City Employability Skills Programme 2021

Academic excellence for business and the professions

Employability Skills Programme 2021 Tuesdays, 12th October 2021 – 9th November 2021 The Programme will take place virtually

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Brought to you by the Careers Service www.city.ac.uk/careers www.city.ac.uk

The Employability Skills Programme events are open to students on all courses from all year groups. No matter what stage of your career planning, these events can help you:

EXPLORE

different employers and the recruitment journey to help you identify your strengths and to learn more about selection processes and opportunities within different sectors

DEVELOP

your knowledge of employability, sectors and employers and further develop your career goals

SUCCEED

in the recruitment processes and the world of work, with practical advice and guidance on applications, assessments, psychometric tests and interviews.

Preparing for events It’s advised that you check CareersHub for event descriptions which will provide further information on sessions and learning objectives. Careers & Employability actively encourage diverse representation from all our employer partners.

It’s recommended you familiarise yourself with the organisations and their equality, diversity and inclusion strategies to help understand how employers support their diverse workforce.

We are delighted to present our 2021 virtual Employability Skills Programme. The Programme will prepare you to make the transition from education to work, exploring all aspects of the selection and recruitment process. These sessions will cover the skills that are most valued by employers, how you can reflect on these and how to articulate your experiences clearly when talking to employers.

Students that attend eight of the ten sessions and submit a reflective review will receive a certificate of participation.

What are

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS? Employers look for well-rounded applicants who have a strong academic background and possess a range of core work competencies, such as team working, commercial awareness and presentation skills. These key transferable skills are increasingly becoming as important to employers as educational achievement.

Remember

Be professional, be prepared. Register online to attend these sessions through City CareersHub: careershub.city.ac.uk/students.

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PART

1

Digital and soft skills: What are employers looking for

Virtual and in-person interviews: How to succeed in either environment PART

Online applications: How to maximise PART your success

4

2

Phone interviews: How best to PART prepare

Case Studies: How to ace them

3

PART

6

PART

Assessment centres: How to get noticed in person and virtually

7

Commercial awareness: Why it is important and how you can develop it

YOUR CAREERS JOURNEY

PART

5

The following ten sessions are taking place during the autumn term.

Browse through the guide to find out more.

PART

9

Enhancing your personal brand and developing your network

PART

10

PART

8

Identifying and demonstrating your strengths

Working virtually or in an office: how best to maintain your wellbeing

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TO DO: Review and fill out the table on the adjacent page to identify your strengths and areas for improvement Read each company entry in this booklet and think about the tips these companies can give you to help you succeed in the selection and recruitment process Sign up for and attend each of the skills sessions Develop an action plan. What skills do you need to develop and how are you going to do this?

The table on the next page summarises some of the key employability skills that are most valued by employers. Take a moment to think about a situation where you have demonstrated these skills. This could be in your study, work or cocurricular activity (for example voluntary or community work and sport). We have put some prompts in this column to help you. Think about how each example helps you stand out from other candidates who might be applying for the same job.

Research your next career move and meet top recruiters on campus by attending employer-led events.

Find out more careershub.city.ac.uk/students

Employability skills

What is this?

Recent example of when you have demonstrated this skill

Communication • Listening • Written • Verbal

The ability to write, listen and speak effectively and clearly to get your point across to a range of audiences.

e.g. Having meetings with people; writing case studies and speeches

Commercial awareness

The ability to understand your chosen industry and its broader context.

e.g. Market analysis; research

Teamwork

The ability to work with others in a professional manner while collaborating to achieve a common goal.

e.g. Agreeing on timelines; contributing to discussions; dividing tasks

Analytical and critical thinking

The ability to assess a situation, seek multiple perspectives, gather more information if necessary and identify the key issues that need to be addressed.

e.g. Questionnaires; evaluations

Leadership

The ability to manage co-workers and motivate others to participate and work to the best of their capabilities.

e.g. Managing a project; building trust and respect; setting guidelines

Planning and organising

The ability to manage multiple assignments and tasks within a deadline, set priorities and delegate tasks when appropriate.

e.g. Developing timetables; setting deadlines; prioritising

Initiative

The ability to initiate or do something without being asked to by your manager or supervisor.

e.g. Implementing a new idea; improving something that is already in place

Problem solving and decision making

The ability to manage conflict, consider all aspects of a problem and think about possible solutions before reacting.

e.g. Listing pros and cons; seeking advice

Flexibility and adaptability

The ability to adapt calmly to changing conditions and work assignments.

e.g. Covering for someone at work who is ill; accepting new roles

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PART 1

Digital and soft skills: What are employers looking for with Bright Network

Tuesday 12th October, 1 – 2pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

Bright Network is proud to be a partner of City, University of London. We are the UK’s number one careers platform empowering students and recent graduates like you with the advice, tools and insights to get ahead and land that first graduate job. With the graduate market more competitive than ever, we’re running this exclusive workshop to help you gain the future-proof skills you need to make an impression and get ahead in your career.

