THETHE OOXXFORDFORD GUIDEGUIDE TOTO CAREERSCAREERS 20192019

INCLUDES: Alumni advice Top job tips CV & interview guide Sector investigation and much more

THE CAREERS SERVICE INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the most read university Careers Some students talk to us about ideas they think are so Guide1 in the UK, and maybe the world.2 different that they haven’t mentioned them to anyone else, and others think they can’t approach us as they have no clear idea yet – we help everyone, whether you have no idea, The Careers team has tons of experience to support you, are thinking about further study, or want to get in arts or whether you are: sciences, public sector or private business, staying in Oxford, ]] Overwhelmed with choices or working overseas. ]] Wondering, ‘What am I going to do with my degree?’ Enjoy your time at Oxford and we look forward to meeting you at our fairs and events; in your college, department or ]] Not getting round to it yet, there’s plenty of time … faculty; or at the Careers Service at 56 Banbury Road – both while you are here and for the rest of your career. ]] Thinking about doing your own thing ]] All set! Just planning the fine details …

Our services include: ]] 1:1 meetings with a Careers Adviser Jonathan Black Director of the Careers Service ]] Fifteen different Careers Fairs a year ]] Employability programmes such as Student Consultancy, or Insight programmes 1 Don’t just take our word for it; the independent survey company HighFliers confirms that over 52% of students at Oxford refer to the Guide, versus Imperial 38% and ]] Summer Internship and Micro-Internship programmes Cambridge 31%. 2 OK, we don’t know this for certain … ]] Thousands of jobs on CareerConnect Photo by Rob Judges

Welcome to your annual Careers Guide. It’s packed with As President of Oxford SU, I work in a team of six information for when you are thinking about your future: sabbatical officers to represent all Oxford students, from application tips to specific guides to sectors and campaigning and lobbying the university on key issues industries. I hope you will find it a useful resource. to improve your student experience. This is a job I never expected to end up doing, so my advice to you is to never Oxford SU and the Careers Service work together to rule anything out. This Careers Guide has something for support you in developing skills and gaining experience everyone, so enjoy and make use of this guide, keep in for the working world. Whether that’s through this Guide, touch, and feel free to contact us with any questions or careers fairs, recruitment opportunities, or via personal concerns you have during your time here. interactions with us – we are backing your future! You can book an appointment with the Careers Service, or utilise their resources and events, throughout your degree and beyond. The Careers Service remains open for alumni to use at any point in their career. Oxford SU offers lots of opportunities to get involved, whether as part of our campaigns, volunteering, internships, as an elected officer or through our community outreach projects. These experiences will not only help you develop transferable skills for a wide range of careers, but are also a great chance to meet new people and have fun! Joe INWOOD President, Oxford SU

www.careers.ox.ac.uk 1 C

2019 GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS

Core employability skills: what they are, and ideas on how to develop them. E B 30 GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS 31 CORE SKILLS 33 EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMMES 35 IDEAS ON GAINING EXPERIENCE INDUSTRY SECTOR BRIEFINGS A 39 THE INTERNSHIP OFFICE An introduction to a wide variety of DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS different industries. including real-world insights and advice from Oxford alumni. Careers information and advice for THE YEAR AHEAD everyone - including how to develop and 56 ACADEMIA + HIGHER EDUCATION explore ideas for what to do next, from 58 ACCOUNTANCY + FINANCIAL SERVICES An overview of the recruitment year at Oxford further study to how to find graduate jobs. 61 ADVERTISING, MARKETING + PR University and the range of support available 63 ARTS + HERITAGE at The Careers Service. 12 FIVE STEPS FOR BETTER CAREER PLANNING 66 BANKING + INVESTMENT 18 ETHICAL NETWORKING D 72 BUSINESS + MANAGEMENT 4 YOUR CAREERS SERVICE 21 BUILDING YOUR OCCUPATIONAL AWARENESS 74 CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE 6 WHAT’S NEXT? WHAT’S FIRST? 24 ROUTES INTO GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT 79 COMPUTING + IT 8 CAREERS TERM BY TERM 26 FURTHER STUDY 85 CONSULTANCY 27 WORKING IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES 96 EDUCATION 28 VISA OPTIONS FOR WORKING IN THE UK APPLICATION ESSENTIALS 103 ENERGY + ENVIRONMENT 106 ENGINEERING Advice, guidance and tactics for being 109 HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE CONTRIBUTORS your best at all stages of the application 113 INTERNATIONAL POLICY + DEVELOPMENT WHERE TO FIND US process. 115 LAW Content: Publishing Assistant: 126 MEDIA + JOURNALISM www.careers.ox.ac.uk The Careers Service Elizabeth Evens : 56 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6PA 130 NATIONAL POLICY + GOVERNMENT Address and Oxford SU With thanks to: 40 APPLICATION ESSENTIALS 132 PUBLISHING Telephone: + 44 (0) 1865 27 46 46 Project Lead: All Careers Service staff 42 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN THE Julia Hilton and alumni contributors APPLICATION PROCESS 135 SCIENCE Email: [email protected] Editors: Images: 43 CVs 139 START-UPS, SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP : www.twitter.com/oxfordcareers Julia Hilton Alumni photographs are Twitter 46 COVER LETTERS 143 OTHER CAREERS Elizabeth Evens the subjects’ own Facebook: www.facebook.com/oxfordcareers 49 APPLICATION FORMS FOR EMPLOYMENT 148 FINAL TOP TIPS Design & layout: Printed by: AND FURTHER STUDY Linkedin: www.linkd.in/OxfordCareers Simon Collins OxUniPrint 50 PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09.00-17.00, except Sales: Thursdays: 10.00-17.00 (19.00 in Michaelmas Term) Eleni Price 51 ASSESSMENT CENTRES 53 CONFIDENT INTERVIEWS 2 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 3 A THE YEAR AHEAD A

The Careers Service provides support and impartial advice on any careers-related topic – from career planning and THE THE YEAR AHEAD researching further study to developing your skills, finding CAREERS opportunities and making strong applications. Use this Guide to get started, and see our website for in-depth guidance: SERVICE YOUR CAREERS SERVICE www.careers.ox.ac.uk

DAILY THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME: Hundreds of work experience opportunities in many sectors and countries CAREERCONNECT ADVICE APPOINTMENTS: Confidential and impartial one- exclusively for Oxford students. See p.39. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnect to-one meetings with a Careers Adviser held at The Careers Service, with extra sessions hosted in departments and colleges. Book in advance on CareerConnect. PLUS... Robert Massam Accessed with your Oxford Single Sign-on, Green Templeton College, CareerConnect is the password-protected area of The INSIGHT INTO: Short programmes to help you develop your knowledge and understanding of a specific field, including 2017 Careers Service website which provides dedicated WEEKLY DPhil Social Policy services enabling you to: Insights into Teaching, Medicine, Business and Academia. E-NEWSLETTER: The easiest way to keep up to date during See p.34. ] ] Book appointments. term, our newsletter hits your in-box each week with details of OCTANE: Develop your employability skills. As well as your ]] Browse our Calendar of events. up-coming events and opportunities. technical and academic skills, there are other skills that “I would recommend ensuring that you make the most of ] ] Book your place on workshops and employer led TALKS AND WORKSHOPS: We host talks on specific career employers look for when deciding who they want to work with, the opportunities offered by the Careers Service. I booked events. options and run skills workshops frequently, many with invited be they academic researchers, government, business, non- meetings with different Careers Advisors to initially ]] Search our extensive database of job vacancies and external speakers. Most are open to all students, with several governmental organisations, public or private sector. While discuss my general plans. I then found it helpful to meet internships. tailored to Masters students, DPhil students or Research Staff. there are many lists of these ’employability’ skills, at Oxford with the same advisor every few weeks. In advance, ] we focus on the key eight skills – based on the Confederation try and work out what you want to achieve from each ] Access additional resources that we subscribe to on your behalf, including practice tests. of British Industry (CBI)’s report, Future Fit. We call this the appointment. Advisors provided feedback regarding Octane framework. You’ll develop some of these skills within ]] …. and much more! TERMLY my CV, a draft Cover letter and conducted a mock job your course, but employers like to see them also developed THE STUDENT CONSULTANCY: Work in a team to help local interview. I learnt a great deal, including the importance through extra-curricular or co-curricular work. The Careers organisations solve real business problems and develop your of Competency Based interviews and the STAR technique Service offers lots of ways of developing these too. employability skills: includes consultancy training. See p.33. Most job adverts include a stated contact point to answer SKILLS SESSIONS: Workshops and presentations on a questions or to organise informal visits. In my experience, specific topic, such as psychometric tests or interviews, making this contact was helpful in answering questions led by an employer or a Careers Adviser. All advertised on CareerConnect. about the role. From the recruiters’ point of view, this demonstrates interest and initiative.” MICRO-INTERNSHIPS: Two to five day voluntary, full-time work placements with a host organisation, run in 9th week every term.

ANNUALLY RECRUITER IN RESIDENCE AND MOCK INTERVIEWS: Meet employers one-on-one to learn about their sector or CAREER FAIRS: Meet employers and alumni to learn about organisation, get advice on your CV and applications or and explore some of the options available. Starting early in have a practice interview. Times and topics advertised on Michaelmas, we run more than 12 sector fairs. See details on CareerConnect. pp.9-10. OPPORTUNITIES: Nearly 10,000 vacancy and internship positions are advertised every year on CareerConnect. 4 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 5 A THE YEAR AHEAD THE YEAR AHEAD A

Plot your WHAT’S NEXT? WHAT’S FIRST? progress! CAREER READINESS GRID Take a breath, find your bearings and think about what would help you most to move forwards.

Focused exclusively on my degree. Most students will explore career options, including further study, alongside their studies. This Guide is for everyone CAREER READINESS GRID considering what to do at the end of their current course, and will help students who have a clear focus to sharpen their career objectives and add polish to their applications. QUADRANT 1: MAKE A START I have a clear It summarises our guidance and signposts further resources Whether your next move is to explore a little and try Where and focus that I am to explore options, make decisions and work purposefully something new, or to reflect on your personal preferences and how do I start. working towards. towards a successful future. start planning, the important thing is to make a start. ]] Attend a career fair or company events. ]] Use career planning tools to generate ideas and a focus. Unsure 1 2 I have ]] Get involved with a student society. what I a clear ]] Sign up for some workshops. want to focus or do. goal. “Would you tell me, please, which The pointers below (for students in Quadrants 2 and 3) way I ought to go from here?” indicate more specifically what’s needed to move ‘down’ and ‘right’ on the Career Readiness Grid. I have ideas but I am well Remember, it’s never too late to start, and the careers advisory I'm not sure what's 3 4 organised and team is here to support you all the way. right for me. “That depends a clear about my next steps. good deal on where you want to get to,” QUADRANT 2: I HAVE A FOCUS BUT I’M NOT SURE … Exploring interests and developing skills. said the cat. … how to show companies I am a strong candidate … if it is truly right for me Whether your focus is a logical next step from your degree, or QUADRANT 3: I ENJOY LOTS OF QUADRANT 4: ORGANISED AND CLEAR comes from career planning (or even a hunch), getting some experience will help you both to be a stronger candidate and DIFFERENT THINGS - HOW CAN I ABOUT NEXT STEPS “I don’t much care where – “. understand better why a role, company or further study option CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM? If you have placed yourself in this bottom right quadrant – you is right for you. may already be applying and interviewing - reflecting on how Oxford students often have potential to succeed in many you developed your focus, examining any assumptions and The most powerful way to find out if you enjoy something is to different roles and fields and, yes, it can be difficult to choose. aligning your choices to your core motivations can: try it. See Section C: Gaining Experience and Developing Skills “Then it doesn’t matter If you are already exploring options and taking on different ]] Reinforce decisions made. (pp.30-39) for advice and ideas about opportunities to ‘learn roles to build skills and experiences, see Section B: which way you go.” by doing’. Consider: Developing Your Career Ideas (pp.12-29) for guidance ]] Strengthen applications, by improving the evidence you and tools to help you identify your pattern of interests and present of your skills and interests. ]] Taking on a similar role in your extracurricular activities (eg, motivations. Reflect on your experiences and try to identify ]] Help identify viable alternatives. for a student society). Alice talking to the Cheshire Cat, any themes that are important to you: Additional support can still be helpful, especially if your early from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. ]] Doing an internship or volunteering. ]] Why do you choose to do these activities? applications aren’t working as you’d like. Attend workshops, ]] Participating in our employability programmes. ]] Which skills do you use? company events and chat with a Careers Adviser to hone your approach and consider what Plan B and Plan C might look like. As suggested by the Cheshire Cat, without considering your ]] Work-shadowing or short-term work experience (eg, a ]] What do you enjoy doing most and why? destination it is difficult to establish a purposeful direction of micro-internship). travel. Consider the following questions about your possible ]] How important to you are the people, relationships and next steps and mark where you currently stand on the grid on Use career fairs and company led events to talk with alumni outcomes? the next page. and others working in specific fields to test any assumptions, deepen your understanding and extend your thinking. When Once you understand what kind of work and outcomes offer ]] How clear are your ideas? combined with experience you may identify additional ideas you intrinsic satisfaction, further research through the web and to develop into your Plan B and Plan C as a complement to ‘in person’ into industries, roles and organisations will help you ]] How well do you understand your core interests and your primary focus. to create focus and make decisions. motivations? If you are struggling to narrow your focus, a confidential chat ] ] And, do you have sufficient understanding and experience If you have doubts or questions, see a Careers Adviser for an with a Careers Adviser can help you gain clarity. to make a sound decision? unbiased conversation.

6 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 7 A THE YEAR AHEAD THE YEAR AHEAD A NUMBER OF EMPLOYER EVENTS AT OXFORD 2017-18

CAREERS TERM BY TERM MT17 165

Graduate recruitment runs year-round and there are always new positions being advertised. However, many of the biggest recruiters link their cycles to the academic year, with full-time HT18 41 positions for finalists advertised from late summer, for entry the following year.

TT18 8

Every year, literally hundreds of organisations visit Oxford FINALISTS AND 1 YEAR MASTERS STUDENTS: Considering Further Study? specifically to meet with you - to start a conversation. CAREERS FAIRS MICHAELMAS Full-time Jobs and Graduate Schemes: Research possibilities now to understand application processes However, our academic terms are NOT created equal. Applications will already have opened during the summer at and the options for funding. most large graduate recruiters. If you have not already started, ]] Popular courses can fill quickly, so consider applying early. OXFORD CAREERS FAIR (for all sectors) finalists and 1-year Masters students should move quickly to: 1st Week Saturday 13th October 2018 MICHAELMAS TERM ]] Research deadlines to apply for grants and bursaries too. Michaelmas term is the time to talk to firms that interest you. ]] Understand the application processes for different firms FINANCE FAIR In fact, we run nine of or annual Career Fairs in weeks 1 to 4 of and be sure to note and hit any deadlines. For fuller advice, see p.26. 2nd Week Tuesday 16th October 2018 Michaelmas Term, and this term will account for almost 75% of ]] Beware! Some sectors close as early as the end of MORE THAN 1 YEAR TO COMPLETION: MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FAIR all the company presentations and company visits coordinated 2nd Week Wednesday 17th October 2018 October (notably Banking & Investment and Management by the Careers Service in the whole year. Internships, Springweeks and Insights Days Consultancy) and some have “rolling recruitment”, filling CAREERS IN COMPUTING At our Career Fairs and Company Presentations you can meet: vacancies as and when students apply. Organisations with substantial graduate recruitment 3rd Week, Tuesday 23rd October programmes are increasingly interested in meeting ARTS, ADVERTISING & MEDIA FAIR ]] Recent alumni working in areas you might be interested in, Other firms will open applications during this term and into penultimate year students, freshers and 2nd years on a 4-year 3rd Week Thursday 25th October 2018 people who were in your shoes not so long ago. Hilary. For your target companies, monitor careers sites, set course. Use any careers fair to ask about the internships email alerts and follow them on social media to make sure you and ‘taster programmes’ that you can apply to, and when SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY FAIR ]] Recruiters who can tell you more about the firm, graduate hear first about new opportunities. applications will be opening. Also, be sure to attend our 3rd Week Saturday 27th October 2018 roles and training, and the recruitment process. Plan enough time to make high quality applications: CVs, Internship Fair in 4th Week of Michaelmas Term. INTERNSHIP FAIR ]] Senior managers and business leaders (many will also be 4th Week Wednesday 31st October 2018 cover letter and application forms take time to complete well Some companies now start to accept applications for Oxford alumni) who can provide a wider perspective on the and should be tailored for each and every application. internships and insight days towards the end of Michaelmas, LAW FAIR organisation and graduate career trajectories. 4th Week Saturday 3rd November 2018 See Section D (pp.40-55) for advice on Application Essentials. with many more opening in the New Year. The recruitment Use the Events Calendar on CareerConnect to find Company processes often mirror those for full-time positions because JOBS FOR MATHEMATICIANS presentations and to book places on relevant workshops and Be ready for the recruitment process to move quickly once success in the internship can lead to an offer for a full-time 7th Week, Tuesday 20th November 2018 skills sessions offered through the Careers Service. you have applied. Online testing, interviews and assessment position the following year. centres can all follow within a few weeks, and offers may be made before Christmas. First years and 2nd years on a 4-year programme should note that places for taster days and Springweeks are limited Consider booking a 1-to-1 discussion with a Careers Adviser and can fill in less than a week. Be sure to sign up for alerts and find relevant workshops and skill sessions advertised on if you intend to apply: the prize not only includes firsthand our Events Calendar on CareerConnect. experience of the organisation but quite often a fast-track to paid internships the following year.

8 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 9 A THE YEAR AHEAD THE YEAR AHEAD A MORE THAN 2 YEARS FROM A FEW COMPLETION HILARY TERM GET INVOLVED AND ENJOY OXFORD Finalists and graduating Masters students who have made THOUGHTS FOR: good applications should expect January and February to Join and get involved in societies, clubs and social life be busy with interviews. Continue to target new graduate FINALISTS AND 1 YEAR MASTERS PENULTIMATE YEAR: alongside your studies. programmes and seek advertised positions – you may also find START THINKING attractive internships options you can apply for. Similarly, those DEVELOP YOUR PLAN AND EXTEND YOUR RESEARCH. START TO FOCUS ON WHAT YOU MIGHT DO ON COMPLETION; ]] It’s never too soon to start thinking about your post targeting further study should continue to make applications ]] It is never too late to start thinking about your career university plans. to courses and funding bodies. Make a commitment to make a start and give yourself ]] Review your career preferences and interests – or start Hilary Term is also a key time to start seeking internship and the best chance of success. Turn to the Developing Your your self-assessment – see Developing Your Career ]] Develop some awareness of your career related summer opportunities. The advice above about applying Career Ideas pages (pp.12-29) and make plans to talk to Ideas (pp.12-29). Follow the advice to finalists above – preferences and interests with some self-assessment for full-time positions all holds true here. Some firms that a Careers Adviser. the same rules apply! exercises. See Developing Your Career Ideas (pp.12-29). recruit graduates only open their summer internship places ]] If you already have clear goals, or even fuzzy ideas, ]] Plan, research and develop your CV – attend relevant ]] Visit the Careers Service‘s website, or use our Resource to penultimate year students, and these can be lead to research online and meet employers at fairs and at workshops. Centre at 56 Banbury Road to start researching what you full-time offers for interns that do well. But also look out for company presentations. See the Events Calendar on could do and check out your options ] other opportunities, including our own Summer Internship CareerConnect for dates and to book your place. ] Attend the relevant Careers Fairs, including the Programme which offers all Oxford students exclusive Internship Fair on 31st October. Get into your job- ]] Talk to a Careers Adviser if you need help with your plans internship opportunities, many of them in sectors where ]] Research options of Further Study and apply early to market research and look for application deadlines or ideas for how to get started. internships can be hard to find or overseas (see p.39). popular programmes. – be aware of deadlines as early as the end of October. Keep abreast of the skills sessions, workshops and seminars ]] Apply for summer internships, including those START TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS offered at the Careers Service to support you via the Events MAKE APPLICATIONS AND PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS. advertised from January onwards in the Oxford's ]] Review the skills you can evidence already. Consider Calendar on CareerConnect. Summer Internship Programme – see p.39. ]] Understand your motivations, your strengths and be where and how you can develop these further, and which ready to support you applications with evidence: see new skills you might develop. Application Essentials (pp.40-55). TALK TO PEOPLE AND NETWORK ]] Review the ideas for Gaining Experience and Developing CAREERS FAIRS HILARY ]] Find the workshops you need on our Events Calendar on Skills (pp.30-39). ] CareerConnect. ] Find out about their jobs, their companies and INTERNATIONAL CAREERS DAY the sector at the many Careers Fairs and company ]] Support your College or Department with their outreach Saturday 20th January 2019 ]] Polish your application tools and seek advice from a presentations held in Oxford programmes. Careers Adviser if you want a second opinion on your CV, ] ] cover letters etc. ] Use the Oxford Careers Network and LinkedIn to ] Get involved with an Oxford SU campaign or a charity contact alumni whose work interests you. fundraising event. ]] Submit applications for both your plans A and B (and plan ] ] C …) in parallel. ] Get advice and tips from final-year students. Ask about ] Volunteer with Oxford Hub and local charities in term their summer internships and for introductions to their and in the vacation, a great way of gaining skills, meeting TRINITY TERM ]] Be ready for online tests and interviews, some of colleagues to learn more. people and making a difference (p.35). Everyone, be sure to keep on track academically and invest these happen straight after you have submitted your ]] Plan how to make the most of the Long Vacation, and ]] Participate in staff/student liaison committees within your enough time to do yourself justice in finals or any exams that application. make speculative applications to find work experience college or department. you have. with organisations of interest that don’t offer formal ]] Refresh your old CV; attend a CV workshop. The big ‘graduate schemes’ form only a small proportion IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS internships. of the graduate employment market and the number of AND EXPERIENCE vacancies offered every month through CareerConnect ]] Continue to be involved fully in student life through CONSIDERING FURTHER STUDY? GAIN SOME EXPERIENCE remains fairly constant through the year, so there are always societies, volunteering and extra-curricular activities. ]] Look for, and apply to, Insight Days, Spring Weeks new opportunities. Keep an eye open, however, for graduate ]] Talk with tutors, supervisors and research students and Work Shadowing opportunities in different sectors schemes that may re-open this term to fill places that remain ]] Consider participating in The Student Consultancy and in your field. for inspiration (pp.56-148). Places are limited and unfilled, or apply to firms that have year-round rolling our Insight programmes if you haven’t already done so ]] Ask about working as a Research Assistant during application windows can close within days, so register recruitment. (pp.33-36). vacations. for notifications and be ready to apply from as early as The Careers Service continues to offer workshops and Careers ]] Apply to Oxford's own Summer Internship Programme November. Advisers continue with confidential 1-to-1 discussions during from January onwards (p.39) – you can still take an BUILD YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE ]] Apply for vacation/temporary work to earn money and Trinity and the long vacation. Throughout the summer we internship if you’ve completed your studies! gain experience and skills. Every opportunity can provide provide both e-Guidance and upon request run telephone ]] Get elected to a position in a society, common room meaningful experience: for example, bar and retail work and Skype appointments. or club and make a difference by organising an event, NETWORK AND BUILD YOUR VISIBILITY can enhance your customer focus, team-work skills and running the show or starting something new – all will insights into what makes a successful business tick. ]] Meet contacts and alumni at events and reach out develop your skills and add value to your applications. to them. ]] Visit the vacancy database on CareerConnect to look for ]] Sign up for workshops and skills sessions at the Careers CAREERS FAIRS TRINITY part-time and vacation opportunities. ]] Use the Oxford Careers Network, LinkedIn and social Service or join one of our employability programmes ‘OX’ POSTCODE FAIR Date tbc media as a research tool, to follow your targets and make (pp.33-34). ]] Apply for a summer placement on Oxford's Summer GRADUATE JOBS yourself easier to find (pp.18-20). Internship Programme from January for overseas ]] Try out different ideas, perhaps via our micro- AND INTERNSHIP FAIR Date tbc internships, and from mid-February for internships in the ]] For some sectors – such as creative careers, journalism, internships, work-shadowing or work experience. UK (p.39) publishing, charities – networking and speculative Volunteer with local charities or through the student run approaches can be important to uncover opportunities: Oxford Hub. ]] Start to build your network and to learn about sectors thinking 6 months ahead is key. and organisations.

10 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 11 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B

CAREER INTERESTS NICE TO HAVE IMPORTANT ESSENTIAL Type of work and working environment

Analytical: researching & investigating; numerical work

DEVELOPING YOUR Collaborative style of working

Creativity & generating ideas CAREER IDEAS Enterprise & business With hundreds of possible directions, many students find it hard to decide what they want to do Managing & leading people after graduating, and may even find the process quite daunting. This chapter can help you make a start and get you thinking about how to identify careers that might appeal to you, and how to Social & caring roles choose between them. Solving problems FIVE STEPS FOR BETTER Supporting & advising people CAREER PLANNING Theoretical & conceptual: working with ideas Working with defined processes

Make sure that you invest time to understand your personal Working with technology drivers. Link these to your occupational awareness as a basis for making decisions before taking action. MOTIVATIONS NICE TO HAVE IMPORTANT ESSENTIAL

Affiliation (a sense of pride or belonging) Self 1: WHAT YOU DO AND WHAT YOU LIKE awareness Occupational BEST… Altruism/social good awareness Use Oxford’s new Career Compass to explore what interests Autonomy and motivates you most. This is key:

]] Reflect on past experiences that have given you a sense of Capacity to influence others enjoyment, achievement, or real satisfaction. ]] Re-examine what determined your choice of subject and Challenge which elements of your current studies engage you most fully. Financial gain Examine your extra-curricular activities for insights by asking Research and yourself: Fun ]] What appealed to you when you chose a specific activity? Learning & growth review options ]] What has given you most satisfaction?

]] What have you learned or gained from your extra-curricular Personal recognition activities? ]] What are your reasons for continuing with it? Or, perhaps, Positioning (for next career move) for stopping? Prestige Link these personal insights to the suggestions in the table opposite to begin to better understand your unique pattern of Progression Career Interests and Motivations. Take action! Security

Structure

Variety

12 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 13 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B

The skills you have are also important, but you can further 2: EXPLORING POSSIBLE OCCUPATIONS 3: RESEARCHING YOUR OPTIONS develop existing skills and learn new ones. Refer to the list Researching industries, individual organisations, and roles of core employability skills on the following pages; these AND CREATING YOUR ‘LONG LIST’ helps you make better choices. It also lays the foundation for ‘transferable skills’ are developed and applied in many As an Oxford graduate, from any discipline it is possible to successful applications because it helps you: contexts. work in many industries. In the UK, the majority of graduate roles do not require a specific degree and many organisations ]] To be clear that you’d be happy doing the job! Using this list of skills, consider what you are good at and what seek to attract a diverse pool of candidates. This opens a you really enjoy doing. Think about your range of skills: ]] To signal why you are motivated to do the job with that world of possibilities and creates choices for you. Oxford’s Careers Compass provides a variety of short exercises specific organisation. ]] where you have developed and used them to help you Start to build your ‘long list’ of possibilities, considering ]] To impress recruiters with insightful questions and an ]] how you like to use and apply them both in your studies both the industry sector(s) and the kinds of roles you might ]] Uncover your core values and motivations awareness of issues or trends that may affect their market. and extra-curricular activities be interested in: remember, similar roles can often be found ]] Evaluate your strengths and identify skills you’d like to across different sectors; whether it’s design work, financial improve management, planning, managing, or communicating… WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PATTERN? RESEARCH: GET FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE Use the table below to build up an understanding of your ]] Find powerful examples to use in applications First-hand experience allows you to explore whether you have unique personal pattern of career interests and motivations. ]] Use Careers Compass as a stand-alone tool, or discuss your It might be important for you to use the knowledge gained the ability and interest to perform well in a role. You also learn Use our guidance and the following additional tools and ideas thoughts and reflections one-to-one with a careers adviser from your degree, or find a related role where you can still more about the organisation, its people, and working culture, to help you: draw on that knowledge. Alternatively, you may choose to which helps you evaluate whether you are likely to enjoy ]] Our Careers Compass and guidance online: apply the transferable skills that you have in a totally new area. working there. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/generating-career-ideas. CORE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS Ideas and tactics to build your ‘long list’ include: The next chapter provides a fuller overview of the options ]] Psychometric tools based on short questionnaires, including The next chapter defines the eight core employability skills available, which include not only internships and work ]] Reviewing roles suggested by an online career planning Prospects Career Planner: below, and reviews many options to practice and develop experience but also a variety of shorter opportunities to visit tool. www.prospects.ac.uk/planner them. organisations. These programmes can help you to: ]] Exploring what others with your degree have chosen to do: ]] Reference books at the Careers Service, including Build ]] Commercial awareness ]] Learn about an industry and a role, and the organisation Your Own Rainbow, Where Am I Going And Can I Have A ]] Communication - verbal and written —— See the Oxford leavers’ destination data at www.careers. and its culture. Map, and What Color Is Your Parachute? ox.ac.uk/dlhe. ] ]] Creativity ] Develop transferable skills and a track record that provides ]] Book an appointment with a Careers Adviser (see p.4) to —— www.prospects.ac.uk has pages on What can I do with evidence of your ability and motivation. discuss any questions you have and for advice on how to ]] Leadership my degree? ]] Secure an offer to the next stage: interpret and apply the insights gained from the above. ]] Organisation and planning —— Examine the careers of over 200,000 Oxford alumni via —— Insight programmes may provide a fast-track into an the University of Oxford page on LinkedIn. ]] Problem solving and initiative organisation’s internship programme. ]] Browsing on jobs boards, including CareerConnect – what ]] Self-management —— Leading employers report that nearly a third of their catches your eye? graduate intake will have undertaken work experience ]] Teamwork ]] Thinking about careers related to your interests and extra- with them before they are hired, and this rises to more In addition to the core employability skills listed above, some curricular activities. than two thirds in some sectors. jobs require specific skills such as languages, computing and ]] Dreaming a little and envisioning your future in an ideal IT, or even specific laboratory skills. world… RESEARCH: OTHER METHODS —— What are you doing? What skills are you using? Read widely to research the industries and organisations you —— What happens? What results do you deliver? are targeting. Start with the following ideas: —— Where are you working – an office/outside/at home? ]] Our industry sector introductions in this Guide (pp.56-148). —— Who are you working with, and how? ]] Nearly 50 in-depth sector briefings on our website: www.careers.ox.ac.uk/sectors-occupations - dig deeper — — What does an ideal working day/week look like? using the resources listed in these. Each time you find an idea of interest to you, consider the ]] Company websites, particularly their career pages, often specific skills and attributes typically required for that role provide lots of information, including: and how strongly these match your preferences. Also, look for related fields to expand the range of options that you are —— Profiles from recent graduates. considering. —— Information about their graduate programmes. —— Tips and practice materials for the recruitment processes. ]] Professional bodies’ websites. ]] Free resources at the Careers Service:

14 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 15 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B

—— Follow the links in ‘Our Resources’ sections of our online STEP 4: NARROWING DOWN YOUR guidance, and search for GoinGlobal (country guides) RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS’ and practice psychometric tests. OPTIONS EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY For many people, career planning is an ongoing process, —— Books and periodicals in the Careers Service Resource revisited and revised as they gain experience, learn and grow. POLICIES Centre. The choices you make now are just the first steps; changing Issah Abdul-Moomin ]] Join relevant LinkedIn groups to keep up to date with career direction in the years after graduation is quite common. current topics in the sector. PPE, Lady Margaret Hall, 2014 It is often difficult to know whether an employer truly It is important however to engage and make a decision in has proactive and positive attitudes towards recruiting ]] Use your Single Sign-On and Bodleian Library membership order to avoid ‘drifting’ into a career or further study simply applicants from diverse backgrounds, in particular with "You’re probably tired of hearing it, but you’ve for free subscriptions to The FT, Economist, and plenty of because it seems within reach. To weigh up the ‘pros and reference to policy and practice regarding mental health. probably got more free time on your hands now leading newspapers and industry journals. cons’ of different choices, analyse your options and listen to There are several indicators that will help you to decide your intuitions, with the aim of identifying which roles best than you ever will. Use it wisely! Start figuring out whether a recruiter is truly proactive. If you are interested match up with your key criteria. what you like and dislike (just as helpful), and to in specific recruiters, research their equality and diversity RESEARCH: TALK TO PEOPLE start building the foundations that will give you One option is to build a ‘decision making grid’, where you policies, or talk with their representatives at careers fairs the best shot of landing that dream role." and question them as to what their organisation offers to To go beyond the information on an organisation’s website, weight the relative importance of your key criteria and score recruit and retain staff from diverse backgrounds. talk to people – lots of people – about what they do, what each career option independently. In the worked example they like and don’t like, and ask for their advice. (below), it seems that Option B is least attractive – and could Indicators of the strength of their commitment to recruiting be discarded – but it might be worth pursuing both Options A from diverse backgrounds can include: See pp.18-19 for more guidance on how to find people who and C as attractive choices. are able to share their experiences and offer relevant advice ]] They are a ‘Disability Confident’ employer. Look out for and insights into the roles that interest you most. At this stage, you do not need to narrow your choice to a the government endorsed logo on their promotional single option. For every option you follow, be certain to material and vacancy adverts. This means the employer During term time, particularly in Michaelmas Term, take undertake sufficient research and allow yourself enough time has made a commitment to employing disabled people. advantage of the many chances to meet and talk with to make high quality applications. However, ensuring you 5: MOVING FORWARD FROM YOUR ]] They are accredited as a ‘Mindful Employer’, indicating company representatives – check the Careers Service Events have a ‘Plan B’ is a good idea in case your first choice does DECISIONS that they are extremely supportive of employees with Calendar on CareerConnect (p.4). not work out. Allow plenty of time for this and in particular: mental health issues. ]] Attend the Careers Service’s fairs and our industry panel ]] They partner with and provide internships for people events to hear from, and meet, recent graduates and ]] Plan ahead and identify events you want to attend – use from under-represented backgrounds through recruiters. the Events Calendar on CareerConnect to find: organisations such as SEO (Sponsors for Educational ]] Attend company presentations and events to meet senior —— Careers Fairs. Opportunity), EmployAbility, The Windsor Fellowship, EXAMPLE OF A DECISION MAKING GRID managers, alumni and recruiters. and Rare Recruitment. —— Company presentations. ]] Talk informally with family, alumni, and others to understand DECISION OPTION OPTION OPTION ]] They score highly on indicators such as the Stonewall WEIGHTING —— Skills workshops and training sessions. their careers and what their organisations are really like: FACTOR A B C Workplace Equality Index due to their work ethos and ]] Ensure you receive the Careers Service’s weekly newsletter. practices. —— Talk to friends and finalists returning from internships or Staying in There is more advice on Equality and Diversity in the work placements. 2 2×2 = 4 2×2 =4 2×1 =2 Oxford ]] Save searches on CareerConnect to receive job alerts. application process on pp.33, 36, 42 and 50. —— Use the Oxford Careers Network (OCN) and LinkedIn to ]] Check application deadlines for your top choices and begin find alumni you might approach directly. Creative job 3 3×1 = 3 3×0 =0 3×1 =3 to plan your applications. ]] Join relevant societies to find like-minded students and Bookmark target firms’ careers pages, set up email alerts for Learning: more events – many with employers. vacancy notices, and follow them on Twitter and Facebook. quality of 3 3x1 = 3 3x1 =3 3x2 =6 ]] Speak to a Careers Adviser who has particular interest in training ]] Continue to research your target organisations and roles. that sector. ]] Check your own online presence, particularly your visibility Total 10 7 11 on social media. To distinguish between Options A and C more fully, it may Weighting of criterion: be necessary to do further research or add additional factors 3 – important, 2 – quite important, 1 – less important. to the grid, or use an alternative approach. Careers Service Criterion satisfied in this occupation/role: advice on How to Make a Career Decision provides further 2 – almost ideal, 1 – quite good, 0 – not met at all. details on advice on the ‘decision making grid’ and three other decision making strategies: the D.E.C.I.D.E.S. model, Force-field Analysis, and Visualisation.

16 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 17 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B

DISCOVERING YOUR NETWORK

1. Read [auto]biographies of sector leaders.

2. Engage with the latest stories from the sector, in mainstream media. ETHICAL NETWORKING 3. Research the sector via Google, so you never ask a question that is answered on the website; look at competitors.

4. Research people who work in the sector on LinkedIn. The phrase "It's who you know, not what you know" may make you a little uncomfortable as we put more emphasis on widening participation, diversity and inclusion. 5. Talk to junior sector workers and note the language and technical terms they use as they talk about their job.

6. Network with Sector Leaders or interview them when you understand the job inside out and how to talk about it like an insider.

Surely we want to live in a world where people are hired finding new customers. Once you have a vibrant network it will based on a diligent and transparent process which considers: keep you busy. If you find yourself in large organisation, you will find most people network inside the organisation (sending ]] Formal qualifications. Hugh Lailey e-mails to each other), but the most creative and productive ]] Size and scope of relevant achievements that prove skills people also network outside the organisation and bring new Issah Abdul-Moomin, and strengths. Careers Adviser ideas into the organisation. PPE, Lady Margaret Hall, 2014 ]] Sector and organisation knowledge that proves “What’s truly important is not who you know, "Reach out to those in roles that you’d like to enthusiasm and fit with the role. but who knows you and where your interests explore. You’d be surprised by how willing people So what are the ethical reasons for networking? lie. This can trigger a helpful suggestion or HOW AND WHEN DO I NETWORK? are to impart valuable advice to those who are introduction when they hear about something Networking can happen anywhere, at any time. It does proactive. The worst that can happen is you don’t ] ] To become aware of opportunities, it is said that 60% of that might suit you.” not have to be a formal Networking Event - you can make get a reply, so just give it a go." jobs are never advertised (“the hidden job market”) professional contacts and have interesting conversations when eg, a start-up with no time nor HR department. at college, careers or student society events in Oxford and ]] To understand what really goes on inside organisations so elsewhere. Or you might start networking online through a that you choose the right opportunities to apply for. conversation with someone on Twitter, being introduced to ‘a friend of a friend’ on Facebook, or connecting directly through ]] To uncover the language and terminology of the LinkedIn. organisation so that you can make your achievements PLATFORMS FOR NETWORKING sound as relevant as possible and talk like an insider to WHO COULD I NETWORK WITH? Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, establish fit and enthusiasm. ]] Oxford alumni: gets very embarrassed when women ask her to mentor them: LINKEDIN: The biggest professional social network, with “while asking a stranger to be a mentor rarely, if ever, works, • Your tutors and your college alumni office may be powerful search tools. Beyond the objectives of Ethical Networking, we need to approaching a stranger with a pointed, well thought-out able to give tips on who to contact. approach the subject with emotional intelligence, people don inquiry can yield results. Focus on how to manage a business TWITTER: Use the search facility to find people who not like being sold-to or taken-advantage-of: • Use LinkedIn and the Oxford Alumni Community: not on how to manage a career”. When Bill Gates was a mention their employment or university in their profile. www.oxfordalumnicommunity.org. ]] “As you walk into a room to network: don’t prepare to teenager he read “tons of biographies and autobiographies” FACEBOOK: Post a message to your personal contacts sell yourself, prepare to understand people and how they • Mentors in the Oxford Careers Network: of technologists and business people to create a foundation letting them know what you are most interested in and may be helped” Maurice McCartney, Entrepreneur in a networking tool available through the Careers on which to build his commercial awareness (so he could start asking for recommendations for people to contact. Residence, Oxford Careers Service. Service website: www.careers.ox.ac.uk/ocn Microsoft at nineteen). INDUSTRY WEBSITES: Many employer websites include ]] Contacts of people you know (ask friends/relatives/ ]] “Networking is about conversation and generosity” Dr Also, tailor your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is three ‘about us’ or ‘staff team’ pages where you can learn more tutors for introductions). Rachel Bray and Dr Steve Joy, Researcher Careers Advisers sentences: about who works there (sometimes there is also an email ]] People you have worked with, or contacted on behalf of of Oxford and Cambridge respectively. 1. Who am I? – tailor it to resonate with who they are looking address). a society/committee. ]] “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” habit for. ACADEMIA.EDU: a platform for academics to share ]] People you research online and then approach 5 of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Dr research papers. speculatively. 2. What do I want? – tailor its to resonate with what they are Stephen Covey. offering. ]] Fellow students, in College and in your Department will RESEARCHGATE: a social networking site for scientists and Viewed through this lens, networking is a way of life, the goal know people and have experience that might tie in to 3. A question – to start a conversation, research it, make it researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, is to build and maintain a ‘network of reciprocal assistance’. your goals. engaging. and find collaborators. If you are self-employed you need to spend part of your time delivering your service and part on ‘business development’ –

18 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 19 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B

WHAT DO I SAY? BUILDING YOUR OCCUPATIONAL EMAIL/SOCIAL NETWORK MESSAGE AWARENESS It can be useful to examine what Oxford students do after completing their degrees to gain an initial overview of the breadth of choices open to you. To go beyond the outline provided here, use the Careers Service’s webpages on ‘What alumni have done’ to examine the early career destinations for over 20,000 Oxford graduates from all courses Send from 2012 to 2016. To... [email protected] 1

Subject Student advice request on [sector/job function] FURTHER STUDY OCCUPATIONAL SECTORS A large proportion of Oxford leavers go on to further study – Careers are often labelled according to their industry sector, in fact, a significantly higher proportion than for other major and the latter section of this Guide provides short industry Dear [Name] UK universities, with nearly 1 in 3 leavers choosing further introductions and company listings covering over 20 major I’m a [second year/finalist [college] here in Oxford and I’m interested in working in/as [sector/job study. The Careers Service provides support and advice industry sectors that our leavers enter. There are many more - on further study – from finding courses to assisting with nearly 50 - detailed briefings on our website, covering all the function]. 2 application forms and advising on potential funding sources sectors in this Guide and more. Briefings usually include five I’ve been developing my ideas [briefly reference relevant courses/websites/societies/reading] 3 …and or studying abroad. Turn to p.26 for more information on the sections plus suggestions for additional resources: options and planning for further study. John Caruthers 4 suggested that you might be willing to share your experience in the field. I would truly ]] About this Sector. appreciate a few minutes of your time to discuss your insights 5 into [the work or role/their company/ Consider carefully what benefits you hope to gain from ]] Entry Points. how best to prepare 6 ...]. Perhaps we can meet for a 10 minute chat/arrange a time to speak by phone/ undertaking another degree against the time and costs required. Although further study is a prerequisite for some Skype 7 … ]] Skills Needed. careers, and highly desirable for others, for many careers it is I know that you might be busy and if it will not be possible to [meet/speak] I fully understand. Thank unnecessary and may make no difference to either your entry ]] Gaining Experience. you for considering my request however, and if there is anyone else you’d recommend I contact to learn point or starting salary. ]] Getting a Job. about the sector, I would greatly appreciate an introduction. 8 MORE INFORMATION ]] Our Resources. With best wishes www.careers.ox.ac.uk/further-study ]] External Resources. Signed …… MORE INFORMATION GRADUATE DESTINATIONS www.careers.ox.ac.uk/sectors-occupations Graduate Destinations Overview - Combined Respondents from 2012 to 2016 six months after graduating USING OUR ‘DESTINATIONS OF LEAVERS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION’ 1 If you do not have a direct email address, try an 5 Asking for advice or information is useful – it is free to organisation’s generic email address marked ‘FAO [name of give and people are usually happy to share what they know. Work 61% (DLHE) DATA: contact]’, politely asking for it to be forwarded. It also covers many possibilities, including where to find Our annual DLHE survey collects information from students information, insider views on careers, tips for getting in, six months after leaving Oxford. The Careers Service’s 2 Make a connection so your contact understands who you other potential contacts and even unadvertised jobs. website contains a full, interactive set of anonymous are and how you found them. destination data from the past four years for you to 6 Explain what you are most interested in. Try to be explore: https://public.tableau.com/profile/sdma#!/ 3 Build your credibility and show you are serious by briefly specific so they understand what you hope for and can vizhome/DLHE_stu/Whatalumnihavedone outlining relevant research, and explaining where you judge whether they can help you – if you ask a vague identified them as a potential contact. Perhaps the College question, you will get a vague answer, or none at all. Use this data to find information about destination trends alumni office, their entry to the Oxford Careers Network or by sector, as well as by role within sectors. You can explore LinkedIn … 7 Suggest a way forward, and be specific about what you the data using different criteria, including: are expecting: 10-15 minutes is realistic for a first chat or call. 4 A reference from someone they know can be powerful ]] Department and course of study. incentive to respond, but check first with your source that 8 Show respect for their time, keep it polite and positive ]] Job titles. they are happy for you to use their name. and keep the door open to future contact. ]] Salary information. Further study 30% Looking for work 4% ]] Location of employment. ]] Differences by gender. Unavailable for work 5% 20 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 21 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B

For the percentage of Oxford leavers entering work, the pie chart shows the percentages entering different industry FUNCTIONAL ROLES sectors. A quick glance at the graph reveals that: The industry or sector that someone works in is only one aspect of their career. Equally important is the role or function WHY DO SOME SECTORS SEEM SO ]] Oxford leavers enter a diverse range of fields, spanning the Hannah Shearer that the graduate takes on. Many larger companies offer full spectrum of graduate careers. VISIBLE AT OXFORD? BA History, 2014, Balliol College graduate entry programmes where the first two years involve ]] By far the most popular sectors are ‘Academia & Higher rotation through a number of different functional areas to Whether it’s the advertised listings in this Guide, company Education’ (mainly as researchers) and ‘Education’ (mainly provide a broad grounding in the company and its business. presentations on our termly Events Calendar or sector as teachers), followed by Health & Social Care. Development Assistant at Exeter College Graduates also have time to assess their strengths and specific career fairs, you will probably notice that recruiting “Don’t panic if you leave Oxford unsure of your preferences for later specialisation. firms within the four ‘City’ sectors are highly visible in ]] As many leavers enter third sector roles (Charities, next steps! Many graduates have no idea what Oxford. So why do Accountancy, Banking & Investment, It’s important to consider which functional roles you might be Development & Not-For-Profit) as go into Banking & they want to do after leaving university. It can also Consultancy and Law firms stand out so much if they each Investment. most interested in. For some people, the function becomes take time to find your first post-university job, so account for only a small proportion of all the destinations their primary goal, and so remember that the same functional ] of leavers? ] Government & Policy and Computing & IT attract similar don’t get discouraged. Bear in mind the Careers role can frequently be found in many diverse industries: numbers as both Consultancy and Law. Service supports alumni as well as students, which charities need IT specialists, marketers and HR managers as There are a few reasons for this apparent imbalance: is an opportunity definitely worth taking.” These statistics help to dispel the myth that the four ‘City’ well as front line volunteers, fundraisers and policy makers. In ]] In some sectors, such as Media, Retail, FMCG, and sectors (Accountancy & Financial Services; Banking & the HR and recruiting industries, more graduates will take on Energy, a few big organisations dominate – and many Investment; Consultancy; Law) are the main destinations for account management, training or web-developer roles than are already household names: think BBC; Google; Oxford’s graduating students. Despite being the most visible become HR managers. Data analysts are needed as much John Lewis; Shell and Unilever. These companies don’t companies on the Oxford recruiting scene, these ‘City’ sectors in the advertising and retail sectors as in academic research, need to advertise their names to become known, and account for only 1 in 8 of all Oxford leavers’ destinations – or social policy work or either finance and consultancy firms. students find their graduate opportunities unaided. In roughly 1 in 5 of the first career destinations for those leavers Take time to think broadly about where you might find contrast, large 'City' firms can have significant graduate who enter work. opportunities which you’d be interested in taking on. If you programmes but aren’t well known outside their field, so do not limit yourself by exclusively targeting industries that need to promote themselves more. seem to have the right label, you may be surprised at the ]] Smaller organisations – which account for perhaps possibilities you find, both as a first career destination or a few 85% of all graduate-level jobs - generally have less years later. predictable recruitment needs, smaller recruitment budgets, and may not have a ‘graduate programme’ to For example: GRADUATE DESTINATIONS BY SECTOR promote. Instead they will hire into specific graduate- ]] Would-be journalists can learn valuable skills in a PR role in level positions, advertising these individual jobs as and any sector, and by blogging. when positions arise. ]] Considering a career in IT? IT roles now exist in virtually ]] In some sectors – for example, Advertising, Arts & Heritage, Charities, International Development, Energy & Environment 1.9% Other Sectors 4% every field in all but the smallest organisations, and 40% of Marketing & PR and Media & Journalism – only a Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, ...... Management, Business, HR & Recruitment 1.4% IT professionals work outside the computing and IT sector. limited number of ‘graduate schemes’ exist. A lot of Property, Logistics & Transport 3.5% Academia & Higher Education 14.8% ]] Consider local government alongside the civil service (Fast recruitment is done from the network of people known Advertising, Marketing, & Communications 2.2% Stream). to the company, often from people seeking relevant Sport, Leisure, & Tourism 2.3% experience and visibility through volunteering (Charities), or being runners (TV) or field workers (Development). Scientific R+D & Other Research Services 2.5% Paid and unpaid internships tend to be very important in Arts & Heritage 2.5% CHANGES IN DIRECTION these industry sectors and both direct approaches and It is also true that careers develop over time. Whatever speculative applications are often expected. Consumer Goods & Retail 3.4% direction you start out in does not tie you to that industry or Education 12.9% function for life. It is quite natural for your ideas to develop and change as you gain experience and find new interests, or Media, Journalism & Publishing 4.1% as new opportunities present themselves. A change of career doesn’t mean wasted time: most of your The Careers Service only tracks leaver's initial career directions skills will be transferable to other careers. Some graduates with any accuracy. However, we have surveyed alumni ten Accountancy & Financial Services 4.1% choose to gain specialist expertise through a graduate years after leaving and this revealed that: scheme, such as General Management, Marketing or ]] On average alumni had worked for three employers since Accountancy, and use this as a stepping stone into an industry leaving Oxford. Health & Social Care 9% where graduate opportunities can be harder to find – such Law 4.3% as the Arts and Heritage, Charities, or Creative Industries. ]] The sector in which alumni worked after ten years could be These first career steps therefore provide both professional very different from the sector they initially entered. qualifications and experience that is highly valued but which Computing & IT 5% tends to be hard to come by as a new graduate entering In recognition of the fact that careers are not fixed, the Careers Banking & Investment 6.8% directly into the alternative sector. Service provides access for alumni to the majority of our events and services for life. We also have a Careers Adviser Government & Public Services 5.5% Read the alumni profiles included in the industry sectors of specifically working with alumni who can advise on decisions Charity, Development & Think Tanks 6.5% this Guide: they demonstrate the reality that shifts in career and strategies for managing career change. Consultancy 5.5% direction are quite common, and that even a radical change of direction is possible.

