Gradcracker: Recent Episodes
Gradcracker
Key Takeaways:* You don't need to be from an engineering background to apply - Martin-Baker accepts all STEM disciplines. * Questions are encouraged - everyone is more than happy to help. * You'll develop a breadth of knowledge from different areas of the business. * "At Martin-Baker you're genuinely saving lives."
Key Takeaways:* Show motivation, curiosity, passion and above all be truthful in your application. * You'll have the opportunity to travel both nationally and internationally. * Contribute to, and create an impact on, real-world safety. * DNV supplies a support structure to help you achieve Chartership.
Key Takeaways:* As a large consultancy, you'll be spoilt for choice in terms of variety of interests and projects at Atkins. * Every graduate is given personal development time to work on their skillsets. * You'll be encouraged to work towards Chartership. * Make sure to research all opportunities on Atkins' Gradcracker Hub and carefully select the one for you - you can only apply to one opportunity. * And a tip from Masood - remember to research the specific area of the business that you're interested in working in.
Key Takeaways:* Early Careers Development Programme is uniquely tailored to each student. * Graduates are given lots of time to focus on personal development. * There are opportunities for all STEM disciplines across a wide range of roles. * Lots of activities to support new joiners, including a summer BBQ! * Every graduate at Experian is encouraged to be an entrepreneur.
Key Takeaways:* CERN doesn’t just employ physicists – they recruit from most STEM disciplines. * You’ll meet and work with people from all over the world. * There will be lots of support during the relocation process. * You’ll be involved in exciting projects from the beginning of your career. * Skiing at the weekend – picnicking in the Alps!
Key Takeaways:* MathWorks' software is used throughout many different sectors, including the pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive sectors. * Thousands of colleges and universities around the world use MathWorks' MATLAB and Simulink. * Get your own tailored skills and career development plan. * Lots of non-curricular activities to get involved in: learning French, playing football, making smoothies... * Exciting team trips to international locations such as Orlando, Florida.
Key Takeaways:* Operates a flat organisational structure - you'll work with senior people from day-one. * Offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham and London. * Friendly and supportive working environment where everyone's encouraged to develop. * As long as you are numerate, Hymans will teach you the rest!
Key Takeaways:* Mace is a company with opportunities across the world. * Before you apply make sure you understand Mace’s company values. * You’ll be assigned a buddy to guide you through your programme. * There are lots of opportunities to volunteer to work in the local communities. * You’ll be working on massive multi-million pound projects.
Key Takeaways:* Experience working both in the UK and overseas. * Sports galore - skiing, scuba diving, gliding - you name it! * Continuous training and Chartership opportunities. * It's no ordinary job - you'll make friends for life and gain unique experiences.
Key Takeaways:* Everyone is invested in developing each other. * You'll be well looked after; there's a free canteen and a rooftop bar for you to enjoy. * There are opportunities for graduates to do secondments in North America and Asia. * No limits to your progression - even the CEO was on the Cambridge Consultants graduate scheme.
Key Takeaways:* Watch to learn about the journey for degree apprentices, undergraduates and graduates at WSP. * Hear lots of useful tips for WSP's applicants from recruiter, Katie. * You'll be involved in exciting projects from day-one. * There are opportunities to volunteer for working in the community. * You'll be encouraged and supported towards gaining Chartership.
Key Takeaways:* Opportunities across all STEM disciplines. * STFC will work with you to develop a broad range of scientific skills. * You'll work with leading scientific organisations across the globe. * Young, vibrant and campus-working environment.
Key Takeaways:* Arup is owned in trust by its members (employees). * Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. * You're in control of your career trajectory - including a chance to "grad swap". * Lots of opportunities for UK and international travel. * All of the graduates on the webinar mentioned that their favourite thing about Arup is their colleagues.
Key Takeaways:* Nuclear Graduates recruits students from engineering, science and commercial backgrounds. * The programme includes secondments with a wide range of employers offering great ways to network. * Tailor your own development through use of your own Continuous Professional Development budget (CPD). * Lots of social activities to get involved in. * The programme offers a unique experience to gain early Chartership.
