2. Please note that photographs may be taken at all UCL Careers Service events for use in
future publicity materials. Please speak to a member of Careers Service Staff if you have
any questions or concerns.
This publication can be provided in alternative formats upon request to UCL Careers
Service. Please email careers@ucl.ac.uk or telephone 020 7866 3600
3. Contents
How We Can Help You 2
Getting Started 5–8
Preparing Yourself 11 – 13
Pull-out Calendar 15 – 18
Applying 20 – 22
Specialist Advice 25 – 30
Careers Service Floorplan 31
4. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 2
How We Can Help You
Whether you have a good idea what you want to do after
graduating from UCL, or haven’t made firm plans yet, UCL Careers
Service can help. We offer advice on anything from “I have no
idea what I want to do” to “I know what job I want but need help
standing out from the crowd”. We don’t just help with graduate jobs
either. We can assist you if you are looking for internships or work
experience during your studies, whether that is paid employment
or volunteering. And of course we also help with further study and
funding advice and information too.
This programme is divided into colour-coded sections that you can refer to,
depending on the help you need.
Getting Started – contains details of how you can get to speak to a careers adviser,
careers events that enable you to meet employers and information that will help you
start thinking about your career in the careers information library.
Preparing Yourself – a little research and preparation can save you time and increase
your chances of success. This section tells you about skill development workshops run
by both careers advisers and employers. The workshops will help you to develop the
skills employers need as well as ensuring you can articulate them in applications.
Applying – in this section you can see a few of the ways we can help to make sure
that you have the best chance possible of standing out from the thousands of students
graduating each year. Find out how to get help with your CV, cover letter or application
form; how to get a practice interview; help with assessment centres as well as where
to look for vacancies for both UK and international jobs.
We also recognise that some student groups need bespoke advice and services.
The section entitled ‘Specialist Advice’ details the programmes we run for such
groups as postgraduate students, international students, UCL graduates and
research staff.
In addition, every department at UCL has a dedicated careers adviser. Careers
advisers run bespoke activities such as talks about careers you can do with your
chosen subject or drop in advice sessions in your department. To find out which
careers adviser is responsible for your department visit:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/aboutus/team
We do try to meet the needs of all our users. We are very keen to gather your
feedback on our events and services. If you would like to send us a comment
or suggestion, please do so via the Suggestion Box at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/feedback
Karen Barnard
Head of UCL Careers Service
5. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 3
Careers Support Available
Getting Preparing Applying Page
Started Yourself numbers
Careers Information Library
6, 11, 21
Offering you a variety of resources to help you through each stage.
Talk to a Careers Adviser
A 15-minute short guidance session with a careers adviser will help 5
you explore your options or deal with careers related issues.
Fairs
Meet employers and recent graduates at fairs targeted to a particular 7
sector or theme.
Sector Themed Weeks
A number of week-long events enabling you to hear from professionals 8
working in a wide range of areas, from arts to science.
Employer Presentations
Meet a variety of employers and learn about their opportunities. 8
Skills4Work
Helping you to understand and develop the skills desired by 12
employers in all fields.
Focus on Management
Exercise your business skills in a series of case studies, with a team 13
manager from industry.
Personality Profiling Workshops
Understand more about your own and others’ personalities. Useful for 12
improving your performance in group activities.
Competitions and Business Challenges
Find out about competitions and interactive business challenges 13
offered by graduate recruiters.
CV & Application Checking
Get your CV, application form or cover letter checked either by an 20
employer or specialist application adviser.
Mock Assessment Centres
Learn about recruiters’ assessment methods and take part in 21
interactive exercises.
Jobs / Internships
Useful websites for finding jobs, internships and voluntary opportunities 22
in the UK and overseas.
7. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 5
Getting Started
This section will provide you with some tips on how
to take the first step towards planning your future.
You may not have thought about what you want to do
after leaving UCL or perhaps you have an idea but
you are not sure how to get there. This section details
how we can help you to research your options.
Talk to a Careers Adviser
One of the first things you can do to get started is see a professional careers adviser.
They have all had previous careers in a variety of different areas and this, combined
with their training, experience and regular visits to and from employers puts them in a
great position to help you navigate your way around jobs and careers.
Short Guidance Session
An easy way to talk to a Careers Adviser is by booking a 15-minute ‘Short
Guidance Session’. You can discuss any career related issue, such as:
• decisions about what to do after UCL, for example choosing between work
and further study
• options related to your degree
• planning your next steps to get where you want to be
• how to get work experience and internships
• changing or leaving your course
• how to market your degree to employers
Short Guidance Sessions are available from Monday to Thursday, 10am -12noon
and 2-4.45pm in term time and 2-4.45pm in vacations. We only offer same day
bookings to ensure availability of slots at short notice. To book a slot you can either
come to the Careers Service in person (we open at 9.30am) or call 020 7866 3602.
We do recommend booking as early as possible as there are a limited number of
slots available.
We also offer Long Guidance Sessions of up to an hour for those who need longer
than 15 minutes. These sessions are available by referral of the careers adviser
after a 15 minute session.
If you would prefer, questions can also be submitted online and a careers adviser will
respond by email. For more information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/advice
8. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 6
Getting Started
Careers Information Library
We provide a variety of resources* and tools to help you think about your next steps
after your course and explore the wide range of options open to you…
• books and helpsheets highlighting general options for graduates including
typical career destinations and common postgraduate / further study routes
• bespoke guides focussing on options based on your level of study
(Undergraduate, Masters or PhD) or based on your degree discipline
• UCL specific information on destinations of graduates from your course in
previous years (such as jobs entered with which companies or what/where
graduates have gone on to study)
• links to online career planning tools plus guidelines on using them
• information on employment law, workplace discrimination and equal
opportunities issues
Find out more at: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/information
*available either at the Careers Service or through our online Careers Library –
Careers Tagged. Many resources are free to take away or download.