22 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 23 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B Networking can help you understand the industry in which you are interested; find people to contact in the business or FINDING WORK IN SPECIFIC UK organisation that you are interested in to uncover possible opportunities. LOCATIONS As you build your contacts and knowledge, you develop the Geography and reputation mean that recruitment at Oxford ROUTES INTO GRADUATE foundations to make well-researched speculative applications can appear London-centric. However, opportunities exist that are properly tailored to the specific needs of an employer. across the UK: EMPLOYMENT ]] Major organisations often offer a choice of locations in regional offices. RECRUITMENT AGENCIES ]] Some sectors – like Education and Healthcare – provide opportunities countrywide. The Careers Service offers impartial advice on different Recruitment agencies help organisations recruit staff for a fee ]] Many thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (paid by the company) by providing their clients with quicker approaches to finding graduate-level employment. We can (SMEs) offer graduate jobs too, and the websites of access to pre-screened and qualified candidates. Agencies relate this to different industry sectors and roles, and will not professional bodies usually list locations for SMEs in their often specialise in specific sectors, and if you have relevant industry. steer you in any particular direction. experience they can be an extremely effective way of finding work. Some regions are recognised for specific industries. For example, Manchester is increasingly seen as a creative hub, If you are working with an agency, it is important to remain and Cambridge has a reputation for science and computing actively involved in your own job search and continue to check start-ups. Oxford is also particularly good for science, health Within a sector, organisations frequently run similar Oxford’s numerous career fairs in October and November employers’ websites and other sources for vacancies. and publishing jobs, and has a vibrant and growing tech recruitment processes, but each organisation will manage its support this cycle. These, together with our other fairs in Hilary sector: attend our ‘OX POSTCODE FAIR’ each Trinity Term vacancies and applications in their own way, so: and Trinity Terms, are excellent opportunities to meet a wide to meet some of these dynamic and rapidly expanding range of recruiters, managers and alumni face-to-face, to find companies. ]] Understand both the industry pattern and the exceptions JOBS FROM INTERNSHIPS out more about their work and explore possibilities. With a for the roles you are targeting. Inevitably, most jobs advertised in the UK are for UK little preparation, they are also a chance to make a good first & WORK EXPERIENCE positions. However, many job platforms allow you to search ]] Be clear about timescales and deadlines from the start! impression and demonstrate your interest in an organisation. Work experience generally, and summer internships by region – including our own vacancies on CareerConnect – Start your sector research with the 20+ short industry Many employers also run separate company presentations in specifically, can be a great way to secure a full-time offer. and you can search specifically for jobs in: briefings in this Guide. Each one includes advice on Oxford. Go to these whether you are simply interested to learn This is especially true for companies offering internship ] recruitment processes and outlines ideas on how to ] Scotland (www.s1jobs.com) more about their graduate scheme, or use them specifically to programmes exclusively for penultimate year students: these develop relevant skills, enriched by personal stories and ]] Wales (www.gowales.com) deepen your knowledge about that company and meet more are often used as a core recruitment tool, with a successful advice from Oxford alumni, and supported by listings from people from the firm. internship leading directly to a job offer for the following year. ]] Northern Ireland (www.gradireland.com) some of the major employers. Research by High Fliers confirms that at major employers, Advice on working in different countries and UK visas follows Talking to companies and people doing the work in which you nearly a third of positons are filled by graduates who had (p.29), or see a Careers Adviser at the Careers Service for are interested in can be invaluable. Whilst you can network already worked for the company. Our experience suggests advice if you are considering working abroad. all year round, the first few weeks of Michaelmas Term see INDIVIDUAL GRADUATE ROLES that in some specific sectors, such as banking, this proportion hundreds of companies visiting Oxford every year for our Many, many more graduates join organisations to fill a specific can rise as high as three quarters of positions being filled by career fairs and company led events. Plan your time well: position rather than as part of a graduate training programme. penultimate year students following an internship. All types of organisations offer these direct entry roles, ]] See pp.8-10 for an overview of the recruitment year at All companies – large and small – may offer work experience including employers with big graduate schemes. Specific opportunities for Oxford students include: Oxford. or internships. In line with the advice for finding full-time Graduate jobs are advertised widely, generally one to three positions, use companies’ own websites, our CareerConnect, ]] THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME ]] Use the Events Calendar on CareerConnect to find dates, months before a job starts. The best places to start looking for and graduate recruitment sites. Speculative applications can (p.39), run by your Careers Service, which sources hundreds times and locations. vacancies include: also be highly effective, and sometime firms will even create of internships in locations around the world exclusively an opportunity when approached directly. Read our advice And keep up to date by using: ] open to Oxford students. ] Individual organisations’ websites and, increasingly, their online about making speculative approaches. ]] Employers’ websites, Facebook and Twitter feeds for the social media feeds. ]] MICRO-INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME (p.39), run by your latest news and jobs. ]] The Careers Service’s vacancy database on CareerConnect Careers Service, offering work experience projects in 9th week of every term. ]] National graduate career sites like Prospects, TARGETjobs, (p.4). ] and Milkround. ]] National graduate career sites like Prospects, TARGETjobs, ] THE OXFORD HUB offers a Social Impact Internship and Milkround. Rebecca Ehata Scheme – go to www.oxfordhub.org or email [email protected]. ]] Industry professional bodies and specialist media channels. Careers Adviser, Oxford University GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAMMES ]] INTERNSHIP CAREER FAIRS: Michaelmas Internship “What can you offer an employer in addition to your Fairand Trinity Term's Graduate Job and Internship Fair. Larger organisations that recruit graduates every year often degree qualification? Graduates who can demonstrate have structured training schemes. These generally last for UNADVERTISED ROLES the transferable skills most commonly sought by For more ideas on how to find work experience and short-term one or two years and combine formal training with ‘rotations’ recruiters will find that they have a competitive engagements, turn to our advice on: A significant number of job vacancies are never advertised through a succession of roles in different parts of the advantage in the jobs market. The OCTANE programme or only advertised via social media. Employers often recruit Gaining Experience and Developing Skills (pp.30-39) organisation. Graduates gain a range of experience, specific (www.careers.ox.ac.uk/octane-develop-your-skills/) skills and a broad introduction to the firm and its industry. people they know, who are recommended to them, or who Application Essentials (pp.40-55) approach them speculatively. In certain sectors, such as media describes the eight core employability skills that Applications usually open during the summer (August and advertising, networking is essentially an expected part employers look for: use this resource to identify your Networking (pp.18-20) onwards) and often close during Michaelmas Term (as early of the application process for both full-time jobs and work own skills gaps, get tips on improving your profile and as October!) for start dates in July to September following experience. boost your chances of job success.” graduation. Check the relevant industry sector briefings for more specific information.

24 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 25 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B FURTHER STUDY WORKING IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

TYPES OF FURTHER STUDY ]] People working in your sector of interest. ]] Taught courses may be academic or vocational, and ]] University rankings, for example, on the Times Higher range from taught Masters programmes (eg, MSc, MA) to Education, Top Universities, and Shanghai Ranking You may decide to work outside your home country as part of a career with international certificates and diplomas leading to specific careers (eg, websites. postings, as time out after your studies, or as a planned long-term emigration. PGCE for teaching, GDL for law). ]] Research Excellence Framework assessments of research Opportunities are numerous and many Oxford graduates work internationally at some ]] Research degrees allow you to investigate your chosen departments (www.ref.ac.uk). point in their career. subject in depth, leading to a dissertation or thesis. Research Masters degrees (eg, MRes) last for one or two ]] Assessments of course quality and outcomes: Teaching Excellence Framework www.officeforstudents.org.uk/ Consider your motivations carefully and research your options thoroughly to understand years; doctoral degrees (eg, PhD, DPhil) take three or four what opportunities are available. You will need to be aware of requirements in terms of years, and can take much longer in some countries. advice-and-guidance/teaching/tef-outcomes/#/ languages and qualifications and to investigate any work restrictions. Visa options for ]] Masters in Business Administration (MBAs) combine management theory with practical experience, and are FEES AND FUNDING working in the UK are outlined on p.28 and 29. aimed at those with work experience. UK tuition fees vary enormously, from around £5,000 to many ]] Second undergraduate degrees may be useful in some times that amount. International students pay significantly circumstances (eg graduate entry medicine), but bear in higher fees. The cost of living varies too, but a general guide would be £8,000 to £13,000 a year. mind that most careers do not require a specific degree JOBS WITH INTERNATIONAL Other options exist for volunteering/work experience where subject. ]] Self-funding is the reality for many graduate students: using you receive bed and board: eg, British Council teaching savings, family support or loans is commonplace. OPPORTUNITIES positions; VSO; WWOOF; Work Away. See the advice on Gaining Experience and Developing Skills: Volunteering (p.35) CHOOSING A COURSE ]] Postgraduate loans of up to £10,000 are available for Multinational companies, multilateral organisations, international development agencies and diplomatic services for details. There are several course search engines listed in the Further Masters degrees in all subjects, including taught and may all offer secondments or transfers to their international Study section of our website. Other useful sources that can research programmes, in the UK. PhD loans of up to offices after a period of time, or as part of graduate training. help you identify and assess possible courses and research £25,000 are available to England resident students to study Talk to organisations of interest to assess your chances of groups include: all types of doctorates at universities across the UK gaining an international posting if you work for them. If you EMPLOYERS AT OXFORD, AND BEYOND (www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan). ]] Oxford tutors and other academics. have wanderlust, there are a number of organisations which The Careers Service’s International Careers Day takes place in ]] Research Councils, www.ukri.org, fund some UK PhDs by have graduate programmes that are explicitly intended to Hilary Term, and brings together a range of organisations with ]] Destination statistics for each course. allocating funds to Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) or give international experience. Often these require fluency in international opportunities, while many multinational firms visit ]] Academic literature and conference proceedings. departments to distribute to eligible candidates. more than one language, and/or extreme flexibility regarding Oxford’s UK-centred fairs. If you are interested in working for job location. Examples of such recruiters can be found in one of their global offices, ask their UK representatives how ]] Scholarships are listed on the graduate admission pages many different sectors, and include, BMW (automobiles), you can apply to work for the firm in your home or a different of university websites. Check eligibility carefully, and note Aviva (insurance), Unilver (fast moving consumer goods), TUI country. There are also a number of international employers CAREERS ADVISER ABBY EVANS different closing dates. (travel), Airbus (aerospace), Pandora (retail), and the Overseas who visit Oxford to give recruitment presentations (and who ANSWERS FURTHER STUDY FAQS ]] Graduate assistantships, and other opportunities to teach Development Institute (ODI). sometimes conduct interviews here), so check CareerConnect’s or conduct research in your department or college, may online events calendar regularly for details. DO I HAVE TO DO A MASTERS DEGREE BEFORE A PHD? If you are seeking short-term work in another country, and an provide additional income. In the US they are a common Not always: it is possible to go straight on to a PhD opportunity to experience international environments, apply There are also many other fairs that take place throughout the way to fund study. Discuss opportunities with departments. programme from a first degree course. This is common in to The Summer Internship Programme run by the Careers world organised by international recruitment organisations. science and engineering in the UK, and some PhDs have a ]] Sponsorship or employer support is relatively rare but Service (p.39), which provides opportunities for current Oxford Some take place in London, and others are ‘virtual’ and held Masters year of taught courses built in. However, in many not unheard of in scientific and engineering disciplines students in over 40 different countries. online. Look out for details of these on The Careers Service’s continental European countries a Masters degree is required eg, Industrial CASE awards – via Research Councils – and blog and e-newsletter. ( to begin a PhD. Even in the UK, most arts, humanities and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at ktp.innovateuk.org/). social science students complete a Masters degree before embarking on their PhD. TIME OUT AFTER YOUR STUDIES STUDYING ABROAD You might be thinking of taking some time out to travel WILL I NEED TO HAVE A FIRST? Higher education is an international marketplace. You might after graduating, which can often be funded by working Most courses ask for at least a 2:1 class degree or equivalent, be tempted by lower fees charged in certain countries, by the simultaneously. Depending on your nationality, there are and many graduates with 2:1s successfully apply for further opportunity to improve your language skills or by a centre a number of visa schemes to help you gain short-term study. However, a first class degree might increase your of academic excellence in your subject. Many universities in employment outside your country of citizenship. Check with chances when applying for popular courses, and may help Europe offer courses taught in English. Application schedules the embassy of your destination to find out more, and see the you secure funding. vary, so research the differences carefully. website Anywork Anywhere for many examples and further resources: www.anyworkanywhere.com HOW CAN THE CAREERS SERVICE HELP? There are useful country-by-country overviews at www. In addition to extensive information on our Further Study prospects.ac.uk and on GoinGlobal via www.careers.ox.ac.uk. People who are fluent in English are in demand as teachers pages online, we also offer seminars on a range of aspects all around the world, and Teaching English as a Foreign of further study including Postgraduate Study in North The Careers Service publishes advice on study in the USA and Language (TEFL) is a popular option for experiencing life in America and in Europe, Writing Personal Statements abroad, all available online. another culture. It can also become a longer-term international and Applying to Oxford. You are welcome to book an career. Certain schemes and some schools will provide training appointment with a Careers Adviser to discuss your options, MORE INFORMATION and others will require further qualifications. Read our online strategies for choosing courses or securing funding, or to get advice about TEFL teaching for full details. feedback on your application materials. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/further-study/

26 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 27 B DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER IDEAS B INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING VISA OPTIONS Make the most of opportunities, while you are in Oxford, to develop your language skills and intercultural awareness by joining relevant international student societies. Employers may FOR WORKING IN contact international student societies to advertise in-country roles. Alumni from Oxford live all over the world, and are often happy to give advice to current students. Use the Oxford THE UK Careers Network, The Oxford Alumni Community, your college alumni office, or LinkedIn to connect with them, or contact international alumni branches via their websites or Facebook groups. See pp.18-20 for further information on effective To stay in the UK to work after your studies, networking. international students will need permission If you are an international student looking to work at home, in the form of a visa, unless you are an EEA maintain links with your home country. For example, keep in or Swiss national. The rules about working in contact with friends at university there and join your national student society at Oxford for networking opportunities. Use the UK are complex and change frequently, the resources and tips described above to research your so be sure to check for full and up-to-date options and stay in touch with relevant opportunities and information. developments in your home country. Remember that the recruitment cycle and processes may be different to those in the UK. ONLINE RESOURCES The University’s Visa and Immigration Advisers give regular arrangements for students, your employer is exempt from TIER 5 FOR AN INTERNSHIP IN THE UK talks at the Careers Service on the current work visa options undertaking a Resident Labour Market Test and paying the Online databases provide a vast array of resources to aid and can also cover individual queries. Check our event Immigration Skills Charge. It is also possible to apply under You could apply for a Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange job-seeking in most countries. Many are referenced on The calendar on CareerConnect for details. Regrettably, The Tier 2 later, from outside the UK, but this is more restrictive for visa for an internship related to your degree for up to a year. Careers Service’s website. Some examples you can search for Careers Service’s staff cannot advise on visas. both you and the employer. This would normally need to be sponsored by a third–party include: sponsoring organisation, such as Up to date information on all your visa options is available UKCISA provides useful information about applying under Access Tier 5: ]] The Careers Service’s vacancy database on CareerConnect through the webpages of: Tier 2 (see link above), and you can check the Home Office’s www.accesstier5.com/ frequently holds job postings placed by international register to see whether an employer is a Tier 2 licensed or Tier 5 Intern: recruiters (p.4). ]] University of Oxford: sponsor. See: tier5intern.com/ www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa/work www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed- ]] GoinGlobal – an external resource you can access via The For Government information on this, see: Careers Service website with your Oxford Single Sign On, ]] UK Government: sponsors-workers www.gov.uk/tier-5-government-authorised-exchange featuring profiles of 38 countries. You can also access www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas a directory of employers, and search for international ]] UKCISA: the UK Council for International Student Affairs: vacancies and internships. www.ukcisa.org.uk/information--advice TIER 4 - DOCTORATE EXTENSION ]] VENTURE – a website which covers a wide range of topics OTHER OPTIONS related to living, working and studying abroad. SCHEME Nationals from some countries may have access to other Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme allows DPhil students routes for working in the UK, including a scheme for ]] GradLink – advice and job boards for graduates looking to WORKING ON TIER 4 WHEN YOU HAVE nearing the end of their studies to stay in the UK for one year Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, return to China, Malaysia, India, Africa and Canada. FINISHED YOUR COURSE to seek and take work, or to be self-employed. You must be and the Tier 5 visa (Youth Mobility Scheme), both of which you ] sponsored by the University and apply in the UK before you must apply for from your home country. ] Graduate Jobs in Europe – a website showing graduate Tier 4 visas are granted with a period of extra time between employer league tables by country (voted by home officially complete your studies. For information and a request course completion and visa expiry date. You are usually free form for the Scheme, see: students) and live economic data. to use this to work full time in the UK (but you must not take www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa/work?wssl=1 ]] The Careers Group: JobOnline – a source of graduate jobs, a permanent job). Under the Tier 4 Pilot Scheme, one year schemes and internships with an international section. Masters students will have a full six months to work full time. For further information see: ] ] If you know your destination, search for ‘expat’ websites www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa/during/work?wssl=1 TIER 1 - GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR which may offer great advice and opportunities to meet others who have made the same transition. Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) is for graduates who have a genuine and credible business idea for development in TIER 2 the UK. Oxford University can endorse applicants each year and applications are made via The Careers Service. We MORE INFORMATION Under Tier 2, licensed employers can sponsor applicants for advertise details of the application process via The Careers a specific graduate-level job. There are special arrangements  Service’s blog and in our newsletters. If you are endorsed by www.oxfordalumnicommunity.org for applying in the UK for a Tier 2 visa for recent graduates the University you will need to apply for a Tier 1 Graduate www.careers.ox.ac.uk/OCN and DPhil students who have completed at least a year of their Entrepreneur visa, see: course. To qualify under this scheme you must have a suitable www.careers.ox.ac.uk/goinglobal www.gov.uk/tier-1-graduate-entrepreneur-visa  job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer www.gradlinkuk.com/ who holds a Tier 2 license, and meet financial requirements.  www.graduatejobsineurope.com You will need to discuss with a prospective employer jobonline.thecareersgroup.co.uk/careersgroup whether they are willing and able to sponsor you. The salary /student offered must be both at the appropriate level for the job and a minimum of £20,800. If you apply under the special

28 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 29 C GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS C

2. COMMUNICATION GAINING Employers want to see that you have good interpersonal CORE SKILLS skills, and can communicate verbally and in writing – to explain, analyse and persuade. You can display these skills by: 1. INITIATIVE }} Persuading guest speakers to attend a society event EXPERIENCE + you are helping to organise. Recruiters want you to be able to analyse facts and situations, and generate creative solutions on your own. }} Securing corporate sponsorship for a club or Ideas to help you develop this include: encouraging alumni to donate as part of a college telethon campaign. }} Organising a unique fundraising event for a charity. }} Representing an external organisation as their Oxford DEVELOPING SKILLS }} Helping to increase participation or membership for an brand ambassador. event or society. }} Work experience in a customer service role. }} Setting up an Oxford student arm of a professional }} Writing a regular blog on something that interests you. organisation or a charity. Alongside your studies making time for extra-curricular activities can not only be enriching }} Contributing articles or reviews to student publications }} Joining The Student Consultancy (p.33). personally but professionally too. Learning new skills and developing those you most enjoy will or contributing to Oxide Radio. }} Developing your own website, or building one for a contribute crucially to your overall employability as the majority of organisations look for both }} Creating publicity materials for a charity. student society. academic qualifications and interests beyond academia. }} Acting as secretary of a student society or your }} Starting your own society, social enterprise or small Common Room. business. }} Debating at the Oxford Union or the Oxford }} Volunteering as a student representative for your International Debating Society. Graduate employers expect you to have both a solid (predicted) course. Recruiters tell us that they are generally impressed with the }} Volunteering to tutor local school children. degree class and strong employability skills that you have ability of Oxford students to display these skills compared Your Example … developed at university. to other graduates. However, they stress the importance for }} Creating YouTube presentations or doing your own Oxford students to develop and demonstrate skills that are not podcasts on something of interest to you. Oxford’s OCTANE model (below) highlights the eight core necessarily developed through their academic work - especially }} Volunteering to help with outreach and access events: employability skills, and suggestions of how to build and commercial awareness and teamwork. assisting at Oxford open days, or visiting schools to improve these whist you are at Oxford are detailed in this encourage students to apply to Oxford. section. Additional job specific skills can be expected for many To support you, The Careers Service and Oxford SU run a roles as well, such as strong numerical and analytical skills, or number of programmes to enhance your experience and }} Volunteering to give a presentation in your college/ specific language and technical knowledge or expertise. work-relevant skills, including insight schemes, internships and department on an academic project. personal development programmes. These are outlined on 3. TEAMWORK Your Example …

pp.33-39. Organisations want to know that you can work in a group to achieve something tangible. There are many ways to develop teamwork skills, including: OCTANE MODEL }} Joining a sports team. There are dozens of student- run sports clubs, and many more for individual colleges. See www.sport.ox.ac.uk for inspiration. 4. LEADERSHIP }} Getting involved in a choir, orchestra or band – or helping to produce a play. Employers will want you to have the ability to motivate, influence and organise others. You can develop this by: }} Contributing to the decision-making of your Common Room committee, or a student society. }} Taking a position of responsibility in your Common Lakshmi Manjoosha Adapa }} Choosing to do group project work, if the option is Room or with Oxford SU. IT Consultant at Accenture offered on your course. }} Producing or directing a play, or organising an event, }} Joining The Student Consultancy (p.33), or student led such as a ball. initiatives for consultancy work in a group, like OxAid } "Despite the challenging academic workloads, } Joining the Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps, or the Microfinance Initiative for their leadership development training programme. make time for extracurricular activities because the skills you learn here will be invaluable and }} Completing a Duke of Edinburgh award. }} Volunteering with youth organisations, such as the girl help you later with your job interviews. Recruiters }} Campaigning with Oxford SU. Campaigns promote guides, scouts, or even a cycling proficiency group! appreciate the extra effort and time that goes into many good causes, from mental health to racial }} Offering to help train new staff in a part-time job, these activities and enjoy listening to competency equality. captaining a sports team, or running a student society. examples related to outside academia." }} Becoming part of the student team that runs Oxford }} Leading a team on The Student Consultancy (p.33). Hub. }} Encouraging students to apply to Oxford. Your Example … Your Example …

30 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 31 C GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS C

5. PLANNING 8. SELF-MANAGEMENT Employers will want to see evidence that you can Recruiters will want evidence that you can manage your organise people and resources to achieve objectives own time, are flexible, resilient, and can improve yourself and work to a deadline. Outside managing your studies, based on feedback. You can demonstrate this by: ideas of how you can develop this include: }} Doing any extra-curricular activities or part-time work }} Organising a ball, bop, conference or campaign. in addition to your degree. This will signal to employers }} Co-ordinating your Common Room’s annual elections. that you can balance various responsibilities and EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMMES workloads. }} Organising a group or event to raise money for charity. }} 'Up-skilling’ yourself. Why not take a course at the } } Organising an away-day for a society, or an inter- Oxford Language Centre, or a free computing course at university match for a sports club. IT services during term? The Careers Service and Oxford University Student Union run several } } Editing a student publication, such as a newspaper, }} Setting yourself personal goals that require training to programmes to help students develop and practice key employability skills. website or yearbook. complete, such as running a marathon. Your Example … }} Participating in an organised charity challenge, such as the RAG jailbreak or ‘Three Peaks Challenge’. }} Undertaking an extended research project as part of your academic studies. 6. COMMERCIAL AWARENESS Your Example … THE STUDENT CONSULTANCY THE AGENCY All organisations – including not-for-profits – will want The Careers Service runs The Student Consultancy (TSC) The Agency was formed out of a desire from both The Careers you to understand the key factors behind successful every term. It is designed to help Oxford University students Service and the Oxford Advertising and Marketing Society businesses. You can develop commercial awareness by: develop core employability skills, with selections in 0th week to help students gain useful hands-on experience working TECHNICAL & LANGUAGE SKILLS and consultancy training in 1st week. Students then work in a within an environment similar to a traditional creative agency }} Organising an event that has to turn a profit, such as a team through the rest of term on a strategic issue or business – with real clients comprised by local businesses, charities and concert, ball or a college bop. problem for a client organisation, with project completion community organisations. }} Joining The Student Consultancy (p.33 to get an 9. LANGUAGES targeted for 8th week. insight into a local business. Students work in small teams over one academic term You could improve your linguistic skills by: TSC is a rich learning experience relevant to everyone, not to find a creative solution to an intellectually challenging }} Suggesting ways to improve efficiency at work, }} Organising a language exchange – weekly chats over just those interested in a consulting career. No matter what problem. Projects could include working out a means to resulting in time or cost savings. coffee – with another student to mutually improve your your career aspirations, you can benefit from the programme, attract a different demographic to a book store, overhauling a }} Attending the Careers Service’s Insight into Business language skills. not least because TSC will provide a valuable source of company’s brand language or analysing the effectiveness of a programme (p.34). }} Seeking an international internship where you can experiences for you to provide evidence of your skills and previous advertising campaign with a view to implement a new }} Negotiating with a local business to give a discount to also use the language. impact in applications and interviews (see Application strategy. members of a student society you belong to. Essentials). Learning a new language completely, with a course at }} Taking part in a business case studies workshop run by the Oxford Language Centre, or taking classes with the To date around 2,000 students have benefitted from joining MORE INFORMATION the Careers Service. Japanese society, for example. TSC. Students from all degrees and years are welcome to }} Joining relevant student societies, such as Oxford participate, and TSC projects this year are likely to span: ww.careers.ox.ac.uk/the-agency/ Entrepreneurs, or the Oxford Guild OR Oxford Student 10. COMPUTING & IT ]] Work on projects across many functions, including market Foundaton. research, promotion and publicity, website design and }} Taking part in virtual investment competitions online. You could boost your IT ability by: international expansion. }} Enrolling in a free course and learning to do something Your Example … ]] Work for clients drawn from a broad range of sectors, new: Oxford’s IT Services offer a wide range of free including Arts & Heritage, Charities & Social Enterprise, courses during term. Retail & Sales, and Computing. }} Free coding workshops are run by CompSoc and CodeFirst: Girls. ]] Offering advice to organisations of all sizes (large, small and medium-sized enterprises) as this sample of firms from }} Self-directed video based learning at www.lynda.com: previous years shows: the Bodleian Library, Centrica, IBM, (DIS)ABILTYWORKS free to you via the Oxford IT Services’ website using Modern Art Oxford, Oxfam, Oxford City Council, OxFizz, your SSO. 7. CREATIVITY and the Playhouse Theatre … and many, many more. The Careers Services organises a series Creativity is about being curious and innovative, finding }} Downloading professional software, such as Adobe of events and workshops throughout the new ways of doing things and understanding and taking Creative Suite, and seeing how proficient you can academic year to advise and provide risks. Consider: become during the free trial. MORE INFORMATION practical help for students with a disability, mental health }} Familiarising yourself with another operating system.  needs and longterm health conditions. Events will be }} Brainstorming ideas for events or realising a themed Ball. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/tsc }} Taking online courses to develop greater skill with publicised through the Events Calendar on CareerConnect } } Lighting, set and costume design as well as performing Excel or other aspects of Microsoft Office. and session are likely to include: and directing. And if you are already quite skilled, you could try: }} 1:1 advice sessions with a Careers Adviser (Health/ }} Creating ideas or work for The Agency, being trialed this Disability) year by AdSoc and the Careers Service. }} Designing an app. }} Early access to Careers Fairs }} Joining Oxford Entrepreneur’s pitching event: Idea Idol }} Making a website for a student society. }} The If, When and How of being ‘open’ Your Example … }} Volunteering to help out your college IT officer. }} Job Hunting with a Disability }} Joining CompSoc or attending Oxford Geek Night to } meet and learn from developers and designers. } How to Explain ‘timeout’ in your Studies

32 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 33 C GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS C IDEAS ON GAINING EXPERIENCE

Work experience can be many things, and is essentially an opportunity to make INSIGHT INTO TEACHING good things happen! There’s no ‘one way’ to do work experience, so think carefully Whether you are considering a career in teaching or are just weighing up your options, experience in school can be very about what you want to get out of the experience.Work experience can be: valuable. This programme allows you to spend three days in a school, observing lessons, shadowing teachers, and perhaps planning and teaching a lesson. Placements are available in a wide variety of subjects; in primary and secondary schools, Work experience can be: The Careers Service also runs its own unique schemes exclusively available to Oxford students: and sixth-forms, across the state maintained and independent ]] Enjoyable! sector, and in Oxford and other locations nationally. ]] The Oxford University Summer Internship Programme, ]] A way to develop valuable skills and accomplish something Placements take place during 9th week of Hilary and Trinity which provides 4-12 week summer work experience across noteworthy. terms. the globe ]] A chance to try out possible career directions. ]] The Micro-Internship Programme, which provides short, ]] An opportunity to make contacts in fields that interest you. convenient work placements in Week 9 or 10 of each term based in organisations across Oxfordshire and other UK "Some of the teachers’ stories were amazing, ]] A chance to earn money. locations. and the experience was incredibly fulfilling." Work experience provides a valuable opportunity to develop 2018 participant, City of Oxford College awareness and understanding of yourself: what really interests you, how you like to work, and what you find most fulfilling. VOLUNTEER It also has a very important role in enhancing your Volunteering is a great way to develop employability skills and employability. In a study of major graduate employers help others at the same time. As a volunteer you can work on INSIGHT INTO…. PROGRAMMES (High Fliers 2017), half of the recruiters surveyed warned projects or tasks which still use and develop your skills, but INSIGHT INTO MEDICINE that graduates with no work experience were unlikely to you have the added benefit of full flexibility and negotiable The Careers Service has established a series of “Insight into” If you are thinking about a career in medicine, spending time be successful in applying for graduate level jobs in their hours. … programmes to accelerate students’ learning and provide shadowing a doctor is extremely important. It can help you organisations. This is because work experience both: direct experience of the work place and style of work in decide whether a medical career is right for you, and will Here are a few suggestions for finding volunteering experience ]] enables you to enhance and apply your skills. different sectors. enhance your UCAS application to medical school. If you while at Oxford: Last year, we offered four programmes: Insight into Education; have difficulty arranging your own medical work shadowing, ]] provides evidence of your skills and achievements that ]] Oxford SU – organises diverse fundraising activities you Medicine; Academia; and Business. For more information, this programme enables you to spend a day with a hospital you can highlight in your applications and talk about in can get involved in, including the annual RAG campaign. including how to apply, see the webpages for Our Skills consultant in Oxford. This programme runs in 9th week of interviews. Oxford SU also wants volunteers for Target Schools and Michaelmas and Hilary Terms. Programmes, and monitor our blog posts and the Events There’s lots of work experience that you can do eg: student other programmes. See www.oxfordsu.org Calendar on CareerConnect to hear about new programmes. committee roles, volunteering, summer jobs and individual ]] Oxford Hub – a student-run organisation that acts as a focal projects. What you’ve chosen to do already can be a useful point for charitable activity in Oxford. They co-ordinate a “You need a decent amount of healthcare exposure clue as to what other forms of work experience and ultimately, variety of volunteering projects in many sectors. You can INSIGHT INTO BUSINESS before even starting to apply, if only to convince jobs, might be fulfilling, as outlined in the earlier section on visit their offices in Turl Street, or at www.oxfordhub.org yourself that you’ll be happy working in that Developing Your Career Ideas. Our Insight into Business programme is designed to demystify ] environment. Aim to experience a range of settings: ] Do-It – a web-based national database of volunteering business and increase understanding of professional life to There are plenty of different, equally valid ways to get work opportunities. Search for projects in Oxford at wards, clinics and GP practices.” help students become ready for employment. experience … www.do-it.org.uk At the end of the programme you will be able to demonstrate ]] OCVA – Oxford Community and Voluntary Action is our to prospective employers a broader understanding of local city volunteering hub, with lots of opportunities business, strategy and finance principles. You will also DO AN INTERNSHIP available: www.ocva.org.uk learn about matching your personal profile to prospective "A short fixed period of paid work experience in an employers to help with career choices and how to apply INSIGHT INTO PHARMA / BIOTECH ]] UN Volunteers (Online) – international volunteering organisation, usually working on a graduate-level, the learning to cases and interviews. Insight into Business This event is particularly for science students who are opportunities with a development focus, that you can do structured project or a defined set of tasks, which is runs over three sessions and is open to undergraduate, interested in research within the pharma/biotech industry and on your laptop: www.onlinevolunteering.org designed for someone hoping to enter the profession." postgraduate students and recent alumni. it gives you the opportunity to visit a local biotech company. ]] Consider getting in touch directly with local organisations You will have a laboratory tour, and the chance to speak to These might be advertised opportunities requiring an with causes you care about to discover if there’s something scientists to find out more about what the work is like. It application, or arranged with an organisation after contacting you could help with, or to suggest a project, both in Oxford takes place in 9th week – but not in every term, so check the them speculatively. They can take place at any time of year, or near your home. calendar of events on CareerConnect at www.careers.ox.ac.uk but most advertised opportunities take place in vacations, particularly the summer. Some organisations offer internships purely to provide interested students with some first-hand experience and do not expect to hire interns at the end of MORE INFORMATION the period. Others use internships as a core part of their  www.careers.ox.ac.uk/our-skills-programmes recruitment process, particularly major graduate recruiters, who often advertise summer internships for penultimate year students in Michaelmas Term. 34 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 35 C GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS C

INSIGHT DAYS / OPEN DAYS Freya Turner Some organisations advertise Insight Days, giving students talks and tours at their place of work. These are often offered Coordinator, Jacari to help students who are interested in the industry make a “Employers in the non-profit sector want to see a more informed application, but are not offered in all sectors. long-standing commitment to voluntary roles – so In a similar vein, many major graduate recruiters will run make the most of all the volunteering opportunities company presentations and events in Oxford (particularly Oxford has to offer! I would recommend that you in Michaelmas Term), where you can learn about the also take on a committee role as a student – either Looking for organisation, their recruitment processes and meet their staff on your JCR/MCR, on a student campaign or on a (very often recent Oxford alumni) who can offer valuable volunteering group committee.” insights from their experiences. volunteering that fits WORK SHADOWING Shadowing is a short period of time spent observing in a SPRING WEEKS / SPRING INSIGHT around your study? work place. It can help you assess at first-hand whether a PROGRAMMES possible career might suit you, yet you don’t have to have In an increasing range of sectors, organisations with the skills needed to actively participate in the work. For this larger graduate intakes now run one- or two-week insight reason, formal shadowing programmes are often offered in programmes targeted for first years and for second years on a fields where further training is required in order to actively four-year course. These discovery programmes often happen participate, such as health professions or teaching. around Easter and usually have their own application process. It is actually not difficult to set up shadowing yourself in any In addition to offering participants industry insights and the industry. Contact the organisation or individual you would like chance to meet recent graduate recruits, they frequently to observe, and ask! If they are not able to help, you could ask include some skills development, advice on applications whether anyone might be willing to meet with you over coffee and may lead directly to offers for summer internships in Visit to help you learn more about the work they do. your penultimate year of study. Some accept applications in Michaelmas, so start looking early! oxfordsu.org/volunteering

VACATION AND SEASONAL WORK HOW RECRUITERS SUPPORT Seasonal jobs can provide money, an insight into an industry and demonstrate your adaptability and skills. They are DIVERSITY RECRUITMENT EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY EXCELLENCE often advertised in the few months preceding a vacation. They might be found on local employment websites, the organisation’s own website, through temping agencies, word- www.seo-london.org www.rarerecruitment.co.uk Recruiters are very keen to raise their profile with of-mouth or by signs on organisation premises. You might applicants from all backgrounds and to dispel also be interested in organisations which offer seasonal work perceptions that may deter applications. The best way to abroad (such as Work Away or WWOOF), some of which run Main locations: Our offices are located in London and the majority Main location: London of offers for internship and full-time graduate positions gained by About us: Rare is a diversity firm specialising in helping students assess whether their projected image is ‘reality or myth’ is on an accommodation-for-work (work exchange) basis. to speak with current employees. A useful starting point our candidates are based in London or other UK regions. from under-represented ethnic minority and socioeconomic can be the ‘buddy and mentor’ groups or forums (eg, About us: Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) is an groups gain jobs with top firms. Rare has won Race for Opportu- LGBT and BAME forums), which many organisations now alumni-driven, diversity-focused charity that prepares students nity, Recruiter Magazine and Legal Week Awards in the past two from Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) and low socio-economic years. promote. PERSONAL PROJECT backgrounds for career success. In the last 17 years we have Opportunities available: We offer our candidates one-on-one An increasing variety of organisations are also Depending on your goals, you might want to generate your trained and mentored more than 5,000 talented undergraduates, tailored support with applications to our clients, which include establishing internship programmes, Insight Days, own experience. It could be: from under-exposed communities, to help them secure highly law firms, investment banks, public sector bodies and technol- networking events and mentoring opportunities to competitive internships and full time graduate positions, across a ogy firms. We also offer a number of intensive development ]] Managing a ‘fantasy fund’ to demonstrate your passion for range of prestigious industries, with more than 50 of the UK’s lead- programmes, such as the award-winning Articles programme, encourage a greater diversity of applications. Such financial markets. opportunities will be focused on groups which an ing employers that partner with SEO. which is sponsored by ten City law firms, and High Yield, a social Opportunities available: We provide world-class insight, training mobility programme for first year students interested in working organisation feels are under-represented in their ]] Creating a piece of work to add to your artistic portfolio. and mentoring opportunities, across a range of industries, on with Deutsche Bank. employee profile; so check what is available in the ]] Starting an entrepreneurial or charitable endeavour. our programmes which include: Investment Banking (includes Students sought: Students from ethnic minority and lower socio- industries that you are most interested in. There may Hedge Funds/Asset Management/Private Equity), Corporate economic groups are encouraged to apply. We welcome students be opportunities that focus around gender, ethnicity ]] Using your technological skills to code a new website/app/ Law, Consulting, Engineering, Technology, leading studying all subjects and in all years of study. or sexuality, or for those from lower socio-economic game. Corporates and the Civil Service. Application advice: Students should apply using the application backgrounds. Graduates sought: Cross-year, all degree disciplines, from ethnic form on our website. See if there are any local organisations that might be minority and low socio-economic backgrounds meeting our You could also explore specialist organisations that interested in using your project to help their work, or giving it eligibility criteria, for internship and graduate opportunities with support candidates from under-represented groups, such publicity. Working with other organisations will give you new our sponsor firms. Cross-year, all degree disciplines for vacation as Creative Access, SEO London or Rare. Alternatively, contacts and might lead toward referrals as well as increasing internship opportunities at SEO London. look for programmes run by specific employers, such as the scope for your project. These could all be added to your Application advice: Applications are screened on a rolling basis the Civil Service Fast Stream’s Summer Diversity Internship CV under ‘Relevant Experience’ or ‘Projects'. so apply early by creating a profile and submitting an application Programme. on our SEO Careers website: www.seo-london.org.