Key Takeaways:* Industry, infrastructure, transport, healthcare... what doesn't Siemens do? * Have your ideas noticed and put into practice globally. * Siemens will mentor and support you in learning new skills. * Lots of volunteering and networking opportunities. * "You simply cannot get bored at Siemens."
Key Takeaways:* The INEOS watchwords: grit, rigour and humour. * 5-year graduate programme with year-long rotations. * With 36 businesses within INEOS, you won't be short of career choices. * Lots of national and international travel opportunities. * The Namibian Challenge - "it's bonkers!"
Key Takeaways:* State-of-the-art campus - garden, racing track and amazing food! * Only metres away from the Silverstone race track. * Work with second-to-none technology. * Teamwork is a crucial element in the cars' success. * Placements at Aston Martin Formula One will develop both your practical and "soft" skills.
Key Takeaways:We asked the graduates at Centrica "why should a student choose Centrica?" and this is what they said:
- You'll work at the forefront of the energy transition.
- You can figure out exactly where you want your career to go while being supported by the nicest group of people.
- Centrica really cares about its employees - there are lots of opportunities for personal and professional development.
- You get the chance to work with all the new cutting-edge technologies.
Key Takeaways:* On the graduate programme you can select placements to suit your ambitions. * National and international travel opportunities from day one. * You'll be joining a company which has put net zero at the top of its priorities. * Most STEM disciplines can apply and you'll learn lots of transferable skills. * When applying, show your passion for a specific role.
Key Takeaways:* Despite the company's size, there is a great family culture. * You'll have a big say in which rotations you undertake during your placement. * Opportunities to volunteer to work in the community. * You'll get to develop your soft skills whichever role you're in. * Progression to Chartership is actively encouraged.
Key Takeaways:* 150 graduate intake - you won't be short of friends! * Huge choice of schemes - there's something for everyone. * Lots of early responsibility - with a compensation package to match! * Lakes and mountains right on your doorstep. * A wide variety of extra curricular activities, such as sports, volunteering and social events.
Key Takeaways:* You'll be hands-on from day one. * Transparent and open company culture - questions are always welcome. * You'll learn all the relevant "soft skills": project management, communication, problem solving, networking and how to be a team player. * It's not about what you already know, it's about what you're willing to learn. * A fast-paced environment - as you'd expect.
Key Takeaways:* CERN is not just for physicists - CERN also recruits from many engineering disciplines. * 9,000 people are on-site at any given time. * There are lots of young people - creating a campus-style environment. * Lots of resources and support to help you relocate. * You'll work with the finest scientific minds in the world.
Key Takeaways:* It's amazing how quickly you learn and develop. * Opportunities to travel globally during and after the graduate scheme. * All three graduate schemes will lead you on to achieve Chartership. * The graduates spoke enthusiastically about the open and supportive culture. * Your STEM degree can take your career in many different directions.
Key Takeaways:* Show motivation, curiosity, passion and above all be truthful in your application. * You'll have the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally. * DNV's sport teams compete with each other around the world. * Contribute to, and create an impact on, real-world safety. * DNV supplies a support structure to help you achieve Chartership.
Key Takeaways:* Early Careers Development Programme is tailored to each individual student. * Graduates are given lots of personal development and self-learning time. * There are opportunities for all STEM disciplines across a wide range of roles. * Graduates have exposure across all aspects of the business - internally and externally. * Every graduate is encouraged to be an entrepreneur.
Key Takeaways:* Sky promotes diversity of thought and encourages applications from most STEM disciplines and a wide range of universities. * Individually tailored graduate programmes. * A friendly campus environment. * Sky's five-week bootcamp gives a great introduction to Sky and its people. * You'll be involved in brand-new projects from day-one.
Key Takeaways:* Work on business-critical projects from day-one. * Network with senior business leaders from inside and outside the organisation. * Opportunities to travel across the UK. * Curiosity is key. * Severn Trent actively supports you to achieve Chartership.
Key Takeaways:* Canadian-owned with offices across the UK. * Stantec are currently recruiting over 180 graduates for 2023. * Social and networking events run throughout the graduate programmes. * Volunteering and charitable work is actively encouraged. * Lots of support to enable you to achieve Chartership.