Careers Fairs at UCL
Our fairs allow you to chat to senior managers, graduate recruiters and UCL alumni
about jobs, selection procedures and what they are looking for from you. You can
compare and contrast what different employers have on offer in one place at one time
and ask the individual questions that matter to you.
Our fairs focus on specific industry sectors. You do not need to be studying a particular
discipline to attend but please do check our online catalogues for individual employers’
requirements. We have two brand new Fairs this year, focusing on Management
Consultancy and Marketing & Fast Moving Consumer Goods. Find out which
employers will be attending the fairs, and keep up with relevant news and views,
at the online fair catalogues at www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/fairs
All fairs are evening events and take place in the Wilkins Building on the main
UCL campus.
9. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 7
Getting Started
Wednesday 5 October 2011 (5.30-8pm)
Management Consultancy Fair – Sponsored by Accenture
Focus on Law Week
Strategy, Business Process, Financial Services, IT, HR and Brand Consultancy.
Exhibitors include: Booz & Co; Cap Gemini; Ernst & Young; McKinsey & Company; In the lead up to the Law Fair, we
Oliver Wyman; PA Consulting; Qedis. will be hosting a series of lunchtime
forums for students of any discipline
Thursday 13 October 2011 (5-7.30pm) interested in law careers. The series
Engineering Fair – Sponsored by TARGETjobs Engineering includes a specific presentation on
Chemical, Civil & Environmental, Electronic & Electrical and Mechanical Engineering a career in law for non-law students,
and Construction. plus presentations from practitioners
Exhibitors include: Astrium; Atkins; BAE Systems; ; Network Rail; Thales Group; on current and key aspects of both
the training and the work of Solicitors
Transport for London.
and Barristers. The final forum of the
week offers a recruiter’s useful hints
Monday 17 October 2011 (5-8pm)
on making the most of the UCL
Investment Banking Fair – Sponsored by Citi Law Fair.
Capital Markets, Fund Management, Investment Banking, Risk Management, Sales,
Trading & Research, Shared Services, Wealth Management and more. Focus on Law Week will be held
Exhibitors include: Barclays Capital; Blackrock; J.P. Morgan; Morgan Stanley; on Monday 31 October – Friday
Nomura; UBS. 4 November 2011.
Thursday 20 October 2011 (5-7.30pm) Topics for the forums will be:
IT and Technology Fair – Sponsored by Accenture Training and Practice as a Solicitor;
IT Consultancy, Programming, Software Engineering, Technical Support, Training and Practice as a Barrister;
A Career in Law for Non-Law
Telecommunications, Web Design and more.
Graduates; Law Practice in Different
Exhibitors include: The App Business; Bloomberg; BT; Double Negative Visual Effects;
Environments; Making the Most of
Ericsson; IBM; Samsung.
the UCL Law Fair.
Tuesday 25 October 2011 (5-7.30pm) For more information, see:
Finance and Economics Fair – Sponsored by Ernst & Young www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/
Audit, Actuarial, Banking, Economic Consulting, Economic Research, Insurance, getinto
Investment Management, Management Consulting, Tax and more.
Exhibitors include: American Express; Bank of England; FSA; Grant Thornton;
Institute for Fiscal Studies; Lloyd’s; National Audit Office; PwC; Towers Watson.
Thursday 27 October 2011 (5.30-8pm)
Marketing & FMCG Fair
Marketing, Advertising, Brand Management and Retail.
Exhibitors include: Google; Incisive Media; Procter & Gamble; Sainsbury’s
Supermarkets Trip Advisor; Unilever.
Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 November 2011 (5.30-8pm)
Law Fair – Sponsored by The College of Law and Freshfields
Barristers, Course Providers, Government, Professional Services, Solicitors
NB You do not need to be studying Law to attend as most of the organisations
are keen to recruit both Laws and non-Laws students.
Exhibitors include: Bar Council / Inns of Court; Blackstone Chambers; Clifford Chance;
Government Legal Service; Herbert Smith; Slaughter and May; Weil Gotshal
and Manges.
10. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 8
Getting Started
Sector Themed Weeks
Attending events in a themed week can be an excellent way of learning more
about a sector and getting a feel for the types of role and organisations within a
professional field.
Events run throughout the week and include panel discussions / presentations and
information sessions. They provide an ideal opportunity to ask specific questions
to recruiters, alumni and career advisers to gain a better understanding of what
employers actually look for in that sector.
Sector Themed Weeks for 2011–12 are as follows:
• Law 31 October – 4 November
• Science 31 October – 4 November
• Academia 21 – 25 November
• Museums, Cultural Heritage and The Arts 5 – 9 December
• Charities and NGOs 6 – 10 February
• Environment 20 – 24 February
• International Careers 5 – 9 March
• The Media 12 – 16 March
Visit www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/getinto for more information.
Employer Presentations
Many recruiters come onto campus to deliver presentations throughout the Autumn
and Spring terms to publicise their company and recruitment opportunities to UCL
students and graduates.
Presentations of up to an hour are typically held at either 1pm or 5.30pm and provide
an ideal opportunity for students / graduates to meet representatives from specific
organisations to find out about the company, their recruitment process, opportunities
available and what it’s like to work for them.
The full programme of presentation dates and times can be found on our website
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/presentations, which is updated throughout the year.
