Guardian Top 300 UK Consultancies

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MOST POPULAR
EMPLOYERS
BY SECTOR
In association with
5th edition
TIPS & ADVICE
FROM LEADERS
AND RISING STARS
DIVERSITY
ASPIRATION, EXPECTATION
& EMPLOYER SHOWCASES
Research by
guardianuk300.com
Ambition is...
making
projections
for the next
blockbuster.
The training to be an ICAEW
Chartered Accountant has
provided me with both business
skills and integrity, which is
extremely valuable in the
creative and media sector.
Chris Hainsworth, ICAEW Chartered Accountant,
Managing Director, AV Pictures
Achieve more as a
chartered accountant.
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UK
300
2 0 1 4 / 1 5
The most comprehensive
survey of UK employers
and what students want
from their graduate
careers
Edited by Sandra Kessell
Research by
Published by
in association with The Guardian
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
guardianuk300.com
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 1
WE OPERATE IN EVERY KEY

MARKET. WERE RENOWNED
FOR GAME-CHANGING
WORK, INTERNATIONAL
REACH, AND INVESTMENT
IN OUR PEOPLE. WE NEED
AMBITION, COMMERCIAL
ACUMEN AND FRESH THINKING.
WE DONT CARE WHERE
YOU WENT TO UNIVERSITY,
OR WHAT DEGREE SUBJECT
YOU STUDIED.
TOGETHER WE ARE
CLIFFORD CHANCE.
Find out more in section six, Graduate Employers in Detail.
TOGETHER WE ARE CLIFFORD CHANCE www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk
Contents
30
78
464
56
14 246
UK
300
C O N T E N T S
S E C T I O N
Behind the survey:

diversity, aspiration and
expectation page 7
How the survey was compiled ........................................................8
Recruitment by numbers................................................................10
Employer rankings by year of graduation ....................................13
Employer rankings by ethnicity ....................................................14
Favourite employers: gender differences and similarities ........16
Employer choices by educational background ............................18
EMPLOYER SHOWCASE
Clifford Chance: taking diversity to the City ................................20
McDonalds: a clear path to success..............................................22
67
32 34 70 245
9
243
guardianUK300.com
Deloitte: in search of the new professionals ................................24
John Lewis Partnership: first among equals ..............................26
189
47
368
1
9
6
125
The McDonalds Trainee

Manager Programme is
the first step to managing a
multi-million restaurant
employing 80 staff.
After six months training and
learning all the basics, our
Trainee Managers are promoted to
Assistant Managers but if youve
got the drive and ambition, theres
no limit to how far you can go.
To find out more about working and
learning with us visit
mcdonalds.co.uk/people
TRAINEE
MANAGER
Contents
S E C T I O N
Over 27,000 students took part in the trendence

survey that decided The Guardian UK 300.
The 300 most popular graduate recruiters 2014/15 ..................30
S E C T I O N
View from the top page 83

The job interview tables are turned when people
at the top of highly rated employers are quizzed
about their career and what advice they would
like to give to you.
3
S E C T I O N
The top employers

by career sector page 41
Most graduates would prefer to work in specific
sectors, so this section reveals who are the
most popular employers by sector and also
identifies key differences between the
aspirations and behaviour of students
interested in these sectors.
Hospitality, leisure
Accounting and financial
management ..........................42 and tourism ............................58
Investment banking and
Banking, insurance and
financial services....................44 investment ..............................60
Charity and not-for-profit ......46 IT and technology....................62
Construction, civil engineering Law barristers ......................64
and surveying ........................48 Law solicitors ......................66
Consulting................................50 Logistics, transport and
supply chain ............................68
Consumer goods
manufacturing and
Media and advertising ............70
marketing ................................52
Property....................................72
Energy and utilities ................54
Public sector ............................74
Engineering design and
Retail ........................................76
manufacturing ........................56
Scientific research and
development............................78
guardianUK300.com
300
The 300 most popular

graduate employers in
the UK page 29
S E C T I O N
UK
Rising stars page 95

High-flying recent graduates from popular
recruiters tell you about their careers so far and
explain why they have progressed much further
and faster than the average joiner.
S E C T I O N
Graduate employers
in detail page 117
Discover much more about top employers and
apply for their graduate programmes.
S E C T I O N
The 300 in brief page 429

All 300 employers briefly described, with
contact details to find out more.
AZ index of advertisers ..............................................................461
Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation
S E C T I O N
UK
300
Behind the survey:

diversity, aspiration
and expectation
How this survey was compiled........................................8

Recruitment by numbers ..............................................10
Employer rankings by year of graduation ..................13
Employer rankings by ethnicity ....................................14
Favourite employers: gender differences
and similarities................................................................16
Employer choices by educational background............18
EMPLOYER SHOWCASE
Clifford Chance: taking diversity to the City ................20
McDonalds: a clear path to success ............................22
Deloitte: in search of the new professionals................24
John Lewis Partnership: first among equals ..............26
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
METHODOLOGY
How this survey was compiled

The Guardian UK 300 is based on the UKs most comprehensive survey of student
opinion on graduate careers and employers. More than 27,000 university students
completed it online this year. To find out what it tells you, in a nutshell, read on.
very year, for the last five
years, in conjunction with
researchers at trendence
Institute, the UK 300 team
has rallied university undergraduates
to ensure that we capture exactly
which companies, organisations and
firms are piquing students interest as
they start thinking about their future
jobs. Our survey is promoted by
careers services, on graduate jobsites,
through social networks, and, just as
importantly, by the students
themselves who spread the word
among their peers. The students
answers are delivered anonymously
a key to guaranteeing they feel able to
give an honest insight into their
aspirations. That degree of support
ensures that the annual trendence
Graduate Barometer survey is
completed by thousands of willing
students every year. No pressure, no
persuasion and definitely no presurvey pitching. No one is likely to be
watching if they state that their heart
is set on a corporate career rather
than one in the charity sector or that
what really stirs their interest is retail
rather than law or vice versa.
Students are issued with a

hyperlink to the questionnaire, then,
unlike other employer brand surveys,
they start by selecting the career
sectors theyre most interested in
before revealing the organisations
theyd most like to work for. This
ensures that only relevant
organisations are presented to
students to evaluate rather than a
large and random selection of big
brands.
STUDENTS ANSWERS
ARE DELIVERED
ANONYMOUSLY.
Logical, effective and
detailed
This methodology was set up to
replicate the career choice process
that most students engage in to make
decisions between employers. Not
only does it create a list of 1 to 300
(and beyond), but it also allows us,
and you, to see how companies rank
27,040
students
8 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
within their sectors (you can see

these from page 41) and allows
students themselves to compare
different firms and organisations
within those sectors once the results
are published.
We hope that employers who
want to know more about students
mindsets will find these results
fascinating, and students will take an
interest in how the employers they
favour compare, whether thats in a
specific sector or in different careers
altogether.
The field research phase lasts
from September to January every
year and students at more than 120
universities are encouraged to
complete the whole questionnaire in
a 20-minute sitting. Being able to
draw from such a large number of
responses ensures a high level of
representation in relation to the total
sample and allows our researchers to
analyse a large number of sub-groups
in a meaningful manner. From this,
our researchers are able to draw
conclusions from the studys results
that are relevant to all UK university
students and can see (and compare)
Male 32%
Female 68%
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
Tips for using this survey
NO PRESSURE, NO
PERSUASION AND
DEFINITELY NO PRESURVEY PITCHING.
what first year students say they

want to do and what final year
students aspire to, for example. Our
researchers can also investigate
gender preferences and attitudes,
subjects studied, ethnic origin, level
of academic achievement and school
background.
You can explore some of these
findings in detail through pages 10
to 18.
This year we have increased the
proportion of students taking part
from the top 30 universities by 37
per cent and we will be distributing
100,000 printed copies of the
publication to the top universities in
the country as well as providing a
link to an online version.
126
universities
guardianUK300.com
In Section 1, we offer you an insight

into students favourite employers
according to their gender and year of
graduation, and for the first time, a
chance to see how employers rank
with different, self-identifying ethnic
groups and with those from different
educational backgrounds. With
diversity such a watchword in
employers vocabulary, these tables
offer a glimpse of the viewpoint of
specific groups of students, and
organisations can now chart their
popularity within those groups.
Another first this year is the chance
for four top-ranked employers to
showcase their own graduate
programmes and the key
personalities who have been inspired
to work for them.
Section 2 offers a straightforward
1 to 300 ranking and also reveals
how this years placing compares to
last years.
Section 3 reveals how students vote
within various sectors, from
accounting to scientific research. It
also details the number of
applications those seeking jobs have
made, as well as how much they
expect to earn as a starting salary,
what their subject of study was, and
much more besides.
Sections 4 and 5, as ever, offer a
unique one-to-one profile of someone
working within a company or
organisation, whether they are just
starting out on their career path, or
have risen to the top of their
profession. Many offer tips or reveal
personal lessons learned so
whether youre a student or graduate
looking for employment, or just
interested in how companies and
organisations tick, these features are
the very human stories behind the
careers.
Section 6 tells you what employers
want you to know about themselves.
And with more employers than ever
participating in this section, there is
more knowledge available than in
any other publication of this kind.
Section 7 is a brief description of all
300 employers together with a
snapshot of what they do and the
kind of graduates they wish to
employ.
UK
300
S U M M A R Y O F R E S U LT S
Recruitment by numbers
We examine the employers on the up in this years survey, plus stats for students
salary expectations, work experience levels and application numbers.
HS Graduate Schemes holds
its place from last year as
the most popular overall
employer, with the BBC in
second place, up from 5th place last
year. The highest climber in this years
top 10 is Jaguar Land Rover at
number 8 (up from 20 last year), its
popularity among students mirroring
its current commercial success. The
second highest climber is John Lewis
Partnership at number 9 (last years
number 18); its strong sales growth
and flagship new store are only likely
to add to its perennial appeal.
Salary expectations
When asked what salary they
expected to earn in their first
graduate job, the most common
responses across all sectors were
either 19K22K, 22K25K or
more than 31K. Those sectors in
which the most common response
was more than 31K are those in
which the highest salaries are
typically found, such as consulting,
investment banking and investment,
law barristers and law solicitors
(though for legal careers starting
salaries vary massively).
According to the Destinations of
Leavers from Higher Education
survey, the median salary for first
degree graduates who finished

university in 2013 and were in fulltime work six months later was
20,500. The lower quartile (the
point at which a quarter of
respondents earned less and three
quarters earned more) was 16,000;
the upper quartile (the point at which
three quarters earned less and a
quarter earned more) was 25,000.
It appears, therefore, that on
average, students expectations are
overoptimistic, as even the lowest
earning bracket selected by any group
(19K22K) is the one that contains
the actual median earnings for recent
graduates.
Work experience
Students may be aware of the need
for internships and other work
experience, but have they done any?
Those wanting careers in
construction, civil engineering and
surveying were the most likely to
have related work experience (60 per
cent of those interested in this area
said they had it). This was followed
by law barristers (59 per cent) and
law solicitors (59 per cent).
Students interested in media and
advertising careers were the least
likely to have related work
experience (45 per cent said that
they did). This is despite the highly

competitive nature of these
industries, in which finding work
without relevant experience can be
difficult. However, it may also reflect
the fact that students need to be
more proactive to find experience in
creative industries, or maybe even
that the group of students reporting
that they wanted to work in the
media contained a higher than
average percentage of those who had
not really given their careers much
thought yet.
Numbers of applications
Students interested in a career as a
barrister were the most likely to say
that they had been job-hunting for
12 months or more 37 per cent of
those interested in this career said
that this was the case, perhaps
reflecting the small number of
pupillages available.
Those interested in careers in the
media and advertising had on
average made the greatest number of
job applications 34 per cent had
made 35 applications or more.
While these are competitive areas to
join, its possible that the relative
lack of work experience among
students interested in these sectors
was not helping.
RESE ARCH CONDUCTED BY TRENDENCE
trendence, part of Group GTI, is one of Europes leading research

institutes with over 10 years experience delivering robust research
in the areas of employer branding and HR marketing.
guardianUK300.com
We are the
faces behind the
services you
use every day
Amey is the UKs fastest growing engineering
consultancy and one of the countrys leading
public and regulated services providers.
Were committed to employing a workforce
as diverse as the communities we serve.
Therefore, because we understand that our people
are our business, we prioritise investment in our
employees which is just one of the reasons why
Amey is a great place to work.
Tweet @ameyplc using #AskOurGrads to