... And, most importantly, they are nice people who love their job.
Key Takeaways: * Nuclear Graduates recruit students from engineering, science and commercial backgrounds. * The programme includes secondments with a wide range of employers. * You will work at companies located across the UK. * You will need a questioning mind and be future-focused. * After the programme you will be employed by the likes of Sellafield, Magnox, NDA and Rolls-Royce.
Key Takeaways: * Over 200 students are recruited each year. * The graduate scheme allows secondments with stakeholding companies. * You have lots of say in the direction your graduate programme takes. * Formal and informal networking is actively encouraged. * Lots of sports groups - scuba diving, hockey, football, yoga, etc.
Key Takeaways: * You don't have to have been in the Air Cadets to apply. * You can apply for a bursary from your first year at university - £5,000 a year plus your tuition fees! * Worldwide travel opportunities. * Sports galore - skiing, scuba diving, gliding - you name it! * It's no ordinary job - you'll make friends for life and gain unique experiences.
Key Takeaways * Tarmac has hundreds of locations across the UK. * Training develops not just technical skills but commercial skills as well. * Graduates are encouraged to involve themselves in lots of charity work. * Senior managers regularly network with and mentor new graduates. * You can discuss early on in your career what your future could look like at Tarmac.
Key Takeaways: * Achieving Net Zero is paramount. * Technology is changing almost daily. * Hybrid? North Sea platforms/office based - you name it! * Training covers both technological skills and personal development. * School outreach includes encouraging carbon-neutral initiatives. * Recent graduates get involved in the undergraduate recruitment process.
Key Takeaways * Graduate Scheme can last for five years - result: high level of expertise. * Rotations often across Europe. * Namibia challenge - marathons, safaris, mountain hikes and cycling. * Non-hierarchical structure leads to an agile entrepreneurial mindset. * Strong emphasis on health and wellbeing - on-site gyms etc.
Key Takeaways * Big company, personable teams. * Passion and willingness to learn is more important than your specific degree discipline. * Siemens is keen to maintain an ongoing relationship with successful placement students. * Real sense of community - opportunities to network with experienced members of the team. * Graduates at Siemens are encouraged to get involved in the recruitment of new students and graduates (so you could be interviewed by one of your peers!). * Siemens has opportunities for students and graduates in locations across the UK.
Key Takeaways * They're on a 100-year mission to clean the site. * No-one considered decommissioning in the mid 20th century. * The site would cover 6 Wembley Stadiums. * All STEM students and graduates are welcome to apply to Sellafield. * Sellafield helps you to achieve Chartership.
Key Takeaways * Based at Silverstone - you're already trackside! * You can watch your designs shoot past at 200mph. * Lots of crossover and cooperation across all of the teams. * It's a campus environment with lots of social activities. * They seek a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from across the world.
Key Takeaways * Ideas are welcomed from everyone. * The Graduate Programme has rotations across the business. * SSE recruits from all STEM disciplines, not just engineering. * The pursuit of sustainability is at the heart of all they do. * Working towards Chartership is actively encouraged.
Key Takeaways * Very friendly environment - with a pre-start open day to meet the rest of the team. * Really strong team ethic. * Everyone's free to make suggestions for improvements. * Experimentation is actively encouraged - no fear of failure. * Constantly testing, adapting and improving every part of the race car.
Key Takeaways * Size and breadth of Roche creates a wide variety of roles. * In your covering letter show passion for the business. * Roche develops, trials, packages and delivers the products to patients worldwide. * They seem like very friendly people and Roche seems a great place to work. * Students are mentored and supported throughout the placement and graduate schemes.
Key Takeaways * Access to so many training opportunities - both soft and hard skills. * Wide variety of roles for all STEM disciplines. * Lots of responsibility from day-one - Toyota sees graduates as the future of the business. * Kaizen (continuous improvement) is practised daily throughout the manufacturing process. * Opportunities for international secondments.
What could your career at Zurich look like? Key Takeaways:
- Management of vast amounts of data requires the very latest technology.
- The Zurich graduates are from across the STEM spectrum.
- Training is provided - and paid for!
- Lots of social clubs and networking opportunities.
- This webinar will change forever any preconceptions you may have about the insurance sector.
