March/April 2007 by Real World

www.realworldmagazine.com

CAREER ADVICE INSPIRATION + JOBS + GRAD NEWS + YOUR FUTURE +

LOVE ACTUARY

AMIT MARU GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON ACTUARIAL CAREERS p37

CLAUDIO RICHARDSON

GETS MOVING WITH LOGISTICS p48

MIND THE GAP

JADE LEWIS TALKS ABOUT HER YEAR OUT p29

p04 PAGE 15

FREE TO STUDENTS MARCH/APRIL 2007

WATCH THE

CIPFA VIDEO p21

ACCOUNT ME IN YOUR GUIDE TO A CAREER IN ACCOUNTING

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Want a career in business you can bank on? Allied Irish Bank (GB) is Britain’s Best Business Bank*. It’s official. We’ve won the Forum of Private Business Award seven times in a row. It’s fair to say we’re on top of the Business Banking world. That’s where you come in… To help us continue our unprecedented success we’re currently recruiting a Graduate intake for 2007. We have positions across the UK and in a number of challenging business areas including Corporate Banking, Risk, Finance and branch Business Banking. Here’s the thing though – we’re pretty picky. We need Graduates with at least a 2:1 and 280 UCAS points, who can demonstrate the transferable skills and experience necessary to make them a success in our business. If that’s you then the rewards are great – fantastic salary and benefits, £1K golden hello, extensive training and more. Sound good? We want the brightest and best to apply online for our ‘Graduate Opportunities 2007’ at www.aibgb.co.uk/careers. Problems applying? Call us on 0870 112 9776.

Closing Date: 2 April 2007. No agencies please.

Our business is business banking. AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. is an equal opportunities employer.

*Source: Forum of Private Business biennial surveys 1994-2006. Allied Irish Bank (GB) is a trade mark used under licence by AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.), incorporated in Northern Ireland, Registered Office 4 Queens Square, Belfast BT1 3DJ, Registered Number NI 18800. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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It’s what It’sabout about what you’ve produced you’ve produced

And howyou you And how perform perform

Make the best choice for you Graduate opportunities – all degree disciplines KPMG in the UK is one of the leading firms of business advisors, providing a huge variety of clients with audit, tax and advisory services. We pride ourselves on the depth and breadth of knowledge our talented people can offer, and so are committed to recruiting graduates from a wide range of disciplines. Once you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to excel in a rewarding and challenging environment that encourages everyone to fulfil their true potential. Find out more about our more than 20 graduate career paths and apply at

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KPMG LLP (UK) has been named the country’s ‘best big company to work for’ in the Sunday Times ‘best companies’ survey. KPMG topped the category for organisations with more than 5,000 employees.

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RE + C EM RU P ITI LO NG Y E NORS W

aPPLY ONLINe

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Photograph: stock.xchng

+ mORE JOBS + ADVICE +

list of advertisers ACCA 34 Actuarial Profession 44 Aldi 51 ( ) Allied Irish Bank GB 02 Bath Business School 45 Brunel Business School 42 Bunac 28 Charles River Laboratories 28 CHP Consulting 11 Cranfield School of Management 42 ( ) CIPFA VIDEO 21

CIPFA 40 E Financial Careers.com 44 Enterprise Rent a Car 11 Exeter Business School 43 ICAEW 36 KPMG 03 Lancaster Management School 44 Maersk 50 Nationwide 38 PricewaterhouseCoopers 52 Teeside Business School 45

RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

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EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2007

ON THE COVER



LEAD STORY 08 All change Catherine Quinn finds out what recruiters think about students who have hopped from one job to another

BRAINFOOD 12 Put to the test We look at the rise in popularity of psychometric tests 14 Things you should know Student debt is on the increase, so what can you do about it? 16 Turning the tables We put questions to a recruiter 17 Competition Win a Nintendo Wii console!

RW FEATURES 18 After an art degree Liz Stansfield dispels the myths surrounding art and design BAs 26 Pack your bags Fancy having a year out? We talk to five gap year takers  32 Financial times Accountancy’s all about maths, right? Think again  46 Get moving Is transport and logistics the best-kept secret in graduate recruitment? 

REALJOB 04 For all the latest vacancies and news of employers currently hiring graduates, turn to this invaluable guide. Also online at www.realworldmagazine.com

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO ON GRADUATION?

f not, don’t worry – you are not alone. A recent survey conducted by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) found that the number of graduates not embarking on a permanent career path straight after graduation is on the

increase. Of this group of graduates – dubbed the “hidden graduate pool” – it is thought that 33 per cent are in a temporary job not related to their chosen career. So should this be of concern to students? Should you worry if your CV ends up being a catalogue of different types of jobs? In our lead story we look at the growing phenomenon of “job-hopping”, and we reveal that undertaking a series of seemingly unrelated jobs can actually be viewed by potential recruiters as a positive thing, rather than a sign of indecision on behalf of the graduate. Perhaps you do know what you want to do once you graduate, but are thinking of taking some time out before embarking on working life. We talk to a group of graduates who share their gap year experiences with us. As always, the magazine is jam packed with case studies from recent graduates who give us an honest view of working life. This issue we get the lowdown from graduates who have chosen the transport and logistics sector and accountancy, respectively, as a career. For more case studies on a whole range of sectors, take a look at our website: www.realworldmagazine.com Finally, if you think you’ve got what it takes to be Graduate of the Year turn to page 6.

Catherine, editor catherine@realworldmagazine.com

P46 Jobs in transport and logistics

P32 Careers in accountancy

IN THE NEXT ISSUE >> Dare to care The pay might not be great, but social work could be a highly rewarding career >> Situations vacant We find out which companies have vacancies with an immediate start date

Editor Catherine Watson • Art Director Jennifer van Schoor • Designer Yang Ou • Sales Paul Wade Harmesh Sansoa • Marketing/Distribution Manager Mitul Patel • Managing Director Darius Norell Client Services Manager Marie Tasle• 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 • Email: info@realworldmagazine.com • Copyright © 2007 Cherry Publishing. Website: www.realworldmagazine.com - for job vacancies, careers advices and case studies. 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.

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have you got what it takes?

we’re looking for

outstanding

final year students

, £10 000 cash to be won GOY A4 POSTER.indd 2

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have you made the most

of your time at

university? or do you know someone who has? The Graduate of the Year competition is now in its fourth year and is run in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Moloney Search. In order to win the prestigious title all you need to do is follow these simple steps:

how do I enter?

To enter, just go to the Graduate of the Year microsite on www.realworldmagazine.com. Answer three short questions about what you’ve done at university and what you’ve learnt from your experiences (you must be a final year student).

When can I enter?

Entries open at the beginning of March and details of the deadlines can be found on our website.

What happens next?

The best entrants will have a telephone interview with one of our judges. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to London for a face-to-face interview.

or you could just nominate someone instead...

If you know someone you think deserves to be Graduate of the Year, go on to our website and fill in the nomination form (we just need their name and email address). If the person you nominate wins a prize, we will give you £50. Good luck with your entry! IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Finding the perfect job can be a case of trial and error. But what do recruiters think about students who have hopped from one job to another? Catherine Quinn finds out

all change

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LEAD STORY | JOB HOPPING

ich Hill has worked as a door-to-door

recruiters have been forced to address the traditional prejudice

salesman, a receptionist, an administrator, a PR, and an account handler. He’s

exercised towards job-hoppers, or “career butterflies”. And with good reason, say many career experts. “It depends

encountered industries including shipping,

on the industry, but job-hopping can actually be the sign of a

events, architecture, catering, and law. So does this make him a fickle fly-by-night, best

desirable member of staff,” says recruitment consultant Lindsay Cuthill of Glaswegian agency Westaff. “For some technical

left to temporary assignments? Or an ultra

positions, for example, larger companies find out about top

experienced employee with great prospects? Current thinking might put him in the latter catagory

employees by word of mouth, so talented individuals can just go where the money is. Staff are basically headhunted, so if

– an attitude that would have been virtually unthinkable only a

someone has had several different positions it’s a good sign that

few years ago. Not so long ago gaining a “job for life” was the typical

they’re in demand.” In fact, Lindsay hired a “job-hopper” of her own to work on an

graduate goal. Staff took on jobs that they expected to interest

office database at the agency. “We have someone working

them for the foreseeable future, while employers offered

here now who we sourced from her having worked for us on

promotion prospects, a generous pension, and a gold-watch on retirement. But nowadays, employers are more likely than ever

several temporary jobs after university. We had good reports from clients, and people were asking for her by name.”

to take on temporary staff, and many graduates take the opportunity to find out about different fields of work, or even just to keep their options open while they decide what vocation might suit them best.

CV BOOSTER

In Rich’s case, he felt that trying several different jobs firsthand gave him vital skills that are of use in a broad range of

Lindsay says numerous short assignments can build all manner

professions. “It would be ridiculous to assume that my having tried out a number of different professions makes me flighty,” says Rich. “If anything, a wide range of jobs makes me far more

of useful skills. The job-hopper in question was marketing graduate Sophie Parker, who had gone from little hands-on experience to working knowledge of database design in the

likely to know what I am best suited to – and able to lend expertise from a range of industries to wherever I am working.” Rich now works as a copywriter in Edinburgh – a position he

space of a few short assignments. Before her current permanent position, however, Sophie admits to some trepidation regarding the impact the duration of her contracts might have on her

feels is fine for the moment. But he emphasises that serial jobhopping can be a rewarding career path.

future employability. “I was worried how it might look on my CV,” she says, “But I really benefited from job-hopping, and I learned a lot of skills I didn’t have previously.”