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here
AMBITION meets
OPPORTUNITY
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MOTT MACDONALD
SUPPORT
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TO BUILD
A LIFELONG CAREER
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www.mottmac.com/careers/graduate
DRIVING
INNOVATION
UK
300
Employer rankings
by year of graduation
Unique to The Guardian UK 300, students
changing perceptions, year by year.
ow do students expectations and aspirations
evolve as they make their way through their
degree courses? The trendence survey now
allows employers and recruiters to assess the
evolution of undergraduates choices as they start firming
up their career plans, learn about job requirements and
mature into their final year of study. Earning their own
living, the desire to pay off their student debt and the
realisation that MI6, though glamorous on a big screen,
may be challenging in reality, all seem to hit home in the
final year as PwC rises from outside the top ten in year
one, to fifth and then fourth place by the final year.
The fact that NHS Graduate Schemes head the
2014/15 survey across all year groups for the second
trendence survey in a row should be read with the
knowledge that 1.5 million people currently work for the
NHS. The scheme has 100150 vacancies annually, last
year attracting around 12,500 applications.
The BBC remains a perennial favourite. Though the
corporation doesnt run a graduate scheme as such, it
does employ graduates in a number of fields, from
journalism to digital media and business support. The
glamour of Google also remains strong despite its lack of
a formal graduate scheme, though specific graduate roles
are advertised. Perhaps funky offices and break-out
rooms play a factor when youre dreaming of your ideal
workplace environment.
Students do show their pragmatism, however;
chemical conglomerate GlaxoSmithKline continues to
draw students eyes as an employer of choice, while
international engineering company Jaguar Land Rover
sits at number ten in first year rankings, slips out of
the top ten in penultimate year rankings but rises to
seventh in the final year a reflection, perhaps, of its
recent commercial successes and the strength of the
brand across the globe.
The John Lewis Partnership features strongly in
all three year lists. Its credentials as a profit-sharing
business with ethical principles and well-respected
training schemes, not to mention the bolt-on benefits
to partners, its healthy balance sheet and ethos of
corporate social responsibility, all score highly with
the young and aspirational.
guardianUK300.com
Final year
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
NHS Graduate Schemes

Google
BBC
PwC
GlaxoSmithKline
Civil Service Fast Stream
Jaguar Land Rover
Unilever
John Lewis Partnership
Deloitte
Penultimate year
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

BBC
Google
GlaxoSmithKline
PwC
Microsoft
Unilever
Teach First
First year
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

BBC
GlaxoSmithKline
Google
Microsoft
Rolls-Royce
MI6 Secret Intelligence Service
Channel 4
Jaguar Land Rover
UK
300
Employer rankings by ethnicity

For the first time this year the trendence survey offers
an insight into the career aspirations of self-identifying
ethnic groups.
f the 27,000 students who completed the trendence survey this year,
the first choice of employer in The Guardian UK 300 list, NHS
Graduate Schemes, featured in the top ten rankings in every group, a
distinction shared with GlaxoSmithKline, Google and Microsoft, all of which
are also top ten career choices in the overall rankings. By contrast the John
Lewis Partnership, despite appealing to every university year group (see page
26), features only in white students top ten rankings, a fact that the
organisations management is already addressing. The problem is far from
exclusive to any one sector. The BBC, which has long attempted to deal with
the issue of its appeal to every ethnic group, is putting 2.1m into a fund to
improve black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) representation on and off
air. In the trendence survey the BBC has a high ranking in both white
students aspirations and in those from mixed/multiple ethnic groups yet
makes no appearance in the top ten of any of the other groups. Similarly,
Unilever features in the top ten most popular employers among students from
Asian and mixed/multiple backgrounds, but none of the other three groups.
Shell appears in the black/African/Caribbean and other students
aspirations. Some employers, such as City law firm Clifford Chance, have
taken major steps to improve diversity and social mobility without
introducing quotas. To read more, turn to page 20.
Other ethnic group
Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups
White
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

BBC
GlaxoSmithKline
Google
Microsoft
Jaguar Land Rover
Teach First
Asian
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Google
PwC
HSBC Bank plc
GlaxoSmithKline
J.P. Morgan
Unilever
Microsoft
Deloitte
Rolls-Royce
Black/African/Caribbean
Rank
2014/15 Employer
Rank
2014/15 Employer
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Google
Microsoft
GlaxoSmithKline
IBM
PwC
Amazon
Apple
Shell
BP

BBC
Google
Microsoft
GlaxoSmithKline
Local Government (NGDP)
Unilever
Guardian Media Group
Google
Microsoft
GlaxoSmithKline
Shell
PwC
Jaguar Land Rover
IBM
Allen & Overy LLP
Barclays
guardianUK300.com
As an engineering graduate, I went on a series of placements at maintenance depots

up and down the UK to gain well-rounded experience of railway engineering and
prepare for chartered status. Today Im an engineering project manager.
Lynsey McCabe, Engineering Management Programme
At FirstGroup, were interested in your abilities. Nothing more, nothing less. We give everyone
the same opportunities to excel no matter who they are and where theyre from. Our female
graduates are no exception. We make sure theyre free to learn and progress, with structured
SQ@HMHMFDWODQHDMBDHMSGDjDKC@MCSGDBG@MBDSNF@HMOQNEDRRHNM@KPT@KHjB@SHNMR MCVDU@KTD
SGDHQBNMSQHATSHNMUDQXGHFGKX 3NjMCNTSLNQD@ANTSDMFHMDDQHMF@S%HQRS&QNTO@MCNTQFQ@CT@SD
programme, please visitVVV kQRSFQNTOFQ@CT@SDQDBQTHSLDMS BNL
UK
300
Favourite employers: gender

differences and similarities
Male and female wish lists of employers overlap, but with notable differences.
plitting the data by gender
is illuminating. Several bigname employers enjoyed
similar levels of popularity
with both male and female students:
sitting closely together in both
groups top tens were NHS Graduate
Schemes (ranked 1st by females and
4th by males), Google (ranked 1st by
males and 4th fourth by females),
GlaxoSmithKline (ranked 3rd by
females and 5th by males) and PwC
(ranked 8th by males and 9th by
females). However, there were
numerous points of difference.
IT and engineering companies
were typically more popular with
male than with female students.
These included Microsoft (2nd
males, 14th females), Rolls-Royce
(3rd males, 32nd females), Jaguar
Land Rover (6th males, 19th
females) IBM (7th males, 31st
females) and BP (10th males, 37th
females). This is likely to reflect the
fact that the majority of students
studying related subjects at university
are male. Of course, not all roles at
these companies are restricted to
those with technical degrees there
are plenty of business and finance
positions and, at some of the above,
technical jobs open to non-technical
graduates. However, they are still
more likely to be on the radar of
those whose studies relate to the
organisations main area of work.
Media and public sector
organisations were typically more
popular with female than with male
students. These included the BBC
(ranked 2nd by females and 9th by
males), Channel 4 (ranked 8th by
females and 32nd by males), the
Guardian Media Group (ranked 11th
Males
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Google
Microsoft
Rolls-Royce
GlaxoSmithKline
Jaguar Land Rover
IBM
PwC
BBC
BP
by females and 48th by males),

Teach First (ranked 7th by females
and 44th males) and the Civil Service
Fast Stream (ranked 10th by females
and 20th by males). Other notable
popularity differences included John
Lewis Partnership (ranked 5th by
females and 33rd by males) and
Unilever (ranked 6th by females and
22nd by males). Most of these
organisations are open to a wide
range of degree subjects for many of
their roles, so it seems likely that
choices have been made on the basis
of which industries and individual
employers are most appealing.
Looking at industries of interest
as a whole, sectors that were
considerably more popular among
females included charity and not-forprofit; hospitality, leisure and
tourism; consumer goods
manufacturing and marketing; and
retail. Those that were considerably
more popular among males included
construction, civil engineering and
surveying; engineering design and
Females
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

BBC
GlaxoSmithKline
Google
Unilever
Teach First
Channel 4
PwC
manufacturing; and IT and

technology.
Overall, it seems that female
graduates may be setting themselves
more of a challenge than male
graduates after all, its going to be a
longer, harder process to land a
permanent, graduate-level job with a
broadcaster, broadsheet or big-name
charity than to get a place on an
engineering or technology graduate
scheme, particularly with industries
such as construction and IT poised for
graduate jobs growth. However, thats
not to say that male graduates should
expect to have it easy. To take the IT
industry as an example, recruiters
often comment that graduate
candidates for such jobs are underprepared and under-enthusiastic,
while students graduating from
computer science and related degrees
are the most likely of any group to be
unemployed*. Whatever students
desired careers, theres no shortcut to
success.
*Source: Destinations of Leavers from
Higher Education Survey.
guardianUK300.com
Brain.
Vision.
Taste.
Backbone.
Heart.
Show us what youre made of

Apply now for the
NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme
The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme
will open for applications in October 2014, with
our programmes beginning in September 2015.
Competition will be fierce, and thats just the beginning
of the hard work. Graduates will need to be tenacious
and resilient and able to respond to an ever changing
environment.
You see, our Graduate Management Training Scheme
is a uniquely demanding experience. It calls for
exceptional individuals, as we serve our diverse
communities with an equally diverse workforce.
Our graduates commit to the fair and equal treatment

of every NHS patient, ensuring all sectors of society
benefit from the NHS to the same high standard.
In return, well offer you a range of academic,
professional and development opportunities from
some of the best learning providers in the UK to provide
you with a well-rounded leadership development
package. The skills, experience and qualifications you
gain on our Scheme will help you tackle the challenges
of health inequalities and improve peoples health
and their experience of the NHS.
Finance Management
General Management
Human Resource Management
Informatics Management
www.nhsgraduates.co.uk
www.facebook.com/NHSGraduateScheme
UK
300
Employer choices by
educational background
There are notable differences in employer preference relating to where students
completed their secondary education.
his year weve examined
students favourite
employers by educational
background, grouping
respondents into those educated in the
state sector, private sector and at
establishments outside the UK and
Ireland.
Only a handful of employers
enjoyed similar levels of popularity:
all groups were keen to work for the
BBC (ranked 1st by state-educated
students, 3rd by privately educated
students and 2nd by those educated
overseas) and for Google (3rd state,
1st private, 1st overseas). NHS
Graduate Schemes were ranked
similarly by those educated in the
state and private sectors (2nd and 5th
respectively) but came in only 10th
place among students educated
overseas.
Media and public sector employers
were ranked more highly among those
educated in the state sector than in the
public sector or overseas.
Interestingly, this reflects the
preferences of female students, as
examined on page 16. Examples
include: Channel 4 (7th state, 26th

private, 33rd overseas); Guardian
Media Group (10th state, 32nd
private, 34th overseas) and Teach
First (5th state, 13th private, 47th
overseas).
While not top of any groups list,
charities were also more popular
among state-educated students. The
most highly ranked of these were
Oxfam (15th state, 34th private, 23rd
overseas) and Cancer Research UK
(28th state, 42nd private, 59th
overseas).
Finance, management consulting
and, to some extent, science
employers were more favoured by
those who had attended private
schools or been educated overseas.
Examples include: PwC (2nd private,
3rd overseas, 9th state); J.P. Morgan
(7th private, 5th overseas, 19th state)
and Goldman Sachs (9th private, 7th
overseas, 22nd state)
HSBC Bank plc was ranked in 4th
place by students educated overseas,
yet only in 24th place by privately
educated students (and in 30th place
by those with a state education.)
State sector
Private/independent sector
So why the difference? Its possible

that this relates to values could
state-educated students feel more need
to do something for others, either via
the public sector, a charity or mass
media broadcasting or writing? Are
students educated privately or
overseas more open to the idea of a
finance or corporate career in which
the public good element may be less
immediately obvious?
Its possible that these groups may
have different financial outlooks, but
there may also be an issue of
awareness. Careers in areas such as
investment banking and management
consulting appear to be more on the
radar of students from wealthier
backgrounds, perhaps because they
have connections in these industries.
Finally, its likely that for students
educated overseas there will be
practicalities to consider. Foreign
nationals may wish or need to return
home after their studies. There will
also be some organisations, such as
MI5, that they are not eligible to join.
School/college outside the

UK/Ireland
Rank
2014/15 Employer
Rank
2014/15 Employer
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
BBC
Google
Teach First
Channel 4
Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)
PwC
Google
PwC
BBC
J.P. Morgan
Deloitte
Goldman Sachs
Unilever
Google
BBC
PwC
HSBC Bank plc
J.P. Morgan
Unilever
Goldman Sachs
LOral
Microsoft
guardianUK300.com
Looking for a rewarding

training contract?
Make the informed choice
We are proud of our training and development
programme. Why? Because more than
shouting about it, we deliver on what
we promise.
When you join us, we look at you as the future
associates and partners who will contribute
to the growth and success of our firm, whilst
developing your own rewarding career.
Weve worked hard to create a culture that
encourages, inspires and challenges.
We think youll agree. So why not take that
first important step in securing your training
contract and find out more about what we
can offer you? Come and talk to us at one
of the many events and open days we host.
Wed love to hear from you.
For more information

about us and to find
out about our next open
days, please visit our
website or send us an
email.
Contact us here
E: graduates@
bonddickinson.com
W: www.bonddickinson.com/
join-us/trainee-solicitors
UK
300
EMPLOYER SHOWCASE
Taking diversity to the City

Groundbreaking alternative recruitment schemes are already making ripples in
commercial law, but how do those people on them and at the forefront of change feel
as they progress?
ou have to come in and
experience it yourself: that
was the consensus of
opinion among four
trainees who participated in a
round-table discussion to highlight
what its really like to work in a
City firm when youre part of a
minority. So if youre black, Asian or
indeed from any minority ethnic
background, what happens when
you walk into the imposing foyer at
Clifford Chance to meet the people
you hope will become your new
colleagues?
I REMEMBER THINKING, IS
THERE A PLACE FOR ME IN
THE CITY? BECAUSE I HADNT
MET ANYONE WHO LOOKED
OR SPOKE LIKE ME. Leonie
Aysh points out that the amount
of time partners and associates are
prepared to set aside to meet
students will offer an insight into a
firms working culture, something
that was key to his decision to apply
to work at Clifford Chance. All four
of the trainees recruited through the
firms relationship with Rare agree
that theres an overwhelming feeling
at the firm not just of acceptance but
of fitting in.
I remember coming to lunch here
and looking around the canteen. It
sounds clichd but there were so
many different types of people and
1
3
Sam Manful; 2 Leonie Campbell-King;