36 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 37 C GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS GAINING EXPERIENCE + DEVELOPING SKILLS C Find your cause. Develop skills alongside your degree, THE INTERNSHIP OFFICE from amplifying student voices to organising dynamic charity events. The Internship Office at the Careers Service offers a range of unique schemes that provide Oxford See what’s on offer with Raise And Give students with research and professional work experience opportunities with organisations across and other Oxford SU campaigns. the UK and around the world. oxfordsu.org THE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME a database of internship providers to assist your search, and can liaise between you and employers to find an option that The Internship Programme offers hundreds of summer corresponds to your interests. internship opportunities in locations across the globe, all exclusively available to current, matriculated Oxford University students. They’re offered in a wide variety of sectors, and MORITZ-HEYMAN INTERNSHIPS often come with generous support or travel scholarships. If you are a Moritz-Heyman scholar, additional funding is There are opportunities suitable for students of all levels of available specifically for undertaking internships. You can Create, experience and of all years of study, from first year undergrads apply for this at any point during your undergraduate studies. to final year DPhils. The internships are advertised from Internships can be sourced through our regular programmes, January each year, with application deadlines from February independently (directly with an employer) or through our onwards. Moritz-Heyman Exclusive Internships, which are advertised via a regular bulletin. Examples of funded opportunities offered previously include: ]] Internships with world-leading international development represent, organisations, such as the UN Development Programme THE MICRO-INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME as well as development charities in Africa, Asia and Latin The Micro-Internship Programme offers convenient, short-term America. work placements with organisations based across Oxfordshire ]] Professional placements from multinational organisations and in other UK locations. Placements last 2-5 days, and take like Sony in Japan and boutique finance companies around place in 9th week. They are available every term, and are open the world. to all matriculated students. be heard. ]] Scientific research internships with universities and institutes Micro-internships are an excellent way to fit valuable work in India, Brazil, Russia, Germany, China and more. experience around your studies. Each placement offers the chance to gain useful insight into a particular sector while ]] Teaching positions in schools around the world. tackling a challenging work project that will make a significant ]] A wide range of arts and heritage internships, from the difference to the internship host. Micro-internships are Lead your SU. Hermitage in St. Petersburg to Washington’s Naval History available in all sectors, from investment firms to consultancy, We need a strong team to transform the Museum. tech start-ups to heritage sites. Host organisations provide interns with travel and lunch expenses. Oxford experience for 22,000+ students. The Internship Programme also offers access to placements in Get paid to make changes nationally and the UK, beyond the undergraduate internship schemes of the major graduate employers. Many Oxford-based opportunities LAIDLAW RESEARCH AND LEADERSHIP locally by becoming an officer at your frequently feature among these placements, with an increasing student union. This is an unparalleled op- number of placements available within Oxford University PROGRAMME portunity to work in higher education, the itself, including colleges, departments, the Bodleian and the The Laidlaw Undergraduate Programme in Research and University museums. Leadership equips undergraduate students with research third sector, and student support. The Internship Office strives to ensure that every placement, and leadership skills to help them pursue their academic and Sabbatical trustee roles are: UK or international, comes with either a stipend or assistance professional aspirations beyond their current course of study. with travel or accommodation. Additional funding is also The Programme comprises two mandatory elements: President available for some internships, particularly in the not-for-profit 1. A leadership programme, completion of which is likely sector. Vice President Graduates to lead to an Institute of Leadership Management (ILM) UK internships advertised through the programme are paid at qualification. Vice President Welfare National Minimum Wage or above if the work is offered by a 2. A research project of between 8 and 10 weeks’ duration, & Equal Opportunities company in the for-profit sector. designed and defined by the student, at any world-leading research institution. Vice President Charities & Community THE DOCTORAL INTERNSHIP Any current, matriculated undergraduate student may apply. Vice President Women: Applications are open in Hilary Term, and the research project PROGRAMME takes place during the summer vacation. Eligible DPhil students in selected Doctoral Training Centres Hiring in February 2019 and Partnerships can apply to this programme for funding and MORE INFORMATION programme runs July 2019-20 dedicated support to undertake a three-month internship. Internships can take place at any time during your studies See the Our Internship Office section of our and in any sector. The Internship Office provides access to [email protected] website: www.careers.ox.ac.uk/internships oxfordsu.org 38 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 39 D APPLICATION ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D

APPLICATION Hannah Hurley Trainee chartered accountant, Blick Rothenberg Limited “Take time to research the firms you would like to apply for and use the chances offered in interviews ESSENTIALS and assessment days to get a better understanding Good advice on applications applies to every aspect of the process, from of the firm’s culture.” preparing your CV and cover letters through to interviewing and assessment centres. And it is relevant for any application, whether it’s for further study, a small charity, a graduate position or an internship with a leading multinational.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS IDENTIFY AND EVIDENCE THE REMEMBER Throughout the application process: DEMONSTRATING COMMERCIAL Lastly, remember that recruiters are not mind readers, and REQUIRED SKILLS... frequently work to tight deadlines. Never expect recruiters to }} Demonstrate that you have the... AWARENESS: Identifying the skills and competencies required for a role infer how you fit their criteria. Instead, make it easy for them to can be straightforward because these are often listed in the —— desire to do the job, Good candidates are able to demonstrate an find the evidence they are looking for. job description and personal specification. Application forms understanding of an organisation’s core activities, }} Be direct and state how you meet the criteria clearly, with —— right mix of skills, products and services; the marketplace – including often ask you to give examples of the specific skills sought. Even where these are not clear, or when making a speculative lots of evidence to back up your claims. —— potential to grow and learn. competitors; and how political and technological change might affect their sector in future. approach, you should try to identify which core employability }} Mirror the language used in their recruitment literature to: }} Explain clearly... skills (see pp.31-32) are likely to be most important for the ]] Learn about the sectors you are targeting: organisation. —— align your style to theirs, — — why you want to join their organisation, — — Attend company events and career fairs, talk to By talking to people who work in the sector you can also gain —— enable software used to scan applications to match your —— how you fit both the role and the culture. alumni, join relevant student societies. a sense of which personal qualities are most important and evidence to the key competencies and skills required. —— Read journals and websites dedicated to the Successful applications therefore grow from enthusiasm for an begin to understand the contrasting styles and cultures of }} Highlight relevant aspects of your background, knowledge sector. organisation and knowing you would be happy doing the job. different organisations. and experience for each organization and role. Invest time in identifying your preferences, motivations and —— Find and follow professional bodies and opinion Effective applications are supported throughout by evidence – } skills. Research industry sectors to target your efforts better; try leaders as well as firms. } Reflect how your aspirations and longer term goals align to it builds credibility. Simply asserting that you have a skill does the opportunity. to understand the culture and style of different organisations. —— Be ready to discuss industry trends and how not work, not least because anybody can make that assertion! For more detailed advice on Developing Your Career Ideas. current issues might affect a firm’s markets or Consider the opposite example and weigh the value of the For example, you might explain why a role is a natural Good research is vital to any application and will help you strategy – and/or their clients. additional 14 words. progression from your studies, or highlight how insights from stand out. It lays the foundation for communicating clearly —— Read the (financial) news and follow one or two an internship confirmed your interest in a particular field or The examples you use in written applications and interviews demonstrated a good fit with the organisation. how you meet the requirements for the role and fit the major current affairs over time. can be drawn from a variety of activities as transferrable skills organisation. Before applying, analyse the advertisement or —— Consider how organisations in the sector are developed in many situations – through your studies, personal specification to understand: compete with one another. extra-curricular activities and work experience. Choose examples that: }} What the job entails. ]] Become comfortable with business terminology and ASSERTION OR EVIDENCE? financial measures relevant to the sector and role. }} Relate to what you actually did, rather than what you might }} Which skills are most important. ] do in a hypothetical situation. ] I will make a strong contribution at [Company’s name] }} What excellence might look like. Gain first-hand experience and insight through our because I am a good team player and natural leader. Employability Programmes and work experience: for }} Show your personal contribution, even within a team effort. ]] Last Spring, my leadership enabled our student All elements of your applications can then: advice on Gaining Experience see (pp.30-39). }} Had positive outcomes. consultancy team to make robust recommendations }} Actively promote your strongest relevant skills and abilities. to our client, a local charity, on how to increase }} Are relevant to the employer - signpost this by mirroring volunteering amongst 6th formers based on over 100 }} Present evidence showing where and how you have the language used in the job description. survey responses. developed and applied these skills and abilities. }} Are fairly recent (preferably in the last 2 to 3 years). }} Persuade your audience of your interest, excitement and motivation for the role and their organisation. }} Allow scope for you to expand on if asked for more detail in an interview. From building your CV to answering competency based questions in interviews, you can add structure to your evidence “Past behaviour is often considered the best by using the CAR or STAR mnemonics (p.53). indicator of future performance.”

40 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 41 D APPLICATION ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY CVs IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS Many students worry that recruiters will be biased fearing preconceptions about race, disability, The goal of a CV and its cover letter is to get you to an interview: for a speculative application, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, mental health conditions, social class or age. The reality is it is to encourage the reader to respond positively. that recruiters want the ‘best individual for the role/scheme’ and are keen to recruit employees Remember, recruiters usually review CVs very quickly – perhaps only 10-20 seconds – and from diverse backgrounds but are not always sure how to demystify or prevent misconceptions. so CVs have a certain style all of their own. The primary challenge is to make it easy for the Many employers are proud to have strong equality and diversity Depending on your situation, you may find it an advantage to recruiter to find exactly what they are looking for. Focus on their core requirements and adjust policies - look for details when researching organisations (p.17). ‘disclose’ or be open about your circumstances, so that the or adapt your CV for each specific application These organisations recognise and value the unique skills, recruiter can put in place processes (eg, selection material experience and attitudes that individuals bring owing to their put into an accessible format dependent on your disability) personal circumstances. They also understand that students and resources that enable you to meet the demands of the with a disability, health condition or those who have had to selection process and job function without disadvantage. There are four key characteristics of CVs that work well: ‘suspend studies’ are often concerned that they may be at a It is your personal decision whether or not to tell a recruiter disadvantage in the recruitment process – that it will not be fair. of your circumstances. And, if you do choose to share this RELEVANCE: EVIDENCE BASED: To create a ‘level playing field’, they recognise that the information, you must also decide at what point in the ] ]] Provide evidence of your contribution and impact. recruitment process will benefit from adjustments in some recruitment process (application, interview, job offer or in the ] Content is relevant to the position applied for ]] Focus on ‘actions taken’ rather than ‘responsibilities’ to circumstances. For example, they may provide additional job) to do so. – this is not a list of everything that you’ve done. showcase your skills. time for verbal reasoning tests so as not to disadvantage an ]] Content highlights your personal contribution. Everyone’s circumstances are different and understanding individual with dyslexia or dyspraxia. ]] Use numbers, percentages and values to quantify your your situation in this context can be difficult. Try not to pre- impact and give a sense of scale to your actions. Applicants also have protection in law. The UK Equality Act judge how recruiters might view you from what you have ]] Avoid unsupported assertions or opinions. 2010 protects you - at all stages - from discrimination due to read or heard in the media and from others - instead, seek disability, age, gender, race, religion and beliefs and sexual advice and more information to help YOU make YOUR best CLARITY: orientation. It may be worth familiarising yourself with the law - decision. ]] A well laid out CV is inviting to read and easy to scan see www.gov.uk/equality-act-2010-guidance. quickly. BREVITY: }} The Careers Service has advisers who specialise in ] Whilst you may fear that your circumstances will be viewed disability and diversity issues and can help you to decide ] Use simple language – avoid jargon, acronyms and ]] Avoid paragraphs, as these are slow to read. negatively, for the recruiter they are often seen as an asset - how to present your situation and potential needs technical details which may not be understood or provide ]] Use bullet points to package information succinctly. too much detail. for example, your problem solving skills developed through effectively. ]] Avoid too much context, excessive detail or unfocused having a disability may be much higher than others. Ultimately, ]] A standard reverse chronological format helps recruiters }} Approach the organisation’s recruitment team for advice material that will dilute the impact of your most relevant what matters is how you evidence your skills, motivation and as they know where to find what they are looking for. – this is an important part of their role, as outlined in the messages. competencies throughout the application process - you are employer’s point of view below. your best advocate!

THE RECRUITER’S VIEW 2) We continually make sure we treat all “Recruiters will usually review your CV very Emma Cheetham our job applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed quickly [...] and so you need relevant skills Student & Graduate Recruitment Manager, PwC. background, gender, disability or any other protected characteristic. When applying, As a progressive employer it’s essential for 1) At PwC we are committed to diversity, if you have an individual need that you and experience to stand out immediately.” us to have diverse and engaged people, to support this we have Open Mind, our believe may affect your performance, which is why our people agenda is at diversity and bias awareness training we’ll be happy to make reasonable the heart of our business strategy. We which is mandatory for everyone at PwC adjustments to our process for you and believe that investing in the development to take on a biennial basis. The training when you’ve been made an offer, you’ll GETTING READY TO CREATE YOUR CV: of a broad range of skills, experiences is designed to make our people think speak with our onboarding team to talk }} Create your long list of all your experience, achievements }} Select your format – for most graduate positions, a and backgrounds not only gives us a about the impact of unconscious bias on about any adjustments you made need and key dates. Transferable skills are developed and standard reverse chronological format is recommended competitive edge, but it also puts us in the their relationships, and consider situations once you join us. demonstrated in diverse situations, so include: (see Sian Magellan's CV overleaf). best position of meeting the needs of our where they can take action to be more — }} Consider which headings are most useful to present your business and our clients. open-minded to difference. The intention 3) Finally, our commitment to diversity — Educational achievements, prizes, awards. doesn’t end at application stage, once experience most effectively: is to demonstrate that we all have a —— Voluntary, paid and unpaid work experience. This year we’ve continued to recruit a you've joined PwC you are able to join any responsibility to actively challenge the —— EDUCATION will normally be at the top. diverse range of talented people into assumptions we may have about others, of our 13 people networks, that range from —— Involvement in societies, sports and clubs. our business, with a particular focus on how we can all display bias and be on the the Multicultural Business Network, the —— EXPERIENCE rather than ‘Employment’. encouraging more people from ethnic Gender Balance Network to GLEE (Gays, —— Additional interests and skills (eg languages; IT skills; receiving end of it. — minority backgrounds, people from Lesbians & Everyone Else). The networks music). — Headings such as ‘POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY’ or ‘AWARDS’ can signal other important information. different social backgrounds and women This is especially important for our are there to provide you with a sense of }} For each application, identify the skills and competencies into our business. You’ll experience this interviewers and assessors – we make community, inspiration and support. Many required. —— INTERESTS or OTHER INTERESTS AND SKILLS should throughout our application process as well sure all involved in the recruitment of our networks hold events and activities, be included to indicate extra-curricular activities and } as during your time with the firm. Below processes have completed the training for example this summer our Disability } Select your most relevant experiences to demonstrate the diverse talents. This section might include sub-headings you’ll find just a few highlighted examples and deliver regular refreshers to ensure Network held an event with Ruby Wax to skills and competencies required for the role. such as Languages; IT Skills; Sports; and Music. of this: our processes are fair and unbiased. discuss mental wellbeing.

www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 43 D APPLICATIONAPPLICATION ESSENTIALS ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D

COMMENTS ON SIAN MAGELLAN’S CV OPPOSITE SIAN MAGELLAN Balliol College, Oxford, OX1 3BJ OVERALL: BULLET POINTS M: 07685 314529 E: [email protected] Looks easy to read. Separate bullet points cover a single idea, skill or activity Text and dates aligned, no full-stops and plenty of ‘white Note: Sian has used CAR (p.53) as a structure for her space’ around text. Experience section. EDUCATION Consistent use of headings, capitals and bold text provide ]] CONTEXT: Dates, organisation name and positions/ 2015 – 2018 BA Hons English, Balliol College, University of Oxford clear signposting. role give sufficient context. • First year exam results: 2.1 (65 average) No jargon or acronyms which may muddle understanding. ] • Researched and delivered on time twelve 3,000 word essays on new topics in ] ACTION: Bullets start with active verbs/skills, aligning each eight week term for discussion with peers and leading academics Numbers, percentages and values add clarity and give a these to left margin for ease of scanning. sense of scale. ]] RESULTS: Outcomes included to show how and where 2008 – 2015 St John’s School, Milton Keynes Sian added value. A levels: French A*, English A*, Chemistry A, Geography A GCSEs: 5 A*, 3 A, 1 B including A* in English and Maths

EXPERIENCE OTHER FORMS OF CV FINALLY: 2017 WWOOF, Organic Farm in Haute Vienne, France, Volunteer (summer) Some roles may allow for, or invite, a different form of CV. } • Independently planned and organised two months’ work in France } Hold your CV at arms-length – does it look easy to read? • Improved to near-fluent French, while learning food production chain process CREATIVE CVS: }} Fold it vertically and scan the left side in 10 seconds: • Developed good working relationships with 22 colleagues from 12 countries If you are applying for a ‘creative’ role, in advertising or design —— Will the reader get the gist of your application? for example, they may look favourably upon an infographic 2016 Oxford University, The Student Consultancy, Team Leader, (8 weeks) or otherwise visually unusual CV. This allows you to project —— Are your strongest skills immediately visible? • Led a team of five students to develop marketing strategy for local start-up something of your style and personality and can demonstrate } • Designed and executed paper and phone surveys, engaging 250 participants } Check for jargon and acronyms, and over-long bullets your ability and skill communicating information clearly in a - edit vigorously. • Presented recommendations to client; all implemented within 3 months and creative and striking way. delivering 20% increase in sales within 6 months }} Is it the right length? ACADEMIC CVS: —— Some employers (eg, investment banks) expect just one 2016 EGM Analysis, Market Research Assistant (1 month internship) There is no upper limit on the number of pages expected in a page. • Produced eight accurate data tables to summarise previous field activities CV for an academic post. If applying for a postdoc, fellowship, using SPSS lectureship or research assistant post, make sure your CV has: —— Aim for a maximum of two pages, except for an • Presented daily key data summary to managers with a colleague academic CV. • Developed knowledge and interest in marketing and consumer goods }} Sections for professional memberships, publications, and conference presentations/posters. Save your CV as a PDF to ensure it keeps it beautiful formatting when you send it. 2015 Red Lion Hotel, Newport Pagnell, Waitress (part-time summer work) }} A focus on areas specific to academia, such as research • Provided professional, courteous dinner service in busy gastro-pub with experience, teaching experience and any university/college 80 covers administration or committee work. • Maintained positivity and good working relationships in high-pressure FINALLY, FINALLY, take a good break and then proofread - yes, again! - double checking for errors and typos. service environment }} Details of successful bids for awards, grants and collaborations. 2015 Milton Keynes Hospital, Data Entry Clerk (part-time holiday work) }} Referee details – usually three - ideally academics who both • Developed administrative skills, and understanding of organisational processes know you and are recognised in your field. MORE INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES: • Ensured accurate classification of records and meticulous proof reading • Liaised with six hospital departments to compile datasets to tight deadlines It can take a number of revisions before you are happy with  www.careers.ox.ac.uk/cvs your CV, and getting a second opinion can be very helpful. It might all make perfect sense to you, but you could be OTHER SKILLS AND INTERESTS surprised by the things that others may question or not understand. Ask a friend to check it or meet a Careers Adviser Languages: English – native; French – near-fluent; German – conversational for feedback (p.4). IT: Proficient in Excel and SPSS, WordPress, InDesign and MS Office Music: Lead clarinettist in Milton Keynes Youth Band; member of National Youth Orchestra FINAL CHECKS Marketing Officer for Balliol College wind ensemble. Promoted concerts and APPLICATIONS OUTSIDE THE UK: managed ticket sales, increasing audience numbers by 30% in the first year Once you think your CV is ready, we recommend a few final Expectations and conventions for what is acceptable in a Sport: Balliol College women's football team; training twice a week checks: Captain of St John’s School women’s football team (under 18s) CV varies between countries: eg, a photograph is never included in a resume for the USA, but is expected on a Travel: Extensive travel throughout Europe, including organising work placement FIRST, ensure that you are putting forward your best case – in France that everything included is relevant. German CV. If applying outside the UK, research country- specific current practice, starting with: SECOND, always check carefully for errors and typos – many recruiters dismiss well qualified candidates if there is even one ]] Our advice on Working in Different Countries (pp.27-28). typo in the CV, cover letter or application form! ]] GoinGlobal country reports, free to use via www.careers.ox.ac.uk/goinglobal.

4444 www.careers.ox.ac.ukwww.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 45 D APPLICATION ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D

Your Address COVER LETTERS [email protected]

Always submit a cover letter if you have the chance. Their Address Aim to be focused and engaging. Make a strong and persuasive case built on your research and supported Date with evidence linked to your CV.

Dear . . .

OPENING PARAGRAPH: Simply state what you are applying for and where you found out about it. “Show your enthusiasm for the organisation and the This tells the recruiter why they are reading the letter, and helps them know which promotional tools work. Briefly introduce yourself: what you are studying, where, and which year you are in or when role, and demonstrate ‘fit’ by aligning yourself to you will finish. Explain why you are interested in the position and/or the organisation. Differentiate yourself. their culture and values.” Genuine enthusiasm and specific knowledge of the organisation will set you apart from those sending generic letters. Draw on your research to demonstrate understanding of the business and the way they work which goes beyond the corporate website. Reflect what you learnt from speaking with their staff: be specific about why you want to join the organisation or why the position is The cover letter gives you scope to: As you read, listen to yourself: particularly attractive for you: back this up with evidence from your past, or link this to your broader }} Showcase what interests and drives you, your enthusiasm }} Does it say clearly what you want it to say? career plans and aspirations. for an organisation and the role. }} Does it have your ‘voice’? Do you sound confident? Help the person reading your letter to understand how you meet ‘essential’ requirements for the }} Align yourself with the organisation’s strengths, values and }} Enthusiastic about to the company? Excited about the role? role. State explicitly how you match their criteria, supported by evidence from your CV. Focus on culture. your accomplishments and the most relevant transferable skills you have for the role. If you have }} If you insert a competitor company’s name, does the letter }} Highlight your knowledge and strongest, most relevant good evidence for any ‘desirable’ traits in the job description, include this too. Even if you think the still read the same? If so, try to differentiate each letter skills for the position. position is out of reach, you may convince the recruiter you are qualified enough and able to do the more! job – particularly if you demonstrate strong motivation elsewhere. Try to sound professional yet conversational, rather than wordy }} Are there any sections that are hard to read or follow? If or too stiff and formal. Write in clear, concise English – take yes, try simplifying your language, using shorter sentences Support your claims with examples from your CV. You may build a stronger, more credible case by care not to drown your reader with detail, and avoid jargon or try taking that section out completely. linking different experiences to highlight different aspects of competencies or development of a they may not understand. Search online for advice from The skill. Consider these examples: Plain English Campaign which offers simple, clear guidance on This advice also applies if you are writing a speculative letter improving your writing style. or application, perhaps asking an organisation if they can • having run [named event] at school, I further developed my organisational skills when raising [£££] offer you work experience. State clearly why you are writing through a College fundraiser in my first year and, more recently, by leading [a major event] for the Whilst this may sound simple, your early cover letters may go in your opening paragraph, and go on to outline two or three [named Society] attended by [number] of people. through 3 or 4 drafts (even more!) before you are happy with areas where your core skills and experiences best fit the them. • the [role applied for] would allow me use my passion for helping others, which underpins both organisation’s needs. Close with an indication of what you my work as College Welfare Officer and the real sense of achievement I get from tutoring When you feel your cover letter is finished, put it down would like to happen next. overnight (or at least for a couple of hours) before reading it disadvantaged children through Oxford’s Schools Plus programme. through – aloud. MORE INFORMATION: CLOSING PARAGRAPH: Keep it simple and clear. Thank the employer for their interest in your www.careers.ox.ac.uk/cover-letters application and reiterate your desire to join the organisation. If known, refer to the next step: eg, 'I look forward to interviewing with [Company name] in 2 weeks‘, or ‘discussing the position with you soon’.

TOP TIPS FOR COVER LETTERS Yours faithfully, (If you started ‘Dear Sir or Madam’) The outline letter opposite provides ideas about content and structure to enhance your letters. or Yours sincerely, (If you addressed the letter to a specific person) ]] Keep it short – a concise letter demonstrates focus and ]] Include specific relevant details that show your research strong communication skills. and how you consider they differ from their competitors – ]] Project confidence – write with the assumption that they do not cut and paste content. will interview you. ]] As for CVs, double check for errors and typos: using a spell Signature ]] Keep the tone and content professional – attempts at checker is not enough. humour are best avoided. ]] Ask for feedback from a Careers Adviser.

46 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 47 D APPLICATION ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D HOW TO REFLECT THE SAME APPLICATION FORMS EXPERIENCE IN A CV, COVER LETTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND APPLICATION FORM AND FURTHER STUDY

For any application, you should lead with your best, most The paragraphs below illustrate how this might look for Sian Many applications, both for employment and further study, now require an relevant experience for the role. It is likely, therefore, that Magellan’s Student Consultancy leadership experience. application form. In the same way that a cover letter should be both persuasive you will want to refer to some experiences more than once in different elements of the process. and tailored to the position, you are more likely to be successful if you send off targeted applications, rather than sending off a mass of near-identical forms.

Application forms usually include questions that prompt FURTHER STUDY COVER LETTER similar content to a good cover letter and/or competency Whilst participating in The Student Consultancy, I and ensured that we delivered our recommendations based interview questions, eg: APPLICATIONS FOR developed my leadership skills by leading a team of five on time. As a result of my team’s recommendations, six }} Why are you interested in this role/organisation/career? FURTHER STUDY students to design and implement a marketing strategy to months later our client’s sales have increased by 20% and For most courses applications are made increase sales for our local start-up client. I organised our I received excellent feedback both from the client and }} What are your three strongest skills for this role? direct to the university using their online application meeting schedule, allocated roles to each team member, other members of my team. }} Provide an example of a time when … [you have taken a system. In the UK most further study applications open coordinated with the client, implemented our surveys leadership role]. during the autumn with deadlines between Christmas and Easter, but some do close earlier so check individual }} Outside your course, what extra-curricular activities are closing dates carefully. Some vocational courses have a you involved in? centralised application system, notably graduate entry }} Which relevant transferable skills can you demonstrate? medicine and teacher training courses (via UCAS) and the Graduate Diploma in Law (via Law CAB). EMPLOYER APPLICATION FORM (EAF) If the application form is online, we advise that you create Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership reporting. Having established a way forward, we then your answers in a Word document first, so you can: Details differ between courses and institutions, but you skills Last January I led a 5 member team on The agreed a timeframe for each aspect of the project. As are likely to need some or all of the following: } Student Consultancy, an 8 week programme run by team leader, as well as being responsible for survey } Bring your answers and job description to review with a ]] Application form. Oxford University Careers Service to build commercial implementation, I remained the focal point of contact Career Advisers at the Careers Service. ] awareness and team skills. Within this timeframe, with our client, keeping them up to date with all our }} Thoroughly check for typos in Word. ] Personal statement and/or research objective. my goal as team leader was to deliver a series of project implementation, key findings and asking for ]] Transcripts of university exam results. }} Ensure you don’t lose your answers if the server ‘times recommendations to our team’s local start-up client any clarifications when required. I also kept in touch ]] Two or three references. to increase their sales. First I organised a series regularly with each team member in between our team out’. ]] CV. of meetings across the 8 weeks when all or most meetings so that I could deal with any unexpected }} Create a bank of material to help you answer similar ] of us could get together to work on the project. delays or findings and keep our project on track. We questions asked by different companies - but always take ] Examples of written work. Secondly I asked each team member to share their delivered our recommendations on time to our client, time to tailor responses and do not be tempted to copy ]] Results of standardised tests (if relevant). skills and insights into how they could contribute to who welcomed and implemented them all. Six months and paste directly from one application to another. ]] Payment of a fee. developing an effective marketing strategy. Thirdly, later, the client’s sales have increased by 20% and our and based on the combined skillset of my team, I suggestions are still being followed. }} Save your answers, to review before interview. allocated roles to each member, covering research, Always follow the instructions given. For example, if you MORE INFORMATION: survey design and implementation, budgeting and are asked to write to a word count be sure to stick to that: consider using bullet points, concise sentences and active For guidance on types of further study, choosing a course, verbs – as you would on a CV, but never take a shortcut by studying abroad, fees and funding, see p.26, and our simply including your CV - if a recruiter wants your CV, they guidance online: will ask for it. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/further-study CV Personal statements are often required if an organisation has listed the skills and experience needed for the role in detail. EXPERIENCE Aim to show how you meet each item on the list. Be guided by their sub-headings and consider using these to organise 2017 Oxford University, The Student Consultancy, Team Leader, (8 weeks) your own statement if feasible – making it even easier for MORE INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES: ]] Led a team of five students to develop marketing strategy for local start-up recruiters to find the evidence they are looking for!  ]] Designed and executed paper and phone surveys, engaging 250 participants See the feature overleaf which illustrates how to approach  www.careers.ox.ac.uk/application-forms ]] Presented recommendations to client; all implemented within 3 months and delivering the personal statement in the context of an application for 20% increase in sales within 6 months further study.

48 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 49 D APPLICATION ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D

FURTHER STUDY study different types of charts (eg in quality newspapers or the first language, practise by reading outside your own course financial press). The Careers Service runs numeracy refresher subject, to ensure you are comfortable with different styles. PERSONAL STATEMENTS FOR FURTHER STUDY skills sessions which are advertised in our Events Calendar on You may also encounter ‘personality’ or ‘situational judgement’ Your personal statement needs to be tailored to the institution to which you are applying. CareerConnect. tests. Personality tests explore the way you tend to react to, or In general, you need to convey: prefer to deal with, different situations. Situational judgement VERBAL REASONING TESTS or critical thinking tests are used by some recruiters to assess YOUR INTERESTS WHAT YOU BRING candidates’ judgement when solving work-related problems. Why you want to study this topic or field. Is it a natural How your experience equips you for the course; consider the These typically test your ability to make logical inferences, and extension of your current interests? How did you become subjects you studied at undergraduate level, your relevant to extract the details and main points from different passages The best approach is to consider the detailed implications of interested in this area? What have you done within your skills (technical, language, computing, research methods), of information. They are more difficult to prepare for than the given options. Make an honest judgement, and bear in degree or outside of your study to fuel this interest? independent study or research, prior (relevant) experience, numerical tests, though reading manuals, technical reports or mind the organisation's stated values and core competencies academic awards and other achievements. academic and business journals may help. If English isn’t your if the options seem finely balanced. WHY US? Why you have chosen this specific course and institution? YOUR ASPIRATIONS Are there particular options or modules of interest? Is there Where the course might lead you and how it will help you FURTHER STUDY particular expertise in that department? Has access to move towards your goals. You don’t need a detailed career specific resources such as museum collections, libraries or plan, but you do need to show how this course fits in with FURTHER STUDY APPLICATIONS: TESTS AND INTERVIEWS laboratory equipment been a factor? Has the reputation of your general aspirations. Do you have a broad interest in Admissions tests are rare in the UK for Masters programmes will. Vocational courses like the PGCE nearly the course inspired you? Are you attracted by opportunities contributing to a particular issue or field? Or do you have a and PhD programmes. However, some always involve an interview. If you are based in a different for collaboration or work placements? Have you attended more specific goal in mind? Summarise your application in vocational programmes (eg Medicine) do country, you won’t usually be expected to travel for interview: any Open Days or made other visits? your closing paragraph, return to any themes you introduced require test results, and there may be tests to demonstrate Skype and telephone interviews are becoming more common at the beginning, and restate your enthusiasm for the course. your language capability. in those cases. MORE INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES: In North America, standardised tests are an almost universal If you are interviewed, then expect a rigorous examination of part of the application process. You will most commonly come your motives for applying to the course, as well as questions www.careers.ox.ac.uk/personal-statements-for-further-study across the GRE, but others exist and it is important that you exploring your academic interests and knowledge. Be ready check both which tests are required for your chosen courses to talk about dissertations or other pieces of work, and keep and the cut-off dates for taking these. in mind that this is also your chance to determine whether a course is right for you – particularly important for PhDs. In the UK, interviews are common but not ubiquitous. Not PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS all Masters courses interview candidates, but most PhD Many graduate schemes use online tests in the initial application stage and, if successful, you may be asked to take similar tests as part of an Assessment Centre. ASSESSMENT CENTRES These tests may include numerical, verbal and critical reasoning tests, situational judgement, ‘personality’ tests, and/or in-tray/e-tray exercises (p.52). Larger organisations often use assessment centres to assess applicants against a range of competencies or behaviours. By the time you are invited to one you should have developed Psychometric tests are normally multiple choice questions, Find details in the ‘Our resources’ section of our more detailed a clear understanding of the organisation, its core values and your relevant strengths. and both speed and accuracy are important. It is therefore advice: www.careers.ox.ac.uk/psychometric-tests. important to familiarise yourself with the structure and style of the tests in advance and develop your technique. This will To perform at your best in these tests: WHAT TO EXPECT A typical one day assessment centre may consist of: allow you to focus your time and energy in the actual test on }} Choose a time and place where you can focus and not be Assessment centres tend to be between a half-day to two }} Introduction and company presentation. the questions asked, not trying to understand how you should distracted. days in length and will consist of a range of selection methods }} Psychometric testing. answer the question. such as aptitude tests, personality questionnaires, case }} Follow the instructions exactly. The recruiter’s site will normally provide both advice and studies, group discussions, spoken presentations, one-to-one }} In-tray exercise. }} Work as quickly and accurately as you can, reading both interviews, socialising (which is still observed!) and meeting practice questions, and you should always complete these }} A presentation. practice tests. The Careers Service has practice materials and questions and answer-choices carefully. recent joiners. }} Lunch / socialising informally. books to help you prepare in our Resource Centre and we }} A good strategy is to eliminate as many wrong answers Applicants will usually be assessed against selection criteria provide free access to online practice tests. as possible. For example, with numerical tests a quick based on the company’s competency framework, which }} Group exercise, solving a work-related problem. estimate may help you discard several of the options defines the core abilities, skills and behaviours judged to without working out every alternative. be necessary for the role. These competencies are likely to }} Interview(s) ranging from strengths based to competency. include key transferable employability skills (pp.31-32) as well EQUALITY & DIVERSITY: }} Keep an eye on the clock. The assessors will keep notes of how each candidate performs as company specific competencies and/or technical skills for during every exercise and interview, and they will score the DISCLOSURE OR BEING ‘OPEN’ }} Do not spend too long on any one question – if you get some roles. Typically, competencies include areas such as: candidate’s performance against the relevant competencies. stuck, leave it and move on rather than wasting time. If you feel that you might be at a disadvantage }} Creativity, analytical skills and problem solving. Try to stay focused throughout the day, and don’t allow to others in the application and selection yourself to lose confidence if you feel you have under- }} Effective communication skills and teamwork. process (eg online tests, video interview, time-out from NUMERICAL REASONING TESTS performed in an exercise because the assessors are looking at studies), owing to a disability, health condition or dyslexia and }} Business/commercial awareness. your overall performance. dyspraxia, then do contact the recruiter beforehand to discuss On these, you’ll likely be asked to do addition, subtraction, }} Ability to influence/persuade. if the process can be adapted or ‘adjustments’ could be made division, multiplication and calculations of percentages and ratios. The ability to extract information from charts and for you, for example, by giving you extra time in the timed }} Drive, initiative and flexibility. MORE INFORMATION: graphs can be as important as actual calculations. Remember tests. Your experiences of adjustments that are made for you www.careers.ox.ac.uk/assessment-centres at University are a good guideline to what you can ask for, or that, unless a job requires a high level of numeracy, numerical The range of assessments allows for applicants’ performance advise a recruiter to put in place. tests are not likely to be pitched higher than GCSE-level against each of the criteria to be judged in more than one Maths or equivalent. To prepare, read financial reports and situation. 50 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 51 D APPLICATION ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D

PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN REPORTS CONFIDENT INTERVIEWS You may be asked to prepare some materials in advance of the assessment centre, or be given some time to prepare on If you have been invited to interview, you have convinced the employer that you the day based on a case study. You will present to the assessors, and possibly other candidates. When preparing your are suitable for the role on paper. An interview is your opportunity to confirm this presentation: impression, and demonstrate that you are what the hiring manager is looking for. ]] Make sure that you understand what is required and the ]] Keep the structure simple: time you have both to prepare and to present. 1. Tell them who you are and what you are going ]] Consider your audience – this will influence the content, to tell them. HOW TO PREPARE level and tone of your presentation. COMPETENCY BASED RECRUITING 2. Tell them. Repeat the preparations detailed throughout this section, but ] Many companies still use competency frameworks to ] Timing is important as you will be stopped when your in more depth. Re-read the job description and candidate time is up. 3. Summarize what you have told them. identify and group related skills, knowledge, attitudes specification, and ensure that you understand the job and and abilities that are needed to be effective within their Because time will be short, it is best to start with the key issue and your main conclusion or key recommendations. the competencies required. Be clear about the points you organization and the range of situations typical for a The rest of the presentation should support this conclusion. absolutely want to make, and practice building them into particular role. different answers. ]] Structure your arguments and limit complexity ]] Support your ideas and themes with examples, statistics In interviews, competency based questions are common } – eg, three to six main messages. and facts and (brief) anecdotes – but keep it moving to } As a starting point, prepare some answers to typical and tend to follow the structure: reach the end of your presentation. questions, and practice answering them aloud. Articulating your answers is harder than thinking them over in your “Can you tell me about a time when…...... ?” Consider whether an interactive element would be appropriate given the context – eg, in a teaching or training type role play, head, and saying them aloud will help you to sound more [insert competency here] convincing and fluent on the day. this could be appropriate. Allow time for questions at the end if this feels appropriate. Using a simple framework to provide structure to your }} Be clear on your motivations: why you want to work for the answer helps you to: organisation and do that specific job. ]] Tell your story clearly and makes it easier for an GROUP EXERCISES }} Be ready to show commercial awareness (p.40): interviewer to follow that story. —— Consider how recent global events, current affairs and ]] Include all the most relevant and important points. The most important outcome for group exercises is for the group to deliver successfully against the given brief. This really is the economy may affect the organisation. not about winning or losing! —— Think about how the organisation competes in its STRUCTURE YOUR RESPONSES WITH THESE MNEMONICS: Successful teams work together. They find and use the best contributions from across the whole team and good teamwork market, and how it compares with its competitors. involves listening to, acknowledging and following through on the ideas of others: it’s about building on one another’s strengths and contributions. —— Read a quality broadsheet and be ready to offer an informed opinion on business and current affairs. But yes, you are being assessed, and assessors can only judge you on the contributions they see, so it is important to get involved and make sure that your contribution is heard. Even if your ideas are not taken up by the group there are many }} Prepare some questions (note them down) to ask at the alternative ways that you can gain recognition - eg, leading, facilitating, generating ideas, encouraging, monitoring progress, interview. SITUATION CONTEXT re-capping/summarizing, questioning, or analysing. TASK ACTION ]] Get a good grasp of any information you are given, but ]] Don’t assume that shy or quiet members have nothing to don’t waste time on minute details. contribute – ask for their thoughts. SUPPORT AT THE CAREERS SERVICE ACTION RESULT ]] In the light of the information given, help the group ]] Find the balance between taking your ideas forward and }} Sessions for improving your interview skills are held each RESULT decide on your objectives and priorities, make a plan, helping the group to complete the task. term, and dates and times are advertised in our weekly and follow it. ]] Keep an eye on the time and overall objective of the newsletter and on CareerConnect (p.4). For example, use the STAR outline to: ]] Be assertive and persuasive, but also diplomatic. exercise, and help ensure that the group keeps on track }} Employer-led mock interviews are offered every term. You FIRST – Briefly describe the specific SITUATION you and delivers against the brief. ]] Listen to what everyone else has to say, and try to get the are able to make a recording to review at a later point, were in. best contribution from each person. and the recruiter will give feedback to help improve your SECOND – Describe the TASK you needed to accomplish. technique. Give only enough detail for the recruiter to appreciate }} You can also use a short discussion with a Careers Adviser your contribution. IN-TRAY EXERCISES to discuss interview technique or tackle some general THIRD – Describe the ACTION(s) you took. Keep the focus In-tray or ‘e-tray’ exercises are a test of your ability to deal with a real work scenario. You may be given a simulated inbox full of interview questions. emails, reports and other correspondence - or it may start nearly empty, but you can expect additional emails to arrive during on what you did rather than the efforts of the team, even } the exercise. } The Careers Service’s Resource Centre holds a number for a group project. of books and briefings that can help you prepare for LASTLY – Describe the RESULT. Based on relevant Employers are usually looking for you to prioritise your workload, draft replies, delegate tasks and recommend actions. interviews. measures of success, outline what happened and what Keep focused - time is often short, so work quickly and avoid getting too absorbed in any single aspect of this task. }} The Interview Database contains helpful feedback and tips you accomplished. from past students’ interview experiences; you can filter TAKE CARE TO: ]] Select which items could be delegated/referred to When appropriate, probably within an interview, you these by sector. someone else and those that can be noted for completion can extend this structure by including ‘E’ for EVALUATION ]] Read the instructions carefully and thoroughly. ‘later’. (STARE): ]] Prioritise what is most important or urgent by scanning the ]] Highlight any resource constraints, conflicts between tasks, information. ]] Highlight what you learned from the experience, or or implications for the organisation. what you would change if went through the process/ ]] Identify which items you need to complete during the ]] If asked to draft a written response to any item, identify the experience again. exercise (handling tasks that are both ‘urgent & important’ main points of your response quickly and expand concisely as a priority). ]] Explain how this experience might be relevant in the on them. role applied for.

