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Welcome to the Graduate zone, please or |
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Grads speak - From the horse's mouthSearching for a new job and then settling into a brand new role can be a daunting prospect. Here some first jobbers from a variety of industries and roles share their experience of finding the right job and the highs and lows of their first year. Will Burton-Smith, Allocater, House of Fraser.
Degree in Business Management from Bournemouth University.Right at home with House of Fraser
I knew I wanted to work for a well known fashion retailer. House of Fraser impressed me with their professionalism during the interview process and I obviously impressed them!
Net that job
Dedicate a block of time to job hunting. It's hard to apply after work, you need to be on the spot and able to attend interviews, visit agencies and meet people. I gave up my job in Bournemouth to job hunt in London. It was a gamble but it paid off.
I don't like it...
I don't like doing the sales prep for the buyers. It involves analysing lots of figures and how products have performed.
Loving it...
I love seeing how the products I've selected perform. I've done a couple of tie buys for formal wear already.
James Matthews, Pre-sales Technical Support for Microsoft.
Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Japanese from the University of Leeds.Microsoft translates
I wanted to work for a blue chip and there's no bigger name than Microsoft. I remember the interviewer was impressed if not bewildered by my degree subject and it just got better from there.
Net that job
Hang out for the right job. It took me six months to get this because other companies tried to pigeon-hole me as a 'techie'.
I don't like it...
Getting the balance right between training and working. The training is very intense but at some time you think, when do I stop being a graduate and start doing a job?
Loving it...
Definitely the training. I've travelled to Munich, Seattle and Atlanta and been trained in everything from presentations to business acumen. The networking is excellent and when you travel for business, it's possible you'll know someone else in the city.
Lucy Orhial, Tax Assistant KPMG.
Degree in Economics from University College LondonFrom A-Z with KPMG
I went to lots of career fairs within my field. I knew I wanted to work for a company with a strong sense of professionalism but also where you could have fun. KPMG seemed the most human.
Net that job
I did lots of research in the careers library and at fairs. The most important thing is to know the role you are being interviewed for inside out and know you really want that job up front. That way you can't be caught out.
I don't like it...
You have to get used to accounting for your time and logging it in six minute time slots.
Loving it...
I really like the people here and it's not particularly hierarchical. The company is also very supportive during training for professional qualifications and I get dedicated study leave.
Shane Murphy, Trainee Marketer, Orange.
Degree in law and business from University of Dublin.The future's bright, the future's Orange
Orange is listed in the Times Top 100 employers and is one of the new style of companies that puts marketing at its centre. That appealed to me.
Net that job
Talk to absolutely everybody - family, friends and career advisers - about what they like about their jobs and what they don't.
I don't like it...
The part I struggle with most is the feeling you have to impress all the time. With the scheme I switch team and job every three months and so I have to keep on proving myself.
Loving it...
The responsibility. I was running a campaign after three months with the loyalty team!
Robert Nuttall, 22, Graduate Trainee, Balfour Beatty.
Degree in Civil Engineering (MEng) from Durham University.Constructive choice with Balfour Beatty
I joined Balfour Beatty because it is a well known and respected company that has a superb reputation both in the UK and abroad.
Net that job
Don't confine your search to a specific job with a specific company. There are many companies out there offering fantastic opportunities for Engineering graduates.
I don't like it...
The worst thing about the job is getting used to the ebb and flow of work in a commercial environment.
Loving it...
The best thing is having a lot of responsibility early on. It allows you to develop not only as an engineer but as a successful member and manager of a team.
For more information and advice on getting a new graduate job click here.
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