Roy Appiah and 4 Aysh Chaudhry.
colours, and that showed me the firm

was being honest about its
commitment to diversity, says Leonie.
I did look at other firms when I
was considering a career in law, but I
felt you had to fit the type of person
that they would accept, explains
Sam. As the trainees go on to
explain, certain universities and
interests seem to prevail when it
comes to successfully securing
contracts at some top-name firms. It
is precisely this situation that the
partners and human resources
leaders at Clifford Chance are taking
comprehensive steps to address by
working with Rare, an organisation
committed to helping employers
build workforces that reflect societys
diversity and by instigating change
through such initiatives as Intelligent
Aid more of which later.
The trainees point out that it
makes good business sense for a firm
working in global arenas to employ
lawyers that international clients can
relate to. Looking forward 25 years
all the trainees hope they will have
been at the forefront of a change of
attitude, not only in big City firms,

but across the employment spectrum.
We are always going to need
social mobility schemes but I hope
that we dont need them based on
ethnicity, because I hope [in 25 years
time] its no longer an issue I hope
that its the norm, says Leonie.
IN FUTURE, RATHER THAN

TALKING ABOUT THE FIRMS
THAT ARE ACTIVELY DOING
SOMETHING ABOUT
DIVERSITY, WE WILL BE
HOLDING THE FIRMS THAT
DONT UP FOR SCRUTINY.
Roy
Roy feels that the diversity
initiatives, while laudable and
important, should not be the sole
reason a student applies to Clifford
Chance.
Come and see the amazing people
you could work with thats the
reason to come to the firm, he says.
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
6
7
5 Will Green;
Goodson and
6
8
Tasmin Patel;
David Boyd.
heres a long-established
path to a training contract
at a big City law firm. Work
experience, tick; a place on
a vac scheme, tick; the right A level
results and degree classification, tick,
tick. And while those routes are tried
and tested, in the past they have
tended to leave other clever students
standing outside the circle. With that
in mind Clifford Chance launched
Intelligent Aid as a way of opening
up opportunities to talent that might
otherwise be lost to law.
ACCESS FOR ANYONE WITH

TALENT, NOT JUST ACCESS
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FIRST
PLACE. David
Four years ago, then law student
Will was the overall winner of the
first competition. He wrote an essay,
was shortlisted and had to make a
solo presentation to a panel. But he
almost didnt bother entering
because he wasnt sure he wanted a
legal career.
University life was busy with
exams and other stuff, he explains.
But one of the wonderful things
about the competition is that it
invites you to have your own ideas.
Tasmin agrees that the
competition format bucks the trend
of rigid and restrictive job
applications in line with Clifford
Chances collective willingness to
accept variety and diversity. That is
what distinguishes us, she says.
guardianUK300.com
Making diversity work
Emma
David sees Intelligent Aid as a

fair shot, an opportunity to succeed
without having to rely on ten years
of top-of-the-class exam results. It
does mean, however, that fellow
Clifford Chance LPC students look
at the competition winners as
different.
They seemed to think I was
better, says Will. There are so many
different kinds of clever in one
intake and while thats impressive, its
also very reassuring. There are so
many different ways to be a good
lawyer.
Prior to law, history student
David had considered journalism as
a means of combining his passions
for human rights and social issues.
Law student Emma, one of the 2014
winners, had always wanted a legal
career but had not thought about
working for a big City firm.
Its telling that all four winners
share the belief that they would not
be working for Clifford Chance if
they hadnt entered the competition.
As a means of ensuring anyone from
any background who has the
capability gets the chance to be a top
commercial lawyer Intelligent Aid is
on the right track. As Will puts it:
THE IMPETUS FOR THESE

SCHEMES MAY COME FROM
THE TOP DOWN, BUT THE
ENTHUSIASM IS COMING
FROM THE BOTTOM UP.
Emma
The Intelligent Aid competition gives 20

entrants a place on Clifford Chances
vacation scheme, bypassing the firms
usual application process. The overall
winner also receives 5,000 towards
their university fees and 1,000 to a
charity of their choice. Entrants are
asked to answer a topical question in
500 words, to show off their
intelligence, ability to structure an
argument and their appreciation of the
commercial world. A shortlist of 40
finalists is invited to a finals day at the
Clifford Chance offices.
In addition, Clifford Chance works
with Rare to recruit people from diverse
backgrounds. By offering one-to-one
help with CVs, application forms, tests,
interviews, group tasks and
assessment centres, theres additional
support available through Rare.
However, Clifford Chance emphasises
that the firm has no quotas and extends
no special favours. Candidates go
through exactly the same process as
everyone else.
Id like to see the best candidates

come through because theyre the
kind of people I want to work with.
The sort of people who are good,
who arent afraid to tell me their
ideas. I want to see everyone
integrating and getting on well. I
want to work somewhere where the
people I work with inspire me.
For more information on
other legal experience and
diversity events available
to you, get a copy of
TARGETjobs Law from
your careers service.
UK
300
EMPLOYER SHOWCASE
A clear path to success
ing the
The trainee manager: mak
r
most of the training on offe
Leah Boothe, Sarah Carter and Abdulrauf Zubia share insights into their careers.
Abdulrauf Zubia worked in engineering and
teaching before deciding to join McDonalds to
hone his business management skills.
After completing my degree in engineering I taught maths
and engineering at Manchester College. Then I worked
for Phillips, where I learned a lot about engineering. I
wanted to go into management, however, so I studied for
a masters in project management and then started
looking for a job. I considered training schemes but they
were expensive and long, so I focused on McDonalds
instead. You dont get this quality of training or
experience anywhere else in the management sector. Since
starting Ive met many business managers with years of
experience in the field and the best thing is, theyre all
willing to teach you.
Diversity in numbers
Meeting and working with people from different
academic and cultural backgrounds, younger and older
people and those with similar backgrounds to me, allows
me to learn and develop. The restaurant Im working in is
a 4m business employing 120 people. There are so many
aspects to look at: controlling labour, profit and loss, and
staff training. With a lot to learn you have to have the
qualities of a sponge and patience.
Ive been taught how to deal with the customer, how
to greet, connect, deliver and be engaging. These are the
skills that I have acquired and am practising they would
be relevant wherever I was employed.
I earn less than I did in my previous job but thats
balanced out by the training I receive from McDonalds
I wouldnt get this from anywhere else. I enjoy my work
and Im doing it for a reason.
I am ambitious and I want to move up the career
ladder Id like to work as an operations manager
(which involves managing around 50 restaurants)
somewhere in the north-west. With my academic
background and my drive and the skills I will acquire
along the way I hope to be managing multiple restaurants
in the coming years.
Sarah Carter has returned to her role as an

operations consultant after a three-year
secondment in field marketing.
I joined McDonalds on the management trainee scheme
after completing a hospitality management degree at the
University of Central Lancashire. My parents, who were
both teachers, had an open outlook about me working
here, but my friends were initially quite dismissive. Over
the years, as theyve seen my career progress and the
enjoyment Ive had out of it, thats changed. I knew I
didnt want to go into teaching but I liked the idea of
education and I do enjoy coaching people. Its great the
way we recognise that training, development and
encouragement really do bring out the best in people.
My sandwich degree focused on economics and
accountancy. My tutors always cited McDonalds as the
best whether we were talking about training or
customer focus. When I graduated I applied for several
big companies and McDonalds was quick off the mark
to get back to me and to hire me. I wanted to see how a
structured well-thought-out business was run. I liked
what I knew of the trainee management programme
because it was all about leading by example.
Why Im still here
I did think I might only stay for about 18 months, but I
got the bug and here I am 20 years later, still learning
something new every day. Thats what keeps me
motivated and driven. I have to be organised and
focused, but my day can range from a meeting to
working shoulder to shoulder with the staff in a
restaurant or I could be presenting.
I like talking, but I get most pride from seeing people
develop. Ive got an aptitude for bringing talent through.
On the marketing side, I take pride in seeing people
implement a plan and watch it come to fruition.
After ten years of continuous service as a salaried
manager McDonalds staff can take a sabbatical a
couple of months off on top of your holiday entitlement.
On my first sabbatical I went to Cuba to learn salsa
dancing. My second sabbatical is on the horizon!
guardianUK300.com
The operations consultant: using her

coaching skills to help people develop
300
providing
The operations manager:
influence
inspiration, coaching and
Leah Boothes career included managing the four Olympic Park

restaurants in 2012. She has returned to her role as an
operations manager following maternity leave.
I had no career aspirations when I first joined McDonalds. I was happy to
experience work while I was studying and to earn some pocket money. Ive
had two sides to my career that was then, but since I graduated career has
become important to me and Ive progressed quickly.
Training and development
My training has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone both in and out of
the workplace whether Im meeting new people, talking in public situations or
helping others grow and develop its given me confidence. Elements of the job
are goal or task orientated and thats helped me structure my personal life too.
My understanding of the organisation has changed but my perception has not.
We work in a fast-paced industry, and the training structure here is second to
none. We are the benchmark. You learn a lot of skills that you can use in
McDonalds or in any other profession, if you choose to move on. But theres a
significant amount of opportunity within the company.
Ive maintained my enthusiasm by managing teams and watching people
grow. To watch people youve nurtured and coached develop and grow is
fantastic at every level. I dont directly manage 50 restaurants, but I manage
five consultants and that amounts to a workforce of about 4,500 employees.
That level of influence alone keeps me enthused.
Career highlight
I was seconded to manage the four Olympic Park restaurants, leading
operations on behalf of the UK. Within the restaurants we had 2,500
employees 2,000 from the UK and 500 from across the globe. For them it
was an opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The
secondment was in two parts for me: planning and execution. It was hard
work there was a lot of preparation, organisation and attention to detail
needed. It was the biggest catering operation in the world, so there was no
margin for error. During the Games, seeing all that hard work being brought
to life was one of the best times of my career. It was an honour I felt
privileged to be trusted in that role. Watching the synergy and how people
came together was fantastic.
Making my mark
Whenever Im in team meetings, whether its with my team or not, I am
conscious of the impression that I leave. In my role I do need to provide
inspiration, to develop, coach, direct and influence. If I couldnt do this I
dont think Id be in this position. Its important to have me time; being able
to switch off and achieve a work/life balance is key to success.
guardianUK300.com
UK
McDonalds and
management
McDonalds offers graduates a starting
point for a management career
whatever their aspirations and whether
they wish to stay with the company
long-term or use their training as a
springboard into other areas of
business.
Start on the ground floor
Every new trainee starts by working at
one of the companys restaurants and
from there, through support, coaching
and further qualifications, no limitations
are placed on how far they can rise. Its
not just corporate-speak several
members of the current UK executive
board began their careers in exactly that
way.
Satisfying aspirations
So what makes them stay? The
structure and opportunities to realise
potential play a crucial part in satisfying
bright graduates aspirations and
McDonalds meets their needs by
offering challenges, on-the-job learning
and in-house courses at a purpose-built
training centre, with other occasions to
further management know-how also
available.
Knowledge retained
More than 60,000 qualifications were
achieved by McDonalds employees in
the last seven years and the company
is keen to emphasise that whether
management trainees remain with
McDonalds throughout their careers or
go elsewhere, the skills, competencies
and knowledge they gain never leave
them.
McDonalds is sponsoring the best use
of social media at TARGETjobs National
Graduate Recruitment Awards 2015.
targetjobsawards.co.uk
UK
300
EMPLOYER SHOWCASE
In search of the new professionals

Policies to expand diversity, promote inclusiveness and allow flexibility are being
lauded by the City in fact, across the land. But when it comes to the way big
organisations operate, how can you identify their real ethos, rather than just what the
headlines say?
alk through the glass doors
into the impressive foyer at
one of the many Deloitte
offices and as your eyes
adjust to the cool, sleek interior a
series of bright canvases leap out
from one vast wall. Step a little
closer and you can see they reveal a
side to Deloitte that doesnt often
come across from the financial pages
of the news or the chats youll get at
careers fairs.
Theres a canvas, for example,
highlighting the difference one
Deloitte employee made by spotting
that charity facilitator
JustGiving.com was missing a trick
in not claiming VAT exemption on
its activities, thereby entitling it to a
3.5m repayment from HMRC. It
was a figure that JustGiving decided
to donate to the charities it works
with but it also allowed similar
organisations to claim back their tax.
Stuart Savage, a partner in Deloittes
indirect tax team, who may become
known as the man who reads the
small print, was donating to his
wifes JustGiving website when he
WELL BRING 1,700 NEW

