5% ucd c r1r guidcompetitive than ever, it is also the case that many employers are growing and are...

5% UCD C@R1R GUID%

Opportunities in Ireland and beyond

How to succeed in applications and interviews

What you need to know about graduate study

INSID%THIS GUID%: Vacancies and internships with recruiters seeking

UCDgraduates

www.ucd.ie/careers

ST@RT H%R%...SORT%DWelcome to this, the second edition of the UCDCareer Guide. This Guide is full of informationand advice to help you make decisions aboutyour career, understand the demands of thegraduate workplace and be as successful aspossible in your applications for jobs andcourses.

Although today’s job market is morecompetitive than ever, it is also the casethat many employers are growing and arefinding it difficult to recruit sufficientnumbers of graduates with the correctblend of education, skills and experience.

While at UCD, there is plenty you can do tomake your future job applications stand out.An ERASMUS placement will give you an

international perspective, while playing a sportshows your commitment and determination to

succeed. There are more examples throughoutthis Guide.

Whatever you do, make best use of your time atuniversity – remember that everything you do matters

and your future employer is seeking to recruit new staff todevelop and move their business forward. Develop a‘stand-out’ profile by getting involved.

Look inside this Guide for information and advice to helpyou make career decisions and make your applicationsstand out.

Dr David FosterDirector, UCD Career Development Centrewww.ucd.ie/careers

www.ucd.ie/careers

Contact usUCD Career Development CentreLibrary BuildingUniversity College DublinBelfieldDublin 4Tel: 00 353 (0) 1 716 7574E-mail: [email protected]/careers

You can now find us on Facebook and Twitter – just search for ‘UCD Career Development Centre’.

Opening hoursMonday–Friday, 9.00 am–5.00 pm

Welcome

Produced byGTI Media Ltd

The Fountain Building Howbery ParkBenson LaneWallingfordOxon OX10 8BA UKT: +44 (0)1491 826262www.groupgti.com

Editors Sorcha Mulcahy, Dr David FosterEditorial Penny KileyDesign Thomas GrayProofreaderVanessa LindseyAdvertisingGavan O’Brien, salesproduct champion; thegradireland and

TARGETjobs sales teams;the campaignmanagement teamMarketingJamie ArmstrongSeries designerNick WinchesterSales directorsJon Mallott, Simon Rogers

Marketing directorChloe BurgessProduction directorJane AndersonPublisher Chris PhillipsGroup CEO Graham Storey

ISSN: 2045-3000ISBN:1 84318 728 0

Printer HeadleyBrothers, Ashford

THE UCD CAREER GUIDE 2011/12 1

2 THE UCD CAREER GUIDE 2011/12 www.ucd.ie/careers

4 It could be you – Ireland’s future dependsupon it!

6 The future looks bright for UCD graduates

7 At your service: what can the CareerDevelopment Centre do for me?

9 Climb the ladder to career success

11 Help, how do I get started?

12 UCD grads at work

13 Seeking graduates with skills

14 Explore your world of opportunities: finding work here and abroad

16 Networking for success

18 Are you an aspiring entrepreneur?

19 UCD’s start-up successes

20 Internships: work your way into a graduate job

22 CVs that hit the mark (and one that doesn’t)

24 Anatomy of a covering letter

25 Making winning applications

26 Prepare for success at interview

28 Acing assessment centres

29 Carry on studying: options for everyone

UCD and your career Connecting to careers

Finding a job

Applications and interviews

Graduate study

INSID%...

THE UCD CAREER GUIDE 2011/12 3www.ucd.ie/careers

33 Information on jobs and course providers by business sector

EmployersACCA..............................................................................................................................35Aldi Stores (Ireland) Limited ..........................................................................38, (IBC)Barclays Capital ..........................................................................................................36BDO ..............................................................................................................................35CHP Consulting ..........................................................................................................34Comhlámh – The Irish Association of Development Workers and Volunteers ....37Deloitte ........................................................................................................................35Ernst & Young ............................................................................................................35Fidessa ..............................................................................................................(32), 34Habitat for Humanity..................................................................................................37IMS Health & IMS Consulting Group ..........................................................................34International Schools of Choueifat United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain ........................................................................................38, (39)

kavanaghfennell ........................................................................................................35Kerry Group ................................................................................................................37KPMG............................................................................................................................36L.E.K. Consulting LLP ................................................................................................34Lidl Ireland GmbH ......................................................................................................38Maples and Calder ......................................................................................................37Morgan Stanley ................................................................................................(IFC), 36PricewaterhouseCoopers ..............................................................................36, (OBC)Procter & Gamble........................................................................................................35RBC Capital Markets ..................................................................................................36Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking ..............................................36Special Olympics Ireland............................................................................................37Suas Volunteer Programme ......................................................................................38Volunteer Ireland ........................................................................................................38

Course providersBPP Professional Education ......................................................................................40

IFC = inside front cover OBC = outside back cover IBC = inside back cover ( ) = Display advertising

Jobs and course providers

And don’t forgetGo to gradireland.com for...• featured jobs and immediate vacancies• database of employers from all sectors • your personal gradireland Careers Report• news on the job market in Ireland.

www.ucd.ie/careers

At the Career Development Centre websiteGo to www.ucd.ie/careers for...• Destinations: An interactive, educational

resource to help you plan and manageyour career

• Profiling for Success: Explore youraptitudes (verbal, numerical and spatialreasoning) and personality type in relationto your career. Complete practice aptitudetests and personality questionnaires andreceive feedback.

• Career Opportunities: Use our electronicinformation, Career Resource Room,podcasts and searchable databases ofvolunteering, internship, graduatevacancies to move your career forward

• Applications and Interviews: Learn how tomake an effective application for graduatestudy and/or employment and succeed atinterview

UCD graduates are targetedby leading local, nationaland international employers.


UCD and your career

IT COULD B% YOU

% @

%

% %

A s a UCD graduate, you will have a lotto offer potential employers. You may

be the recruit to make the next bigbreakthrough in your work area, you mayadd value by making an organisationmore efficient and effective, or you maybe able to expand global markets forproduct development purposes… and somuch more. Recruiters employ graduatesbecause they represent the future of theirbusinesses.

Just like businesses bringing a newproduct to the marketplace, you need tothink about what makes you stand outfrom the crowd. Why should a recruiterselect you over other applicants?

Recruiters will expect you to havebeen active and interested in your own

career development during your time atcollege. If they see that someone has beenactive in their personal development, theyknow that person will bring positivity andenergy to the workplace, in turn makingthe employer more successful.

So, your mission at UCD, should youchoose to accept it, is to develop a profilethat makes you attractive to recruiters.Consider our ‘Plan for success’:• Be engaged: employers recruit students

who make a difference, so find a wayto make your contribution to UCD’ssuccess. Join clubs or societies, play asport, volunteer, be a classrepresentative, a peer mentor orCampus Ambassador: there arenumerous options.

• Get connected: employers look torecruit students with skills developedthrough education and work. There areshort and longer term internshipsavailable in most career areas or take apart-time job to develop your work-related skills.

• Become employable: develop skills andabilities needed to make youemployable. When these are added toacademic achievement, you may beconfident that your background will beof interest to recruiters. Make the link between your education,

skills and experience and the requirementsof graduate recruiters. You may find youare doing much of what needs to be donealready: see pages 9–10 for some ideas.


UCD and your career

SAP is the third largest software company in theworld, and the world’s largest provider of businesssoftware. We don’t sell consumer products, so youmight not realise how often you use our systems.Every time you buy a song from iTunes you dependon an SAP back-end; and we help Irish companies likeRyanair, Guinness and the Kerry Group deliver qualityand value to their customers. Our Irish team numbersover 1,100 staff and we are recruiting on an ongoingbasis for talented graduates and interns across arange of disciplines, including engineering, maths,physics, computer science and languages. We look toUCD where students graduate with a diverse range ofskills and are searching for an environment in whichto foster their ambition with a career developmentprogramme that allows them to achieve personal and professional aspirations. We hope that this partnershipwill strengthen in years to come.

Kevin Conroy, Service Manager, SAP Active Global Support, SAP

PwC, the leading professional services firm inIreland, continues to have great opportunities forstrong graduates in our business. We have up to250 graduates joining us each year which isreflective of the need we have to keep recruitingthe top graduate talent to sustain our businessinto the future and continue to deliver top qualityservices to our clients. We look to UCD for bright,commercially aware graduates who have thedrive and ambition to develop their role in thefirm. They have the ability to communicate wellwith clients and colleagues,work in a team and show thatthey are independent criticalthinkers.

Carmel O'Connor, HR Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Ernst & Young is a leading professionalservices organisation with 141,000 people,across 140 countries. Our strength is that we area global and truly diverse company. If you join us,you’ll work in one of four areas: Assurance, Tax,Transactions or Advisory in teams across Ireland,Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA). We have up to 250 graduate and undergraduateopportunities in Ireland each year. We look to UCDfor students who enjoy a challenge, and enjoyworking as part of a team. We look for studentswho are determined to learn and succeed andtake every opportunity theyare offered to play to theirstrengths and build the careerthat’s right for them!

Nessa Kiely, Manager, Graduate Recruitment, Ernst & Young


Despite difficult economic times and agreat deal of negative publicity about

graduate job opportunities, it is still thecase that the level of unemploymentamongst UCD graduates (10 per cent) issignificantly lower than the currentnational average for people aged 20 to 24(25.9 per cent). There can be no doubtthat a qualification from a university ofUCD’s reputation and standing placesgraduates in a strong position when itcomes to job-hunting. UCD remains atargeted university and each year over150 employers recruit directly on campuswhile thousands more advertise vacanciesthrough the Career Development Centrewebsite and through our partner sites,gradireland.com andwww.prospects.ac.uk.

The box on the right presents statisticsfor UCD’s graduating class of 2010 and itshows that most graduates are engaged inconstructive and positive activities such asemployment, graduate study and graduatetraining. With others taking some timeout to travel, the unemployment rateremains relatively low.

Graduates enter the workplace throughdifferent routes, and the current economicclimate makes it even more important thatyou maximise every opportunity. Whilekeeping well abreast of jobs advertised onofficial sites, it is important not to neglect

the hidden job market. With a largerpopulation of jobseekers to choose from,many employers seek to limit the numberof applications they receive for positionsby not advertising their jobs on publicwebsites. Rather they may choose toadvertise on their own website alone ornot advertise at all, recruiting instead fromthe CVs that speculative applicants havesent to them. It is important to createopportunities by approaching employersyou wish to work for in an appropriateand professional manner and UCD CareerDevelopment Centre will help you achievethis.• Don’t miss our Careers Fairs. Make

contacts with employers and followthem up. Picking up literature is all partof the process but getting an insightinto the business through engaging withemployer representatives will reapdividends.

• Attend employer presentations oncampus – another networkingopportunity. Presentations are whereemployers seek to connect withstudents who are seriously interested intheir company and positions.

• Whatever you want to do with yourfuture career, work with us. It isunlikely you will simply be in the rightplace at the right time when looking foryour first job, but we can help.

The class of 2010A 2011 survey of UCD students whograduated in 2010

52 % of respondents in employment35% of respondents in further study or training10% of respondents seeking employment3% of respondents not available foremployment or study

52 %35 %

10 %3 %

The future looks bright for UCD graduates

Seeing the career paths of previous UCD graduates can give you inspiration for your own future.

UCD and your career

At your service: what can the CareerDevelopment Centredo for me?

We are here to help, so make the most of what’s on offer.


UCD and your career

www.ucd.ie/careers

The Career Development Centre helpsstudents to plan their careers, to

develop skills and to successfully managerecruitment and selection processes.Whether you haven’t a clue what youwant to do or have specific questionsrelating to your chosen career, we’re ableto help. The Career Development Centreis the central unit at UCD providingstudents with careers education, hardcopy and electronic information, careerguidance and access to thousands ofvacancies directly notified to us orthrough professional publications andvacancy directories.

In our experience, students who areactive in clubs, societies, sports andvolunteering, who undertake internshipsand who make good use of the CareerDevelopment Centre are well placed tocompete in the job market.

Career Development Centre Resource RoomEach month hundreds of students come tothe Centre for many reasons, for example to:• explore career areas, eg careers using

Irish, or careers in finance, science orengineering. We give away thousandsof publications – magazines, careersinformation booklets, newspapers – tohelp students make career decisions.Call today to use our resources.

• prepare for making applications andgoing to interviews. We offer specialistadvice and self-help materials. We haveexcellent podcasts on our website andDVDs on topics such as makingapplications.

• plan graduate study – locally,nationally and internationally.

• discuss career plans with CareerDevelopment Advisers.

• research working overseas and make useof the resources on offer to help you plan.

• make use of our SUAS facilities andliterature.

Career Development Centre – opening hoursOur Resource Room is open Monday–Friday from 9.00 am–5.00 pm.

Quick Query careers advice isavailable Monday–Thursday. Check ourwebsite for details, days and timeswww.ucd.ie/careers.

Career DevelopmentCentre online www.ucd.ie/careersThousands of students make use of our web-based resources at a time that suits them.Our website has a vast range of informationand advice – here are a few of the mostpopular items:

Consider how your interests, abilities,aptitudes, values and personality link tocareers. If you are just beginning, accessthe gradireland Careers Report atgradireland.com/careers-report orProspect Planner (fromwww.ucd.ie/careers or direct atwww.prospects.ac.uk).Profiling for Success – resources to helpyou understand your verbal and numericalability and consider personality/career fit.Call in to the Career Development Centrefor access codes and then log in atwww.ucd.ie/careers.Internship, graduate and volunteeringopportunities: search our database ofvacancies at www.ucd.ie/careers andalso go to gradireland.com for otheropportunities in Ireland andtargetjobs.co.uk and www.prospects.ac.ukfor jobs in the UK.Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to getthe latest careers news and updates. Justsearch for UCD Career Development Centre.

I was discussing the career development module with my friendstoday, and we're all finding it extremely beneficial. I really neededsomething like this to help me focus on my goals and the future alittle more. It's such a great resource to have as a Psychologystudent and that’s the general class consensus.

Sarah Walsh, BA Psychology 3 student on the ‘Career Development in Psychology’module delivered by the Career Development Centre in conjunction with the Schoolof Psychology

Thank you so much for all of your help. Ishould have gone to you in first year! Thewebsites you recommended are very useful,especially the ones with the aptitude tests. I am very happy with the resources you havegiven me.