• Gain the latest insights on graduate recruitment – it’s more positive than you think

A quote from Bright Network Bright Network is the UK’s number one careers platform. We’re dedicated to the mission of connecting students and recent graduates with the opportunities, insights and advice to be the workforce of tomorrow. We do this through our online and in-person events, networking opportunities and e-learning academy.

• Discover what employers actually value most in candidates and how to stand out • Develop the skills you need to impress leading employers in applications and interviews.

Find out more www.brightnetwork.co.uk @brightnetwork

The Micro-Placements Programme The Micro-Placements Programme is a 15-credit elective offering opportunities for students who want to explore careers different from those traditionally associated with their degree.

Micro-Placements are an exciting way to gain professional experience through short summer placements with a wide range of London-based employers. It is a great way to experience real-life exposure to the business environment and enhance your employability skills.

Find out more and see if you are eligible to apply: www.city.ac.uk/micro-placement-programme

PART 2

Online applications: How to maximise your success with Enterprise

Tuesday 12th October, 6 – 7pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

This workshop will take you through writing applications and how to maximise your success at the application stage. Applications are the first chance you have to impress an employer and stand out from the rest. We will cover insider tips from a recruiter on what to look out for and how to use all of the fields in an application form to sell your skills without sending your CV.

• Learn how to stand out in an application

We will also compare applications to see what good vs great looks like. This session will remove the added pressure and stress of starting an application so that you can tackle it confidently.

• Discover how to use hobbies or interests to get the job. This may not feel natural but it works • Find out how to highlight skills needed for the job and tailor them to the role.

Find out more careers.enterprise.co.uk youtube.com/channel/ UCek1RbE1bbSFN99SPTho91A

A quote from Enterprise It’s important to focus on growing your skills, especially those that employers look for to stand out. Starting in the first year at university will give you the knowledge and confidence to start the application process and do well.

Employers can tell if you have prepared or not, so start early.

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PART 3

Phone interviews: How best to prepare with Grant Thornton

Tuesday 19th October, 1 – 2pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

With the world adjusting to the balance between virtual and more in-person elements, phone interviews will be common practice in your job hunt, as many online elements of the pandemic have shown to be beneficial for employers.

• Gain a clear understanding of how to be best prepared for phone interviews

This session will give hints and tips from the perspective of an employer. We will show you how to be best prepared for phone interviews as well as looking at how these interview techniques can be translated across to other interview formats.

• Discover how to utilise these tips in other interview formats, such as Skype interviews.

A quote from Grant Thornton Right from the start, you will develop relationships built on credibility and trust with clients across a wide range of sectors.

As you will get to spend time with clients, you will get to the heart of how they work and what challenges they face, with a relentless focus on quality and integrity.

• Learn how to conduct phone interviews and what environments work best

Find out more trainees.grantthornton.co.uk/employability-hub linkedin.com/company/grant-thornton-uk-llp

PART 4

Virtual and in-person interviews: How to succeed in either environment with Barclays

Tuesday 19th October, 6 – 7pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

At many companies, getting to the interview may have already been a long process and you wouldn’t want to ruin your chances at this stage.

• Learn about different types of interviews; they are not all the same

This session will cover different types of interviews including online tests, phone interviews, face-toface, video, panel and group interviews as well as the STAR model (situation, task, action, result).

We will also cover interview preparation from researching the company and possible questions that they may ask, to practice interviews and answers, as well as providing top tips for both virtual and in-person interviews.

• Learn about the STAR model and how to use it well • Learn about preparation, practice and some top interview tips to sell yourself.

Find out more www.barclays.com linkedin.com/company/barclays-investment-bank

A quote from Barclays Employability skills are key to obtaining a job in any industry and in any company. At Barclays we have a number of programmes that offer a breadth of experience and opportunities for a wide range of ages and backgrounds, all of which require strong employability skills to gain a place.