Employer Presentations held off campus for UCL students will be advertised in the
same place. Presentations are very popular, so it is important to pre-register if you
would like to attend.
Alert!
To be first to hear about careers events
for UCL students and to receive job
vacancies that match your preferences,
sign up to UCLAlert...
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/alert
11. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 9
Alumni Profiles – What UCL Alumni are Doing Now...
Sara Hussein Upesh Dabasia
Public Sector Advisor, KPMG Graduate Electrical Engineer
Economics, 2008 MEng(Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering, 2010
I was attracted to KPMG because of its vastness, both in I’ve had a strong inclination towards a career in engineering
terms of service offering and global reach. KPMG has a for as long as I can remember; this intensified during my time
remarkable reputation, with even those not in the industry at UCL. Towards the end of my studies I knew that I wanted a
having heard of the name. On starting my first project I practical job which would enable me to get my hands dirty out
realised the credibility that belonging to such a company in the field. Moreover, I wanted to work for a company which
gives you. I thought my age would mean that I would not be gave importance to my own development.
taken seriously, but I was interviewing the Finance Director
of a local council in my second week! Network Rail’s graduate scheme appeared to meet all my
requirements. Graduate engineers are expected to develop
Working with the public sector means I get to work with some and work towards professional registration; this is achieved
of the most influential organisations and experience both through a programme of tailored placements, each lasting 6-9
private and public sector life. Although I am only in my second months, providing a breadth of knowledge and experience
year, I have a lot of responsibility and autonomy. Only last that meets the competencies outlined in the UK-SPEC.
weekend I was sent to Berlin to oversee the roll-out of the
programme. This is not usually a role undertaken by someone Having commenced work in September, I spent the first six
of my grade, but if you are able to demonstrate the necessary months learning about the organisation. This took place
capabilities you will be given opportunities that stretch you. largely ‘on the job’ through a three month placement in
Infrastructure Maintenance which offered the chance to
I was drawn to management consultancy as I get bored work on track. Such hands-on opportunities are exactly
quite easily. Therefore, project based work was perfect for what I had hoped for and have provided me with real insight
me. Every few months I am working at a different company, into the business. I later spent two months developing
in another role and with a new team of people. My roles an understanding of Infrastructure Projects and Asset
so far have included cost reduction, process improvement, Management.
stakeholder management, evaluation and project
Currently I am working on a project looking at modelling
management. I have worked within the education, local
high voltage (HV) distribution networks. I’ve investigated
government and central government sectors.
the viability of implementing a new modelling software suite
to upgrade current systems; as part of the process I am
One piece of advice I would give students is any work
responsible for developing a model of the existing network
experience is valuable. From working part-time on a shop
infrastructure in the software for the Southern region. This
floor to an internship on the trading floor of a bank, I learnt
model will continue to be used for many years to come.
that communication was my forte. This allowed me to
make an educated career choice as I knew I wanted to do The opportunities and support offered to Network Rail’s
something client-facing. Examples throughout your working graduate engineers have completely surpassed my
life are also great at demonstrating your skill set during expectations; as this is a graduate scheme accredited by the
interviews. IET, I am confident that I am well on my way to becoming
a chartered engineer, an achievement that will significantly
broaden my career horizons in the future.
www.kpmg.com
www.networkrail.co.uk
13. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 11
Preparing Yourself
Once you have decided what you want to do next, you need to give
yourself the best chance of succeeding in your application, which
means being prepared to demonstrate the skills that recruiters are
looking for. This section suggests the ways that we can help you
to identify your strong points and develop evidence of your skills for
CVs, applications and interviews.
Careers Information Library
Whatever your next step, we have a wealth of resources* to help you research
your chosen path...
Research Different Careers
Industry and job specific guides will give you details of the current labour market,
working conditions, entry requirements, relevant professional bodies and sources
of vacancies. We also stock employer directories for sectors popular with UCL
students to help you research key players and who does what.
Further / Postgraduate Study
General advice helpsheets, course directories, university ranking guides, funding
information and a selection of other publications are available to help you through
the process.
Work or Study Abroad
Country specific guides covering work experience / gap year jobs, industrial
placements and graduate opportunities, studying internationally, visa/work permit
requirements and general information on living overseas.
Find out more at: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/information
*available either at the Careers Service or through our online Careers Library –
Careers Tagged. Many resources are free to take away or download.
14. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 12
Preparing Yourself
UCL Skills4Work
Sponsored by
We are extremely pleased to be supporting the Skills4Work programme again
this year which we feel strongly enables students to develop their employability
skills for the future. Here at Deloitte we offer graduate careers within Audit, Tax,
Consulting, Corporate Finance and Technology. We welcome applications from
all degree disciplines, so to find out more, visit www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates
Your degree from UCL will put you in a very strong position when looking for your first
graduate job, but employers will be looking for evidence of a much wider range of skills
and experience. Skills4Work is a programme of workshops, panel discussions and
coaching that will help you communicate the value of your whole university experience
to employers and understand the importance of the “soft” skills they are looking for.
We have teamed up with the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) to ensure
that the topics covered reflect the priorities of a wide range of employers. Titles in
this year’s programme include ‘Commercial Awareness’, ‘Leadership’, ‘Marketing
Yourself To Recruiters’ and ‘Presenting and Influencing’. We will also cover the
essentials of writing effective CVs and applications, succeeding at interviews and
assessment centres.
All Skills4Work sessions are all delivered by guest recruiters, who can give you first
hand advice on how employers expect you to provide evidence of your skills.