Patrick Wilson, Arts 3 student who used our Quick Query service

8 THE UCD CAREER GUIDE 2011/12

UCD and your career

www.ucd.ie/careers

Who is it for?All UCD students

All UCD students

All UCD students

Targeted groups

All UCD students

Targeted groups

Targeted groups

All UCD students

All UCD students

Useful websites www.ucd.ie/careersgradireland.com/careers-reporttargetjobs.co.ukwww.prospects.ac.uk

NAME Lisa Fox DEGREE BCL (European)EMPLOYER Hogan Lovells International LLP

I was aware of how competitive the law training contract market is andso, in order to maximise my chances of success, I arranged a meetingwith the Career Development Centre. The most interesting and helpfulpiece of advice I got was to make contact with the firms that I intendedto apply to so I travelled to London and arranged meetings with acombination of partners and graduate recruitment from a mixture offirms. This made my applications stand out from the crowd. When thetime for interviews came around the advice which I got was spot on –the Career Development Adviser predicted all of the more difficultquestions which I was asked, making it easier to impress! My advice tocurrent law students is to go to the Career Development Centre as soonas possible – in first year ideally. The detailed and very realistic adviceand insight into the way large commercial law firms recruit is aninvaluable resource.

AN

INVALU

ABLE RESOURCE

What is it?15 minutes with a Career Development Adviser. No booking needed – just dropin Monday–Thursday (check website for times).

45 minute in-depth meeting with an Adviser. Limited access via Quick Queryservice only.

1–2 hour sessions (ad hoc or as part of a programme) on topics such asinterview skills, CV preparation, teamwork etc. Led by careers staff or visitingemployers. See www.ucd.ie/careers for details.

Opportunity to meet prospective employers at their offices and get a feel forwhat working in particular industries is really like.

Opportunity to meet employers/graduate study providers offering courses,internship and graduate vacancies. Access advice and enhance your applications.

Students meet employers with current vacancies. Network and ‘get behind’the glossy brochures and corporate websites. A chance to show employersyou are serious about a career with them.

Credit-bearing modules for specific programmes, addressing topics such ascareer options with your subject, and developing skills for employment.

On our website www.ucd.ie/careers, you can find careers advice, details ofcurrent graduate and internship vacancies and information on upcomingevents. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest careers updates ona daily basis.

Numerical and verbal reasoning tests and personality questionnaires are usedby many employers. Our online tests allow you to practise and betterunderstand your abilities.

ServicesQuick Query

Guidance interviews

Career management skillsworkshops/lectures

Study visits, eg annual LondonCorporate Finance trip

Careers fairs

Employer presentations

Career/personal and professionaldevelopment modules

Online resources

Psychometric tests


UCD and your career

www.ucd.ie/careers

Climb the ladder to career successTake the right steps now to maximise your job-hunting success in the future.

1. First/second yearGet involved on campus by joining clubs and societies, ordoing sports and volunteering. This is a good way to enhanceyour CV while also giving something back to your communityand meeting new people.Research career options and look for internship opportunities.The Career Development Centre can help you with this.

3. Final year/graduatesApply for jobs/submit speculative applications to target organisations. Get help from a Career Development Adviser with your CV, covering letters and applications.Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and attending an interview skills workshop.If you are applying for further study, the Career Development Centre can help with your application.Plan time out to travel if you want to take a year out, but make sure this is accepted by your future employer/sector.

2. Pre-final/final yearExplore career options and decide where you want to go. Use this Guide,speak with a Career Development Adviser and use online resources suchas gradireland Careers Report (gradireland.com/careers-report orProspects Planner (www.prospects.ac.uk).Fill any gaps in your skills profile that may inhibit the success of your jobapplications by taking part in skills workshops.

There is no doubt that Ireland’seconomic situation remains

challenging. Despite this many graduateemployers still have positions to fill. In

fact, several of the top graduateemployers in Ireland have reported a year-on-year drop in applications for graduateroles and they are struggling to fill some

vacancies. This suggests that students aremistakenly assuming that there is nopoint in applying for jobs or that there isnothing out there for them.


UCD and your career

www.ucd.ie/careers

NAME Eoin AhernDEGREE BEng Mechanical Engineering

Since starting my degree four years ago Ihave made an effort to get involved in adifferent extra-curricular activity each year.I’ve been Class Rep, Organiser of Eng Day,Peer Mentor and Auditor of the Mech Soc: each of these has helped me develop differentskills from planning and organising tocommunicating and delegating.

As Auditor of the Mech Soc, two keyelements of my role are organising careerssessions and also planning and organisingthe annual final-year dinner for students andlecturers. Balancing this role with work on myfinal-year project and studying for exams hasrequired strong time management skills aswell as being able to delegate tasks to mycolleagues on the committee. I have gained alot from my involvement on campus over theyears and I would certainly recommend theexperience to other students.

VA

RIED EXTRA-CURRICULAR

ACTIVITIES

Our experience, from speaking toemployers, is that this is simply not true.What is true, however, is that getting agraduate job demands concerted focusand effort throughout your time atuniversity.

While a degree is essential, it is criticalthat you do everything you can while atuniversity to develop your skills andexperiences to a level which will makeyou attractive to future employers. If youhave shown drive and determination todevelop yourself, and have made adifference at university, then employersare more likely to see you as a potentialasset to their business. See page 13 formore information on transferable skills.

Think about what will make yourapplication or profile stand out fromothers. If an employer is looking for a 2:1honours degree as a basic educationalrequirement, then all applicants will bebroadly similar and those shortlisted forinterview will meet that criteria. What

have you got to raise you head andshoulders above the other applicants?

If you’ve followed the steps shown inthe diagram, you may have, for example,been a volunteer, been active in clubs andsocieties or played a sport for UCD.These activities will help show anemployer you possess confidence,enthusiasm and commitment and are thetype of person who ‘makes acontribution’ wherever they go.

An employer may ask you to definewhat your contribution to UCD has been.Think about that for a moment: whatevidence do you have to show you arefully engaged at UCD, academically andotherwise? Are you making a difference?

All employers will seek to developyour potential but at graduate level theydo expect you will make an effectivecontribution upon appointment.

Remember that graduate recruitersvalue everything you do.

From first year to final year, employersexpect…

NAME Abey CampbellDEGREE PhD Computer Science

I volunteered with Camara because Iwanted to see more of the world, get someteaching experience and also givesomething back. I was one of 14 peoplerecruited to go to Ethiopia and Kenya to setup computer labs and train teachers andlocal people to use them. I found myexperience of volunteering with Camara soenjoyable and rewarding that I decided togo to Africa with them again the followingyear. I returned to some of the schools I hadtaught in previously and it was fantastic tosee the progress that had been made. Iwould highly recommend Camara to anystudents thinking about volunteering in thedeveloping world. You need to be preparedfor the experience – seeing such povertydoes affect you – and you need to berealistic about what you can contribute, butit is a very worthwhile way to spend a fewweeks of your time.

VO

LUNTE

ERING IN THE DEVELOPINGWORLD

NAME Adam O’DohertyDEGREE BBL Business & Law

Looking back on my time spent in college so far,my involvement with UCD Volunteers Overseashas had the biggest impact on me personally. Ihave travelled to Haiti with UCDVO and now I amChairman of the Campus Committee, thecharity’s registered UCD society. If I was to saywhat I have taken away from my involvementwith VO, the first thing would be a strong senseof perspective on... well, me. The feeling ofgratification from getting involved in somethinglike this is huge, not to mention the interpersonaland time management skills that I feel I havedeveloped along the way. Secondly, through thestrong teamwork ethos within UCDVO, I have hadan invaluable opportunity to meet the soundest,most like-minded people ever. UCDVO has givenme so much more than I could ever have givenback in time and effort... and that is a cliché thatI personally hated before I got involved! I alwaysthought that ‘the whole charity thing’ wasn’t forme but I guess that simply proves that younever know until you try it.

A S

TRONG

SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE

• academic achievement – consistencythroughout your degree (some lookback to your leaving certificate gradesand points, seeking long-term evidenceof consistent academic achievement).

• drive, commitment and determinationthrough getting involved: join clubs andsocieties, play a sport or volunteer.

• skills such as teamwork, leadership,networking, problem solving,organisational and communicationskills, developed through campus-basedactivities and work experience.

• internships and work experience in theareas you wish to eventually work in.Whether you spend time volunteering,

performing as a musician, playing sportor being an active member of a studentsociety, it all helps to impress employers.While your primary reason for coming toUCD is to gain an academic qualification,any additional experience at universitywill be relevant to employers.

Maybe you’re not sure what youshould do after you leave college.Don’t panic – many students findthemselves in this situation.Here’s a simple framework to helpyou figure out what you want to doand what to do next.

HELP, HOWDO


Connecting to careers

www.ucd.ie/careers

Know your optionsWhat to do: Find out what graduates in your

subject do Access job descriptions and

information; explore job sectors Investigate graduate study.

Resources to help Use the bank of job profiles and

information in our Career ResourceRoom at the Career DevelopmentCentre

UCD Library electronic databases egMarketline and FAME

Online job profiles at gradireland.com,www.prospects.ac.uk, targetjobs.co.ukand www.onetonline.org

On-campus events and presentationsby employers and graduateprogrammes. Details are posted atwww.ucd.ie/careers/events.

Know yourselfWhat to do:Assess your: skills: what you are good at interests: what you enjoy doing values: what motivates you and would

give meaning to your work personality type: your characteristics educational qualifications and work

experience.

Resources to help:Online self-assessment tools:

gradireland Careers Reportgradireland.com/careers-reportProfiling for Success (psychometric tests)www.ucd.ie/careersProspect Planner www.prospects.ac.ukSpeak with a Career Development Adviser.

Make decisionsWhat to do: Think about how you make your best

decisions: gut instinct alone, or involvingothers, methodically weighing up prosand cons

Identify ways to narrow your choices andfinalise your preferences.

Resources to help Discuss and evaluate your choices with a

Career Development Adviser.

Implement your decisions

What to do: Create an action plan with clear goals

and timelines Learn how to market yourself Get help with job applications, CV

design, and how to do well atinterviews and assessment centres

Get jobseeking advice.

Resources to help Careers workshops on topics such as

CVs, covering letters and interviewtechniques – these are held oncampus regularly

Books in the Career DevelopmentCentre resource library on CVs andcovering letters

Destinations websitewww.ucd.ie/careers/destinations.



www.ucd.ie/careers

NAME Eoin DelahuntyDEGREE BEng Mechanical EngineeringEMPLOYER Accenture

I really enjoyed studying engineering but Ialso developed an interest in other subjectslike business. This strongly influenced mychoice of final-year project, so instead ofchoosing a typical engineering topic, I lookedat supply chain management and purchasing.While at college I completed two engineeringinternships, one in construction and the otherin the medical devices sector. I learned a lotfrom these experiences, perhaps mostimportantly that neither sector interested megreatly!

As I entered my final year my strongpreference was to get a job as I felt thatgetting some good experience early on wouldenhance my career prospects. I came acrossAccenture at the UCD Careers Fair andsubsequently attended an informationevening at their offices. I was impressed withwhat I saw and applied to Accenture in theautumn of 2010. I filled out a detailedapplication form and then progressedsuccessfully through a series of interviews.

When I joined Accenture I had five weeks oftraining and induction before being assignedto a supply chain transformation project for alarge telecoms client. I am finding this projectvery interesting as it is a real worldimplementation of theories that I looked at formy final-year project. I am responsible fordata quality and I work with people from ninedifferent countries to improve the quality ofthe information which they send to theirsuppliers.

The skills I developed through my study ofengineering, especially problem solving,teamwork and analytical skills, are certainlystanding me in good stead now. Strongcommunication skills are also critical tosuccess in my role: just because something isas clear as day to you, it may not be clear atall to someone else. I have learned that beingable to explain a concept, problem, result etcis often more important than just having anunderstanding of it yourself.

LE

ARNFROM YOUR EXPERIENCES

NAME John GambleDEGREE BSc Sports Management; Masters in Management, Smurfit School of BusinessEMPLOYER Lidl Ireland

A friend of mine worked for Lidl and told meabout the variety of opportunities with them. Iapplied because I wanted to gainmanagement experience at an early stage ofmy career and I knew that Lidl would offer mea challenging role with lots of responsibility.Lidl is a multinational company with lots ofopportunities in all areas of the business.There is plenty of room for internalprogression with a bagful of very goodbenefits.

My application was successful and as aDistrict Manager I now oversee themanagement of four Lidl stores. I amresponsible for supply chain, implementingtargets and ensuring their success. I am alsoresponsible for all personnel matters in mystores. Overall the tailored training and theearly responsibility have been an invaluableexperience which has helped me to grow as aperson. My most rewarding moment to datehas been succeeding in ‘graduating’ fromTrainee District Manager to District Manager.

Some of the things I learned at universitythat helped me in my job are the ability tospeak in front of people (presentation skills),the ability to work in teams and with manydifferent types of people. My businessbackground also helped.

Looking to the future, I am keen toprogress within Lidl. I would also like to traveland work abroad. My dream job is to own andrun my own sports management business.

My advice to students who are about toembark on the job-hunting process would beto apply for more than just one job. Make sureyour CV is professional and that you meet thejob requirements. Tailor your CV for every jobapplication but never lie, you will be foundout! I would also suggest that you brush upon presentation skills.

TAILO

R YOUR CV FOREVERY

APPLICATION

NAMEMark McDonnellDEGREE BSc Economics & Finance; MSc Quantitative Finance, Smurfit School of BusinessEMPLOYER First Derivatives

While doing my masters I heard about FirstDerivatives from previous graduates and Idecided to apply for a position with them. Ifilled in an online application form and thenhad a telephone interview, when I was askedquestions about my background and why Iwanted to work for First Derivatives.

It is really important to be well prepared foryour first interview. You need to do thoroughresearch on the company – it’s not enough tocheck out their website, you need to gofurther. For example, I used Bloomberg toresearch First Derivatives.

The next stage was a one-day assessmentwhich consisted of group exercises and tasksand two individual interviews. The mostimportant thing in the group exercises is tospeak up. In the interviews it is important toappear confident, even if you are feelingnervous, by maintaining good eye contactand not fidgeting.