STUDENT EMPLOYEES INTO
THE BUSINESS, BUT THEY
HAVE TO BE THE RIGHT
PEOPLE.
spotted the anomaly. He is a perfect

example of the kind of person that
Deloitte likes to have on its teams.
There will always be room for the
fact-checking, detail-driven, A*gaining, high-achieving applicant
generally associated with professional
services but actually, theres a lot more
to Deloitte than just numbercrunching. The firm is increasingly
seeking the critical thinking,
questioning, and agile-minded arts
undergraduate to work alongside the
analyst. He or she may not have seen
themselves in a financial role when
they started looking for careers, but
their freer thinking, coupled with a
keen intellect, makes them precisely
the kind of person Deloitte would like
on its teams and on the board and not
only in the consulting arm of the firm.
Deloitte values
Key attributes being sought include
diversity of thought, flexibility,
integrity and values shared with the
firm. Aside from that, he or she can
have been educated at any school,
graduated from any university and
hold any degree, from history and
geography to theology, music and
yes, mathematics.
We handle 30,000 applications a
year, explains Rob Fryer, head of the
firms student recruitment. Of those,
well bring 1,700 new student
employees into the business, but they
have to be the right people.
THE FIRM IS INCREASINGLY

SEEKING THE CRITICAL
THINKING, QUESTIONING AND
AGILE-MINDED ARTS
UNDERGRADUATE TO WORK
ALONGSIDE THE ANALYST.
The team charged with the task of
shaping the firms future in line with
the boards vision emphasises that a
traditional career path, with
qualifications from the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in England &
Wales (ICAEW) or any one of seven
additional awarding bodies covering
areas from technology to real estate,
is still on offer. Rob and his team
predict the consulting arm of the
business will continue to prove
attractive to a certain kind of student
but they are taking steps to ensure
that the breadth of opportunity to be
found behind the glass doors is more
apparent to those who might
otherwise rule themselves out of a
Big 4 career. More client
engagement, more responsibility and
more flexibility will be on offer
thanks to a perceived need to attract
a new wave of recruits.
Were looking for high calibre
creative thinkers to offer the best
services to our clients, says Rob. In
fact, were looking for graduates
who we can develop to become the
complete professional.
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
I carved out
my own practice
Emma Codd joined Deloitte 17
years ago and is the managing
partner for talent, a position
she juggles alongside her
client-facing role.
ifteen years ago, if youd
asked Emma about her
career aspirations, she would
never have thought of being
in her current position as a partner at
a Big 4 firm. But her rather quirky
credentials she studied history at the
School of Slavonic and Eastern
European Studies at University of
London coupled with her experience
in business intelligence and singlemindedness when it comes to
something she feels she can sink her
teeth into, are exactly the kind of
attributes that the firm is seeking in its
future stars.
Opportunity thats what I saw
when I joined the firm 17 years ago,
says Emma, who besides being the
managing partner for talent is also a
partner in the firms forensic and
dispute services practice, where she
established and now runs its business
intelligence services.
WE ARE JUST LOOKING A

BIT WIDER, OPENING OUR
EYES A BIT MORE. Emma
I couldnt believe the clients that I
was going to work with and the travel
options I was being given and thats
how we inspire people coming here,
she says adding that she was an
unlikely executive of a Big 4 firm
when she first graduated. What
Emma was sure of was her need to
have a passion for whatever she chose
guardianUK300.com
to do; to be fulfilled in her work a

perspective she was taught by her
parents.
That is the basic rule that I have
lived by, she explains.
I was lucky that I found something
that I liked doing and it turned out
that I was very good at doing it and
then Ive stuck to this rule. I stuck to it
when I came to Deloitte and when I
became a partner and was offered
opportunities to work on wider
projects, I would consider those very
carefully and only took those that I
was passionate about and that I knew
I would make a difference on.
Deloitte talent
Innovators, entrepreneurs, those with
a more strategic way of thinking
they are all being sought by Deloittes
talent team.
We want to attract people who
may rule themselves out on the
assumption that we only look for
highly numerate people, when thats
not the case. People describe us as an
accountancy firm and of course we
are, but we are also a leading
consultancy practice, a leading tax
advisory practice, a leading corporate
finance practice and each of those
practices has a huge array of client
services within it. So while we do
expect a good level of numeracy we
also offer great opportunities for
people who have a leaning towards
the arts and social sciences for
example, and Im proof of that. Of
course we welcome the people who
only ever wanted to work in
professional services. But I didnt do
the careers fair stuff at university, I
was the last person who would have
thought about that and yet I have
ended up on the executive of a Big 4.
Its important to the recruitment

teams that Deloitte leads the way
along this new path from alternative
pools of talent into the profession but
they also want to ensure the
traditional paths to the right people
remain open.
We are just looking a bit wider,
opening our eyes a bit more, says
Emma.
Once at the firm, theres a
commitment to retaining the best
people, through flexible and agile
working practices. As a working
mother herself, Emma knows how it
feels to have an unexpected home
commitment and even had to call
off a meeting with the CEO when one
of her children was sick.
We based our recently launched
agile working initiative on three
principles. The first one is, judge me
on output dont judge on
presenteeism, judge on what I
produce. The second one is open and
honest communications, and then the
final one is around trust and respect.
And we have to trust the people we
work with. Sticking to those
principles will ensure we have
something that works for everybody.
The most successful forms of flexible
or agile working are those that work
for the person and the team.
Typically firms have lost women
when they cant get the flexibility that
they need but Emma emphasises the
need to encourage men to take up
flexible, agile working too.
I have men in my team who are
equally open that they want to go to
their childs sports day or other
events. We want people to know that
theyve got that work/life balance,
she says.
UK
300
EMPLOYER SHOWCASE
1
First among equals

Bright stars at the John Lewis Partnership talk
about their careers to date.
Hannah Tharp is a retail management
graduate trainee who gained a degree
in linguistics from University College
London, worked in marketing and
then joined Waitrose. She made the
switch after taking stock of her career
plans and thinking about what she
was passionate about retail.
I liked the ethos at the Partnership
and the opportunities on offer to
progress my career. I was impressed
with the amount of investment the
company puts into its partners and
the idea that you can get out as much
as you put in, so youre really in
control of your career, she says. At
the time of writing she was due to
start at the Partnerships new At
Home branch in St Pancras, London.
Well have one delivery a day
because we wont have a stockroom.
Its going to be a completely new
format that the business hasnt tried
before and will involve working
closely with head office daily. We will
be stepping into the unknown and
that will be so exciting.
Proposition manager Nicola Paul
started her career at Waitrose with a
Saturday job 12 years ago, went to
university and then at the age of 22
joined the graduate management
scheme.
I became a department manager
after a year and then I became a
branch manager 18 months after that.
If I think about how Ive changed,
I realise Ive learned to understand
what its like to lead different people.
Everyones an individual so being able
to adapt your style is important. Its a

continual learning process. Ive found
a growing confidence in working out
that I can deliver whats expected.
I now have people coming to me for
advice and thats a big change. I take
that responsibility seriously its
important to me that I give people
time within my week to do what
others did for me when I was starting
out.
When John Lewis business
development manager Jack Wellby
graduated from Oxford University he
was keen to find a job with an
organisation aligned to certain
principles and morals he wanted to
see in a workplace. While in the role
of Oxford University Student Union
charities and community vicepresident, he looked at public sector
and charity jobs as well as applying to
the John Lewis Partnership
merchandising scheme.
I wanted to work in an
environment where people were put
first and were given a chance to
develop. Im always told that Im
passionate and I take people on a
journey with me. Im not someone
who thinks they know it all or comes
across as a bit arrogant but Im
good at making decisions and I have
vision.
I started work in the premium
beauty buying office Id been totally
oblivious to these products before and
had to get a crash course from my
sister!
1
3
5
Hannah Tharp; 2 Nicola Paul;

Jack Wellby; 4 Josceline Clayton and
Laura Lane.
Josceline Clayton didnt join her

familys farm shop when she
completed her theology degree, but
set out along a career path that took
her from private chef to events
manager to strategic brand
consultant. While the latter job was
satisfying, she felt she never got to
implement the changes she
recommended, so decided to start her
career afresh and apply for what was
then the first year of the Waitrose
Leadership Programme.
I liked the structure and content
of the programme but I also liked the
idea of being on the first intake of the
scheme and the opportunities that
being the test model could mean for
how it would run and help future
schemes.
IM LEARNING A BROAD
FOUNDATION OF LEADERSHIP
BEHAVIOURS AND
ATTRIBUTES THAT I CAN
ADAPT TO MORE SPECIFIC
AREAS AND TAKE ON TO A
MORE SENIOR LEVEL. THATS
ABOUT THE PERSON AND
THEIR ATTRIBUTES RATHER
THAN AN ENCYCLOPAEDIC
KNOWLEDGE. GOOD
LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT A
BALANCE. Josceline
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
4
3
Working in partnership
One of the reasons I wanted to go
into retail was for the customer
experience and breadth of
opportunity. Leadership in retail
doesnt just mean running the shop
floor it can mean working in supply
chain or setting up an IT system.
Ive learned to look at my
strengths and development areas as
part of my profile, recognising that no
leader gets an A* across all strengths.
Everyone has different ways of going
about things. I reflect a lot but I think
thats part of the way I try to make
the most of the opportunity. Being on
the fast-track programme means
constantly self-evaluating so Im
always learning.
Talent programme manager for the
Waitrose Leadership Programme,
Laura Lane, graduated from
Loughborough University with a
management science degree with a
retail focus. She spent time at the
Partnership during her industrial
placement year and later joined the
graduate retail scheme.
I went into branch management
very quickly because I already had a
year under my belt I was running a
department within 18 months. I
realised the kick that I got out of
leadership after I had to deliver a
transformational change project that
involved restructuring in a branch. I
applied for a role at head office and
came on a three-month secondment
that was extended and before I knew
it Id been in the role for two years.
One of my responsibilities within
the talent team was to create and
launch a new Leadership Graduate
Programme and Im now 20 months
guardianUK300.com
into that, although my role has

changed Im now a programme
manager. I have a cohort of leadership
trainees who are coming to the end of
year one and a new cohort starting.
What Ive noticed, having done
two campaigns for the leadership
scheme, is those who are really
successful have a really good balance
of IQ (intellectual intelligence), EQ
(emotional intelligence) and LQ
(learning agility). They are clearly
intelligent and are well researched in
retail and our business.
KNOWING OUR
CUSTOMERS HELPS A
GRADUATE BECOME A GREAT
LEADER IN THE FUTURE.
Laura
Strategic agility is what we are
looking for across all of our schemes;
we are looking for ability, aspiration
and engagement. We are looking for
our graduates to get to that senior
management group level in an
extraordinarily fast time frame. And
thats probably the leading edge of the
graduate world right now.
We want not just a diversity of
people but a diversity of thought. We
want to be attractive to everybody
thats a really key message. We
understand that the world and our
customer population is shifting and
the way people shop with us and who
shops with us are changing. The
customers that were reaching and our
leadership team will be as broad in all
of those elements of diversity too.
Competition, economic clout and cutting

edge technology all fall somewhere
along the retail spectrum and the John
Lewis Partnership, with its ethos of
shared ownership, is at the forefront of
offering graduates opportunities and
remuneration within an extensive
package that embraces all aspects of
retail but still puts people at its heart.
Big business decisions demand talented
employees, so the Partnership has been
taking steps to catch the attention of
not just the next generation of
management trainees but also the
future leadership of the organisation.
Since the people who work at John
Lewis and Waitrose are partners, and
have a financial stake in the profits,
attracting candidates with the right
mindset into the business is a priority.
Giving those with the appropriate
outlook enough of a challenge to
maximise their potential and make them
want to stay throughout their working
life can be a tough task, but one that the
existing leadership feels the
organisation can meet.
So what does the future hold if youre
successful in winning a place on a John
Lewis Partnership graduate scheme?
Whichever programme you join youll
learn a range of skills from
merchandising and buying, to ensuring
customer service and innovation; you
may hone your skills in supply chain or
e-tail, and gain additional financial and
commercial knowledge. If you join the
leadership programme youll already
have shown self-confidence, positivity
and commitment and the Partnership
will expect you to be at the forefront of
management in a short time frame. But
whatever scheme you join what is most
on offer is the opportunity to work and
develop to ensure youre the best that
you can be.
Where will you

start your career?
Find quality
graduate roles on
Guardian Jobs.
Start your search today. Visit guardianjobs.com
The 300 most popular graduate employers in the UK
UK
300
S E C T I O N
The 300 most

popular graduate
employers
in the UK
For the first time in print, this years results from the
most comprehensive survey of student aspirations and
opinions as they look forward to their future careers, with
cross references to more information about many of the
organisations within the UK 300. Based on 27,000
student and graduate responses, these rankings also
show rises, falls and maintenance of position across all
career sectors.
The 300 most popular graduate
recruiters 2014/15 ..............................................................30
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Position in career sector rankings details start page 41
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The 300 most

popular graduate
recruiters 2014/15
Rank
2014/15 Employer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34

BBC
Google
GlaxoSmithKline
Microsoft
PwC
Unilever
Jaguar Land Rover
Rolls-Royce
Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)
Teach First
IBM
Channel 4
Deloitte
J.P. Morgan
Security Service (MI5)
BP
Amazon
Goldman Sachs
KPMG
Rank
2013/14
1
5
2
3
6
8
7
20
18
11
9
19
15
17
25
12
22
29
13
26
16
21
27
1
1
2
1
5
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
2
4
3
2
3
2
1
6
1
4
2
2
3
_
Local Government National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP)
Procter & Gamble (P&G)