“It’s traditionally been expected that you graduate, get a job

The typical graduate job-hopper of the new millennium is probably less like Rich and more like Sophie – hopping jobs out of necessity rather than choice. And perhaps unsurprisingly, students taking a stopgap job because of over-subscribed graduate recruitment schemes are on the increase. In fact the

on a graduate scheme, and spend your life working your way up the ladder until you reach £100,000 and realise you’re not fulfilled or happy,” he says. “But I think things are changing. You

number has risen so sharply that research by the Association of Graduate Recruiters has identified a “hidden graduate pool” of talent outside traditional graduate employers.

get a lot of people who have started in graduate schemes, but suddenly decide after 10 years that it’s not the life for them and they want to do something completely different. It’s not

According to its survey of more than 10,000 students, in their first year after graduation 34 per cent are employed in a temporary job not relating to their degree. And given that most

necessarily enjoyable, or even natural, to spend your whole life in the same place. Doing different jobs means you’re always faced with challenges and new things to learn.” Rich may have a point. After all, most of us could see ourselves tiring of the same old building and the same colleagues, even if the work itself was fulfilling. But what do recruiters make of staff such as these? Many companies emphasise hiring employees who show commitment to their particular organisation. So on paper at least, a wide range of different roles could suggest an employee who is unsure of their loyalties. In fact, it seems the opposite is true. With graduates being a more diverse bunch than ever, there are many talented degreeholders who prefer to move around different jobs. In addition, the movement towards more freelance staff and temporary projects has changed the market picture. The result is that many

degree students hope to be employed in a career relating to their studies, it seems likely that a fairly large proportion of the latter statistic would rather be in a permanent job.

The pursuit of happiness

valuable commodity But the good news is that, voluntary or otherwise, job-hopping can still make you more valuable to a future employer. Whether it’s building admin skills, meeting useful colleagues, or learning about a business you knew nothing about, you’ll almost certainly find the experience comes in handy in the future. Even if it’s finding out how to deal with difficult colleagues, or work through a crisis, you’ll be gaining valuable material for interviews. WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW

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LEAD story | JOB HOPPING

“

you can class temp projects with an agency as one long period of employment

”

Many graduates such as Sophie do worry, however, how to present multiple jobs on a CV. And while employers are looking more favourably at job-hoppers, you still need to bear some tips in mind when you’re being quizzed at interview about multiple assignments.

single-block assignment for the same employer. “This is perfectly legitimate,” he says. “The agency chooses to keep you on and send you out to different assignments during that period. And with most agencies they will also be paying your wages and managing any sick leave. So it’s

You might want to take particular care if your jobs are clearly of the same type or within the same sector, for example. While roaming from engineering to PR could mark you out as an

acceptable to class temporary projects with an agency as one long period of employment.” You’re also under no obligation to list every single job

employee willing to push his or her career envelope, many positions within the same field might seem more indicative of a difficult employee. So whereas the former can be easily

you’ve ever had on your CV. Many employers will ask you to explain gaps, but there’s nothing wrong with bumping a few employers off the end. You wouldn’t list your paper-round at age 11, so you don’t have to list your part-time bar job, either. Whatever your views on job-hopping, employment in the new millennium is a more flexible business than it once was. And as an employee you can choose to make this work for you in a way that might be just as rewarding as holding down one job for the foreseeable future. For serial job-hopper Rich, shorter assignments have provided him with the ideal structure to discover exactly what his perfect job might be. And many students find that a short stint in what they thought was their dream industry is an education in why they’d prefer to work elsewhere. It may not feel like it at the time, but doing a job you’re not suited to is one of the fastest ways to learn about what you do want to do and are good at. And for employers, someone who knows from experience what they’re suited to is an ideal member of staff. n

explained as a learning curve, you might want to have a more in-depth answer in mind to explain why you left one company for another that was similar. “Employers view job-hopping in a much more flexible way than they used to,” says careers expert John Lees, author of the book How To Get a Job You’ll Love. “But there are some employers with more traditional attitudes, and there are certain measures you might want to take to tone down the appearance of flitting from one job to the next.”

block party If you’ve completed several assignments for an agency, John recommends grouping all your work together as a 10 RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

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We have high hopes For Your Career. Chp.Co.uk/Careers

CHP Consulting is one of the UK’s leading management and IT consultancies to the financial markets. With offices in London, Chicago and Sydney, CHP is fast developing a global reputation. If you are a top graduate capable of becoming an expert in finance as well as the latest software technologies, we want to hear from you. Ideal candidates will be educated to degree level (2:1 or above), have achieved excellent A-Level results and possess the interpersonal skills consultancy demands. In return, we offer a starting salary of £35,000, comprehensive benefits, ongoing training and a sensible approach to the working week. No wonder CHP ranked among The Sunday Times’ Best Small Companies To Work For in 2005 and 2006 and received Best Companies Accreditation for 2007. We are now recruiting graduates for start dates throughout 2007. To apply or find out more, contact Gillian Walker, tel: 020 7588 1800, email: gillian.walker@chp.co.uk.

We are an equal opportunities employer

YES, I’D LIKE TO SPEND 10 YEARS PORING OVER SPREADSHEETS, SLOWLY LOSING MY WILL TO SUCCEED, OR TO LIVE. NO, I’D RATHER RUN MY OWN OPERATION WITHIN 2 YEARS AND BECOME AN EXPERT ON ALL ASPECTS OF BUSINESS.

Management Training Scheme Will most industry-leading companies really make the most of your talents? You’ve spent all those years at uni, so the last thing you want is to end up as an expert in photocopying and making coffee. Better make sure that’s not your fate by joining the 1,000 plus graduates who enter the Enterprise Management Training Scheme each year. We’re an international car rental company with over 440 locations across the UK, Ireland and Germany and a multi-billion pound turnover. And we’ll teach you how to run your own business in as little as two years. You’ll learn about everything from sales, marketing and customer service to operations and finance, so you can make crucial business decisions and reap the rewards. You could be promoted twice in one year. And earn in two years what could take you five elsewhere. We’re here to make the most of your potential, not let it wither and die. To apply, go to www.enterprisealive.com/rw or call 0870 850 1232.

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BF BRAINFOOD

NEWS  VIEWS  ADVICE  STRATEGIES

Put To The Test

Illustration: iStockphoto

The number of companies asking graduates to complete psychometric tests is on the increase. Real World asked a leading author about the usefulness of these tests

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ore and more employers are

choose the answers that most

using psychometric tests as a way to filter out candidates for

honestly reflect who you are. To find out more, we caught up with

a job – so much so that the number of

renowned author David Cohen, whose

interviews some companies hold has actually started to fall. So it has never

book How to Suceed in Psychometric Tests* is now in its third edition:

BOO GIV K AWA EY!

been more important to prepare well for tests to make sure you get through to that all-important interview stage. One of the reasons psychometric testing has become so popular is the

What are the most common mistakes students make when taking psychometric tests? Rushing. A lot of tests are quite simple,

FOR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT; “ ASKING WHEN PEOPLE DON’T GET JOBS THEY OFTEN THINK IT’S THEIR OWN FAULT ”

HOW TO SUCCEED IN PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS Sheldon Press, £10.99 This is a practical guide to psychometric tests, which

and people should approach them like

demonstrates how to prepare for tests

historically tests were completed using pen and paper, and then had to be

an exam. You shouldn’t rush; give yourself time to check, especially where

and perform well in team exercises. This latest edition, by experienced

scored individually by a member of staff, nowadays technology has changed all that. Typically the

you’re concerned that you haven’t put the right answer. People are often worried about tests, especially when

author David Cohen, includes sample tests and useful advice on how to succeed in tests. We have five

employer will send you a test, you will fill it in online, and you will then email it back. All the scoring is done

there’s a job riding on it. Don’t worry – tests don’t reveal any deep-seated secrets.

copies to give away.

automatically. The tests themselves can take many guises – they can assess accuracy,

What would be your main advice to someone with a test lined up?

intelligence, creativity, personality and even teamwork. Whether you can prepare for the test or not depends on its type. Tests such as verbal reasoning

Prepare for it well. Be ready to ask questions – often people feel powerless. The British Psychological Society has guidelines whereby candidates are entitled to ask for feedback. This is

become easier over time if you practise them and become familiar with the technique needed to do well

important; when people don’t get jobs they often think it’s their fault.

in them. However, when taking a personality test, rather than secondguessing what kind of answers the

How much do you think recruiters should rely on these tests? Interviews are notoriously bad at telling

company is looking for, you should

whether someone can do a job. Recruiters are influenced by endless trivial factors, such as attractiveness and tone of voice. What an interview can do is tell you if someone is entirely unsuitable. Even for a relatively simple job such as bricklaying it is difficult to predict from an interview if someone is going to be any use. Tests are not particularly better, but they do give an indication if someone has numerical or creative ability. n

Illustration: iStockphoto

advent of the internet. Whereas

*Real World has five copies of the book to give away.

CAREER, APTITUDE & SELECTION TESTS Kogan Page, £8.99 Not only does this guide give you advice on how to do well at assessment centres, it also includes an extensive range of motivation and personality questionnaires to help you to assess your strengths and weaknesses and match them to your ideal career. Real World has two copies up for grabs.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy, email your address to catherine@ realworldmagazine.com. Please state which book you would like to receive.