To sign up to any of these events, please go to www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/workshops
Personality Profiling Workshops
These workshops will give you an insight into your own personality and how you may
differ from others. This can help you to gain a better understanding of how to work
effectively in a team and will be useful if you are considering a leadership role in
the future.
Understanding the similarities and differences between yourself and others will help
Alert!
you to interact positively in group discussions, which are often used during employer
assessment days as part of the recruitment process. Personality profiling workshops
can also help you to identify the types of work and working environments that you
may enjoy.
The profiling tool that is used by the Careers Service is the well established
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). To be first to hear about careers events
for UCL students and to receive job
Please note that there is a £5 fee for participation to cover the cost of materials. vacancies that match your preferences,
To view the timetable of sessions and to book a place, please see: sign up to UCLAlert...
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/mbti
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/alert
15. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 13
Preparing Yourself
Focus on Management
Focus on Management is a two day non-residential course offering you a unique
opportunity to develop your employability skills by working on business case studies
alongside team managers from a wide range of industry sectors.
This demanding but challenging course will enhance your CV, help develop your
commercial awareness and give you plenty to talk about in interviews.
During the course you will:
• analyse a range of business case studies and learn about different approaches
to problem solving. Last year, participants worked on case studies provided by
BT, Citi, L’Oreal, and PricewaterhouseCoopers
• meet team managers from public and private sector organisations and learn
first hand about what they do
• collaborate with students from a range of degree backgrounds in
group exercises
The course is sponsored by an employer (for 2010 this was BT) who also provides
keynote speakers to talk about the challenges of ‘Managing in a Commercial
Environment’ and ‘How to Tackle Case Studies’.
For further information and details of how to apply, go to:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/focus
Competitions and Business Challenges
Alongside the range of workshops and activities we hold at the Careers Service,
there are also a host of competitions and interactive business challenges offered
by graduate recruiters. As an individual or in a team, you can enter employer led
competitions to compete with students from across the UK and Internationally.
You may be asked to be to present an innovative solution to a panel of judges,
write a convincing argument in an essay or news article or develop a lucrative
business proposal.
Competitions offer an exciting way for you to gain invaluable experience and industry
knowledge as well as showcasing your talents, learning from professional mentors and
developing your skills. Succeeding in an employer-led challenge can even lead to a
job interview with the company.
To help you find a competition that suits your interests, we have created a webpage
which is regularly updated with new opportunities. For more information, please visit:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/competitions
17. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 15
Calendar
2011/12
Careers Calendar Pull Out… Pin Up…
Throughout the Year… Skills4Work Programme: Personality Profiling Workshops:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/mbti
Events: Learn more about the skills that recruiters If you want to develop your teamworking
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events look for in potential employees, by and leadership skills by finding out what
The wall calendar side of this pullout coming along to an employer-led Q&A makes yourself and others ‘tick’, come to
highlights dates of major events in the session, skill development workshop a personality profiling (MBTI) workshop.
Careers Service Programme which or mock assessment centre, or have The skills you learn will also be useful
only happen once throughout the year. a 1-1 session to develop application or for ‘group exercises’ that employers
Remember though, we are open all year interview techniques. The programme commonly use in assessment centres.
round and there are a wide range of runs throughout the Autumn and Sessions are held regularly throughout
other events which take place throughout Spring terms and is supported by the year during term time.
the year which can be found on our the Association of Graduate
online events listings… Recruiters (AGR). Practice Aptitude Tests:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/information/
UCLAlert: International Students’ Programme: aptitudetests
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/alert www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/international You can take full length, timed online
Registration with this service is simple. A series of workshops throughout the numeracy and verbal reasoning tests,
Log into your My Careers Service Autumn and Spring terms designed similar to those used by a wide range
account, set your profile to receive to support international students. of graduate recruiters. You can
Job Alerts and tell us what types of job These cover a range of topics such as: complete these at any time of the year
you’re interested in. We’ll then keep understanding the UK graduate labour and receive immediate feedback on
you informed of any relevant news or market; postgraduate study options; visa your performance.
forthcoming events that you should find and work permit advice; applications and
useful. Alert subscribers are the first to interviewing techniques. Job Vacancies:
find out when booking is available for all www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/jobs/
events so if you don’t register, you may Postgraduate Students’ Programme: Updated daily throughout the year,
miss out… www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers our online Jobs Board advertises work
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/masters experience, internships, voluntary work
Employer Presentations Programme: A series of workshops throughout the and graduate jobs.
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/ Autumn and Spring terms designed to
presentations support postgraduate students. These
Meet employers from a wide range of cover a range of topics such as: career
sectors and learn about the opportunities planning; applications and interview
they can offer you. Presentations run techniques.
throughout the Autumn and Spring terms.
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers
18. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 16
Careers Calendar
September December
What’s Going On? (Major events) What’s Going On? (Major events)
• 28-30 Careers Service Lunchtime Tour • 5-9 Museums, Cultural Heritage & The Arts Themed Week
• 29 & 30 Freshers’ Fayre
Help Yourself To... (Free, take-away career guides) February
• Employer Directories – company info, graduate jobs and
internship listings for 2012 in all sectors. (Titles Include: What’s Going On? (Major events)
Times Top 100; Finalist Directory; Prospects Directory; • 6-10 Charities and NGOs Themed Week
Get; Guardian UK 300, Postgraduate Directory) • 20-24 Environment Themed Week
• Postgraduate Funding Guide
• Prospects Law
March
October What’s Going On? (Major events)
• 5-9 International Careers Themed Week
What’s Going On? (Major events) • 12-16 Media Themed Week
• 3-5 Careers Service Lunchtime Tour
• 5 Management Consultancy Fair Help Yourself To...
