped me develop new skills and new ways to think. Part of my award is also a sponsored trip to Borneo with Raleigh International, for which I just had my tickets booked. I’ll be undertaking a community project and an environmental project during my 7-week stay at the island. While there is a lot I have to prepare, I have never been this excited about traveling before; it will truly be a life changing experience.

Towards the end of the year, I also secured a graduate job in management consulting with a great company – I will be joining the September 2015 class of Capgemini Consulting, within their Consulting Development Community (CDC) programme in London. Having attended the UGOTY assessment centre, and the additional experience I gained through my internships gave me invaluable insight on how to tackle the obstacles.

It feels amazing to have the next year of my life already set, where many students are just beginning to think about their career after graduation, so again, I would like to take the opportunity to recommend both the Undergraduate of the Year Awards and TARGETjobs, as they have been essential to my achievements.

I also have 5 TIPS for anyone thinking about entering below, which will hopefully help you tackle this great award.

First and foremost, do the background work – on the award sponsor, the award’s stages, on how to answer the online questions, and on any possible technical queries you might get.

Know yourself – someone once told me that going to an interview should be the easiest thing in the world: you only have to talk about yourself. Combined with my pre

vious point, this should prepare you for any question

Be confident – again, my tips are building on each other, if you have done the work and know your achievements this should be easy.

Practice online tests – having talked to recruiters from various companies, they all said that one of the stages where they lose the most applicants is the online tests, as people don’t take them seriously enough.

Take that first step – what is there to lose by entering? It might be the start to your dream career, and it’s great experience either way.

There are just a few days left to enter one of these twelve great awards! 

Enter now!

Interview Basics: Look Smart.. Think Smart... Dress Smart!

Have you ever heard the saying you never get a second chance to make a first impression? 

We all know that in general life, looks are not everything. But when it comes to your job interview, they are. When you are meeting a recruiter for the first time, making a good first impression is crucial. You want the image they have of you to last! By dressing smart, you will show recruiters that you are in fact determined and professional. 

It is common knowledge that people tend to form an opinion of someone within a few seconds of meeting, so you need to make sure your appearance  works in your favour by dressing the part and presenting yourself in the best possible way.

So, we thought it would be a good idea to offer our insight to help you make the right fashion choices when deciding on your interview outfit. 

How should you dress for job interviews?

First of all, imagine what you would wear if you successfully got the job and were going to be introduced to important clients. The safest bet is a business-like dark suit, perhaps in navy or charcoal grey, with a light-coloured shirt. 

You want your interviewer to remember you, not your clothes, accessories or scent. This is not a time to experiment with bold patterns, clashing colours, hats or dramatic jewellery, unless of course you are attending an interview where your individual sense of style is a selling point. I know looking conventional can seem boring, but you want to be taken seriously and look like the business person you are. 

*Note to self: Look as clean and tidy as possible... your hair should be tidy, and piercings and tattoos should be covered up.

Different industries have slightly different dress codes, so there is no harm in asking your recruiter what the formality is so you're aware and ready. 

Interview style tips for men

Many recruiters would suggest clean shaven is the best look. However, if you're in fact sporting a beard or stubble, ensure that it is trimmed and neatly presented. You do not want to lose your chance because you have decided not to tidy your facial hair. 

The short haired look is the safest bet, make sure it is tidy and styled. However if you have long hair, tying it up so it is out of your face is most appropriate.

In terms of fashion, wear a dark smart suit and make sure your shirt is ironed. 

Interview style tips for women

Keep your makeup more natural and low key. It is not a good look to wear a face full of makeup as it does not look professional. (Try to keep your night out looks out of the work place)

Ensure that your clothes are not too revealing, no low cut tops or short skirts. I would suggest smart trousers or knee length skirts are  better suited and acceptable. 

Hair should be under control and off your face. If it is long or unruly you might want to consider putting it up. 