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BF BRAINFOOD CV BOOSTER

Work Experience Thingsyoushouldknow FINANCIAL PLANNING

While academic achievements are important, if you really want your CV to stand out you need to demonstrate you’re experienced too, as Nancy Groves reports Who would have thought that scrubbing the floors of a pub might play a part in securing your dream job after graduation? But when recruiters at a top financial services firm were deciding between two applicants with nearidentical academic records recently, the student who could talk about his experiences in bar work eventually got the position. Employers want That part-time job to hear about your experiences could make all the difference away from academia. And they expect your university experience to have generated more than a piece of paper. So why has your degree been devalued? Much of the answer is maths. “More graduates than ever before are coming through higher education,” says Sean Russell, director of the careers service at Birmingham University. “If you don’t get involved in other activities and skills development, you risk being left behind.” More than 60 per cent of university students now leave with a 2.1. And with government policy aiming to get 50 per cent of over-18year-olds into higher education, the graduate job market has never felt more crowded. Work placements, part-time jobs, student societies, sports teams and volunteering can all teach you things that your studies cannot. But you aren’t going to get that job simply by joining every society going while at uni. “Some students come in with a catalogue of societies they are members of, but when you begin to probe, that list begins to crumble,” says Tony Butler, former director at Oxford University careers service. Building up your CV is less about counting what you’ve done than making what you’ve done count, he says. For more information, pick up a copy of the Real World Guide to Work Experience at your careers service. Or read the magazine online at www.realworldmagazine.com n

Student debt is on the rise, which means it is more important than ever that you get your finances in order – and perhaps seek advice

“

TOP-UP FEES AND INCREASED LIVING COSTS ARE A STRAIN

‘investment’, behaving more as consumers of

”

higher education. “Fees have shifted the climate of the sector, and we anticipate supporting growing demands from

survey on student life has shown

students that their education, welfare

that average student debts have risen to £5,760 – a rise of 9 per

and standards of living at university offer good value.”

cent in one year.

On student finance she added: “We

In its seventh annual Student Experience Report, the survey, carried out by accommodation provider Unite

are concerned by the reported rise in levels of student debt, which concurs with our own research. And we support Unite

found that the total cost to attend university in the UK is around £13,000 a year – including costs and tuition fees. It

in calling for better financial advice. Topup fees and increased living costs are putting a huge strain on students.”

also reveals that the proportion of students in debt has grown to 75 per cent, which is an increase of 8 per cent

Meanwhile, in another survey, NatWest revealed that about 45 per cent of students take on part-time employment

from 2006. The report says that students are not being given sufficient guidance to

to meet the cost of university, working an

manage their limited income, and states that more financial planning guidance should be provided to ensure fewer students drop out of university for financial reasons. Speaking about the findings, Mark Allan, CEO of Unite, said: “Students are successfully balancing study, work and living away from home, although finances remain a critical issue.” He added: “This highlights the need for easier access to personal financial management advice across the board.” More than 1,600 students, from 20 universities from across the UK, were interviewed for the poll. Commenting on the Unite report, National Union of Students vice-president for welfare Veronica King said: “It is encouraging that the vast majority of students who were surveyed (94 per cent) said that they considered university a worthwhile investment. NUS expects however, that students will begin to demand more in return for their

average of 14 hours a week. While student jobs are, for the most part, low-paid, you are entitled to the national minimum wage. Employers have to pay you £4.45 an hour if you are aged 18-21, or £5.35 if you’re older. To take control of your expenses, experts advise students to sit down for half an hour or so and make a note of where all your money is going. By drawing up a detailed plan, you will be able to see where your biggest expenditures are, and find a way of making cutbacks. n

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WORDS OF WISDOM

OneBigQuestion I completed my law degree last year and got a third (49 per cent). I know if I do it again I can get a better grade. I do not have great GCSEs, I did GNVQ in business and finance, and I have worked at a high street bank for seven years. I am a fighter and will do anything to get what I want. At the moment I have completed book-keeping level 1/2 and am on my way to take up NVQ in AAT foundation level to improve my grade from my degree. I am interested in becoming a legal executive, but money is short at the moment as I am not in employment any more. Am I doing the right thing in taking additional courses, bearing in mind that I enjoy it? And do I have a chance in the legal field?

Real World says: Let’s not beat around the bush. A third-class degree really isn’t going

experience at the bank counts for a lot. You may find that law firms value your

to cut it with most law firms. Even if you have

commercial experience and give you the

mitigating circumstances, you have fallen a

chance to work as a paralegal, which

long way short of the 2.1 most firms look for

doesn’t require any formal qualification. You

when recruiting trainee solicitors.

can then work up to taking the Legal

As for becoming a legal executive, this requires taking further exams, which by the sound of it you can’t currently afford.

Executive Exams. To find paralegal jobs, why not take a look at: www.legalprospects.co.uk n

However, it is not all doom and gloom. Your

JOBS IN PR Fancy a career in PR? Kathryn Cozens graduated from Birmingham University with a degree in public policy, government and management. She now works for CHA, the workplace communications consultancy.

Photographs: iStockphoto

How did you find your current position? I searched on the internet for agencies that take on graduates and offer work experience, and CHA caught my eye.

What approaches did you take to get employed? PR is about communication and

presentation, so I made my CV concise and eye-catching. For my interview, I bought a new suit and put together a portfolio of my writing and experience.

What skills are needed for your line of work? Good communication skills and a “can-do” attitude will not only get you on the ladder but will also help you progress through the industry. Get involved in your student newspaper, or get a part time job that involves writing to customers.

What tips would you offer students looking for work? Be professional, creative and businesssavvy. Finally, research the industry thoroughly. n Visit CHA’s website: www.chapr.co.uk

JOBS YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF...

RAF Fighter Controller Kelly Lightowler, 26, is a fighter controller in the RAF. She joined after studying geography at Hull University. “I got to my final year at university and I was looking into the careers available to me. There was nothing on ‘civilian street’ that caught my eye. I am a keen sportswoman and I wanted to travel. Someone suggested to me the Armed Forces, and after some consideration I decided on the RAF. I had had flying lessons previously, but I hadn’t looked into the RAF seriously. I had never been in the air cadets or anything like that. “As part of my job I am on the training squadron in the bunker. I do my own control of aircraft on a day-to-day basis, where we train for ‘out-of-areaoperations’. We also train each day for QRAs – ‘quick reaction alerts’. The second and main part of my job is as an instructor. When people qualify they need to become combat-ready, which means teaching them to cope with more aircraft, QRA missions, and large exercises. “What I like most about my job is that it’s varied, challenging and it can be exciting. It can be high-pressured, but it keeps you on your toes – there is always lots of adrenalin – so I enjoy coming into the office. Plus the RAF supports all sports. I run football teams at the station and I do a lot of running as well. “I am not at all concerned about going into war zones. We train everyday here for deployed operations. On a dayto-day basis we never really do our job for real. I am going to Afghanistan in July and I am looking forward to putting my job into practice. “If you are unsure about a career on civvy street, look into the military. There are so many career options open to you. For me it was a quick process: from starting to look at RAF careers to my first day at Cranwell College was only six months.” The RAF offers university sponsorship for some potential officers. For more information, call 0845 605 5555 or visit raf.mod.uk/careers n

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26/2/07 11:03:56

BF BRAINFOOD responsibility, being on time and being

Turning The Tables

held accountable. Those are the types of things that employers want to see.

What are the biggest mistakes students make when filling out application forms?

A lot of it comes down to spelling and grammatical mistakes. Get a friend or family member to review anything you send out. I can’t tell you how many times I have received a letter addressed to me, with the name of another company. If you can’t get it right, employers will assume that’s how you will act within the company as well. Detail is essential.

What advice do you have for students with interviews lined up?

Prepare, prepare and prepare. It’s critical to know a bit about a company before showing up to your interview. You also need to work on your answers to typical questions. It’s a good idea to not only know your strengths, but to have tangible examples to back them up.

What does Enterprise Rent-ACar offer graduates that other companies don’t?

The opportunity to build a career. Most

1 2

What was your first job?

A graduate trainee with The Broadway, a department store retailer on the west coast of the US.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

office quite a bit as well – travelling to our offices throughout Europe and the US.

What key things do you look for when hiring graduates?

I love that it is diverse and that I am involved in all aspects of running the business. Everything in our business is about people, so I get pulled into things that don’t necessarily relate to HR.

We hire on sales aptitude, customer service ability, work ethic, leadership, flexibility and communication skills. Students can influence how well they perform in these by having work experience and being involved in clubs and organisations on campus.

What do you do on a typical day?

When I am in the office, I spend time catching up with emails, phone calls and meetings. I serve as a consultant to our operating groups. I work primarily on strategic issues – where the company is today from a people perspective, and where we want it to be. I am out of the

How can graduates improve their chances of being hired by a company like yours?

By marketing themselves – students have a way of downplaying their work experience. They might think not to put pub or retail experience on a CV – but all experience is valuable experience. Often it’s not what you did, but about

people don’t really want to know what they want to do when they graduate, so they join a company and figure it out. When they do figure it out in a couple of years’ time, it is often difficult to move roles or divisions within most companies. At Enterprise, since we promote solely from within, all of those options are available for everyone. Everyone starts as a graduate trainee, and where you move and in what direction is up to you.

What is the best piece of careers advice you have ever been given?

Don’t sweat the small stuff – what seems like a big deal will be nothing in 30 days. And finally:

If your house were burning down, what would be the one (inanimate) object you’d save? A picture of me and my Mom that is on my bedside table. n

Photographs: iStockphoto

Ever wanted to know what recruiters are looking for in graduates? For this issue, Donna Miller, European HR director at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, shares her wisdom

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26/2/07 10:53:24

Photographs: iStockphoto

COMPETITION

Wii’veGotone, YouWantone??

Win!

Real World is giving you a chance to win this awesome console. All you have to do is register online at www.realworldmagazine.co www.realworldmagazine.com before 30 March to be entered into our free prize draw. The Nintendo Wii console and its revolutionary motion-sensitive controller, the Wii Remote, have been designed so that anyone can enjoy games, whatever their ability or experience. The winner will receive: 1 Wii console, 1 Wii remote, 1 Nunchuk controller, and 1 Wii Sports Game.

Wii is also much more than a mere games console. With the built-in Wii Channels you can surf the internet, edit

your digital photos, check the news and weather, and much more. Whether you‘re an experienced gamer, haven‘t played for years, or have never played in your life, Wii has what you‘re looking for: fun! Good luck!