I was offered a graduate job. I started off ona training programme in Newry and was thengiven a role in London. I had never been toLondon before starting my job there so it wasall very exciting. It’s a really vibrant city and Iam really enjoying it here. There is a strongFirst Derivatives community across thevarious London offices so integrating hasbeen relatively easy. The high point so far hasbeen getting to work with very senior people– including CEOs and quite senior traders.

For graduates who are just starting out inthe workplace my advice would be to keepyour head down and work hard. You need tomake a good impression and prove yourworth. You have to remember that you are nota student any more so you can’t leave thingsuntil the last minute. Putting in the hours nowwill pay dividends for your career in the longerterm.

BEWEL

L PREPARED FORINTERVIEWS

UCD grads at work

Seeking graduates with skills

Dr Mary Collins, Head of Talent Development atDeloitte, tells us why it is important for students

to be proactive in developing their transferable skills.



www.ucd.ie/careers

• Continue your academic studies to ahigher level: show commitment andenthusiasm.

• Take up a night class in an area ofinterest: demonstrate you have wellrounded interests.

• Volunteer to take on a role in a charityorganisation. Contribute to thecommunity while also building skills.

• Take up a position of responsibility in aclub or society: be an active, notpassive, member.

• Join an organisation with goodnetworking opportunities, egToastmasters, to improve your publicspeaking skills and challenge yourcomfort zones.

• Take the lead in your own personal andcareer development by finding yourselfa mentor or coach.

• Get some work experience – take up apart-time and/or summer job and lookfor opportunities to do internships orwork placements in your preferredcareer area. This is a great way ofbuilding a variety of key transferableskills, from commercial awareness totime management.

When reviewing your CV, asking youquestions at interview or observing

you in assessment centre exercises, one ofthe key things graduate employers likeDeloitte are looking for is evidence ofyour transferable skills, ie abilities thatyou have ‘learnt in one context, whichcan be applied in another’. Examples oftransferable skills that graduateemployers are particularly interested ininclude:• Adaptability and flexibility• Planning and organisation • Commercial awareness• Computer literacy• Languages• Time management • Numeracy • Written and oral communication• Presenting with impact• Emotional intelligence/

interpersonal skills• Research• Self-PR: marketing yourself • Integrity and trust• Learning ‘on the job’.

You will have developed manytransferable skills through your academicstudies, extra-curricular activities andwork experience and it is vital that youare able to articulate these clearly in yourCV and at interview. Make sure you canprovide strong evidence and examples toillustrate your key skills. See page 26 formore information on how you candemonstrate your competences atinterview.

There may be some areas where youfeel you need to develop your skillsfurther in order to make yourself moreattractive to graduate employers. Beproactive in seeking opportunities togrow and develop – don’t wait for thingsto happen. Remember that a concern forpersonal growth and development is acore attribute of high performing andhigh potential staff in any workplace.This is a trait that we look for at Deloitte,in the graduates we hire and the talentthat we promote.

There are lots of ways that you candevelop new skills and hone your existingskills, for example:


Explore your worldof opportunities: finding work here

and abroadUse the Career Development Centre to blaze a

trail to success.

who are motivated enough to search outjobs. Check company websites; developCVs and covering letters tailored to eachemployer. The Kompass directory willhelp you develop a list of targetcompanies. Go to www.kompass.ie fordetails on up to 50,000 firms. Similarly,www.business.ie has information on over90,000 Irish companies.

The UCD Career Resource Room alsoprovides online access to severalelectronic databases that can be used toresearch companies and sectors. Theseinclude Marketline, FAME and Nexis.

Great BritainCheck vacancy pages on qualitynewspapers such as The Guardian andThe Times. Check out www.prospects.ac.uk

and targetjobs.co.uk – sites used byleading recruiters to advertise graduatejobs.

Northern IrelandIf you are considering graduate careers inNorthern Ireland, check outwww.nijobfinder.co.uk – a comprehensivevacancy site used by both public andprivate sector recruiters. Vacancies inNorthern Ireland are also carried ongradireland.com.

PhD studentsIf you are a PhD student, use theresources listed above and check outspecialist sites such as www.jobs.ac.ukand www.phdjobs.com.

Graduate publications and directories of vacanciesgradireland, The Times Top 100 GraduateEmployers and the TARGETjobs seriesare examples of publications packed fullof internship and graduate vacancies,advice and tips on making effectiveapplications. Pick up your copies at theCareer Development Centre today.

Careers Fairs and employerpresentationsBringing students face to face withemployers, these activities take place oncampus and provide an excellentopportunity to network, find out aboutthe employer and their jobs. See pages16–17 for ideas on networking withemployers.

These are some of the places you canlook to find job vacancies. Call in at

the Career Development Centre to accessthese resources.

Newspapers and online resourcesIrish jobsFor vacancies from employers targetingUCD students, check our vacancy boardat www.ucd.ie/careers. For vacanciesnotified to all Irish universities, go togradireland.com. Sites such aswww.irishjobs.ie, www.fas.ie andwww.monster.ie are other sources ofvacancy information.

Ireland’s hidden job marketSome employers advertise vacancies ontheir websites only, seeking candidates


Websites for job-huntingIreland:

www.ucd.ie/careersgradireland.comwww.irishjobs.iewww.fas.iewww.monster.iewww.kompass.iewww.business.ie

Great Britainwww.ucd.ie/careerstargetjobs.co.ukwww.prospects.ac.uk

Northern Irelandgradireland.comwww.nijobfinder.co.uk

PhD studentswww.jobs.ac.ukwww.phdjobs.com

Overseaswww.iaeste.iewww.ucd.ie/careersgradireland.com www.prospects.ac.ukwww.jetprogramme.orgcommunity.epik.go.krwww.lawcareers.netwww.ibec.ie www.aiesec.iewww.enterprise-ireland.com



www.ucd.ie/careers

How to add an international dimension to your job searchIf you are interested in working overseas,it is likely you will have developed aprofile an international recruiter mayvalue. You may have undertaken anERASMUS placement (www.ucd.ie/international), worked overseas onprogrammes such as the InternationalAssociation for the Exchange of Studentsfor Technical Experience (IAESTEwww.iaeste.ie) or the AssociationInternationale des Etudiants en SciencesEconomiques et Commerciales (AIESECwww.aiesec.ie). Alternatively, you mayhave travelled widely during vacations,working in casual jobs along the way.Gaining an internationally recognisedqualification can also open up a range ofglobal opportunities. In the box belowBeibhinn Coman from ACCA Irelandtalks about the ACCA accountingqualification.

Overseas vacanciesEach year, international opportunitiesare sent to the Career DevelopmentCentre. You can find these on our onlinevacancy database at www.ucd.ie/careers.Explore other options at gradireland.comand www.prospects.ac.uk.

While language proficiency may beessential to work overseas, this is notalways the case. For example, theEmbassy of Japan recruits graduatesfrom any degree discipline to teachEnglish in schools for up to three years:the Japan Exchange and TeachingProgramme (JET www.jetprogramme.org).

Similarly, the Embassy of Korea(EPIK) offers a teaching programme tograduates from any degree discipline.Find information on the EnglishProgramme in Korea (EPIK) atcommunity.epik.go.kr.

In times when job applicants needsomething to make their applicationsstand out from the crowd, JET or EPIKmay be the option for you.

Global mobility – the key to beating the crunch?

by Beibhinn Coman, ACCA Ireland

What a difference a generation makes. Today'saccountants and finance professional are nolonger mere bean counters: they have become

major business players, able to influence keydecisions and strategies, and increasinglylooked upon to preserve their company'scorporate image.

The journey from back room to boardroom hasbrought with it a wealth of opportunity, and anew generation of finance professionals hungryto see just how far their careers can take them.As a result, finance professionals andaccountants are becoming more specialised,more mobile, more driven. And internationalexperience rates highly on their radar.

ACCA accounting professionals work in 170countries worldwide, with a wealth of careeropportunities available in countries such as theUK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, HongKong and Malaysia. A shortage of accountants,particularly in the Asia Pacific region, in nationslike China, presents immense opportunity forIrish finance professionals.

Mobility has always been widespread amongACCA trainee accountants, driven by lifestyleand career development choices. Many are now

realising that pursuing internationalopportunities could be the differentiator theyneed to excel in the competitive jobs market.Not only can international experience add valueto your CV, but widening your job search will alsoincrease your chances of being in the rightplace, at the right time, for the right opportunity.That location might be a key internationalfinancial centre, or even in an emerging market.

Take Imtiaz Ahmed, an ACCA traineeaccountant who has relocated to Bangladesh totake up an audit manager role within a top 20accounting practice. 'Bangladesh is experiencingaccelerated economic growth at the moment.Consequently, I wanted to establish myselfbefore the market became saturated.’

Moving to another country may seemdaunting, so you must assess the risks andopportunities. Today's jobseekers must look atnot only what skills they can offer, but alsowhere those skills might be in demand. Securingthe ideal opportunity could be just as muchabout mobility as it is about ability.

I completed a BSc in Experimental Physics at UCD and worked ina multinational pharmaceutical company for a number of yearsbefore joining BNY Mellon. My manager encouraged me to take up theACCA qualification. I knew that it was held in high regard internallyand was also recognised internationally so I felt this would be theright qualification to allow me to develop my career.

Joe Lillis, Assistant Manager, Fund Accounting, BNY Mellon

Other recruiters, for examplecommercial law firms based in London,offer opportunities for trainee solicitorsto spend at least six months abroadduring training. For those withoutforeign language proficiency, placementin English speaking regions such asSingapore, Hong Kong or New York ispossible. These firms recruit traineesfrom any degree discipline. Find outmore at www.prospects.ac.uk andwww.lawcareers.net.

International Graduate ProgrammesIBEC Export Orientation Programme(EOP) links exporting companies torecent graduates. Graduates undertakework on behalf of host companies inEurope or overseas. Upon successfulcompletion, trainees are frequentlyoffered more permanent positions withhost firms. Go to www.ibec.ie for moredetails. Enterprise Ireland’s Graduates 4International Growth (G4IG) initiativebrings together a graduate and a companythat are both focused on making a lastingimpact in overseas markets. Graduates,with the potential to be the nextgeneration of business developmentexecutives, will be matched with anambitious internationally tradingcompany and will be provided with astructured means of acquiring new skillsin international business. For moreinformation see www.enterprise-ireland.com. Explore other opportunitiesonline at the websites listed or speak to aCareer Development Adviser.


There are many eventsorganised by the CareerDevelopment Centre whichwill help you to develop linkswith prospective employers.

There are many events organised by theCareer Development Centre where you

can meet and develop links with potentialemployers. Networking is aboutdeveloping relationships with others formutual advantage. In your case this maylead to you securing employment and anemployer securing graduate talent to addvalue to the workplace. Networking forsuccess is about you taking the initiative.If you are naturally shy, then challengeyourself to step out of your comfort zoneand your confidence will grow.

Top tips for successful networking atfairs and employer presentationsPrepareResearch companies to find out about thebusiness and the sector they work in:knowing a little may impress a lot. Noone expects you to know everything but

Know what you want Think this through before meetingemployers. Do not say you will undertakeany role they may have. Show focus andconfidence. Research the employer welland understand their workplace and roleswithin it. Be realistic, highlight roles that fityour qualifications, skills and experience.However, be willing to discuss otheroptions the employer feels appropriate toyour skills, education and experience.

Build relationships and develop your networkCollect business cards of people youmeet. Afterwards e-mail them and thankthem for their time. From time to timeyou may wish to contact them forupdates on the business, positionsavailable and for advice when makingapplications and preparing for interviewbut be careful and do not contact themtoo much as this may work against you.

Employer events at UCDAt UCD, the Career Development Centreprovides opportunities to link studentswith employers who have vacancies. Seethe table opposite for this year's dates.

N%TWORKING

“I never would have consideredLondon until this trip. The experiencewas invaluable and has shown thatLondon really is a feasible option forall of us.”

Roisin Conran, participant on the 2011London Corporate Finance trip organisedby the Career Development Centre.

Finding a job

they do look for evidence of your interest.Bring CVs on the day. While formalbusiness dress is not required, smartcasual may help you project the rightimage. It is critical you think about whatyour key message will be. Be enthusiasticand state the value you could add shouldan employer choose to employ you. Youwill want to target employers you have aninterest in.

Target employersRemember fairs and presentations help youmake decisions about employers as much asthey present employers with opportunitiesto make decisions about you. Being focusedand committed to an employer/sector willwork to your advantage.

Create the right impressionBe open and friendly. Resist thetemptation to circulate around exhibitors,collecting numerous brochures you maythen do little with. Remember, recruitersmay note down the names of studentswho impress them at events on campus tosee if they follow through and make jobapplications.


Finding a job

www.ucd.ie/careers

It can be difficult for students to differentiate themselves during therecruitment process, particularly at application stage, and thereforestudents should take full advantage of the networking opportunitieswhich are available with employers at Careers Fairs, presentations etc.These events in most cases will be attended by members of therecruitment team, along with recent graduates who are currentlyworking with the company. Students should use these opportunities tointroduce themselves and potentially build relationships with theemployer, which may help them stand out at a later stage.

Janis Heather, Recruitment Manager, KPMG

Law FairThis event brings law firms recruitingtrainee solicitors from any degreediscipline to UCD. This is an ideal forumfor students from non-law disciplines toexplore legal careers, access vacancies andnetwork with potential employers.

Careers FairUp to 50 exhibitors from a range ofbusiness/industry sectors will be presentto market graduate and internshipopportunities. This popular eventnormally attracts around 2,000 studentsand it is advisable to bring good qualityCVs with you.

Health and Science Careers FairThis event has been developed to offerstudents access to a range of national andinternational employers in Health andScience fields

Internships FairMost recruiters look to recruit studentswho have made a difference, showncommitment to a chosen career and havedeveloped a range of employability skills. Doing an internship can be a great way tobuild the profile that employers areseeking so come and see what ourexhibitors have to offer.

Careers WeekFrom social workers to investment bankers,speakers from a variety of companies andsectors talk about what their jobs entail andgive practical advice to students seeking topursue careers in that area.

Save the dateHere are some networking dates for your diary in 2011/12. Some dates have not yet been finalisedso keep an eye on our website www.ucd.ie/careers for further information.