• 13 Engineering Fair • Postgrad Magazine Issue 2 (Info on PG study options)
• 17 Investment Banking Fair
• 20 IT & Technology Fair
• 25 Finance & Economics Fair May
• 27 Marketing & FMCG Fair
• 31 (to 4 November) Focus on Law Week What’s Going On? (Major events)
• 31 (to 4 November) Science Themed Week • 28-31 Class of 2012 Week
Help Yourself To...
Help Yourself To... • Postgrad Magazine Issue 3 (Info on PG study options)
• Prospects Finalist (Careers Magazine)
• Postgrad Magazine Issue 1 (Info on PG study options)
• Industry Specific Sector Guides by various publishers June
(Includes: City and Finance; Management Consultancy;
IT Patent Attorneys; Engineering and Technology; What’s Going On? (Major events)
Construction, Quantity Surveying & Civil Engineering; • Focus on Management Course (Date to be confirmed)
Property; Work Experience Law; Conversion and
Vocational Law; Teaching)
• Work Experience guides (by various publishers)
November
What’s Going On? (Major events)
• 1-4 (plus 31October) Science Themed Week
• 14 & 15 Law Fair
• 21-25 Academic Themed Week
Help Yourself To...
• Vacation Opportunities (Internships / work
experience directory)
• Training Contract and Pupillage Handbook
• Chambers and Partners Student Guide
19. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 17
Careers Calendar
September 2011 February
Top Tips M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5
• Sign up to UCLAlert to ensure 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
you are first to hear about events,
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
jobs and news relevant to your
interests: www.ucl.ac.uk/ 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
careers/alert 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29
• Speak to a Careers Adviser
about your options: October March
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/advice
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
31 1 2 1 2 3 4
• For help researching anything
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
careers or further study related,
have a look at our online careers 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
library, Careers Tagged: 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
www.careerstagged.co.uk
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30
• Once you have finished your
course, don’t forget to join
November April
GradClub to extend your usage
of the Careers Service for two M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6 30 1
more years:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/gradclub 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
December May
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31
January 2012 June
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 1 2 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30
30 31
20. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 18
My Careers Service
My Careers Service is a Careers Management Portal from UCL Careers
Service to manage your event bookings and to keep your UCLAlert!
preferences up to date.
How Do I Log In? How Do I Use It?
The username you need to use is your full email address UCLAlert!:
exactly as shown in the UCL directory (www.ucl.ac.uk/ Use “My Account/My Profile” in the banner toolbar to check
directory). Other email addresses will not work. your personal profile details and edit/update where necessary.
You should then add Skills and Job Industry Preferences
At the Log In page, you should use the “Reset Password” and select “yes” to receive “JobAlerts” to benefit from the
link to have your password emailed to you when logging in for UCLAlert! service.
the first time as this is not the same password that you use
for other UCL IT systems. Event Bookings:
When booking/registration for each event opens, you can log in
Can’t Log In? to My Careers Service and use the Calendar to see details
of bookable events and register. Use the I want to…/View My
If your email as detailed above isn’t recognised, please tell Activity to check details of bookings or to cancel them if you’re
us so that we can create an account for you – DO NOT later unable to attend.
REGISTER A NEW ACCOUNT.
GradClub members will need to validate their GradClub card
before using My Careers Service to register for UCL Careers
Service events.
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/mycareersservice
Alert!
To be first to hear about careers events
for UCL students and to receive job
vacancies that match your preferences,
sign up to UCLAlert...
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/alert
22. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 20
Applying
Now that you are ready to apply for your chosen job, postgraduate
course or voluntary position, there are a few things you should
think about before sending off that application. This section
explains how we can assist you during the application process,
whether you need to perfect your CV or application form, practice
your interview technique or prepare for further selection methods.
We can help you ensure you stand out from the other 250,000
students graduating each year!
CV and Application Checking
The CV or application form is often the very first contact that an organisation will have
with you when assessing you against their criteria for a job or further study. For this
reason it is vital to get it right and we have several ways to make sure you apply as
effectively as possible.
…With a Specialist Application Adviser. Firstly you can book an appointment to
get your application checked by a specialist application adviser. The advisers are fully
trained to ensure they know what organisations across the sectors are looking for and
can then help you to market your experience, skills and education to the best effect.
Appointments are available from Monday to Thursday, 10am-12noon and 2-4.45pm
in term time and 2-4.45pm in vacations. We only offer same day bookings to ensure
availability of slots at short notice. To book a slot you can either come to the Careers
Service in person (we open at 9.30am) or call 020 7866 3602. We do recommend
booking as early as possible as there are a limited number of slots available.
…With an Employer. We have also arranged for employers to come in and provide
regular sessions on checking CVs and application forms so you can receive immediate
feedback from a graduate recruiter’s perspective.
For more information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/applications
Practice Interviews
If you feel you would benefit from practicing some example interview questions and
getting some feedback on your performance, you should come in for a practice
interview.
…With a Careers Adviser. The adviser will be able to help with any concerns you
may have such as how you come across, how to structure your answers or how to
deal with those difficult questions. Practice interviews are available all year around to
those with a confirmed ‘real’ interview and last up to an hour.
… With an Employer. Practice interviews are also available at certain times of year
with employers who are drawn from a range of different career sectors. These are
available whether or not you have a real interview pending and are a great way of
finding out first-hand what employers are looking for.
