graduate careers 2008

presentinggraduates

who love their careers

REAL PEOPLE IN REAL JOBS, DIRECT

FROM THE RECRUITERS

www.realworldmagazine.com 2008

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A bigger stage for your talents.

Put your career first by joining KPMG. With specialist training and graduate opportunities across Europe, you’ll have the chance to shine in a role that’s right for you.

Find out more at kpmgcareers.co.uk/biggerstage

© 2008 KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.

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foreword

Editor Dee Pilgrim • Designer Yang Ou • Features Writer Hannah Davies • Sales Paul Wade, Harmesh Sansoa, Terry McNally, Mitul Patel Marketing/Distribution Manager Poonam Sharma • PR Coordinator Madhvi Pankhania • Client Services Manager Marie Tasle Managing Director Darius Norell • Real People is a publication of Cherry Publishing: 22-26 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ Tel: 020 7735 4900, Editorial – 020 7735 2111 Fax: 020 7840 0443 • Email: [email protected]: www.realworldmagazine.com • Copyright © 2007 Cherry Publishing

No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher. We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs or for material lost or damaged in the post. The views in this publication or on our website are not necessarily those held by the publisher.

Real World magazine is all about the real world of work: how to train for your chosen profession, what your financial prospects could be, and where your career path could eventually take you.

Real People is our sister publication giving you an insight into everyday working lives with case studies from employees in a range of industry sectors. They discuss what it is they actually do, what they love about their jobs, and give advice on what you really need to succeed. If you can’t find a case study for your chosen career path in Real

People, then log on to www.realworldmagazine.com, where you’ll find hundreds more giving you the lowdown on the world of work.

Whatever you decide to do in the future, good luck!

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REAL PEoPLE | 2008 RP

CoNTENTErnst & Young ..........................4KPMG ........................................6Logica ......................................8

PricewaterhouseCoopers ....10Shell .........................................12Teach First ..............................14

Dee Pilgrim, Editor

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apply now

potential?It’s a funny thing, potential. Everywhere you look there are things that could be great, that could be a cut above the rest. And that probably includes you. But things don’t just become great on their own - they need advice, support and guidance from people that know the territory inside out.

Ernst & Young has 114,000 people, in 700 locations across 140 countries around the world that are working to help companies realise the potential in their business. If you choose to join us, you get access to a breadth and depth of experience that’s unparalleled, to help you realise your own potential.

We help our clients with Audit, Tax, Corporate Finance and Business Advisory. Which means that from early on you’ll be working with real people, with real problems, to help them overcome the challenges they face and get the most from their business.

the support to succeedBut you won’t be on your own in making that happen. As you should expect from a firm that promises quality in everything we do, the training you’ll get is first rate.

So, whether it’s a professional qualification you’re after, or the broader business skills needed to advise the biggest and the best, every single person at Ernst & Young has a

dedicated counselor and mentor to help them develop, look out for their best interests and push them to be even better.

you are not a numberYes, most of what we do involves numbers. But that doesn’t mean that’s all you are. Our clients want to deal with real people, not corporate clones, so individual personalities matter a lot.

Delivery to the highest standards, on time, every time ensures the flexibility to balance working life with a life outside of work and keep personalities personal.

make it happenIf you’re not looking for a graduate position just yet, think about taking part in our Work Experience, Summer Internship or Industrial Placement Programmes.

And if you’re ready now to get your career started, we’ve got what you need to turn what you could be, into what you are.

Please visit www.ey.com/uk/careers for more information.

ernst & young

www.ey.com/uk/careers

4 rp WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

SECTOR banking & FinanceRP

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Job title: Tax AdvisorDegree: Law University: Birmingham UniversityJoined Ernst & Young: June 2006

shell

Chongo Sokota

It’s a funny thing, potential. Everywhere you look there are things that could be great, that could be a cut above the rest. And that probably includes you. But things don’t just become great on their own - they need advice, support and guidance from people that know the territory inside out.

ernst & Young


sECtOR Banking & Finance RP

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A bigger stAge for your tAlentsPut your career first by joining KPMG, one of the UK’s leading employers of graduates. With specialist training and graduate opportunities across Europe, you’ll have the chance to shine in a role that’s right for you.

As one of the UK’s leading business advisors KPMG provides audit, tax and advisory services to a wide range of clients - from football clubs and governments to charities and major corporations.