52 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 53 D APPLICATION ESSENTIALS APPLICATION ESSENTIALS D IN THE INTERVIEW(S) STRENGTHS BASED RECRUITING }} Don’t be afraid of silence: TELEPHONE, SKYPE & More and more graduate recruiters use this type of —— Take time to think before answering. PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEWS interview as they understand that employees will ROSE LAGRAM-TAYLOR perform best when using their individual strengths. —— Make sure you answer the question you have been Many employers now use virtual interviews as the first They aim to get the best out of you by focusing on Barrister, South Square asked. stage in the process. Prepare for this type of interview your natural aptitude, what you enjoy doing and what as if for a face-to-face interview - don’t treat it any less “During the pupillage interview, you will likely —— Structure your answer so it is easy to understand. engages you. formally. get some form of problem question. Remember, —— If you have finished – and the interviewer remains silent If you’re asked to do a video (or pre-recorded) In this type of interview, interviewers may ask a wide this isn’t just testing your legal knowledge as – don’t keep talking to fill the gap. range of questions to get a good feel of your personal interviewers are looking to see how you think, interview, you’ll be sent a video link and will complete abilities and will be looking not only at what you say and if you will fit into chambers as a person, so }} Be positive in everything you say: the interview via web-cam. You’ll be asked a question, but also how you say it; to see if your tone, body given a short time to prepare, and then have to record don’t become a robot in the interview, just smile, —— Don't make negative comments about previous language and expression demonstrate a genuine your answer; you can usually pause between questions breathe and ultimately be you!” employers or tutors. motivation. but not after the question has been asked. —— If asked about something that went wrong, outline what They may ask questions such as: you learned from the experience and how you would ]] When are you at your best? handle it differently next time. WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ]] What are you most proud of? ON THE DAY }} Aim to keep answers reasonably short – if there is more that INTERVIEW: ] you could add, perhaps ask the interviewer if they would ] What do you do well? }} Plan your route and aim to arrive 15 - 30 minutes early to }} Ensure that you have privacy for the interview away like more details or further examples. ]] What do you love to do in your spare time? settle down and relax. Plan what you will do if there is an from noise and distractions. Ask friends not to unexpected delay. Always have the name and telephone ]] How would a close friend describe you? }} Don't let a friendly, informal interview style lull you into a disturb you – put a sign on your door! number/email of your main contact within the organisation. false sense of security: you are still being assessed. ]] How do you feel when working on a disorganised }} Ensure your phone/laptop is charged, check the } project? What do you do in situations like this? } Consider what you are going to wear: be clean, neat and }} Keep your answers professional, focused and relevant. signal/internet access, and/or that Skype is working tidy, and dress appropriately for the environment you would ]] How do you ensure you maximise your time to properly. be working in. }} Be aware of body language and try to maintain eye contact. achieve your goals and targets? This is particularly important in a panel interview, where eye }} Have your CV or application form available as a } In order to prepare you will need to think about your } First impressions are important: be ready to say hello with a contact can help you to engage all the panel members. prompt, as well as some paper and a pen for making achievements academically, professionally and in an confident handshake and steady eye contact. notes. extra-curricular capacity. What have you done that you }} Remember - you are on show from the minute you arrive to particularly enjoyed – why did you enjoy it? Also, as AFTER THE INTERVIEW }} The main difference between telephone and the point that you leave. standard interviews is the lack of visual cues, but with all interviews think about the organisation and the As soon as possible after the interview, jot down notes of what your body language is still very important as it affects role you are interviewing for: does it allow you to use }} Be polite and friendly (but not over-familiar) to everyone was discussed, what you feel went well, and what didn’t go your confidence and performance. your strengths and natural talents? you meet – receptionists, secretaries… everyone. well. Consider how you could have responded differently and Arrogance or rudeness will be noticed and will work against what you could add to strengthen your answer(s). This will help }} Sit up straight or stand, as it will help you to project you. if you are asked similar questions in future – including during your voice effectively. a final round interview – if the organisation decides to drill }} Dress smartly: don’t just sit in your pyjamas – even deeper into areas which have already been assessed. for a telephone interview – as this will affect your TOP TIPS FOR ANSWERS PREPARE FOR THE MOST TYPICAL Consider sharing your experiences and insights with others overall attitude and confidence. through the Interview Database. Try to use examples from different experiences, such as QUESTIONS }} Smile! By smiling, you will sound friendlier and more your studies, work experience, extra-curricular activities and confident. volunteering. Employers will want to understand what your interests are, HANDLING OFFERS OR REJECTIONS what you enjoy doing, and how these relate to the position, }} Use gestures as you would in a normal conversation; ]] Be as clear as possible – many of us tend to ramble when so some questions are quite common. They will want to If you're offered a job and are still hoping to hear back from this will help you sound livelier. Vary your pace and we’re nervous, so use specific examples that provide understand what motivates you and how much insight you other recruiters, look up the advice on ‘Handling Offers’ pitch to avoid sounding ‘flat’. on the ‘Application Process’ pages of the Careers Service’s evidence of your skills and contribution. have into yourself, their company and the role – so be sure to } website. If you are still unsure, discuss your situation with a } If there are any long silences after your answer and ]] Feel free to use examples already mentioned on prepare well and practice aloud for these FAQs. Careers Adviser. If you are not offered the job, do feel free to you are not sure whether to continue, you can always your written application: the interviewer will not have ]] Tell me about yourself. contact the recruiter for feedback – it can be really helpful. If ask, “Would you like me to expand further on that?” memorised all of them. Be ready, however, to go into ] you feel that the feedback is a little generic, don't be afraid more detail. ] What attracted you to this company? to ask specific questions to get more detailed information. ]] Why do you want this position? ]] Think about the structure of your answer to ensure you Most importantly, learn from the experience and try not to lose that get the relevant points across clearly. For competency ]] What will you bring to this role? confidence. based questions, use the STAR/CAR mnemonic to ensure ]] Tell me about a time when you led a team/completed a you highlight the transferable skills from your examples project/worked with someone you found difficult to work (p.53). with. MORE INFORMATION: ]] A good interview is a dialogue, and you should take an ]] What would you do differently if faced with that (difficult) www.careers.ox.ac.uk/types-of-interview active role in the conversation. situation again?  /interview-technique ]] If you are not sure that you understand the question, ask ]] Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?  /make-a-good-first-impression for clarification. Similarly, if you are wondering whether ]] What do you consider your greatest strength?  /case-study-style-interviews you have answered a question fully, you can ask the …your greatest weakness?  interviewer if they would like more information.  /telephone-video-interviews ]] What has been your greatest achievement?  /interview-database  /handling-offers  /handling-rejection 54 www.careers.ox.ac.uk www.careers.ox.ac.uk 55 ACADEMIA + HIGHER EDUCATION ACADEMIA + HIGHER EDUCATION Dr Michael Harbottle Senior Lecturer in Working in the University sector offers a wide variety of professional roles WHAT: I work on applications of biology really interesting opportunities, Geoenvironmental in civil engineering, from bacterial self- but you have to say no to some including academic research and teaching, student services, research facilitation, Engineering, Cardiff University healing of concrete and soil structures to of them! Targets for myriad things communications, HR, finance, IT and fundraising. using plants to clean pollution or prevent like publications, research income, landslides. I do a fair bit of teaching (about research impact etc. can become a a third of my time) and administrative bit overwhelming. duties (I’m Director of Admissions for my department). CAREER PATH: After my Academia itself can be a stimulating FOR DPHIL STUDENTS: undergraduate degree in career option, offering the potential Networking throughout your Much of the day is spent talking to Engineering I spent three years in for significant autonomy and DPhil will mean you hear of people - researchers in the lab, students industry, carrying out offshore site flexibility in your working life. It is Dr Rachel Bray posts through contacts, and will in class or academics and industry about investigation and foundation design, a challenging route that demands Careers Adviser for Researchers know people to advise you on research - or communicating in other ways before returning to Oxford to study drive and commitment to your and Research Associates, applications. Postdoc positions (writing papers and presenting research at for a DPhil. After postdoctoral study area of research and to producing Department for Social Policy and are advertised all year round, but conferences). at Cambridge I came to Cardiff as a the publications, grants and fellowship deadlines can be up to Lecturer. Even after the DPhil I was WHY: The main reasons I do this are the projects expected by University Intervention, Oxford one year before they start. Junior still considering both academia and “Working at the interface of research, variety and the opportunity to work with industry – in engineering at least departments. Competition for Research Fellowships – offered some really interesting people worldwide roles after the doctorate means teaching and action is very exciting. at Oxford, Cambridge and a few industrial experience is valuable and Persistence, courage and being strategic (researchers, students, industry etc.), the entry into academia is possible at a that you can expect several years other UK institutions – are highly personal responsibility and freedom, and are all key to making academia work later career stage. ACADEMIA + HIGHER EDUCATION of insecurity while trying to find a competitive, vary in salary, and the ability to do things that may be useful, for you.” permanent position. are advertised from September Engineering Science, important and totally new. ADVICE: You’ll need a passion for onwards. Most are advertised whatever it is you study or teach, It is near essential to have a DPhil/ St Hugh’s College, between February and April. MAIN CHALLENGES: Each of the three whether this is because you find it PhD in order to gain a permanent main work streams (research, teaching, Lectureships are advertised year round for the UK, and from 1993-1997. interesting or you feel it’s important. academic position in the UK and many other countries. DPhil. Geoenvironmental administration) could comprise a full-time As usual, getting yourself known (for September to December for North America. job in itself, so time management and Following a DPhil/PhD, routes include postdoctoral position Engineering, St Hugh’s the right reasons) can be the making or a fixed-term teaching contract as a tutor or lecturer. focussing on what needs to be done are of a successful career. Alternatively, there are independent fellowships, which EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS College, 2000-2003 key skills. The workload can become an offer a grant to develop your own research. Postdocs and ++Before doing a DPhil, try to gain some summer research issue early in the career. There are many fellowships can last from six months to several years. experience by speaking to tutors/academics in your field, or get tutoring or lecturing experience, even with Early career academics often take on a variety of roles as school children. stepping stones to a permanent position, or towards a WHAT: I’m a researcher, writer, public throughout my student years, I’d ‘portfolio career’ in which academic work is one of several ++During a DPhil, get university teaching experience speaker, and entrepreneur. I research the had a resolution to make academia strands such as consultancy, editorial or advisory work. or get involved in The Brilliant Club – giving tutorials Emily Troscianko links between fiction-reading and mental work for me on my terms or leave. to outstanding school pupils from disadvantaged Permanent lectureship positions combine research and Researcher, writer, public health, am co-author of a textbook on My current ‘portfolio’ of roles has backgrounds. teaching with administration duties, such as organising speaker, and entrepreneur consciousness, run a recovery coaching space for what I really care about, seminar series and sitting on committees. There are very few ++Start building a network around your area of interest. business and a Psychology Today blog and for me. teaching only or research-only permanent academic roles. called ‘A Hunger Artist’, give talks on Join societies related to your subject, and attend talks MAIN CHALLENGES: At the moment, Academic support roles in Universities typically offer a at the Careers Service on developing a professional literature and design events on mental health, and am creating an app to earning enough money! It’s hard (but stimulating range of activities, teamwork, creativity as well as network within academia, and using Linkedin and other support recovery from anorexia. interesting) working out how much opportunities to develop policy and interact with academics relevant social media. time different roles and tasks require engaged in cutting-edge research. They can also offer more CAREER PATH: After my BA and Masters, and deserve, when to prioritise ++Search the professional, managerial and support roles stability. my doctorate moved gradually into immediately paid work over longer- advertised on www.jobs.ac.uk for inspiration about other cognitive literary studies, investigating term prospects, and what ‘enough’ Career paths vary depending on discipline, type of roles in Universities. Despite there being only a few the psychological effects of reading money really means to me. institution, and region. Aspiring academics will find more graduate schemes, most professional support functions Kafka. During a JRF at St John’s I grew opportunities if they are flexible about location and willing are filled by university graduates. interested in the clinical relevance of TOP TIPS: If you want neatness and to consider working abroad. The HE sector is expanding, for reading, which led to a Knowledge security, a portfolio career probably ++Get your work out there; submit articles for publication instance, in South America, Asia and the Middle East. Exchange Fellowship collaborating with isn’t for you. This way of working (for and get involved with outreach in your subject in the charity Beat. Part-time roles at the me anyway) demands repeated self- different public spaces. Humanities Division and the Careers questioning about what you want life GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS to be – but also permits the answer ++Speak at conferences, or organise one yourself. Service followed, where I developed skills FOR UNDERGRADUATES/MASTERS STUDENTS: BA Modern Languages in supporting personal and professional to that question to change. To keep Depending on your subject, a Masters may be necessary ++Apply for internships with non-UK universities and/or (French & German), development which now also feed nicely the academic strand alive, you have to undertake a DPhil/PhD. Most application deadlines for industry to gain international and practical experience, into my coaching and events-design to keep publishing, strategically. To St Hilda’s, 2000–2004; expand into other territories, you postgraduate study and funding in the UK are between eg those offered by the Careers Service MSt European Literature, work. December and February in the academic year prior to need to invest a lot of time and starting, but make plenty of time to talk to your tutors, the DPhil German Literature, WHY: Sometime after my DPhil I realised energy early on, and be prepared to MORE INFORMATION: I wasn’t interested in lectureships in feel, a lot of the time, that you have Careers Service, and research institutions so that you can Brasenose, 2006–2010; my ‘home’ field, and that my blog was no idea where it’s all going. That’s find the best place for your studies.  www.careers.ox.ac.uk/academia Junior Research Fellow in the most important and enjoyable OK, though: everything makes sense Modern Languages, professional thing I did. I also reminded in retrospect! St John’s, 2010–2014 myself that having been ill with anorexia

56 57 ACCOUNTANCY + FINANCIAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTANCY + Hannah Hurley Trainee Chartered Accountant, FINANCIAL SERVICES Blick Rothenberg Limited Sammy Ford “During my degree in Cell and Systems Actuarial Associate – APR LLP The finance sector is vast and consistently recruits financial risks. Most of the time I work like pensions and investment); so I Biology I didn’t know what career path to alongside clients’ in-house teams to offer applied for lots of graduate schemes. very large numbers of graduates. A high degree of take so I gained experience in a variety additional expertise and experience. I’m really pleased to have ended comfort with numbers is important for finance related of roles including lab work, teaching and Our analytical input helps insurers to up at APR - being at a smaller roles alongside key skills like strong communication management consultancy. I decided on a set premium rates, work out how much company means I get opportunities career in accountancy because there are money to reserve for claims and decide and support that are tailored to skills, team-working, problem-solving and analytical so many opportunities once you qualify, what assets to invest in, so that they my development. My consultancy- skills. However, the sector also recruits graduates into whether within private practice or in remain solvent and policyholders are type role means the projects are other business functions however, including legal, HR industry, or tax, audit and consultancy.” protected. interesting and I gain experience in a range of areas. and technology roles. WHY: My role is pretty technical and challenging, and that’s probably my ADVICE: There are lots of exams to favourite thing about it. I really enjoy take in the early years – it typically applying the maths and statistics I learned takes between 3 and 5 years to In all areas, graduate training contracts frequently require GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS during my degree to solve real-life qualify as an actuary and the exams trainees to study for a professional qualification whilst problems. I’m also fortunate that I get a lot are tough. You will be supported by ACCOUNTANCY: The large accounting firms open working. Many employers contribute towards the cost of variety: each new project and change your employer and colleagues but graduate recruitment during the summer in the year of client means working on something make sure you are committed. and offer study leave as part of the package. Accountancy before graduation. Positions in London fill quickly in new, somewhere new - and often the training normally takes 3 years, and Actuarial training 3 to Michaelmas Term, so apply early: however, recently firms one-off projects are the most interesting. TOP TIP: Demonstrate your 6 years. commitment to potential employers have continued to recruit into regional offices throughout MMaths, Balliol College, Everyone I have met in the profession is by understanding what the job ACCOUNTANCY: Accountants work in varied roles across a the year. Firms with smaller planned annual recruitment 2015 really supportive and encouraging, so I learn loads from my colleagues. involves. There’s really no excuse for broad range of service areas, including advisory, assurance, targets will typically start later, with most opportunities not doing your homework and asking corporate finance, tax and risk. Accountants play a key opening in Michaelmas Term of your final year, whilst other WHAT: As an actuarial student at EARLY CAREER: When I started job-hunting, friends, family, your career advisor or + FINANCIAL SERVICES ACCOUNTANCY role in decision-making by providing accurate financial smaller companies can offer rolling recruitment and it is APR, my role is to help our clients I knew I wanted to be an actuary but using the internet to research the job information and analysis for management. Therefore, worthwhile sending a speculative approach if no ‘graduate (mainly insurance companies), wasn’t sure what industry sector to go for you want. organisations look for people with strong commercial programme’ is advertised. to estimate and understand their (actuaries also work in other industries, awareness and good interpersonal skills - not just ‘number- ACTUARIAL WORK and INSURANCE: Graduate crunchers’! There are opportunities in both commercial and programmes will vary depending on the size of firm and public sector organisations at firms of all sizes. The larger area of specialism, and application deadlines vary, so organisations, including the ‘Big 4’ (Deloitte, EY, KPMG research and prepare applications early. Meet firms at and PwC), have broadened their focus to provide strategic our autumn career fairs and company presentations, and advisory services and now also have large management accounts for (mainly) new businesses and opportunities once you qualify, monitor your target firms’ websites. consultancy practices. start-ups. I have also worked on financial whether within private practice Hannah Hurley due diligence projects, and on private or in industry, or tax, audit and ++Chartered Accountants provide professional advice to Trainee chartered accountant, client tax advisory projects. consultancy. fee-paying clients, small businesses, large organisations and individuals – in areas such as audit, financial EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS Blick Rothenberg Limited Interestingly, the principles underlying a TOP TIPS: Take time to research the reporting, insolvency and restructuring. ++Demonstrate your interest in the sector by becoming successful audit are very similar to those firms you would like to apply for and active in related student societies – such as the Oxford underpinning good lab work, which use the chances offered in interviews + +Management Accountants usually work in-house Guild, Oxford Microfinance Society and the Oxford made the transition from university much and assessment days to get a better easier. understanding of the firm’s culture. (although they can be external) and their role is to Finance Society. advise an organisation’s senior management about the TRAINING: I am training for the ACA-CTA Consider an internship as it is a ++Show your financial acumen as Treasurer for a society or financial repercussions of business decisions, and to joint program, and will qualify as both valuable opportunity to see whether monitor corporate spending. JCR/MCR. a tax advisor and chartered accountant you like accountancy. Also, think ACTUARIAL WORK: Actuaries are risk management ++Help run an event that makes a profit, from fundraising in 3 years (rather than the usual 5), with about any relevant experiences you experts, applying mathematical tools to assess the to a College Ball. some fairly significant exam exemptions. already have – I was the treasurer of It can be challenging, but definitely worth OUDS, so knew I would likely enjoy probability and risk of future events. Actuarial assessments ++Apply to attend ‘Insight Days’ and ‘Spring Week’ considering if you are interested in a number crunching. are used in various industries, especially the Pensions, programmes as a 1st year (or a 2nd year on a 4-year future career in tax. Insurance and Investment sectors. Most graduates When answering competency- degree). have a numerate degree (e.g., mathematics, statistics, In addition, Blick Rothenberg holds in- based interview questions consider economics, sciences), but students from other disciplines house courses, which are a useful way drawing on examples from your can demonstrate their numerical ability by passing the to gain specialist knowledge in different studies. Examples could include that Certificate in Financial Mathematics (CT1) exam. industries, as well as soft skills courses, tutorials naturally lead to confidence such as public speaking, or managing in meetings in the workplace and INSURANCE: Insurance is focused on protecting the value MORE INFORMATION: Cell and Systems Biology, others. managing a high workload builds of an individual’s or organisation’s assets, and has huge Exeter College, 2014 organisational ability. breadth, including Corporate Insurance, Personal Insurance, www.careers.ox.ac.uk/accountancy WHY: During my degree in Cell and Systems Biology I didn’t know what If you would like to apply for the Reinsurance, and Life Assurance. Firms are similarly diverse.  /actuarial-profession WHAT: I work in Blick Rothenberg’s career path to take so I gained ACA graduate scheme at Blick Employers are generally open to graduates of all degree Business Group. Day to day, I help experience in a variety of roles including Rothenberg, further information can disciplines, although some employers have a preference for complete and plan audits (including lab work, teaching and management be found on our website: numerate degrees. attending client sites), prepare tax consultancy. I decided on a career in www.blickrothenberg.com/Careers/ returns, and pull together statutory accountancy because there are so many ACA-Graduate-Recruitment 58 59 ACCOUNTANCY + FINANCIAL SERVICES ACCOUNTANCY + FINANCIAL SERVICES

THE ADVERTISING, Alice Jones CAREERS SERVICE Account Executive, alfasystems.com/careers MARKETING + PR Tamarindo Communications “Try to go along to careers and We’re Alfa, a leading provider of software and services to the Dynamic, diverse and fast-moving, this sector offers networking events. I met the Tamarindo global asset finance industry. Our purpose-built software platform, roles for graduates from all degree disciplines. There Alfa Systems, is at the heart of some of the largest and most team at a drinks event one evening – I innovative companies in the sector, such as Bank of America, are some 10,000 agencies in the UK, from specialists to had a lot on my plate, but I went along Barclays, Mercedes-Benz and Nordea. Established in 1990 and multi-nationals offering services across the full span of anyway. Had I not, I wouldn’t have this with over 300 employees worldwide, we are headquartered in job today.” London with projects all over Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific. communication specialisms. We employ only the most talented and motivated people INSIGHT INTO to develop Alfa Systems, implement it to our customers’ specifications, and take their business forward. When asked why Employers look for creative graduates who have high- Expect competition for advertised positions to be intense, they like working for Alfa, our team always talk about the vibrant, BUSINESS level communication, analytical and organisational skills but there are alternative routes into agencies. This is a highly supportive, inclusive culture. Life at Alfa is rich and varied, with and a keen interest in digital and social media. Different networked sector and many positions are filled without frequent events and socials complementing an excellent work-life Learn about roles at agencies commonly include Creatives, Account being advertised. It is therefore very helpful to be visible balance which includes a sponsored volunteering programme. Management, Strategic Planning, Media Planning and and known: work experience is important, and speculative Diverse, creative and hardworking, Alfa employees enjoy a highly marketing, finance Buying, and Production. approaches for full-time roles, internships or work experience competitive benefits package and continual support for further and leadership are often welcomed as they demonstrate interest, desire and training and development. Graduates from STEM subjects and people with IT skills are in our termly initiative. We look for people with outstanding talent and achievement, increasingly in demand because of the promise offered by ADVERTISING, MARKETING + PR including an excellent academic record. If you can demonstrate programme! data analytics to unlock insights into customer behaviour These industries thrive on creativity, so think about making this, we’ll teach you everything you need to know. and the potential for application of AI (artificial intelligence) your speculative approach a little different too. Not all Find out more at alfasystems.com/careers. to exploit the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The sector agencies want a traditional CV and creative alternatives can offers numerous opportunities for Social Media Strategists, sometimes be effective, such as an infographic or video- Analysts, Web Developers, and User Experience (UX) graphic CV. A website or blog are good forums to showcase designers. skills, and it is important to use social media to keep in touch with agencies’ latest work and to hear first about new Fields of operation (and terminology) for agencies in the opportunities – but candidates are advised to manage their sector overlap, but can be broken down as: own web-visibility carefully! ADVERTISING uses paid-for space across all media to www.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-businesswww.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-business Agencies are not the only option however. Marketing motivate people to buy products and services, or to alter and communication roles are important in all sectors, and their attitudes. there are many prestigious graduate programmes with PUBLIC RELATIONS (PR) involves managing and enhancing larger companies in brand management, marketing and reputations (people, products or services), principally by market research (consumer business insight) and general THE influencing the media. Tools range from press releases to management roles - deadlines often fall in November and CAREERS promotional events. December. You can also gain experience as an in-house SERVICE marketing assistant, for example with a charity or technology PUBLIC AFFAIRS is similar to PR but focuses on persuading firm, as a foundation to build on. policymakers to adopt particular viewpoints. MARKETING AGENCIES will advise on brand strategy, EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS management and communications, and provide services ++Join OxAdSoc, the Oxford Advertising and Marketing across the range of advertising, market research, media Society, to learn about the sector, gain experience, and planning and buying, PR, distribution, sales strategy etc. meet alumni working in these industries. MARKET RESEARCH seeks to understand people’s ++Get involved in the marketing of an event, fundraiser, INANCE preferences to inform product development and/or or any aspect of promotion of a student society and F marketing campaigns. enhance your use of social media. Opportunities exist all over the UK in cities such as Leeds, ++The Agency projects give first hand practical experience Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, but the main and insight into this industry. Projects run termly, see p33 cluster of agencies are in London. Large agencies and FAIR ++Get involved promoting any one of Oxford SU’s PR consultancies are often international in scope. Many are part of a larger communications group with a parent campaigns. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER company based in another country. ++Stay abreast of the industry through key resources, such as Marketing Week; Campaign magazine, and The GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) website. EXHIBITORS FROM 14:30-17:30 Most agencies recruit into specific roles as positions ++Apply to be ‘Brand Ambassador’ for a large firm looking come up during the year. Only the largest agencies tend to raise their profile at Oxford. OXFORD TOWN HALL to operate specific ‘graduate schemes’ (and internship programmes) and applications often open during the summer – deadlines can fall early, some before the end of MORE INFORMATION: October. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/advertising  /marketing 60 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 61 ADVERTISING, MARKETING + PR ADVERTISING, MARKETING + PR ARTS + HERITAGE Alice Jones Arts and Heritage jobs can be found in museums, public and commercial galleries, Account Executive, archaeology organisations, auction houses, theatres, the music industry, performing Tamarindo Communications companies, venues, historic sites – and many specialist organisations. in Oxford. Our clients, ranging from undergraduate – and did some engineering companies to insurance firms freelance work for a ‘sustainable This sector covers a huge range of roles, from artistic (designers, performers, artists, and maritime organisations, all operate business’ advisory. within the renewable energy space. writers) to ‘arts management/administration’, requiring organisational, operational and Meanwhile, we support them in marketing ADVICE: Get experience. If you’re interested in writing, then freelance leadership skills. Other roles use research or academic skills (‘curatorial and specialist’

and content creation, and by securing ARTS + HERITAGE media opportunities – eg in the form of work, blogging and contributing to jobs), involve teaching or training (‘arts education’) or technical skills (eg, fashion or set contributed articles or interviews – with magazines can be easily arranged design; art conservation). trade media publications and even the around your studies. Also try to national papers. expose yourself to other areas of interest – for me, that included WHY: Having always enjoyed writing, in environmental issues. Work For paid work, remember that employers in the arts and GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS heritage world often rely on candidates to find them and more recent years I became interested experience is a great way to bulk Competition for positions can be high, so relevant tend not to have big graduate schemes. The following in environmental issues and renewable out your CV and ‘test run’ different experience on your CV is vital. Consider: energy. This role offers the opportunity to careers. insights and advice can help: pursue both avenues of interest, as my ++Volunteering with local arts and heritage organisations ++The vast majority of roles are advertised as individual job involves reading, talking, and writing TOP TIPS: Try to go along to careers – seek out local museums (eg, www.museums.ox.ac.uk) and networking events. I met the opportunities – check organisation websites, as well about renewable energy – both market and heritage organisations, such as Oxford Preservation Tamarindo team at a drinks event as sector-specific job sites such as Arts Jobs, Arts English and German, Trinity developments, and our clients’ work – on Trust. a daily basis. Working with the media, no one evening – I was writing my Professional, Museum Jobs, BAJR (for archaeology), College, 2017 two days are the same. dissertation and had a lot on my Heritage Daily, etc. ++Advertised internships and short term and seasonal plate, but I went along anyway. Had I jobs offer great experience, paid or unpaid (eg, paid EARLY CAREER: Studying literature – not, I wouldn’t have this job today. ++A handful of graduate schemes exist (eg, Sotheby’s and WHAT: I am on the graduate work staffing festivals and events; front-of-house or and writing a lot of essays! – helped Ambassador Theatre Group’s graduate scheme and the scheme at Tamarindo promotional work; support for tours; summer work with me to develop my writing skills, as did Arts Fundraising Fellowships), but these are really unusual Communications, a specialist children and young people). creating a blog on my year abroad. I in this sector. B2B Public Relations and also served as my college Environment ++Asking directly about jobs, internships or volunteering Communications agency based ++Do not just consider the big names! There are & Ethics representative for a year as an by networking and speculative approaches to hundreds of smaller organisations, which often attract organisations, even if there is nothing on their website. less competition. Look at Hiive online for a range of opportunities and consider signing up to their newsletter. ++Positions may not be advertised widely (or at all!) so check websites and approach individual organisations ++Think about your local organisations and research within directly. your region. and hospitality sectors. As Head of is constantly evolving. One of the Charlotte Hart Copywriting, I’m involved in a huge most exciting things about Palm ++Consider gaining experience with organisations providing EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS range of projects across both the is the clients that we work with. Head of Copywriting, specialist services to the Arts and Heritage world: eg, art As a student, there are a myriad of opportunities to build agency’s PR and Digital divisions. I can We often work with disruptive investment, specialist legal and insurance firms, marketing Palm PR be meeting with the founders of a new ‘challenger’ brands, who are carving your experience, so take advantage of the rich cultural life and PR firms, specialist IT or training companies, public of Oxford and our university to try things and explore your start-up in the morning, strategising for out new categories and make sector bodies and charities. a Digital campaign over lunch, drafting amazing products, from chocolate interests. Eg: + an industry award entry in the afternoon, to açai sorbet. Creative thinkers +Develop expertise and relevant skills in a different ++Perform in or direct student theatre or music events and then be off to a launch event in the are really valued here and there’s a sector before moving to the arts later – eg, accountancy, – see www.ouds.org evening! great focus on learning and personal marketing, teaching, graduate leadership schemes. development. ++Join community arts projects: eg, explore CAREER PATH: When I graduated, I See the Careers Service’s full briefing for much more on www.oxonarts.info knew that a grad scheme path into a TOP TIPS: Securing an internship specific roles, ideas on how to build experience, and links to corporate field just wasn’t for me. I loved is the best way to gain insight into resources to help better understand the possibilities. ++Work on student films with the Oxford Filmmaking to write and had looked after the content agency life; don’t be afraid to put Foundation for Oxford Fashion Society in my final yourself out there, call agencies year, so wanted to find a position that directly to express interest. Do FURTHER STUDY ++Write a researched short article for Trusted Source would enable me to continue writing research into an agency’s clientele Further study may be needed for certain careers (eg, on the National Trust’s website – exclusive to Oxford with creative freedom. I interned with a and past campaign work – this is curatorial or technically skilled roles) and it can help when University! creative events company and through invaluable interview prep. If you’re seeking roles that attract strong competition. It is important ++Try arts production or marketing; run events as ‘entz’ the CEO was introduced to Palm. I interested in a specialist agency, to research courses before signing up though, so consider officer for your college. received an offer to join the company in begin reading an industry publication the following: an entry-level position and then, having (eg The Grocer Magazine for food ++Submit articles for arts, culture and heritage sections of been given the chance to write social and drink) to stay up-to-date on ++Browse job adverts to understand which roles commonly student newspapers. BA German & Russian, media copy for our clients, moved into news. I also read The Economist and require additional study and which qualifications are Worcester College, 2015 the Digital division. Since, I have been check Tech Crunch daily – having sought. ++Start something new; eg, establish a performance rapidly promoted and am now Head of the gift of the gab is invaluable in group; create a heritage-style ‘audio guide’ to your ++Investigate career destinations of graduates, and tutors’ Copywriting. comms, so be ready to talk about college; curate a sale of student art … WHAT: I work at award-winning everything and anything! backgrounds, for courses you are considering. public relations and social media WHY: No two days are the same! The consultancy Palm PR, which pace is fast, you need to be adaptable ++Ask alumni and others working in your preferred MORE INFORMATION: specialises in the food, drink and good at prioritising, and the industry field which courses they took and/or which are most respected. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/arts 62 63 ARTS + HERITAGE ARTS + HERITAGE STUDENT SOCIETY THE CAREERS Oxford University Robyn Haggard SERVICE Public Engagement Officer, Scottish Dance Society Museum of the WHAT: As public engagement officer able to volunteer across the Oxford History of Science about 60% of my role is creating events University Museums and discovered for the museum, from debates to musical just how varied the roles in the Beginners are always welcome at promenades through the building. The museum sector are! Once I realised I Over 1100 event I’m proudest of was an astronomy was interested in events, rather than Advertising, Marketing our classes on Tuesday nights! afternoon in University Parks with a local curation, I was able to target my

& Communications opportunities ARTS + HERITAGE community observatory. Over 300 people volunteering to improve my skills in Experienced dancers gathered to watch the transit of Mercury. that area. were posted last year on The other 40% is managing the Museum’s ADVICE: Volunteer as much as you can join us on a communications, including press and can, but make sure you are strategic. marketing, social media accounts and It’s definitely not the only way Wednesday. print material. c into the sector – look out for paid CareerConnect WHY: Running both our events and internships and apprenticeships – but Or hire us for a ceilidh communications allows me to help shape it is a common one. But, if you take Including roles with the way the Museum is presented to the volunteer roles whenever they come An evening of fun public. I also love being able to share the up you’re likely to burn out before Creative Access, TPP, Virgin Media, specialist knowledge I gained during my you get a paid job in the sector. Once Balfour Beatty, Sky, and more... dancing and MSc. As with all small institutions there’s a you have worked out what skills you lot of opportunities to get involved in areas need to get your dream job don’t be great music! outside of my role. I learn new skills all the afraid to target those areas and ask time, whether its conservation or website for training while volunteering. Find your perfect job! MSc History of Science development. Check out our website for more TOP TIPS: Talk to everyone you can Medicine and Technology, GETTING STARTED: I realised I wanted to about their jobs and experience. information and to contact us: St Hilda’s College, 2015 work in museums during my undergrad. Building up your own network is This mean that I was in a position to really important for future jobs, and www.users.ox.ac.uk/~scodance gain a lot of volunteer experience whilst having people you can turn to for studying. After coming to Oxford I was advice is invaluable. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnectwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnect

Amy Mulholland THE Senior Filming Coordinator – WHAT: I work in the Filming Department and administration. I moved to CAREERS at English Heritage, established 2 years English Heritage Trust London, working freelance for several SERVICE ago within the commercial arm of years in theatre as an assistant the charity. We work with TV and film director and director, and then side- production companies who want to hire stepped into event management at a our sites for filming, from stately homes Grade-1 Listed historic location which to ruined abbeys, castles and prehistoric was often used by film crews. stone formations. We recommend the ADVICE: It’s good to have some dvert most suitable sites and supervise the s, A isin understanding of the fragility of t shoot on the ground. My current role r g historic locations and the restrictions involves developing the infrastructure A & and strategy of the department. this places on companies using the space. Volunteering at a heritage edia Fa WHY: Before starting university I knew I i venue, even as a steward, will give M r wanted to work in theatre, TV and film, you insights into these requirements. and I enjoy co-ordinating project-based Working in theatre can help you to work with a range of different teams. understand the nature of production This role allows me to use both my companies and the kind of pressures THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER experience of working with technical and they are under to deliver creative creative teams on large-scale projects projects to a deadline. and my passion for allowing heritage EXHIBITORS FROM 14:30-17:30 sites to be opened up in innovative ways. TOP TIPS: Be inquisitive and ask English Literature people questions when you are THE CAREERS SERVICE and Language, EARLY CAREER: My role didn’t exist until visiting new places and working on Worcester College, 2008 recently, but at Oxford I took part in as new projects – if you are open to many theatre productions as possible, as learning from others you are more an actor and director, and on graduating likely to increase your knowledge I completed the Oxford Playhouse base and build strong relationships, training scheme in theatre management which will often lead to more work.

64 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 65 BANKING + INVESTMENT BANKING + INVESTMENT Opportunities in this sector are many and varied, so if you are interested in Cara Duckworth finance you should be able to find the role and firm that’s right for you. Corporate Finance Associate, Deutsche Bank Generally, this sector is divided into the following types of firms: investment and retail banks, M&A advisory boutiques, asset management and private value and financing, defining the equity SHIFTING FOCUS: I read Geography equity firms, and trading firms. The first decision, therefore, is what type of story, navigating the UK Takeover Code, at Oxford. Many said a career drafting public announcements, and more. in investment banking would be work you would like to do? Since joining, I’ve worked on a range of outside my skill set. However, my transactions, including the demerger of degree taught me to learn, to Gocompare.com from the esure Group, research, to critique assumptions work often requires high levels of numeracy and strong INVESTMENT BANKING and the acquisition of Aer Lingus by IAG. and opinions, and to manage my tech skills; firms typically recruit undergraduates and These banks are the most easily recognisable in the time and resources. When I started postgraduates from quantitative disciplines such as Maths, WHY: It’s fascinating working directly graduate market, often with multiple global offices and in banking, my learning curve was Statistics, Computing, Physics, Engineering, etc. with senior management teams, helping covering many areas of specialism such as mergers & steeper than it would have been had them to navigate critical phases of their I studied finance, but over the longer BANKING + INVESTMENT acquisitions (M&A), sales & trading, asset management company’s development. Transactions and risk. They provide specialist financial services and GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS term, my broad-based educational can take months or even years to come to background put me at an advantage. advice to a wide range of clients including governments, This is a highly competitive sector and firms receive fruition, but executing a successful M&A corporate entities, charitable institutions, and “high net applications from students across the globe. However, transaction, and reading about it in the FT, Banking is not just about balance worth individuals” (HNWs). Roles within investment banks with the proper research and preparation, there is no never fails to excite. sheets. It can be broad as geography. are usually separated into the following areas: reason why you should not be able to secure the right job. BA Geography, For example, I have been involved See the more detailed briefing on our website for further ADVICE: When you consider the proportion in a number of projects relating to of your week that you will spend at work “FRONT OFFICE” – eg, M&A, sales, trading and research. information. Keble College, 2014 transport and infrastructure, both of “MIDDLE OFFICE” – eg, operations, compliance and legal. or, over the longer term, the years spent in which are classic geography topics. “BACK OFFICE” – eg, IT, HR and administration. You do not need to have studied a finance related WHAT: I work within the UK M&A a career, it is important to get it right. Don’t limit yourself by what others degree, but it is important to have a keen interest in and (Merger and Acquisitions) team at Get as much work experience as you can, perceive to be an unusual shift – test Another option for students interested in mergers and understanding of the wider concepts within the banking Deutsche Bank, advising clients and start as early as you dare. I interned the boundaries and pursue areas acquisitions are boutique M&A advisory firms. These industry and global markets. You also need a high degree on corporate finance transactions. in two investment banks but also worked that interest you. firms are usually led by M&A specialists who previously of analytical intelligence and the ability to build and Each M&A transaction is different, in a hospital and at Thorpe Park. Don’t knock it. Dealing with clients/ held leadership positions at the large investment banks – maintain good working relationships in what can be a but we tend to be involved through the full life cycle of a deal: from customers in any context teaches valuable they also often work on some of the biggest deals in the competitive and pressurised environment. sector. This may be the ideal place for those who want pitching initial ideas, to advising on skills. to start their career at a smaller organisation, without Getting work experience is very important (and a compromising on deal quality and size. requirement for some firms) for a full-time graduate role in this sector, and it is important to note that most banks RETAIL BANKING use their internships as a major pipeline for their graduate Jimena Nowack programmes. We would recommend looking for “Spring The high street banks (eg, Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, Analyst (Retail, Consumer Weeks” (c.1 week work experience) in your first year and process, in my day-to-day job or with my crunching”) but there is also so much Santander) dominate this sector, although it is worth summer internships (c.8-12 weeks) in your penultimate year & Leisure), Lazard future career progression at Lazard. more than this. As a Humanities noting that most of these also have investment banking to gain as much experience and exposure as possible. If student I have been pleasantly arms. Retail banks also offer opportunities in areas such as During my second year I started to you do not get an internship in your penultimate year, all surprised by the amount of creative business and corporate banking, wealth and investment consider what I wanted to pursue. In is not lost, as a number of the large banks offer “off-cycle” thinking required – in finding a management, and operations management. my mind, I was destined for a career in creative and compelling, often internships for those who have just graduated. the art world, because it made the most unexpected, solution to a problem, or sense with my choice of degree. I applied coming up with an original idea. ASSET MANAGEMENT & TIMING: It is really important to have a good for a summer internship at an auction understanding of application deadlines, as these are usually house and realised I wanted a far more On the whole, I have quickly realised PRIVATE EQUITY in early Michaelmas and interviews often take place as and challenging day-to-day role with a steeper that Investment Banking is a lot more Asset managers (also known as wealth managers or when people apply. learning curve, and one that was in steady about people, personality and ideas investment managers) buy and sell shares, bonds and other pace with what was happening around – more than what it is usually given assets to increase the value of their clients’ portfolios. Their EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS the world. credit for. clients can be diverse, ranging from large institutional ++Engage with employers in Oxford at career fairs, During my final year of university, I applied ADVICE: I always advise students to investors such as pension funds to high net worth presentations, workshops, etc. – especially in to investment banking graduate roles. try and get a holistic insight into the individuals. In this area, you could find yourself working in Michaelmas Term. I decided not to apply to bulge-bracket industry and the company before a different range of organisations such as sovereign wealth firms as I prefer a smaller, more collegiate making any decisions. Anyone who + funds, independent companies, boutiques, or within a +Join and actively participate in relevant student environment. One where I could exercise likes being challenged and working subdivision of a bank. societies: eg, The Guild, Oxford Student Foundation, a bit more creativity and where everyone hard should consider Financial Finance Society, etc. Private equity firms invest in companies (often those which BA History of Art, is known by their name and their ideas. Advisory. The huge advantage to working in small are underperforming) to help them meet their growth ++Demonstrate your skills at managing finances by Christ Church College, 2016 teams at Lazard is that you are in direct Don’t assume you cannot successfully potential, then sell their stake for a profit at a later date. becoming the treasurer of a society or JCR/MCR. contact with MDs and Directors – and transfer to other fields of work. In my My background in the Arts is certainly team of eight, there are colleagues + this is something that does not happen at +Apply to ‘Insight Days’ or ‘Spring Week’ programmes in not the most conventional route TRADING FIRMS other/bulge bracket banks. who studied Linguistics, History, your first year (or second of 4-year degree). to a career in investment banking, Economic and Classics and they are These independent firms do similar work to sales and however I have never felt any Undoubtedly, there is a financial element now all enjoying a successful career trading teams within the larger banks, often with a focus MORE INFORMATION: impediment during the selection to the role (the so called “number at Lazard. on using technology to design trading strategies, build statistical models or create their trading algorithms. The www.careers.ox.ac.uk/banking-investment 66 67 BANKING + INVESTMENT BANKING + INVESTMENT

THE CAREERS

SERVICE www.gsacapital.com/careers www.meyerbergman.com

About us: GSA is a collaboration of approximately 180 people. About us: Meyer Bergman is a private equity real estate

For over a decade we have worked together creating and investment manager with over €6bn of AuM. Our core strategy applying innovative technologies to solve problems in the is focused on investing, unlocking and cultivating value in urban Main Locations investment management industry. Over 60% of our staff work in spaces across key European and North American locations London | Dublin | Chicago | New York | Hong Kong research or on developing technology necessary to enable and through our expertise in identifying, acquiring, designing and actively managing urban real estate. We are headquartered About Citadel monetise our research. We are an eclectic mix of mathematicians, scientists, programmers, economists and a great deal more. in London and have further presence in France, Germany, the Citadel is a leading investor in the world’s financial markets. For over a We live by the scientific method in building quantitative models Nordics and North America. INSIGHT INTO quarter of a century, we have sought to deliver industry-leading that analyse and predict real world behaviour. We implement Opportunities available: Intern and full-time Analyst and investment returns to clients including corporate pensions, algorithms based on these models to systematically invest Associate roles across all departments (Investment Management in markets. At GSA we reward people based on merit and / Finance, Tax & Legal / Investor Relations & Research). NB: For BUSINESS endowments, foundations, public institutions, and sovereign wealth excellence, not necessarily on experience. We avoid the Associate roles, minimum 3 years of relevant work experience will funds. Citadel Securities is an award-winning global market maker that bureaucracy of larger organisations, and keep our management be necessary for consideration BANKING + INVESTMENT helps meet the liquidity needs of asset managers, banks, broker- structures flat. People who work here enjoy a culture of trust, Graduates sought: Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent) attained; Learn about dealers, hedge funds, government agencies, and public pension innovation and scientific rigour. It’s a friendly, open place where strong literacy and numeracy skills are required along with marketing, finance people are motivated because they enjoy what they’re doing. demonstration of keen interest in finance, private equity and real programs. Opportunities available: Quantitative Strategists, Software estate investment; fluency in European languages is desired but and leadership Application Process Engineers, Algorithm Developers, Systems Engineers. not essential in our termly Apply for full-time graduate positions and internships via our websites Graduates Sought: Students of all academic levels from the Visa sponsorship: Yes (NB: only available for full-time roles) programme! following and any closely related disciplines including Computer Graduate salary: Competitive package (including discretionary

Connect with us on: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, bonus element) Economics and Empirical Finance. Application advice: Applications will be considered throughout Graduate Salary: Competitive base salary + discretionary bonus + the year, subject to headcount and further assessment; interested comprehensive benefits package applicants should submit their cover letter and resume to Vacation work: Internships or work experience available all year [email protected] for further consideration Application advice: CV to [email protected]

www.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-businesswww.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-business

ADVANCED TRADING www.janestreet.com/join-jane-street

About us: Jane Street is a quantitative trading firm with a unique focus on technology and collaborative problem solving. Our trading is based on our own proprietary models and on busy days WE OPEN we engage in over a million trades. Technology is at the core of how we approach trading, and we consider ourselves as much MARKETS a technology company as a trading firm. Our growth comes from hiring and training amazing people and giving them the tools they need to innovate. The environment is open, informal, intellectual AND MINDS and fun. You can wear a t-shirt and jeans to the office every day, welcome to optiver and the kitchen is stocked full of free food and discussions are At Maven, our training helps you Where Challenges Await you always lively. Teaching and learning are central activities through unlock your potential to become classes, mentoring and discussion. the best trader in the market. Opportunities available: Full time and internship opportunities Optiver is a Trading company where teams of Traders, Researchers Join the team and learn how our (during summer) are available in Quantitative Trading, Software and Developers work together to create the most advanced collaborative spirit accelerates Development, Quantitative Research, and Business Development. software to set fair prices for investors worldwide. Or, as we like to Graduates sought: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, growth, builds wealth, and creates call it, Market Making. Engineering and other quantitative subjects are preferred. No opportunities – for the company, finance experience is necessary. and for you. Application advice: Applications are open all year round. Please We’re looking for people to join our office in Amsterdam to help submit your CV online via our website. A cover letter is not us solve the ever-changing challenges faced when making required, however, you have the option to add further info about markets. For anyone with a scientific mind and innate curiosity, this yourself in the comments section of the application. is a hugely rewarding process. A job where no two days are the same. Visit our career’s page to see what challenges await you. MEET US ON CAMPUS OXFORD FINANCE FAIR: 16TH OCTOBER, 2018 WORKATMAVEN.COM/GRADUATE-OPPORTUNITIES optiver.com/job-opportunities  @MavenGradCareers  @MavenGradJobs

68 69

BANKING + INVESTMENT BANKING + INVESTMENT BANKING + INVESTMENT STUDENT SOCIETY

www.nomura.com www.optiver.com www.oxam.com

Main locations: London & European offices Main Locations: Amsterdam, Chicago, Shanghai & Sydney Main location: Oxford, UK About us: Nomura is an Asia-headquartered financial services About us: Over thirty years ago, Optiver started business as About us: OxFORD Asset Management is an investment group with an integrated global network spanning over 30 a single trader on the floor of Amsterdam’s European Options manager with a quantitative and technological focus. Our team countries. By ‘Connecting Markets East & West’, Nomura services Exchange. Today, we are a leading global electronic market of mathematicians, scientists and software engineers develop the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments maker, focused on pricing, execution and risk management. We proprietary algorithms using the latest technologies and trading through its three business divisions: Retail, Asset Management, provide liquidity to financial markets using our own capital, at our software to invest on a global scale. By analysing a range of and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). own risk, trading a wide range of products: listed derivatives, cash data and information, we exploit relationships among financial Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign currencies. Our independence instruments such as stocks, futures, and currencies. We work entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and allows us to objectively improve the markets and provide with the latest technologies to build computational models of considered thought leadership. At Nomura, internships are the efficiencies for end investors. financial markets, which trade the Fund’s portfolio. We tackle perfect preparation for a subsequent full time role. We offer With over one thousand Optiverians globally, our mission to problems with an open mind, and draw inspiration from a a range of graduate and internship programmes across three improve the market unites us. Thriving in a high performance vast array of sources. We encourage a culture of innovation

key areas: investment banking, global markets and corporate environment, we pioneer our own trading strategies and systems and craftsmanship, and embrace a philosophy of continual BANKING + INVESTMENT infrastructure. Internship opportunities can include a 10 week using clean code and sophisticated technology. We achieve this improvement with rapid feedback on personal contributions. spring or summer internship in London or a 3-6 month internship in by attracting, developing and empowering top talent, in order to OxFORD offers a comprehensive and flexible benefits package, one of our regional offices. sustain our future. including competitive salary and performance related bonus, Opportunities available: Investment Banking, Global Markets, Opportunities available: Insight Day for first year students; private healthcare, pension and life assurance. Finance, Operations, Technology, Compliance, Risk Summer Internship for pe nultimate year students; Graduate roles Opportunities available: Software Engineering, Quantitative Graduates sought: All disciplines with students on track to receive for Traders, Researchers, Graduate Software Developers and Risk Analysts, Systems Infrastructure and Summer Internship minimum of 2:1 Analysts Programme 2019. Visa sponsorship: Yes Recruitment criteria: Bachelor’s degree in either Computer Graduates sought: Mathematicians, Scientists, Engineers and Graduate salary: Competitive Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Information Computer Scientists. No finance experience is necessary. We Vacation work: Spring insight programmes & summer internships Systems or equivalent. are always looking for exceptionally talented individuals who Application advice: Online application with CV and application Application advice: Apply online with CV and cover letter. A are ambitious and relish a challenge. We value mental flexibility, questions – no cover letter! recruiter will inform you of the next steps. The final stage will be innovative thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively. an interview day in Amsterdam. Teamwork is as important to us as individual excellence. Email: [email protected] Application advice: Please submit CV and Cover Letter online. STUDENT SOCIETY

THE INSPIRATIONAL CAREERS www.ruffer.co.uk SERVICE At Ruffer, we do one thing. We manage money on a discretionary basis for private clients, trusts, charities, pension funds and collective investment schemes. We have been investing our FANTASTIC clients’ money the same way since the firm was founded by Jonathan Ruffer in 1994. Our aim is to deliver positive returns, regardless of how the financial markets perform. Ruffer provides investment performance and service that put our clients first. We look for FINANCE people who believe in this – and who want to help us do it better. We offer three types of role within our graduate programme. An investment and client focused role in the Front Office, an analytical role in our Research team and a Technology role in our EXTENSIVE agile development teams. A summer associate programme and FAIR internships are also available. Ruffer is a welcoming place, where you can play to your strengths and develop a fulfilling career. Who you know doesn’t matter, what TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER you know is important, but the decisive factor is who you are. Main locations: London, Edinburgh, Hong Kong Opportunities available: Front Office, Research and Technology EXHIBITORS FROM 14:30-17:30 graduate programmes Internships: Summer associate programme and internships OXFORD TOWN HALL Graduates sought: Minimum 2:1 in relevant degree subject Graduate salary: Competitive Application advice: Applications for our three graduate programmes open on Monday 17 September and close on Monday 5 November 2018, please submit a CV and a cover letter.