LOral
Airbus
HSBC Bank plc
Barclays
Shell
AstraZeneca
BAE Systems
Oxfam
Allen & Overy LLP
See profile
on page
23
38
28
47
24
32
30
31
34
53
5
3
2
3
1
2
4
3
4
2
2
4
2
1
336
168
358
418
276
278
364
206
400
268
216
372
182
256
132
254
290
302
292
266
166
148
158
352
130
Since the survey was compiled, some organisations have merged or changed their name. These changes will be implemented in the 2015/16 survey.
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Acc
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Ret ector
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Scie
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dev
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Rank
2014/15 Employer
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
British Council
EY
Marks & Spencer
Pfizer
EU Institutions
Linklaters LLP
Sky
Atkins
Hilton Worldwide
Cancer Research UK
EDF Energy
Clifford Chance
Arup
Arcadia Group
Samsung
McKinsey & Company
The Army
Slaughter and May
Morgan Stanley
Accenture
Siemens
The Royal Air Force
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Deutsche Bank
Nestl
Network Rail
Johnson & Johnson
Mars
The Body Shop (now part of LOral)
HM Revenue & Customs
Lloyds Banking Group
Metropolitan Police
Apple
Boston Consulting Group
Bloomberg
The Bank of England
AAH Pharmaceuticals
ExxonMobil
Rank
2013/14
See profile
on page
46
14
39
37
35
68
90
57
55
7
4
3
3
8
2
9
1
_
58
73
63
54
76
49
48
62
43
45
79
65
86
51
69
71
75
105
96
42
60
72
4
67
66
61
70
56
1
4
3
3
2
4
8
1
4
5
3
5
5
6
4
10
3
4
8
6
3
5
9
3
4
6
4
4
186
304
234
388
150
196
228
208
142
138
140
390
320
380
246
332
280
306
176
164
238
guardianuk300.com
UK
300

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Ret ector
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Scie
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and
dev
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men
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Vote for your favourite

employers in the the UKs
most comprehensive
trendence
careers survey
GRADUATE
BAROMETER
Rank
2014/15 Employer
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
adidas Group
BMW Group (BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce Motor Cars)
STFC (The Science and Technology Facilities Council)
Baker & McKenzie LLP
Abercrombie & Fitch
Dyson
GCHQ
Hogan Lovells
E.ON
Citi
Tesco
Mondelez International
Abbott Laboratories
Intel
GE
Boots
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bain & Company
Bayer
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
BT
DLA Piper LLP
The Royal Navy
Credit Suisse
Aldi
DSTL
Simmons & Simmons
Toyota
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Merlin Entertainments
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Eversheds LLP
Bird & Bird
Pinsent Masons LLP
Ubisoft
Sainsburys
National Grid
Transport for London
Rank
2013/14
91
77
92
118
95
98
84
123
110
101
85
40
94
52
74
80
81
97
103
130
82
104
108
83
116
131
149
126
159
147
132
113
162
125
87
107
120
99
See profile
on page
7
6
5
6
5
7
10
7
5
7
6
9
6
7
6
7
8
5
7
8
10
8
9
8
9
9
10
6
4
9
5
394
160
120
224
250
260
226
204
402
252
180
190
214
128
222
382
340
316
236
330
408
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
...and win Amazon vouchers

ve prizes of 500 and ten of 200
www.trendence-gradbarometer.co.uk
Rank
2014/15 Employer
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
Facebook
Irwin Mitchell
Schlumberger
BlackRock
Mott MacDonald
Lloyds
Grant Thornton
Sony
ARM
Ferrero
Balfour Beatty
Cisco
Santander
HP
AECOM
Next Retail PLC
WPP
American Express
Diageo
nucleargraduates
UBS
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group
British Sugar
Roche
Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)
Co-operative Group
BASF
QinetiQ
Asda
Laing ORourke
CMS Cameron McKenna
Thales
British Airways
Macfarlanes LLP
Ford
Wragge & Co LLP (now known as Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co)
Babcock
Yorkshire Water
Rank
2013/14
Acc
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See profile
on page
100
146
114
_
93
122
121
64
135
10
3
7
5
6
_
111
128
137
102
154
10
4
8
5
_
_
161
112
133
142
115
124
136
144
106
143
153
138
156
185
193
36
213
145
242
183
127
10
5
9
8
10
10
9
274
370
174
324
298
240
162
202
368
264
122
334
426
134
344
414
188
154
360
144
294
212
184
156
guardianuk300.com
UK
300

Acc
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Ret ector
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Scie
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sea
rch
and
dev
elop
men
t

most comprehensive
trendence
careers survey
GRADUATE
BAROMETER
Rank
2014/15 Employer
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
183
185
186
Merck
Nomura
Volkswagen Group
Lidl
ABB
Clyde & Co LLP
Nabarro LLP
Johnson Matthey
Anglian Water Services
National Audit Office
Bond Dickinson LLP
Reckitt Benckiser
Jones Day
Shoosmiths
Ashurst LLP
Sellafield
Addleshaw Goddard
AkzoNobel
PA Consulting
TJX Europe (TK Maxx)
npower
Zurich Financial Services
BDO
Berwin Leighton Paisner
Capgemini
Allianz
Tata Steel
Mercer
AMEC
White & Case LLP
Reed Smith
Burges Salmon
Buro Happold
Lloyds Register
Jacobs Engineering
Jagex
Travers Smith LLP
Morrisons
Rank
2013/14
See profile
on page
129
158
150
172
199
200
287
_
134
151
217
163
188
191
197
173
177
181
152
8
6
6
_
160
164
169
296
139
157
175
179
182
290
206
231
184
189
10
7
8
7
7
8
_
204
240
_
338
296
118
210
326
328
178
282
376
146
374
126
354
404
342
170
398
314
362
192
194
300
410
322
guardianuk300.com
UK
300

Rank
2014/15 Employer
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
Rank
2013/14
Nissan
170
Mills & Reeve LLP
190
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)
288
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 226
Ocado
249
BNP Paribas
Mishcon de Reya
Financial Conduct Authority
Total
155
Honda
187
Centrica
292
UK Power Networks
227
RPC
259
Latham & Watkins LLP
ScottishPower
171
Nationwide
195
Mayer Brown International LLP
286
BAM Construct UK
224
Skype (UK)
Aon
165
Veolia
196
Skanska
289
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
297
Taylor Wessing
207
Caterpillar
214
Farrer & Co
218
Olswang LLP
225
ConocoPhillips
201
Kier Group
URS
208
Hill Dickinson LLP
209
McDonalds Restaurants
220
EE
271
MBDA
178
AXA
198
JCB
210
Kennedys
Bristows
230
Acc
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Ret ector
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See profile
on page
_
_
_
9
_
10
318
384
242
416
366
310
386
232
346
420
258
312
230
284
guardianuk300.com
UK
300

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dev
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men
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most comprehensive
trendence
careers survey
GRADUATE
BAROMETER
238
_
166
176
194
293
295
241
281
_
_
140
192
202
219
222
235
246
255
_
168
211
_
299
216
291
228
239
245
250
251
258
262
See profile
Shearman & Sterling LLP

Wood Group
Oracle
AB InBev
Alstom
Cummins
Standard Life
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Dentons
Essar Oil
MACE
Dell
Telefnica O2
DHL
Jackson Civil Engineering
Socit Gnrale
Osborne Clarke
Air Products
Charles Russell LLP
Pannone
Aviva
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
TLT Solicitors LLP
Walker Morris
Dialog Semiconductor
BAM Nuttall
Ashfords LLP
Sir Robert McAlpine
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Weightmans
Amey
Ince & Co
King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin
Yahoo! UK & Ireland
Ministry of Defence
Vodafone
CHP Consulting
Withers LLP
Rank
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
Rank
2012/13
Rank
Rank
2013/14 Employer
_
148
180
215
223
See profile
on page
424
348
422
218
350
124
152
288
406
220
396
136
272
200
guardianuk300.com
UK
300

Rank
2014/15 Employer
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
Rank
2013/14
Blake Lapthorn
Holman Fenwick Willan
CGI
United Utilities
BG Group
Kimberly-Clark
Field Fisher Waterhouse
Metaswitch Networks
Anthony Gold Solicitors
Capsticks
Lawrence Graham LLP
Nokia
Petrofac
Sidley Austin LLP
CH2M HILL
Phillips 66
Bechtel
DAC Beachcroft LLP
Stephenson Harwood
Trowers & Hamlins
Brodies LLP
First Group
Northrop Grumman
Dundas & Wilson
Gateley
Morgan Sindall
Penningtons LLP
Imagination Technologies
BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
Browne Jacobson LLP
Freeth Cartwright LLP
Fujitsu
DESG
Kerry Group
SAP
Red Gate Software
Max Fordham
Forsters LLP
(now known as Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co)
Acc
ou
Ban nting a
ki
nd
Cha ng, ins finan
ura
cia
rity
nd
st
g
o
sult
, civ ofit
ial s
i
il en
er v
Con ng
ices
gine
su
erin
Ene mer go
g an
rgy
ods
d su
Eng and u m
r ve
an
in
ti
ying
ring
des
pita
and
Inve lity, l ign a
nd
eis
mkt
st
ban
nd t
fact
d
t
o
olo
nd i
nve
Law barris gy
stm
so ters
ent
licit
Log
istic ors
Med s, tra
ns
ia
Pro and ad port a
per
vert nd s
t
y
isin uppl
Pub
g
y ch
lic s
ain
Ret ector
ail
Scie
ntif
ic re
sea
rch
and
dev
elop
men
t
254
274
298
167
_
212
256
261
_
_
119
_
_
_
_
244
253
252
263
285
_
_
_
186
233
234
243
257
266
_
_
203
294
300
221
236
247
260
See profile
on page
262
198
356
378
172
392
412
244
270
248
286
308
guardianuk300.com
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Abi Duncombe
HR Administrator
Every day, HR professionals play a vital role in helping

people learn and develop at work. Theyre at the heart
of business, shaping how organisations build and
sustain performance through their people.
With exciting opportunities across a huge range of
industries, a career in HR really gives you long-term
options - at home and internationally.
Join the HR profession and champion better work
and working lives.
Find out more about careers in Human Resources

cipd.co.uk/hr-careers
The top employers by career sector
UK
300
S E C T I O N
The top employers

by career sector
Accounting and financial

management ..................................................42
Banking, insurance and
financial services............................................44
Charity and not-for-profit ..............................46
Construction, civil engineering
and surveying ................................................48
Consulting........................................................50
Consumer goods manufacturing
and marketing ................................................52
Energy and utilities ........................................54
Engineering design and manufacturing ......56
Hospitality, leisure and tourism....................58
Investment banking and investment ..........60
IT and technology............................................62
Law barristers ..............................................64
Law solicitors ..............................................66
Logistics, transport and supply chain..........68
Media and advertising....................................70
Property............................................................72
Public sector ....................................................74
Retail ................................................................76
The difference between the UK 300 rankings and sector rankings
The UK 300 ranks graduate recruiters from all sectors of work by their popularity with students as first
employers. The sector Top Tens rank graduate recruiters by their popularity with students thinking
mainly of working within that sector.
Some recruiters, of course, are popular with students considering other careers or operate in more than
one sector, so their ranking in the UK 300 is a measure of their popularity with all students completing
the survey. It is not uncommon, for example, for an engineering company to be popular with students
looking for a management career and this is taken into account when the UK 300 is compiled.
guardianuk300.com
Scientific research and development ..........78
UK
300
Accounting and
financial management
Students need to be more than just number-crunchers:
they need to show excellent problem-solving skills and
commercial awareness.
ccountants combine problem-solving skills with
business acumen to provide professional services
to clients. They influence the strategic
development of organisations and ensure that
clients are financially sound and compliant with
relevant legislation. The services they provide include
auditing, tax, business and financial advice, assurance
and insolvency. Financial managers often start out as
accountants. They aid business planning and decisionmaking and oversee financial accounts.
Both large multinational organisations and smaller
specialist firms employ accountants and financial
managers. Every business, regardless of its size, needs an
expert to manage its finances. Accountants and financial
managers working for accountancy or professional
services firms provide advice and expertise to other
businesses, while others provide an internal service to
their employer. Accountants and financial managers can
also be employed in the public sector to ensure that
public money is being spent properly.
There is a wide range of qualifications provided by
professional bodies to train graduates in the different
specialist areas of accounting.
GRADUATES TYPICALLY WORK