Semester 1 DateNursing Opportunities Day 14 September 2011Law Fair 5 October 2011UCD Careers Fair 6 October 2011Science Opportunities Fair 27 October 2011Employer presentations Ongoing throughout the year.

Check www.ucd.ie/careers for details

Semester 2UCD Agriculture, Food Science 14 February 2012& Human Nutrition Careers DayLanguages Fair 22 February 2012Internship Fair 23 February 2012Education Fair 23 February 2012Computer Science Opportunities Day May 2012

Languages FairMany multinational companies areseeking UCD graduates who can speakmultiple languages. Come along and seewhere your language skills can take you.

Science Opportunities FairA unique forum for undergraduate andpostgraduate students across all scientificdisciplines to meet with employers andget information on current vacancies andinternship opportunities. There will alsobe a Graduate Study Zone where studentscan investigate options for further study.

Education FairThis fair is targeted at current and pastPGDE students as well as anyoneinterested in a career in teaching.

Course specific fairsThroughout the academic year there are anumber of Careers Fairs targetedspecifically at specific courses. Theseinclude the Nursing Opportunities Day,the UCD Agriculture, Food Science &Human Nutrition Careers Day and theComputer Science Opportunities Day.

Graduate recruitment presentationsMany employers visit UCD and present tostudents on intern and graduateopportunities. Presentations will give youan insight into the company and anopportunity to meet recent graduates andrecruitment personnel. Attend as many asyou can and to network – resist thetemptation to quietly leave when theformal presentation is over!


Finding a job

www.ucd.ie/careers

Are you an aspiringentrepreneur?

UCD students and graduates are helping to driveIreland’s economic recovery by starting their own

businesses.

• Promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship

• Building partnerships.In the seven-year period since

NovaUCD officially opened, 16 newUCD spin-out companies have beenincorporated and just under 60 high-techand knowledge-intensive companies havelocated at NovaUCD. During this timeover 320 inventions have been disclosedby UCD researchers, over 100 prioritypatent applications have been filed andover 70 licence agreements have beensigned with a range of indigenous andinternational companies.

At UCD the development of a cultureof innovation and entrepreneurship iscritical for the successful identificationand commercialisation of intellectualproperty. A key activity of NovaUCD isto promote awareness and embed theethos of innovation, knowledge transferand commercialisation within theresearch and student communities. Tofind out more about NovaUCD andNovaUCD events visit www.ucd.ie/novaor follow them on twitter @NovaUCD.

Other sources ofsupport and guidance

Enterprise Ireland www.enterprise-ireland.comBasis www.basis.ieYoung Entrepreneurwww.youngentrepreneur.ie

Research your ideathoroughly: if it’s a consumerbusiness get out there and talkto people. Make sure there is amarket for your product. Don’tbe put off by doubt – it’snatural! Try to look beyond thefirst six months – what will youneed after you’ve set yourcompany up? Try to map out yourfuture plans and requirementsas best you can.

Tim Greenwood has a BA in Historyfrom UCD and a Diploma in BusinessStudies from the Smurfit School ofBusiness. In 2005, he and his wifeset up a cookery school in DúnLaoghaire, Cooks Academy

Spurred by the challenging economicsituation, more and more students are

looking for alternatives to the traditionalgraduate career paths and are convertingtheir business ideas and universityresearch into successful commercialenterprises. The good news for thebudding entrepreneurs amongst you isthat there is a range of support andresources available if you are thinking

about starting your own business. We profile two of these below: DúnLaoghaire-Rathdown County EnterpriseBoard and NovaUCD.

Enterprise Boards – Helping to makeyour business a successAs a UCD student your ‘local’ EnterpriseBoard is Dún Laoghaire-RathdownCounty Enterprise Board (DLRCEB).DLRCEB works with aspiring and earlystage entrepreneurs and assists hundredsof microenterprises through the provisionof business advisory services, tailoredtraining courses and seminars, one-to-onemeetings with a mentor and facilitatedmonthly business networks. There isfinance available to qualifying businesses. Michael Hayden of DLRCEB says: ‘Moststart-ups lack resources and support andfind themselves overwhelmed by theworkload they have to manage on theirown. Through the complimentarysupports our Board has in place, we canhelp people to acquire new skills, accessspecialist advice and widen their networkof influence.’E-mail: [email protected]: www.dlrceb.ie

NovaUCD – The hub of innovation andknowledge transfer activities at UCD NovaUCD’s support for innovation andknowledge transfer activities is builtaround four key areas:• Managing technology transfer• Incubating start-up companies


Finding a job

www.ucd.ie/careers

UCD’s start-up successesHere are some inspiring stories from current or former UCD students who havetaken the plunge and started their own business.

NAME Rhona TogherDEGREE BSc Physics studentBUSINESS Restored Hearing

As part of a secondary school project for theBT Young Scientist & TechnologyExhibition, Anthony Carolan, EimearO'Carroll and I looked at ways of using soundwaves to tackle auditory problems. Weexamined tinnitus (ringing in the ears) andwere shocked to discover that 92 per cent ofthe population experience temporary tinnitusat some point in their lives.

Our project developed a therapy thatstimulates the inner ear by using sound tovibrate it in a specific manner, eliminating theirritating ringing and restoring hearingsensitivity. We put our therapy to the test andfound a 99 per cent success rate amongsttemporary tinnitus sufferers.

Encouraged by our success, we created acompany and incorporated as directors andco-owners of Restored Hearing in May 2009.As we had no business experience, this was avery challenging prospect. We were veryfortunate, however, to have business mentorsand advisors on hand to guide us.

The summer of 2009 was spent securingfunding, designing the websitewww.restoredhearing.com, publicising thecompany and raising awareness of tinnitusand hearing damage. Our e-commercewebsite was ready to launch in August 2009and we were thrilled to get local and nationalcoverage in newspapers and on TV and radio.

Restored Hearing is a NovaUCD clientcompany and we are campaigning to 'Stop theDeaf Generation' by increasing publicawareness of the damage listening to loudmusic can cause to one's hearing.

Tips for entrepreneursResearch your idea as thoroughly as possibleand get as much support, includingmentoring, as you can from an early stage.Restored Hearing has taught me thatscientific discoveries can be turned intopromising business ventures with a goodsupport network and a lot of hard work.

FR

OMSCHOO

L SCIENCE PROJECTTOSUCCESSFULBUSINES

S

NAME Dr Maurice CoyleDEGREE BSc and PhD Computer ScienceBUSINESS HeyStaks Technologies

HeyStaks Technologies (www.heystaks.com),a NovaUCD company, was established in2008 as a spin-out company from the ScienceFoundation Ireland funded CLARITY Centre forSensor Web Technologies at UCD.

HeyStaks is a unique technology that allowssearchers to harness their social graphs asthey search on their favourite search engines,bringing together the content sharing world ofthe social networks and the query-basedsearch world of mainstream search engines.

Co-founder Peter Briggs and I joinedProfessor Barry Smith's research group as PhDstudents after completing Computer Sciencedegrees at UCD. It was out of this researchgroup that HeyStaks was born. One of thethings that attracted me to that particular PhDwas the potential for commercialisation. Westarted the research with an eye to ultimatelycreating a successful product and forming acompany.

The catalyst for forming the company wasthe Eircom Web Innovation Awards (whichHeyStaks went on to win): in order to competea company had to be set up.

Some elements of the transition fromresearch to the commercial world have beenchallenging, for example talking to potentialinvestors who don’t necessarily care abouthow the product works involved a shift inmindset and approach for us. We had tochange the way we talked about the product.We have also found ourselves doing thingscomputer nerds shouldn’t do, like financialplanning, but this has been a great learningexperience.

Tips for entrepreneurs• Try to do your research in a research centre

– that way you can get paid for doing it!• Get your prototype ready as soon as you

can and get it out there. • It’s good to have a mix of personalities and

skills on your team: think about thedifferent types of expertise that you needand build your team accordingly.

FR

OMRESEARCHTO THE COM

MERCIALWORLD

NAME Chris RooneyDEGREE BBL Business & LawBUSINESS SafeText

My friend Liam Ryan and I came up with theinitial idea for SafeText (www.safetext.ie)after chatting to Liam’s sister who is a GP. Shehad just been to a conference oncontraception and was remarking on howwomen sometimes forget to take their oralcontraceptive pill. Liam is quite technicallyminded and he thought a reminder textmessage would be a good idea.

After consulting with a few people wediscovered that there was a market for ouridea. We put together our business plan andtook out a bank loan to fund development ofthe website. Although making financialprojections can seem very daunting, yourbiggest assets are always enthusiasm andmotivation – if you don’t know how to dosomething you can always find out.

We outsourced the building of our websiteand divided the key responsibilities betweenus based on our areas of expertise – I focuson the sales, marketing and communicationand Liam oversees the technical aspects. Wehad a ‘soft launch’ of the site in September2010 and our official launch on 14th February2011.

Our plan for next year is to grow as muchas we can, promoting the site through studentbodies and getting GPs on board as we wouldlike them to endorse it. I am taking a year outfrom my studies to focus on the company.

Tips for entrepreneurs• Find a way to do it – don’t make excuses.

New enterprise will help get us out of thisrecession.

• Enthusiasm and motivation are vital – youwill encounter setbacks but you need tostay positive and be persistent.

• The support is there if you ask for it – don’t be afraid to talk to people and takeadvantage of the resources available toyou.

• If you fail let it not be for lack of effort –theonly place that success comes before workis in the dictionary!

FINDIN

G AMARKET FOR ANIDEA


Finding a job

www.ucd.ie/careers

What is an internship?An internship (also referred to as a workplacement) is like a trial run at acompany. Internships are usuallycompleted by students in the penultimateyear of their degree programme but mayalso be open to more junior or seniorstudents. Internships vary in length: sometake place during the summer holidaymonths whereas others span longerperiods of time. The duration that bestsuits you will depend largely on thenature and structure of your degreeprogramme.

Why do an internship?Many employers use internships toidentify candidates for permanentgraduate jobs in the future. It is much lessof a risk for them to hire a former internthat they know and trust rather than astranger. Thus, an internship can be astepping stone to the job you want. Asidefrom the possibility of it leading to a joboffer, there are many other benefits todoing an internship, for example:• It gives you the opportunity to test out

a potential career area before making alonger term commitment.

• It can be a great way to enhance the‘Employment’ section of your CV.

• An internship will complement youracademic and social activities to show

Internships: work your way into a graduate jobInternships can be a great way of getting experience and potentially lining up a graduate job for yourself.

an employer that you understand theworkplace and have developed skillsthat can transfer to their environment,for example communication,teamwork, commercial awareness andthe ability to work under pressure.

• It provides the opportunity to buildyour network of contacts within acompany and potentially more broadly

within a sector. This kind of networkcan prove extremely valuable to youwhen job-hunting.

How do I find an internship?There are two primary ways of finding aninternship. The first involves applying foradvertised internships (for example viagraduate job search sites likegradireland.com, www.ucd.ie/careers, andwww.prospects.ac.uk or university noticeboards). JobBridge is a national internshipscheme that provides work experienceplacements for jobseekers for a six- ornine-month period. Opportunities areadvertised on www.jobbridge.ie. Thesecond involves taking a more proactiveapproach by making speculativeapplications, i.e. sending a tailored CVand covering letter, to companies that youare interested in. Many students have beensuccessful in getting internships byapproaching companies and pitchingthemselves. The Career DevelopmentCentre can help you to identify companiesthat you might want to apply to and alsoprovide assistance with your applications.

Top tips for finding an internshipStart early – competition can be fierce soyou need to start looking in Semester 1.

Do your research – use all of theresources available to you to identifymajor employers in your area of interest.You have nothing to lose by making anapplication so don’t be afraid to think big.

Be persistent – you may need to submitmany applications before you are successful.

Use your network – do you have anycontacts that might be able to help, forexample aunts, uncles, family friends,current or previous students who work orhave worked in some of your targetcompanies? They may be able to provideyou with an introduction.

How do I get the most from my internship?Be clear at the outset about what youwant to get from your internship anddon’t just apply for anything. Internshipsthat offer only unskilled work with littleopportunity for development should beavoided. Have a plan for what you want

I was always unsure of what career path I wanted to take, eventhroughout my BA degree in History, Politics and InternationalRelations in UCD. Throughout university I undertook as much workexperience as possible in different areas. It was through a marketinginternship in an accounting firm that I got my first taste of auditing,when I requested a short stint in one of theirauditing departments. This ultimately led me toapply for and successfully get a position as anaudit trainee at KPMG.

Emer Fleming, BA History, Politics & International Relations, Audit Trainee with KPMG


Finding a job

www.ucd.ie/careers

I was lucky enough to obtain an internship in the US and will beworking with Merck, a global pharmaceutical company, for thesummer, followed by a nine-month internship with Pfizer. I think thatstudying abroad in the US gave me an extra edge when applying forinternships with these international companies. I also had worked in achemical lab during the summer of first year and did an internship inthe processing department at Boliden Tara Mines, Navan at the end ofsecond year. Not only did I gain practical knowledge which makescollege more relevant and engaging for me, but the experience gaveme an encouraging stepping stone when submitting my applicationsand interviewing for Merck and Pfizer. I have always been interestedin the pharmaceutical sector and am buzzing atthe prospect of working with two of the toppharmaceutical companies in the world.

Sheila Courtney, BEng Chemical Engineering, Internships at Boliden Tara Mines, Merck and Pfizer

NAME Edward JudgeDEGREE BEng Chemical EngineeringINTERNSHIP Summer internship at Shell

At the beginning of the third year of myChemical Engineering degree I applied for asummer internship in the Shell Oil Company.Their programme appealed to me as it wasbased on real-life projects being conductedacross the company, providing theopportunity to get involved in areas of workoutside the scope of my degree. They alsouse their internship programme to hiregraduate employees. After submission of anonline application and a phone interview I wasaccepted onto the programme and matchedto a project that Shell felt would play to mystrengths.

I went over to Aberdeen in June to start myinternship. When I started on the project Irealised very quickly that I had not beenbrought in to do a ‘Mickey mouse’ job – it wasvery much a real project. Initially, I was a bitdaunted by the level of responsibility that Ihad and felt uncomfortable requestingmeetings with more senior people – I wasonly an intern after all! However, a week ortwo in I realised that I was seen as a colleaguewho people respected and they were verywilling to help. The project was quite intense,everyone was under pressure and there weresome long hours but overall it was a fantasticlearning experience.