The merger of the UK, German and Swiss firms to form KPMG Europe LLP will create the largest accountancy firm in Europe. This will not only enable us to look after the interests of our clients more effectively, but also offer our own people the opportunity to develop their careers on the international stage.

CAreer opportunitiesThere are over 20 graduate career paths to choose from within KPMG. We have graduate programmes across all three of our service areas - Audit, Tax and Advisory - as well as in business services like HR, Facilities and Sales and Marketing. Whichever of our structured programmes you join, you will enjoy high-quality, bespoke training.

Apply now

KpMg

www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates


SECTOR Accountancy & ActuarialRP

Areas of specialisation:• actuarial • assurance • corporatefinance • corporate recovery • financialaccounting • forensic accounting• internal audit • IT/technology• public sector • regulation • risk• tax • advisory

Salary: £competitive

Benefits:• bonus (discretionary) • car/allowance• gymmembership/subsidy • lifeassurance • pension scheme (withcompany contribution) • privatehealthcare • season ticket loan• days’ holiday – 25 • subsidised lunchallowance

Number of vacancies (UK): 1,000

Number of employees (worldwide):over 100,000

Internships: yes

When: all year

Degrees sought:• all degree disciplines

Locations: over 20 offices in the UK,nearly 150 offices worldwide

Apply to:www.kpmg.co.uk/careers

Closing date: open

KPMG in the UK is one of the leading firmsof business advisers. We offer audit, tax andadvisory services to a huge variety of clientorganisations – frommajor corporations togovernment departments, and from footballclubs to charities.

We are also one of the leading employers ofgraduates, providing a range of challengingand high-quality career opportunities toambitious people from every academicdiscipline.

This is an exciting and dynamic time to joinus. Themerger of our UK firm with otherKPMG European practices to create KPMGEurope will make us the largestaccountacny firm in Europe – capable notonly of meeting the needs of ourincreasingly global clients, but also giving arange of international challenges andopportunities to our own talented people.

A number of high-profile awards haverecognised KPMG in the UK’s success as anemployer, a service provider and amemberof the wider community. We have recentlybeen named one of the top three ‘Best bigcompanies to work for’ by The SundayTimes for the third year in a row, and wehave also been voted ‘Employer of the Year’by Accountancy Age. The CBI named us ‘BigFour Auditor of the Year’ for the third yearrunning, while our commitment toexcellence in CSR activities resulted in us

being awarded themaximum three ‘BigTicks’ by Business in the Community.

Just as importantly, we also maintained ourtrack record of consistently exceedingnational institutes’ average pass rates inICAEW, ACCA and CIPFA professional exams– a testament, we believe, to both the high-calibre people we recruit and the extensivesupport we provide at every stage.

You don’t need a business-related degree tojoin us, but you will need to meet our entryrequirements. These include at least 300UCAS Tariff points (or 24 UCAS points) and agrade A in GCSE Maths. Please notehowever, that for the Audit ACCA programmeyou will need 260 UCAS Tariff points (or 20UCAS points) plus a grade B in GCSE Maths.For our Tax programme, you will need gradeB GCSE Maths and 300 UCAS Tariff points (or24 UCAS points).

For all routes, you will need to be on courseto gain a 2.1 and will have goodcommunication skills, a real interest inbusiness and an ambitious approach toyour own professional development.

There are over 20 different graduate careerpaths to choose fromwithin KPMG, most ofwhich lead to highly respected and valuableprofessional qualifications. Full details ofthese career paths can be found on ourwebsite.

Applications accepted

CV&letter

EAF

Online

E-mail

Business facts

KPMG

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AuditThe largest of KPMG’s practices, Audit focuses on developing a deep understanding of organisations and helping to assure stakeholders that the published annual accounts are a ‘true and fair’ reflection of their financial positions. Our Audit programme allows you to develop broad-ranging commercial understanding, valuable technical skills and in-depth knowledge of different industry sectors.

tAx Tax is a challenging and rewarding area of KPMG that offers graduates a remarkably wide range of career paths. If you can bring the intellectual ability to stay ahead of a complex, demanding and constantly evolving field, Tax can give you excellent opportunities to work closely with important clients, developing valuable technical skills and genuine commercial insight.

AdvisoryGraduates play a key role in our Advisory teams. With us, you can experience varied projects and significant challenges. These could range from restructuring an underperforming business, to advising on which systems and technology might best suit a client’s commercial needs.