70 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs visit www.oxwib.com for more information 71 BUSINESS + MANAGEMENT BUSINESS + MANAGEMENT From multinational companies to City Councils, business permeates all Anthony Charlton organisations. The range of opportunities spans a wide range of functions Commercial Director, including strategy, HR, IT, finance, marketing, logistics and sales to name Gartner but a few. Many Oxford graduates enter this sector for a career with I joined Gartner (formally CEB) straight out In my current role as a Commercial of University as a graduate. I left Oxford Director I manage a team of around prospects of early management responsibility, high salaries and excellent not knowing exactly what I wanted to do 20 people within our EMEA business benefits, and the possibility of working globally. as a career but I knew I wanted to move with overall responsibility for serving to London and work in business. I was our existing clients and growing our drawn to the company on the promise of market share year on year. What I being able to work with big companies enjoy most about my role are the and travel – something that I was keen people I get to work with on a daily to do with my languages. Gartner is a basis, the variety of activities in each Given the breadth of roles available within business and essential, as is showing your ability to work with people and research and advisory firm providing day, and traveling around the world management, it makes sense to consider the type of build relationships. technology related insight for IT and other meeting clients. One of the most business you want to work in (small tech start-up to major business leaders located across the world. challenging aspects of my role is Deadlines for internship schemes, usually aimed at supermarket chain) and the sort of role that appeals My first role didn’t disappoint and while balancing conflicting demands on penultimate year students, also tend to be in Michaelmas to your strengths and interests but generally speaking, at times it felt like I had been thrown in my time and being able to prioritise BUSINESS + MANAGEMENT or early Hilary Term. If you want to gain some experience management activities include: at the deep end I was amazed that as a on the go. When I left University I in a company that doesn’t appear 22-year old I was working with the most would never have thought that I ++Defining objectives, allocating to advertise an internship, senior executives at the world’s largest would have ended up in a role like resources, meeting targets and Kimberlee Robertson approach them speculatively for companies and that they wanted to talk this and if I could give my 22 year-old taking responsibility for the Commercial Insight, some experience or a shadowing to me! For the first few years of my career self a piece of advice it would be to outcome. opportunity. Whilst multinational Modern Languages I worked in our finance practice with not worry so much about a career John Lewis ++Project work. corporations offer a number of (French and German), Chief Financial Officers and other finance as such but to think more in terms of “Joining a graduate scheme (I joined the internships and graduate roles, executives and learned so much about experiences that you want. That way, + Lincoln College, 2005 +Recruiting, supervising, Tesco scheme in 2009), is a great way to it’s worth remembering that the the world of business that it felt like I had you end up focusing on the things motivating and developing access a variety of experience, especially majority of businesses are small done an MBA. In the years that have you enjoy and are good at and the staff, to ensure effective team career takes care of itself. if you like to learn on the job, but it isn’t or medium sized, in which case followed I’ve traveled the world with my working. job, worked with some amazing people the only way to progress […] you need to research businesses in your local + and made many of my best friends. +Effective communication. be flexible and resilient.” area and find out if you can ++Controlling finances and help out with any office tasks or managing budgets. projects during the vacation. ++Problem-solving and dealing with complaints. Looking further ahead, if your aim is to reach the Managing ++Managing change. Director role in an organisation, most large companies will look for someone with experience in more than one The opportunity to enter general management is often management area and in more than one company so be Kimberlee Robertson seen as a stepping stone that in time can either remain prepared to work in different businesses across the industry. Business Development as a standalone function particularly in a manufacturing retail obsessive, I couldn’t think of a more the possibilities in retail to be truly or retail organisation or to carve a particular professional Manager: Fashion, John Lewis enjoyable way to apply the research and limitless. The best part about my route in one area. Graduates can be recruited by a variety EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS analytical skills I developed during my career so far has been being able degree. The role also provides me with to work with a diverse range of of industries and sectors such as consumer goods, retail, ++Run a mini business that has to turn a profit, such as a a platform to demonstrate my strategic people, colleagues, customers and energy, healthcare, transport and leisure. Management and theatrical production or a college ball. leadership opportunities aside, job titles across ‘business’ thinking and business planning abilities, suppliers from all around the globe. can vary significantly and so deciphering what is involved ++Make use of The Oxford Foundry, a new entrepreneurial which I have acquired over the course I have even had the opportunity to of my career so far. The John Lewis travel as far as South Korea to share in the role is crucial; if strategy and problem solving really centre for Oxford students. Partnership is a fantastic place to work. knowledge and ideas with other appeals look out for Business Analyst graduate roles ++Sign up for Insight into Business, to learn core elements We all share the responsibilities, and teams. and for growing a business (including sales) look out for of strategy, marketing and management and learn how rewards, for being co-owners and the Business Development Executive roles. to build a profit-and-loss account. brand has a strong sense of heritage and ADVICE FOR GRADUATES: Joining tradition, which I am very proud to be a a graduate scheme (I joined ++Join The Student Consultancy for an insight into part of. the Tesco scheme in 2009), is a GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS the challenges faced by real businesses and for the great way to access a variety Many organisations offer management positions which opportunity to help solve problems faced by local WHY: Like many History graduates, I of experiences, especially if you like tend to specialise in specific areas, such as Technology, companies. didn’t have a single career path in mind to learn on the job, but it isn’t the Marketing, Finance, Human Resources or Distribution, all as I left Oxford. Retail appealed to me only way to progress in retail. To ++Become a Campus Ambassador for a large company of which have an element of general management work because of the breadth of roles available get on in this sector, you need to be (many employers advertise these via CareerConnect). within them. A high proportion of graduate schemes offer BA History, and the ability to lead a team early on. I flexible and resilient; I have often the chance to try different ‘rotations’ over the course of two ++Sign up for other relevant student organisations such as Jesus College, 2009 wasn’t disappointed. Through working found opportunities come to those years before deciding to specialise. Competition for these The Oxford Strategy Group, Oxford Women in Business for two major retailers in my career so who are willing to throw themselves schemes can be intense. Many of these opportunities will far, I have been fortunate enough to into the deep end. But above all, you and the Oxford Microfinance Initiative. WHAT: My role is to develop, and experience a huge breadth in roles and must have a passion for working and open in September and fall towards the end of Michaelmas lead the delivery of, the Fashion responsibilities. I have had 9 different collaborating with others. Term. Students who have gained commercial insight via MORE INFORMATION: strategy for John Lewis to achieve jobs in as many years! From managing an internship or position of responsibility during their  our growth targets. For someone who a team on the shop floor to being a degree are likely to be at an advantage when applying www.careers.ox.ac.uk/business-management loves to shop and is a self confessed Beauty products buyer, I have found for rotational graduate schemes or management roles. Demonstrating motivation for the business you apply to is 72 73 CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CHARITY +

Michael Thorne WHAT: I am the Coordinator of Jacari, fundraising; and has given me a SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Graduate Trainee, CharityWorks Freya Turner a small Oxford-based charity which clearer idea of what I would look for provides free English lessons to in a future third sector role. The charity and social enterprise world is bigger than “Make the most of the work Coordinator, Jacari disadvantaged local children who speak you might think, with 168,000 charities in the UK experience opportunities you have English as an additional language. I am TOP TIPS: Employers in the non-profit at university… The best way to go the sole employee – all our tutors are sector want to see a long-standing alone. Charities do not seek to make profits, and are about this is to secure an internship student volunteers. As manager of the commitment to voluntary roles – so make the most of all the volunteering usually funded through donations and grants. Social offered by the Careers Service or organisation, my working days are very varied as I choose how to divide up my opportunities Oxford has to offer! I enterprises are businesses which trade for a social/ the Oxford Hub – but speculative would recommend that you also take requests to organisations you’re time between the various administrative environmental purpose, reinvesting profits to further tasks. I might be recruiting student on a committee role as a student – interested in are also worth doing!” this purpose. volunteers and taking them through their either on your JCR/MCR, on a student training; visiting schools to meet Jacari campaign or on a volunteering group pupils and writing up referrals; writing committee. You’ll need to be able bids for funding; editing and designing our to demonstrate both teamwork and website; or planning and advertising our personal initiative; and if you can fundraising and social events for pupils achieve something with tangible and volunteers. Going ice skating with results whilst you’re a student (e.g. There is a huge range of causes served, and workplaces If you are considering further study as part of your strategy, Jacari pupils and volunteers has been a project managing a successful event range from small and informal start-ups to big organisations it is advisable to: definite highlight! or fundraising a certain amount for your student group) that will really CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE with a more corporate culture. Charities and social ++Understand which roles commonly require higher WHY: I was attracted by the independence help you to stand out. Don’t spread enterprises have the same range of job roles as any qualifications by reviewing job descriptions and offered by this role – being the only yourself too thin – better to commit organisation, such as marketing, HR, PR, IT, project advertisements. employee, you have management to one or two extra curriculars and management, fieldwork, finance, policy, and research. BA History, Hertford College, experience from day one! I have always achieve something real, rather Charities often also have an extensive fundraising or ++Ask people working in your preferred area what 2013-16, wanted to work for a socially impactful than being a member of too many ‘development’ department. Salaries tend to be lower than qualifications they have and which courses they rate for MSc Comparative Social organisation and this job has been a societies at once! In the 3rd sector, in for-profit businesses. entry and progression (if any). Policy, Green Templeton great chance to discover the different be flexible and be prepared to learn elements of running a charity. It’s also a lot on the job. Have the confidence + College, 2016-17 GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS +Investigate providers and specific courses, including provided invaluable training opportunities to go for jobs you may not think you the background of tutors and destinations of recent for me to develop new skills, such as trust are qualified for! The following options offer different ‘ways in’ to the charity graduates. and social enterprise sector: ++Internships – although paid opportunities are advertised, EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS internships are often offered as unpaid volunteering. If it Relevant work experience is usually essential. Here are is not possible for you to volunteer unpaid, ask whether some ideas to try while you are here at Oxford: there’s any way they could make the opportunity more accessible: fewer days or hours or working remotely ++Explore volunteering opportunities through Oxford Hub, to allow you to accommodate other paid work, for which also offers grants and training for those wishing Michael Thorne example. to try out a social enterprise idea or find opportunities using www.do-it.org.uk or OCVA. Graduate Trainee, ++Job opportunities generally will require some previous CharityWorks experience, although voluntary experience is fine. ++Join a cause-related student society: get involved in WHAT: I am a Graduate in Development to work on projects with a positive Administrative, project or case-work supporting projects and committee or leadership positions or at Network Homes, one of the largest social impact. I especially wanted roles can be an accessible way into the sector. Check establish a new society if there is not something serving housing associations in the South East. I a job where working hard would organisations’ own websites and specialist job sites the cause you care about. am on a one-year rotational programme, translate into greater social benefit, moving between four different teams not merely increased profits for such as Charity Jobs, Third Sector Jobs, Guardian Jobs, ++Participate in The Student Consultancy: charities and Idealist and Social Enterprise UK. who work to develop new housing. shareholders. This led me to the social enterprises are among the clients seeking student This includes teams who source new Charityworks programme, which ++Contact organisations speculatively – you may uncover advice. opportunities for housebuilding; teams offers a way into, and a strong short-term roles and entry level work. ++Look out for Oxford Micro-internships which are often who work with builders to deliver new grounding in, the non-profit sector. based in social enterprises and charities housing; and teams who manage recently ++Graduate schemes are relatively rare, but some completed homes. My day to day work is TOP TIPS: Make the most of the work examples include Sanctuary Group, CharityWorks, British ++Join the international social enterprise society very varied, and includes writing reports experience opportunities you have at university. It’s easy to devote all Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK. ENACTUS. and bids, financial modelling, data capture, and some marketing. I am also your time to studying, but even a ++Some people transfer into the charity sector having ++Look for the Skoll World Forum activities and the fringe a trainee on the Charityworks graduate couple of weeks of work in a few acquired skills and expertise in a private company first. events such as OxJam. scheme. This means that alongside my job holidays will make a big difference. This is particularly true of roles like accountancy or legal I take part in a professional development Not only will it open doors to further work where the charity or social enterprise might not programme – involving conferences, opportunities; it will help you to have the resources to train someone. mentoring, and research projects – learn what you like and what you MORE INFORMATION: don’t. The best way to go about this ++Further study – many roles are accessible without a BPhil Philosophy, designed for graduates who want to build www.careers.ox.ac.uk/charity a career in the non-profit sector. is to secure an internship offered by further degree but this may be important for some roles University College, 2017 the Careers Service or the Oxford (eg, policy).  /work-for-yourself WHY: After initially intending to pursue an Hub – but speculative requests to academic career, I decided I wanted to organisations you’re interested in are use the skills I had acquired in studying also worth doing!

74 75 CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE STUDENT SOCIETY

www.changemake.rs www.jacari.org

Are you interested in work with purpose and impact? Main locations: Oxford and Bristol

Changemakers is a new community for aspiring student About us: Jacari is a student charity providing home tutoring for changemakers. Our goal is to inspire, educate and encourage you disadvantaged children aged 6-16 who don’t speak English as their to get involved in social impact, regardless of your past, present or first language. Our 200 volunteers, all students, provide 4,800 hours potential future. From Michaelmas Term 2018 we will be running a of free tutoring, worth around £57,000 annually. Each tutor spends number of events in collaboration with groups and organisations one hour per week at their pupil’s home, helping them with their What is the Oxford Student Foundation? within Oxfordshire and beyond, and we hope connect individuals, language skills and general confidence. It’s a fantastic opportunity The Oxford Student Foundation is a unique network of initiatives and information through our website. to gain experience teaching and working with children, as well as initiatives providing students with hands-on experience and Raise And Give If you are interested in social impact we would love to hear a rewarding way to give back to the community during your time valuable opportunities. Key to our success is the fact that at Oxford. We are run by one full-time employee, the Coordinator, from you! Please have a look at our website for resources and our students are committed and genuinely engaged in long- Raise and Give (RAG) is Oxford SU’s opportunities, and contact us if you would like to contribute or supported by a student committee, and managed by a board of 5 term projects. The Foundation consists of five autonomous collaborate in any way. trustees. initiatives, which aim to provide insights into different student led charitable fundraising Please get in touch via email, [email protected] or via Opportunities available: We welcome student volunteers to career areas: scheme. It has it all; sports facebook, www.fb.com/changemakerscommunity join us as educational mentors throughout the academic year Oxford Initiative tournaments, hitch hikes, talent and we recruit a new student committee to help run the charity Microfinance every May. In May-June we recruit for one full time role, the Oxford Consulting Initiative shows, bungee jumping, blind dates, Coordinator. Oxford Law Initiative club nights, a casino, street collections

Visa sponsorship: No Oxford Banking Initiative in fancy dress, and the prestigious CHARITY + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Annual vacancies: Volunteers - 200; Student Committee roles – 6; Oxford Investment Initiative RAG Ball, to name a few! Full time roles – 1 Application advice: see www.jacari.org/for-volunteers for full What should your next step be? RAG endeavours to orchestrate all this details of how to join us! We can’t even begin to convey the multitude of projects fun and more in the name of charity and experiences that our individual initiatives offer in this and all you have to do is take part. little box right here, so if you are interested in one of the areas above, we suggest that you check out our website: To get involved, please email https://www.oxfordstudentfoundation.co.uk/ [email protected] or go to facebook.com/OxfordRAG STUDENT SOCIETY

THE THE CAREERS CAREERS SERVICE oxford.learningu.org SERVICE

Main locations: University of Oxford About us: Born out of MIT in 1957, Splash’s core idea still runs strong today: to provide interested high school students with a Over 200 unique opportunity to learn something they may never encounter in the classroom. Here at Oxford we organise a student-run day THE international not-for-profit of learning in Hilary term at which Oxford students run classes opportunities were posted last year on on topics of their choice which are attended by less advantaged pupils from the surrounding area. Previous classes have been SUMMER a complete variety of subjects, including ‘the language of the timelords’ and ‘mitochondria, disease and ethics’. INTERNSHIP c Opportunities available: A chance to try your hand at teaching CareerConnect a topic of entirely your own choice to a group of enthusiastic teenagers. Training is provided during the lesson planning stage PROGRAMME Including roles with of the process. Application advice: If you would like to ‘inspire learning’ then Exclusive internship placements in many Oxfam, World Economic Forum, get in touch via email at [email protected] and find us on different sectors, in the UK the UN, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Facebook for updates. and around the world Orangutan Foundation, and many more!

Find your perfect job!

76 STUDENT SOCIETY www.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnectwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnect www.careers.ox.ac.uk/ouipwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/ouip 77 78 place tobe. Oxford SUis your world! change to Make a take you. Who knows where itwill topeople helpchangetheworld. , findlike-minded campaigning From volunteering and www.oxfordsu.org/volunteering To findouthow, visit: you could even start your own. the onethat isrightfor you, then every –ifyou passion can’t find There are campaignsto suityour some experience. with this,findanopportunityto getinvolvednowandgain you canprovide evidenceofthatinterest or, ifyoustruggle potential andakeeninterest inthefield.Considerhow opportunities are opentoanyonewhocandemonstrate or from yourextra-curricularexperience.However, many technical experienceisveryuseful, evenifthisisself-taught You donotneedaComputerSciencedegree. Havingsome returning toOxford forsummer recruitment aslateJune. being advertisedyear-round, specifically with somefirms January/February. However, are jobs andinternships now tend tofalleithersideofChristmas,runningintolate in Computing’and‘JobsforMathematicians’.Deadlines presentations andjoinour Career Fairs,including‘Careers Companies visitOxford throughout theautumntogive GETTING INANDENTRY POINTS period asaconsultantonthefirm’s graduatescheme. now provide ‘free training’linkedtoacontractedminimum development andimplementation.Anumberofcompanies players operateglobally, offering strategicadvice,systems them withclientstoworkonspecificprojects. Somemajor organisations willtrainnewrecruits fullybefore embedding The ITconsultancyindustryisalsogrowing fast,and technical skills,oftenexceed£30,000. job development.Startingsalaries,evenforthosewithout graduates, from aninitialintensive‘bootcamp’toon-the- Companies provide excellenttrainingandsupportfornew anddevelopquicklyonceinpost. the potentialtolearn actively recruit peoplewithouttechnicalskills,butwhohave skills are highlysoughtafterandmanycompaniesnow positions. Asaresult, peoplewithproven programming professionals isgrowingcanstruggletofill fastandfirms The volumeofemploymentopportunitiesforIT fields suchas‘dataanalytics’and‘FinTech’. and, atOxford, hiringis increasing inrapidlyexpanding significant extrademandfortechnicallyskilledgraduates sectors. Inparallel,thegrowth intechstart-upsiscreating development, consultancy, manufacturing,retail andpublic and marketing,bankingfinancialservices,games particularly heavilyintoITroles, notablyinadvertising processes inalltypesoforganisations. Somesectorsrecruit industries ascomputingandITunderpinbusinesscritical Outside theITindustry, technicalroles existacross all and marketing, legalservices, HR, andfinance. The sectoralsoemployspeopleacrossthefullvarietyofnon-technicalroles – eg, sales production; cloudcomputingandsystemsdevelopmenttocybersecurityspecialists. there isahugerangeofjobs, rolesandjobtitles - fromsoftwareengineering, towebsite skills, butalsotoanyonewiththerightinterestsandpotential. WithintheITsector growing quickly, withmanyentryopportunitiesopennotonlytothoseprovenIT than 40%ofallITprofessionalsworkoutsidethesector. Demandforpeopleishighand Computing andITjobsexistinallsectorstypesoforganisations – infact, more COMPUTING +IT MORE INFORMATION: + + + + + + + EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS   + + + + + + + your JCR/society/cluborlocalcharity. Volunteer foranIT-related project/responsibility with suchasGitHub. platforms Showcase yourprogramming skillsonopen-source and SQL. languages includeC,C++,HTML,Java,NET, Python www.codecademy.com andsimilarsites.Popular Try free, opensource self-directed at learning development. IT, managementandbusinessskills,career vast onlinelibraryofvideo-basedcourses,including IT Servicesprovides free accesstoLynda.com: a or withCompSocOxford’s branchofCodeFirst:Girls. Access free shortcourses attheUniversity’s ITServices, each November. the Oxford Hackathonrun byOxford Entrepreneurs Enter competitionsorattendahackathon:lookoutfor (OxWoCS). CompSoc and/orWomen inComputerScience Join societiesandattendevents:trytheOxford www.careers.ox.ac.uk/computing outside ofcoursework,andthepracticalskills the variousprogramming projects Ihaddone in thetechnicalinterviewsmostlybecauseof that hadgivenme.SoIstrongly recommend working onprojects astheywill give youan during myuniversityyearsbothaspartand Looking back,Irealise thatIwas successful edge duringtheinterviewprocess and will Software EngineeringTeam Lead make yourCVmore interesting.” Lilit Darbinyan Bloomberg, COMPUTING +IT

79 COMPUTING + IT COMPUTING + IT COMPUTING + IT COMPUTING + IT

WHAT: As a Forward Deployed Software with as much variety as possible. At a Matthew Sjodin Engineer my job is to figure out what company like Palantir, people move Software Engineer, Palantir are the big problems that important between clients, and roles all the organisations are facing, and then fix time, and it’s a great way to figure them with data. I deploy and maintain out what it is you enjoy most. Also generic data analysis platforms made by find a project that you’re passionate our product developers and specialise about that you can work on in your

them for the individual industries that own time to improve as a developer. COMPUTING + IT our clients work in. I do this by working It doesn’t have to be something closely with clients to write plugins that is ever released; what’s most that automate the workflows that they important is doing something you perform regularly. care enough about that you’ll keep at it and build up experienc.e WHY: By being so close to the clients I get a fantastic feedback loop where I can TOP TIPS: Practice technical see how my software is actually used interviews – you may be super and how I can improve it. This made it a comfortable coding in an IDE but really great company to come to straight coding on a whiteboard can feel from university because I learn so much really strange at first. from working directly with the end user. I also get to see first-hand what a Work on something important that positive impact my work is making on you really care about. Knowing that the world, which is really gratifying, what you’re doing matters can be the especially because I’ve been given the best motivation! opportunity to work on really important MCompSci, problems that I deeply care about. Worcester College, 2016 ADVICE: What currently sounds appealing to you may not be what you end up loving when you go into the ‘working world’. Make sure you try work

Lilit Darbinyan We are one of the world’s leading global technology companies Software Engineering Team Lead, Bloomberg looking for Interns, graduates and postgraduates Bloomberg Professional app on iOS and experiences. Finally, I love the open to join our team as So ware Engineers! Android, which our clients use to access work culture at Bloomberg and its financial news, market data and analytics strong commitment to its clients and while on the go. I work with our Business employees alike. and UX counterparts to determine long Simply upload your CV and you’ll hear back within 48 hours and short term priorities, and with my GETTING IN: At Oxford I attended team translate those into actionable work. a few career fairs and that’s where As a team leader I am also responsible for I got to know Bloomberg. The the technical vision of our app, as well as interview process was quick, and helping my team members develop and focused on technical knowledge and grow. On quieter days I still find space to ability to solve problems. do some coding myself to stay on top of TOP TIPS: Looking back, I realise No experience needed | All disciplines welcome the ever changing tech landscape! that I was successful in the technical WHY: I love my job as it’s never boring. interviews mostly because of the Competitive salary plus benefits Just when I think I am starting to get the various programming projects I had hang of something, I face new challenges done during my university years both - be it learning a new technology, working as part and outside of coursework, and the practical skills that had MSc in Computer Science, with new people or ramping up with a new business domain. At Bloomberg we given me. So I strongly recommend Kellogg College, 2010 are also encouraged to move around working on projects as they will give within the organization - I have worked you an edge during the interview WHAT: I lead a team of 7 software in 3 teams in my 8 years at Bloomberg, process and will make your CV more engineers at Bloomberg. My team and with every move I feel I have gone up interesting. and I develop the full stack of the a level in terms of gaining new skills and

80 81 COMPUTING + I.T. COMPUTING + I.T. COMPUTING + I.T.

CREATE THE CAREERS www.joinapt.com www.ensoft.co.uk TO D AY. SERVICE PREDICT Main locations: UK (Central London), North America, Australia, Main locations: Harpenden, Hertfordshire Japan, Taiwan About us: Ensoft develops software that connects the world. TOMORROW. About us: Founded in 1999, APT is in the business of changing The Internet depends every single day on the code we write. It’s the way leading global companies make decisions. We are a interesting and challenging work that matters. leading analytics software company that empowers top global We’ve grown to a team of about seventy software developers About us: G-Research is a leading quantitative research and organizations across a wide range of industries to make data- by recruiting some of the best Oxbridge graduates each year, technology company. We use scientific techniques, big data and 4 driven decisions with confidence. Precise measurement of who have built careers with us by learning from our world class world-class technology to predict future movements in financial obs COMPUTING + I.T. cause-and-effect relationships between trials and outcomes development organisation. It’s an ideal environment for bright, markets, and we develop the platform to deploy these ideas allows business leaders to predict and maximise the ROI of high- √ creative people with an interest in software. It is a very successful globally across multiple asset classes. We offer a dynamic, value decisions. You will have the opportunity to work closely with business and all employees share in this. flexible and highly stimulating environment where good ideas ma ia senior executives both internally and on client side, collaborate We offer an excellent work environment with flexible hours and mathe +ic ns with exceptional peers, and achieve rapid career advancement. distractions like table football, pool and table tennis. Our active are prized rewarded. You are expected to have a tremendous impact in transforming social scene ranges from weekly breakfast and cinema trips, to our clients, and have a leading role in shaping APT’s future. fell walking and weekends in places like Stockholm and Valencia. Opportunities available: We have internship opportunities TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER APT’s client portfolio includes Walmart, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Opportunities available: Software engineering roles for available for those in their penultimate year of their degree and Boots, Dixons Carphone, and many others, with the London Office graduates, summer interns and micro-interns EXHIBITORS FROM 16:00-18:00 supporting clients in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. graduate roles for those in their final year. Graduates sought: Any numerate discipline. MATHEMATICAL INSTITUTE, OXFORD Opportunities available: We are looking for motivated and Graduate Salary: £40,000 graduate salary rising rapidly in line with analytically-minded graduates and postgraduates who are excited performance, plus bonus, profit share, pension and other benefits. Graduates sought: We are looking for individuals completing by the intersection of business analytics and technology. Vacation work: Two summer internships, £25,000 pro-rata. a degree in Computer Science or Computer Science and Graduates sought: Any discipline Mathematics. Visa sponsorship: Yes Annual vacancies: About 4-6 graduates, but we will always Graduate salary: Starting salaries of over £50,000 per annum consider exceptional candidates. Annual vacancies: Multiple openings Application advice: CV application; see our website for details Graduate salary: Highly competitive. Application advice: CV & cover letter: www.joinapt.com/apply by & deadline. We accept applications all year, but focus mostly on Michaelmas term. 28 October 2018 . Application advice: To apply, please visit our website: www.gresearch.co.uk/vacancies www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs

THE THE CAREERS CAREERS SERVICE www.gresearch.co.uk SERVICE About us: G-Research is a leading quantitative research and technology company. We use scientific techniques, big data and world-class technology to predict future movements in Nearly 2000 financial markets, and we develop the platform to deploy these ideas globally across multiple asset classes. We offer a dynamic, Computing & IT opportunities flexible and highly stimulating environment where good ideas are CAReeRS IN were posted last year on prized rewarded. Opportunities available: We have internship opportunities available for those in their penultimate year of their degree and COMPUTING c graduate roles for those in their final year. CareerConnect Graduates sought: We are looking for individuals completing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Science and Mathematics. TUESDAY 23 OCTOBER Including roles with Graduate salary: Highly competitive. Application advice: To apply to G-Research, please visit our IBM, Hewlett Packard, BT, website: www.gresearch.co.uk/vacancies EXHIBITORS FROM 15:00-17:30 G-Research, Amazon, Softwire, MATHEMATICAL INSTITUTE, OXFORD Skyscanner, Ocado and more... Find your perfect job!

82 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs www.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnectwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnect 83 COMPUTING + I.T. COMPUTING + I.T. STUDENT SOCIETY CONSULTANCY Management consultancy offers variety, intellectual challenge and the chance to work in www.optiver.com high performance teams with big-name clients. Critical skills include team-working and communication, analytical and problem solving skills, commercial awareness and ability Main locations: Amsterdam, Chicago, Shanghai & Sydney About us: Over thirty years ago, Optiver started business as to deliver results. a single trader on the floor of Amsterdam’s European Options [email protected] facebook.com/OxWoCS Exchange. Today, we are a leading global electronic market maker driven by technology, employing over one thousand Optiverians CONSULTANCY from over 40 nationalities. We support, promote, Consultants help client organisations improve their A few firms recruit all year round (eg, Accenture and We build high-performance, low-latency trading systems and and empower women in performance, for example by assessing the business case Newton Europe) or on a ‘rolling basis’, reviewing algorithms that are constantly evolving. With 12 datacenters and for new products or expansion to new markets; or advising candidates and filling positions as applications are thousands of servers, we run ten thousand trading components computer science. on scaling back, closing operations, reorganisations and received. executing hundreds of thousands of trades every day, responding cost-cutting – and all points between, such as improving CASE STUDY INTERVIEWS are central to the process. to changes in microseconds. All of our systems are developed systems and processes, and building better teams. ‘Cases’ challenge you to show you can think through in-house, predominantly using C++, C# and Python. Events throughout the year: We look for engineers who care deeply about every line of code Graduates are expected to play an active and productive business problems like a consultant and, generally, you will written, who understand the impact of their decisions, and seek Annual welcome event role in projects from the start, working with staff at all need to do a good job on every ‘case’ and an outstanding immediate feedback on their work. levels, and can quickly gain experience across a wide range job on a couple of them. Use The Careers Service resources Opportunities available: Technology Summer Internship; full time Seminar series featuring female researchers of industries. However, new entrants should also expect and workshops to prepare: roles for Graduate Software Developer, Graduate DevOps System from around the world long hours, extensive travel and lots of time working on ++Read our guidance Engineer spreadsheet analyses and presentations - rather than Industry talks, office visits, and workshops . Recruitment criteria: Bachelor’s degree in either Computer strategising with the CEO in the boardroom. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/case-study-style-interviews Science, Engineering, Information Systems or equivalent. ++Attend case study workshops at The Careers Service, Socials and networking events Consulting firms range from large, multinational Application criteria: Apply online with CV and cover letter. The with student societies and run by companies. firms working across a variety of industries, to niche first step after applying will be an online (HackerRank) test Annual Oxbridge Women in Computer consultancies specialising in expert advice on a specific + assessing your programming fundamentals. Science Conference +And practise - practise with friends and societies. Email: [email protected] industry, such as healthcare, media, or financial services. ++Consultancies advise across all sectors and so work Broadly, work tends to be divided into: experience in any sector can help you develop www.cs.ox.ac.uk/societies/women STRATEGY CONSULTANCY: Understanding and finding commercial awareness and display relevant skills. solutions to strategic problems faced by an organisation: Internships are becoming more common but are eg, understanding competitors; the market; and/or future not offered universally (look for deadlines between drivers of growth. Projects tend to be fairly short, and roles November and January). often involve significant travel. IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANCY: Developing a strategic idea or solution and making it a reality. EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS ++Become active in a student society, such as the Oxford Consultants are often based at the client organisation and Management Society, CapitOx, The Oxford Strategy ensure that all elements of a business – people, technology portswigger.net/graduates Group or the Oxford Guild. and processes – come together to deliver a successful Main locations: Knutsford, Cheshire. outcome. Projects tend to be longer than in strategic ++Sign up for Insight into Business (p.34) to introduce you About us: We are a global player in the web application security consultancy. to core business concepts and space, and are ranked one of the top performing companies in enhance commercial awareness. our sector. The software we develop is the most widely used We build analytical tools to dynamic web scanning tool in the world, used by thousands solve strategic problems. GETTING IN AND Olivia Pierce ++ Join The Student Consultancy of organisations globally. We are a highly driven team, with Manager, OC&C Strategy (p.33) for training and term-time ambitious plans around the development of our product. The ENTRY POINTS on real business problems faced environment is ideal for bright, determined graduates looking for a Consultants by their clients: local companies, Competition can be fierce challenge, who want to work in surroundings that are intrinsically Our teams consist of charities and other organisations. and the assessment process is “There is definitely value in getting fun whilst also highly productive. + Opportunities available: We are recruiting Graduate Software inter-disciplinary strategy rigorous. This typically includes familiar with the case study interview + Work as a consultant with Developers with exceptional technical capabilities to join our aptitude tests (online) and several format and an active interest in recent other societies: eg; Oxford graduate programme. You will develop your skills across all stages consultants, developers, rounds of interviews and/or an business news, market innovations or Strategy Group, Oxford Consulting of software development in a supportive working environment, assessment centre, plus partner disruptions to relevant sectors is also Initiative; Oxford Microfinance with a dedicated training plan and the time and support to develop and data scientists. interview. Once the process starts worthwhile.” Initiative. your skills. it can move quickly, so prepare ++ Get involved with activities Graduates sought: Graduates with an outstanding academic track thoroughly in advance. that provide commercial insight record, and expecting at least a 2:1 in a technical subject area or We’re now hiring interns, Plan ahead and check individual firms’ websites to relevant postgraduate qualification. and demonstrate impact, eg, lead the marketing for Graduate salary: £45,000 plus pension and benefits. graduate Analysts, and understand their recruitment processes and timelines. Most a play, manage a recruitment drive for your society, Annual Vacancies: Two or three graduates per year, but we will firms allow only one application a year: when applying run the college bar, participate in a College telethon, always consider exceptional candidates. specialist developers in for consulting at the Big 4 professional service firms, this manage the budget for a college ball. Application advice: Send CV and covering letter to: means deciding whether to apply to the parent firm or their [email protected] For further information about the role our London office. ‘strategy consulting’ practice. Note: and interview process, go to portswigger.net/graduates. ++For most firms - including the most prominent ones - MORE INFORMATION: full-time positions open in August or September, with www.careers.ox.ac.uk/consultancy [email protected] closing dates falling in late October/early November. 84 85 CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

Nicolas Deschamps www.atkearney.com www.bain.com/careers Management Consultant, A.T. Kearney predominantly on the underlying expectations. If you consider a analyses serving as core foundation career in consulting make sure Main locations: Global Location: London for our recommendations. My you understand what type of About us: A.T. Kearney is a leading global management About us: Bain & Company is one of the world’s leading career rapidly progressed towards consulting you wish to do, why, consultancy, helping some of the world’s largest companies to management consulting firms. We work with top executives to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. For over 80 years, management responsibilities, leading and what type of firm you want to help them make better decisions, convert those decisions to we’ve provided strategic solutions to CEO-level concerns, CONSULTANCY teams and effectively delivering such join (Strategy? Implementation? actions and deliver the sustainable success they desire. For 40 delivering tangible results through a broad range of experience, recommendations to our clients. Outside Global? Boutique…?). Meet and years, we’ve been passionate about achieving better results for but our greatest asset is our people. We are committed to help of client duties, I am heavily involved in talk to as many people as you our clients—results that go beyond financial and are uniquely clients achieve long-term growth and performance. We work our recruiting effort as the founder of can, every conversation is a good tailored, pragmatic, holistic and enduring. with more than three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500, the the A.T. Kearney Academy, while also conversation. Seek experience in Opportunities available: Associate Consultant. You will be world’s largest companies by revenues, as well as with the most performing pro-bono work including the field – founding the Oxford responsible for solving business problems and helping the team influential governmental and non-profit organisations. As a new charity work and start-up development. Strategy Group, getting hands-on work on our clients’ critical issues. In addition, you will learn how consultant, you will be a fully participating member of the team client experience and speaking with to develop and implement practical solutions to drive tangible from the outset. You will have the chance to travel widely, to gain WHY: The idea of solving challenging multiple individuals were part of the financial results for your clients. priceless experience of many industries, and to learn how to problems always got me out of bed. As key milestones driving me towards Graduates sought: Bain people are dynamic, entrepreneurial and make a difference in the consulting world. You will also find that a scientist, I seek to understand how thrive on early responsibility. We look for exceptional graduates consulting. A.T. Kearney has a very human face and our strength comes not things work and why they happen. As and postgraduates from any degree discipline who demonstrate just from the depth of our expertise, but from our diversity and a consultant, I seek to apply the same TOP-TIPS: strong analytical and communication skills, initiative, leadership inclusive culture – at our London office alone over 34 nationalities scientific rigour to solve strategic issues Structure: demonstrate you always and teamwork. MSc Immunology, are represented. and help businesses make big decisions. know the next logical step, especially Visa sponsorship: We will fully sponsor work visas for successful Opportunities available: Business Analyst Linacre College, 2013 Consulting provides you with a variety in ambiguous situations applicants. of such opportunities across multiple Graduate salary: Competitive Application advice: The application deadline for the Associate industries and geographies, always Versatility: you’ll be constantly facing Vacation work: Unfortunately, we do not offer internships or WHAT: As a Management Consultant role is the 25th October 2018. Please apply online pushing boundaries of your comfort zone new challenges – show you can summer work experience in London. Consultant at A.T. Kearney, I am with your CV. After you apply you’ll receive an online blended and helping you grow as an individual. adapt to a variety of problems Annual vacancies: No set quota passionate about understanding Application advice: Apply via our website. Please submit your CV assessment, comprised of short cognitive ability tests (numerical, People: consulting is not simply the constantly evolving challenges ADVICE: Consulting is a tremendous and covering letter online. We accept applications from all degree verbal and logical), and questions around personality and a hard data crunching job. EQ is faced by our clients and turning career opportunity however it does come disciplines motivation. Followed by interviews in November and December. these into impactful opportunities. with multiple personal commitments incredibly important, show you’re a Starting as an analyst, I focused including long hours and travel talented relationship builder.

Olivia Pierce STUDENT SOCIETY Manager,

OC&C Strategy Consultants careers.bcg.com

Main locations: London and 90 offices worldwide. About us: The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global For me this means coordinating the strategy to attract some of the most management consulting firm and the world’s leading advisor on activities of the OC&C team, extracting prestigious and industry-leading business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, insight from a wide range of data and clients in its key sectors. I have been and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest- analysis, and forging strong, long lasting lucky enough to work with well- value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and relationships with clients. No two days established high street retailers, transform their enterprises. Our customised approach combines are the same, and there is no shortage of disruptive e-commerce players, and deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets Taking you start to finish thinking to be done. some of the leading luxury fashion with close collaboration at all levels of the client organisation. houses. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive through the consulting WHY: When I finished at University I was advantage, build more capable organisations, and secure lasting told that Strategy Consulting was one of I’m surrounded by great people – I results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 90 offices applications process the best career launch pads you could have to constantly remind myself in 50 countries. ask for. Over the last 6 years OC&C has how lucky I am to work on a daily Opportunities available: Associate and Senior Associate positions certainly lived up to this accolade, and for basis with such a smart, energetic Graduates sought: All degree disciplines BA Geography, Hertford me this is down to three main features of and sociable group of people which, the job: for me, is really what makes OC&C Visa sponsorship: Yes New consulting projects College, 2010 stand out from the crowd. From day one your opinion matters Graduate salary: Competitive – we are all actively encouraged to TOPS TIPS: The most important thing Vacation work: Summer Associate positions coming in 2018… WHAT: At OC&C we solve the debate, collaborate and think differently. is to make sure your personality toughest problems faced by top Annual vacancies: No fixed quota This fosters a strong team working comes across throughout the management at the biggest retail, environment – both internally and interview - your interviewer will be Application advice: Both applications require a CV and covering consumer, media and technology with clients – and gives consultants assessing whether you’re someone letter only. companies. We work with our responsibility from the start. who would fit into the OC&C team so Full time: Applications accepted from 12th September until 25th clients to challenge their perceived relax, be yourself and engage with October wisdom, change the way they We work with amazing clients – OC&C has the case (not with frameworks). think, and create better businesses. the advantage of having the reputation in Summer internship: Applications accepted from 1st January until www.capitox.co.uk 26th January 86 87 CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

www.compasslexecon.com edenmccallum.com/join-us/analyst/ www.parthenon.ey.com

Main locations: London, Berlin, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Madrid, Main locations: We are accepting applications to join our London Main locations: London Paris, Helsinki, and Hong Kong. and Amsterdam offices. Fluency in English is required for all roles, About us: EY-Parthenon is a global strategy consultancy About us: One of the world’s leading economic consulting and fluent Dutch for roles in Amsterdam. specialising in pure growth and transaction strategy. Our employees firms, Compass Lexecon specializes in economic analysis of About us: Eden McCallum is redefining management consulting. enjoy unparalleled contact with influential and highly experienced competition, regulatory, litigation and policy matters and has We support clients to resolve their most pressing issues of professionals across a multitude of sectors. The London office CONSULTANCY been engaged by leading corporations, governments, and other strategy, operations and organisation. Working with a group focuses on Private Equity, Business Services, Education, Consumer, public-sector entities to assist in numerous high profile mergers, of independent consultants of the highest calibre, we have Healthcare, Industrials, Oil & Gas and TMT. Through formal and government investigations, and private litigation. Our team in pioneered an approach that delivers tangible impact, client on-the-job training and mentoring, Associates acquire valuable Europe includes more than 100 economists. Many hold PhDs from ownership, and great value. analytical and interpersonal skills that not only make them effective leading economics departments in Europe and the US, and several Opportunities available: As an analyst in your first two years’ the at EY-Parthenon, but also equip them with expertise applicable to hold academic positions at prestigious European universities. programme combines year-round structured training sessions any career they choose to pursue. Associates contribute to projects Opportunities available: Internships during or after an econom- with on-project mentoring and support. You will be assisted in in a multitude of ways: from market analysis, customer interviews to ics degree. Analyst positions ideally after an MPhil in Economics, developing the full consulting toolkit, from financial analysis task force leadership EY-Parthenon’s non-hierarchical environment but we also consider applicants with a first class Bachelor’s in through to negotiation skills, working with some of the best enables Associates to take initiative and drive their EY-Parthenon Economics. Economist positions after a DPhil in Economics. consultants in the world. High performers after 2 years have experience. Opportunities available: We recruit graduate or Graduates sought: First-rate economics BA (PPE or E&M), MPhil, the opportunity for promotion to Associate Consultant taking on postgraduate candidates from any degree discipline, who have or DPhil with excellent analytical skills and preferably with a focus greater responsibility for leading a workstream, influencing and a minimum 2:1. Successful candidates are intellectually curious, on microeconomics, industrial organisation or econometrics. engaging clients, and coaching others. hardworking, have an enthusiastic and approachable demeanour with an entrepreneurial mind-set. Visa sponsorship: Yes Graduates sought: Undergraduate and Masters (not MBA) Visa sponsorship: VISA sponsorship for full time roles. Interns Graduate salary: Very competitive Graduate salary: Competitive need to be eligible to work in the UK. Vacation work: Internships available throughout the year Application advice: Send your CV and cover letter outlining Graduate salary: Highly Competitive Pattern of recruitment: Summer internship and analyst applica- the 3 key reasons why you are attracted to Eden McCallum’s Analyst Programme. For the London office send material Vacation work: 8 week summer internship programme for tions for the London office close on 31 January. to [email protected], deadline penultimate year students. Annual vacancies: No fixed intake Sunday 6th January 2019, and for the Amsterdam office Annual vacancies: No fixed quota Application advice: Apply via www.compasslexecon.com/careers [email protected], Application advice: Submit your CV and cover letter to www. deadline Sunday 5th May 2019. parthenon.ey.com. The full-time associate deadline is the 31.10.2018 The Summer Associate Internship deadline is the 09.01.2018

www.frontier-economics.com fticareers.co.uk/graduates/efc/

Locations: Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Dublin, London, Madrid and Main Locations: London, Paris, Singapore, Dubai, Delhi, Cape Unconventional thinking. Real impact. Paris Town, Washington D.C. and Toronto. About us: Frontier is one of the largest microeconomic About us: FTI Consulting is a world leading consultancy with over Smart. Nice. Driven.SM consultancies in Europe with over 220 economists. We work 4,000 employees in 28 countries.In our Economic and Financial Consulting practice we advise our clients on issues of business These are the words we use to define who we are, what we value and what we seek in individuals. with our clients all over the world to analyse and understand their markets (competition and litigation cases, strategy, policy valuation, corporate strategy and economic regulation. We design or regulatory) and to formulate strategies or policies answer questions such as: “should a major gas supplier be using sound economics. Our expertise is broad covering not just allowed to raise prices?”, “how can you improve the way services EY-Parthenon professionals microeconomics but statistical modelling, game theory, market are paid for in the NHS?”, and “how do you value the cost of Interested in strategy consulting? intellectual property theft?” are global leaders in research and even the psychological side of economics. We’re Come and meet the team to learn more about EY-Parthenon Opportunities available: As a consultant you will: work across strategy consulting. We are enthusiastic about what we do and maintain a collaborative, friendly and open environment a wide variety of industries, receive extensive in-house training, Important dates committed to combining our Opportunities: Our Analyst positions are available across all of our be sponsored to pursue either the Chartered Financial Analyst • EY-Parthenon Tuesday, 23 October 2018, Time: 12:00 p.m. unconventional thinking with offices. Our standard entry requirement is a 2:1 degree (with an or Chartered Accountant qualification, and have opportunities to info session: Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2LN our clients’ smarts to deliver Economics focus) and a Masters. transfer between our international offices. We also have graduate actionable strategies. We Internships: Short term (8-12 weeks) or long term (3-12 months). opportunities in Strategic Communications, Forensic and Litigation • EY-Parthenon Wednesday, 24 October 2018, Time: 12:00 p.m. recruit undergraduate and Typically for final year economic undergraduates or postgraduates Consulting, Tax Advisory and Technology Consulting. Graduates sought: We are looking for graduates that are numerate skills sessions: Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2LN postgraduate candidates in economics. and highly analytical, with the ability to think creatively. Graduates from any degree discipline. Annual Vacancies: 30 from all disciplines will be considered. • Application Full-time Associate position: Wednesday, 31 October 2018 Graduate Salary: Highly Competitive Successful candidates Visa sponsorship: Yes. deadlines: Summer Intern Associate position: Wednesday, 9 January 2019 are intellectually curious Application Advice: Apply on www.frontier-economics.com/ Graduate salary: Over £36,000 with signing bonus and benefits. and hardworking with an Vacation work: Summer internships. To learn more about EY-Parthenon please visit parthenon.ey.com entrepreneurial mindset. Annual vacancies: 12 – 15 graduate positions, 2-5 summer internships. Application advice: Send your CV and a Cover Letter to [email protected] by 14 November 2018. © 2018 Ernst & Young LLPUK. ED None Find us and join the conversation 88 89