For more information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/interviews
23. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 21
Applying
Careers Information Library
When making that first contact with employers, whether through networking
events, with your CV, formal applications or through speculative letters, our
resources* will tell you all you need to know to make a good first impression…
We also provide a wide range of materials* to help you prepare for aptitude tests,
interviews, assessment centres and other selection methods…
• DVDs on networking, applications, interviews and assessment centres
• general helpsheets and guides covering all stages of the application and
interview process
• more in-depth reference and loan books including a range of titles with sample
interview questions, assessment centre exercise examples and practice
aptitude tests
• student to student feedback on interview experiences
• employer literature and sector specific guides which include application tips
and interview preparation advice
• links to websites which offer sample aptitude tests
• full, online Verbal and Numeracy tests similar to those used by many graduate
recruiters with automated feedback on your results and tips for improving
performance
Find out more at: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/information
*available either at the Careers Service or through our online Careers Library –
Careers Tagged. Many resources are free to take away or download.
Assessment Centres
An assessment centre is a selection exercise used by many larger employers,
where you will be asked to complete a range of different activities. These usually
include an interview, a presentation and a group discussion, though this list is far
from exhaustive!
To help you prepare for what may well be an entirely new way of being assessed we
will be running some practice assessment centres in the reading week of the 2010
Autumn Term, with employers running some of their sample exercises and giving you
constructive feedback. In order to make these really interactive, spaces will be limited
so make sure you sign up early at: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/skills/assessmentcentres
24. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 22
Applying
Looking for Jobs
If you are looking for graduate roles, internships, work experience or voluntary work
in the UK or globally, visit our jobs page: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/jobs. This includes
information on and links to the services listed below.
Alert!
UCLAlert!
By subscribing to UCLAlert!, you can receive information by email about job vacancies
and career events that closely match your preferences. Register now to receive
targeted emails of job opportunities straight to your inbox!
To be first to hear about careers UCL JobOnline
events for UCL students and to
receive job vacancies that match UCL JobOnline is a vacancy search engine that enables UCL students and graduates
your preferences, sign up to to find career opportunities. Jobs listed on this site range from internships, part-time
UCLAlert... work, voluntary work and work experience to full time graduate positions.
This service is free to access exclusively to members of the UCL community.
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/alert
International JobOnline
Find hundreds of employers looking to target UCL graduates on International
JobOnline. Whether you are an international student looking for work back ‘home’
when you graduate, or a UK student looking to gain experience outside of the UK,
International JobOnline is a great place to find all the information you need. As well as
all the best and most up-to-date vacancies around the globe, IJO features the latest
details on UK immigration law and country specific labour market information.
Careers Tagged
Our online careers resource library provides listings of a huge range of recruitment
agencies and online job sites.
Also at UCL
UCLU JobShop
JobShop is UCLU’s free student job service. Find part-time, temporary and vacation
work throughout your time at UCL. Browse through current vacancies on their website:
www.uclunion.org/find-a-job
UCL Volunteering Services Unit (VSU)
For volunteering opportunities with local not-for-profit organisations.
Contact the VSU directly for more details.
Email: volunteering@ucl.ac.uk Website: www.uclunion.org/volunteers
25. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 23
Alumni Profiles – What UCL Alumni are Doing Now...
Paul Oxley Kafilat Agboola
Consultant Faculty Head of Science, Walthamstow Academy
BSc Economics, 2005/2006 BSc Human Sciences, 2003-2006
So, there I was, back in 2006, proud owner of an economics Why did you apply to Teach First?
degree from Warwick Uni. Mortar board photo sat on my It was the Teach First mission that initially attracted me
parents’ piano. What next? I’d trailed around the careers to apply – having the opportunity to improve educational
fairs, eaten the free sweets, and wondered what to do with outcomes in the classroom as well as develop leadership
my life. Then I spied the colourful balloons of Oxera, and skills and gain an insight into social enterprise. When I left
was attracted by the variation it offered, the multiple sectors UCL I wanted to get as broad a range of experiences as
it works in, and the insightful articles I’d read in its online possible and Teach First was perfect for that.
publication, Agenda. From the start, they lived up to the
promises in the careers brochure–I was immediately involved What has been your biggest impact?
in actual project work, initially for a rail franchise bid. This Improving the results for GCSE Science in my school by
was swiftly followed by promotion from Analyst to Consultant 25%. Also it is just fantastic seeing students learn to love
and then, in 2008/09, wishing to hone my skills in industrial Science, being enthused and seeing the relevance to their
organisation and econometrics, I took a year out to study do everyday lives.
the MSc Economics course at UCL.
How did you find the training?
Day-to-day I work primarily in Oxera’s Transport team The six week Summer Institute is where you are given the
with companies and regulators in the aviation, rail and bus initial training before you start teaching in September. You are
sectors. Some of our work assists clients in their commercial prepared for what to expect when you get in the classroom
activities, but we also get involved topical and influential and develop skills and strategies to equip you as a classroom
policy work. Recently as part of a team, I prepared a report teacher. I met loads of good friends, got exposure to different
for the House of Common’s Transport Select Committee speakers and was really inspired to get started.
reviewing the government’s High Speed Rail programme.
We’ve also helped to influence amendments to a European Why would you recommend Teach First to other students?
Commission Directive on rail access charging, following our Teach First gives you a fantastic opportunity to make a
reports being read by Commission officials and MEPs. difference in education, and improve the life opportunities of
Asides from transport, I’ve had the opportunity to work in students who really need your help. After two years on the
several other sectors on some topical issues, from sports Leadership Development Programme you can either stay in
broadcasting rights, extended warranties and even the music the classroom or move on to a different career, but you take
industry! with you a skill-set that you’re unlikely to get from any other
graduate scheme.