The high point was in the last week when Ipresented my work at a meeting of VicePresidents and senior managers from acrossEurope. My supervisor came up to meafterwards and said “congratulations, you’vesaved us $25 million”. It was clear to me howvaluable the work I had been doing was toShell. Another major high point was winning aplace on the graduate programme and I amvery excited about starting work with Shell inSeptember 2011 as a Graduate SurfaceOperations Engineer. I would definitelyrecommend that students do an internship:it’s a great way to build skills and experienceand can also lead to a graduate job at the end.

BU

ILDSKILLS ANDEXPERIENCE

to achieve during your internship.However, you should also have

realistic expectations. Most companieswill expect you to help with the mundaneclerical work from time to time. Showwillingness to muck in – you never knowwhat it might lead to!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – aninternship is a great learning opportunityso make the most of it by asking your

colleagues about their roles, companysystems and processes and the wider sector.

Get feedback – ask your manager forregular feedback on how you are doingand take this on board.

Follow up – don’t lose touch with thecontacts you make on your internship.Check in every once in a while to keep upto date with developments and potentialopportunities.

While doing my PhD I had the opportunity to do a summerinternship with Digital Domain, an academy award winning digitalproduction studio focused on visual effects for big budget featurefilms and advertising production, based in Venice Beach, Los Angeles.While I was there I worked on software used in the making of GI Joeand The Mummy 3 – you can check out my work in the Eiffel Towerscene of GI Joe! Overall my internship was a greatlearning experience and I have benefitted from it ina number of ways, personal and professional.

Brian Duffy, PhD Computer Science, Summer internship in LA



www.ucd.ie/careers

websitewww.ucd.ie/careers for

information on when thesetake place) or you can have

your draft CV reviewed by aCareer Development Adviser

via our Quick Query drop-inservice. Online help, including

examples and templates can befound at:

• www.ucd.ie/careers• gradireland.com

• targetjobs.co.uk• www.prospects.ac.uk

What format should I use for my CV?There can be conflicting advice on how aCV should look and the truth is there isno one format or approach that will workfor all applications. While the mostcommon format is the traditionalchronological CV, there are other kinds,for example skills-based and academic.Accepted formats also differ from countryto country. By researching the company,making use of your contacts andconsulting a Career Development Adviseryou will find out what the optimal formatis for your application. As the traditionalCV is used by most people and is easy forthe reader to review, this is the formatoften used by students and recentgraduates. The key thing is to make ityour CV: employers will notice if theyreceive identikit CVs so copying a sampleor template CV is not a good idea.

What information should I put in my CV?Personal detailsInclude your name, address, telephonenumber and e-mail address.

EducationInclude your university, the name of yourdegree programme, current GPA, whenyou are due to graduate and yourexpected degree classification. Next put in

your secondary school and your LeavingCertificate results. You can also includedetails of relevant subjects/modules and if relevant a short description of yourfinal-year project or thesis.

EmploymentStart with the most recent, including paidwork and paid/unpaid internships.Describe key responsibilities (don’t listevery single task) and highlightachievements and skills gained. Use activeverbs – managed, organised, analysed,etc. Avoid passive words like, helped or‘involved in’. Make sure you tailor yourinformation to the requirements of thejob – draw attention to experience andskills that you gained that will be valuablein the job you are applying for.

Achievements and interests Don’t neglect this section – employers wantto hear about your extra-curricularactivities, on and off campus. Have youheld positions of responsibility in clubs,raised money for charity or been a class rep,a peer mentor or captained your hockeyteam? Don’t just state your title, describewhat you did and the difference that youmade. What did you learn from theexperience? What skills did you develop?

Other informationHere you can include details of otherrelevant skills that you possess, forexample IT proficiency or languages. You can also include information onprofessional memberships, trainingcourses that you have completed and anyother relevant information here.

RefereesYou can include contact details for yourreferees or you can say ‘referencesavailable on request’. If you are includinga referee’s contact details make sure youget their permission first.

CVs

Use your CV to market yourselfeffectively and maximise yourchances of success.

When applying for a job you need toconnect your education, skills and

experiences to the employer’srequirements. Different employers usedifferent methods of application: somehave online application forms whileothers will ask you to submit a CV andcovering letter. Make sure that youcomply with their preferred method, andwhatever the format, market yourselfeffectively. If your application doesn’t hitthe mark you will not get an interview soyou need to articulate why you are thebest person for the job and what makesyou stand out from other candidates.Youwill need to present specific informationabout yourself that illustrates how youmatch up to the employer’s criteria.

In Ireland, most employers accept aCV and covering letter in response to anadvertised position or as a speculativeapplication. Getting your CV in shape is akey task if you are planning to apply forgraduate jobs, internships or even part-time work. In this section you will findinformation on how to structure your CVand what sort of information to put in it.There are a number of other resourcesavailable to you, for example, you canattend a CV workshop run by the CareerDevelopment Centre (check out our



www.ucd.ie/careers

JOSEPHINE BLOGGS

PERSONAL DETAILS

Address: 32 Glenomena Student Residences, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4

DOB: 12/06/1995Gender: FemaleMarital status: Single

Telephone: 086 8875412

Email address: [email protected]

Career Objective I am a hard-working, dedicated, en

thusiastic, ambitious and driven Science student. I am seeking a challenging career

in a stimulating industry. I would be a huge asset to any company I join as I have a lot to of

fer personally and

professionally. I know I can change your organisation for th

e better.

Education University College Dublin

2009–2012Bachelor of Science

Ballymahon Community School, Trim, Co. Meath 2009-2012

Leaving Certificate: Higher Level – English (B3), Irish (B1)

, French (B1), Maths (A2), Physics (B3) Ordinary Level –

Chemistry (A1)

Junior Certificate: Higher Level – English (A), Maths (B), Fre

nch (A), History (C), Geography (C), Business studies (B),

Science (A), Spanish (C)

Empolyment History

Little Rascals Playschool, Trim, Co. Meath Assistant Summer 2009

• Involved in day to day running of playschool

• Administrative tasks

• Excellent multi-tasking skills developed

• I <3 children and I really enjoyed this job! Lol

TechLabs, Clondalkin, Dublin 16 Summer Intern

May – Sept 2010• Working in the lab

• Assisting supervisor with clinical tests

• Doing research

• Data entry of results 4 d lab team

Key Skills Profile • Communication

• Teamwork• Problem solving

• Emotional Intelligence

• IT• Planning & Organising

Interests & Achievements

• Secretary of Scientific Society

– Took minutes– Helped to organise the ‘Weird Science’ drinkfest 2010

• UCD ladies hockey team

• Won several matches

• St Vincent de Paul

• Watching TV • Walking my god

• Making new friends

References available on request

And here’s how not to do it...Unfortunately people get it wrong sometimes and employers see all kinds ofCV blunders. Making a silly mistake or writing something inappropriate isthe quickest way to get your CV thrown in the bin. Josephine Bloggs hasnot been having much success with her graduate job applications and whenyou look at her CV you can see why…

The Personal Details sectionof your CV should containcontact details only. You donot need to include detailsof gender, date of birth ormarital status.Make sure you use a

professional-soundingemail address. Anemployer is unlikely tohire a ‘drunken munkey’!

Career Objectives can behelpful but it can bequite difficult to write agood one. This examplemanages to be bothvague and arrogant andis likely to irritate ratherthan enthuse a potentialemployer. You may findthat your covering letteris a better vehicle forhighlighting your keystrengths relative to therole.

Josephine has left out a lot of relevantinformation about her degree. See theprevious page for details of whatshould be included here.

In the Education section you only need to go back as faras your Leaving Certificate (or equivalent).

Make sure you use spell check!Many recruiters will throw a CV inthe bin if they spot spellingmistakes or grammatical errors.

Employment History should be in reverse chronologicalorder, ie the most recent job should come first.

This description of responsibilitiesand skills developed is very vagueand tells the employer little aboutwhat Josephine actually did andlearned in this role. It is not enoughto say that you developed excellentmulti-tasking skills: you need tostate how these skills weredeveloped or demonstrated, ieprovide evidence.

Avoid textspeak at allcosts!Emplyrs h8 it!

A tailored key skills profile can be great way of highlightingthe skills that you would bring to the job. However, it is notenough to simply list skills: you need to provide evidencefor each, ie how you have developed that particular skill.

If you have held a position of responsibility in a campusclub or society make sure you highlight this in your CV.The recruiter will not necessarily know what the roleinvolved so you need to state this clearly, makingreference to key achievements and the skills that youdeveloped. Be strategic in the achievements that youselect to highlight and how you describe them, forexample you may not want to explicitly mention the‘drinkfest’.

Avoid listing intereststhat are very generic asthey say little about youas an individual.

Remember that spell checkdoesn’t catch everything!You need to proofreadseveral times, and ideallyask somebody else toproofread, to ensure thereare no typos.

When it comes to font the best option is to keep itsimple. Use Times New Roman, Arial or similar. Avoid‘Word Art’, coloured fonts and decorative effects – youwant the recruiter to focus on the content of your CV,not be distracted by the formatting.


2 River RoadDonnybrookDublin 417 March 2012

Mr T. CollinsGreenfoods44 Main StreetDublinD1

Dear Mr Collins

I would like to apply for the position of trainee commercial manager as advertised on theUCD Career Development Centre website. I enclose my CV for your attention.I am a final-year student of French at University College Dublin and expect to complete mystudies in May 2012 with a 2:1 honours degree. I have researched your website and your graduate management scheme and feel that I ambest suited to the commercial manager programme. My experience of working part time atMarks & Spencer introduced me to work in a commercial environment where teamworkand customer care was vital in meeting sales targets. I was an active member of my teamand found working to targets motivating, challenging and enjoyable. I was also successful in securing a summer internship at Tesco where I had an opportunityto undertake projects such as allocation of floor space to new displays and supervising staffat tills and on the shop floor. I had to use my skills in leadership, teamwork and, at times,persuasion to get all the work completed on time with limited resources. My ability toinfluence and communicate effectively was successful when I received permission from mymanager to introduce a promotion of fair trade products which had not been as successfulas expected. Seeing my ideas take form on the shop floor was rewarding and I knew I hadmade a difference to the success of the store when we recorded a 20 per cent increase insales. I am particularly drawn to your company because of your stated commitment tosourcing local, ethically produced products on as many product lines as possible.I have been an active member of the UCD Student French Society and have organised arange of events and activities such as fund-raising for charity and organising a careers eventfor language students in partnership with the university Career Development Centre.I hope that I have demonstrated the drive, commitment and enthusiasm for challenge. Ihave direct retail and business experience which will help me make an effective contributionto Greenfoods upon appointment.I look forward to hearing from you. Please note that my final-year exams take place in thefirst two weeks of May 2012.

Yours sincerely

Mary Bloggs

You should always try to addressyour letter to a specific person. Thissounds a lot better than ‘to whom itmay concern’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’.You can often find a contact nameon the organisation’s website or byphoning their HR department.

The first paragraph should cover whoyou are and why you are writing. Youneed to clearly state the job that you areapplying for and draw attention to thefact that you have attached your CV.

It is important that you do your research.In your covering letter you need todemonstrate to the employer that youhave gone to the trouble of finding aboutwho they are, what they do and what it islike to work for them. The company’swebsite is a useful resource but youshould also try to attend recruitmentpresentations/open evenings, visit theirstand at the Careers Fair and talk toemployees.

You need to ‘sell’ yourselfeffectively, highlighting how yourskills, experience and attributesmake you the right person for thejob. Provide tangible examples andevidence – don’t just list a series ofqualities.

Explain why you want towork for the employer –what is it that attracts you tothem? Again, this is anopportunity to show that youhave done your research.

You can draw attention toextra-curricular activitiesand achievements if youfeel they provide evidencefor relevant skills.

Synthesise your key points andsign off politely. If you have examscoming up and will not be availablefor interview during this period youcan mention the exam dates.

Many people overlook the coveringletter and only include a CV in their

application. This is a lost opportunity as awell written covering letter can greatlyenhance your ability to market your skillsand attributes effectively. Two commonmistakes that people make when writingcovering letters are to produce somethingthat is little more than a cover note ortaking it to the opposite extreme by

reproducing the entire content of their CVin letter format. Neither of theseapproaches will go down well withrecruiters. It is essential that your CV andcovering letter support and complementeach other. Take a look at the examplecovering letter below: we have drawn yourattention to key features and highlightedthe information that should be included.


Anatomy of a covering letterYour covering letter should support and complement your CV: here’s how.

Making winningapplications

Lorraine Toole, Graduate Recruitment Manager at PwC, gives some advice on

completing application forms.



www.ucd.ie/careers

Competency questionsCompetency questions ask the applicantto provide detailed answers, based onpersonal experience, to demonstrate askill required in the job. As there is likelyto be a series of questions covering arange of personal skills, avoid using thesame scenario twice. Draw on the breadthof your work, personal life and study toprovide a variety of answers.Competences (also referred to astransferable or employability skills) thatemployers often seek evidence of include:• teamwork and leadership• problem solving• presentation skills• networking• planning and organising• communication • decision-making.

Commercial awarenessMany employers like applicants todemonstrate commercial awareness andknowledge of the business world and itsrelevance to their organisation. You shouldtherefore research the companies youapply to. Knowledge of their customersand competitors can also provide you witha deeper level of understanding.

Lorraine’s top tipsRemember: first impressions count. Theapplication form is a major opportunityto sell yourself. Before you complete theform, gather the things you'll need:

• Full and accurate details of youruniversity courses and exam results

• Secondary education exam results • Details of any work experience and

employment you've had.Then, while you're completing the

form, remember the following:• Read and follow instructions carefully

– make sure you stick to any wordlimits you are given

• Proofread everything you write • Check your grammar and spelling – if

you are completing an online applicationform draft your answers in MS Wordso you can spellcheck and then pasteproofed answers into the online form

• Be concise – you can elaborate atinterview

• Don't repeat statements you've read inthe company’s brochures and website

• Don't be vague or embellish yourachievements

• Keep a copy of your application formas this will be essential for interviewpreparation.