*Note to self: Do not fiddle with your hair during your interview, it looks unprofessional and distracting. 

I hope this helps when you're looking for the perfect interview outfit! 

By Roxanne Chand

targetjobs.co.uk 

More articles you may be interested in:

Interview types

Interview Questions

Interview Techniques

TARGETpostgrad Wales 2015

Only 10 days left to go until the Postgrad Wales fair on 5 February. I thought that it was only right to provide you with some crucial details about the event, and of course offer you some tips on what to take with you. 

If you choose to attend, make sure you get the most out of it! 

Here are TARGETpostgrad's TOP TIPS

Do your research: Make sure you know which universities are attending, see what postgraduate course they offer. 
Collect a guide: When you arrive on the day, pick up the free guide that we offer. This will not only tell you where each university is located, but also details of each seminar taking place. 
Keep an open mind: You may have your heart set on a particular university, but speak with different experts on the day to get a better understanding of each university and what they can offer you. 
Introduce yourself: Don't be shy about it, speak up about what course your are looking for and get your questions ready. 
Be Assertive: Give a firm handshake and make eye contact. Have confidence in your ability to do your chosen course. 
Make Contacts: Whether this is with other students that are attending the fair, or with the postgraduate experts attending on the day. Ask for a business card to send over any questions you may have. 

Exhibitors
With over 30 universities attending ready to answer your questions, it is an excellent opportunity to find the right university and course for you. Find out more about our exhibitors here. 
               
Seminars
We are holding seminar sessions on funding, applications and life as a postgraduate student. See more about our seminars.

If you would like to attend and haven't registered, you can pre-register here.

Date: 5 February 2015
Time: 11am - 3pm
Location: Cardiff University, Students Union
FREE TO ATTEND.

More articles you may be interested in reading
Why do postgraduate study?
Introduction to postgraduate funding in the UK
Getting the most out of a postgraduate fair
Deciding to do an MBA
What's the difference between masters and phD funding?

The 2014 Low Carbon Energy Award winner fills us in on her prize...

We caught up with Celine after her visit to Bugey Nuclear Power Station in France.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of flying out to Lyon in France to visit one of EDF’s French nuclear power stations: “La central nucleaire de Bugey”. The difference in design between French and British nuclear power stations was clear from the moment I arrived in Lyon. From the top of “La Fourviere”, Lyon’s famous basilica, a huge cloud of water vapour can be seen rising from Bugey’s four cooling towers.

Here is a picture in front of two of Bugey’s cooling towers and their water vapour plumes.

Bugey has five reactors, one going through its final decommissioning phase and four currently active. These four active reactors have two different condenser cooling water systems, one is a semi-closed cycle where the water is cooled through huge cooling towers and the other is an open cycle where the cooling water is continuously pumped from the nearby river, the Rhône.
The visit started off by a presentation of the company and the nuclear reactor technology used by EDF. We were then able to walk around the visitor centre which has many interactive information stands, various models and fuel cell replicas. After thorough safety checks, wearing extensive Personal Protective Equipment and passing through many metal detectors and control gates, the group made it onto the nuclear power station site. Our guide walked us through the different areas of the power station and pointed out a huge decommissioned turbine whose blades had been eroded by steam over its years of operation and whose biggest disc had a diameter of over 5 meters. Walking into the 30¬oC turbine hall was a pleasure given that it was mid-December. In order to exit the nuclear power station site, we had to pass through another set of gates for radiation contamination detection which were all clear.
I was very impressed by the level of safety and security of the nuclear power station and by the friendliness of the employees showing me around. I had a fantastic time visiting my second nuclear power station and look forward to my final prize: a lunch with a station director.

Could this be you next year? Enter the Low Carbon Energy Award now!

How To Get Hired Live 2015 | What you need to know

As you all may know, our How to get hired Live 2015 event is fast approaching! The biggest careers event of the year in Wembley Stadium will provide you with the best networking opportunity available. With 150 big name recruiters such as Sky, Clifford Chance, Asda and McDonald's, you have the chance to really make an impression and get a better understanding of the industry you want to enter into.