Oxford-CareerGuide-Ad_164w x 125h_2018.indd 1 7/17/2018 9:58:58 AM CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

THE THE CAREERS CAREERS SERVICE www.marakon.com/careers SERVICE Main locations: London, New York, Chicago About us: We are a leading strategy consulting firm that has helped CEOs and their teams build stronger, more successful organisations for over 40 years. We have worked with some of the Management world’s best known companies, helping them tackle their toughest CONSULTANCY business challenges. Opportunities available: At Marakon you will help solve organisations’ biggest strategic questions. You will get early leadership responsibility and tackle varied and interesting problems across a range of sectors. We are a collaborative firm, Consultancy and place huge emphasis on your development, with 300+ hours’ formal training in your first two years. Our project teams are tight-knit and everyone is encouraged to contribute to discussions – you will have a voice and make an impact from day one. Fair Graduates sought: Exceptional applicants with a minimum 2.1 in any discipline: structured, logical thinkers, comfortable voicing ideas; leaders with empathy and maturity; team players and WEDNESDAY 17 OCTOBER excellent communicators; creative problem solvers; and lifelong Work in teams to solve a real learners eager to develop strong foundations in business strategy. EXHIBITORS FROM 14:30-17:30 business problem for firms, Visa sponsorship: Yes start-ups and charities Graduate salary: Highly competitive OXFORD TOWN HALL Vacation work: 8-week Summer Associate programme for penultimate year students Annual vacancies: 4-6 graduate and 2-3 internship vacancies Application advice: Apply online with a CV and cover letter by 2nd November 2018

www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs www.careers.ox.ac.uk/tscwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/tsc

www.marakon/careers mars & co THE CAREERS www.integrationconsulting.com/en www.marsandco.com SERVICE We are a leading strategy Office locations: We are currently accepting applications for our BOUTIQUE Main locations: Paris, New York, London, San Francisco, Tokyo, London office. consulting firm with 40 years’ Shanghai and Singapore. About us: Born in São Paulo in 1995 and launched in London STRATEGY experience helping CEOs and About us: Strategic management consulting firm. We bring in 2010, Integration is a fast-growing international strategy, CONSULTING their teams build stronger, competitive leverage to a limited number of international leaders management and operations consultancy with industry-leading more successful organisations. in their sector and serve them worldwide on an exclusive basis global clients and over 300 professionals across seven offices. – the only consulting firm of any consequence to guarantee Full Time Positions: We are currently accepting applications exclusivity. We apply fact-based, quantitative analysis to our for Analyst positions. As an Analyst, you will take ownership in clients’ competitive opportunities and develop consultants with internship projects, shape Integration’s future through internal initiatives and Enhance your career at the firm that has advised some cross-industry, cross-functional and international experience. We define your own career path. Analysts start as generalists and of the world’s most consistently successful companies. look for well-balanced individuals who thrive on team work. We do learn how to approach problems across a variety of industries, • Focus on strategy: work with senior leadership not practice lateral hiring – recruitment is at entry level only since project types and geographies. teams on the top issues their companies face we take an apprenticeship approach to developing our strategy fair Insight Day: We are accepting applications from first and consultants. • Make an impact from day one: drive thinking from penultimate year students interested in finding out more about the start as the best idea counts in our tight-knit Opportunities available: Full-time positions starting at associate consulting, for our London Insight Day in March 2019. project teams consultant or senior associate consultant. Desired candidates: We recruit high performing people with an Graduates sought: Engineering, mathematics and quantitative WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER • Have a global reach: continue your multicultural entrepreneurial spark who can demonstrate their passion and sciences. EXHIBITORS FROM 14:30-17:30 commitment to making a difference to our clients, and to us. We experience with our diverse team and major Visa sponsorship: No. clients globally are open to applications from all degree disciplines. Graduate salary: Competitive. THE CAREERS SERVICE Graduate salary: Competitive. • Drive your career at your own pace: advance as Vacation work: No. Annual vacancies: No fixed quota. quickly as you develop, supported by our Annual vacancies: No set quota, ongoing recruitment. Application advice: For further information, please consult our collaborative environment Application advice: Please consult website before applying. CV website www.integrationconsulting.com/en/career/apply/. Please • Shape the future of our firm: play a pivotal role and covering letter to Patricia Bahs: send applications to [email protected]. in recruiting, training, marketing, and more [email protected] Applications for full-time positions by CV and cover letter by 2nd Mars & Co, 12-18 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH November 2018, and for Insight Day applications submit a CV by Meet Our Team Apply Online 020 7730 4040 8th February 2019. 12:30pm Friday 26th October By 2nd November Old Bank Hotel 90 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 91 CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

www.nera.com www.occstrategy.com/careers

About us: NERA Economic Consulting is a global firm of experts Main locations: 10 offices across 4 continents dedicated to applying economic, finance, and quantitative About us: “What is the future of television? How much should principles to complex business and legal challenges. For half we invest in emerging markets? What do I need to do to win a century, NERA’s economists have been creating strategies, with Millennials?” We answer the toughest questions facing studies, reports, expert testimony, and policy recommendations businesses. We do rapid, high impact projects for chief executives CONSULTANCY • We are a strategy consulting firm serving for government authorities and the world’s leading law firms and and boards. In our London office, we have substantial expertise in corporations. With its main office in New York City, NERA serves retail, leisure, consumer goods, media, technology and business top management of leading corporations. clients from more than 25 offices across North America, Europe, services. We are looking for graduates with outstanding analytical and Asia Pacific. minds and eclectic interests: we encourage candidates from Graduates sought: We welcome applications for internships and all disciplines. In addition to market-leading compensation and permanent positions from talented economists with first-rate training, we offer up to 4 weeks of extra unpaid leave each year, academic records. Final year undergraduate, MPhil and DPhil grants to help you pursue your interests, and host biannual off • Since our inception in 1979, we have chosen students studying Economics and/ or Finance, or a related sites (recently Chicago and Amsterdam) – business needn’t make discipline, are invited to apply. you boring. Interested? We’d like to talk. Training: We hold an Orientation Programme in New York annually Graduates sought: Any discipline. to work for a limited number of leading for new hires, covering such topics as Who’s Who at NERA, Applications requiring visas: Yes. practice areas and project work, and how to do research the Starting salary: Top quartile. international firms with whom we build NERA way. Training modules for specifically targeted skills are Application advice: Online CV and covering letter, apply by offered to staff on a continual basis. Training covers topics such Sunday 4 November 2018. as consulting skills, project management, business strategy, Annual vacancies: No fixed quota. problem solving techniques and computer skills. In-house experts long-term relationships. Vacation work: Summer Internships and International Strategy deliver statistical analysis and econometrics training. Workshop, visit www.occstrategy.com/careers for more Application advice: We employ a rolling recruitment process information. Internship application deadline is Sunday 13 January for both internship and permanent positions but we encourage 2019. students to apply early. • We apply fact-based, quantitative analysis to Email: [email protected]

competitive problems and get involved in the implementation of our recommendations.

• We develop consultants with cross-industry experience and cross-functional expertise. RBB Economics offers career opportunities for entry level economists • We promote from within. Who are we? professionally, including early responsibility Our requirements for our work product and to engage directly RBB Economics is an independent economics We’re looking for exceptional, highly motivated with clients and their legal advisors as well consultancy specialising in competition economists to join our multi-national team. as with competition authorities. policy. We are one of the largest competition If you have outstanding academic credentials If you wish to join our team, please forward a CV and covering letter to: economics practices in the world, with offices However, we always offer our staff support, and flourish in the face of complex, intellectually in London, Brussels, The Hague, Johannesburg, guidance and career progression advice from challenging issues then we would love to hear Melbourne, Madrid, Stockholm, Paris and more experienced team members. from you. Düsseldorf. Our work concerns the behaviour RBB is meritocratic, not hierarchical and Qualifications are usually to postgraduate of firms with market power, and covers issues offers a supportive and highly sociable working level, preferably with an interest in industrial such as mergers, vertical agreements, joint environment that adds greatly to the enjoyment organisation. We are looking for consultants Patricia Bahs ventures, price setting and the abuse of of working here. with a range of quantitative and analytical dominant positions. skills, and the ability to communicate complex Mars & Co We work in dedicated, multi-national teams Our clients economic concepts in a clear concise style. which combine the experience and expertise RBB have built up strong relationships with relevant to each case. This enables us to To apply 12-18 Grosvenor Gardens clients from all areas of industry and commerce respond to our clients’ needs in a focused as well as with all of the major law firms To apply, please send your CV with a covering and flexible manner. We offer a hands-on London SW1W 0DH specialising in competition law. Over the years letter explaining why you would like to join RBB service, supporting and working in partnership we have been involved in hundreds of the most Economics to [email protected] with our clients and their legal advisers. .07.18 high-profile competition cases around the world. 3 www.marsandco.com .1 Our expertise is wide ranging, from industries ogc Our working environment such as energy, mining and steel, to the The work at RBB is stimulating, challenging, manufacturing of sophisticated medical demanding and rewarding. We give our equipment, financial services and sports rights. staff the opportunities they need to flourish new york - london - paris - san francisco - tokyo - shanghai - singapore www.rbbecon.com 92 93 join.rolandberger.com CONSULTANCY

where you want to be.

With more than 50 offices across the globe and a track-record of nearly 50 years, Roland Berger has successful operations in all major international markets. Our key values of entrepreneurship, excellence and empathy are firmly rooted in our culture. We deeply value unique and diverse personalities and strongly encourage entrepreneurial spirit and novel ideas.

At Roland Berger, we offer you the freedom to develop your career and reach your goals. You can take on responsibility from the start and actively shape your career, while we help you develop your potential. We are looking for people who pay attention to detail, but keep sight of the big picture. As a consultant with us, you can be where you want to be. BELONGING STUDENT SOCIETY oxfordstrategygroup.com

About us: The Oxford Strategy Group (OSG) is the premier student- run management consultancy in Oxford. Each term, we help a broad mix of Fortune 500, start-up and social sector organisations solve their most pressing business problems. To date, we have completed projects for over 70 clients, with a combined market capitalisation of $400bn – including P&G, Barclays and the WWF. Through partnerships with top global consulting firms, such as BCG and A.T. Kearney, we deliver exclusive training sessions to our members. We have a strong alumni network of former OSGers at top firms such as BCG, McKinsey, Bain and Goldman Sachs who are deeply invested in helping our members realise their ambitions. We are a tight-knit community of driven Oxford students who like having fun, be it on thrilling cases or at our fortnightly open bar. Opportunities available: OSG offers a unique platform for personal growth and an incredible foundation for building a rewarding career. We seek Oxford students from all fields of study and stages of education to join us as consultants. Application advice: We recruit at the start of each term. Apply by Saturday of 0th week by uploading a CV and optional cover letter to oxfordstrategygroup.com/apply. Successful candidates will be interviewed in 1st week. For further information, please contact [email protected].

95

NEW_420737_270x191_OXF_CAREERS-ARTWORK-V2.indd 1 18/07/2018 13:19 EDUCATION EDUCATION Education is one of the most popular sectors for Oxford graduates. It is a broad sector Harvey – covering teaching as well as diverse areas such as publishing, policy, administration, Aspeling-Jones charities and NGOs, educational psychology, and museums. Ark Teacher Training

programme EDUCATION Teaching can be a hugely rewarding career, demanding communication skills, Q: What is the biggest myth people support around that means that at have about teaching which you want to no point have I felt like people have energy, and a commitment to inspiring students. It is not for everyone, but offers an challenge? been criticising me for the behaviour opportunity to make a difference, to use your subject, and to advance your career in that happens in my classroom. A: People don’t realise the amount of skill a variety of directions. Teachers can rapidly specialise into managerial, pastoral or Expectations are set at the right level that goes into teaching, and how much a for the trainees - you’re never made training roles in schools. Many also move into education roles in other areas. teacher is doing. What you see when you to feel like you’re failing. step behind the curtain is just how much work the teacher is doing to make sure Q: What would you say to people GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS Times Educational Supplement (TES) are good sources of that all the kids are engaged, and that all who were thinking about a career in vacancy listings for independent schools. the kids are getting what is being taught teaching but weren’t sure? To teach in a state school in the UK, you will need qualified and to make kids think about things and teacher status (QTS). Routes to gain QTS divide into two A: I have done a number of things, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and private think about them in the right way. When and so far it has been by far the main types: tutoring are popular short-term occupations on leaving the teacher is stood in front of the class, most rewarding. Even if I have a Oxford, but can also be longer-term careers. A degree the student assumes he is just talking SCHOOL-LED: eg, Teach First, School Direct, HMC Teacher day of classes which are complete from Oxford may be the only qualification needed for but it is a much more interactive process. Training, Researchers in Schools, Overseas- trained teacher trainwrecks, when I get it right for a some teaching jobs, but experience is always helpful for If it was easy, why bother with teacher programme and some School-Centred Initial Teacher few minutes and you can see that applications, and a TEFL qualification may make it easier to MBiochem Biochemistry, training? Training (SCITT). kids are thinking about something find work abroad. Magdalen, 2009 Q: What was the biggest shock when you that is important it is a really great UNIVERSITY-LED in partnership with schools (PGCE, PGDE, There are a few graduate training programmes in started teaching? feeling. To anyone thinking about SCITT). Bethany Evans, Campus it as a career, get yourself into a education policy and administration. The Ambitious Futures A: I guess the main thing was that I lulled Whichever route you choose to follow, it is more or less programme www.ambitiousfutures.co.uk offers a 15-month Ambassador for Ark Teacher school, talk to teachers, observe Training interviewed Harvey myself into a false sense of security about essential to have done a period of observation in schools rotational programme at a number of universities for what they’re doing, see it from the Aspeling-Jones, a new Science bad behaviour. Every class will start testing prior to application. graduates with the potential to reach senior positions in a other side of the curtain. teacher at Ark Globe Academy in the boundaries after a while and it can university administration and management. Imperial College Universities offer one-year PGCE (sometimes PGDE) courses London. be quite demoralising at times, but the also runs a graduate management and finance training with substantial teaching practice in schools, with student scheme. Education policy could form part of the Civil Service bursaries (dependent on subject and degree class) and Fast Stream or local government schemes such as the tuition fee loans available to cover costs. For School Direct, National Graduate Development Programme. The TES and you are based in a school and linked with a local university: the Guardian are key publications for opportunities in the places are funded in the same way as a university PGCE Education sector. but there is also a salaried option. Teach First is a two year programme addressing educational disadvantage by Chloe Bateman placing top-calibre and highly motivated graduates into EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS WHAT: I am excited to teach at a state the emotional highs and lows and paid employment in challenging schools: alongside being ++Observe teachers at work in local schools. Insight Into Oxford PGCE student school in Reading in September 2018 the deadlines. following the completion of a History a practising teacher you have access to internships and Teaching, (p.34) run by the Careers Service, offers TIPS FOR SUCCESS: Buy loads of personal development opportunities. three days in schools around the UK. The government PGCE. Following my degree, I completed a masters in Modern History and then stationery. Colour-code everything! run School Experience Programme also offers time in Be organised from the beginning and There is no formal requirement for a teaching qualification school. Alternatively, approach schools directly to ask if worked as a Teaching Assistant. The in the independent sector. Some independent schools offer PGCE’s balance of school placement you will save yourself so much time you can observe lessons, or help in other ways. (and stress!) later. You do not need on-the-job training, including HMC Teacher Training. Others and learning within the Department to be the world’s most confident recruit recent graduates through graduate assistant roles, ++Get international teaching experience in the summer offered a way to combine hands-on person to be a teacher. There is an particularly in boarding schools. CareerConnect and the vacation through The Internship Programme (p.39). experience with a deep engagement with educational research. element of ‘fake it until you make ++Volunteer your time with local children through it’, especially when you are trying to organisations such as Jacari, KEEN, Splash at Oxford or WHY: I have always known that I get Year 9 to work silently on Friday Oxford Hub’s Schools Plus programmes. needed more from a career than a pay afternoon! You will amaze yourself Chloe Bateman cheque. Having experienced myself with the confidence and resilience History PGCE, Oxford ++Develop pastoral skills by helping with Oxford University how transformative dedicated teachers you build up over the course. Scout & Guide Group, or volunteering with Sexpression can be to a student’s confidence and BEST BITS: My Year 7’s staying behind “There really is no other job in which you Oxford to promote sexual health. life chances, I am determined to make can talk about your favourite subject all a similar impact. There really is no other to proudly show me extra work they day, inspire others to be as passionate as ++Offer mentoring for UNIQ Summer School participants, job in which you can talk about your have been doing at home. A recent volunteer with Oxford University Admissions or work favourite subject all day, inspire others Parents’ Evening where a student you are about it, and truly change young with English as a second language people’s lives for the better. […] While the with Target Schools to promote access to university, or to be as passionate as you are about it, with OxFizz to give interview practice, mentoring, or to told me that the support I gave her in PGCE is not a walk in the park for anyone, and truly change young people’s lives for run summer camps. BA History, Trinity, 2015. the better. History had helped her understand my experience of intense Oxford terms Masters, Modern British and so much more of her other subjects. enabled me to deal with the pressures of HOW MY DEGREE HELPED: While the European History, There are tough days, but moments teacher training, particularly the emotional PGCE is not a walk in the park for MORE INFORMATION: Trinity, 2016 like these remind you that there is highs and lows and the deadlines.” anyone, my experience of intense Oxford www.careers.ox.ac.uk/tefl terms enabled me to deal with the nothing you would rather be doing!  /teaching pressures of teacher training, particularly 96 97

EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION Change lives. THE CAREERS Teach. SERVICE EDUCATION

Ark Teacher Training gives the best THE graduates the chance to transform lives through education. We want to give every young person, regardless of their background, access to a great education through running great schools — and training great teachers. Unlike a university-based PGCE, you will be based in a school of your choice from day one, having an impact where it matters most. Oxford Train on the job with our supportive two-year programme and earn qualifications as you train: Careers Fair • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) • A university accredited Postgraduate including Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The perfect start to Teaching and Education a successful career in teaching. SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER EXHIBITORS FROM 11:00-14:30 EXAMINATION SCHOOLS

Find out more and apply at Birmingham arkteachertraining.org London

Hastings Portsmouth www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 98 99

ARK0319_Oxford_S3aw.indd 1 24/05/2018 15:59 EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION

Independent school for girls ages 11-18 EDUCATION Teach at Notting Hill & TEACHING Ealing High School GDST YOUR FUTURE THEIR FUTURE One of London’s leading independent girls’ day schools, NHEHS welcomes new graduates with no prior teacher training. The Department of Education offers a Postgraduate What’s most important is passion for your subject, a desire to learn and develop, and the enthusiasm to pass on your love of learning. Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status We pay for you to follow a PGCE programme delivered by for the 11 – 18 age range in the following subjects: one of our local universities, support you via our own induction programme and, once you have achieved QTS, support you through your Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year. English To learn more, contact Clemency Woolner, Assistant Head [email protected] Geography “I have felt super supported in every way. It’s amazing to History NHEHS Senior School walk out of a master’s degree 2 Cleveland Road, Ealing, London W13 8AX and feel I really do have the Mathematics www.nhehs.gdst.net tools to do this well.” Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish, Mandarin) PhD in Management Religious Education Call for applications, 2019 intake Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Curious about interesting business questions and data, and the creation of knowledge?  Full time, one year course

Keen to captivate audiences  In partnership with 35 local state secondary with innovative ideas and challenge their thinking? schools Pursue the INSIGHT INTO  INSEAD PhD 60 Masters level credits offered Your passport to an exciting career  Applications made through UCAS Teacher Training in business academia. TEACHING Observe lessons in a local school and find Apply for the 2019 intake. All admitted students out if the classroom is for you! will receive full funding. Apply before sixth week in each term. For further information contact:

Fatima Filali Adib (Morocco), Spend a few PhD Candidate in Finance. [email protected] Background: Computer Sciences, Finance days in a local and Economics, Financial Engineering. school in Hilary or Trinity. 01865 274020 Graduating students, new alumni or career changers with little or no formal research experience are welcome to apply. Online application starts in www.education.ox.ac.uk/programmes/pgce 100 September 2018. Details at www.insead.edu/phd www.careers.ox.ac.uk/iit 101 OXFORDSHIRE TEACHER TRAINING ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY School Centred Initial Teacher Training + THE ENVIRONMENT From multinational oil companies to specialist technology firms, regulatory bodies to Think Tanks, national power generation companies to micro-generation schemes, conservation charities to mining corporations, carbon consultancies to commodities traders: the range of opportunities in this sector is immense.

Students consider a career in energy or the environment much as possible and let your contacts know that you are for a range of reasons. You may want to make a positive available for work. If you are willing to work on a short- impact and have ethical reasons for considering roles in term or voluntary basis for an organisation, you may be in conservation, environmental consultancies, or energy a strong position should a paid vacancy arise. The influence companies. Large energy companies may also suit those looking for a truly international career, and those interested Most large energy companies offer internship schemes. in large scale project management. Especially in the environmental sector, relevant work experience is important. A wide range of sustainability Environmental-awareness is not limited to careers that organisations have formal (but unpaid) internship are traditionally considered ‘green’. Existing businesses schemes (including Oxford Hub), but be proactive and of a great are changing – consider the development of hybrid and make speculative applications through networking. electric cars, or Marks and Spencer’s plan to become the world’s most sustainable retailer. A new breed of firms exploiting the drive from business to operate in a more environmentally sustainable way has emerged. Large Mostyn Brown energy companies, too, are diversifying their businesses teacher can in order to meet future energy demands, and ‘traditional’ Consultant (low-carbon energy), utility companies are increasingly finding integrated Pöyry Management Consulting approaches to providing electricity, generating power from “Climate change is the biggest challenge of our times a mix of sources. and decarbonising the energy sector in a cost-effective Although recruitment into some areas of the energy manner is key to securing a path to net-zero emissions. never be industry are impacted by fluctuations in oil prices, on the Through my work I’m able to learn how European + THE ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY ENERGY, whole opportunities abound for engineers and scientists. energy markets work, explore the costs of various The sector also recruits graduates into roles in Finance, low-carbon technologies, and investigate the latest IT, HR and Marketing – sometimes in dedicated graduate disruptive business models that may revolutionise this schemes. space in the decades to come.”

GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS The diverse nature of this sector is reflected in the ++Take an active role in relevant student organisations such ERASED wide range of possible entry points. Graduate schemes as the Nature Conservation Society, the Energy Society, offered by large energy companies and multidisciplinary or Oxford SU’s Environment and Ethics campaign. consultancies tend to recruit students from any discipline, with closing dates towards the end of Michaelmas Term or ++Stand for election for your college JCR committee, many early in Hilary Term. Highly technical or research roles may colleges have an Environment and Ethics rep. require a related Masters degree or DPhil. School Centred Initial Teacher Training programmes ++Volunteer with charities such as the Oxford Conservation in secondary, primary and special education The renewable energy and environmental industries Volunteers, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, are dominated by small or medium-sized organisations or with sustainability charities that work with Oxford across Oxfordshire. Make your mark. with only occasional vacancies, and may require relevant Hub. expertise (perhaps gained through a relevant postgraduate ++See relevant sectors of this Guide for ideas to develop qualification). It is important, therefore, that you network as skills for roles in Engineering, Finance and Marketing If you are interested in a graduate scheme with a large Find out how you can make your mark at energy company, see ‘Employability Skills’ (pp.31-32) for www.oxfordshireteachertraining.co.uk ideas on how to develop leadership and organisational skills for project management. MORE INFORMATION: www.careers.ox.ac.uk/energy  /environment

103 ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY + THE ENVIRONMENT ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY + THE ENVIRONMENT ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY + THE ENVIRONMENT

THE CAREERS Miriam Gordon SERVICE Geologist, BP WHAT: I have spent the last three years USING MY DEGREE: I’m pleased in BP’s Aberdeen office, planning and that I’ve been able to use my Earth monitoring the drilling of new, multi- Sciences degree in my job, though million pound wells in the North Sea. I’m there was a steep learning curve responsible for various aspects of each when I first started as my degree well, from estimating the hydrocarbon wasn’t focused on petroleum volume of the associated target to making geology. Nevertheless, being able SCIENCE real-time changes to the well trajectory to pick up new concepts on the ENGINEERING during drilling, if necessary. Although job is more important than prior the job is mainly office-based, I’ve had knowledge and colleagues are the opportunity to go offshore to a rig to usually very happy to help: you just understand the drilling process. need the courage to ask! WHY: The work is challenging and fast- ADVICE: Most recruitment into larger paced, with real responsibility from the oil & gas companies is through outset and the opportunity to contribute internships in the summer before something tangible and valuable to the the final year of your degree. It’s SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER company. Taking ownership of my work important to have demonstrated and the supportive, team atmosphere prior engagement with the industry, EXHIBITORS FROM 11:00-14:30 or even particular companies, when MEarthSci Earth Sciences, has built my confidence as well as my technical skills. Working in a larger applying for an internship. BP, for St Anne’s, 2014 company allows you to experience a example, run Discovery Days or the EXAMINATION SCHOOLS number of different roles throughout your opportunity to shadow an intern for career, and I am about to move from first and second year students, and production to exploration to learn a new may also hold recruitment events in set of skills and further my professional Oxford. development. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY + THE ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY ENERGY,

suite of models and expertise to provide space. In 2012 I left academia to carry insights for project developers and out field research in South Sudan for Mostyn Brown investors. At Pöyry I specialise in the UK Azuri Technologies who provide pay- Consultant renewable electricity sector and the EU as-you-go solar panels for off-grid (low-carbon energy), Emissions Trading System (ETS), the world’s households, before taking the job at Pöyry Management Consulting largest carbon market. Recent projects Pöyry. Main locations: Oxford and Berlin include helping a client develop a strategy to secure a subsidy in an upcoming ADVICE: It was a big transition About us: Aurora Energy Research is a leading European competitive auction, and a multi-client from biological research to energy independent energy market modelling and analytics study to work out how to reform the EU economics and I had to work hard to company founded in 2013 by University of Oxford professors and economists to provide deep insights into ETS to account for additional policies make it happen… I would call people global energy markets. With a world-class reputation and We are developing the next which tend to suppress the carbon price. who were in roles that I was interested in and ask to meet for a coffee to international client base, we offer our clients unrivalled WHY: Climate change is the biggest hear their advice on how to get into analysis and expertise to help navigate the global energy generation of informed climate challenge of our times and decarbonising the sector. People will only help you transition, support project development and investment decisions. We provide subscription-based forecasts, the energy sector in a cost-effective if they think you’re worth the effort leaders at the University of Oxford. reports, forums and bespoke consultancy services. We manner is key to securing a path to net- so i) be prepared - know what you are a dynamic, diverse, young and social company, with zero emissions. Through my work I’m able want out of the meeting and have offices located in Oxford and Berlin. We are always The Oxford Climate Society is one of the to learn how European energy markets lots of questions lined up about their looking for talented and ambitious people to join us. work, explore the costs of various low- career/company, and ii) bring your University's fastest-growing student societies. carbon technologies, and investigate the own personality and thoughts along Opportunities available: Energy Modelling Analyst, Connecting over 1,500 students, we provide latest disruptive business models that may to build a connection with the person. Software Developer, Analyst/Senior Analyst, Data opportunities for everyone, regardless of their revolutionise this space in the decades Also, don’t be afraid of failure and Analyst to come. embarrassment. In my experience, background, to learn about climate issues and to most undergrads leave Oxford without Graduates sought: Excellent degree in Economics, get involved. We're hosting weekly panels and FINDING A PATH: I chose to do a DPhil having learnt how to fail. Failure is Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science or other quantitative field high-level speaker events that are free to attend, in biological molecular motors at Oxford liberating because when it happens, DPhil Biochemistry, because I was fascinated by the subject organize seminars, publish a Magazine, a Journal, you realise the world doesn’t end and Visa sponsorship: Available Merton College, 2009 area and wanted three more years of it means you can take career ‘risks’ and a Blog, and campaign to ensure that the university lifestyle and sport. Three years that others are too scared to take. If Graduate salary: £30-36k University is on the forefront of climate progress. turned into six thanks to a Post Doc, you haven’t failed anything recently, WHAT: No one knows what Europe’s during which I spent a good deal of energy landscape will look like in it suggests your ambition isn’t high Application advice: visit www.auroraer.com/careers To find out more, go to oxfordclimatesociety.com time reading about climate change and enough. or send CV to [email protected] 2050, but Pöyry has developed a speaking to various people in the energy or find us on Facebook. 104 105 ENGINEERING ENGINEERING

Engineering and skilled engineers make a significant I’ve worked for several large international aimed at first-time job seekers fresh contribution to UK productivity as well as working towards Zara Chadowitz companies in my career to date; my out of university. These schemes Program Manager, Amazon current role is with Amazon as a Program are a fantastic introduction to the mitigating the grand global challenges of climate change, food Manager in their New York office. workplace as they provide structured security, clean water and energy, artificial intelligence and support and training, exposure to The beauty of working for a big company different aspects of the company, robotics. is the many and varied projects, and incentives to attract the best ENGINEERING internal mobility is highly encouraged graduates plus the camaraderie of so it never gets boring. An international working alongside a handful of other presence often results in the opportunity like-minded grads. I chose the Tesco to work in different parts of the world. In graduate scheme due to its rotational my career so far, I’ve worked in London, nature – 3 x 6 month rotations in The engineering sector contributes 26% of GDP to the UK time. However, larger firms (many of which attend the Bangalore, Singapore and most recently different aspects of the business with economy – in 2015, £486 billion – which is more than the Science, Engineering & Technology Fair in Michaelmas New York. 1 of the rotations in Bangalore, India. retail, wholesale, financial and insurance sectors combined, Term) often offer internships that will fit into a long I should point out that none of this with 5.7 million people employed in the sector across over vacation. Smaller organisations are often willing to offer There can be a lot of rejection in the was planned! My advice is to not job-hunting process – whether at the 600,000 engineering companies. The engineering sector in work experience or internships – check on CareerConnect be afraid to take chances, say “yes” the UK is expected to grow to £608 billion by 2022. (p.4) or contact particular firms speculatively to enquire. application phase or at interview/ when opportunities arise even if it’s not assessment day. This can be tough, Internship opportunities are usually advertised a little later something that was part of your original These companies are projected to have 265,000 annual job especially coming from Oxford! It than graduate jobs, with deadlines tending to fall from plan. I would highly recommend working openings between now and 2024, and there is currently a is important to understand that it’s December to February and occasionally beyond. abroad – the experience is invaluable and shortage of qualified engineers graduating in the country. a 2-way street and ultimately boils allows you to travel the world within the down to mutual fit. You may be the The engineering sector includes a wide range of safety net of a paid job. most intelligent person interviewing, organisations. This includes vast, multinational corporations EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS For people like me who leave university but perhaps not aligned with the right down to small, independent engineering companies ++Join Oxford’s Engineering Society, Biomedical MEng Engineering Science, without a clear passion or vocation, it can culture of the company. At interviews and start-ups; for example, 58% of engineers are in SMEs Engineering Society or OxFEST (for women). St. Peter’s College, 2006 be quite daunting. I started by making a and assessment days, take the with fewer than 250 employees. Some of the biggest list of companies that I admired or simply opportunity to ask questions, absorb recruiters of Oxford engineers are Google, IBM, Microsoft, ++Join UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and those whose products or services I found the general vibe and determine if Metaswitch, Oracle, and Cisco, as well as Rolls-Royce and Development of Space). interesting. Many companies these days these are people you’d like to work Jaguar Land Rover. offer a Graduate Scheme – specifically with. ++Volunteer with Engineers Without Borders during your vacations to build your skills and take part in development projects. A branch has recently been GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS started at the University. For technical engineering roles, a degree in engineering WHAT: Based in Amsterdam, I am career change for me however, I ++Take part in an inter-university competition such as (or sometimes a related subject, such as physics, materials working as an IT consultant at Accenture really enjoy the varied type of role Formula Student (run by the Institution of Mechanical science or mathematics) is usually required, and the Lakshmi as part of the Service Management that I have and the multi-disciplinary Engineers to find the best race car). average graduate starting salary is around £27k. Non- team. We constantly design, deliver, teams that I work with. engineering roles in these firms tend to offer similar starting ++Read, and write a guest post for Developing Engineers, Manjoosha Adapa manage and improve the way information technology is used within ADVICE: After completing your PhD, salaries to their competitors in other corporate sectors. a blog written by young engineers. IT Consultant, Accenture don’t limit yourself to academia or Roles are offered year-round, but many of the larger an organization to ensure the right ++Share your passion for engineering with schoolchildren processes, people and technology are feel demotivated by the number graduate schemes have deadlines closing each year around of rejections. There will be very to also showcase your enthusiasm to future employers. in place to help our clients. My job often December/January. few opportunities related to your There are a number of outreach programmes organised involves conveying complex technical doctorate but there are plenty of Work experience is often vital, and it is worth bearing in concepts from the development team to by professional bodies and the UK government, such as other career paths where your skills mind that the Engineering Science course at Oxford is STEMNET. client’s business process owners and act as a facilitator to design and implement gained during your doctorate will be unusual in not having a built-in period of six or twelve valued. Sometimes a little change in months spent in industry. As a result, you may find that ++Join a professional engineering body as a young processes to improve and achieve client’s member – or represent students on their board. business goals. career might open new doors, taking many advertised long placements do not fit around term you to new heights that you would ++Enter the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Communications WHY: After completing MEng and DPhil have never imagined. Hence, grab Competition. in Engineering Science, I started working the opportunity and seek advice from as a Water Technology Market Analyst at the careers service from an early BlueTech Research, a leading think-tank stage. Claire CHESWORTH in water research. I was responsible for researching, analyzing and formulating TOP TIPS: Despite the challenging Career Adviser, the Careers Service, MORE INFORMATION: academic workloads, make time University of Oxford data into strategic reports to help the www.careers.ox.ac.uk/engineering company’s clients to make informed for extracurricular activities because the skills you learn here will be “Engineering offers an impressive range www.engineeringuk.com/news-media/2017- decisions on water technology market of jobs in an incredibly diverse sector. It opportunities. Having developed invaluable and help you later with engineering-uk-the-state-of-engineering- MEng Engineering Science, your job interviews. Recruiters plays a vital role in the UK’s economy and strong technical and analytical skills, Jesus College, 2008 appreciate the extra effort and time employs 19% of the workforce” published/ I then decided to pursue a career in DPhil Engineering Science, the IT industry to improve my techno- that goes in these activities and enjoy St Edmund Hall, 2012 commercial skills, to gain exposure to listening to competency examples different industries and to understand related to outside academia. how organisations work. This was a

106 107 ENGINEERING ENGINEERING STUDENT SOCIETY STUDENT SOCIETY HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE The UK health and social care sector employs over 3 million people, of whom over 1.7 million work for the National Health Service, and the rest for WHO WE ARE public sector employers (such as local authorities), We are a society that aims to support and celebrate females in the private sector or for voluntary organisations. engineering, science and technology. Since our founding in 2005, we have been committed to bringing like-minded people together in both formal and informal settings and to fostering a supportive environment for anyone considering a career in STEM who is intimidated by the barriers facing women. We welcome people of The actual array of roles in the sector is vast, ranging all genders who are interested in promoting equality in STEM. from doctors and NHS managers, to social workers. The WHAT WE DO Allied Health Professions alone include art/music/drama therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, paramedics, + SOCIAL CARE HEALTH There are three main focuses of what we do: Bethany Doran physiotherapists, prosthetists, orthoptists, radiographers, EVENTS We organise regular events and workshops with Trainee, IAPT academics and people in industry, welcome drinks at the start of and speech and language therapists. term and a wonderful Christmas dinner. “In looking for other clinical applications of MENTORING We connect students at various stages with Psychology I came across the Improving Access mentors from both academia and industry. GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme CONFERENCES Every year, there is a full-day conference A significant number of Oxford graduates each year study and immediately realised I had found a viable offering opportunities to hear from speakers, participate in medicine as a second degree. Four-year, ‘fast track’ medical alternative career path. […] Active listening is a workshops and engage in discussion with leading companies. degrees for graduates are offered at several UK universities, real skill and it can be harder than you realise to HOW TO GET INVOLVED with some funding available. Applications for these courses sit with another person’s distress. Volunteering Look for our stall at the Freshers' Fair and come have a chat are made through UCAS and close in October, and entry for a mental health or social support charity can Sign up for our mailing list either at the fair or on our requirements vary: some only accept applicants with a be a great way to get experience.” website: https://ox-fest.org/ degree in Life Sciences, others specify certain subjects at Like us on Facebook @oxfordfest A level instead. Most use admission tests as part of the Get in touch with us if you have any questions at: application process. Alternatively, you could apply for a [email protected] second, full degree in medicine through UCAS. These have The sector also has graduate management training much more limited funding and therefore tend to be less programmes, which are open to graduates of any competitive. degree subject. The NHS programme allows specialism in General Management, HR Management, Finance An alternative option for scientists interested in a career STUDENT SOCIETY Management and Health Informatics. Administrative in this sector is the NHS Scientist Training Programme roles are plentiful, and may be found alongside clinical THE (STP). Workplace-based and salaried, the scheme trains roles at www.jobs.nhs.uk, or on many private sector CAREERS people to become specialists in various disciplines from websites. SERVICE microbiology to medical physics. Closing dates are normally late in Michaelmas or early in Hilary Term. Many of the Allied Health Professions (see above) can be entered by Oxford Robotics & Additive Manufacturing Society undertaking a two-year postgraduate qualification. Search EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS through the NHS Careers website‘s course finder to check ++Volunteer with local charities and community Over 1000 www.oxramsociety.com [email protected] entry requirements and available funding. A science degree organisations to help the vulnerable or Engineering opportunities is normally required, with some exceptions. disadvantaged. Pastoral experience is useful for all roles in the sector. You could initially do were posted last year on Main locations: Oxford Innovation Centre Social workers can qualify via either an undergraduate voluntary work on a hospital ward, through student- About us: The Oxford Robotics and Additive Manufacturing Society degree or a postgraduate qualification. There may be run community groups, or through Oxfordshire (previously Oxford 3D Printing Society) is the first University Society opportunities for trainees working in support roles to volunteering organisations. in the UK for 3D Printing and additive manufacturing. Embedded in undertake approved training courses, and Frontline’s cCareerConnect the University of Oxford, we are an educational and research platfo- graduate programme (www.thefrontline.org.uk) offers a ++Get involved in Oxford SU Mind Your Head campaign rm that aims to empower both academia and industry to impact new route into children’s social work by providing a paid, to promote mental health awareness. the upcoming industrial revolution in the most positive way. Last year, work-based course in which participants simultaneously ++Become a Student Peer Supporter, a JCR Welfare we incoporated the elements of robotics into our society and obtain- complete a Masters in social work. Likewise, Think Ahead Including roles with Rep, or volunteer for Nightline. ed great success in several projects! (www.wethinkahead.org) have launched a similar course in Career opportunities: Improve your CV, opportunity to be a leader Arup, Balfour Beatty, Atkins, adult mental health social work. ++Arrange some work-shadowing in a hospital or in robotics and additive manufacturing, teaching experience health centre if you are thinking about graduate Jaguar Landrover, BMW, Activities: Students wishing to train as psychologists in the UK entry medicine, or apply to our Insight into Medicine need first to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Vodafone, Babcock and more... programme (p.34) Talks and Seminars Membership (GBC) from the British Psychology Society (BPS). This may be done either through an undergraduate Workshop and Projects Find your perfect job! degree in psychology or through a conversion course. MORE INFORMATION: Socials Relevant work experience is then required before  embarking on a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (funded www.careers.ox.ac.uk/public-health Services and Outreach by the NHS), or a Doctorate or Qualification in Counselling /social-work Psychology (normally self-funded). /medicine-as-a-second-degree 108 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnectwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnect WE NEED YOU ! 109

HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE

‘Eloise’ Community Beat Manager, Lancashire Constabulary / WHAT: I am a fully warranted Police are socially determined to be so. Police Now Constable and Community Beat Manager Police Now recognises this fact and (CBM) working in Blackpool, Lancashire. encourages us to look for innovative I joined the police through a graduate new solutions to break the cycle of scheme called Police Now which meant crime. that my training period was shorter than that of standard recruits and that I now ADVICE: Specific to policing: be work within a neighbourhood team rather generous with your time and energy; than on an immediate response team. show that you are willing to work While a response role is exciting, varied, hard for others and go beyond your and interesting, being a CBM means bare minimum duties. Your reputation that I am more in charge of my own among other officers counts for a lot + SOCIAL CARE HEALTH workload, have the time to get to know in this job (for good and for bad!) and my community, and can plan longer-term being known as generous will enable projects. All of which permits a greater the teamwork that is so essential to sense of fulfilment and personal agency in effective policing. the work that I do. General career advice: Nothing is WHY: Fair, effective, and compassionate forever; no job, career, plan, or place policing is an essential cog within the must be “the one”. This has been criminal justice system. The police come a freeing and relaxing realisation for me. Entering the workplace has BA Philosophy, Politics, under a lot of criticism and I felt that it was essential to get a true understanding introduced me to so many people, and Economics, Mansfield of the job from the inside. Doing so has in and outside the police, who have College, 2017 been insightful, sometimes concerning, had a wide and varied career which and incredibly interesting. I also feel, and could not have been planned at the have always felt, that most offenders point of graduation.