SupportYou will find information on completingapplication forms at:

www.ucd.ie/careersgradireland.comwww.prospects.ac.uktargetjobs.co.uk

Many companies ask graduates toapply using an online application

form. This allows them to compareapplicants on a like-with-like basis byconsidering candidates’ approach to andcompletion of a standard form. You canexpect various categories of question inapplication forms:• biographical, which gather data about

you• motivational questions such as ‘Why

are you suited to this type of work?’• competency-based questions, which

collect evidence on your skills inrelation to the job. Bear in mind that it may take longer

than you expect to complete anapplication form so make sure you leaveyourself enough time to draft and refine.

Selection criteriaRead the job advertisement anddocuments such as job descriptions.Throughout your application form youshould focus on presenting evidence of theskills and qualities that the employer isseeking, including your academic projectsand achievements and also responsibilitiesyou have held during work experience orvoluntary activities, involvement insocieties, or sporting activities. Recruiterswant to see an application which iseffectively targeted to the position andemployer and displays the skills andqualities that match their selection criteria.


Prepare forsuccess atinterviewSo you’ve got an interview – now all you need to do isconvince the employer they need you.

Going for interview can be nerve-racking, but remember an interview is

a two-way process. It is as much aboutyou finding out if you want to work withthe employer. Research the job andemployer well, find out what happens atinterviews and you will find the processmore manageable.

Interviews – the first roundFirst-round interviews are conducted inperson or by telephone and aim to findout more about you. Do you fit the joband the organisation? Questions exploreyour education, skills and experience,probing examples on your applicationform, testing your enthusiasm andmotivation for the job, so preparation iskey!

Telephone interviewsYou will be asked the same questions asin any traditional interview but you willhave no visual feedback to suggest howyou are doing. In a telephone interview,focus on the questions and preparethoroughly as for any other interview.Remember, speak clearly and slowly. Usesomewhere quiet where you will not bedisturbed or distracted.

Interviews focus on…YouInterviewers will want to know aboutyou, why you have applied to theirorganisation and why you want to workin the area. Show enthusiasm, motivationand knowledge of the company and job.

Business awarenessEmployers expect you to understand thejob, how it relates to other roles, and theissues facing employers in the sector. Takeinternships/part-time work, read thequality press so that you understand theeconomy and major issues, speak toemployers at Careers Fairs, recruitmentpresentations and skills workshops. Ifasked to discuss a topic of interestrecently featured in the press, choose atopic you can connect to the firm.

Education and experienceYou will be asked about your educationto date, for example why you chose youruniversity and subject. If you have anacademic ‘blip’ in your module grades,you need to be prepared to discuss thisand explain why it happened. How didyou cope? Did you learn anything fromthe experience? You need to think about

your work experience and how it relatesto the job. Any experience you have willhelp if you relate it to the position.

Competences and skillsPresent evidence that you possess the skillsneeded and know how they are used atwork. Employers often use the term‘competency or ‘competence’. Think ofthis as the application of a skill in theworkplace. Knowing you have developedthe skills required is half the battle, the restis down to you understanding how theworkplace operates and uses your skills.


How we can helpThe Career Development Centre offersregular workshops on interview preparationand interview techniques. Check our websiteor call in and book your place on our nextworkshop. Go to www.ucd.ie/careers. Youwill find advice and tips on good interviewtechnique in many of our career sectorpublications and career guides – collect yourcopies from the Career Development Centreor go online to www.ucd.ie/careers,gradireland.com, targetjobs.co.uk andwww.prospects.ac.uk.

MotivationShow motivation for the joband your own careerdevelopment. Employers aremaking an investment whenthey appoint you and theyexpect motivation andcommitment.

Interests and activitiesWhat occupies you when you are

not studying or working?Employers want to see if you ‘make a



Tips for competency-based interviews

Sharon Fleming, Senior HR Specialist at EirGrid,advises on what recruiters are looking forwhen they ask competency-based questions.

When you are asked a competency-basedquestion at interview, recruiters are looking forevidence-based answers. Given the relative lackof work experience at graduate level,interviewers may ask a mix of competency(what did you do when) and hypothetical (whatwould you do if) questions. You need to showthat you have thought about the question andhave an understanding of why this competencyis important at graduate level, and then reflectthat in your response.

Initiative To assess your competence in this area,recruiters may ask questions like ‘Give me anexample of a time when you created a betterapproach to completing a task’ or ‘Tell me about

a time when you went beyond what wasexpected of you to achieve a task. What did youlearn from the experience?’In your answer you should provide evidence ofthe following kinds of behaviours:

Being proactive: generating ideas for howthings can be improved Dealing with things before they becomeproblems – without being asked Taking advantage of opportunities withoutbeing askedTrying that bit harder, thinking that bit more.

CommunicationTypical questions:‘Tell us about the most significant presentationyou have given so far. What did you do inadvance to prepare and how did it go?’‘If you had to give a presentation on your final-year project to a group of primary schoolstudents, how would you go about it?’

Your answer should give evidence that you: do have experience of presenting to anaudience (don’t make it up)know your subject and understand youraudience’s level of knowledge can adapt your communication style to suitthe situation and audience can present information in a clear andprofessional waycan use everyday language, avoiding jargonand complexityhave learned from experience.

Customer service orientation Typical questions: ‘Who are our company’s key customers andstakeholders?’

‘What challenges are we facing over the nextnumber of years?’‘Tell me about a time when you had to deal witha challenging customer.’

Your answer should give evidence that you: know the industry and the value ofunderstanding the challenges the companyfacesare aware of the company’s role and functionin relation to its customersare able to listen to and clarify thestakeholder/customer’s needs andexpectationsgive high priority to good customer service.

Working with othersTypical questions: ‘Tell us about a time when you were operating ina supportive rather than a leadership role on ateam. How did you contribute to the team?’‘Tell us about a time you had to adapt yourpersonal style while working with other teammembers. How did you deal with conflictingviewpoints on the team?’

Your answer should give evidence that you: consult with and listen to the needs,concerns and positions of othersare aware of the strengths and weaknessesof own communication style and can adaptyour interpersonal style when interactingwith otherspromote ideas and influence others to gainagreement for actionsbuild trust by treating others with fairnessand respectare able to complete a task throughcollaboration with other people.

difference’ through your activities.Usually it doesn’t matter what you dospecifically, though always connect yourinterests to the job. For example, if youhave applied for a job with significantinterpersonal communication and yourinterests comprise activities that do notinvolve others, you may be presenting amismatch between you as a person andthe job. At the end of the day, be yourself.If you get a job by pretending to besomeone you are not, it is likely you willnot enjoy your work.

It is really important to bewell prepared for your firstinterview with a company andto have rehearsed youranswers to the standardinterview questions. The moreyou practise the less nervousyou will be.

Mark McDonnell, Economics andFinance graduate now working atFirst Derivatives. See page 12 formore about how Mark got his job.

AcingassessmentcentresKnowing what to expect andbeing prepared will help you todo well at an assessment centre.



www.ucd.ie/careers

A ssessment centres (also known asselection centres), are widely used for

graduate selection in the UK and they arebecoming more prevalent in Ireland. Ifyou are invited to an assessment centre

you will undertake activities designedaround the job you are being consideredfor. Usually there will be other candidatespresent but it is important to bear in mindthat you will be measured against the

employer’s selection criteria, not againstthe other people present. All of thecandidates at a particular centre may besuccessful or none may meet the standardrequired.

Assessment centre activities Tips from DeloitteGroup work Examines how you work with, persuade and influence others.

Assessors note whether you dominate, sit quietly, contributeeffectively (or negatively), if you make good use of logical reasoningor if you react to a situation emotionally.

Presentation You may be asked to present on a personal interest or a topic relatedto the job. Prepare well (if you know in advance), make use ofinformation/equipment available, don’t overrun, look at youraudience, smile and connect with them.

Psychometric tests Can include numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning tests. Workquickly: you will be marked out of the number of questions on thetest, not out of the number attempted. Practise by completingProfiling for Success at www.ucd.ie/careers. Use the ‘test yourself’section at gradireland.com/careers-report, www.prospects.ac.ukand SHL Direct at www.shldirect.com.

In-tray/e-tray exercise You may be asked to prioritise a large number of fictitious memos orbe given a laptop and a lot of e-mails and asked what action/priorityyou would give to each item. You have limited time. Stay calm, anddeal with the pressure. This task is designed to see how you arelikely to prioritise work. Read ALL materials but don’t spend too muchtime on any one situation.

Case studies You will usually be given some information about a company or clientwho is experiencing a business problem. Your task, either individuallyor in a group, will usually be to identify the root causes of the keyissues and make some recommendations for addressing these.

Social activities While social activities and meals are not formally assessed, use theopportunity to meet as many company representatives/recentgraduates as you can. Remember assessors may ask theiremployees who impressed them at lunch or dinner. Be yourself,resist the temptation to drink too much , engage in conversation.

Go online to www.ucd.ie/careers, gradireland.com, targetjobs.co.uk andwww.prospects.ac.uk for help when preparing for assessment centres. The AGCAS DVD on Assessment Centres is an excellent resource and can be viewed on our website www.ucd.ie/careers.

Don’t dominate the group but make sure you are beinglistened to. Don’t cut others off: make sure you arebeing an active listener.

If slides are required, make sure you leave some time to fill these in. Keep slides short and simple, use themas a guideline and speak around the text.

For aptitude and ability tests, the key to success is topractise these tests to improve your accuracy andspeed. For personality tests the best course of action isto be yourself and answer honestly. Tests have built-inmechanisms to spot inconsistencies.

Quite often there is no one correct answer – you needto demonstrate a general understanding of the issuesand be able to provide a logical explanation for youranswer.

Use a framework for your answers, for example issuescan grouped together such as technology issues,strategic focus, HR practices or day-to-day operationalissues. Think of the bigger picture – what externalissues could there be?

Graduate study could be your next step.

C@RRYONSTUDYING:% %


Graduate study

www.ucd.ie/careers

35per cent of the UCD class of 2010have gone on to do further study

or training within Ireland, the UK andfurther afield. Graduate programmes canbe taught or research-based and can rangefrom a one-year postgraduate diploma ormasters to a PhD taking three years ormore. Students undertake graduate studyfor many reasons, usually because study: • may be essential for entry to

professions such as teaching.• allows students to train for a new

career, for example, undertakingconversion courses in computer sciencewhere there is a strong job market.

• provides an opportunity to pursueacademic interests.

Graduate study can be interesting andrewarding. However, acquiring agraduate diploma or a masters degreewill not always compensate for a lower

How we can helpCareer Development Advisers can helpstudents decide which type of graduatestudy they are best suited to and offer in-depth support on writing personalstatements – critical for successfulapplications. There is also an extensiverange of reference literature at the CareerDevelopment Centre on local, national andinternational graduate study options.

NAME Sinead ConneryDEGREE Postgraduate Diploma in Education

Having worked for a few years as a townplanner I decided that I wanted to trysomething different. I started the PGDEprogramme at UCD last year and all is goingwell so far. It’s quite a demanding course – I’m teaching in a school between 8.00 amand 1.00 pm and then back at a UCD for classat 2.00 pm. Sometimes I’m in class until 7.00 pm. In addition to the ongoingassignments I have to prepare my lessons.

I’m always trying to think of new andinteresting ways to teach. The school I’mbased in is great, with a strong academicethos while also placing a lot of emphasis onother activities such as sport, voluntary worketc. My graduation is on the horizon so I’mcurrently looking for teaching jobs. I wouldlike to travel so at the moment I’m consideringDubai, Canada and Australia. The PGDE is achallenging but enjoyable course and I amreally looking forward to teaching full time.

TR

Y SOME

THINGDIFFERENT


Graduate study

www.ucd.ie/careers

NAME Laura ToogoodDEGREE PhD Information Studies

On the basis of my final-year results, I wasawarded two scholarships for my PhDresearch at UCD. At the time I hadreservations about studying for a further fouryears. I was very aware this would restrict myearnings in comparison to my friends.However my parents and senior staff at UCDencouraged me to grasp the opportunity tostudy for a doctorate; now I wouldn’t change itfor anything in the world.

To study for a PhD you need to beincredibly self-motivated. It is very differentfrom a taught programme as you must createyour own structure. On the flip side, I reallyenjoyed the flexibility offered by this type ofschedule. I was able to focus hard on myresearch for concentrated periods and alsospend time pursuing my other interests. I alsoenjoyed gaining experience as a tutor andlecturer.

The most important thing about doing aPhD is selecting a topic that really interestsyou. You will be looking at it every day for fouryears, so make sure you are genuinelyenthusiastic about your research question.On completing my research, I started my ownsocial media consultancy company and myqualification has been invaluable for securingsome high profile business clients. The skills Ilearnt during my PhD were also very useful inmy role as a researcher at the BBC and alsofeature writer for the Irish Daily Mail.

SE

LECT A

TOPIC THAT INTERESTSYOU

first degree. If an employer recruitsstudents with a 2:1 undergraduatedegree, they are unlikely to accept anapplication from someone with a 2:2 anda graduate diploma or masters degree.

Remember, too, that it is important to start early and research fundingopportunities.

If you are thinking about doing furtherstudy after you graduate you may want toconsider the following before you makeyour decision:• Are you genuinely interested in the

subject you are thinking about studying?

and World Heritage Management; someprogrammes such as Nursing orPsychology are Ireland’s longest-established; many are internationallyaccredited, eg the Business degrees; andclose clinical and industry partnerships

• Will completing graduate study helpyou achieve your career goals?

• What are the employment prospects forgraduates of the programme?

• How will you fund your studies?

Graduate study at UCDFor students considering graduate studies,UCD is a good place to start their courseresearch. The university’s five GraduateSchools provide Ireland’s widest range oftaught and research graduate courses. Theuniversity offers unique specialistprogrammes such as Veterinary Medicine


Graduate study

www.ucd.ie/careers

underpin programmes such asArchitecture and Physiotherapy.Conversion courses in Computing, Mathsand Business are also good options forstudents wishing to go into specific careerareas. Visit www.ucd.ie/graduatestudiesor contact [email protected], tel 01 716 4043 for more information.

Conversion CoursesConversion courses are generally one-yeartaught postgraduate courses that allowgraduates to ‘convert’ to a new discipline.The original undergraduate parchment is

often the foundation upon which further,more focused career moves are made.These conversion courses equip studentsto adapt to the changing opportunities inthe fast-moving marketplace.