So here is what you need to know... 

Wembley Stadium

Radio One's Aled Haydn Jones is hosting the event! 

150 big name recruiters
300 Students 

Eight guest speakers

Percentage of the money made will be going to charity

Refreshments, lunch and networking drinks included

We wanted to give students the unique opportunity to sit alongside highly commendable recruiters that we work with. Offering the chance to network and gain direct advice that you can take with you and apply when job hunting. Check out our table hosts so far here. (More to be added soon)

The theme for this event is securing and making the most of your internships and placements. We have eight guest speakers providing you with their industry insight and offering their advice. Here is a sneak preview of the line up (please be aware some guest speakers are still to be confirmed)

Line up 
Enhance your soft skills - By McDonald's
How do I research and apply for internships or placements - By TARGETjobs 
The application process - TBC
How to be a great intern - By BDO
Building your personal brand -  By Bank of Ireland
Are you commercially aware - TBC
The ways in which social media can be used to help get ahead in your career - By Clifford Chance
But what if I haven't secured an internship? - By Enterprise Rent a Car

So make a start on your future and GET YOUR TICKET TODAY!

By Roxanne Chand

TARGETjobs Careers Weekly Roundup | January 2015

Hello everyone! 

I hope you have all had a productive week this week. I know many of you are either studying for your exams or are currently sitting them, so good luck with that. We hope you do yourselves proud. 

 This week I have a few updates to share with you. 

Let me start with out upcoming events..

How to get hired Live 2015

How to get hired Live 2015 is fast approaching! On the 23 February we will be heading back to Wembley Stadium to host our annual careers event. With over 150 recruiters attending, it is the perfect chance for you all to get a head start in the early stages of your budding careers. Get your ticket now!

Undergraduate of the year 2015

The deadlines for our Undergraduate of the year awards are closing in.  With 12 fantastic awards available for the taking, and career changing opportunities with big name recruiters! (Not mentioning the money prizes that can be won!) It is worth taking the chance and entering! 

Here are the awards that you can apply for..

Male undergraduate of the year
Female undergraduate of the year
Future CFO award of the year
Engineering undergraduate of the year
Computer Science undergraduate of the year
Construction, Engineering and Design undergraduate of the year
Low Carbon Energy undergraduate of the year
Future Business Leader of the year
Mathematics, Economics and Finance undergraduate of the year
Management undergraduate of the year
Languages undergraduate of the year
Law undergraduate of the year

TARGETpostgrad Wales Fair 2015

If postgraduate study is the route you want to go down, then head to our postgraduate fair on the 5 February in Cardiff. With over 30 postgraduate universities attending, there to answer your questions. It is the best place to be if you have any unanswered questions or worries. 

Register today to attend and get the information you need. 

We also have three more postgraduate events coming up over the next few weeks. 

Locations of postgraduate fairs:

North West: Liverpool

Yorkshire: Sheffield

Scotland: Glasgow

Now, onto the latest careers advice..

If you're on the hunt for a graduate job, look no further. Check out our upcoming graduate job deadlines on TARGETjobs. Get them before they go! 

Many of you will have heard that investment banking and investment management recruiters want graduates from all degree disciplines to apply. But few graduates with a non-finance degree know how to promote their academic experience in their application. Find out how you can sell your non-finance degree to increase your chances of getting hired. 

If you're a law study still looking for a Vacation Scheme with a top law firm, you're really cutting it close. But do not fret, we are here to help! Most firms deadlines end on the 31 January. Find out more here.

Get the inside buzz on big name law firms such as Bird & Bird, Clyde & Co LLP. Find out what it is like to work for these firms and know them better by reading their company profiles.

That's all from me this week! 
Best of luck with your studies and applications. 

Roxanne