WITHIN A FIRM WHILE THEY COMPLETE
A PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION,
EITHER ON A TRAINING PROGRAMME
OR IN A JUNIOR POST.
Graduates typically work within a firm while they

complete a professional qualification, either on a training
programme or in a junior post. Programmes usually
involve exposure to all functions or departments within
the organisation and it can be intense due to the
combination of work, study and exams. However, many
firms offer study leave and a great deal of support.
To get a job with a firm students need to show
excellent numeracy skills and commercial awareness,
along with good communication, time management,
analytical and teamwork skills. Once qualified, the
financial rewards can be substantial and despite the
turbulence of the recent recession, accounting and
financial management remains a stable career choice for
graduates.
Students interested in accounting and
financial management
were most likely to be studying business, management
or mathematical science and statistics
just over half said they had related work experience
a third had been job-hunting for six to eight months
made on average 26 job applications, though 18 per
cent said they had made 35 or more
nearly 80 per cent were undergraduate students while
only one per cent were studying at PhD level
rated PwC, Deloitte, KPMG and EY as the top
employers.
Turn to page 30 to see the full survey results and to

page 8 to find out how the survey was compiled.
Opportunities for graduates
All kinds of organisations from the Big 4 firms
(KPMG, Deloitte, EY, PwC) to small accountancy firms,
plus many public and private sector employers recruit
graduates as accountants. Any degree discipline is
accepted, but having a finance background can gain you
exemption from some exams.
To find out more about working in this sector

read the Rising star interview with Roshni
Patel of BDO.
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 42%
Female 58%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
78%
Masters
15%
PhD
1%
MBA
1%
Graduated
5%
911 mths
3%
12 mths or more
9%
I have been job-hunting for
(top six factors in order)
n Internship/part-time position
adverts
n Career presentations/employer
presentations
n Stands at campus careers fairs
n On-campus workshops
n Networking evenings/
dinners/events
n Employer freebies/competitions/
business games
Job applications
04
5%
59
17%
1014
21%
1519
9%
2024
2529
17%
4%
3034
9%
35
or more
less than 3 mths

20%
35 mths
35%
68 mths
33%
Top rated employers
Top subjects of study

(top six only)
n
n
n
n
n
n
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Business/management
Mathematical science/statistics
Natural science
Social science
Historical/philosophical science
Languages, literature and classics
PwC
Deloitte
KPMG
EY
Grant Thornton
BDO
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
Related work experience
Average number
of applications 26
18%
Yes 48%
No 52%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
7%
1619k
5%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
21%
2225k
26%
2528k
11%
2831k
17%
more than 31k

13%
UK
300
Banking, insurance
and financial services
A varied sector that encompasses work areas such as risk management, retail
banking and regulation and compliance.
his sector encompasses a variety of employers
including actuarial consultancies, high street
retail banks, insurance companies and
regulation and compliance watchdogs. Risk
managers, who are found across the financial services
sector, protect clients from potential loss, while actuaries
assess complex risks based on predictive mathematical
models. Retail banks and insurance companies supply
RECRUITERS SAY THEY FEEL

CONFIDENT THAT A STUDENT WHO HAS
DONE A RELEVANT INTERNSHIP
UNDERSTANDS HOW THE SECTOR
WORKS AND CAN HIT THE GROUND
RUNNING.
customers with day-to-day financial management
products such as bank accounts, pensions and insurance
policies.
Many graduates who initially intend to go into
accountancy or investment banking eventually fall into a
role in financial services, which they find suits them
better. Graduates who want to work in this sector wont
necessarily need to have a degree in maths, finance or
business although an A grade at maths A level may be
required for some jobs. But for most employers,
interpersonal and communication
skills are as important as financial
know-how.
Since the recession, the
reputation of the banking, insurance
and financial services sector has
fallen in many peoples eyes.
However, in recent
years there have been
a number of
changes that may
be boosting the
sectors appeal.
Most notably, in
2013 the
Financial Services Authority (FSA) separated into the

FCA and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). The
PRA is part of Bank of England it is responsible for the
prudential regulation and supervision of banks, building
societies, the credit unions, insurers and major investment
firms. Developments such as these may be causing young
peoples confidence in the industry to return.
The UKs main banking and financial services industry
regulators, the FCA and the PRA, both employ graduates
and most large banks and consultancies offer structured
internships. Most of these internships are only open to
students in the summer between their penultimate and
final years at university, with application deadlines
typically falling in December or early January of their
penultimate year. For students on three-year courses, that
means applying in the autumn term of the second year.
Recruiters say they want the best and brightest to join
insurance, financial services and banking. They also say
they feel confident that a student who has done a relevant
internship understands how the sector works and can hit
the ground running and make quick progress.
Students interested in banking, insurance
just under half had done related work experience
58 per cent of respondents were female
the top subject of study was business or management
around half expected to earn between 19,000 to
25,000
a third had been job-hunting for six to eight
months
15 per cent expected to earn more than
31,000.
Turn to page 30 to see the full survey results

and to page 8 to find out how the survey was
compiled.
read the View from the top interviews with
Luke Morano of Bloomberg and Francesca
McDonagh of HSBC Bank plc and the Rising
star interview with Pavlos Spyropoulos of
Lloyds of London.
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 42%
Female 58%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
78%
Masters
14%
PhD
1%
MBA
1%
Graduated
6%
911 mths
3%
12 mths or more
12%
adverts
presentations
n Guest lectures
dinners/events
Job applications
04
5%
59
14%
1014
35 mths
36%
68 mths
33%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n
n
n
n
n
n
Business/management
Social science
Psychology
23%
1519
7%
2024
2529
16%
3%
3034
9%
35
less than 3 mths

16%
or more
HSBC Bank plc

Barclays
The Bank of England
Bloomberg
Lloyds
Santander
American Express
The Royal Bank of
Scotland Group
2
1
3
4
5
7
8
-
Average number
of applications 29
23%
Yes 47%
No 53%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
10%
1619k
7%
1922k
22%
2225k
23%
2528k
8%
2831k
15%
more than 31k

15%
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Charity and not-for-profit

Working for a good cause on a variety of projects
attracts graduates to diverse careers in this sector.
he charity and not-for-profit sector is a popular
choice among graduates who are more
interested in a fulfilling career and contributing
to a worthwhile cause than striking it rich.
Although a lot of the work is done by volunteers, fulltime paid staff members are needed too, even though the
pay may be less than jobs in other sectors 86 per cent of
students interested in charity work expect salaries of less
than 25,000.
Working in this sector is not only about fundraising;
graduates can use their skills and knowledge in a range of
positions, from office-based accounting or admin roles to
hands-on work in the community to lobbying in political
pressure groups.
Bear in mind that the third sector can mean many
different things. Many not-for-profit groups define
themselves as non-governmental organisations (NGOs),
especially if they work overseas. Humanitarian or aid
workers may be employed by charities, governments or
international organisations, such as UNICEF. Some
charities are also registered as companies, particularly if
they have a large number of employees or receive
considerable funding, while social enterprises
organisations whose profits are reinvested into society or
the environment are often also charities.

The typical route into the sector is to volunteer with an
organisation or cause whose work you feel strongly
about. Charities often advertise vacancies internally or
via their networks as they prefer to recruit people with an
existing understanding of how they operate.
Around 76 per cent of those surveyed who expressed
an interest in charity and not-for-profit careers were
female. There are twice as many women as men working
in this sector, though this ratio is not reflected at board
and director level.
Because many voluntary organisations are small, are
focused on specific aims and may rely on volunteers,
there are few graduate schemes in the sector. There are,
however, a number of internships that offer students the
chance to get involved in cross-departmental work.
Graduates need a range of attributes including
excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and
applicants who demonstrate dedication to the cause and
an awareness of the issues facing the sector are likely to
do well. Experience of the sector through voluntary work
is also usually viewed favourably. Progression is possible

but often sideways by taking on different roles or new
projects.
Increased need for charities services, along with
greater competition for government grants and
reductions in private donations, has put pressure on
charities budgets. This is a trend thats likely to continue
to affect jobs in this sector.
APPLICANTS WHO DEMONSTRATE

DEDICATION TO THE CAUSE ARE LIKELY
TO DO WELL.
Students interested in charity and not-forprofit...
considered a high level of personal responsibility and
friendly colleagues to be the most important factors
when choosing an employer
were mostly studying social science or business and
management
had made 38 applications on average with 62 per cent
job-hunting over three to eight months
were split fairly evenly when it came to experience
only 49 per cent had completed related work
experience, which is lower than average
were more often female than male with only 24 per
cent being male, although this has increased from last
year when only 20.7 per cent were male
expected to earn a relatively low income compared
with students interested in other sectors as 34 per cent
of those surveyed anticipated earning 19,000 to
22,000 per year.

guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Gender
Study level
Male 24%
Female 76%
Important employer
characteristics
Undergraduate
55%
Masters
15%
PhD
4%
MBA
Graduated
26%
911 mths
3%
12 mths or more
24%
(top ten in order)

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
High level of personal responsibility

Friendly colleagues
Good employer leadership style
Good work/life balance
Good career prospects
High starting salary
Job security
Innovation
Attractive products/services
Job applications
04
4%
59
12%
1014
18%
1519
7%
2024
14%
2529
4%
3034
10%
35
or more
up to 16,000
18%
1619k
16%
35 mths
28%
68 mths
34%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n
n
n
n
n
n
Social science
Business/management
Natural science
Politics
Amnesty International
Oxfam
WWF
Cancer Research UK
National Trust
British Red Cross
Save the Children
Mind
WaterAid
English Heritage
1
2
4
6
7
3
5
8
9
10
Average number
of applications 38
31%
I expect to earn
guardianuk300.com
less than 3 mths

11%
Yes 49%
1922k
34%
No 51%
2225k
18%
2528k
4%
2831k
6%
more than 31k

4%
UK
300
Construction, civil
engineering and surveying
Early responsibility, opportunities overseas and job satisfaction all come with a
graduate career in the built environment sector.
he built environment sector is popular with
graduates who enjoy teamwork and want plenty
of responsibility early on. These careers can also
offer the chance to work abroad, particularly
when working for an international employer that has
projects overseas. They may involve long hours compared
to jobs in other sectors and some commuting, especially
for on-site work, but this is eclipsed by the satisfaction of
being part of the construction process, seeing a patch of
earth turn into a finished building.
The economic downturn made jobs in the sector
harder to come by than they were a decade ago as
investors have been less willing to buy into construction
projects. That being said, the sector is picking up again
and there are still opportunities for the best candidates.
The built environment industry has become
increasingly focused on the importance of sustainability,
risk management and safety on site so a good
understanding of these issues may help you succeed in
impressing recruiters.

Some construction careers require graduates who have
studied a relevant degree discipline, or have completed a
postgraduate conversion course. Other construction
careers, such as project or facilities management accept
graduates from any background. Work experience is also
highly beneficial to any graduate application it shows
you have a desire to join this highly competitive industry
and helps you develop your non-academic skills.
Evidence that you are organised and good at
communicating with others will boost your application,
regardless of your degree background.
Graduates traditionally choose to either work for
consultants (who deal with design, cost and planning
matters) or for contractors (who oversee the
construction), but many organisations now offer
combined design and build services. Many graduates
work towards professional status with an appropriate
professional body, which demonstrates their occupational
competency and knowledge. There are professional
bodies for all sectors; for example, civil engineers charter
with the Institute of Civil Engineers and construction
managers with the Chartered Institute of Building.
Employers often advise on which body to go for and may
help with the cost of the process.
CAREERS IN THE BUILT

ENVIRONMENT COME WITH THE
SATISFACTION OF BEING PART OF THE
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS, SEEING A
PATCH OF EARTH TURN INTO A
FINISHED BUILDING.
Students interested in construction, civil
engineering and surveying...
had made 26 applications on average, which is
remarkably fewer than last year when the
figure was 34
had related work experience in 60 per
cent of cases although this seems
low, its generally higher than those
interested in other sectors
were usually studying related
subjects, such as engineering,
architecture, building and planning
very few had been job-hunting for
more than eight months only nine
per cent
were more often male since only 38
per cent were female
rarely expected salaries of less than
19,000; the largest group by far,
at 38 per cent, anticipated earning
between 22,000 and 25,000.
Turn to page 30 to see the full

survey results and to page 8 to
find out how the survey was
compiled.
To find out more about working in this
sector read the View from the top
interviews with Chris Marsh of Atkins
and Harvey Francis of Skanska and
the Rising star interviews with Grace
Foster of AECOM and Jumana AlZubaidi of Mott MacDonald.
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Gender
Study level
Male 62%
Female 38%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
53%
Masters
34%
PhD
5%
MBA
-
Graduated
8%
911 mths
2%
12 mths or more
7%
adverts
n Guest lectures
presentations
n Joint research
04
5%
59
17%
1014
22%
1519
9%
2024
68 mths
28%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2529
19%
3%
3034
7%
or more
18%
Engineering
Architecture, building and planning
Natural science
Geography and environmental
science
n Mathematical science/statistics
n Medicine, dentistry and related
up to 16,000
6%
1619k
4%
Atkins
Arup
Mott MacDonald
Balfour Beatty
AECOM
Laing ORourke
AMEC
Buro Happold
BAM Construct UK
Skanska
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
10
9
Average number
of applications 26
Yes 60%
I expect to earn
guardianuk300.com
35 mths
39%
n
n
n
n
Job applications
35
less than 3 mths

24%
1922k
18%
No 40%
2225k
38%
2528k
14%
2831k
13%
more than 31k

7%
UK
300
Consulting
Consultants are called in to provide an objective analysis of a clients business
practice and offer advice and ideas for improvement.
anagement consultants are used by clients to
help improve their business; they will analyse
the way the business is currently being run and
then make suggestions on how to improve
business performance. Some consultancy firms specialise
in specific areas, for example IT or HR, while others will
cover all aspects of a businesss practice; similarly, some
firms will work with specific sectors, for example the
public sector or retail, while others will be more general.
Management consultancy has some of the highest
graduate starting salaries.
While working on a project a consultant will be
involved with a range of different tasks and will need to
use a number of different techniques and skills; new
graduates will usually find themselves working on areas
such as fact-finding, attending meetings, making
recommendations and keeping the client up to date.
It can be a very competitive sector to get into so it can
be helpful to take part in one of the internships offered
by some of the larger consultancy firms. These
internships are usually available to undergraduates in
their penultimate year and provide a great opportunity to
learn more about the job as well as being a chance to
impress recruiters and build work relationships before
applying for a full-time graduate role.
in their careers and the varied nature of the job means

that graduates receive opportunities for a lot of personal
development. Some firms will sponsor graduates while
they complete an MBA.