Bethany Doran process and who were forced to take paced and demanding, but quite on increasingly underpaid (or even a unique role in psychology due to Improving Access to honorary!) psychology assistant roles just the sheer volume of patients you see Psychological Therapies (IAPT) to get to the first stage of interviews. and can help

programme participant Year 5: I gained another training In looking for other clinical applications of place to study and work at Band 6 Psychology I came across the Improving as a High Intensity CBT therapist, Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) gaining a PG Diploma in CBT. programme and immediately realised I had found a viable alternative career Year 6: I now work at Band 7 seeing path. approximately 20 patients a week for individual therapy and working HOW: The majority of roles in IAPT are with a range of difficulties including accessed through NHS Jobs adverts for depression, panic, phobias, post- trainee positions where you then gain traumatic stress and OCD. I work at access to funded training. the same pay grade as a new Clinical MY PATH SO FAR HAS TAKEN 6 YEARS: Psychologist and I have 2 postgrad Year 1: I spent 12 months getting clinical qualifications (and no extra student experience by working as a support debt!). worker in mental health, whilst also ADVICE: Read about IAPT online, volunteering with Samaritans. This check out NHS Careers site and experience enabled me to apply for get familiar with the programme’s BA Psychology with a Trainee Psychological Wellbeing terminology and performance Practitioner (PWP) role. Physiology (P.P.P.), objectives. This knowledge can be Wadham College, 2009 Year 2: I gained an NHS Band 4 the difference in success and failure traineeship, attending university at an interview. WHAT: After completing my degree part-time for my PG Certificate in Low Get listening experience. Active I knew I wanted to use Psychology Intensity CBT and working simultaneously listening is a real skill and it can in my working life in a people- in a clinical team offering CBT based be harder than you realise to sit facing, helping profession. But I interventions to my own caseload of with another person’s distress. also knew I didn’t want to do the patients. Clinical Psychology doctorate, as Volunteering for a mental health or I had friends struggling with the Years 3 and 4: I worked as a Band 5 social support charity can be a great competitiveness of the application Qualified PWP. The PWP role is fast- way to get experience. 110 111 HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE

Clo, Cambridge Graduate, Unlocked Cohort 2017 THE INTERNATIONAL POLICY CAREERS SERVICE + DEVELOPMENT “I THINK UNLOCKED Working in this sector involves developing policy coupled with WILL BE ONE OF THE practical implementation, that empowers people across the globe MOST CHALLENGING to improve their lives. Practice areas are diverse, encompassing, AND REWARDING ROLES governance, healthcare, education, gender, disaster preparedness, I COULD EVER DO” infrastructure, economics and livelihoods, human rights, forced migration, security, conflict, the environment and other associated A TWO-YEAR PROGRAMME: issues.to inform how opinions and international decisions are A LIFETIME’S IMPACT. INSIGHT INTO made and changed. MEDICINE You could be working in a Think Tank that seeks to address You can spend time at Oxford building up insights into the Accelerate your career by issues of global concern, in your country’s foreign service sector and its range of organisations – both to increase supporting the rehabilitation of Shadow an Oxford hospital consultant in 9th week! to formulate and implement international policy; in the your chances of securing a job and to help you work out others. The Unlocked Graduates civil service of a regional organisation such as the EU; as a which areas and employers are for you. Most Think Tanks unique two-year leadership researcher in a political risk or international development are open to students undertaking short internships with development programme is consultancy; or in an international organisation (IO) such them. These are sometimes unpaid or only include a travel growing society’s future leaders, as the UN or World Bank. Alternatively, you could work stipend, so you may need to try to set up several shorter as well as tackling the damage for a global charity (see p.74 for relevant advice). As this experiences that you can combine with other work. The and cost of prisoner reoffending. is a popular sector with moral appeal, competition for EU offers longer internships – called ‘stages’ – to recent employment can be intense, but it offers rewarding careers graduates. Internships with an International Organisation unlockedgrads.org.uk for those who persevere. are normally reserved for postgraduate students. Masters or DPhil students may also be able to find paid part-time INTERNATIONAL POLICY + DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS consultancy work with international development, or political risk consultancies or think thanks – especially those Entry straight from an undergraduate degree can be students with, sector specific knowledge, expertise and difficult, as most organisations value some kind of relevant www.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-medicinewww.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-medicine language skills ‘field’ or transferable experience – whether in the private, public, or third sector, however, there are some graduate You can enhance your ‘insider’ knowledge of the sector and schemes available, such as the UK’s Diplomatic Fast Stream hear of upcoming opportunities by networking (pp.18- 20). Talk to speakers and employers at careers events Direct recruitment into a permanent role is also possible THE THE and seminars, and network through the Oxford Careers into NGOs and Think Tanks, but most require at least a CAREERS CAREERS Network, The Oxford Alumni Community, LinkedIn, or Masters qualification, and sometimes one or two years’ SERVICE SERVICE college development offices. work experience. Generally, the precise course title does not matter, but it can be important to highlight the most relevant modules taken and to illustrate that you have EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS THE knowledge of relevant research techniques, technical skills, Spend as much time as you can gaining international regions, and (if you have them) languages. experience and knowledge. Spend a summer on the Careers Service’s Internship Programme working on a More research-driven organisations (such as the OECD) and development project, building your language skills and many Think Tanks may require that you have undertaken getting to know a region (p.39). Also: Oxford further study to the level of a DPhil, as well as having SCIENCE several years of professional experience. ++Write relevant articles for student newspapers, journals ENGINEERING Careers Fair or blogs, to demonstrate that you can use research to including inform and influence opinion. Teaching and Education ++Take a course at the Language Centre, or otherwise hone a second language. Boingotlo Gasealahwe ++Join university societies concerned with development. SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER MSc Economics for Development, EXHIBITORS FROM 11:00-14:30 EXHIBITORS FROM 11:00-14:30 Oxford Department of International Development EXAMINATION SCHOOLS EXAMINATION SCHOOLS MORE INFORMATION: “The pace can be slower than the private sector and there is definitely more bureaucracy. It is www.careers.ox.ac.uk also not going to make you a financial fortune. /international-development Your greatest reward will be the impact that  /international-law you are having on your country.”  /international organisations

112 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 113 INTERNATIONAL POLICY + DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL POLICY + DEVELOPMENT LAW LAW Boingotlo Gasealahwe out of poverty and affords them a fair policies that have the potential to The UK Legal sector is undergoing a considerable amount of change. News opportunity to realise their full potential. improve the South African economy’s of international law firm mergers, waves of government cuts, artificial Oxford Department of long-run performance. International Development WHAT: To this end, I joined the National intelligence, and the impact of Brexit are continually hitting the headlines. All Treasury of South Africa (the finance GETTING IN: The minimum ministry) as a macroeconomist in the requirement to work in economic this means that today’s lawyers face exciting and challenging times with the Economic Policy Division after completing policy at the National Treasury of possibility of new types of work and job opportunities. my first masters degree at the University South Africa is a masters degree of Cape Town. I was responsible for in economics or related field. This the maintenance and running of the is true at the OECD, and other core forecasting model which is used to government organizations involved inform economic policy and to generate in public policy. However, a PhD is the National Treasury’s macroeconomic most competitive for Economics. The forecasts. Through their influence on the National Treasury, and many similar revenue projections, budget allocations, organisations offer internships or the debt management strategy and young professionals programmes overall fiscal policy of the National as entry points for graduates with at Treasury, the forecasts generated play a least a masters degree. pivotal role in setting the macroeconomic SOLICITORS framework and the economic policy story STAYING IN: Working in government At present, the majority (74%) of the UK’s 118,000 that are articulated by the minister when requires a lot of patience and a tabling the Budget. In South Africa, fiscal willingness to learn. Every task practising solicitors work in private practice law firms, matters and as you master the which are owned and managed by the partners. These MSc Economics for policy plays a crucial role in redistributing incomes to reduce poverty and inequality, small tasks you get to take on more firms vary enormously in size and specialisation. There Development, and provide safety nets to the poor and exciting projects. tends to be a division between firms that serve the needs New College, 2017/18 marginalised. The pace can be slower than the of commerce (such as corporate matters and commercial litigation) and those that deal with clients with personal Prior to Oxford, I was seconded to the private sector and there is definitely WHY: I am passionate about more bureaucracy. It is also not going legal dilemmas (such as family issues or criminal matters). Organisation for Co-operation and The remaining 26% of solicitors work outside private the development of the African Development (OECD) where I assisted with to make you a financial fortune. Your practice partnerships, and their number is growing. After continent and contributing to work the production of the South Africa country greatest reward will be the impact Training Contracts the chance to complete their training gaining their qualification, and often after building some that empowers people, lifts them survey. The survey aims to recommend that you are having on your country. under the old system. It will remain a requirement to hold experience, many solicitors move away from private a degree (law or non- law) and also to complete 2 years of practice into a variety of governmental, business or not-for- work experience, although this may become more flexible profit organisations as in-house lawyers or advisers, both than the current system. You are advised to keep up to within the UK and internationally. date with developments and how they might affect you. Angela Remus GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS Former Immigration Currently there are three steps required to achieve the WHAT: As an Immigration Caseworker The International Rescue Committee professional qualification needed to practise as a solicitor. BARRISTERS Caseworker, International with the United States Programs Division is an internationally recognized name Firstly, the academic stage, which is satisfied by completing Rescue Committee of the International Rescue Committee, I in refugee services, so I decided to There are approximately 12,000 barristers at the represented refugee and other immigrant pursue applications with them. I a Qualifying Law Degree (ie the BA in Jurisprudence) or, independent (or self-employed) Bar, practising in 339 sets clients before United States Citizenship selected the Immigration Caseworker for non-law students, the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) of chambers across England and Wales. A further 3,000 and Immigration Services. In this role, I role because it aligned with my past or the Senior Status Law Degree. Secondly, the vocational work in an employed capacity for numerous organisations, completed various types of applications, experience, and I applied to every stage which is completed through the Legal Practice including the Government Legal Service and the Crown including residency, family reunification, opening of that role across the United Course (LPC); required for both law and non-law graduates. Prosecution Service, as well as in commerce and industry. and citizenship, among others. I also States. My strategy worked, and I Finally, there is the practical stage, a “period of recognised There is much discussion in the legal press about the future conducted outreach, led workshops, joined the team. To me, the role was training” usually known as the Training Contract. and had reporting responsibilities to more important than the location. of the self-employed Bar, stemming from the increasing headquarters. I loved having the chance There are approximately 5,000 training contracts available pressures on public funding and its allocation, the increase to work directly with clients. ADVICE: Working between my each year, and well over 90% of them lie within the private in solicitors’ rights of audience, and government reforms in undergraduate degree and my practice sector. The remaining positions are to be found the way that legal services will be provided (including the STUDY: As an undergraduate student at master’s afforded me a great deal of in the Government Legal Service, local government, legal Legal Services Act). However, barristers continue to provide the University of Rochester in the United perspective and experience; despite departments in industry, and, occasionally, the Crown essential and effective services, often attracting headline States, I studied International Relations having held numerous internships Prosecution Service. Once this phase is completed, you are cases from both the UK and beyond. Barristers practise in and Spanish. I initially focused on topics as an undergraduate, holding my entitled to practise as a solicitor. Short periods of paid work a wide variety of legal areas – some well known, such as related to international development first full-time, professional role experience are available at law firms during the Christmas, family, criminal and property, and others less so, such as and transitional justice, and pursued has made a difference in how I internship with organizations working approach my studies. It was also an Easter and Summer holidays, as well as opportunities to intellectual property and international border disputes. attend ‘Open Days’. These are an ideal way to check if this MSc Refugee and Forced in these areas. Following my second excellent assurance that a master’s There can be considerable differences in the nature and year at university, I started focusing on in Refugee and Forced Migration is the right career for you. Migration Studies, lifestyle of a barrister’s work, and some almost never appear asylum seekers in the United States and Studies was right for me. Now, with In April 2017, the Solicitors Regulation Authority in court. Family or criminal barristers may appear in court Kellogg College, 2018 interned with legal offices in Chicago and work experience under my belt and a announced a new, centralised exam, the Solicitors most days, whilst barristers specialising in commercial work Rochester. degree highly specific to my field, I’m Qualifying Exam (SQE) which is to be taken by all intending may spend the majority of their time drafting pleadings and excited to begin looking for my next solicitors. The likely introduction date for this is 2020 opinions. However, advocacy remains a vital skill for the CAREER PATH: I knew I wanted to work a position! bit between undergrad and pursuing a with a substantial period of transition to give those who barrister, and it is one of the most distinctive elements of master’s degree. have already embarked on law degrees, GDLs, LPCs and this role. 114 115 LAW LAW LAW

Juliet Tomlinson LAW Careers Adviser ROSE LAGRAM-TAYLOR I was able to get involved in one of the them out, and attending Chambers’ AGCAS Legal Task Group Member most important insolvency cases of the evenings is also a great way to meet Barrister, South Square time (Lehman Brothers), I have worked on barristers. “Before applying to law firms or chambers it claims involving a dispute over a dividend When trying to make your is vital that you research them extremely well; payment worth almost £5 million brought by a company’s liquidators and defended application stand out, the thing GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS read about their work with clients, talk to their that seemed to work for me, was employees when they visit Oxford and work out international clients whose bank sought to The first step to qualification as a barrister is to pass a wind their company up for non-payment making my application personal to Qualifying Law Degree (such as the BA in Jurisprudence) or, what it would be like working for them and why under guarantees worth over £180 million. the Chambers I was applying to. So, for non-law students, either the Graduate Diploma in Law that would be motivational for you. This will Cases can be heard not only in England, if I’d had a conversation with Mr Joe (GDL) or Senior Status Law Degree. The second, vocational make your applications and interviews all the but in locations like the Cayman Islands, Bloggs at a Chambers’ evening, I stage is satisfied by passing the Bar Professional Training more persuasive.” Dubai and Singapore. noted it, and said why and how this made me interested in applying. Or, Course (BPTC). Prior to getting on this course you must WHY: I didn’t study law at university, if I’d spent a few days sitting with also have joined one of the four Inns of Court and passed opting instead for history, something I Mr John Smith on a mini-pupillage, I the Bar Course Aptitude Test. loved. However, history for me seemed would describe all the things I’d done On successful completion of the BPTC you are ‘Called to like the perfect way to begin my steps during those few days, and again, the Bar’ by your Inn and able to use the title of ‘barrister’, If working with individuals or causes is more suited to you, towards the career I now have. It provided why this had made me want to be at but you may not practise as one until you have completed there are options working as campaigners, policy writers or the foundation for learning how to present that Chambers. an argument, and how to use sources your pupillage year. The majority of pupillages are case workers within the third sector, NGOs and government to support that argument. I also liked During the pupillage interview, you undertaken within chambers, and are divided into two parts organisations working in areas such as immigration, the idea of being self-employed, and of will likely get some form of problem (‘sixes’): the non-practising six months, during which pupils housing, and many other social welfare and human rights MSt in Medieval History, question. Remember, this isn’t just related areas. Perhaps life in academia has caught your having a sense of independence that is shadow a supervisor, followed by six months of practice, Exeter College, 2014, not readily found in other professions. testing your legal knowledge as when pupils undertake advocacy and other legal services. attention? If it has, there will be options for you, with the interviewers are looking to see how addition of further study, to work in teaching and research TOP TIPS: Getting pupillage can be a hard you think, and if you will fit into After this final stage of pupillage, a barrister can either within higher education or other legal education providers WHAT: I am a junior tenant at slog, but it is worth it. Always try and chambers as a person, so don’t apply for a permanent position as a tenant within or research institutes. a leading set of commercial retain a positive outlook, and remember, become a robot in the interview, just chambers, or seek a role at the employed Bar or elsewhere. chambers specialising in insolvency when applying to various Chambers, it’s smile, breathe and ultimately be you! At every stage of qualification, competition for places is These are just some of the possible options. There and restructuring. This field is both not just about them choosing you, you’ve intense. Approximately one in five students who apply for are many others, such as legal clerks, paralegals, legal niche and wide-ranging. Since got to pick them too. I would recommend the BPTC will successfully complete through to pupillage. executives, legal publishers, trade mark attorneys, notaries, completing my pupillage where doing mini-pupillages in Chambers to test Careful assessment of your skills, motivations and academic licensed conveyancers, lawyer-linguists and more. credentials, combined with detailed research on the role, will help you to decide whether this is the right option for of intellectual and practical thought high profile; it is very rewarding and you. Many chambers offer a few days of work shadowing, processes, and found it satisfying to build exciting to see something you’ve in the form of a mini-pupillage, which can be extremely EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS an argument for my interpretation of been working on in the headlines. ++Join relevant student societies, such as the Oxford Law the law. Given my interest in politics and valuable. Hannah Wright As a pupil barrister, you are also Society, the Bar Society, or Oxford Lawyers Without current affairs, a career as a government able to conduct advocacy, and The Bar Standards Board have also completed a full review Borders which run useful skills sessions, dinners and Pupil Barrister, Government lawyer offered me a unique and of education and training and their plans are set out in their Legal Department stimulating mixture of all these elements. spend six months of your training other social events with law firms and chambers that visit on secondment to a barristers’ “Future Bar Training” proposals. The major change is likely Oxford. to be that from 2018 there will be alternative ways in which EARLY CAREER: After graduating, I worked chambers. This further broadens your in a variety of roles, including as a tour training and provides an interesting you can complete the BPTC which should reduce both ++Get involved with mooting competitions if a law student, or join a debating society if a non-law student. guide and in a business role which contrast to life at the employed bar. financial and personal risk. You will still need to complete required frequent visits to prisons; all of all the steps to qualification as current although not all ++Volunteer with a not-for-profit organisation that helps these provided me with useful insights ADVICE: The first few rounds of recruitment for the Government Legal possible changes have been finalised yet. individuals, such as Citizens Advice or Asylum Welcome. and skills. However, the most valuable preparation for my pupillage was my Service consist of online assessments ++If you are a law student, put your skills to use with work with a legal charity, providing in the form of aptitude tests. You can the Oxford Legal Assistance or Pro Bono Publico representation for claimants in the social find free example tests online so I OTHER OPTIONS IN LAW programmes – both run by the Law Faculty. security and employment tribunals. This would recommend plenty of practice in advance! If you make it through to Many law students decide not to go on to take the offered considerably more responsibility ++Prove your commercial awareness. All law firms are the assessment day, you will have to professional qualifications to become a solicitor or a and advocacy experience than would businesses and most have businesses as clients. Get complete a written exercise followed barrister, but are still keen to utilise their degree and do normally be possible before qualifying. involved in one of the Careers Service programmes by a competency-based interview. so through different sorts of legally related work that is such as The Student Consultancy (p.33) or Insight into WHAT: I’ve been lucky to enjoy an The exercise is completed in a very available in all kinds of organisations. If, for example, you Business (p.34) or find another way, such as an internship extremely broad training within the limited time frame, even by Oxford are interested in compliance or corporate governance, one to prove your commercial skills. Government Legal Department; I’ve exam standards, so I used a clear option is to become a company secretary. Secretaries are BA Jurisprudence, helped to create new legislation, provided structure separated out by headings, responsible for ensuring that a company (or organisation) Hertford College, 2012 legal advice to government ministers, and and was strict with time to make sure complies with standard financial and legal practice, so worked on litigation involving the Ministry I could cover everything. must have a thorough understanding of the laws that affect of Justice. This has required me to delve MORE INFORMATION: WHY: My interest in a legal career into numerous fields of law: human rights, their work. A common route to this is through several years was solidified when answering www.careers.ox.ac.uk/barristers defamation, EU, personal injury, and of business administration experience with the option of problem questions for tutorials at  contract law to name but a few! As well taking the professional exams offered by the Institute of  /solicitors Oxford. I enjoyed the combination Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.  /international-law as being varied, the work is frequently

116 117 LAW LAW LAW LAW Alexandra Cooper of the organisation who are passionate Telecoms department and worked on and focused on helping to achieve the some very interesting deals, mainly Senior Solicitor, charity’s goal of beating cancer sooner. specialising in Intellectual Property Cancer Research UK The work here is varied and includes a and Data Protection. At two years wide range of general commercial matters qualified, I started to think about from advising on branding or a marketing moving in-house as a career option campaign to putting a contract in place as I wanted to see how a business with a corporate partner – and it’s really worked and play a part in that. OPPORTUNITY about issue spotting and coming up with I spotted a role at the wine retailer, practical solutions. Direct Wines and decided to go for it and I have not looked back. I was WHY: When I started the law conversion at Direct Wines for almost three years course, I had no idea how many different when the role came up at Cancer opportunities there were in law, from Research UK, I felt that it was areas you can specialise in to companies an opportunity that I could not let you can work for. As an in-house lawyer, pass by. If you’re one of the handful of graduates who join Bristows LLP you can really immerse yourself in as trainee solicitors each year, you’ll be exposed to a world of understanding the business that you work ADVICE: If you’re interested in a opportunity right from the start… for and its needs and you get to see the career in law, try to get as much work outcomes of the legal advice you give. I experience as you can. Vacation …opportunity to get involved with top tier work for clients in really enjoy how fast paced it is and I learn schemes, pupillages or volunteering the most innovative industries. something new every day. at free legal advice centres are great …opportunity to work side-by-side with some of the most BA Modern Languages to help demonstrate your interest at respected lawyers in their fields. CAREER PATH: After investigating a number interviews. The Law Fair and other A career in Law (French and Spanish), of careers during my final year at Oxford, events that law firms run at Oxford aograduate.com …opportunity to build your career in an environment where I chose law as I felt I could potentially you’ll be stretched but also get plenty of support and Wadham College, 2006 are also great opportunities to meet encouragement. practice it anywhere in the country, or people and to find out more about even the world, and because there are their careers and the different paths @AllenOveryGrads If we sound like the firm for you and you want to find out more, WHAT: I work as an in-house solicitor many different areas within the discipline you can take. please visit training.bristows.com. at Cancer Research UK. It is a really to choose from. After doing the GDL and /allenoverygrads inspirational place to be. I get to LPC I did a training contract at Dentons. work with people across all levels I qualified into the Technology, Media and AllenOveryGrads

WHAT: Clyde & Co is the leading the Middle East (as well as studying international law firm when it comes Arabic at the Oxford Language to all things ‘international trade’. It Centre), I sought out a firm that was James Newton originated as a shipping firm and has genuinely international. Thankfully, Trainee Solicitor, Clyde & Co rapidly expanded in recent history being a centre for legal excellence to cover aviation, energy, trade and in the world, London was rife with commodities, infrastructure, and such places. I was drawn to Clyde insurance. We now have over 50 offices & Co due to their unique practice Meet the and 1,500 lawyers globally. areas and though my various positive experiences with members of the I am a second seat London trainee firm. in Speciality, International Risk and Global Reinsurance. Previously, I had been ADVICE: Get out and meet the with the Aviation liability team. In my firms in which you are interested. Game-changers current seat I am involved in a regulatory Make yourself stand out from the investigation into our insured client, a thousands of other applicants by Undergraduate and Graduate careers in Law financial advice firm. In my previous being known personally to recruiters seat, I worked on a large commercial and lawyers at your chosen firm. £45K Starting Salary 55 Vacation Schemes court dispute between a major European However, be careful when choosing airline and an aircraft leasing company, where to apply. Law is renowned for 50 Training Contracts 2600 Lawyers Worldwide two ICC arbitrations, a coverage dispute being an intense and demanding 48 Global Offices 26 Countries out of Afghanistan, and a number of career - and often for good reason! fatal crashes. Want to do headline-grabbing work that drives innovation around the globe? Then bring your unique worldview to a team WHY: Facing the usual existential crisis of fresh-thinking, forward-looking lawyers who work seamlessly BA Modern History, of all art-subject undergraduates in across practice areas, industries and time zones. From space Keble College, 2014 their final year, I panickingly began to exploration to cybersecurity, and renewable energy to driverless research professions other than that of cars, we’re drawing on our collective expertise to help clients a history teacher. Law struck me as a transform the world and the way we live our lives. natural fit. It balances intellectual rigour We are the Global Game-changers. You could be too. with real world commerciality. As I had tailored my degree in History towards

Find out more at hoganlovells.com/graduates 118 119 LAW 80

training contracts training 300+ workshops and schemes 83 Lawyers from from Lawyers universities

slaughterandmay.com/careers A world of difference of A world changing all institutions… global markets, international Laws, create firm, law international as an we, do how So day. every world’s the of some guide to us enables that mind of agility the future? the into organisations influential most training By grow. to freedom the people bright allowing By of understanding a closer develops that a way in lawyers transactions. of range a wider on working through clients support sharing, knowledge of ethos an fostering By within from promoting by development mutual and billing. to comes it when outside clocks the leaving and only not differences key our how about more learn To clients, our to difference of a world make visit careers, their and lawyers our to also but www.orrick.com www.jonesday.com Main locations: 26 offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. About us: Orrick is a leading global law firm which specialises energy and financial in serving companies in the technology, client work involves cross-border sectors. Much of Orrick’s transactions which have increased substantially as the firm’s seat network of global offices has grown. The six four-month structure of our training contract allows you to experience a wide range of specialist practice groups. As part of a small intake, you will have responsibility from day one, and will be a vital member of the team in every seat. Contracts – Opportunities available: Open Days and Training apply online. Graduates sought: Those who are looking for a high level of responsibility from day one, who set their standards high, have a strong work ethic and are a bright, talented graduate of any discipline. Applicants should have at least 3 A level passes at grades A and B and a 2:1 degree. Graduate salary: £40,000 (2018) Annual vacancies: 6-8 training contracts Application advice: Apply online by 28 June 2019. Recruitment Manager: Hannah Jackson Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN 020 7862 4600 Tel www.orrick.com/careers/london/graduate-recruitment London, Continental Europe, Asia, USA, Latin Europe, Asia, USA, London, Continental Main locations: East, Asia Pacific. America, Middle firm with more than About us: Jones Day is a global law across five continents. The Firm 2,500 lawyers in 43 offices tradition of client service; the is distinguished by: a singular the seamless collaboration of, a true mutual commitment to, and talent across multiple disciplines and partnership; formidable legal professional values that focus on client jurisdictions; and shared needs. spring in winter, 70 two-week placements Opportunities available: 20 trainees for September and summer to recruit approximately like mini training contracts. We 2021. Our placements operate from our placement schemes. recruit almost exclusively Successful Graduates sought: All disciplines accepted. to a are committed ability, candidates have strong analytical want to work on global deals, are proactive, self- legal career, become future disciplined, good at juggling priorities, and want to partners, not just qualify with us. Graduate salary: Starts at £50,000; after 12 months: £57,000; on qualification: £105,000. Application advice: Apply early and online for a placement from 1 graduates, Placements are open to final year students, September. are also open postgraduates and career changers. Placements law degree. to penultimate year students undertaking a qualifying Final deadlines are: 26 October 2018 (winter); 14 December 2018 (spring); 10 January 2019 (summer). www.jakemp.com London, Oxford, Cambridge, Paris and Munich. Cambridge, Paris and London, Oxford,

www.nortonrosefulbright.com/uk/ Norton Rose Fulbright is a global legal firm. We Firm Profile: Norton Rose Fulbright is a global legal firm. pre-eminent corporations and financial provide the world’s more than have institutions with a full business law service. We Europe, the 4,000 lawyers and legal staff in over 50 cities across United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Recognised for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; as well as life sciences and healthcare. Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business principles of aim to provide the highest possible We unity and integrity. quality, standard of legal service in each of our offices and to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact. offer up to 45 training contracts each Programme: We Training year across two intakes. For the March 2021 and September 2021 intakes law and non-law penultimate years, finalists and graduates should apply from 1 October 2018 to 14 July 2019. At Norton Rose Fulbright we look for intelligent, ambitious, internationally focused and commercially-minded individuals to will expect you to think creatively and find drive our business. We deliver expect our trainees to new ways to solve problems. We work that meets the highest professional, ethical and business standards for our clients. All applicants must have achieved at least AAB in their A levels or equivalent and be on course to achieve (or to have achieved already) a 2.1 degree or above. J A Kemp is one of the largest UK and European Patent About Us: J A Kemp is one of the largest Oxford, Mark Attorney firms, with offices in London, and Trade patent attorneys handle J A Kemp’s Cambridge, Paris and Munich. UK, Europe and worldwide. The firm has patent applications in the oppositions and appeals, especially particular expertise in patent Office. The firm also conducts before the European Patent J A Kemp has a varied client base intellectual property litigation. and SMEs through to some of ranging from startups, spinouts and most prestigious academic the largest corporate clients institutions in the world. Patent Attorneys. Trainee Opportunities Available: an excellent track Graduates Sought: Candidates should have a minimum with school and university, record of achievement at subject, of a 2:1 honours degree in a scientific or technical chemistry or preferably physics, engineering, computer science, are open to applications from candidates holding biosciences. We or studying for a first or higher degree or doctorate. Approximately six trainees across all Annual Vacancies: technologies. Our trainees usually join us in the Autumn. Starting Salary: Competitive Application Advice: Apply to [email protected] with a CV and group (see a covering letter addressed to the head of the relevant website). Main Locations: LAW

INTERNATIONALLAW POLICY + DEVELOPMENT 120

through 2018 through November st palo palo alto . sydney . los angeles . melbourne . July 2019. brussels . th beijing beijing . frankfurt frankfurt . AN EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY AN EXCEPTIONAL washington, washington, d.c. . paris paris . hong kong . , and applications for our 2021 trainee intake from January 2019, and applications for our 2021 trainee intake from th May 2019 through 12 st www.sullcrom.com london Sullivan & Cromwell provides the highest Sullivan & Cromwell to and representation quality legal advice world. clients around the set us apart for more than 130 years and The results we achieve have practice of law. serve as a model for the modern in working interested as a solicitor, If you are considering a career matters, leading companies on their most challenging with the world’s we encourage we are looking for, and feel that you have the qualities 2019 summer vacation scheme or for a you to apply for a place on the 2021. September commence to office, London our in contract training Please send a copy of your CV percentage breakdown of all academic results) (including and a covering letter a full classification applications and accepting be will We [email protected]. to: for the 2019 summer vacation scheme from 1 new york tokyo 11 1 www.slaughterandmay.com Slaughter and May is one of the most prestigious law May is one of the most About us: Slaughter and and often landmark advise on high-profile We world. firms in the Our excellent and varied client list international transactions. to entrepreneurs, from retailers to ranges from governments and from conglomerates to Premier entertainment companies League football clubs. contract, During the two-year training Opportunities available: a broad range of work, taking an active trainees turn their hand to groups while sharing an office with a five or six legal role in four, All trainees spend at least two partner or experienced associate. leading corporate, commercial and six-month seats in our market offices and close working rela- financing groups. Our overseas law firms in other jurisdictions mean tionships with market leading trainees to apply for a secondment in there are opportunities for their second year. Graduates sought: Good A levels and high 2.1 marks at degree – it is the level. Our trainees come from a range of universities that is important to us. quality of the candidate, not the university, Graduate salary: First year: £44,000. Second year: £49,000. Post qualification: £80,000. - offer open days, workshops and work experi work: We Vacation life as a ence schemes to enable you to gain an insight into commercial lawyer. Annual vacancies: 80-85 training contracts. Application advice: Applications can be made via our online system, which can be accessed from our website. www.penningtons.co.uk careers.sullcrom.com/uk-trainee-solicitors London, Basingstoke, Cambridge, Guildford, Cambridge, Guildford, London, Basingstoke, Main locations: and San Francisco. Oxford, Reading is a leading UK law firm About us: Penningtons Manches LLP to businesses and individuals. providing legal advice tailored dispute resolution, offer a broad range of advice including We employment, private real estate, corporate, commercial/IP/IT, as such areas practice niche some have also We family. and client and clinical negligence. We professional regulation, immigration focus supported by well-established have a broad international the world. Penningtons Manches is a links with law firms across the European Law Group, networks with member of Multilaw and countries, and many of our lawyers play representatives in over 70 bodies. Our clients range leading roles in various international owner managed businesses and start-ups from private individuals, public companies, professional to multi-national corporations, financial institutions. Our culture and partnerships, banks and and we are close relationships with our clients are vital assets determined to maintain these as we expand. Opportunities available: 12-14 trainees across London, Basingstoke/Reading, Cambridge, Guildford and Oxford. Graduates sought: Minimum 2:1 from any discipline. Graduate salary: £36,000 (2018 London salary) offer 40 x 1 week vacation placements in work: We Vacation and Oxford London, Basingstoke/Reading, Cambridge, Guildford during July. Application advice: Apply via our website: www.penningtons.co.uk/careers/trainee-lawyers/ Email: [email protected] Main Locations: Beijing, Brussels, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Sydney, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, D.C. Washington Tokyo, About us: S&C provides the highest quality legal advice and representation to clients around the world. Contracts. Applications Opportunities available: 2021 Training accepted from 1 May through 12 July 2019. seek individuals who have strong academic Graduates sought: We should also have credentials (minimum 2:1 (or equivalent)). You common sense and integrity, genuine intellectual curiosity, commercial awareness. - £58,000. - £53,000, Second Year Graduate salary: First Year The Firm offers a two-week summer vacation Work: Vacation scheme in 2019. Applications accepted 1 November 2018 through 11 January 2019. Contracts (4-6 vacancies); 2019 2021 Training Annual Vacancies: Scheme (6-8 vacancies) Summer Vacation Application advice: CV (including a full percentage breakdown of all academic results and an overall degree classification) and covering letter to [email protected] LAW

INTERNATIONAL POLICY + DEVELOPMENT 122 LAW

LAW THE LAW CAREERS SERVICE E

H

T Law 8

1

0

Fair 2

SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER EXHIBITORS FROM 11:00-14:30 EXAMINATION SCHOOLS

www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs

Together we make a mark

The future of law is global. If you’d like to join a firm that guarantees all trainees an overseas seat, we’d like to hear from you. whitecase.com/careers

125

MEDIA + JOURNALISM MEDIA + JOURNALISM Emily Dring Despite the media’s reputation as a difficult Independent Film & Video Producer, career area to enter, significant numbers of emilyeverdee.com Oxford graduates find ways into this sector “I used to worry I’d never find a career that Emily Dring every year – entering journalism (news, satisfied the two sides of my brain, [...] Independent Film & Video magazine, broadcast and online), TV, radio, I discovered producing requires the perfect Producer – emilyeverdee.com balancing of the two – applying the instincts film and video. Since January 2017, I’ve ‘Surfing’. That year, I applied for film, and media management. of a manager or businessperson to an been at the National Film & Television the NFTS and, after a challenging School (NFTS) on the MA Producing application process, was offered a artistic medium.” course, with the support of a BAFTA and place for 2017. Warner Bros. Creative Talent ‘Prince William Scholarship’. Outside school, I’m WHY: I used to worry I’d never developing my feature film development find a career that satisfied the two sides of my brain: the creative Journalists, broadcasters and directors form the public face There are also postgraduate courses which include slate and producing freelance for music MEDIA + JOURNALISM videos. part (I was into music and film) of the sector, but there are many other roles. Researcher substantial work experience, including Masters and the organisational urge to roles are relatively common entry points for Oxford programmes, the NCTJ for journalism or the NFTS for FIRST STEPS: My first opportunity was a ‘be on top of everything’. I then graduates: these involve fact checking content and finding people with some film and television experience. It is paid summer internship as a production discovered that producing requires people to appear in programmes. A large proportion of important to do research and weigh the costs and benefits assistant with ITN Productions, after I the perfect balancing of the two – people employed in the sector are freelancers, with many for individual situations: some people recommend them as emailed them looking for experience. I applying the instincts of a manager more employed on short-term contracts, and so flexibility a way to gain contacts and experience, but others do not then began producing student films with or businessperson to an artistic and a willingness to be proactive are definite assets. The consider them as necessary. the Oxford University Film Foundation medium. impact of digital media is redefining both journalism and during my final year of studying French at St. Hilda’s College - I was hooked! TOP TIPS: Start now, work hard, broadcast content, and having an awareness of multimedia and always be nice! Talk to those platforms and tools is now crucial for graduates seeking to Producing is a complex role, but I threw EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS myself in, asked loads of questions, and in positions of knowledge, try out a enter this sector. range of roles, and if you can’t find Plan ahead to get an edge on the competition after improved with each project. Many are attracted to the sector for its ‘creative’ BA French, film projects, create them yourself. graduation by accumulating experience whilst at Oxford. element, but there is increasing demand for graduates St Hilda’s College, 2015 AFTER OXFORD: The year after graduation, Chat to the president of the OUFF I worked as a Communications Officer and attend their workshops. Finally, in the management side – such as in IT, sales, licensing, ++For graduate careers in journalism, candidates will need while producing shorts on evenings although the film industry can seem marketing, legal, financial, business development and to build a portfolio of samples of your writing, and a WHAT: I’m an independent and weekends. These included a dark difficult to tap into, tenacity, honesty consultancy. good record of relevant work experience. producer, working in creative comedy called ‘Visitors’ and a 2-minute and confidence go a long way. ++Take every opportunity to contribute to student media: and physical producing for short micro-short for Channel 4 First Acts called student newspapers, Oxide Radio etc. Write; get GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS editorial experience; take and select pictures; do layout work. Experience, including work experience, is mandatory, but WHY: I developed an interest in European refugee crisis. Working there are lots of opportunities to gain experience whilst ++Write a blog and/or produce video or comment pieces journalism as a teenager, seeking a in a three-reporter bureau during you are at Oxford through societies and local media. Most for other websites on topics of interest. Build a website/ role where I could contribute to public the holiday season meant that it people need to start in a basic entry level position, often as blog to showcase your portfolio. debate, which I saw as a key means was often me and just one other an intern or (in the broadcast media) a ‘runner’ for example Yörük Bahçeli to achieving social justice. Today, I reporter covering the whole of the + in a TV or film company. For industry insights, see +Become active on social media: develop essential skills feel that I made the right choice for Netherlands, which was very exciting and build your network. Financial Reporter, Reuters www.creativeskillset.org. two reasons: firstly, I see journalism as for a first big gig! After my studies, I worked as a freelance journalist ++Join relevant student societies, such as the Oxford an essential public service to provide Also, it is important to establish and cultivate professional in Amsterdam covering politics and Filmmaking Foundation. information to decision-makers as well contacts because those interested in this sector will often as the general public. Secondly, I have social issues for just under a year need to find (or create) their own openings by contacting ++Shoot your own documentary, or video footage of a always been curious by nature and feel before my current position. individuals and organisations directly. See our advice on that journalism is the one field where stage play. ADVICE: Be proactive: it really isn’t ‘Networking’ (pp.18-20) and speculative approaches, and your job description requires you to stay a cliché that most jobs are not ++Create advertising copy/film to promote a project. a learner forever on the widest spectrum take steps to develop and cultivate your contacts – some advertised; none of my internships of subjects. great opportunities can arise this way. ++Offer work and assistance to different kinds of media or graduate roles were a result of As well as making speculative enquiries to build up outlets: free, national, specialist. You are almost certainly WHAT: I am currently a financial reporter, formal applications. Don’t shy away experience, it is worth knowing about the other ways into an expert in something, so find a magazine for people covering corporate bonds at Thomson from meeting people and telling the industry: with similar interests. Reuters for wire services and a trade them about your passion and how magazine in several formats. I write you can contribute to their work. ++Look for advertised runner/researcher roles: free sites ++Join relevant unions (eg, BECTU or NUJ) and access the breaking news, a daily briefing and long- If you do apply for an advertised include The Unit List, Talent Manager or the Facebook benefits, events and networking opportunities. form stories. Our coverage relies entirely role, don’t hesitate to contact your group ‘People who work in TV – Runners’. on building and maintaining relationships would-be manager, to find out what with market players, so a proactive exactly it is they are looking for; job ++Explore media graduate training schemes, such as the MORE INFORMATION: approach, quick thinking and a drive to descriptions rarely scratch below the BBC Production Talent Pool (leading to the Production ask critical questions, is key. surface. Remember: most people Trainee Scheme) and Channel 4’s graduate programme, www.careers.ox.ac.uk/journalism MPhil in Comparative enjoy answering questions about as well as occasional schemes with independent Government, During my studies at Oxford, I was a themselves. Also, editors are looking  summer intern with the news agency’s television companies.  /music-radio Balliol College, 2016 for people who don’t shy away!  Amsterdam bureau, covering everything  /tv-film from the Dutch macroeconomy to the

126 127 MEDIA + JOURNALISM MEDIA + JOURNALISM MEDIA + JOURNALISM

www.cherwell.org oxfordunimediasoc.com

Cherwell is both Oxford’s oldest continuing, and only independent, The Oxford University Media Society is Oxford’s newest and most Oxford SU student newspaper, as well as a growing multimedia organisation. exciting society of 2018. With the opportunity to hone skills ranging from traditional Initially a student-run society for a decade up to 2014, we copy-editing and investigative reporting to graphic design and relaunched in Trinity term under the supervision of Senior video production, being involved with Cherwell can be the perfect Member, Alan Rusbridger, Principal of Lady Margaret Hall and preparation for the modern workplace. former editor-in-chief of The Guardian. Student Media If you’re interested in collating data, using the freedom of We host events from some of the leading figures in media to information act to uncover a story, or conducting challenging inspire Oxford students to get involved with what is now one of the interviews with famous names, there is no better organisation to most complex media landscapes in history. be involved in. Some of the figures we welcomed in our inaugural term, for MEDIA + JOURNALISM Beyond the journalism, Cherwell’s business team deals with the example, included Channel Four News lead anchor, Jon Snow, as Do you have a passion for writing, broadcasting or just want to keep up to date with Oxford news? logistics and financial issues pertaining to running a newspaper. well as Editor of Cosmopolitan UK magazine, Farrah Storr. Then the Oxford Student and Oxide Radio is the place for you. This team spends its time finding and negotiating with national and However, not only do we host events, but our student-run international advertisers, and as such can provide an incredibly committee also manage our online media hub full of blogs, Both run by students for students, these award-winning media is the best way for you to start your useful insight into, and a unique gateway to, the most successful interviews and podcasts. business of today. career in journalism or play your favourite music. No experience required, just get in touch. For students new and old, there are plenty of ways to get involved: Contact us via [email protected]. become a member, express an interest in becoming a college ambassador, write a blog, or come to one of our many events this term. To find out more please visit: www.oxfordunimediasoc.com Oxide Radio Listen online: oxideradio.live

Oxford’s only student run radio station. From STUDENT SOCIETY STUDENT SOCIETY political podcasts to live music. Fancy your own slot on the airwaves? oxideradio.live/submit-a-show/

www.oxsci.org www.isismagazine.org.uk

Join Oxford’s premier student-led science magazine today and Established in 1892, The ISIS is the longest running independent help us to communicate our love of science to Oxford University student magazine in the UK. Our ranks have included the like The Oxford members and beyond. of Evelyn Waugh, Sylvia Plath, Boris Johnson, David Dimbleby, Each term, we produce a graphically gorgeous, interesting and Hilaire Belloc, and of course Mostyn Turtle Piggot, our delightfully innovative science magazine read by students at Oxford and Sixth eccentric founder. Student Form Colleges and Secondary Schools up and down the country. Now, we run events and a website, while producing a termly Oxfordstudent.com This accompanies our website, updated throughout the year with magazine. There you’ll find the best of student journalism and a range of topical blog posts and news alerts. design, carefully assembled by the ISIS team. Report on Oxford’s top news and sport, comment We offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement. Whether With the opportunity to participate in anything from sub-editing on student fashion, and review music and theatre! you’re interested in writing features articles, expanding our to marketing or graphic design, if you’re looking to get involved school-based readership, gaining editorial experience or with journalism, publishing or the media in the future, The ISIS is a Your SU’s student run newspaper hits 15,000 promoting the magazine, we have a position for you. great place to start. readers each week, with a website and weekly print We’re not just for science students, and many of our previous Email our editor at [email protected]. run. members have gone on to pursue successful careers in journalism, art and design, business and PR. If you’re interested in Want to contribute? [email protected] joining our team, we’d love to hear from you at [email protected]! (Email us with your CV and examples of your work) The team is always on the lookout for reporters, budding journalists, and photographers.