But the best aspect of being at Oxera is the people I get to
work with. My colleagues are diverse, exceptionally bright www.teachfirst.org.uk
and genuinely fun people to spend time with. I have learnt a
lot from them and continue to do so. Working at Oxera is an
opportunity to engage with some of the sharpest economic
minds, and looking back to those early days after graduating,
I know I made the right choice.
www.oxera.com
27. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 25
Specialist Advice
UCL Careers Service offers specialist careers support and runs
bespoke careers activities for the following groups:
• International students – page 25
• Masters and PhD students – pages 26-28
• Research staff – page 28
• GradClub – page 30
Please refer to the relevant page for further details on what we can offer you.
International Students Programme
Whether you are thinking of working in the UK during or after your studies, returning
back home or are considering postgraduate study, the Careers Service is here to
support you. We have developed a bespoke programme of careers talks and events
that address your specific needs.
Throughout the year you can attend careers talks on subjects such as:
• writing effective CVs and applications for the UK
• understanding the UK job market
• visa options post-graduation
• marketing your UK experience at home and internationally
• succeeding at interviews and assessment centres in the UK
• postgraduate study and funding
• working while you study
You can also attend specific events that bring you in contact with UK and international
employers. The International Students Blog will keep you up to date with relevant
news, events and issues – follow us at: http://uclcareersservice.wordpress.com/
international-students
For more information about the International Students Careers Programme, please
visit: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/international
We are aware that many of you may be interested in pursuing your career back home
or indeed internationally. We have developed International JobOnline which contains
graduate vacancies and internships outside the UK. You can also obtain country
specific labour market information. Please visit: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/international
28. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 26
Specialist Advice
Masters Students’ Workshops
Each year the Careers Service runs a series of information sessions and workshops
aimed at the needs of Masters students. These will be useful to you whether your aim
is to get a job on completion of your course or if you are aiming to stay in academia.
A range of topics are covered and you are welcome to attend all or some of
them. Topics covered are:
Career Planning & Job Hunting
• Explore techniques to help you generate viable options and to make effective
decisions about what to do when you complete your Masters programme
• Examine a variety of methods people use to find relevant positions, from
responding to formal job adverts to making contacts with key people who
can help you uncover hidden opportunities
How to Find and Fund a PhD
• What is a PhD and how best to source opportunities for PhD study
• Deadlines for applications and broad tips about what is different about
applications and interviews for PhDs
• Sources of funding, including public funding bodies and employers
Writing Effective Applications
• How to identify the ‘added value’ skills that you have gained during your
Masters course
• How best to market your Masters qualification on a CV
• How to fill in the open-ended questions or personal statement of an
application form
Succeeding at Interviews & Assessment Centres
• Find out what employers are really looking for during the interview process
• How to answer ‘difficult’ questions
• How to successfully tackle the typical exercises that are used in assessment
centres
Workshops are held in Autumn and early Spring terms, for a timetable and to sign up,
please see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/masters
29. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 27
Specialist Advice
PhD Students’ Workshops
We co-ordinate a range of workshops aimed at the specific needs of UCL’s PhD
community. Some are run by Careers Advisers and some by recruiters from a
range of sectors.
Careers Adviser-led Skills Workshops
UCL Careers Service and UCL Graduate School offer specially tailored workshops
designed to help you with all aspects of career planning, job applications and selection
procedures used by recruiters. They are relevant whether you want to remain in
academia or wish to consider alternative careers and are designed to complement
the employer-led skills workshops.
These workshops will run throughout the academic year and the following
topics are covered:
• Academic Career Planning
• Academic Applications and Interviews
• Career Planning Beyond Academia
• How to Write CVs and Fill in Application Forms
• How to Perform Well at Interviews and Other Selection Methods
To sign up for these events, see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
PhD Employer-led Skills Workshops
UCL Careers Service and UCL Graduate School offer a bespoke series of Skills
Workshops for PhD Students, facilitated by relevant employers. These ‘key
employability skills’ workshops for both academic and non-academic careers are
held throughout the academic year and their aim is to help you identify and develop
core competencies. In the Autumn term we will have workshops on topics such as
Interview and Application Skills, Teamwork, Commercial Awareness, Networking and
Assessment Centres with more sessions to be held in the Spring term. Although skills
focused, these workshops provide an ideal opportunity for research students to meet
potential employers face-to-face.
We are also inviting PhD recruiters to come along for ‘Recruiter in Residence’ drop-in
sessions where students will be able to have one-to-one discussions with them about
roles, available opportunities and recruitment processes.
PhD Employers Forums
Throughout the year we organise employer forums for PhD students which focus
on different industry sectors such as Life Sciences, Economics & Banking,
Natural Resources, and IT & Engineering. These forums showcase different employer
perspectives and career paths for PhD candidates within industry and give you a
further chance to network with prospective future employers.
To sign up for these events please visit: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
and go to the section for Career Management and Employability Skills.
30. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 28
Specialist Advice
Application Checking and Careers Advice
PhD students who wish to get their CV, cover letter or application form checked or who
wish to discuss career related issues can do so with a PhD specialist adviser. This is
for both post-doctoral positions and positions outside of academia.
Appointments can be booked in advance by calling 020 7866 3600 or by emailing
careers@ucl.ac.uk. For further details see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
Career Development Programme for Research Staff
We run a programme of events tailored to the specific needs of UCL’s research staff.
Group workshops provide information, advice and practical tips on essential career
management topics. In addition, one-to-one guidance interviews by careers advisers
dedicated to this particular client group provide a confidential environment to discuss
individual situations, whether that is to develop a career within or outside academia.