Powering your potential Key Takeaways:
- Global company - grads and interns are able to build a worldwide network.
- Great support at work - Chartership, training and mentoring.
- Great support socially - sports clubs, meet-ups, events.
- Many placement students join Cummins when they graduate.
- Lots of hints and tips to enhance your application
Discover the range of professional and personal benefits which the Royal Navy offers its graduates, such as: streamlined progression towards Chartership, state-of-the-art sports facilities and the chance to travel the world.
Find out what life on a Royal Navy submarine is actually like – it might not be what you’d expect!
Ben and Dan talk Carla and Jess through the application process. They describe the all-important Admiralty Interview Board in detail and provide some useful hints and tips on how to succeed.
Carla and Jess from Gradcracker speak to summer interns Eric, Anna and Kirill about working in the armed forces and the experiences they've had along the way.
Ben and Dan speak to Carla about the importance of work experience and explain why you should consider doing an internship with the Royal Navy.
Carla and Jess are introduced to Ben, Weapons Engineer Officer, and Dan, Marine Engineer Officer. Their highlights so far – such as climbing in Kenya and playing football in Egypt – show that the Royal Navy play as hard as they work.
Find out who the Royal Navy are and what they do – from counter-piracy and protecting UK trade routes, to providing humanitarian assistance around the world.
Jess is introduced to Tesco Graduate Taylor, who goes on to describe the video interview stage of the application process; hear his hints and tips on how to get it right!
Hackathons, Inductions, Store Placements and Presentations: Maria, Taylor,Robyn and Eli tell Carla what they got up to in the first few weeks of Tesco’s graduate programme.
Robyn, who studied Biochemistry at the University of St. Andrews, talks Jess through an important stage of Tesco’s application process: The Discovery Centre.
Oliver, Senior Product Manager, tells Carla and Jess about his experiences since starting as a technology graduate four years ago. He and Linda, Recruitment Manager, share their hints and tips and state that there is no ideal candidate…
Mark, Senior Technical Programme Manager, talks to Carla about his experiences at Tesco since starting out as a Technology graduate. Hear how to get off to a successful start – from someone who is involved with the grads from day 1.
Luke, Technology Director and sponsor of the graduate scheme, gives his advice on how to be successful at Tesco.
Jamie talks Carla through his journey at Tesco: from starting out on the Technology graduate scheme six years ago, to becoming Software Development Manager.
Eli, a Cybersecurity Graduate, tells Jess why he was initially attracted to Tesco and describes the gamification stage of the application process.
The students tell Jessica all about the life of an intern at P&G, including projects, rotations, support and maintaining a work/life balance.
Kunal, Megan and Surajan, who are doing a year-long internship, describe the process prior to their first day - from preparing for the interview, to relocating.
Kirsty, Operations Department Manager, has been with P&G for eight years. Hear about her different roles - including the part she plays in the recruitment process - alongside some helpful hints and tips for those thinking about applying.
Tamara, who has been with P&G for four years, tells us about her experiences since starting as an intern. If you hadn't heard of P&G before, we're sure you will have heard of the brands she’s worked on…
Emily, Process Engineer, tells Jessica how she went from starting as a university-leaver, to managing a team of over 10 people and then moving into her third role with P&G.
Emma helped develop the neurodiversity programme at P&G. Here, she outlines to Carla how P&G can individually tailor both the application process and the career development for everyone.
Georgie talks to Carla about the application process for graduates at P&G and gives her hints and tips on everything from CV’s and cover letters, to P&G’s career academies.
At The Gillette R&D centre in Reading, Georgie, Talent Supply Manager, tells us why P&G is the most exciting place to come and start a career.
Maria, Ricardo, Veronica and Tom share with Jess their experiences on the graduate programme, including projects they’ve worked on, life outside work and the biggest challenges they’ve overcome so far.
CGG’s graduates share their advice on what to expect and how to succeed for those thinking about applying.
Cian, Isabel, Mel and Andrei trace their journeys from studying at university to working as graduate geophysicists at CGG.
Natasha and Gemma talk us through the second stage of CGG’s application process: video interviews. Get ahead of the game by finding out what they involve, and how to succeed.