These are nowadays commonplace inmost subject areas, being most popular inbusiness, arts, computing and the medicaltherapies. Some do exist for science andengineering graduates but these mayrequire a primary degree in a relateddiscipline.

The addition of a conversion course is a further boost to enlarging the careerspectrum through either diploma ormasters level.

These are very intensive and focusedcourses where the maximum informationis imparted in the shortest time.Assignments will incorporate a lot ofpractical projects and will requirestudents to work in groups.

Conversion courses may be the firstlevel of a degree programme, giving theoption of completing a diploma in a yearor continuing on to do a masters.

Graduate study options will feature inthe 2011 UCD Careers Fair on 6 October.

Find out moreIreland www.ucd.ie/careers Helpful information and web links to let you plan your applications to

graduate study providers postgradireland.com Course database and helpful advice www.ircset.ie Irish Research Councils for Science, Engineering and Technology www.irchss.ie Irish Research Councils for Humanities and Social Sciences www.ria.ie The Royal Irish Academy www.hrb.ie The Health Research Board

Northern Ireland/Great Britain Queen’s University, Belfast and the University of Ulster have information on their websites about

graduate study courses and funding. For example, go towww.qub.ac.uk for information onprovision at Queen’s

www.delni.gov.uk Details on statutory government funding available and eligibility criteria www.hero.ac.uk Information on UK universities www.rcuk.ac.uk UK Research Councils (all disciplines) www.funderfinder.org.uk Funding graduate study in the UK targetcourses.co.uk Graduate courses in the UK www.teach.gov.uk and www.gttr.ac.uk Teacher training courses in Great Britain

NAME Ursula Clarke-EverettDEGREEMsc Computer Science

I studied Fine Art after I left school but foundmyself unemployed after graduating. Whilejob-hunting I taught myself HTML and startedbuilding websites on a voluntary basis. As achild I learned to read and do maths throughcomputer games so working with IT appealedto me. I had also taken a graphic designmodule as part of my course so this came invery useful when designing websites.

I really loved the work I was doing and thisled me to the Computer Science Msc. I startedin September and absolutely love it. It’s suchan interesting subject and is very broad inscope – we move on to something new everyfour to six weeks. Next semester we will bedoing a project so it will be challenging but Iam quite excited about the challenge. Theproject will involve using several of theprogramming languages that we have learnedso it will be a nice way of bringing everythingwe’ve done so far together.

If you are someone who enjoys working withcomputers and would like to pursue a career inIT this could be the right course for you.

WO

RKLEDME TO AMASTERS

NAME Peter DunneDEGREE LLM Law (Harvard University)

I applied to study in the US because of thegreat emphasis that law schools place uponpublic policy and clinical education. AtHarvard, students are challenged to think notjust about what the law currently says, butalso why it does so and whether it is correct.An important feature of American law schoolsis their efforts to maintain close links withalumni. This offers students the invaluableopportunity of contact time with establishedprofessionals in almost every field –business, government and non-profit.

Harvard has a really helpful public interestcareers office, with immensely dedicatedstaff who have an unparalleled knowledge ofthe not-for-profit sector. I hope to ultimatelywork in international equality law, particularlythe movement for LGBTQI rights.

I would really encourage UCD students toapply for graduate study in America. It is awonderful experience and really worth thehard work. While I don’t think that there is anyone formula for admission, it always helpswhen students have a clear idea of what theywant to study and can link their interest topast experiences.

ST

UDYING

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fi dessa.com/careers

A.It depends. Fidessa is a software company providing trading, investment and information systems for the global fi nancial community. So, along with yourUniversity College Dublin computing or numerate degree, you’ll need a relentless commitment to innovation, excellence and teamwork.

Visit our website for more information or contact the recruitment team:

London 020 7105 1000Woking 01483 206628

Q.Does your face fi t?


Jobs and course providers

www.ucd.ie/careers

One of the ways youmight want to focus your career

planning is through deciding upon a broad careersector and looking at what opportunities lie within.

The next seven pages detail some of theopportunities available from larger recruiters intraditional graduate career sectors. The CareerDevelopment Centre hosts fairs for many sectors: seeour website for specific dates. If you need further helpwith getting a job in these sectors talk to employers atour Careers Week in February and at recruitment fairs,presentations and one-to-one sessions – see the ‘What’sOn’ pages on our website. Read sector-specific careersmagazines at the Career Development Centre.

We can also help if your interests lie in other areas.Use the Career Development Centre and theinformation resources on our website to researchsectors, find out about careers and where to look forvacancies. For further study opportunities, read thepostgraduate fact files at the Career DevelopmentCentre.

JOBS

Leading employers andcourse providers withthousands of vacancies whowant to hear from you, plussources of help aboutspecific careers.

Computing and IT ............................................34Consulting ......................................................34Computer/IT ..............................................................34Strategic ....................................................................34

Engineering ....................................................35Finance............................................................35Accountancy, financial management, taxation ....35Banking ....................................................................36Investment................................................................36

Industry ..........................................................37Law ..................................................................37Not-for-profit....................................................37Retail management ........................................38Teaching ..........................................................38Further study ..................................................40Legal ..........................................................................40

Index of advertisers..........................................3

Sectors

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Jobs and course providers Computing and IT Consulting

Computer/IT Strategic

Com

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John WybrowFidessaDukes Court, Duke Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BH orOne Old Jewry, London, EC2R 8DNTel +44 (0)1483 206628

Web fidessa.com/careers

Main locations or regions Employing over 1,650 people globally, Fidessa isheadquartered in London with 12 regional offices across Europe, North America,Asia and the Middle East.

Areas of activity & job function(s)Fidessa group provides award-winning trading, market data and global connectivitysolutions for firms involved in trading in the world’s financial markets. Fidessa’sproducts and services are built on the simple vision of making it easier to buy, selland own financial assets of all types on a global basis.

Initial technical and business training will last around 4–6 months, focussing onproviding you with a basic technical understanding of our products, an appreciationof global financial markets, sharpening your technical skills and preparing you foryour first role. Individual training plans are tailored to specific needs, depending onyour role within Fidessa. Initial training will be classroom style course basedtraining along with practical hands-on training and work experience.

Graduates sought Computer Science, Maths, Physics or technically orientateddegrees

Applications from students needing work permits No

Starting salary £22,000 to £28,000

Pattern of recruitment Continuous

Form of application Online

Approx annual intake 60

Vacation work/courses No

Gillian Bray, Manager, HRCHP Consulting20 Gresham StreetLondonEC2V 7JETel +44 (0)20 7588 1800E-mail [email protected] www.chp.co.uk/careersMain locations or regions Headquartersin London serving the UK and Europe,operations in North America, Australia,New Zealand and IndiaAreas of activity & job function(s) Company activity – supplier ofsoftware, IT and business consultancyto blue-chip companies within theasset finance industry.Job function – you will receivecomprehensive business and technicaltraining to enable you to work closelywith clients and be a part of ourimplementation projects.Graduates sought Any disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits YesStarting salary £35,000Pattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application OnlineApprox annual intake 20–25Vacation work/courses No

IMS Health & IMS Consulting Group7 Harewood AvenueLondon NW1 6JBUNITED KINGDOMWeb www.imshealth.com/careers orwww.imsconsultinggroup.comMain locations or regions 100+ offices globally; European hubs in London/Cambridge UK,Frankfurt/Munich Germany, also Basel and Hergiswil Switzerland.Areas of activity & job function(s) IMS provides market intelligence and consulting services for the globalhealth community. Our people arecreative and client-focused and westrive to create an environment whereour employees are challenged,empowered and can flourish. We seekhigh achieving undergraduates andpost-graduates with a passion for healthcare.Graduates sought Lifesciences or other numerate disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits Yes, for some positionsStarting salary Competitive total reward packagePattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application Online submission of CVApprox annual intake OpenVacation work/courses No

Holly JohnsonL.E.K. Consulting LLP40 Grosvenor PlaceLondon SW1X 7JLTel +44 (0)20 7389 7200E-mail [email protected] www.lek.comMain locations or regions Europe, North America, Australia, AsiaAreas of activity & job function(s) L.E.K. Consulting is an internationalconsulting firm specialising in strategydevelopment, transaction support andperformance improvement. Formed inLondon in 1983, it has grown to over900 staff across 20 offices in Europe,North America and Asia-Pacific.Graduates sought All disciplinesApplications from students needingwork permits YesStarting salary Highly competitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application Online by 13th November 2011Approx annual intake 40–50Vacation work/courses YesFor vacation work apply by 13th January 2012

Computing and IT


I Engineering Finance Jobs and course providers

Accountancy, financial management,taxation

Accountancy, financial management, taxation

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Procter & GambleE-mail [email protected] www.pgcareers.comMain locations or regions UK, Ireland,mainland EuropeAreas of activity & job function(s) P&G is a dynamic, fast-moving,multibillion dollar FMCG business.At P&G, Information and DecisionSolutions stretches far beyond thetraditional ‘hardware and software’aspects of information technology.Information & Decision Solutions (IDS)is a key business enabler that spanstechnology tools, strategicdevelopment and collaboration to buildrelevant connections and drive betterdecision making.Graduates sought Any disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits YesStarting salary £28,600 (more ifhigher qualifications)Pattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application OnlineApprox annual intake 20Vacation work/courses 10 weeksummer internshipsFor vacation work apply by 17th March 2012 but early applicationsare encouraged

Katherine MooreACCA9 Leeson Park, Dublin 6Tel +353 (0)1 4988900E-mail [email protected] www.acca.ieMain locations or regions National andInternationalAreas of activity & job function(s) ACCA provides a global professionalqualification, with 571,000 student andmembers worldwide. The flexibility ofthe ACCA qualification means you canstudy and work in over 170 countriesaround the world. Students from anydiscipline are eligible to register withACCA and you do not need to beworking in an accounts related role tostart your studies. ACCA has over 8,500approved employers providing bothnational and international employmentopportunities. Graduates sought Any disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits N/AStarting salary N/APattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application Online,www.accaglobal.com/applynowApprox annual intake N/AVacation work/courses No

BDOBeaux Lane HouseMercer Street LowerDublin 2Tel +353 (0)1 470 0000E-mail [email protected] www.bdo.ieMain locations or regions DublinAreas of activity & job function(s) At BDO, you won’t be just anothergraduate trainee. Smaller client serviceteams and an excellent partner-to-staffratio contribute to an environmentwhere our trainees’ work is noticed - bypeers, partners and clients. We arelooking for enthusiastic graduates totrain as Accountants or Tax Consultantsin our Audit, Consulting and TaxDepartments.Graduates sought Any discipline –Minimum 2.1 honours degreeApplications from students needingwork permits Yes, for some positionsStarting salary Competitive withcomprehensive study packagePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application Online applicationonlyApprox annual intake 25Vacation work/courses Yes – applybefore April 2012

Graduate Recruitment TeamDeloitteEarlsfort TerraceDublin 2Tel + 353 (0) 1 417 8578E-mail [email protected] www.deloitte.com/ie/graduateMain locations or regions Dublin, Cork, Limerick.Areas of activity & job function(s) It’s your future. How far will you takeit?Deloitte, the leading business advisoryfirm brings world class capabilities anddeep local expertise to help clientssucceed wherever they operate.Graduates sought All disciplinesApplications from students needingwork permits YesStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment Annual – closing date for applications is 5pm,Wednesday 19 October 2011Form of application OnlineApprox annual intake 200 graduatesVacation work/courses YesFor vacation work apply by January 2012

Nessa KielyErnst & YoungErnst & Young Building, HarcourtCentre, Harcourt St, Dublin 2Tel + 353 (0)1 475 0555E-mail [email protected] www.ey.com/ie/careersMain locations or regions Dublin, Cork,Belfast, Waterford and LimerickAreas of activity & job function(s) Ernst & Young is a global leader inassurance, tax, transaction andadvisory services. Our 141,000 peopleare united by our shared values and acommitment to quality. We make adifference by helping our people,clients and wider communities achievetheir potential. As a graduate you’ll getexperience in a variety of industrysectors, providing you with a solidbusiness foundation for your career,working with respected experts andinfluencing leading businesses at thehighest levels.Graduates sought All disciplinesApplications from students needingwork permits YesStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application OnlineApprox annual intake 100–150Vacation work/courses Yes

Careers TeamkavanaghfennellSimmonscourt House, SimmonscourtRoad, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel +353 (0)1 2060800E-mail [email protected] Web www.kavanaghfennell.ie /www.insolvencyjournal.ie Main locations or regions DublinAreas of activity & job function(s) kavanaghfennell is Ireland’s leadingspecialist provider of Advisory,Corporate Recovery and InsolvencyServices. We currently manage adistressed asset portfolio with anassociated debt of several billion euro.We work closely with financialinstitutions and legal practices. OurAdvisory team are part of NAMA ‘sbusiness panel for carrying outBusiness Plan Reviews. Graduates sought Business and Law,Bachelor of Commerce – AccountancyStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment Annual - Oct/Nov mainly, however we do acceptapplications at any time of the year.Form of application CV application [email protected] annual intake 6Vacation work/courses YesFor vacation work apply by 29/02/12

Engineering

Sub sectorSub sector

Sub sectorSub sectorSub sector

Jobs and course providers Finance


Accountancy, financial management, taxation

Banking Investment

Denise Treanor, College RecruiterKPMG1 Stokes Place, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2Tel +353 (01) 410 2287 E-mail [email protected] www.kpmg.ie/gradcareersMain locations or regions Dublin, Galway, Cork and BelfastAreas of activity & job function(s)KPMG brings together business advisors from many different disciplines – workingtogether to provide our clients with the cutting edge business advice they need fortheir continued success. Our firm has 77 partners and more than 1,700 people inoffices in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast. We work with clients in all sectors of Irishbusiness, providing a range of Audit, Tax and Advisory services. The cornerstones ofour business are quality of advice, quality of service and quality of our people.At KPMG, we are focused on our people and each year we look for graduates, likeyou, with the drive and determination to succeed in a fast-moving businessenvironment. We’re committed to recruiting the very best and, in return, we offeryou the combination of exceptional training, an outstanding list of clients and greatcolleagues to work with. We want you to succeed in developing your career as asuccessful business adviser in a friendly, challenging and supportive environmentand become a business leader of tomorrow.We have opportunities for graduates in Audit, Tax, Corporate Finance, Restructuring& Forensic, Transaction Services and Business Performance & IT Advisory. Pleasesee our website for more information.Graduates sought All degree disciplines – you don’t have to have studied Businessto become a Business LeaderStarting salary€competitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application Online application only, closing date 19/10/11Approx annual intake 200+Vacation work/courses YesFor vacation work apply by Online application form