For further information, and to sign up for these events and services, please visit our
dedicated website for UCL research staff at: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
Bite-sized Careers Workshops
These sessions focus on specific areas of career management. The sessions take
place regularly at lunchtime (with the exception of the half – day academic career
planning workshops) throughout the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms. The titles are:
• Develop your Academic Career
• Effective Academic Applications
• Career Planning Beyond Academia
• CVs and Application Forms
• Interview Skills
Note: the dates and further details for the above workshops will be confirmed via the
Research Staff Mailing List throughout the year and will also be posted at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
Career Guidance Appointments
Guidance discussions give researchers the opportunity to discuss their
particular set of circumstances with a careers adviser. One-to-one interviews
are available in the following formats:
• 30 minute appointments ideal for a detailed CV check, a short query or
starting point for those who need help in clarifying their career direction.
These appointments are scheduled weekly on Mondays from 2-4.30pm and
Wednesdays 10am -12 noon. They can be booked in advance by phone on
020 7866 3600 or by emailing careers@ucl.ac.uk.
• Hour long appointments can be booked for a more detailed discussion after
referral from the initial half hour slot or as a first meeting if the query cannot
be dealt with during the half hour slot.
For further information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
31. We're more than a
technology company.
We're an ideas
company.
Opportunities for talented
students and graduates
Behind each of IBM’s accomplishments over the past
100 years has been an idea. And behind every great
idea has been an even greater mind. Technology has
helped to bring them to life, but it’s that spark of
inspiration that’s turned an idea into an innovation.
From technology that helped put man on the moon,
to the first ever barcode or solutions that solved a
country’s water shortage – IBM is one of the best
ideas companies in the world.
If you’re looking for a year out as part of your
degree, a summer internship or a graduate job,
we offer first-class opportunities for top students
and graduates across our business – from
consulting to technology, business operations
to sales, finance to human resources.
You can come from any degree background,
providing you are willing to push boundaries, spark
new ideas and try something new. Award-winning,
bespoke training makes sure you have the personal,
business and technical skills to take your career
wherever you want it to go.
Join us. Let's build a smarter planet.
ibm.com/start/uk
32. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 30
Specialist Advice
Practice Interviews
For those who have a confirmed interview date we offer a 60 minute practice
interview with feedback to help improve technique. Please download and complete
the booking form available from: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
Note: when booking any of the above appointments please state you are a research
staff member and have your Employee Number or UPI available. (The latter can be
found on your staff card).
Reach Diversity Community
Reach is an online community designed for University of London students who feel
they face barriers to reaching their potential in employment. These may include
social background, disability, age, gender and sexual orientation. You can put
questions to experts on the online forum, and stay informed on upcoming
diversity events and news.
For more information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/information/diversity
GradClub
UCL Careers Service and The Careers Group, University of London can continue to
help you make the right choices even after you complete your studies. Whether you
want to explore further study, get your first job, make the jump from a temporary job
to a permanent career or to change direction. We can provide you with the advice
and information that you will need.
While you are a student the College supports your Careers Service to provide free
access to careers advisers, a huge range of employer events and to our extensive
Careers Information Library. With a FREE UCL GradClub membership, UCL alumni
are offered the opportunity to maintain their access with a programme of dedicated
one-to-one support, workshops and employer events for a further 2 years.
If you are completing your course in 2012, your entitlement to use the Careers
Service ends on 31st July 2012 if you are an undergraduate or 30th September
2012 if you are a postgraduate. To find out how you can continue using your
Careers Service for free for a further two years and to register for membership
see: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/gradclub or ask in the Careers Service.
33. www.ucl.ac.uk/careers | 31
Careers Service Floorplan
Guide to the Take Away External Events
Careers Service Employer
Information Take Away
Publications
Use this map to find your way around
(General) Fire
the Careers Information Library. Please
ask a member of staff if you need help
Exit
accessing / finding specific resources.
Careers Group Events
Take Away Publications
(Sector Specific)
Study
Area
UCL Events
Applications Advice Area
6. Job Hunting,
5. Graduate Schemes,
Information Desk
Applications
Internships and other vacancies
& Interviews
4. Job Sector Information Take Away
Helpsheets
& Booklets
Reference Information
Reception Desk
4. Job Sector Information
1. First Steps – 2. Post- 3. Work
Career Choice / graduate & Study Photocopier
Employment Issues Study Abroad
Entrance
Newspapers / jobs
PC PC PC PC PC PC PC
36. UCL CAREERS SERVICE
GUIDE 2011/12
Find us
In Person:
UCL Careers Service, 4th Floor,
ULU Building, Malet Street,
London WC1E 7HY
At the address above, (the orange
square on the map labelled ULU
which is opposite Waterstones
Bookshop). We can be found on
the 4th Floor by turning right out of
the lift or going straight on at the
top of the stairs.
You can visit or call us at any time
during our standard opening hours*:
Monday – Thursday: 9.30am–5pm
and Friday: 11am–5pm
* Planned changes to these times can
be found at: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/
news/closure.
Contact us
By Phone: (General Enquiries)
020 7866 3600
By Email:
careers@ucl.ac.uk
Online:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers
Follow Us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/uclcareersblog
Find Us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/uclcareers
Watch Us on Vimeo:
http://www.vimeo.com/uclcareers
Read Our Blogs:
http://uclcareersservice.wordpress.com
UCL Careers Service, 4th Floor, ULU Building, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HY By Phone: (General Enquiries) 020 7866 3600 By Email: careers@ucl.ac.uk