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26/2/07 10:54:25

R E T F A art n a gree e d

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art degrees | Overview

Art and design degrees have long been thought of as a ‘soft option’ compared with those in other disciplines. here, Liz Stansfield dispels the myth and looks at life after a BA.

ine art, illustration, graphic design, photography – all key subjects for the next generation of artists and

hasn’t put undergraduates off. Thousands of students apply for art and design courses each year.

designers. Thousands of hard-working art students across the country are up to their Apple Macs in

Kate Peaper, a a third-year graphic design student at University College Falmouth, is annoyed at the reputation art and

work as they undertake their BA degrees. Their

design courses have. “BA degrees in art and design do have a

courses comprise a mix of academic and creative modules, in-depth critiques and tutorials as well as theoretical lectures. Art students work hard, in the hope of entering a range

large element of written work and academic work included. They are not as ‘soft’ as they are often portrayed. I work very hard.” Kate, who gained an Art Foundation qualification before

of professions after they graduate (see box overleaf).

deciding to go university, has high hopes for life after graduation.

So why do art subjects have something of a reputation for being a “soft option”? They certainly don’t make graduates

“I plan to take a year out, travel, earn some money and then go on to do a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) to

less employable than others. “In the late 1990s it was suggested

enable me to teach art and design at secondary-school level.”

that British art and design graduates were less employable in the short term than general graduates,” says Jon Christie,

The PGCE is as popular with art and design students as with graduates in other disciplines. And now they can get financial

careers adviser at University College Falmouth. “However, since

help. All UK and EU students starting a PGCE course last

this period, art graduates have closed the gap and are now just as employable.”

September were eligible for a training bursary. The amount depends upon the age range and subject in which they are

In 1999 a survey showed that only 4.9 per cent of art and design graduates were unemployed and seeking work, highlighting how misrepresented they were in the

being trained. The salary is paid in monthly instalments for the duration of the course. For PGCE courses in art and design – as well as in early years, general primary, classics, geography and

unemployment stakes. And none of these graduates had been unemployed for the entire period between graduation and the time of the survey – which was carried out by the Centre for

history – trainees in England and Wales each receive £6,000. For many would-be teachers, it’s not the offer of a training bursary that tempts them into teaching art but the love of the

Research into Quality at the University of Central England in Birmingham and called “Destinations and Reflections”. And the idea of these degrees being “soft” options certainly

subject. Kate says: “For me it’s about art and being creative, not for the funding that I would get. By teaching others the skills to design and create, I’ll be helping to shape the next

Photograph: iStockphoto

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art degrees | case studies

generation of artists and designers.” Artist residencies are also popular, and this was the line of work that Lucy Stock, a fine art graduate from Aberystwyth, decided on. After graduating, she applied for residencies but realised she lacked the element of community experience required. So now she is acquiring that by working at a club that provides after-school care for children. She has also set up on her own as an artist by producing work and organising exhibitions. Lucy feels that studying for a fine art degree stood her in good stead for her future career. However, as with most subjects, a degree is sometimes not enough to secure a dream job after graduation. Work experience also plays a clear part. Careers adviser Jon says: “Relevant work experience is incredibly important for adding quality and colour to your CV,” It seems that the myth of art and design being a “soft” option is at last being debunked. Clearly, the work of art undergraduates is hard and testing, as this year’s final-year students are finding out, and once qualified their employability prospects are high. n Tool box Depending on the nature of your art degree there are several career options available to you. Some of the jobs you may want to consider include: • Textile designer • Make-up artist • Museum exhibition designer • Art teacher • Printmaker • Illustrator • Press photographer • Multimedia specialist • Gallery conservator For more information, take a look at the following websites: • www.artscouncil.org.uk • www.designweek.co.uk/jobs • www.designdirectory.co.uk • www.artsjobsonline.com • www.designjobs.co.uk • www.drapersonline.com • www.a-n.co.uk (Artists Information Company)

“

work experience is a must, as you will need to see if you are suited to a particular career

”

Kate Peaper Third-year BA Graphic design, University College Falmouth Why did you choose graphic design? After completing my art and design foundation and exploring different areas of art, I focused on graphic design, mainly because of the constant variety within it. No work is ever the same. What is your plan after graduation? I’m going to take a year out and travel, as well as get some work experience and undertake some volunteer work. Eventually I hope to do a PCGE and become an art teacher, either for secondary school or for art foundation courses. I want to help others realise their artistic potential and teach them the skills I have learnt through both my foundation studies and degree. Do you think art and design degrees get a bad reputation of being a soft option? I don’t agree, but I suppose it does depend on the university. I work hard for my degree, and constantly have to evolve and expand different ideas. Also, whatever the art course, there is a huge amount of academic work involved. I work as hard as any other degree student, just in different ways. What advice would you give to students in earlier years of their art course? Sort out your plans early. Visit your careers adviser and find out your grade boundaries. By doing this you can work out what you are heading for in your overall degree. Work experience is a must, as you will need to see if you are suited to a particular career. I did a placement at a large graphic design company in London last year, and I realised the career I had been planning for the past few years really wasn’t for me. That’s when I started researching other options, and came across teaching. The good thing about art courses is that they open a lot of doors. There are many options available for art graduates – you’ve just got to find the one for you.

Lucy Stock BA Fine art graduate from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth What have you done since graduating? When I finished uni I joined the print studios in Edinburgh, but could no longer afford the travel costs or time to get there. I am currently a play worker for Stow Kids’ Club, which provides after-school care for children. I got the job last February with the aim of gaining the experience required to get a place on an artist’s residency. A residency is an opportunity for an artist to develop their own practice, but usually also involves an element of community work. As the after-school club work is only a few hours five days a week, I spend the rest of my time working on my art. I am registered as self-employed and have my art in a couple of local galleries. I have also exhibited in the Fens, and my first solo exhibition is on show in Cambridgeshire. I have just set myself up a small space in which to print, as it was printmaking I specialised in at university. Did your degree in fine art provide you with the relevant experience and training needed for your chosen career? My art degree was instrumental in getting me where I am. My time at university benefited me in several ways. It provided me with the opportunity to specialise in certain areas, and so to improve my understanding of technique and process. It also gave me the much needed confidence that I could continue to use my art beyond university. Did the academic side of your degree help you in the same sort of way or was the practical side of your degree – actually experimenting with your art – more beneficial? Both academic and theoretical aspects were important and beneficial. They prepared me for a life in the arts beyond university. Compulsory modules in professional practice covered many aspects of being a professional artist, including how to approach galleries, information on residencies, websites, CVs, and listing opportunities for artists. These modules were helpful while I was selling my work and in being a self-employed artist. n

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AT THE HEART OF YOUR CAREER

12/3/07 13:12:37

CV CLINIC

THERE IS NO SINGLE RIGHT WAY TO WRITE A CV BUT THERE ARE MANY, MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO WRONG.

BEFORE... 

   THE CANDIDATE Peter Morey is a second-year student at Warwick University, studying philosophy. He is interested in a career in journalism, which at this stage means applying for competitive internships and work experience at newspapers, magazines and publishers. This will stand him in good stead for job-hunting after uni but like many first- and second-year students he’s caught in the trap of needing to show skills and experience on his application in order to secure a placement. To maximise his chances of landing some work experience, Peter needs to focus his CV and highlight skills learned, along with performing a general re-format. As Mario Lucio, of careers advisers Chromis Consulting, states: “the most important thing is to tailor your CV to each individual role. At the moment, it is difficult for an employer to see why Peter has chosen to apply for work experience in media or publishing, let alone their company.”









 

 If you are targeting a specific job-type, as Peter is, there has to be a main focus on relevant work experience. Helen Stringer, careers adviser at Warwick University, recommends separating the work experience section into two headings: ‘relevant experience’ and ‘other experience’. In Peter’s case, most of what is in the ‘positions of authority’ section can be put into ‘relevant experience’, given that his main career aspiration is in journalism and publishing. More routine or casual work, while still valuable, should be relegated to an ‘other experience’ section.

 Details on a CV should be  Helen recommends stating the dates more precisely. They should be accurate down to the month.

 This information is fairly irrelevant. Changing linen and carrying furniture are not valuable experiences in this instance. It takes up valuable space where more relevant experiences can be mentioned.

conveyed as clearly and concisely as possible. “You don’t have to write paragraphs of prose. Instead, short, snappy sentences should be used, with as many action words as possible, giving a dynamic feel,” says Helen.

* Peter’s details have been changed

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FEATURE | CV CLINIC

 This section is far too long, taking up almost a quarter of the CV. Maria points out that “having a creative and sporting hobby is great on a CV, just don’t let it overshadow experience in other relevant areas.” There is no doubt that a CV should focus on education and employment. Furthermore, this section, like the others, should consist of bullet points and short, snappy sentences rather than waffly prose.

 Much more  Peter’s name would have greater impact if highlighted in bold and put in a larger font. The same can be said for section headings. Hairlines can be used to separate sections clearly and neatly.

information should be given for this, especially as it is so relevant to Peter’s career aspirations.

 There is too much space

 The same goes for this.

 And this.

given to contact details. One address is enough, says Mario. “Your home address is best as you can have mail forwarded to you. You are more likely to be contacted by e-mail or phone.” Also, your date of birth and gender are irrelevant.

  



 Peter should consider putting a brief



mission statement here. It is not essential, but given that he is applying to a specific sector, it will give his CV a greater focus, clearly demonstrating a commitment to the sector.

 Bold text can be used to highlight job titles and core facts, to mark them out from further details. This will make the CV easier to read at a glance, which is what employers will do.

 There should be a focus here on core skills taken from the job, and a mention of any important roles assumed. The same goes for all the work experience on Peter’s CV.