Graduate Recruitment TeamPricewaterhouseCoopersOne Spencer DockNorth Wall QuayDublin 1Tel +353 (0)1 792 8550E-mail [email protected] www.pwc.com/ie/graduateMain locations or regions Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny, Waterford andWexford.Areas of activity & job function(s)As the leading professional services firm in Ireland, our work is hugely diverse. It’sa remarkable business that employs over 2,000 people. Our graduate positions arewithin our Assurance, Tax, Consulting, Risk Assurance Solutions and Actuarialpractices. We offer a breadth of career opportunity where you can build on the skills andexperience you’ve gained at university. We expect a minimum 2.1 degree, but justas important is evidence of your commitment to teamwork, creativity, sense ofresponsibility and commercial awareness. We’re looking for high calibre, talentedgraduates with the thirst and enthusiasm to build a successful career in business. Graduates sought All disciplinesApplications from students needing work permits YesStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application Online Application FormApprox annual intake 250 +Vacation work/courses YesFor vacation work apply by Please see website for details

Barclays Capital5 North Colonnade London E14 4BBWeb www.barcap.com/seeyourselfMain locations or regions Europe,Americas, Asia PacificAreas of activity & job function(s) Barclays Capital is the investmentbanking division of Barclays Bank PLC.We have graduate and internshipopportunities in areas right across thefirm, including: Compliance, CorporateCommunications, Finance, GlobalFinancial Risk Management, HumanResources, Investment Banking, Legal,Events & Roadshow Marketing,Operations, Prime Services, QuantitativeAnalytics, Research, Sales, Structuring,Technology and TradingGraduates sought All disciplinesApplications from students needing workpermits AcceptedStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment Recruit on arolling basis from 1 August 2011.Deadlines: Full-time applications – 15 November 2011; Internships – 31 December 2011Form of application Online applicationsystemApprox annual intake 250Vacation work/courses Yes

EMEA Graduate Recruitment TeamMorgan Stanley25 Cabot Square Canary WharfLondon E14 4QAE-mail [email protected] www.morganstanley.com/careersMain locations or regions Dubai, HongKong, London, New York, Tokyo and allmajor European cities.Areas of activity & job function(s) Morgan Stanley is a leading globalfinancial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking,securities, investment managementand wealth management services. The Firm has over 60,000 employees in 42 countries.Graduates sought Any disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits YesStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application Online Approx annual intake 350–400graduates and 275–350 internshipvacanciesVacation work/courses YesFor vacation work apply by Please check the website

The Graduate TeamRBC Capital MarketsCity of LondonTel +44 (0)207 002 2250E-mail [email protected] campus.rbccm.comMain locations or regions LondonEuropeNorth AmericaAsia PacificAreas of activity & job function(s) RBC Capital Markets is a premierinvestment bank that provides afocused set of products and services toinstitutions, corporations, governmentsand high net worth clients in over 100countries. We are the investmentbanking arm of Royal Bank of Canada.Graduates sought Any disciplineStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application OnlineApprox annual intake 30–40Vacation work/courses SummerInternshipsFor vacation work apply by see website

Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking Web www.sgcib.com/graduatesMain locations or regions London,Paris, New York and AsiaAreas of activity & job function(s) With some 11,000 employees and apresence in 33 countries throughoutEurope, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region, Société GénéraleCorporate & Investment Banking is anacknowledged leader in its three coreareas of focus: Investment banking,Global finance and Global markets. Our range of business lines, ourinternational presence and thestrength of our client franchises andproduct offerings provide a stimulatingand diverse environment to makemaximum use of your skills. Graduates sought If you have ananalytical mind, excellentcommunication skills and areambitious, you may be just thecandidate we are looking for. Starting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment Annual – 2012Deadlines: 17th October Asia, 31st October EuropeForm of application Online atwww.sgcib.gtios.comApprox annual intake Europe – 20,Globally – 100+Vacation work/courses Yes



I Industry Law Not-for-profit Jobs and course providers


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Kerry GroupWeb www.kerrygraduates.comMain locations or regions UK, Ireland,EMEAAreas of activity & job function(s) Kerry Group is a world leader in the foodand beverage industry, employing over20,000 people in over 200 locationsglobally. Since 1972, our turnover hasgrown to approximately €5 billion.We’re recruiting now, looking forexceptional graduates with the energy,ambition and vision to match ours. Graduates sought Any disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits Yes, for some positionsStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application OnlineApprox annual intake 70–100Vacation work/courses No

Aoife StokesMaples and Calder75 St Stephen’s GreenDublin 2Tel +353 (0)1 619 2186E-mail [email protected]/careersMain locations or regions British VirginIslands, Cayman Islands, Dubai, Dublin,Hong Kong & London Areas of activity & job function(s) Maples is an international law firm withsix offices globally. Our Dublin officeseeks graduates for trainee positions.Trainees who join us rotate through ourCorporate, Finance, Investment Funds,Litigation, Property and Tax groups. Wepay all of your Law Society feesincluding, PPC1 and PPC2.Graduates sought Law / BusinessApplications from students needingwork permits NoStarting salary Highly competitivePattern of recruitment AnnualForm of application EAFApprox annual intake 10Vacation work/courses YesFor vacation work apply by 23 March 2012

Comhlámh – The Irish Association ofDevelopment Workers and VolunteersBallast House, 2nd floor, Aston Quay,Dublin 2Tel +353 (0)1 478 3490E-mail [email protected] [email protected] Web www.comhlamh.org andwww.volunteeringoptions.org Main locations or regions GlobalAreas of activity & job function(s) Comhlámh is a dynamic, membershiporganisation, committed to criticalengagement on worldwidedevelopment. Through awarenessraising, research, education andtraining we empower individuals to takeeffective action for addressing globalinjustice. Opportunities: Are youinterested in volunteering in adeveloping country? Comhlámh’sVolunteering Options can help. We havedeveloped numerous resources tosupport you in making a decision aboutvolunteering overseas, and in finding aresponsible sending organisation. Graduates sought Any disciplineStarting salary N/APattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application OnlineApprox annual intake No LimitVacation work/courses N/A

Habitat for HumanityQuadrant HouseChapelizodDublin 20Tel +353 (0)1 629 9659Web http://www.habitatireland.ieMain locations or regions Dublin, Africa,Asia, Latin America and Eastern EuropeAreas of activity & job function(s) Habitat for Humanity is an internationalnon-profit organisation that aims toeliminate poverty housing by buildingsimple, decent, affordable homes & bymaking decent housing a matter ofconscience and action. Habitat forHumanity Ireland sends teams ofvolunteers overseas for up to twoweeks to partner with localcommunities on home buildingprojects. We also work in Ireland & arecurrently working with Dublin CityCouncil to renovate derelict houses toenable low income families to becomehomeowners. Graduates sought Any disciplineStarting salary N/APattern of recruitment Continuous Form of application OnlineApprox annual intake No LimitVacation work/courses Onsite Training

Daphne AndrewsSpecial Olympics Ireland4th Floor, Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7Tel +353 (0)1 882 3972E-mail [email protected] www.specialolympics.ieMain locations or regions Dublin 7, 11and 12. Cork, Belfast, SligoAreas of activity & job function(s) Special Olympics Ireland is a sportsorganisation for people with anintellectual disability. The essence andspirit of Special Olympics sport isvisible & palpable at local level, whereathletes train on a weekly basis in the406 clubs across the island supportedby the thousands of volunteersthroughout the organisation. Graduates sought Sports, Marketing. Applications from students needingwork permits NoStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment As vacanciesariseForm of application CVVacation work/courses Yes – unpaidinternships/work experience

Not-for-profit

Industry Law

Sub sector

Sub sector

Jobs and course providers Not-for-profit Retail management Teaching


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Not-for-profit

Suas Volunteer Programme 10–12 Hogan PlaceDublin 2Tel +353 (0)1 662 1412E-mail [email protected] Web www.suas.ie Main locations or regions India &KenyaAreas of activity & job function(s) The Suas Volunteer Programmeprovides an opportunity to volunteer ina community-based school oreducational project in India or Kenya,for ten weeks over the summer. Itoffers the possibility to developpersonal and professional skills, towork in a team, and to learn aboutdifferent cultures and the challengesand opportunities of development inour interconnected world.Applications for Volunteers and TeamLeaders for the 2012 Programme willopen this November – for more detailsvisit www.suas.ieGraduates sought Any disciplineStarting salary N/APattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application Online –applications open early-NovemberApprox annual intake 90Vacation work/courses Yes

Jennie BlakeVolunteer Ireland18 Eustace StreetTemple BarDublin 2Tel +353 (0)1 6369446E-mail [email protected] www.volunteeringireland.ieMain locations or regions DublinAreas of activity & job function(s) Volunteer Ireland is the nationalvolunteer development agency and a representative body and supportorganisation for all local VolunteerCentres in Ireland. Volunteer Ireland co-ordinates the Ireland InVOLvedAwards and the National Day ofVolunteering and is the national co-ordinating body for European Year ofVolunteering 2011.Graduates sought Interns –Communications. Social Sciences.Administration.Applications from students needingwork permits yesStarting salary This is an intern role.Expenses will be paidPattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application CV Approx annual intake 3Vacation work/courses no

Area Management RecruitmentAldi Stores (Ireland) LimitedNewbridge Road, Naas, Co. KildareTel +353 (0)45 846300E-mail Via websiteWeb www.aldi.ieMain locations or regions ThroughoutRepublic of IrelandAreas of activity & job function(s) A world leader in grocery retailing. Jobfunction: Area Manager responsibilityfor four to six stores after 12 months’training. Aldi is continually looking forhigh calibre, dynamic graduates with orwithout employment experience to joinour Area Manager team. Your choice ofdegree option is not important to us.What is most important is yourpersonality, strength of character andleadership potential.Graduates sought 2:1 Any disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits NoStarting salary EURO60,000, an AudiA4, healthcare and life assurancePattern of recruitment ContinuousForm of application Online applicationform or send your CV together with acovering letter illustrating yourleadership potentialApprox annual intake 12Vacation work/courses No

HR DepartmentLidl Ireland GmbHGreat Connell RoadNewbridge Co. KildareTel +353 (0)45 853 450E-mail [email protected] www.lidl.ieMain locations or regions NationwideAreas of activity & job function(s) Lidl’s Graduate Programme A successful path for your future!Our standard programme consists of 18months on the job training with a focuson your chosen business area. Earlyresponsibility and involvement in alloperations will lead to a quickintegration into your role. For more information visit www.lidl.ie.Graduates sought All disciplinesApplications from students needingwork permits NoStarting salary Not disclosedPattern of recruitment OtherForm of application OnlineApprox annual intake DiffersVacation work/courses No

Retail management Teaching

Teaching in DubaiSean CooneyInternational Schools of ChoueifatUnited Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatarand BahrainRecruitment Department,PO BOX 2077 University City Road,Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesTel +97165582717E-mail [email protected] www.sabiscareers.comMain locations or regions United ArabEmirates, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar.Areas of activity & job function(s) International Schools teaching of allsubjects through english toInternational students.Graduates sought Any disciplineApplications from students needingwork permits YesStarting salary CompetitivePattern of recruitment Annual majorrecruitment and continuous minorrecruitmentForm of application CV and letter ofapplicationApprox annual intake 40Vacation work/courses NoFor vacation work apply by NA

Retail management


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BPP Professional EducationAldine HouseAldine Place142–144 Uxbridge RoadLondon W12 8AWTel +44 (0)845 077 5566E-mail [email protected] www.bpp.comCourse outline For over 35 years, BPP – one of Europe's leading providers ofprofessional education, providing undergraduate, postgraduate, professionalqualifications and Continued Professional Development (CPD) training - has beenpreparing people to enter a wide range of business and legal professions. Training90 per cent of the FTSE 100 companies, as well as serving 26 leading law firms whosend their trainees exclusively to us, we have built our reputation by helping peopledevelop the skills demanded by today's top employers. Our goal is to prepare youfor the realities of your chosen career in the UK or overseas. Our programmes aretaught by experienced practitioners and academics, supported by outstandingfacilities and a network of study centres throughout the UK and Europe - such asour superb Business School in the City of London, right next to the 'Gherkin'.Career prospects Accounting, Business, Finance, HR, Law, Management andMarketing.Qualification gained BSc, LLB, LLM, MSc, MBA, professional business and legalqualifications (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, CFA, LPC, etc) and CPD.Other information Generous scholarships are available for our degree programmes.

Your career.

Aldi Graduate Area Manager Training Programme

Real responsibility. Real progression. Real rewards.

Get them really fast on the Aldi Graduate Area Manager Training Programme.

Find out more or apply online at aldi.ie

Graduate Area ManagerSalary €60K + Audi A4

Prospect of senior management within 5 years

International secondment opportunities

aldi.ie

The friendships you make on day one stay with you

© 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” and “PwC” refer to the Irish fi rm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, One Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 (which is authorised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland to carry on investment business). As the context requires, “PricewaterhouseCoopers” and “PwC” may also refer to one or more member fi rms of the network of member fi rms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwCIL), each of which is a separate legal entity. PricewaterhouseCoopers does not act as agent of PwCIL or any other member fi rm nor can it control the exercise of another member fi rm’s professional judgement or bind another fi rm or PwCIL in any way.

Graduate opportunities 2012 Collaboration makes us stronger. In fact, we wouldn’t be the best at what we do if we didn’t work so well together. That’s why, as well as plenty of drive, initiative and commercial acumen, we look for the ability to forge really strong relationships. And if you have these skills, we’ll give you the training, support and expert mentoring to capitalise on them. Be part of something special and meet people who’ll make a lasting impression.

Find out more about our graduate opportunities at www.pwc.com/ie/graduate

Or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pwcgraduaterecruitment

You could work in:

Assurance

Actuarial

Consulting

Risk Assurance Solutions

Tax

Any degree discipline

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5% ucd c r1r guidcompetitive than ever, it is also the case that many employers are growing and are...

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