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PART 5

Commercial awareness: Why it is important and how you can develop it with HSBC

Tuesday 26th October, 1 – 2pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

The HSBC commercial awareness session has been designed to support students in their job search and aid the transformation from education to professional environment.

• Learn the importance of commercial awareness for job applications

During this workshop you will have the chance to work on a case study in groups where we will help you understand what it means to be commercially aware. We will then discuss ideas on how you can develop and showcase your commercial awareness and how to stand out from other applicants.

A quote from HSBC Developing your employability skills can make you stand out from the rest of the crowd and put you in a better position when you apply for early careers opportunities. Because of this, it is important that you start consciously working on your soft skills before you go through any recruitment process.

• Discover different techniques to build your commercial awareness • Develop different ways of showcasing your commercial awareness to employers.

Find out more uk.graduaterecruitment@hsbc.com hsbc.com/earlycareers

PART 6

Case Studies: How to ace them with Capco

Tuesday 26th October, 6 – 7pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

Capco want to provide you with a better understanding of what a case study is and why it is used within the industry to assess the suitability of candidates.

• Discover the basics of what a case study is and what it entails

The purpose of running the session is to teach you the basics of what a case study interview would entail, how you can prepare for it and then successfully solve it depending on whether it is an individual or group case study. This session will also provide you with an overview of Capco itself.

A quote from Capco Our people never stop learning. That’s because we know that continuous learning and personal growth are essential to your success and ours.

The Capco associate talent programme provides top talent with the skills and experience required to become the financial consulting leaders of tomorrow.

• Learn the importance of case studies in consulting and why employers use case studies • Find out how to be successful in case studies and receive top tips to help you pass the case study.

Find out more www.capco.com @Capco facebook.com/CapcoGlobal linkedin.com/company/capco

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PART 7

Assessment centres: How to get noticed in person and virtually with CIMA

Tuesday 2nd November, 1 – 2pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

When applying for internships, placements or graduate schemes you might be invited to an assessment centre, either face-to-face or virtually.

To succeed in an assessment centre you will need to be prepared for a number of different activities across the day, which will test you against the skills, competencies and values of the organisation and role you are applying for.

• Learn how to prepare in advance of the assessment centre by identifying key skills

This session will talk through what you can expect from such assessments and how you can demonstrate the skills employers seek.

A quote from CIMA Assessment centres are all about the demonstration of skills; how you communicate, listen, work with others, manage your time, plan, organise, lead and make decisions will all be on show. Understanding how to demonstrate these to the assessors will be the key to your success.

• Understand what to expect on the day from start to finish and how to approach the assessment centre with confidence • Discover how to demonstrate key employability skills to stand out during the assessments.

Find out more myfuture.cimaglobal.com/me @CIMA_News facebook.com/CIMAglobal instagram.com/cimaglobal linkedin.com/company/cima youtube.com/cimavideo

PART 8

Identifying and demonstrating your strengths with KPMG

Tuesday 2nd November, 6 – 7pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

Many employers like KPMG look for people with the potential to be exceptional, rather than focussing solely on what the candidates already know, can do or have done.

• Understand the strength application processes and how strengths are crucial

In this session, we will cover the key elements of what strength-based assessments are and how they measure competencies as well as giving you exclusive top tips on KPMG’s strength-based recruitment process. We will describe our three components: performance, energy/engagement and use and give you an insight into how you can align your strengths to an organisation’s culture and values.

• Identify what your strengths are and practice confidently talking about them • Explore how strengths fit into an organisation’s values and culture and why this matters.

Find out more www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduate linkedin.com/company/kpmg-advisory/ life/students

A quote from KPMG At KPMG, you get to work alongside multinational companies. From the outset, you’re valued and you have the opportunity to really make a name for yourself. You can experience different teams, work on a range of projects and if you do well, you can progress quickly.

Don’t forget to complete your reflective review once you have attended eight or more sessions. A link to the review will be sent to your City email address.

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PART 9

Enhancing your personal brand and developing your network with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Tuesday 9th November, 1 – 2pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

In this session, we will be covering why creating a strong personal brand is crucial to the recruitment process, how to network effectively to build strong and lasting professional relationships and how to leave a lasting impression on the people that you meet. This interactive session will give you some hints and tips as to how to put all of this into practice. It is also your chance to ask us any questions you may have about Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s (BCLP’s) recruitment process in particular.