 The experience in this section is great for an application for journalism or publishing. Much more can be made of it. Figures and statistics relating to the magazines Peter set up should be mentioned where they can to provide hard evidence of any success. Once again, action words should be used to convince the employer of dynamism.

 ‘Keep the word ‘I’ to a minimum on your CV’, warns Helen. ‘Use bullet points to outline what you have done. And the stated interest in philosophy and literature is unnecessary’, it is already apparent by Peter’s choice of degree.

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FEATURE | CV CLINIC

AFTER...  Peter’s name stands out a lot more, and his details take up a lot less space, allowing more space for him to demonstrate his worth. As Fiona Kent of Warwick University careers service states, “this CV looks more professional, and is easier to read. The layout is clear and it emphasises Peter’s experience and interest.”





 The mission statement gives a good sense of commitment to the industry, and highlights relevant aspects of the CV. If it does not do this; if it does not “add anything to the CV” as Fiona remarks, “don’t bother with it.” Furthermore, don’t be afraid to boast a bit, if it serves this purpose, although you will need to back it up. Try to forget modesty when it comes to CV writing, as Peter has done here.



 

 This fits much better in this section.



 Splitting ‘Experience’ into ‘Relevant experience’ and ‘Other experience’ has made the far more useful experience much more noticeable.



 This is much better. Peter’s initiative in setting up the project really shines through. The extra detail, such as including the name of the project and its budget, gives some concrete evidence of achievement.

 In the rest of this section, the detail really sells Peter’s skills, as do action words and phrases such as ‘implemented’, ‘assumed an active role’ and ‘injected some creativity’.

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FEATURE | CV CLINIC

 The bold text works

 Putting this towards

wonders for presentation. It splits the CV into further manageable chunks as well as highlighting essential information.

the end of the CV is far better; as ‘Relevant experience’ is given more priority.

 Peter is no longer simply stating brute facts about his jobs. There is a focus on skills gained and roles of responsibility, which is a vast improvement. Irrelevant material that adds nothing of value to the CV is scrapped, such as Peter’s wonderful experiences changing linen and arranging furniture.







KEY POINTS

 Shortening this section diminishes its importance, allowing more space for, and emphasis on, his really valuable experiences setting up, editing and writing for student magazines. A ‘hobbies’ section is still useful; it “sells personality” as Maria from Chromis points out, but it must be kept short and to-the-point.

When writing a CV, put yourself in the reader’s position. As Fiona Kent of Warwick University Career’s service states, “the reader is not neutral.” He/she is your prospective employer… So Fiona recommends the following: 1. Ask yourself ‘what will they consider important?’ This will require you to tailor your CV to different employers and industry sectors. 2. Always bear in mind key skills and roles that you can bring out of both work experience and education, and don’t hesitate to mention them in your CV. You should convince your employer that you have already started honing the skills required for work in their sector. 3. Never underestimate the importance of action words for a more dynamic appearance.

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26/2/07 11:01:45

Fancy boosting your CV by having a gap year? We give you some practical advice on how to make the most of the time and talk to five students about their gap year experiences

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Illustrations: iStockphoto

PACK YOUR BAGS

26/2/07 11:07:24

Illustrations: iStockphoto

GAP YEAR | OVERVIEW

it could be a sound move. Many charities are crying out for volunteers, and you could find a gap year in the UK is a worthwhile experience. See the box below for details of resources. USE YOUR HEAD PREPARE YOURSELF Making the decision to

Teaching is one of the most popular choices of gap years taken by university students – so much so that one

take a gap year is not

year often increases to more. Teaching English as a foreign

one that should be taken lightly and it should by no means be seen

language (Tefl) is a growing industry and offers a great deal of choice to would-be gap year takers.

as a “year off”. What you do during your gap year can have a real impact on your CV. Think about what you want to do after your gap year, and choose something that will build

Depending on the organisation you decide to go with, you will either be required to obtain a Tefl certificate or the company will train you itself. Often the company will pay local wages and even provide accommodation,

on the skills necessary for your chosen career.

but it is essential to verify this before you sign

Before rushing off to the student travel centre to buy your round-the-world ticket, research what

up. If you are planning to go away for more than a year and want to teach, then you

you want to do and where you want to go.

might consider working for the British Council,

There are plenty of websites dedicated to gap years (see the box below for details) and

which place graduates overseas on a permanent basis.

you will find many useful gap year books to use as a starting-point.

To get an idea of what teaching abroad involves, take a look at our case

MONEY MATTERS Deciding to take a gap year can be prohibitively expensive. But with the right

studies starting overleaf.

planning there’s no reason why a gap year should add to your student debts. In fact, it could even allow you to wipe out your loans.

Although it may seem a long way off now, you should start thinking

BACK TO REALITY

Organisations such as Wesser raise funds for charity, but provided you hit their targets they also pay extremely well. You can also obtain a grant from local funds and charities. See the box below for more details.

about what you are going to do once your gap year is over. If you are planning to apply for graduate training schemes, make sure you are aware of the deadlines. Also,

FIND YOUR STRENGTHS Deciding on what exactly you want to do during your gap year can be difficult. While it’s tempting to opt for a year

double-check dates when you might be called in for interviews: the last thing you want is to be in the Australian outback when you should be in

bumming around the Indian subcontinent, the value that will add to your CV could be very little. Before you go, decide what you want to do in the long term.

central London.

Take a look at employers’ websites, see what skills they are looking for, and decide how you could acquire those skills during a gap year. If a prospective employer is looking for evidence of teamwork, a gap year with a sporting edge would demonstrate this skill. Or if you are planning to go into a law career, spending a year working in an investment bank will give you that all-important commercial awareness.

year, make the most of the opportunities you are afforded. When it comes to job interviews, being able to demonstrate the skills you acquired during your gap year will help set you apart from fellow candidates. Remember: a gap year can truly be the time of your life.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME While spending 12 months loafing around in Thailand is obviously appealing, don’t forget you could also spend your gap year in the UK. There are thousands of projects you could get involved with, and from an economic perspective

Whatever you decide to do during your gap

ncil e British Cou orking for th w – nteers rg lu l.o ci Vo n coun Conservatio www.british sh Trust for iti Br – uk g. and jobs www.btcv.or Tefl courses rs stefl.com – ice Voluntee rv www.cactu Se ity un .uk – Comm rg .o sv .c w w e w nteers sit a gap year g – UK volu on funding www.do-it.or ey/– advice on /m om .c ar www.gapye co.uk ng-abroad. www.teachi ies urses co fl Te – ar case stud uk ts of gap ye lo www.tefl.co. – m co e. orldmagazin www.realw

RESOURCES

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26/2/07 14:34:09

Charles River Laboratories, based in Tranent near Edinburgh, partners with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to advance the drug discovery and development process, bringing drugs to market faster and more efficiently. Charles River’s 7,500 employees serve clients worldwide.

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26/2/07 19:02:10

GAP YEAR | CASE STUDY

“

I LEARNT H AGES AN OW TO WORK W ITH D I MADE SOME RE PEOPLE OF DIFFE ALLY GO R OD FRIEN ENT DS

Jade Lewis Age: 21 University: University of Wales, Bangor Degree: Psychology Gap year: Community Service Volunteers (CSV)

Photograph: Yang ou

During her gap year Jade worked at a mainstream secondary school in Ashford, Middlesex. She focused on a group of five year 11 pupils who were under-achieving for various reasons – for example, some had problems at home. Her job was to get their grades up. Jade found working with 15-year-olds challenging, but the experience was good and very rewarding, she says. What motivated you to apply? I’d just done a psychology degree and knew that I wanted to work with people. But I

”

wanted to gain some experience before I got a “proper job”. I happened to see an advert for CSV in a newspaper and I thought it sounded interesting.

made some really good friends. You also get to meet other CSV volunteers – it is really interesting to hear what they have been doing.

How did you fund the year? It’s a voluntary position, but CSV give you a small allowance. So you have a bit of money to live on, and the accommodation is provided.

What was the best bit? Working at the school I met some amazing young people. I made lots of new friends and gained some good experience. It is a worthwhile thing to do, not only for yourself, but for your employability generally. It is something good to put on your CV; you do get a lot out of it.

What are you doing now? I work at a residential school for autistic children. My role is supposed to be teaching assistant, but it is more like social care work. What did you gain from the gap year? I gained a lot of experience. I learnt how to work with people of different ages, and I

What was the worst bit? Sometimes it was difficult to live on the money allocated, but you have to budget properly. At the end of the day it is a voluntary placement, so it can be more difficult than a proper job.

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GAP YEAR | CASE STUDIES

“

I WAS WORKING FOR FOUR HOURS AND THEN HITTING THE SLOPES

”

Tom Ogden Age: 19 Gap year: Wesser

especially now I am team leader – it’s unusual to be in that position at 19.

Tom works for Wesser, which raises funds for St John Ambulance. He and his colleagues go around knocking on doors and asking people to support St John in whatever way they can, be it through funds or volunteering. Tom says Wesser is a great company to work for, even if only for a month or two. The experience teaches you a lot about yourself, he says. He has now been promoted to team leader for the Manchester area. As well as employing people such as Tom doing gap years before their degree courses, Wesser also takes on those who have already graduated. Tom says that if you’re prepared to work hard you can pay off your student debts in a couple of months. What motivated you to apply? I’ve always wanted to do some charity work. I grew up in Manchester and wanted to put something back into the community How are you funding the year? We get paid well – it is so good there’s no need to do extra work to supplement my income. What will you do after? I’ve applied to study product design at university, which will be a sandwich course, so I will get a job during my penultimate year. With the funds raised this year, and with the property development I’m doing, by the time I leave university I will be financially stable. What do you hope to gain from the gap year? I’ve already gained a lot. It is a great experience – we get to speak to everyone from millionaires to really poor people. I now know how to deal with people. It is good for my CV,

What is the best bit? I saved someone’s life. An old lady fell over and was knocked unconscious, and I had to bring her round and tend to the wound on her head. Wesser sends us on first aid training courses run by St John Ambulance. Also, knowing that 10 years after I leave Wesser, the funds I have raised will still be having an effect. And that I earn enough to stop me getting into debt. What is the worst bit? The lack of free time – you work six days a week. But I’m treating this year like a whole different lifestyle, and it’s what I was expecting. I am busy all the time.