CGG understands that there’s more to life than work. Listen to the podcast to find out what’s on offer for graduates.
Richard, CGG’s Processing Group Manager, tells us what life is like for the graduates on his team.
Recruitment Advisor, Natasha, and Recruitment Co-ordinator, Gemma, run through the application process at CGG.
Carla has a chat with Sharon, Owen and Richard – all of whom are involved in graduate recruitment at CGG. Listen to their honest – and somewhat surprising – insights into what they look for during the application process.
CGG’s Recruitment Technical Advisor, Owen, tells us all about the company and who they are recruiting.
Ed and Tom are joined by Alex to tell us how to get the most out of a placement at WSP – from starting the job, to making connections.
Ed and Tom, two summer placement students, describe what first attracted them to WSP and share their experiences of the application process.
On day four of their graduate programme, the graduates tell us about their initial experiences, including the application process and what it was like to start the job.
Mike and Jamal tell us about life on the graduate programme and share their hints and tips on how to be successful at WSP.
Four of WSP’s experienced engineers - Mike, Tom, Gaia and Tom – reflect on their time with the company, describe the ideal candidate and explain how they have progressed their careers.
Mel describes the recruitment process in detail - how candidates are kept informed throughout the process and how WSP's game-based assessments work.
Mel, WSP’s Recruitment Manager, introduces the company and explains the importance of work experience for prospective graduates.
Hints & tips on how to put a great application together from graduates who’ve done it themselves.
Five graduates share their experiences of the Atkins graduate programme, including the projects they’ve worked on, Chartership, the mentoring scheme and maintaining a work-life balance.
Whether you’re interested in getting some work experience over the summer or doing a year in industry, there’s plenty of reasons to do a placement at Atkins; find out about the benefits of doing a placement, and what it involves.
Niamh and Smitha describe the different opportunities for graduates at Atkins and they talk about the range of support networks available from the moment they apply.
Niamh and Smitha tell us about the inclusive culture at Atkins, from diversity to agile and flexible working.
Niamh discusses the graduate experience at Atkins and outlines the route to Chartership.
Niamh and Smitha, Talent Attraction Co-ordinator, tell us about Atkins as a company: from their core values to the projects they’ve worked on.
Niamh, Atkins' Early Careers Graduate Recruitment Advisor, outlines the candidate journey and shares her hints and tips on the application process.
Annabelle, Oli, Aliki, James and Lauren give their advice to students who are thinking about applying for Arup’s graduate programme.
Five graduates at Arup share their journeys into the world of work; their experiences show that you may need to try out different things to find the role that’s right for you.
Hints and tips on the application process from graduates who’ve been through it… and been successful!
Emily, Katy and Martin tell us about their experiences so far on the graduate programme, and their plans for the future.
Emily, Katy and Martin each share their journey with Arup, from starting off as an intern to coming back as a graduate.
Carla sits down with Recruiter Clare to get an exclusive insight into how to be successful during Arup’s application process.
From the moment you click the apply button, to hearing whether your application has been successful - Andy walks us through the application process for graduates and interns.
Clare and Andy, who are part of Arup’s Early Careers team, tell us what it’s like to work for Arup, and who could be in with the chance of doing so… could it be you? Listen to find out.
Steven Brooker, leader of the Thermal Graduate Programme for 2020, describes the different opportunities that graduates can get involved in – from SSE’s entrepreneur initiative ‘Dragons Glen’, to teaching STEM activities in schools.
Marc, Director of Engineering and Innovation, talks to Emily, a Graduate Engineer, about the steps SSE takes to ensure that everyone can reach their maximum potential.
Recent graduates Erin and Ewan speak to Carla about their experiences with SSE so far. Listen to their top tips on everything from work experience to interviews.
Joe Williams, Electrical Asset Engineer, describes how he was able to build a graduate programme at SSE which was bespoke to his interests.
Danielle talks to Jess about her experiences with SSE, from doing a placement in the Mechanical Systems team, to returning as a graduate.
Jess talks to four recent graduates – Callum, Alex, Luke and James – who are all based in Dublin. Listen to their experiences so far, from deciding SSE was right for them, to the application process.