• Discover the importance of building a strong personal brand and how to do this effectively

A quote from BCLP BCLP is a market leader formed by one of the biggest transatlantic mergers in recent times; we now have over 1,400 lawyers in 30 offices around the globe. Join us as a trainee and you will be at the heart of it all, working with industry-leading teams and award-winning technology.

• Learn how to network effectively to build lasting relationships for the future • Find out how to leave a lasting impression and be remembered for the right reasons.

Find out more Graduate.Recruitment@bclplaw.com trainee.bclplaw.com

PART 10

Working virtually or in an office: how best to maintain your wellbeing with Accenture

Tuesday 9th November, 6 – 7pm Outline of the session

Learning objectives

Communication and collaboration technologies have enabled new ways to increase productivity and enhance our work lives. However, with these advances many people feel the pressure to be ‘always on’. Convenience and flexibility are great, but if you cannot find time for your personal life, your productivity is bound to suffer.

• Identify how to work virtually in an organisation

During this session we will be discussing working virtually, networking and how best to maintain your wellbeing.

A quote from Accenture A great career centered around improving the way the world works and lives, you will get the opportunity to work with a vast array of highlyskilled people and continue to learn and grow your skills through our extensive training programme.

• Discover how to build relationships and network virtually • Learn to confidently ask questions concerning how to balance work and life.

Find out more www.accenture.com/gb-en/careers www.accenture.com/gb-en/careers/local/ graduate-home linkedin.com/company/accenture-uk

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What opportunities does your organisation have for first-year students?

“At Bright Network we have internships, insight weeks and events, networking industry events and an e-learning academy.” Bright Network

“Wherever you join us – in audit, consulting, deal advisory, tax and law, technology and engineering or KPMG business services – you’ll find yourself in an intellectually stimulating environment. One where disruptive technologies are embraced. One where collaboration is a way of life. One where your contribution can make a real difference to our colleagues, clients and communities.” KPMG “At Enterprise we offer one year and summer placements for students.”

Enterprise

“Our employer partners offer insight weeks along with internships for firstyear students, typically in finance and consultancy. We share these opportunities via our global careers hub. You can register for alerts at myfuture.cimaglobal.com/me.”

CIMA

“You’ll learn, grow and advance in an innovative culture that thrives on shared success, diverse ways of thinking and enables boundaryless opportunities that can drive your career in new and exciting ways.”

Accenture

“If you are currently studying towards a degree, we have a number of award-winning programmes available to you, including diversity focused insight events, summer internships and full-time graduate positions. Whether it’s working on global deals that transform businesses, shaping the future of our business, or coming up with the next ground-breaking innovation – you’ll find this an inspiring place to build a career.” Barclays

“At HSBC we offer a spring insight week for students.” HSBC “We run open days and an insight scheme specifically for first-year law and second-year non-law students.

You can find out more at trainee. bclplaw.com/opportunities-london.”

BCLP

Your top tips on how a student can develop their employability at university

“It’s never too early to get started on your career – the more you build skills and explore in your first year, the further ahead you’ll be when it comes to your second and final years when applying for opportunities.” Bright Network “Take advantage of your careers team on campus and practice online assessments.” KPMG “Take part in student societies and become an ambassador.”

Enterprise

“Any life experience is good experience. Identify the skills your future employer wants and consider where you can develop them – as part of your degree, through work experience, societies, hobbies and interests, anywhere. Also, utilise your careers service to prepare for the recruitment process. There is no point in developing the skills if you are not prepared on how to articulate and demonstrate them in the right way.” CIMA

“Understand where your interests lie and develop your knowledge in that area. Having a passion for your interests is what will drive your career and create a good work ethic.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to people outside your circle who are in that industry/area to learn more and start networking.” Capco

“Start to develop your skills early – they take time!” Barclays “Taking advantage of networking opportunities and giving yourself experiences that you can use to develop professionally and personally will be a big step to improving employability.”

Grant Thornton “Opportunities don’t typically find you, you need to look for them.”

HSBC

“Getting involved in as much as possible at university is key. Being in a society or part of a club teaches you the softer skills that are very valuable to employers.” BCLP

“Network and attend student events and use your university’s careers advice.” Accenture 18|19

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Find out more www.city.ac.uk/careers

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City, University of London is an independent member institution of the University of London. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the University of London consists of 18 independent member institutions with outstanding global reputations and several prestigious central academic bodies and activities.

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