Consultancy is a popular and competitive sector for
graduates as it offers variety and intellectual challenges as
well as perks such as high starting salaries and the
possibility of travel.
A lot of consultancy firms recruit graduates through
training programmes; some recruit throughout the year
and close positions when they are filled but the majority
have more structured applications recruiting annually
and usually closing in November or December.
Consultancy firms arent looking for graduates from a
specific degree background, instead they are looking for a
number of key competencies such as attention to detail,
commercial awareness (knowledge of the industry) and
great communication skills. A high level of academic
achievement is taken as a given so its important to
demonstrate these skills. As with other competitive
sectors relevant work experience or an internship can
really help a candidate to stand out.
Graduates can be given a lot of responsibility early on

survey results and to page 8 to
find out how the survey was
compiled.
Students interested in consulting...

were optimistic about future earnings with 48 per cent
expecting to be earning at least 28,000 in their first
consultancy role
only 55 per cent had undertaken relevant work
experience
almost 90 per cent had been jobhunting for less than eight
months
business and management
students top the list of
topics studied but the
top six also contained
students from social
science and literature
sent out 24 job
applications, down from 30 last year
are split pretty evenly in terms of
gender with one per cent more females
than males.
GRADUATES CAN BE GIVEN A LOT OF

RESPONSIBILITY EARLY ON IN THEIR
CAREERS.
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 49%
Female 51%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
67%
Masters
19%
PhD
4%
MBA
2%
Graduated
8%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
7%
adverts
presentations
dinners/events
business games
Job applications
04
5%
59
14%
1014
35 mths
37%
68 mths
28%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
n
n
n
n
n
n
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Business/management
Natural science
Social science
Politics
McKinsey & Company

IBM
Accenture
Bain & Company
PA Consulting
Mercer
Capgemini
CHP Consulting
1
3
2
4
5
6
8
7
-
25%
1519
10%
2024
35
less than 3 mths

24%
2529
18%
3%
3034
7%
or more
18%
Average number
of applications 24
Yes 55%
No 45%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
3%
1619k
3%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
16%
2225k
20%
2528k
10%
2831k
21%
more than 31k

27%
UK
300
Consumer goods
manufacturing and marketing
This fast-paced, competitive industry encompasses a wide range of work areas,
from logistics to IT, finance to engineering.
onsumer goods are any products bought by
consumers, rather than by manufacturers for the
production of other goods. Within this, fastmoving consumer goods (FMCGs) are products
with a limited shelf life that are sold in large quantities to
regular customers, such as toiletries, cosmetics, cleaning
products, food and drink.
A variety of graduate roles are available in the industry,
from researching and developing new goods to marketing
the final product. They will also find roles in IT, finance,
logistics, HR and management.
Its a fast-paced and highly competitive industry; the
series of processes involved in producing consumer goods
must be as efficient as possible to meet demands and
maximise returns. This is often what makes careers in the
sector attractive: graduates are likely to go far if they are
consistently innovative and can come up with viable new
ideas that will put their employer ahead of the
competition. Changes can be seen quickly, which will
appeal to those who like to see the impact of their work.
In this industry in particular, corporate social
responsibility has really come to the fore recently,
especially with regard to sourcing from overseas, as
stakeholders and consumers are more aware of the social,
ethical and environmental concerns involved. Having an
awareness of these issues will stand graduates in good
stead for impressing employers and progressing in a
consumer goods career.

FMCG manufacturers and distributors have a longestablished record of recruiting into graduate training
programmes. However, they may also recruit directly into
established junior or assistant roles.
Graduates from all disciplines are welcome in this
sector. Those who enter via graduate training programmes
usually begin with a rotation through a number of
functions of the business before choosing to specialise in a
function or department appropriate to their discipline and
level of experience.
Consumer goods recruiters expect graduates to have a
good knowledge of their brands plus a comprehensive
knowledge of what their competitors have to offer and the
trading environment in general. Graduates who have work
experience through business placements or part-time work
in a fast-paced customer service setting will have an
advantage when applying for jobs in this area. Other
abilities valued by consumer goods employers include
excellent organisational, planning, communication,
problem-solving, teamworking and entrepreneurial skills
combined with strong business acumen.
Students interested in consumer goods
manufacturing and marketing...
more than half expected to earn 19,000 to 25,000;
relatively few anticipated earning over 25,000
the most common subject studied was business and
management, although many had unrelated degrees such
as literature, social science and English
only 18 per cent had studied at postgraduate level
more than three quarters of students interested in this
sector were female as only 24 per cent were male
had been looking for a job for less time than last years
students; the largest group, at 37 per cent, had been jobhunting for three to five months compared to the largest
group last year, who had been searching for six to eight
months
had made fewer job applications than last year too; this
years students had made 28 on average while last years
made 31.

guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 24%
Female 76%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
76%
Masters
16%
PhD
1%
MBA
1%
Graduated
6%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
12%
adverts
presentations
n Guest lectures
business games
Job applications
04
5%
59
14%
1014
20%
1519
8%
2024
35 mths
37%
68 mths
31%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
n
n
n
n
n
n
1
2
3
4
5
6
Business/management
Social science
English
Psychology
Natural science
7
8
9
10
Unilever
LOral
Procter & Gamble
Nestl
GlaxoSmithKline
The Body Shop
(now part of LOral)
adidas Group
Mars
Ferrero
1
2
4
6
5
9
8
-
19%
2%
2529
3034
35
less than 3 mths

16%
Average number
of applications 28
9%
or more
23%
Yes 55%
No 45%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
11%
1619k
9%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
29%
2225k
24%
2528k
8%
2831k
11%
more than 31k

8%
UK
300
Energy and utilities

With ever more resources needed to power our industry and modern
lifestyles, the energy and utilities sector is evolving rapidly.
he energy and utilities industry is responsible for
the exploration, exploitation, supply and
management of the natural resources that are
indispensable to an industrial society, such as
gas, water, oil and electricity as well as nuclear and
renewable energy sources.
Graduates involved in exploration and production
often need to be willing to travel and may even live
abroad whereas those working in a design or commercial
area will have more geographic stability. The work can be
fast-paced as organisations respond to regulatory changes
and graduates often work in a team on various different
projects.
This sector has been more recession-proof than many
thanks to the ongoing need for power even in tough
economic times for both industry and modern lifestyles.
Since climate change and water scarcity have become
increasing concerns globally, water management not
only the harnessing of water sources, but also its
distribution, treatment and disposal and renewable
energy suppliers have become bigger players in the
industry. Careers in renewable energy look particularly
promising due to increased investment in this area and a
move away from traditional energy sources.
THIS SECTOR HAS BEEN MORE

RECESSION-PROOF THAN MANY THANKS
TO THE ONGOING NEED FOR POWER
EVEN IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES.
Nuclear energy has also seen a new worldwide focus
as current infrastructure comes to the end of its service
life and new generation assets are required to avoid a
power crunch. There is also the threat of a
corresponding skills crunch as the industry may not
have enough engineers to develop and deliver the
solutions needed.
Our ever more technology-dependent lifestyles have
put pressure on operators in electricity, telecoms and
broadband. The growth of electric vehicles and new
technologies in the future means the energy and utilities
sector is being forced to adapt, which will also boost
employment opportunities.

Roles in this sector depend on the degree studied. Many
commercial jobs within this sector do not require a
specific degree, but one in engineering, another applicable
science or maths is necessary for entering a technical role.
Firms working in this sector therefore tend to offer
different graduate schemes for different business areas.
Schemes aimed at those in technical roles often involve
study for membership and accreditation by the
appropriate professional body, for example the IEEE
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) or the
IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining).
Students interested in energy and utilities...
only 45 per cent (up from last years 40 per cent)
answered that they had related work experience but
most had studied related degrees, such as engineering
or natural science
expected to earn more than last year: the largest group
this year, at 25 per cent, anticipated earnings of
22,000 to 25,000, whereas the largest group last
year, at 21 per cent, anticipated earnings of 19,000 to
22,000
around one in ten has been job-hunting for 12 months
or more while the majority had been job-hunting for
three to eight months
had made 22 applications on average less than
students interested in other sectors with 21 per cent
only making 10 to 14 applications
were mostly undergraduate students at 62 per cent,
although 34 per cent had gone on to further study.

guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 56%
Female 44%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
62%
Masters
28%
PhD
5%
MBA
1%
Graduated
4%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
11%
adverts
presentations
n Guest lectures
n Joint research
Job applications
04
7%
59
16%
1014
21%
1519
11%
2024
2529
18%
3%
3034
8%
35 or more
16%
less than 3 mths

17%
35 mths
36%
68 mths
32%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n Engineering
n Natural science
n Geography and environmental
science
n Architecture, building and planning
BP
Shell
EDF Energy
ExxonMobil
E.ON
GE
Yorkshire Water
Sellafield
npower
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
Average number
of applications 22
Yes 45%
No 55%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
8%
1619k
7%
1922k
19%
2225k
25%
2528k
11%
2831k
16%
more than 31k

14%
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Engineering design
and manufacturing
Its the satisfaction of seeing engineering designs turn into a finished product that
attracts graduates to the huge range of careers available in this sector.
raduates from any engineering and design
discipline can usually go on to find work in a
broad range of sectors such as: aerospace,
marine, energy, built environment, defence,
pharmaceuticals or utilities. While some employers accept
various types of engineer onto general engineering
graduate schemes, others look for particular specialists to
go into particular positions. There are also many
opportunities for engineers to apply their technical
knowledge to other roles, in marketing or management
for example, with engineering employers.
Many graduates are attracted to the sector by the
opportunities to travel, the relatively high starting salaries
and the satisfaction that comes with seeing engineering
designs turn into a finished product. On the other hand,
engineers often have to work under pressure with tight
deadlines and significant workloads project delays cost
contractors and investors money so employers expect
efficiency and great time management.
The engineering, design and manufacturing sector
particularly automotive manufacturing has seen some
promising sales figures thanks to an increase in demand
for UK-made products. Food manufacturing and energy
(including renewable energy) are also growing areas of
the sector.
Conversely, construction projects can be high risk and
engineering companies are also under increasing pressure to
reduce their impact on the environment; graduates aware of
risk management and sustainability will show employers
they understand the key challenges facing the industry.
Students interested in engineering design

and manufacturing...
had completed related work experience in only 46 per
cent of cases although this has increased since last
year when the figure was 42.5 per cent
were anticipating fairly high starting salaries: only 13
per cent expected to be paid less than 19,000 while
39 per cent predicted earning over 25,000
had made 23 applications on
average, which is low compared
to students interested in other
sectors, such as charity (38
applications),
hospitality (37) and
property (36)
heard about job
opportunities
through adverts
and careers fairs
female engineers
continue to be in
the minority,
making up only
around one third of
students interested
in the sector
two thirds of those
surveyed had been jobhunting for between three and
eight months.