Find out more at kpmgcareers.co.uk/biggerstage

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Job title: Tax AssistantDegree: Mechanical Engineering with Business Management and French University: University of SurreyOffice: Salisbury Square, London

baron anyangwe

I preferred KPMG over the other Big Four firms because they seemed genuinely passionate about ensuring their employees’ happiness.

KPM

G


sECtOR Accountancy & Actuarial rP

I was attracted to KPMG for three main reasons: the large portfolio of

clients, the professional development, and the recognition of working

for a top firm. I preferred KPMG over the other Big Four firms because

they seemed genuinely passionate about ensuring their employees’

happiness. this is confirmed by the fact they’ve been named in the top

three “Best Big Companies to Work For” for the last three years.

since joining the firm in January 2006, I gained a range of experience,

from assisting clients with their annual tax returns to working in a team

providing tax advice to participants of a Group Litigation Order against the

Government. Because KPMG has a large portfolio of clients, I’ve also been

able to work with FtsE 100 companies in a variety of sectors including

pharmaceuticals, construction and retail.

My training involves a three-year programme to become a Chartered

Accountant and Chartered tax Advisor. the advice I’d give to potential

applicants is to think carefully about how attentive and supportive potential

employers will be to your needs. the work culture at KPMG is remarkable

and the firm is very supportive. I feel this is the competitive edge KPMG has

over other organisations.

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Logica is a leading IT and business services company, employing 39,000 people across 36 countries. It provides business consulting, systems integration, and IT and business process outsourcing services. Logica works closely with its customers to release their potential - enabling change that increases their effi ciency, accelerates growth and manages risk. It applies its deep industry knowledge, technical excellence and global delivery expertise to help its customers build leadership positions in their markets.

We recruit a signifi cant number of graduates in the UK each year. We have always recognised that graduates are essential to our success, as their ability to provide fresh ways of thinking andchallenge traditional ideas is vital to our future progress. We are interested in graduates with a strong background in information technology - including software development skills - combined with excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and an appreciation of the importance of customer service.

Logica

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SECTOR Information TechnologyRP

APPLY NOWwww.logica.com/ukgraduates

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sECtOR Information Technology RP

Job title: Bid Co-ordinatorDegree: BSc Computer Science, MSc Multimedia Information Systems, MPhil Integrated Multimedia Information Systems for ArchaeologistsUniversity: Brunel University

wendy day

This role has taught me a lot about working with people, how to probe for information and how to deal with change in the workplace.

I began my career as a Business Process Analyst on O2 Airwave. this involved integrating processes using Abydos Workflow into Remedy CRM system. I really enjoyed this role even though it was quite different from the software background

I was used to. In fact I saw it as a challenge and actually decided I would like to follow the career path and become a Business Analyst/Consultant.

Following on from this position, I applied for and secured a challenging role as a Business Process Engineer on a project to re-engineer processes for Bt’s core planners. I travelled the UK interviewing planners at telephone exchanges and observing the way they worked. It was my job to capture and document their ‘as is’ processes and re-engineer them into ‘to be’ processes, working with Bt senior management to define what these should be. the new processes would save time, money and integrate new systems developed by Bt. this role was very client facing and taught me a lot about working with people, how to probe for information and how to deal with change in the workplace. It also gave me valuable experience of writing documents and designing processes following a specific methodology. the big challenge was getting buy-in from the planners who were resistant to change. they weren’t fully aware of the benefits of following processes and why this would improve productivity and, most importantly, make their lives easier!

Recently, my career has changed slightly as I’ve expressed an interest in gaining experience of project management. I’ve therefore become involved with project finances and bid work within Energy, Utilities and telecoms. Currently I’m studying for a PRINCE II accreditation, while also supporting this with roles in junior project management. I’m keen to progress my career further in this direction and then decide where my interests lie – Project Management or Business Analysis? Who knows?

Logica

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PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is the one firm for all talented graduates. As one of the world’s largest professional services firms we have a lot to offer. Exciting opportunities, with an enviable range of clients - from public and private companies to governments and charities - we work in partnership with all our clients to create leading-edge solutions. Not only that, we have been voted the UK’s number one employer in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last four years. We believe this all adds up to make PwC the ideal employer for any budding business professional.

What you need to bringWhether your degree is art or science related, we offer breadth of career opportunity where you can build on the skills and experience you’ve gained at university, and tailor and develop your career. We expect a 2:1 and at least a 280 UCAS tariff. But just as important are the personal qualities, enthusiasm and ideas you bring.