Michael and Craig tell Jess about the supportive and flexible nature of the SSE graduate programme. Hear how they got the most out of the experience, and what their next steps are.
Michael and Craig share with Jess their experiences of the application process and provide some helpful hints and tips for SSE’s future graduate cohort.
Recent graduates Michael and Craig talk to Jess about their experiences on the SSE graduate programme, from first hearing about the company, to changing paths and getting a taste of different roles.
Charlie and Jeremy tell Jessica why the BOC graduate programme is a leader in its field, what they've learnt along the way and why having the right attitude is so important.
From operating race cars at Mercedes World to sky diving for charity. George, Chris, Tazim, Gionita and Najah continue to give us the low down - they also tell us what life is like outside of the programme.
George, Chris, Tazim, Gionita and Najah sit down with Jessica and give her an insight into the mentoring process, chartership and what life is really like as a BOC graduate.
Ryan, Hinesh, Ajish and Will tell Carla about their first week at the company, and why it has 'been a dream' becoming a BOC graduate.
Neil, Leanne, Ranbir and Mihir give Carla a step-by-step insight into the application process and what they had to do to land themselves a place on the programme.
Helen and Wendy tell Carla about the graduate journey: how graduates can build their own programme and the BOC benefits package they enjoy.
Carla talks to Helen, Head of Talent for UK & Ireland, and Wendy, Talent Management Partner for UK & Ireland about all things BOC.
They discuss the recruitment process, what they look for in a candidate and they provide us with top tips on how to write a successful cover letter.
GC Insight - Metaswitch - 1 of 4 Emma Watts, Graduate Recruiter at Metaswitch, explains who Metaswitch are, and who they are recruiting.
GC Insight - Metaswitch - 2 of 4 An insight into the graduate recruitment process at Metaswitch, as well as a graduates first week with the company.
GC Insight - Mott MacDonald - 3 of 4 Andrew, Alice and George relate their experiences of the graduate programme at Metaswitch, and share their hints and tips for those who are thinking about applying.
GC Insight - Metaswitch - 4 of 4 Dylan, David and James provide unique insights into what it's like to be an intern at Metaswitch, from the application process, to their day-to-day experiences.
GC Insight - Royal Navy Carla and Jessica from Gradcracker speak to summer interns Eric, Anna and Kirill about working in the armed forces and the experiences they've had along the way. You can also find out about the Royal Navy application process as they tell you what this involves. Carla and Jessica also cover the importance of doing a placement/internship with an employer.
GC Insight - Mott MacDonald - 1 of 5 Jess sits down with Coraline, Rabi and Kate - find out everything you need to know about doing an internship at Mott MacDonald.
GC Insight - Mott MacDonald - 4 of 5 Rupian tells Gradcracker her top tips for future Mott MacDonald applicants.
GC Insight - Mott MacDonald - 2 of 5 Jess' Gradcracker talks to graduates about their experience with Mott MacDonald and the graduate programme they offer.
GC Insight - Mott MacDonald - 3 of 5 Melissa takes Gradcrackers' Carla through the application process.
GC Insight - Mott MacDonald - 5 of 5 Shenia talks us through the graduate journey and inspires us with Mott MacDonald success stories.
GC Insight - Network Rail - 6 of 6 The inside track on how you can successfully land a job with Network Rail and achieve Chartership within five years.
GC Insight - Network Rail - 5 of 6 Michael, Omar and Hamza tell Jessica about their journey so far with Network Rail - and how it started with Gradcracker!
GC Insight - Network Rail - 4 of 6 The importance they attach to work-life balance - volunteer days, health and fitness facilities etc.
GC Insight - Network Rail - 3 of 6 Their graduate programme is rotational. It gives you the chance to find your favourite specialism whilst working on some really cool projects.
GC Insight - Network Rail - 2 of 6 Boglarka takes us through their application process and tells us what she’s looking for in the perfect candidate.
GC Insight - Network Rail - 1 of 6 Boglarka, Talent Acquisition Advisor, tells Carla about the company’s plans for the future and how safety is paramount.
Recorded live at York St John University, Gradcracker Director, Carla Power, is interviewed by the university's Senior Careers Advisor.