Emma Hallington Age: 27 University: University of Stirling Degree: History Gap year: Bunac Emma spent a year with the working holiday group Bunac working in Whistler, a ski resort on the west coast of Canada. Bunac offers a range of working holidays including a summer camp counselling programme in the US and Canada; flexible work-and-travel programmes to Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and South Africa; and volunteering/teaching placements. Programmes are open to 18-year-olds and over in the UK, the US and Ireland, and last from five weeks to two years.

What motivated you to apply? After university I wasn’t ready for the real world and the nine-to-five grind. So working abroad seemed like the best option. How did you fund the year? I worked while I was away. The money wasn’t amazing, but it was enough to get by on and paid for some travelling along the way. What are you doing now? I work for Tourism Tyne & Wear, an area tourism partnership based in the north-east. My job is to promote Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside as a tourist destination. What did you gain from the gap year? It gave me independence, and also close friends who I am still in touch with. What was the best bit? The lifestyle. It doesn’t get better than rolling out of bed to go to work for four hours before hitting the slopes. What was the worst bit? Going home to the real world.

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GAP YEAR | CASE STUDIES

Pred Evans Age: 32 University: Oxford University Degree: French Gap Year: Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme On graduating, Pred went to Japan on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) programme in 1997. He was based at a junior high school in Sendai City, northeastern Japan, where he worked as an assistant language teacher. What motivated you to apply? Itchy feet, reluctance to enter a “normal job” in the UK, a desire to experience a new language after having studied French for 10 years, and an attractive package – including salary, working hours, return flights and subsidised rent. How did you fund the year? The salary was more than plenty. I was able to pay off my student loans. What are you doing now? I am country manager for the British Council in Trinidad and Tobago. What did you gain from the gap year? A Japanese wife and two-and-a-half stone around the waist. It was an amazing year in which I learnt so much about the Japanese culture, the country’s people and its language. I also learnt a lot about the UK and realised how little I knew of my home country (Wales). What was the best bit? Socialising with fellow teachers – both Japanese and other nationalities – and having a blast. Making a bit of a difference by being a foreigner in rural Japan, and telling people about the UK.

“

I LEARNT SO MUCH ABOUT JAPANESE CULTURE BUT ALSO A LOT ABOUT THE UK

”

What was the worst bit? Being unable to understand jokes in the staffroom, and unable to have an impact on teaching in a below-standard school.

Mhairi Mackay Age: 23 University: Newcastle University Degree: Geography Gap year: Madventurer/independent travel Mhairi went to Fiji with Madventurer, which runs development projects, to do netball coaching for six weeks. She then went on a safari that Madventurer offers as an option in Fiji – not a conventional safari, but an “adventure” that includes hiking and cycling. She then had a week at the end to relax and see the island. So she stayed in Fiji for nine weeks overall. She then went independently to Australia, Hawaii and San Francisco. Mhairi was attracted to Madventurer because it offers short-term opportunities, so you don’t need to go away for a whole six months or year. What motivated you to apply? It was a combination of factors. Sport and Fiji – it seemed fantastic. I always enjoyed sport at school and university. I really enjoy netball and have played throughout my life.

Madventurer wants to get everyone involved and takes on people of a variety of standards. How did you fund the year? I took a year off and worked for six months to save before I went away. What are you doing now? Postgraduate study in city development and planning at Sheffield University. What did you gain from the gap year? Independence. I did about two weeks’ travelling by myself. Also the placement and sport were an unbelievable experience. The programmes can be for anyone. In Fiji the ages of the people on the project ranged from 18 to 36. There was an ex-international rugby player from Holland, and someone who used to swim for Scotland. Others just enjoyed playing the sport. It was great to have a variety of ages and mix of characters. What was the best bit? It allows you to develop skills that you’ve already got an interest in. It was great to see other coaches in action. We were all very well looked after and the programme was really well run. What was the worst bit? We had in-house crew members to look after us, so there weren’t many major problems. I did get ill because I had not been able to adapt to the local food, so crew members got better food in. If the crew members hadn’t been there, we would have had more problems. n

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Accountancy is one of the most popular career paths for graduates, but what do accountants actually do and how do you qualify? Real world finds out 32 RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

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AN CIA Lt im es Photograph: iStockphoto

ACCOUNTANaCY | Overview

“You don’t need to be a maths genius to be an accountant,” asserts Amrit Saroya, marketing officer at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). However, that is not to say that you don’t need a head for numbers if you are considering a career in accountancy. Amrit exlpains: “Most accountants use software packages to do a lot of their

calculation. But you need to be able to interpret important information and communicate it to others who might not have the same financial knowledge.” If you are thinking about accountancy as a career, you might be surprised to know that firms consider graduates from a range of disciplines – anything from languages to business studies.

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ACCOUNTANCY | OVERVIEW

“

although the big four dominate, plenty of other firms take on graduates

”

But be warned: most of the big firms are looking for candidates with good grades, typically on target for a 2.1, although some will take on graduates with a 2.2. Depending on the size of the firm, starting salaries can be anything up to £35,000. Beyond the Big Four You would be forgiven for thinking that there are only four accountancy firms in this country: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Although these four multinationals do dominate the market, plenty of other accountancy firms take on graduates – they just don’t have the same marketing spend to be able to shout about it like the Big Four. Other large accountants include Smith & Williamson and Grant Thornton. Some public-sector institutions also offer opportunities to graduates, including the Government Actuary’s Department and, perhaps surprisingly, the Metropolitan Police. To find out more about graduates’ experiences at these four organisations, turn to our case studies overleaf. Route to qualification Many accountancy firms offer training to graduates, which will result in a qualification from one of the main professional accountancy bodies. Employers often have a structured programme, combining the practical experience required with opportunities to study for the examinations. Some companies offer excellent packages to cover the cost of studying, including tuition fees and paid study leave. It is worth checking with individual firms to find out what they offer. To see how graduates juggle study with work, take a look at our case studies. Several professional bodies regulate the training and work of accountants in the UK (see below). Generally, qualifying as an accountant will involve three years of study, exams and relevant employment. Training for professional exams is usually provided by employers. If your work and exam results are satisfactory, you can often achieve early responsibility and fast promotion. These prospects make the career a popular choice. “Accountancy is a varied and dynamic career path that is much in demand,” says ACCA’s Amrit. But she cautions students to consider their options before making their applications: “You should think carefully about all the routes available and what interests you. For example, do you want to work for a charity, a professional services firm or a retailer?" Amrit advises students to boost their CV before embarking on a career in accountancy: “A lot of employers are keen that the graduates they recruit have the right skills. So if you can, you should get out there and find some work experience. It will make you stand out against the rest when it's time to look for a job.” n

Deciphering the code Don’t know the difference between your ACCA and your CIMA? Never fear, Real World is here to demystify the acronyms:

one to specialise in the public sector. It is responsible for the education and training of professional accountants, as well as regulation.

ACA – Associate Chartered Accountant This is the qualification awarded by the ICAEW (see below). Taking three years to achieve, it is seen as being hard-going.

CTA – Chartered Tax Adviser According to the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), “A CTA is a specialist in tax who has passed the ‘gold standard’ qualification.”

ACCA – Association of Chartered Certificate Accountants It claims to be the largest and fastest-growing international accountancy body. The qualification offers flexibility.

ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales This institute is the largest professional body in Europe, with more than 125,000 members. Not to be confused with its Scottish counterpart.

CA – Chartered Accountant This is the qualification awarded by the ICAS and is considered by some to be the most prestigious. Its syllabus is tough. CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Management accountants look to the future. They analyse the performance of a business and advise on how it can develop. CIPFA – Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy This institute is reportedly one of the UK’s leading professional accountancy bodies and the only

ICAS – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland The institute trains accountants across the UK – not just Scotland. It was the world’s first professional body of accountants, receiving its Royal Charter in 1854. IOA – Institute of Actuaries The actuarial profession says: “Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of assets and liabilities – especially where long-term management and planning are critical factors.”

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26/2/07 18:35:21

ACCOUNTANCY | case studies

“

i try to do most of my studying at weekends. I do bits of reading in the week but have the weekends free

Amit Maru

”

Age: 23 Degree and university: Economics and management (2.2), London School of Economics Chartered body: Institute of Actuaries qualification Job title: Trainee actuary in the Government Actuary’s Department When did you decide to pursue a career as an actuary and why? I decided during year of one of my university studies. I chose it because it is a challenging career, but also a respectable profession worldwide. I wanted to ensure I had a career where my skills could be developed further. What did the application process for your current job involve? I sent in my CV through an agency. I had an interview with my line manager and a representative from HR, and I was then offered the job. What do you do on a typical day? Usually I am working with numbers, checking data and doing some calculations. I have to do due diligence, making sure everything is in the right order. In the summer I will become more client-focused. How do you balance your workload with your studies? I try to get most of my studying done during the weekends. I do bits of reading during the week, but I have the evenings free for myself.

Photograph: Yang Ou

What is the most rewarding part about the job? The great people; they are really nice people to work with. Also the job is interesting, the tasks you have to do and the challenges you meet.

Trainee actuary Amit Maru by the Institute of Actuaries. It can be demanding, so you need to be certain that you will put in the effort. In particular the exams can be difficult. But once you’re sure it’s the career for you, then go for it.