What We offer youWe offer a wide range of possibilities within our business groups, each of which boasts an eye catching client list. Some of our groups are

renowned as breeding grounds for the best business minds in their field. Others are at the forefront of developments in the challenging e-business arena.

Wherever you join you’ll need to be prepared to work hard from day one and in return you will benefit from the development experience we invest in our people together with the breadth that the variety of work can offer. All this combined will give you what you need to excel both professionally and personally within a supportive business environment.

In return for your talent and commitment, we pay a competitive salary and have an innovative flexible benefits scheme.

hoW to applyDetailed information about our recruitment process, how to apply, and our online application forms can all be found at www.pwc.com/uk/careers/

Alternatively you can call us for a brochure and find out about other ways to apply.Call 0808 100 1500 or alternatively +44 (0)121 265 5852.

pricewaterhouseCoopers llp


SECTOR accountancy & actuarialRP

apply noWwww.pwc.com/uk/careers/

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Pricewa

terhouseCoop

ers LLP


sECtOR Accountancy & Actuarial RP

Job title: Executive (Assurance) - As of March 08 I will be an Executive in Corporate FinanceDegree: BSc Sports Science (Physiology) University: Liverpool John MooresJoined PwC: September 2005

katie

I found the training and support at PwC far superior to that offered by other firms.

WhAt did you Look foR When Choosing A CAReeR?I looked for a well respected company that would give me a recognised qualification at the end of my training and opportunities for a long career. I found the training and support at PwC far superior to that offered by other firms.

WhAt’s the best thing About WoRking At PWC? the flexibility it gives me. this is not a 9-5 job and there are times when you have to work long hours but hard work is rewarded with group outings (e.g. I’ve been to Paris, Barcelona, Dublin), flexibility around home commitments or even just time off to achieve challenges you have set yourself.

WhAt’s the WoRking AtmosPheRe Like? Every job is different; I work on big clients so I’m often in a team of 14 people. the atmosphere is great, there are always senior members to

learn from but there is also plenty of time within the day to have a laugh with your colleagues. When you start you’ll be placed in a year group and my intake has introduced me to some of my best friends!

PLAns foR the futuRe?I start a 6 month secondment to corporate finance next month. It’s something I’m really looking forward to as I’ll actually be working on the deals that are reported in the Ft! this is just one example of how PwC’s one firm attitude allows you to mould your career into anything or anywhere you want it to be.

WhAt’s the biggest ChALLenge you’ve fACed?Definitely getting through my professional exams – they are hard work and require a lot of effort and dedication but the celebrations on results night make it all worthwhile!

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Shell is one of the world’s most successful organisations, at the heart of the energy and petrochemical business, and committed to a business strategy that balances profits with principles.

We are dedicated to attracting, training, developing and rewarding world-class people for this truly world class business.

There are three routes into Shell for you to choose from. So it’s worth finding out more now, as you’ll be asked to select your preferred route during the early stages of the application process.

To get started, simply complete our online application form, attach your full CV and complete the two Shell questionnaires.

If successful at interview stage, you’ll be offered the chance to gain direct experience of Shell through one of three routes:

Option A: Shell Recruitment Day.Option B: Gourami Business Challenge.Option C: Internship.

You can find more information about these opportunities on our careers website, www.shell.com/careers

ContaCt details: 0845 600 1819Email: [email protected]

shell

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SECTOR engineeringRP

aPPly nowwww.shell.com/careers

REALP.08.CS.indd 12 6/3/08 12:03:38

Shell


sECtOR Engineering RP

Job title: Reservoir EngineerLocation: AberdeenStudied: MSc in Petroleum Engineering University: Imperial College LondonJoined Shell: December 2006

Simon

Why did you chooSE ShEll? As an Msc graduate in Petroleum Engineering, my

choice of career was naturally towards the oil

industry. the internship that I did with shell played a

central role in my decision to join the company,

because it gave me an accurate and true picture

of how the company works.

haS ShEll mEt With youR ExPEctationS?I knew that shell was a renowned multinational

company that could offer challenging projects and

many international opportunities. But it was only after

my internship that it took full meaning to me. Indeed,

I worked on the latest analysis technique developed

in well testing with the opportunity to apply it to

various oilfields over the world. I’ve also noticed the

impressive, balanced working environment that the

company provides. My department was at the same

time a business-competitive place where everyone

could progress and make important decisions from

day one, and a friendly community, where help and

cooperation were ever-present. those qualities and

the possibility for me to handle my own career were

definitely the main points that motivated me to

choose shell for a full-time position.