STUDENT SOCIETY STUDENT SOCIETY 129 NATIONAL POLICY + GOVERNMENT NATIONAL POLICY + GOVERNMENT Working in national policy and government offers variety, new challenges, Radhika Dubé and opportunities to do something that has a big impact on the public. This Head of Strategy and page concentrates on the sector in the UK and some organisations have strict Operations, Public Health, Westminster City Council Public Health and did an internship at the public sector graduate programme. entry regulations regarding UK residency (though not necessarily nationality), World Health Organization in Geneva. An alternative option is to join a however, much of the advice can be extended to careers across the world. Following my Masters in Health and consultancy that works with both Demography at the London School of private and public sector clients. Hygiene and Tropical Medicine I was The NGDP gives you the opportunity keen to understand how the public sector to try out a number of different operated locally and decided to apply for departments and offers an the LGA’s National Graduate Development A career in this sector appeals to those interested in Fast Streamers usually gain experience in more than one exponential learning curve allowing Programme (NGDP). making a social or legislative impact in your home country government department and in more than one part of the you to progress to management roles – working for a political party or Think Tank, or becoming a UK and have opportunities for secondment into the private I chose four rotations: (1) Children’s quicker. Services (2) Environment Services (3) NHS civil servant at local or national level. sector, charities, and other public sector organisations. ADVICE: Successful applicants often community services (secondment) (4) have relevant work experience and There are currently almost half a million people in the Individual, graduate-level vacancies in different Department of Health (secondment). These show a genuine passion for wanting UK Civil Service, working in 250+ departments, services, departments may be advertised on the Civil Service website rotations gave me a variety of skills and to make a difference. The application graduates. Local government is an even bigger employer in as they arise. Other routes in include temping and short- knowledge from public consultation and process is rigorous and involves a the UK, with 1.2 million staff in over 350 local authorities. term project roles. service design to budget management written application, an assessment and business planning. This was a spring centre and interviews. The majority Civil servants are officially apolitical, informing and Internships are not generally offered, apart from the Early board to management roles in the public of successful applicants also have a implementing policies of elected representatives. Diversity Internship Programme and Summer Diversity sector and since the graduate programme

relevant Masters degree. POLICY + GOVERNMENT NATIONAL Graduates may also work for elected representatives Internship Programme (deadline may fall in October 2018). I have worked as Head of Strategy and directly as advisers, researchers and assistants, which can Some specialist programmes also advertise internships BA Human Sciences, Service Design for a flagship Public Health When applying, request a borough be an effective way of entering politics. You could even from January to March eg Government Economic Service; Mansfield College, 2009 Service and currently as Head of Strategy that provides opportunity for career stand as an MP yourself, following in the footsteps of the Operational Research. and Operations for Public Health for three progression for graduates and also youngest MP of modern times who was elected at only London Boroughs. where you are interested in the issues Local government also has a two-year graduate scheme: WHAT: After completing my degree 20 years old. facing a local population. The National Graduate Development Programme and exploring a range of options WHY: If you are keen to pursue a role Think Tanks are more concerned with policy than politics, (NGDP), run by the Local Government Association. This in the private and public sector where you are creating social impact on a but are sometimes aligned with a particular position on the programme aims to provide local government with high I decided to pursue a career in large scale, I would strongly recommend a political spectrum. They seek to influence public policy and calibre managers, training graduates through a series of debate through the media, and through direct contact with placements within councils. Options include policy and politicians and organisations. See the ‘International Policy & strategy posts, customer facing roles, and finance and Development’ section for more about Think Tanks on p.111. operational positions. Since 2002, over 800 graduates have completed the programme, and many now hold influential managerial and policy roles. Direct entry positions can be Robert Massam leads longer term programmes of work I would recommend ensuring GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS found on council websites. commissioned from different parts of that you make the most of the Policy Coordinator, NHS the NHS. I coordinate the Policy and opportunities offered by the Careers The Civil Service primarily recruits graduates through its The website www.w4MP.org is the primary jobs board Strategy Specialism of the NHS Graduate Service. I booked meetings with ‘Fast Streams’ – there are fifteen ‘streams’ ranging from for positions with MPs, political parties and campaigning Management Trainee Scheme and lead different Careers Advisors to initially Generalist, Diplomatic Service, Houses of Parliament, organisations. Internships may well be offered (and are a project to develop the organisation’s discuss my general plans. I then Science and Engineering, to Government Communication worth a speculative application), though they tend to be Childhood Obesity Strategy. found it helpful to meet with the Services and Government Economic Service. Other London-based and unpaid. same advisor every few weeks. In agencies have separate recruitment schemes, including the EARLY CAREER: During my DPhil, I worked advance, try and work out what Security Service (MI5), Government Legal Service, Treasury part-time in the Compliance Team of you want to achieve from each Office, and GCHQ. Deadline dates vary, but are mainly in a health care provider. When I finished appointment. EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS my studies, I wanted to work in a policy early Michaelmas Term. ++Stand for your JCR/MCR committee or the Oxford SU related job, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted Most job adverts include a stated executive – or get involved in Oxford SU’s campaigns. to work in London. I accepted a 6 contact point to answer questions month contract working in the capital, or to organise informal visits. In my ++Enter debate competitions in societies or the Oxford at a Think Tank, as a Communications experience, making this contact Radhika Dubé Union to sharpen your communication skills. Associate. My main task was to help the was helpful in answering questions organisation improve the communication about the role. From the recruiters’ Head of Strategy and Operations, Public ++Get involved with your local political party or student of its research impact. point of view, this demonstrates Health, Westminster City Council society branches and politics-related student societies. interest and initiative. ADVICE/TOP TIPS: For policy related + If you are keen to pursue a role where you +Join the Student Consultancy (p.33): Oxford City Council roles in the NHS, holding a Masters in GETTING IN: The NHS Graduate are creating social impact on a large scale, is a frequent client. Health Policy or Social/Public Policy is Management Trainee Scheme is I would strongly recommend a public sector ++Get involved with student societies and volunteering considered desirable. It is also useful to an excellent entry point. You apply graduate programme. The NGDP gives you through OxHub. DPhil Social Policy, Green have experience working in a health care to join a specific specialism of the opportunity to try out a number of different Templeton College, 2017 setting. This could be in voluntary work the Scheme: such as: Policy and departments and offers an exponential at a hospital, or care home and would Strategy, General Management, demonstrate your interest. Short-term HR or Health Analysis; or you can learning curve allowing you to progress to MORE INFORMATION: WHAT: I work for NHS England’s contracts or paid internships with Think apply directly through the NHS Jobs management roles quicker. Strategy Team. The team undertakes www.careers.ox.ac.uk/government Tanks are another excellent way to website. short consultancy type projects and develop experience.  /think-tanks 130 131 PUBLISHING

PUBLISHING Joanna Ramsay Publishing is a commercial industry like any Commissioning Editor, Liza Thompson other, and offers roles across a full spectrum of HarperCollins Publisher, business roles. The industry divides into three “I love the mix of working with words, Bloomsbury Publishing from quite high-level academic books relationships with authors and main fields: TRADE PUBLISHING: fiction and non- working with people and working with to short, accessible pop titles, and work meeting new writers; it would be a

figures that comes with a publishing directly with authors to come up with difficult role for a wallflower. PUBLISHING fiction books that you can buy on the high street; ideas for new books, hone the text, decide role. It’s great fun developing the books ADVICE: This is definitely an industry ACADEMIC texts and journals; and EDUCATIONAL on the cover, and write the blurb. themselves and writing copy for marketing where an employer will expect PUBLISHING such as school textbooks and English materials etc. but it’s also lovely to work WHY: It’s such a cliché but I genuinely love you to have some kind of relevant Language Teaching materials. with authors and to champion your books reading and also enjoy books as objects, experience, so participating with sales and marketing colleagues” so I wanted to be a part of the process in internship schemes and/or of making them happen. I also really approaching publishers about work enjoyed my course at Oxford and wanted experience is crucial. One thing I my job to be a continuation of the kinds did which was useful for supporting of dialogues and exposure to ideas I had myself throughout this work at university. I like that my job is academic experience stage was finding out the adjacent without being academia itself! temping agencies that publishing There are a huge number of publishing companies in the CareerConnect is a useful source of vacancies for jobs I am constantly learning new things and houses normally use. I managed UK, with the three largest companies (Penguin Random and work experience in the sector. Key external job sites engaging with different ideas and kinds to get six months of temping work House, Hachette Livre, HarperCollins) taking around half include The Bookseller, Oxford Brookes’ list of publishing of writing. at Blackwell’s in Oxford, which was of total UK sales. Other large employers include Pan jobs and internships (they run an MA in Publishing), and similar to an internship. Macmillan, Pearson Education, OUP, Bloomsbury, Simon & the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) job board. Many TOP SKILLS: You have to be both a details Schuster and John Wiley & Sons, with many other smaller firms, particularly smaller publishing companies and literary person and a big picture person. An When applying for a job, make sure MA Theology, to familiarise yourself not just with independent publishers. agencies, do not formally advertise vacancies, which means important part of the job is working closely Regent’s Park College, and intensively on a text but you also need the publishing company itself but you need to get in touch speculatively to enquire. Generally, the processes of publishing are divided into to be able to step back from your books with the particular list you would The Publishers Association website www.publishers.org.uk 2004 editorial, design and production, marketing, distribution, list, strategise, and be alert to trends and be working on. Keep abreast of provides lots of information on the industry, roles, and contracts and rights, and administration. Specific job industry shifts. the latest news in the industry by careers. WHAT: I commission and edit non- functions range from Commissioning Editor to Editorial or following blogs and reading The fiction books with a particular focus You also have to enjoy talking to people. Bookseller or similar publications. Publishing Assistant, from Copy Editor to Marketing and on Philosophy. I edit everything A key part of being an editor is building Sales Officer, and from Rights Manager to Web Developer EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS as the rapid growth of online and digital publishing drives ++Join the Society of Young Publishers. Run by young change across the industry. professionals in the sector, it holds regular networking nights in Oxford. There are also literary agencies, which act as intermediaries out potential authors, putting together new market and work out how to between trade publishers and writers. Normally working in ++Demonstrate interest by joining other related student business proposals for new books navigate it. and resources, and working closely small firms, agents have exposure to the whole publishing societies, such as the Society of Bibliophiles. WHY: I love the mix of working with process: editing books with authors, convincing publishers Joanna Ramsay with authors through the writing and ++Gain experience by working for a student publication, words, working with people and to buy them, and dealing with contracts and media development process. eg, the Oxford Student, Cherwell, Isis, The Oxford Commissioning Editor, working with figures that comes enquiries. Scientist (formally Bang!) and so on. Many offer HarperCollins CAREER PATH: I was lucky enough to with a publishing role. It’s great fun experience in editorial and technical roles. be able to complete an internship developing the books themselves and GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS at a publishing house in Paris in my writing copy for marketing materials ++Attend the London Book Fair in April: a huge exhibition year abroad (as part of my languages etc. but it’s also lovely to work with A few of the larger publishers run formal graduate schemes, aimed at the publishing industry, it is a great way to degree). I was on the co-editions team, authors and to champion your books most, however, recruit graduates for specific jobs such as learn more about the sector and build your network. primarily working on adapting French with sales and marketing colleagues. Marketing or Social Media Assistant, and the majority of titles for the English and American Equally I find it interesting to put the people in publishing start in administrative positions and ++Offer to help in your department or College, for markets, and I knew from then on that proposal for a book together and work their way upwards. One common entry role is to work example, to support the production of conference I wanted to work in publishing – the make sure that there’s a compelling as an Editorial Assistant; this role may involve many duties, materials and reports, internal documents or fact that the titles were beautiful art, business case for a product. There’s including preparing scripts for handover to publishing promotional material. travel and cookery books may have also something very satisfying about services, chasing readers’ reports for new book proposals, had something to do with this! On seeing something you’ve worked on drawing up and sending out author contracts, as well as MORE INFORMATION: graduating I did the Oxford University come out in print! doing market research and commissioning book proposals Press summer internship and then went ADVICE: There are plenty of people in consultation with their editor. www.careers.ox.ac.uk/publishing straight on to an entry-level role as a commissioning assistant in another team. around who can offer help and For any job, a demonstrated interest in the sector is There were lots of opportunities to learn support at different times - take extremely important, and having relevant work experience and grow and it was a very supportive advantage of this! I was really grateful for opportunities to meet up can be a real advantage. A few large players offer formal BA Modern Languages and environment. I tried to make the most internship schemes, but outside of these, you can make of this by taking on various additional with Oxford alumni already working Linguistics, St. Hilda’s, 2011 in publishing when I was considering speculative approaches to seek work experience at any projects and more responsibility where career options. The Careers publisher and finding work in a bookshop will give you I could. I worked as an editor and Service also looked over my early WHAT: I’m a commissioning editor at manager within that team for a number useful insights into the market. applications and CVs and since then HarperCollins working on educational of years. My current role at HarperCollins there have been various colleagues resources. My role involves keeping draws on the skills I’ve developed but who have offered mentoring and on top of changes and shifts in the applied to a different educational market development. educational landscape, seeking – it’s been great to learn more about this

132 133 PUBLISHING PUBLISHING

THE SCIENCE CAREERS There are many opportunities in this sector, including careers in research, creating SERVICE www.ospl.org new technologies, developing or refining manufacturing processes, or innovating medical solutions. The possibilities are endless. Experimental scientists are likely to SCIENCE What is OSPL? What do you do? be involved in research, development and analysis. Opportunities in industry range The only independent student-run publishing house in the country, from the research divisions of global companies to niche technology firms. Other OSPL is responsible for running the business, finance, and legal Over 1000 aspects of Oxford’s biggest student publications: Cherwell, The options include government – or charity – funded research institutes, hospitals, and ISIS, The Oxford Scientist, Industry, and Keep off the Grass. Media, Journalism & Publishing university research. Who works at OSPL? opportunities were posted last year on All sorts of people! With a staff list of around 150 students, there’s a role for everyone. OSPL itself is run by a board of directors, many of whom have c Science and technology span diverse disciplines and so specific roles (Chairman, Finance Director etc.). The directors CareerConnect too does the range of opportunities in the science sector. manage various sub teams, including business teams and finance Roles for hands-on scientists exist in manufacturing, teams. Dr. Abby Evans energy, medicine, pharmaceuticals & biotechnology, Careers Adviser, Oxford University The editors of each publication are then responsible for all of the Including roles with environment, defence, aerospace, transport, electronics, Careers Service sub teams within their publications, which include journalists, Oxford University Press, John Wiley & Sons, space technology, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), graphics, broadcasting, events management and more. and many more areas. “Make the most of expertise around you. Contact [email protected] for more information about getting Usborne, Springer Nature, Quiz Oxford researchers and lecturers involved. Creative Access and more... The sector also needs science literate graduates who can use their knowledge in other ways: eg, making scientific about their career and collaborations – ideas a commercially viable reality, or communicating many have connections that reach far Find your perfect job! research to investors or the general public. beyond academic research labs.” You may primarily be driven by your subject interest, but you should also consider the environment that would most suit you. Working in a small startup technology company good source of work experience. is likely to give a very different experience from joining a large graduate scheme with an established employer, for The availability of work in government agencies and www.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnectwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/careerconnect example. independent research institutes varies according to subject. DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) runs a graduate scheme across most scientific disciplines. DESG GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS (Defence Engineering and Science Group) is focused The first step for many scientists wanting to pursue a career mainly on physical scientists and engineers. Independently funded research institutes – such as those operated by THE in science is a PhD (DPhil in Oxford). Do not be put off if a CAREERS PhD is not for you at this stage; many organisations offer Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust – are more SERVICE thesyp.org.uk/oxford/ science roles that do not require a PhD. common in life science disciplines. For some jobs it can be an advantage to have a relevant PhD, and some roles will The Society of Young Publishers In general, only major companies have graduate schemes. require them. The earliest deadlines are before Christmas, but many Interested in working in publishing or learning more about the recruit on a rolling basis. Gaining employment with well- industry? Join the Society of Young Publishers! known firms can be highly competitive (particularly in the EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS Who are we? The Society of Young Publishers is a national not- pharmaceutical sector) and relevant industry experience is for-profit organisation open to anyone, of any age, interested in ++Join subject-based student societies, and others such as always useful. dvert publishing or a related trade. Run by regional teams of dedicated the Scientific Society, OxFEST (for women) or the Energy is volunteers, our aim is to assist, inform, and encourage anyone ts, A ing Many large firms offer internships to penultimate year Society. r & trying to break into the industry or progress within it. students. More opportunities exist with smaller, less A ++Volunteer to do outreach work with the MPLS Division’s Where are we? We have committees in Oxford, London, the North, well-known companies, which usually recruit for specific ia F Scotland, and Ireland, and also run events all over the country. School Liaison Officer, or Science Oxford. Med air vacancies – either directly or through specialist recruitment What do we do? The local branch, SYP Oxford, regularly puts agencies. Small scientific companies are often clustered on ++Seek a summer research assistant position at your on panel events, networking evenings, book clubs, and other Science Parks. Check their websites for vacancies, register department or through your tutors’ contacts. THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER socials in Oxford for those looking to get into publishing and junior with relevant recruitment agencies, and apply speculatively publishing professionals. as well. ++Write for the Oxford Scientist, Oxford’s science EXHIBITORS FROM 14:30-17:30 Why should I join? Becoming an SYP member gives you the Speculative applications to these companies may also be a magazine (formerly known as ‘Bang!’) THE CAREERS SERVICE chance to learn about the industry, network with professionals, and socialise with like-minded people. You’ll receive free or discounted entry to our events, a quarterly print magazine, and MORE INFORMATION: will have access to the online jobs board. To find out more about the SYP, including membership options www.careers.ox.ac.uk/pharma and upcoming events, visit our website: thesyp.org.uk/oxford/ or  /science-alternatives Twitter accounts @SYP_Oxford, @SYP_UK.  /science-research-development

134 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 135 SCIENCE SCIENCE

gels at RB. My role involves creating new different functions, and on different products for the global Durex portfolio - products such as Nurofen, Strepsils based on consumer and medical insights and Durex. The R&D graduate to clients and writing proposals for GAURI KHANNA Hannah Hare new projects. TTP encourages all - to turn good sex into great sex! It’s scheme is a great place to start if WHAT: I have been working at TTP (The Product Development, all about creating a superior consumer you are interested in R&D, but aren’t Consultant, its employees to get involved in all Technology Partnership) for over 2 years aspects of the business – not just SCIENCE Reckitt Benckiser experience. sure which type of role would suit The Technology now. TTP is a technology consulting you best. Seven years ago I moved working on project teams, but also WHY: Durex is a great brand to work on - I Partnership company that carries out R&D and to Thailand with RB and have worked taking responsibility for leading know that the work I do and the products product engineering. Most of our time is in different roles across Condom and projects and finding new business we develop make a tangible difference spent on client projects, but we also run lubricant development. opportunities. Not many companies to people’s lives. It’s really fascinating to internal R&D programmes that develop give you this range of opportunities see what happens behind the scenes, HOW MY OXFORD EXPERIENCE cutting edge technologies which other so early on in your career. when you move from being a ‘shopper’ HELPED: The Oxford Biochemistry companies can then license from us. In to actually developing the products you course gave me a strong foundation, practice, we are often asked to help in the ADVICE/GETTING IN: Take time over see on the shelf. You learn to appreciate as it covered topics from organic design, manufacture, or troubleshooting writing your cover letter – it is the just how much work goes into producing chemistry, to genetics and even involved in getting from an initial concept first thing a hiring manager will these products, all the way from feasibility microbiology, all of which have to a product that’s on the market. TTP see, and is often used as a starting development to scale up, registration, cropped up at some point in my is primarily made up of engineers and point for conversations in the manufacturing and supply to markets. work. It’s great to have a job where physicists who enjoy problem solving and interviews. I would suggest focusing I can apply my degree. The focus responding to the commercial pressures on your motivations for applying I love working for a global company. So on self-study at Oxford prepared that our clients face. The work involves to this particular job, supporting far, I have had the chance to work in me to work independently, and tackling a wide variety of technical your statements with any relevant Thailand, China, India and the UK, and gave me the confidence to take problems ranging from understanding the experience that you have. these experiences have enabled me to new challenges head on, like fundamental physics behind a new sensor learn so much from talented colleagues all When you start getting interviews, understanding latex chemistry to to designing a cost-effective, high-volume over the world. The culture is very open, treat them as a two-way process: the develop new condoms. production line. MBiochem Molecular and and everyone’s opinion is valued. You company is trying to assess whether Cellular Biochemistry, St are given the autonomy to lead projects ADVICE: Do make an effort to MPhys Physics, WHY: I was looking for a job which would you are a suitable candidate, but allow me to continue doing ground- equally important is that you should Hugh’s, 2009 independently from day 1, which is one of research different companies at Keble, 2012 the best ways to learn. careers fairs and campus events, to breaking scientific research but with be working out whether you really find out what you might be interested DPhil Medical Physics, commercial applications in mind, and want to work for them. You can learn EARLY CAREER: I joined RB on the R&D WHAT: I manage new product in. Try to apply as early as possible - Keble, 2015 TTP allows me to do just that. The work a lot more from an interview than graduate scheme in 2009 in the UK, development for Durex Pleasure so that you can sit your finals stress is incredibly varied – over the course of you can from a company website or which gave me the opportunity to work in free! a single week I could be running a set of a short chat at a careers fair. experiments in the lab, presenting ideas

Maria C Suciu WHAT: Genetics and the study of Now, at Genomics plc, I do what I Hannah Davies genomes (ie genomics), with the hope enjoy most- use the diverse skills Medicinal Chemist, Scientist, Genomics plc of achieving precision and personalized I developed during my doctoral scientific research that helps people practical chemistry in a company medicine, is one of the most exciting training (both lab knowledge and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) wherever in the world they may be. I environment with the additional fields to work in at the moment. The computational skills) to decode the work near the beginning of the drug opportunity to do a PhD while genetics revolution is not fictive, as seen information stored in our DNA and discovery process and in three years working. I have also done two secondments, in movies. It is real, and it is happening make sense of the world’s genomes. ADVICE: Do what you enjoy. The now driven by amazing technological one in process chemistry and one WHY: Science allowed my inquisitive application process for a role that developments. This new field offers in GSK’s Diseases of the Developing and curious nature to develop, you really care about will be much enormous opportunity to apply one’s World research facility in Spain. I am while discovering the living world easier – your genuine enthusiasm will skills for solving some of the most difficult currently working towards a PhD while around us. I found the process be obvious. Take opportunities. I took challenges humanity faces: curing progressing in my career – a fantastic of investigating and then solving advantage of the great research on cancer, preventing neurodegenerative opportunity. problems and challenges extremely the doorstep at Oxford and think that disease, drug development. rewarding and would recommend WHY: I have always enjoyed practical my additional lab experience helped CAREER PATH: My interest in this path to anyone who wants a organic chemistry. This led me to apply me get my job. Be open to the computational biology and bioinformatics dynamic, versatile career, where no for as much scientific and lab-based unexpected. I thought there was only was triggered by the need to analyse the two days are quite the same. work experience as I could, including a one career path available if I wanted genetic data I was generating during my summer project in one of the research to stay doing practical chemistry. lab-based doctorate, while investigating TOP-TIP: Be flexible, there are teams at Oxford. Initially, I thought that At my GSK interview, I learnt more the mechanisms of inherited anaemias. many ways to use the skills doing an academic PhD was the only about the role and it was perfect: I I was so intrigued by the wealth of acquired- science is extremely way to continue doing what I loved, liked the professional environment. information stored in the DNA, and the versatile and the job prospects but I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in Lastly, don’t give up! Applying for creative ways to develop computational are diverse (ie academia, industry, MChem Chemistry, university. I applied for various PhDs in jobs can be hard, some of my friends solutions to decode it, that I slowly public engagement). But in the academia and at research institutes in got the first job they applied for and DPhil Genomic Somerville, 2014 transitioned to a computational biologist process of finding your path, follow my final year because this was the ‘stay I didn’t. It was difficult but worth the Medicine and Statistics, role. I was supported by my supervisors your interests even if that involves in research’ pathway I was familiar with. wait, my ideal job hadn’t even been St Cross, 2017 and department in training for a more change, as that is what will keep you WHAT: I work for GlaxoSmithKline However, an email from the university advertised when my friends secured computational role and in finding a role motivated. (GSK) as a medicinal chemist. chemistry department about roles at GSK their roles. Working for a global healthcare for graduate synthetic organic chemists that suits me. company enables me to undertake opened up another option: doing

136 137 SCIENCE SCIENCE STUDENT SOCIETY STUDENT SOCIETY START-UPS, SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP

OXFORD UNIVERSITY Becoming an entrepreneur is a popular aspiration for BIOTECH SOCIETY an increasing number of students, as is establishing or working for a start-up or spin-out.

Oxford University Chemistry and Biochemistry Society – Learn from biotech experts and innovators

– Meet others interested in biotech fb/OxfordChemistrySociety – Network with potential employers oucb.uk The priority when it comes to a career search is to get – Get a kick-start into biotech round pegs in round holes, and nowhere is this more entrepreneurship true than in start-ups and spin-outs. The adventurous risk seekers who will thrive in this activity are relentless in understanding how business works: they are not just commercially aware but business savvy. Oliver Bridge We talked to serial entrepreneur and alumnus, Oliver Founder of Cornerstone.co.uk Bridge (PPE, 2007, Lincoln). He started BiggerFeet.com oxfordbiotech.uk at the age of fifteen and sold it to his brother before BA PPE, Lincoln, 2007 fb/oxfordbiotech coming to Oxford. This e-tail business, for people with

big feet, peaked at £20,000/year sales and resulted SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP START-UPS, in Oliver becoming Lloyds TSB’s Teen Entrepreneur of STUDENT SOCIETY the Year in 2005. In 2009, whilst still at Oxford, he built CAREERS SERVICE: Oliver, congratulations on your GenderChecker.com, the world’s largest database of success as an entrepreneur to date. Can everyone be an THE names and genders (over 100,000) with over a million entrepreneur? CAREERS search results to date. Three years after leaving Oxford, he OLIVER BRIDGE: Everyone can try: not everyone will SERVICE started Cornerstone.co.uk, purveyor of superior shaving products with a subscription delivery service. Sales are now be successful and not everyone will enjoy it. If someone impressive at more than £5 million per year, but still less were planning to be an employee at a start-up, I would than a 1% share of the enormous £650 million UK male advise caution if they are looking for training: there grooming product market. is often not the time nor the money for training and development in start-ups. If they want to be the founder of a start-up like me, I would advise against it if they are looking for salary, benefits, security, stability, or work/life balance. If they are looking for a stimulating environment with freedom, responsibility, and flexibility, then founding SCIENCE a start-up has all of those. Yes, an entrepreneur may be ENGINEERING able to take an hour in the gym during the day, but he or she will be working two or three hours later in the evening. The variety is amazing: developing products, working with contract manufacturers, meeting with investors, resolving legal issues, motivating staff – but SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER the sheer volume of work is not for everyone. You never really switch off. EXHIBITORS FROM 11:00-14:30 CS: What would you say to someone planning to start EXAMINATION SCHOOLS their own company straight after graduation? OB: Don’t do it. Oxford is fabulous, but being thrown into the real world afterwards is humbling. There is so much that we don’t know as undergraduates about how the business world works: how to communicate with people in a professional environment or get things done quickly and effectively with all sorts of commercial

138 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 139 START-UPS, SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP START-UPS, SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP START-UPS, SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Gunita Bhasin

CEO & Founder of Showcased who really wanted to change the world you are truly passionate about. You social network for the better. Yet when I began my also get to meet some pretty cool constraints. Much better to learn these things as an to delivering your service, you will need to do business career down the typical graduate path, I people. The amazing thing about employee whilst someone else is paying you! development (sales) to obtain new customers. This is why noticed that for most people this zeal to working on a start-up is that you many people choose to go freelance later in life when they make a difference starts to slowly fade must be involved with everything – : We noted on your LinkedIn profile that immediately CS already have a network of contacts that acts as a readily away when they realise the realities especially if you’re a CEO! You get after graduation you spent over a year at a marketing available customer base. In this respect you will need to of working life. Amidst the stressful to wear many ‘hats’; one day I’m a innovation consultancy, then more than two years in consider how you market yourself, your business name, deadlines, busy schedule, and endless lawyer, another a programmer, and private equity and venture capital. To us, this looks website, brand equity, competitive edge, etc. work, it is easy to lose sight of the things on several others a salesperson, like smart preparation for starting Cornerstone. 90% that we are really passionate about. I designer, or CEO. of businesses fail in the first three years, and here you launched my start-up because I wanted Entrepreneurship is becoming are still going strong. How much did that real world to empower other people to do what increasingly popular as a ‘career’ matters to them – and break the barriers experience inform Cornerstone’s success? MORE INFORMATION: route. However, as everyone else of conventional thinking. OB: Massively, you cannot learn marketing and branding also finds it interesting, before you academically. Working with marketing giants like Unilever START-UPS One thing that I’ve learnt from this choose this path think about what really draws you to it. Why do you and Reckitt Benckiser at Happen was critical to getting Oxford Entrepreneurs experience is that it is definitely possible my branding and marketing strategy right, but also to work on a start-up alongside your full- want to launch your own start-up? http://oxfordentrepreneurs.co.uk/ Entrepreneurs may tell you that product development and project management skills. time job. Many companies do allow you to do this; as long as it doesn’t interfere launching a start-up is a bit like My background in venture capital was incredibly helpful Enterprising Oxford MSc Economics for with your contracted working hours having a baby – and it’s very true! as I was able to put together a credible business plan http://www.eship.ox.ac.uk/ Development, Lincoln and does not have a conflict of interest Just remember that entrepreneurship does not have to be an ‘either/ to raise £160,000 from a group of angel investors in College, 2013 (Google even actively encourages you September 2013. But more than those two factors are SBS Entrepreneurship Centre to spend 20% of your time on your or’ choice. If there are too many variables that you are unsure about, the people skills, the emotional intelligence that I gained www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/faculty-research passions!). Probably the most exciting most from my three years’ post-graduate professional At Oxford, I heard from some of the aspect of taking the leap and launching perhaps secure a full-time job /entrepreneurship and start working on your passion experience. I have to liaise with so many different kinds most inspiring individuals and was your own start-up is that you get to alongside this. of people. Lastly, the network that I built up over that Panacea Innovation (Oxford Biotech) surrounded by ambitious students chase after your dreams and do what time has been invaluable.  http://panacea-innovation.com/ SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP START-UPS, CS: We noted that you were active in Oxford Entrepreneurs (http://oxfordentrepreneurs.co.uk/ ) while SPIN-OUTS you were in Oxford. What did you get out of that? Oxford University Innovation  OB: Oxford Entrepreneurs is a business in its own right. https://innovation.ox.ac.uk/ Whilst studying for my DPhil in Chemistry, re-prioritised as I responded to new Raising money to spend on events and similar gave us Amy Varney I got involved in some entrepreneurship pieces of information. One moment an immediate appreciation for profit and loss. Again, Oxford Sciences Innovation VP Operations, OxStem events and courses, partly facilitated you are a project manager, then the networking was also important in being able to find www.oxfordsciencesinnovation.com/ through my Doctoral Training Centre. liaising with investors, then dealing potential investors. I always thought of myself as quite with the press. Driving the operations The Catapult Program risk-averse and that I wouldn’t be suited of a start-up company requires : Thank you Oliver, and congratulations again on your CS https://catapult.org.uk/ to starting a business. However, at the constant attention to detail and entrepreneurial success. same time I was aware that many of my flexibility. However, I wouldn’t have Begbroke Science Park skills were highly applicable to starting had it any other way. Those first two  a business, for example: organisation, years were hectic and hard work, but http://www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk/ competitiveness and interdisciplinary they were fantastic fun and I learnt WORKING FOR YOURSELF skills. I was also strongly motivated to do a huge amount in a very short space You will need to decide whether you want to operate Harwell Campus something that was truly meaningful to of time – something that members as a sole trader, Limited Liability Partnership, or Private http://harwellcampus.com/ me and was fully prepared to go ‘off piste’ of my peer group were envious of. Limited Company. The advantage of being a sole trader to achieve that. Of course there is risk, but for me the rare opportunity to work for a start- is that you do not have to publish your accounts so you I was fortunate enough to be in the right keep your privacy; but you are responsible for any losses up allowed me to experience how to place at the right time – in the last few build a business without starting my that your business makes, which means that your home months of my DPhil my supervisor was own company. The disadvantages and possessions could be at risk. Having said that, if your planning to spin-out a drug discovery of this career choice can include business is a consultancy, your professional indemnity company. I jumped at the opportunity to relatively irregular hours in the early insurance could cost as little as £150 per year. As a limited join the company as the first employee days, difficulty ‘switching off’ and company you are personally protected from the business and to help with its establishment. I MBiochem Molecular and lack of structured career progression. debt but you have to publish your accounts at Companies was the only full-time employee for two However, if you are looking to do House. Once your sales pass £70,000-£85,000 per year, Cellular Biochemistry, years and my role was, and continues something different and are the sort you will need to register for and charge VAT to your 2007-2011 to be, extremely varied. When starting of ‘go-getter’ that can cope with this customers, payable to HMRC. As a self-employed person, DPhil Organic Chemistry, a business, people talk about ‘wearing risk, then I promise you you’re in for different hats’ and ‘spinning plates’ but you will have flexibility and independence, but in addition St Edmund Hall, 2011-2015 an exciting rollercoaster ride that few the clichés are true! From hour to hour my other career options could offer you. to-do list grew and was constantly being

140 141 START-UPS, SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP START-UPS, SPIN-OUTS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP

THE OTHER CAREERS CAREERS Beyond the industry sectors listed on the previous pages, there are many SERVICE apply.joinef.com more opportunities – some of them are quite niche, and some are in rapidly expanding fields at the edge of current knowledge and practice. Do not feel restricted by the range of graduate jobs that normally get promoted, and

think creatively about what would best suit you.

OTHER CAREERS Jobs exist now that were not around a decade ago; from // Professional bodies frequently also publish an industry YouTube Content Creator to Drone Operator. Sometimes magazine (often with vacancies), and run industry or

it can feel as though everyone at Oxford ends up working sector awards which you can use to find leading in ‘the City’ but graduates go into a whole range of job practitioners. sectors such as Acting; Emergency Services; Religion ++Examine vacancies to understand the common (particularly from Oxford’s Permanent Private Halls); Fine requirements such as key skills, qualifications and Art conservation; Managing clubs and music venues; experience sought, as well as industry norms and terms Executive Search; Libraries; Translation; and many more. Short work experience (jargon).

in ninth week. ++Find websites for your niche, eg: Working for an MP OTHER OPTIONS website: www.w4mp.org; Space Internships Network The selection of career profiles included here gives you (SpIN) via the Catapult Programme: www.catapult.org.uk; a taster of a few other options but is by no means an For animators: www.cartoon-media.be exhaustive list! ++Use social networks to the full – follow bloggers and If you are aiming for a route less travelled you may need to experts on Twitter and across the web. Ask to join think more widely and be more creative in how you source specialist groups on Facebook and LinkedIn and see information, find contacts and build and develop your who is part of the conversation and who the opinion network. If you are interested in a career that does not get leaders are. much exposure around Oxford, The Careers Service is very ++Make yourself visible online: start your own blog happy to help: Careers Advisers will be happy to work with or website; showcase your portfolio; make sure you on a 1-to-1 basis to provide support and ideas to help www.careers.ox.ac.uk/micro-internshipswww.careers.ox.ac.uk/micro-internships your LinkedIn page reflects your goals and relevant you move forwards. experience; comment in discussions and ask for advice Even within the core sectors covered on previous pages and make contacts. there are unusual individual roles. For example, if you ++Specialist recruitment agencies can be another route are passionately interested in the world of online gaming THE THE to finding out information about particular sectors and but do not fancy a technical or coding type role, leading CAREERS CAREERS sourcing vacancies. SERVICE SERVICE UK companies also employ historical researchers, writers and storytellers, artists, technical support for live motion capture, as well as the full range of business managers such as sales and marketing, HR and finance functions. GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS As for all positions, understanding the industry, the organisation and role and making a targeted approach FINDING OUT MORE underpins any successful application. To do this, you will probably want to talk to someone who is actually in the ++There are a number of strategies you can follow to find career of interest to you, particularly if relevant information out more about any role or industry. In some ways, the is hard to find. They will be in the best position to give more niche your specific interests are the more focused INSIGHT INTO you information on the day-to-day life in the role, as well you can be. If you can find a good starting point – as challenges, opportunities for career development, and especially a supportive contact or mentor – they might BUSINESS lots more. See the networking section on pp.XX for ideas help you to make a lot of progress quickly, for example, of how to make and maintain contacts. There will normally by helping you to identify and contact leaders in your be somebody doing the job you are interested in – and chosen field. Learn about the less common it is, the more likely they will be willing to marketing, finance ++There are some 400 different job profiles covered share their experiences and enthusiasm with you. and leadership by www.prospects.ac.uk for roles as diverse as Glass in our termly Blower/Designer, Toxicologist, Youth Worker, Patent Attorney, Hydrologist, Animator and Company Secretary. programme! Work in teams to solve a real MORE INFORMATION: Each profile offers links to, professional bodies, sources  business problem for firms, for vacancies and suggested courses and professional www.careers.ox.ac.uk/other-sectors start-ups and charities development.  /library-information-work  /business-management ++Identify the professional body or society for your field of  interest.  /translating-interpreting // Their website is likely to include masses of useful information, including industry news, company and event listings, and job vacancies. 142 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-businesswww.careers.ox.ac.uk/insight-into-business www.careers.ox.ac.uk/tscwww.careers.ox.ac.uk/tsc 143 OTHER CAREERS OTHER CAREERS OTHER CAREERS

course allows previous science graduates projects I had done sufficed. Generally, Zuzanna Bien to attain a full qualification equivalent to more important than spending vast Charlotte Seymour a standard five or six-year undergraduate amounts of time getting experience is at the intersection of law, therapeutic family meetings to devise a solution Graduate entry Medicine medical degree in a shorter, more focused the ability to derive interesting insights Mental Health Social practice and social justice in supporting to problems such as who should Student, period of time. from it. However, specific requirements Worker, Think Ahead people with mental health problems and manage a person’s money vary greatly between different courses. University of Oxford, WHY: I found the academic side of their families through times of crisis and The profession operates in the wider Psychology incredibly interesting, but I MAIN CHALLENGES: Studying Graduate through the recovery process. As a core economic and political context and I struggled to imagine myself in either of Entry Medicine generally requires component of this programme I am also also assist people to access resources the two career paths most commonly a greater amount of discipline and completing a Master’s in Social Work and to challenge decisions about chosen by Psychology graduates: Clinical independence than undergraduate OTHER CAREERS Practice, for which I am designing and their entitlement to resources. This Psychology or academic DPhil. Always degrees do. The first year of the course implementing my own research study includes access to housing, benefits, more interested in the neuroscientific is a time to catch up on all the medical within the NHS. food bank vouchers and personal aspect of Psychology, I wanted to continue science that undergraduate courses WHY: As a social worker I use the law to budgets. For example, I have worked my career in a field that allows me to typically cover over the course of promote the rights of people with mental with my service user’s solicitor, combine biomedical research with a two introductory years. The amount health problems, to meet their needs and providing evidence to help appeal more practical, hands-on everyday job. of material to get through can be to ensure their safety. This includes the the decision of the Council to make Additionally, I was drawn to the unique intimidating especially for graduates Mental Capacity Act, the Human Rights him homeless. range of career opportunities Medicine from backgrounds other than Act and the Care Act. I have acted as a offers, including research, teaching, global biomedical science. TOP TIPS: As a participant on witness at a mental health tribunal and health and policy among others, with the the programme, my top tip is to ADVICE: Many people feel drawn presented evidence on whether a person’s ability to shift the primary focus of one’s stay connected with your fellow to Medicine for the job stability, detention under the Mental Health Act career multiple times along its course. participants, with other social financial security and clear career should be upheld, for example. workers locally and, where possible, Medicine, St. Peter’s, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: One of the main progression it offers. However, I BA Philosophy, Politics and I use different therapeutic interventions nationally so that you build a concerns of prospective applicants is the would urge anyone against choosing Exp 2019 Economics (PPE), to help people who want to change strong support network, have the amount of work experience required for Medicine for these reasons only. It is St Edmund Hall, 2010 their behaviour or improve their opportunity to reflect on practice, and successful application. Having only made a long and challenging degree, and it relationships. Tools include motivational to inspire you to remain committed to WHAT: After finishing my first degree the decision to apply a couple months commonly takes another decade after interviewing, family group conferencing the principles that brought you into in Experimental Psychology, I began before the deadline, I did not have a great finishing medical school to attain full WHAT: As a mental health social and the ‘connecting people intervention’ the profession. studying Medicine as a second portfolio of medical experience. Luckily a qualifications in a speciality of your worker, and as a participant on the designed to help people make new degree on a Graduate Entry course single two-week shadowing placement in choice. Think Ahead programme, I work social connections. I have facilitated in Oxford. A four-year, accelerated the hospital combined with previous charity

Issah Abdul-Moomin Hannah Shearer WHAT: I am the Development Assistant at ADVICE: Don’t panic if you leave aimed at developing the company’s TOP TIPS: You’re probably tired of 2nd year, WPP Fellowship Development Assistant, Exeter College, Oxford. Our Development Oxford unsure of your next steps! future leaders. Last year was spent as a hearing it, but you’ve probably got and Alumni Relations team runs a Many graduates have no idea planner at Ogilvy, one of the world’s most more free time on your hands now Exeter College programme of alumni engagement what they want to do after leaving renowned advertising agencies. This than you ever will. Use it wisely! Start that helps our Old Members remain university. It can also take time to year I’m working at GROW@Mindshare, figuring out what you like and dislike connected with the College. My day- find your first post-university job, so the startup division of one of the world’s (just as helpful), and to start building to-day work is incredibly varied: I write don’t get discouraged. Bear in mind largest media agencies. Next year the foundations that will give you the reports, handle some financial processing the Careers Service supports alumni I’m going to be working in corporate best shot of landing that dream role. and data, help at events, manage as well as students, which is an development for GroupM, where I’ll dining opportunities for alumni, arrange opportunity definitely worth taking. be trying to identify the next big things Reach out to those in roles that you’d meetings, and run the occasional tour. in media. It’s rare to find a role that like to explore. You’d be surprised I am also the first point of contact for It is perfectly natural to change provides as much breadth and depth, or by how willing people are to impart our alumni, and the first port of call for your intended career path as your that allows you to engage both sides of valuable advice to those who are supporting my team members, so I’m experience grows and your personal your brain to such an extent. So, if you proactive. The worst that can happen kept on my toes with a wide mix of goals develop. think you’ve got an ambidextrous brain, is you don’t get a reply, so just give queries and problems! the Fellowship could be for you too. it a go. Your degree does not necessarily WHY: My first long-term job after have to enforce your career path. Try WHY: People. If people fascinate you, Don’t worry if your first role isn’t graduation was in a small educational to identify the transferable skills your and you want to spend your days right for you. I used to work in start-up as operations manager, which degree has given you and work from figuring out what makes them tick, then commodities, and a lot the skills I I chose specifically to gain many of the there. you’re looking in the right place. You’ll learnt there have been valuable in ‘office skills’ I still lacked. Following this I BA Philosophy, also get to work with some brilliant my current role – no experience is Try to find a career that you know then worked in publishing, a sector I had Politics and Economics, people, who you’ll learn a lot from and wasted. you will enjoy and fulfils some of BA History, originally wanted to join after my degree. Lady Margaret Hall, 2014 have a lot of fun with. your passions; and prioritise finding Balliol, 2014, However, I soon realised that these a company who looks after their ADVICE: Be curious and think differently. jobs had focussed majorly on internal employees. As clichéd as it sounds, WHAT: I’m in my 2nd year of the Best way to show that you’re “interested data work, whereas my strengths lie in job fulfilment and a supportive work WPP Fellowship, a three-year global and interesting”, key selection criteria for a role that allows me to focus more on environment will have a tremendous leadership rotational program the Fellowship. interpersonal work, and to enjoy greater impact on your life! creativity in my day-to-day role.

144 145 OTHER CAREERS OTHER CAREERS OTHER CAREERS STUDENT SOCIETY THE CAREERS Be part of an award SERVICE winning charity the

day you graduate. OTHER CAREERS (and get paid for it!)

Short work experience in ninth week. Our student elections give you 5 reasons the opportunity to shape Oxford and the University, to gain new to run KATT WALTON | VP Women 2018/19 skills and make new friends! During your time at university you might start to think about running to be one of the six elected sabbatical Every February students stand trustees during your final year. Here’s why this is for positions and are elected by potentially the best idea you’ve ever had! their fellow students to represent The sabbatical trustees are the face of your student www.careers.ox.ac.uk/micro-internshipswww.careers.ox.ac.uk/micro-internships union, we have the ability to be the voice of the them for a year. There are lots 1. students, literally you could represent over 22000 students, what could be more exciting than having of positions to stand for from that influence? roles to represent students as Being a Sabb also allows you to have a voice in huge THE Sabbatical Officer roles where 2. university decisions, you could be part of historical CAREERS and cultural change at one of the best universities in SERVICE you take a paid year out of your the world. THE studies to lead Oxford SU. If you’re thinking about running you might have had some experience in campaigning or societies, well you 3. know how that’s not paid, by being a Sabb you are literally being paid to campaign and be passionate, something few and far between in our society. Oxford Holding a sabbatical trustee role is also a great 4. stepping stone for so many careers: human rights, human resources, charities, volunteering, politics, Careers Fair marketing, you name it and this role can give you transferable skills. including And finally, what is really the best reason to run for 5. one of these roles? Well for me it’s the opportunity to Teaching and Education make a real difference alongside 5 other enthusiastic and talented people. So, there you go, what could be more inviting? SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER EXHIBITORS FROM 11:00-14:30 EXAMINATION SCHOOLS oxfordsu.org/elections 146 www.careers.ox.ac.uk/fairs 147 OTHER CAREERS

FINAL TOP TIPS OTHER CAREERS

Everyone worries about their career at some stage. Planning life after Oxford and applying for jobs – or further study – can be overwhelming. This Guide helps you make a start but if you’re An opportunity seriously short of time, follow our top 10 tips to help you focus: to excel 1. Speak to an Oxford Careers Adviser (phone, Skype or face-to-face) 2. Read our industry sector pages in this Guide 3. Focus on a maximum of 2 sectors (you can always change your mind!) 4. Sign up to internship alerts here www.careers.ox.ac.uk/internships-alert 5. Join one of our Insight programmes 6. Get the inside track from alumni (profiles in this Guide) Meet companies at fairs and presentations Glencore is one of the world’s largest globally diversified natural resource companies and a major producer 7. and marketer of more than 90 commodities. We employ 146,000 people worldwide. Come along to one of our CV workshops 8. We’re looking for graduate trainees to join our oil business as part of our 2019 Global Trader/Commercial 9. Have your application(s) reviewed at the Graduate scheme. The scheme offers you the opportunity to develop into front line trading or other key Careers Service commercial roles with Glencore’s oil business. Read our advice about Confident Interviews You will be trusted with individual responsibility from day one in a complex and demanding role, so you will 10. have to work well in a team, but also have the ability to think and act independently. We’re also looking for in this Guide evidence of entrepreneurial flair and commercial acumen; it is essential that you enjoy the decision making process, solving logistical challenges and providing practical solutions to complex problems. In return, you can Finally, in case you didn’t know, the Careers Service is available to look forward to an exceptional graduate salary package, a rewarding, challenging role and the chance to learn matriculated Oxford students for life, so it’s never too late to seek advice and guidance from us. We also support research staff for up from some of the world’s most successful physical traders. to one year after the end of their contract. Take real ownership of your career. At Glencore you’ll find it pays off.

For further details please visit glencore.com. We will be open to receive applications between 01 August All the best from the Careers Service and 31 October 2018 (midnight).

Diversified. Dedicated. Driven 148 149 We believe in diversity of thought. of in diversity believe We need don’t a technical to degree You will demonstrate with us, but you work interest to a genuine in learning how as outstanding as well software, develop talent and achievement, including an (a 2:1 degree academicexcellent record and As and Bs at A-level). We believe in diversity of thought. of in diversity believe We need don’t a technical to degree You will demonstrate with us, but you work interest to a genuine in learning how as outstanding as well software, develop talent and achievement, including an (a 2:1 degree academicexcellent record and As and Bs at A-level). We have a lot to offer. a lot to offer. have We in both of roles consulting a range offer We as international and development, many secondments. training Our comprehensive tech and our entire in Java will school you to carve stack, you own allowing out your an excellent also offer We unique career. benefits and a £40k starting package salary. We have a lot to offer. a lot to offer. have We in both of roles consulting a range offer We as international and development, many secondments. training Our comprehensive tech and our entire in Java will school you to carve stack, you own allowing out your an excellent also offer We unique career. benefits and a £40k starting package salary. We’re a fast-growing fintech who bring our mission-critical a fast-growing software We’re We’re a fast-growing fintech who bring our mission-critical a fast-growing software We’re

Oxford_GuidetoCareers18_191x270_3mmBleed_20180618_v5.pdf 1 18/06/2018 17:04 18/06/2018 1 Oxford_GuidetoCareers18_191x270_3mmBleed_20180618_v5.pdf

Apply for one of our graduate positions today. one of our graduate Apply for alfasystems.com/careers We have a vibrant, supportive have culture. We dynamic creative, Alfa employees are hold numerous We and hardworking. team events that bring us together. to become a global grown We’ve kept our small but we’ve player, feel. company Oxford_GuidetoCareers18_191x270_3mmBleed_20180618_v5.pdf 1 18/06/2018 17:04 18/06/2018 1 Oxford_GuidetoCareers18_191x270_3mmBleed_20180618_v5.pdf Alfa. We’re Deere. to the likes and John of Mercedes-Benz, Barclays

Have an impact. an Have Have a voice. a Have

alfasystems.com/careers Apply for one of our graduate positions today. one of our graduate Apply for Alfa employees are creative, dynamic creative, Alfa employees are hold numerous We and hardworking. team events that bring us together. to become a global grown We’ve kept our small but we’ve player, feel. company We have a vibrant, supportive have culture. We

Alfa. We’re to the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Barclays and John Deere. to the likes and John of Mercedes-Benz, Barclays

Have an impact. an Have Have a voice. a Have OTHER CAREERS