Jennifer Quincey

What is the worst part? The amount of regulations and government law you have to follow. It can be daunting, and takes a lot of time to understand.

Age: 24 Degree and university: BA History (2.1), University College London Chartered body: CIPFA Job title: Graduate trainee accountant currently working in the financial planning department at the London Borough of Islington. (The scheme is jointly run by the London Boroughs of Hackney & Islington and the Metropolitan Police Service)

What advice do you have for students considering a career as an actuary? They should read the information provided

When did you decide to pursue a career in accounting and why? After graduating I went travelling and then

started working for a charity in a role that was partly marketing and partly finance. I enjoyed the financial aspect, so accountancy was a logical progression. The number of career options available to accountants in the public sector, and gaining a professional qualification, also appealed to me. What did the application process for your current job involve? The first stage was to complete an application form, the next stage was to take online numerical and psychometric tests and the final stage was a panel interview. What do you do on typical day? Whether or not you have a “typical” day depends on your placement. In my current placement I don’t really have a typical day but at the moment my work involves writing narratives for the annual budget book, keeping records of the financial

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26/2/07 11:16:00

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ACCOUNTANCY | case studies

Trainee accountant Jennifer Quincey

Associate Amy Hawkins

Implications of decisions reported in the council, and reviewing Inflation cost pressures in children’s services. How do you balance your workload with your studies? The scheme provides us with day release to college, and line managers are normally sympathetic to holiday requests around the time of exams. It is hard work, especially the month or so before the exams. But it is manageable. What is the most rewarding part about the job? It is rewarding when you can apply something you have learnt on a previous placement to your current work. And the knowledge that the work – whether it be for the police or one of the local authorities – is benefiting the local community is satisfying. What is the worst part? Each placement lasts for only six months, and while this gives you breadth of experience, it can mean you do not see a piece of work through from start to finish. What advice do you have for students considering a career in accountancy? You have to be sure it is the career for you. Otherwise, the risk is that you won’t put in the time or effort required to pass the exams.

Ranée Gabrie Age: 22 Degree and university: BSc Economics (2.1) with a year in Germany, Universities of Bristol and Hanover Chartered body: ICAS Job title: Audit associate at Ernst & Young

Audit associate Ranée Gabrie What do you do on a typical day? Because I am working in audit, I am always working with a team of people. Everyone helps each other. I have been given a section that I take ownership for. How do you balance your workload with your studies? Study lasts three years. When we started we had nine weeks away at college. Then after we’d done the exams we came to the office. I won’t be going back to study for another stint until June. Within the first year I will have completed two-thirds of the exams, but to qualify I need to rack up client hours. What is the most rewarding part about the job? Probably being given so much responsibility from such an early stage and feeling really part of the audit process. And working to deadlines is exciting. What is the worst part? So far I haven’t found anything off-putting. I’ve heard January to March can be stressful, because businesses are signing off accounts. What advice do you have for students considering a career in accountancy? Find out as much as possible from careers advisers or anyone else who might have taken that path. Also, try to get an internship.

Amy Hawkins

When did you decide to pursue a career in accounting and why? In my penultimate year I was looking to do an internship and was keen to do this with one of Big Four. I had a good time on my internship.

Age: 25 Degree and university: Biological chemistry (2.1), University of Leicester Chartered body: ICAEW Job title: Associate in forensic and assurance division at PricewaterhouseCoopers

What did the application process for your current job involve? Because I had done an internship, I just had an internship assessment day. This involved a group assessment where we had to discuss a business scenario, followed by an interview. Throughout the internship we were monitored.

When did you decide to pursue a career in accounting and why? In my final year at university I thought about accountancy so I could use my numeracy skills. I wasn’t sure straight auditing would be right for me, but after doing some research I came across forensic accounting.

“

THE WORK REVOLVES AROUND GATHERING EVIDENCE BEFORE GOING TO COURT

”

What did the application process for your current job involve? There was an online application, followed by an online numeracy skills test. I then had an interview, followed by an assessment day comprising a group discussion, a partner interview, and more numeracy and logic tests. What do you do on a typical day? At the moment I am working on a large investigation. The work revolves around gathering evidence before going to court. Sometimes this involves reading through emails, searching for clues, and trying to find out who might have been involved in fraud. The work can be different week by week. How do you balance your workload with your studies? With college, we generally have main blocks of study for three or four weeks and then exams. After work, I do sometimes end up doing revision. What is the most rewarding part about the job? In forensics especially, work is based on your capabilities, which means strengths are played to. They also vary the work you’re doing at each stage of your career. And there are opportunities for leadership and management down the line.

What is the worst part? Exams have been challenging but fascinating. It is a qualification you keep for life. What advice do you have for students considering a career in accountancy? Try and get work experience. PwC offers summer internships, which are useful. You can also write in to do work shadowing.

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26/2/07 11:18:23

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STUDYING WITH CIPFA? Gaining a CCAB (Consultative Committee of Accountant Bodies) accountancy qualification like CIPFA, will open doors for you and give you the opportunity to reach the very top in management. Graduates from any discipline can apply. Those from accountancy, business or finance degrees are often exempt from certain parts of the course. The course will develop your skills in business and management as well as accounting, knowledge that is applicable to all economic sectors.

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AT THE HEART OF YOUR CAREER

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ACCOUNTANCY | CASE STUDIES

Joanne Harrison Age: 25 Degree and university: Biology (2.1), Newcastle University Chartered body: Completed CTA exams Job title: Corporate tax supervisor at Grant Thornton When did you decide to pursue a career in accounting and why? I had a gap year after uni, and during that time I decided I was interested in tax. I’d done some law work experience, and my degree was very numbers-based. Tax seemed a way of combining the legal side with numbers. What did the application process for your current job involve? There is an online application form. You then you have a telephone interview. Then you come into the office to do a group exercise and have a couple of interviews. What do you do on a typical day? I have a portfolio of about 30 clients that I deal with throughout the year. I have meetings with clients from different businesses. I also do advisory work, so my job is varied. How did you balance your workload with your studies? Pretty well. I studied maybe three evenings a week. We did courses at a training centre where we spent differing amounts of time. What is the most rewarding part about the job? It’s enjoyable and all the people are nice. It makes coming into work fun. What is the worst part? Learning to combine studying with work. If you don’t put the effort in, you won’t do well. What advice do you have for students considering a career in accountancy? Research the type of firm and the type of people you want to work with. Different accountancy firms offer different things: some work longer hours, some offer international travel, some are more friendly. If you’ve got questions, ask.

“ Coporate tax supervisor Joanne Harrison

TAX WAS A WAY TO COMBINE NUMBERS AND LAW

”

Management accountant Rob Sims

Rob Sims Degree and university: Mathematics with German (2.1), University of Durham, with exchange year at Technischen Universität Berlin Chartered body: CIMA Job title: Management accountant in product control at Citigroup When did you decide to pursue a career in management accounting and why? After attending careers fairs in the fourth year of university. I was looking for a career that would suit my numerical skills as well as develop business awareness. Working in finance and studying the CIMA qualification looked the best way to develop a sound understanding of business and also to learn key analytical skills and techniques.

Hannah Beaumont Age: 22 Degree and university: Economics (2.1), Lancaster University Chartered body: ICAEW Job title: Trainee accountant in assurance and business services at Smith and Williamson When did you decide to pursue a career in accounting and why? In my final year at university. I wanted to do the ACA qualification as I thought it would open a lot of doors. Through doing audits, I get to see lots of different firms, so I can see what I eventually want to go into. What did the application process for your current job involve? You fill out an online application form and then do some tests online, both numerical and verbal reasoning. Next there is an assessment centre with more tests and group work, plus an interview with HR. If you get through to the next stage there’s an interview with a director from the department you’re applying to.

What did the application process for your current job involve? After the initial screening, there was a full-day assessment. We were tested on our analytical and verbal reasoning skills, and sat interviews with the finance management team. We were also given the opportunity to chat to some of the finance staff to learn more about Citigroup and the finance department. It was an open, two-way process. What do you do on a typical day? There is no typical day in finance, as there are so many ongoing projects and initiatives, changing client needs, and new regulation and statutory requirements. How do you balance your workload with your studies? When I joined Citigroup, I found there was an emphasis on a work/study balance. CIMA students are well supported in time allocated for study and in resources. What is the most rewarding part? Sitting alongside a diverse mix of teams and individuals, working towards the same goal. What is the worst part? Waiting for “that email” sent on CIMA results day. Although these can be resat, there’s still the same anticipation to find out your results. What advice do you have for students considering a career in accountancy? Don't be put off if you don’t have an existing finance background. Accountants come from many different disciplines – what you learn from your studies will aid you in your job and in your understanding of business. Also, accountancy is a sound platform to build a career – it's no coincidence that so many directors and CEOs come from a finance background.

Trainee accountant Hannah Beaumont What do you do on a typical day? Most days I’m out at clients’ offices doing audit checking. I go through their accounts, making sure they're doing it all correctly. How do you balance your workload with your studies? If we are in the office but unassigned to any work, the firm will let us study during office hours. It also gives us time off to go to college, which is usually in slots of a couple of weeks. What is the most rewarding part about the job? Because we’re a medium-sized firm, we’ve got smaller clients. So when we’re auditing we get to see things from planning to completion. What is the worst part? The studying – we had four exams all together, which was a big workload. But for new graduates the exams will be split into two. What advice do you have for students considering a career in accountancy? Go to careers fairs – you get to meet trainees on schemes. Find out as much as you can about the firms. That way you will be wellinformed to fill out applications. n

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The highlights of success as an actuary Actuaries are some of the brightest people in business today, with the intellectual ability to develop a meaningful picture of the future based on past and present information. Your mathematical expertise, statistical knowledge and problem-solving skills can help financial institutions and governments evaluate the long-term financial implications of their decisions. In the process, you will enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities and immense work satisfaction in what is a well respected and very well paid profession. Although maths, statistics, engineering, science and economics degrees are favourite, any graduate with strong numerical skills can qualify as an actuary.