What iS youR cuRREnt RolE? I’m a Reservoir Engineer in charge of managing a

cluster consisting of three different fields. My work

includes daily reservoir surveillance in order to

ensure that operations are carried out safely and

that the reservoir behaviour is well understood – and

production optimisation, which includes analysis of

water injection strategy and reviewing of possible

opportunities over the fields.

PlEaSE dEScRibE a tyPical day: I work closely with the onshore and offshore team in

order to exchange essential information. My role is

to interpret data obtained from the field in order to

make prediction and to suggest the best strategy

for maximum production. I also closely monitor the

reservoir behaviour such as pressure evolution so

that operations are carried out safely.

What do you Enjoy moSt about youR job? I really like the way I get to work with people from

different disciplines. In fact, I learn a lot every day

thanks to them. From a technical point of view, I

really appreciate the fact that I was given the full

responsibility of a Reservoir Engineer on day one,

although my technical coach and peers were

always available for discussions if necessary.

What Would you likE to do in thE futuRE?In the short-term, I’d like to build up a solid

petroleum engineering background so that I can

tackle more and more challenging and exciting

projects. In the long-term, I’d like to focus more on

the coordination of multidisciplinary subsurface work

and field development proposals.

What advicE Would you givE SomEonE Who WaS thinking about aPPlying to ShEll?Because of its technical excellence, shell can

provide exciting and challenging projects that lead

to many opportunities. Moreover, the working

experience that you get with shell is extremely

valuable, as it’s one of the most successful

international oil companies. shell’s size and

international presence combined with the possibility

to handle your own career allow you to achieve

any goals you wish, as long as you have the

determination.

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Teach First is a unique two-year opportunity for you to be different and to achieve something special. Your energy, intelligence and creativity can transform the futures of students in challenging schools around the UK. At the same time Teach First is an opportunity to dramatically enhance your own career potential and to make a tangible difference to our society.

Consider the way your life has been changed by the education you have received. Knowledge and the tools to solve problems, insight and appreciation of the world around you, and above all opportunity. Imagine if you could help other young people to access all that.

Teach First takes exceptional graduates and transforms them into inspiring leaders – your leadership, inspiration and your example can be the key that unlocks the future for students confronted by a wide range of personal and social issues.

Your developmentAnd while you are transforming the lives of young people in schools around the country, Teach First will help you to maximise your own potential, discover new skills and build on those you already have. High-profile recruiters from all

sectors recognise that the skills and strategies developed in the classroom are highly relevant and applicable to management careers. That’s why over 80 companies, government agencies and public bodies back Teach First to develop top talent for the future. Put simply, if you can engage, manage and stimulate a class of under-performing teenagers, you can handle pretty well any situation in any business.

How it worksTeach First recruits high-calibre graduates for two years to train and qualify as teachers. Initially you will attend six weeks of intensive training at one of the UK’s leading teacher-training institutions before being assigned to a school. Parallel to your teaching experience you will participate in the Teach First leadership programme – designed and delivered in collaboration with our business supporters and education partners. This will further develop your leadership skills and provide you with valuable contacts, coaching and internship opportunities, and business training. And, as a Teach First Ambassador, you will continue to benefit from engagement with the Teach First network of supporters and alumni long after you complete the programme.

teach First


sECTOR teachingRP

applY nowwww.teachfirst.org.uk

REALP.08.CS.indd 14 6/3/08 12:04:08

RECRUITMENTVIDEO

Teach First


sECtOR Teaching RP

ConTaCT deTails14 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4JB T: 0844 880 1800F: 020 7900 3304E: [email protected]

WoRk loCaTionsLondon, the North West and the MidlandsDegree disciplines requiredAll disciplines – greatest demand in Maths, Science, English and ICT Entry requirementsMinimum 2.1 or above and 300 UCAS points (excluding General Studies).

REALP.08.CS.indd 15 28/2/08 12:04:30

Ernst & Young is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.The UK firm Ernst & Young LLP is a limited liability partnership and a member practice of Ernst & Young Global.

“I used to feel out ofmy depth...”

There’s nothing more exciting than doing something for the first time. And as yougrow your career you’ll be doing that a lot. What counts is the support to makesure you swim not sink. With structured career development and the personalguidance to make the most of it, we’ll give you the skills you need to stretch yourability and make the most of every situation.www.ey.com/uk/careers

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graduate careers 2008

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