The full study programme usually takes between three and six years, at the end of which you will have achieved an internationally recognised and coveted qualification. Thereafter, your future really is up to you, with lots of prospects at managerial and board level in both private and public sector organisations, in the UK or indeed around the world. If you want to find out more about achieving outstanding success as an actuary, visit our website, email careers@actuaries.org.uk or contact The Actuarial Profession at Napier House, 4 Worcester Street, Oxford OX1 2AW or call 01865 268228.

www.actuaries.org.uk LUMS_112311_RealWorld_140x90_pr

With rising global rankings and a fast-growing reputation, Lancaster University Management School delivers much more than most business schools. Calling ourselves a management school highlights our commitment to developing people and their skills for every sector: private, public and not-for-profit. Our exceptional faculty is drawn from all over the world and has been at the top of UK research ratings for nearly twenty years. Yet these high-flying professors are very much down-to-earth. Their friendliness and approachability is typical of Lancasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation for being a supportive and vibrant community and will enable you to make rapid progress in your studies.

Visit the eFinancialCareers.com Student Centre for the best graduate jobs and internships, vital careers information and expert advice.

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Much more than a business school Visit www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/postgraduate

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et movin 1. Image problem Let’s cut to the chase. There’s nothing that sounds sexy about the transport and logistics industry. Even its name conjures up images

complex transport network – with tubes, buses, and trains all working together to keep the capital moving. Logistics and transport touches on almost everything we do

of Eddie Stobart lorries pounding up and down the motorways. But in truth, it is one of the best-kept secrets in the graduate

and helps to keep the country’s economy booming.

recruitment market. Logistics alone accounts for six per cent of all employment and is the UK’s fifth biggest industry. Put simply, the logistics sector keeps the country moving by getting things

3. Technologically minded Technology plays a huge part in the logistics and transport sector. A knowledge of computer software is vital. Recruiters will

from A to B – it deals with moving, handling and storing goods. Transport, on the other hand, has a much wider remit and can cover everything from ensuring trains run on time to

also often ask that graduates are numerate, so if maths is anathema to you, chances are this isn’t the career for you. The best way to find out if you are suited to this career path is

devising solutions to traffic congestion.

work experience. Many large organisations offer placements for students to get a taster for what working life is like. If you like the sound of a company, but no structured work experience scheme

2. Dynamic industry The impact the transport and logistics industry has on the economy should not be underestimated. Have you ever wondered how that New Zealand lamb makes it to the supermarket shelves? Or considered how newspapers can be delivered so quickly from the print site to your newsagent? A

is in place, try contacting the person in charge of graduate recruitment and see if you can do some work shadowing.

journey through central London will provide evidence of a

from most disciplines, companies obviously tend to recruit

4. Second degree While most recruiters will consider graduates with degrees

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LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT | Overview

While a job in the transport and logistics sector may not be at the top of every student’s wish-list, it can offer a dynamic career with excellent prospects, as Real World reports. from the pool of the 600 logistics graduates or the 250 with transport-planning degrees. Although many graduate

6. Pay cheque With median starting salaries coming in at £20,000, the sector

schemes now ask students for a 2.1, there are also many

certainly doesn’t rival those taken home by investment

opportunities for those with a 2.2. As well as your academic qualifications, employers will

bankers and other City workers. But the transport and logistics industry does offer good career progression and incentives

want to see at least some evidence that you have an interest in this sector. Recruiters are looking for people who are intelligent, can think for themselves, and above all are willing

higher up the career ladder. For example, on the Enterprise Rent-a-Car scheme, graduates can look forward to running their own section of the business in as little as two years and

to roll up their sleeves. 5. Be flexible

even taking home a percentage of the profits generated by their branch – effectively doubling or tripling their salary. So if you’re looking for a career with good promotion

To succeed in this industry you have to be ready for the long haul. In particular that means a willingness not only to be relocated anywhere in the country, but also to be prepared to

prospects and where hard work is rewarded, transport and logistics could offer you everything you need – without you ever having to get behind the wheel of a truck. To find out

work shifts. You could be asked to do unsociable hours, including weekends. Both in your application and during your interview, you really need to demonstrate commitment to the industry by indicating that you would be happy to move around and are prepared to

more, take a look at our case studies overleaf.

work the necessary hours.

Resources: www.careersinlogistics.co.uk www.skillsforlogistics.org www.ciltuk.org.uk www.goskills.org www.realworldmagazine.com

Photograph: iStockphoto

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LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT | case study

Claudio Richardson

Why did you choose a career in transport and logistics? It goes back to when I was in Italy. After I finished school I worked as a courier for SDA Express Courier, a parcel express company that also delivers parcels for FedEx in Italy. I was promoted to administrator, and became interested in in the industry. I decided to look for a logistics degree in England, and discovered Huddersfield was best for logistics. What motivated you to apply for this job in particular? I wanted a job that gave me an overview of

the whole network within one of the divisions of DHL Logistics. Describe a typical day: It depends – each week varies. In general I go to different sites and make sure the effective operations programme is successfully implemented across the technology division of the DHL Exel supply chain. If I’m in the office, I compile weekly and monthly reports and send them to my manager. What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy seeing the various operations involved and working on the company’s “continuous improvements workshops” and “divisional balance score card”. I also like interacting with everyone, from skilled operative workers to executive managers. I find it motivating and rewarding.

What is the most challenging part? Delegating jobs, making sure regulations are conformed to, and being accountable for somebody else’s job. The logistics industry is a fantastic industry to work in because you experience a lot of different issues, from property to health safety, as well as HR and operations. What advice do you have for students considering a similar career? If they are looking for a career in logistics they must be ready to be operational and have a hands-on approach. In addition, they must not be scared about working in a warehouse – they should not be looking to work in a comfy office all the time. They need to be flexible and prepared to relocate anywhere in the country. They also have to be ready to be mobile – throughout the country and also overseas.

Photograph: Yang Ou

Age: 26 Degree and university: BSc, Transport and logistics management (high 2.2), Huddersfield University Job title: Effective operations co-ordinator for DHL Exel

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Photograph: Yang Ou

LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT | case study

“

i enjoy the flexibility: i can tailor my training and development to suit my needs

”

Winnie Lau Age: 29 Degrees and universities: MEng Civil engineering (2.2), University of Bristol; MSc Sustainable management of water environment, University of Newcastle Job title: graduate engineer at the Highways Agency Why did you choose a career in transport and logistics? To start with I am interested in highways. There are links with my degrees, such as environmental issues and sustainability. I used to complain about traffic congestion, and I thought I could make a difference if I worked for the Highways Agency. What motivated you to apply for this job? It provides good opportunities for graduates. Although the Highways Agency is a public organisation, it will help me achieve a professional qualification with the Institution of Civil Engineers. Once I have passed all

the exams, I will become a chartered engineer. Describe a typical day: It differs from day to day. When I first joined the Highways Agency, I was working on major projects. Then after two or three months I moved to traffic operations. I shadow my line managers and follow them to meetings. I make site inspections to see what’s going on. I also get the chance to meet local people and landowners to explain the schemes we’re undertaking. I’ve been there only four months, but you’d be amazed how many meetings and courses I’ve attended. What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy the flexibility of the job: I can tailor my training and development to suit my needs. I also like it that you learn a lot, as the Highways Agency provides many courses. You gain transferable skills, such as how to give presentations, and management skills. On the graduate scheme you can move from

placement to placement. There is also the opportunity to do a secondment with suppliers or clients to gain experience. In addition, I like the diversity of the organisation; it is very proactive when it comes to new legislation. What is the most challenging part? Because it is flexible, you don’t really have a permanent role. Plus, although the Highways Agency has had a general graduate scheme, it hasn’t had a civil engineering scheme for almost 10 years. So I am a bit isolated, although the organisation is recruiting more engineers for the coming year. What advice do you have for students considering a similar career? In a big organisation there can be lots of policy, so it takes a long time for things to change. You may feel frustrated, but when you see the end result, that’s fine. You need patience if you want to improve things and make a difference. n

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Rocket. Mediterranean salad ingredient or career trajectory?

So here you are. You’ve always promised yourself a career where the sky’s the limit. Where the possibilities are endless. No endless 9 to 5s in a career cul-de-sac – wondering exactly when it was that your ‘get-up-and-go’ had got up and gone. The Aldi Graduate Area Manager Training Programme could have been purpose-built to keep this bleak future at bay. It rewards enterprise, spirit and drive with a rapid rise through the ranks. From day one, the pace is fast, but never frenetic. You’ll start at the grass roots and you’ll learn everyone’s job by doing it yourself. From stacking shelves to working the tills. During this time, you’ll sharpen your instincts for what motivates your team. You’ll learn how to lead from the front and, crucially, how to drive up sales and bring down costs. In just a few short weeks, you can expect to be managing a store. Then, over the following months, you’ll move into phase two of training to take on Area Management responsibilities – where you’ll be given every opportunity to display your leadership skills and commercial awareness. When this training is over, you’ll have total responsibility for four to six stores, effectively managing

Graduate Area Manager Trainee

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£39K + Audi A4

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Area Manager in charge of six stores

ordinary business. In fact, the material rewards are extraordinary too. The starting salary is £39K plus an Audi A4, rising in annual increments to £56K after three years and includes a pension, private healthcare, life assurance and ﬁve weeks’ holiday. There are also opportunities for Area Managers to spend two years on secondment in Europe or further

£56K + Audi A4 Opportunity for directorship within 5 years

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© 2007 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a limited liability partnership in the United Kingdom) 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.

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