Across the industry, engineering recruiters are looking for
graduates who can bring technical proficiency along with
problem-solving, analytical, teamworking, organisation,
communication and project management skills into this
dynamic environment.
Ambitious graduate engineers with broad skills sets
can enjoy rapid career progression and can gain
significant technical and management roles within ten
years of qualification. Be aware that while many
employers recruit graduate engineers with either BEng or
MEng degrees, some employers will only hire MEng
graduates. In addition, to train as a chartered or
incorporated engineer your engineering degree must be
accredited by the Engineering Council.

survey results and to page 8 to find out how the
survey was compiled.
To find out more about working in this

sector read the View from the top
interview with Jos Lopes of Jaguar
Land Rover and the Rising star
interviews with Chibuzor Edordu of
Network Rail, Robert Moody of Siemens,
Elizabeth Wiltshire of Rolls-Royce and
Sam Knott of Dyson.
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 64%
Female 36%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
61%
Masters
29%
PhD
6%
MBA
-
Graduated
4%
911 mths
3%
12 mths or more
9%
adverts
n Guest lectures
presentations
n Joint research
less than 3 mths

19%
35 mths
37%
68 mths
32%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
Job applications
04
7%
59
17%
1014
24%
1519
9%
2024
16%
2529
4%
3034
7%
35 or more
16%
n Engineering
n Natural science
n Geography and environmental
science
n Architecture, building and planning
n Creative arts and design
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Rolls-Royce
Jaguar Land Rover
Airbus
BAE Systems
Siemens
BMW Group
Dyson
Mercedes AMG High
Performance Powertrains
9 DSTL
10 Network Rail
1
4
2
3
7
9
5
Average number
of applications 23
Yes 46%
No 54%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
7%
1619k
6%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
21%
2225k
27%
2528k
12%
2831k
16%
more than 31k

11%
UK
300
Hospitality, leisure and tourism

This wide-ranging sector offers graduates the chance to develop transferable
management and planning skills.
he hospitality, leisure and tourism sector
encompasses a wide range of work areas,
including catering and hotel management, health
and fitness, entertainment, travel agency and
heritage. Employers will often offer the option to work
abroad, but there are also numerous opportunities within
the UK. Wherever the job is based, employees will be
expected to work directly with customers, solve problems
and organise projects. In the process, graduates who
work in this industry will develop highly transferable
management and planning skills. As it is a very broad
sector, they will be able to tailor their careers according
to their own interests.
Larger employers often run graduate schemes that
offer opportunities to rotate around different
departments. During these schemes, graduates will learn
the basics of the business before being given
responsibility for their own teams and projects. Smaller
organisations, such as specialist tour operators, are more
likely to offer the chance to take on early responsibility;

they often appeal to students and graduates who are allrounders with skills in a wide range of areas.
Many larger employers offer structured training
programmes, but some businesses will simply expect
graduates to learn on the job. Salaries vary widely in this
sector; for example, the overall manager of a small,
budget hotel might earn 20,000 a year whereas a
manager working at a five-star hotel could earn up to
90,000.
GRADUATES CAN TAILOR THEIR

CAREERS ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN
INTERESTS.
Recruitment into this sector is often ongoing, and
graduate schemes with large employers are competitive.
Graduates may also find themselves competing with nongraduates if they are applying for non-management roles,
so work experience for example, a weekend or evening
job in a customer-facing role in a pub or shop can help
them develop practical skills and make useful industry
contacts. They can also stand out by building and
demonstrating commercial awareness and people skills
such as clear communication, personal initiative and
teamworking ability. Graduates do not necessarily need a
degree in the field but a postgraduate qualification in
international tourism or hospitality management can
demonstrate commitment and provide additional work
experience and useful contacts. Some postgrad courses
can also lead to professional industry qualifications.
Students interested in hospitality, leisure and
tourism
wanted to work for employers that provide attractive
products and services
most were studying for a business or management
related degree
on average expected to earn 19,000 to 22,000
annually

guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Gender
Study level
Male 26%
Female 74%
Important employer
characteristics
Undergraduate
62%
Masters
13%
PhD
1%
MBA
1%
Graduated
23%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
22%
(top ten factors in order)

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Personal development
Attractive work tasks
Being appreciated at work
Equal opportunity
Job applications
04
4%
59
11%
1014
18%
1519
8%
2024
2529
16%
3%
3034
10%
35
or more
less than 3 mths

12%
35 mths
33%
68 mths
29%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
n
n
n
n
n
n
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Business/management
Natural science
Psychology
Social science
Hilton International
Marriott International
Thomas Cook
Virgin Active
Camp America
Center Parcs
InterContinental Hotels
Group
9 TUI Travel
10 P&O
1
3
5
6
2
7
4
8
9
Average number
of applications 37
30%
Yes 50%
No 50%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
21%
1619k
16%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
32%
2225k
18%
2528k
3%
2831k
6%
more than 31k

4%
UK
300
Investment banking
and investment
A demanding and dynamic sector: investment banking and investment
attracts highly numerate and business-focused graduates.
ven post-recession, the investment banking and
investment sector still remains a popular choice
for numerate and business-focused graduates
who want a structured, challenging career with
opportunities for substantial financial rewards.
Graduates who enter the investment banking and
investment sector tend to start as analysts. They study
and evaluate the performance of companies and
industries, recommending investment opportunities.
The main employers are stockbrokers, investment
banks and investment management companies.
Stockbroking firms buy and sell stocks and shares and
give financial advice to investors. Investment banks deal
with securities and assist clients with services. Investment
management companies invest money for clients who are
looking to grow financially.
GRADUATES WHO ENTER THE

INVESTMENT BANKING AND
INVESTMENT SECTOR TEND TO START
AS ANALYSTS.
directly recruited as analysts, junior associates or junior

traders. Investment roles also exist in institutions such as
building societies.
Degrees in business, economics, finance, computing,
engineering, maths and physics are attractive to banking
employers, although a finance degree isnt always
necessary. Work experience is becoming increasingly
important, however, with many banks running insight
days and summer internships from which, in investment
banks, the majority of graduate roles are filled.
Students interested in investment banking
and investment
more than a quarter said they expected to earn more
than 31,000, while only four per cent expected to
earn between 16,000 and 19,000
made an average of 27 job applications
were most likely to be studying business, management,
mathematical science or statistics
just over half said they had related work experience
more than half were female
two out of five said they had been job-hunting for
three to five months.

Those in the investment world often put in long hours
to negotiate their heavy workload. It is not unusual for
them to work 10-12 hours a day. Although this is subject
to the nature of the employer, specific area of work and
type of role, work in the investment industry can be
stressful, demanding and unpredictable.
Despite this, this sector also provides a stimulating
and dynamic working environment as well as excellent
opportunities for early responsibility, career progression
and a high salary.
Employers include stockbrokers, investment banks,
insurance companies, unit and investment trusts, and
pension fund managers. Investment banks graduate
programmes may include roles in finance, management,
compliance, research, HR, investment banking, merchant
banking, legal controls, equity, securities, trading, IT and
information risk management. Highly skilled and
academic applicants with work experience may be
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 48%
Female 52%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
78%
Masters
16%
PhD
1%
MBA
1%
Graduated
4%
911 mths
2%
12 mths or more
7%
adverts
presentations
dinners/events
n Guest lectures
Job applications
04
5%
59
16%
1014
23%
1519
8%
2024
35
2529
17%
3%
3034
7%
or more
21%
less than 3 mths

19%
35 mths
40%
68 mths
32%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
n
n
n
n
n
n
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Business/management
Social science
Natural science
Engineering
J.P. Morgan
Goldman Sachs
HSBC Bank plc
Barclays
Morgan Stanley
Deutsche Bank
Citi
Bank of America
Merrill Lynch
9 Credit Suisse
10 BlackRock
2
1
4
3
5
6
9
8
7
-
Average number
of applications 27
Yes 48%
No 52%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
7%
1619k
4%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
17%
2225k
21%
2528k
7%
2831k
18%
more than 31k

26%
UK
300
IT and technology
The IT and technology sector offers graduates
the chance to work in an exciting and
ever-evolving industry.
he IT and technology sector can offer graduates
a chance to work within a constantly evolving,
fast-paced and exciting industry.
There are a huge number of organisations
that recruit for IT roles from small, niche companies to
huge multinationals. As well as specific IT companies
graduates should also consider the opportunities
available in other sectors such as banking and finance
and retail currently many of the larger retailers are
investing a lot of money and resources into online and
mobile shopping technologies.
As technology is always advancing and evolving, a
career in IT will mean on-the-job training and a need to
keep up with the latest developments, so a real interest in
technology is essential. As well as having an interest in
technology and enthusiasm its important for graduates
working in this sector to always have the end-users needs
in mind. A creative and customer-focused approach to
problem-solving is also a desirable skill for graduates.
Graduates dont need an IT degree to work within this
sector; many recruiters hire graduates from any degree
background to take advantage of the different skills
available.
GRADUATES DONT NEED AN IT

DEGREE; MANY RECRUITERS HIRE
GRADUATES FROM ANY DEGREE
BACKGROUND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
THE DIFFERENT SKILLS AVAILABLE.
There are a number of roles available to graduates in this
sector; with both technical roles, for example IT support,
programming and software engineering and business
roles including sales and consulting these generally
involve more time spent developing relationships with
customers and clients.
Most recruiters will expect graduates to have the
relevant technical skills, for example knowledge of
programming languages but they will also be looking for
a high level of soft skills such as communication,
organisation and commercial awareness. Career
progression can be quick for those who have the right

attitude and are willing to dedicate time to their
professional development.
Technical degrees or degrees with a scientific base,
such as engineering or maths, are particularly welcomed
by recruiters but some will recruit from all degree
disciplines. For graduates who have a non-IT degree
conversion courses are available, giving recruiters the
chance to hire graduates with a wide range of different
skills and backgrounds.
Often roles for non-IT graduates will be sales or
marketing based; non-IT graduates can provide a great
link between IT specialists and the customer. However,
there are some directly related to IT; for these roles
showing a high level of enthusiasm perhaps
demonstrated through learning a computer language
alongside your degree is important.
Students interested in IT and technology...
are mostly male, 61 per cent
50 per cent had undertaken some relevant work
experience, almost ten per cent more than last year
although computer science and IT topped the poll of
subjects studied theres also English, media and
literature in the top six
86 per cent had been job-hunting for eight months or
less
a quarter expect to earn between 19,000 and 22,000
in their first IT and technology role
send out on average 28 applications before securing a
job two less than last year.

guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 61%
Female 39%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
72%
Masters
18%
PhD
3%
MBA
1%
Graduated
6%
911 mths
2%
12 mths or more
12%
adverts
n Guest lectures
business games
presentations
Job applications
04
7%
59
17%
1014
21%
1519
2024
8%
2529
15%
3%
3034
9%
35
or more
less than 3 mths

18%
35 mths
35%
68 mths
33%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n
n
n
n
n
n
Computer science/IT
Creative arts and design
Media
Business/management
English
Google
Microsoft
Apple
Ubisoft
Facebook
Sony
Intel
Samsung
Sky
BT
1
3
2
10
7
8
9
-
Average number
of applications 28
20%
Yes 50%
No 50%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
14%
1619k
8%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
25%
2225k
21%
2528k
6%
2831k
13%
more than 31k

13%
UK
300
Law barristers
Qualifying and finding work as a barrister is no
simple proposition, but the rewards can be great.
arristers need excellent presentation and public
speaking skills as well as the ability to absorb
large amounts of information. They are mostly
self-employed and their role is to provide legal
advice, work with other solicitors and represent their
clients in court. Despite the long and costly training
involved, this is a popular career path. Successful
barristers will enjoy high earnings and a varied career.
Aspiring barristers must do a law degree or a non-law
degree plus a graduate diploma in law (GDL) conversion
course, followed by the Bar professional training course
(BPTC). Graduates must plan ahead carefully to make
sure that they have the necessary finances and experience
to complete their training and find work. The BPTC is
run at a small number of institutions, largely on a fulltime basis (although there are some part time options and
one partial distance learning arrangement).
Before they can enrol on a BPTC, graduates will need
to take the Bar course aptitude test (BCAT), which was
introduced in 2012. This tests students critical thinking
and reasoning, the core skills required for the BPTC, and
is intended to prevent people with insufficient language
skills from taking up BPTC places. Individual course
providers sometimes impose additional admission criteria
for the BPTC in order to screen students abilities more
closely. Changes such as these have been driven by the
widespread concern about the number of students who
complete the BPTC but cannot find pupillages.

Competition for pupillages remains fierce. Changes to
government legal funding are also affecting the Bar
particularly the criminal and family areas so work
experience in the form of a mini-pupillage or other legalrelated placements is essential. Graduates from
backgrounds under-represented at the Bar, such as those
from ethnic minorities and underprivileged groups,
should investigate the range of initiatives aimed at
increasing diversity in the profession as they can offer
extra work experience and networking opportunities.
Pupillages are advertised via the Bar Councils Pupillage
Gateway online application system during the application
season. The majority of opportunities remain in
barristers sets, although there are a small number of
employed pupillages each year with organisations such as
the Crown Prosecution Service and the Government
Legal Service.
DESPITE THE LONG AND COSTLY

TRAINING INVOLVED, BECOMING A
BARRISTER IS A POPULAR CAREER
PATH.
Students interested in law barristers
on average made 31 job applications
more than a third had been job-hunting for 12 months
or more
over half had done related work experience
around a quarter expected to earn more than 31,000
law was the top subject of study at university
more than a quarter made 35 or more applications.

guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 32%
Female 68%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
78%
Masters
15%
PhD
1%
MBA
-
Graduated
6%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
37%
adverts
n Guest lectures
n Networking
evenings/dinners/events
presentations
Job applications
04
4%
59
11%
1014
19%
1519
8%
2024
2529
18%
3%
3034
10%
35
or more
less than 3 mths

8%
35 mths
20%
68 mths
31%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n
n
n
n
n
n
Law
Social science
English
Politics
Crown Prosecution Service

Government Legal Service
Blackstone Chambers
No5 Chambers
Kings Chambers
1 Kings Bench Walk
Matrix Chambers
11 Kings Bench Walk
1 Garden Court
Brick Court Chambers
3
6
7
-
Average number
of applications 31
27%
Yes 59%
No 41%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
11%
1619k
8%
1922k
22%
2225k
16%
2528k
5%
2831k
15%
more than 31k

23%
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Law solicitors
Life as a solicitor is exciting and intellectually stimulating, but only the most
determined and committed graduates will secure training contracts.
olicitors provide legal advice, find solutions to
problems and represent clients in negotiations.
They research cases, write legal documents and
liaise with other professionals on a day-to-day
basis. Its a long training process and a competitive job
market graduates who want to enter into the profession
must be determined and committed to their career choice.
It is highly advisable for aspiring solicitors to do legal
work experience to gain an understanding of how law
firms operate and to establish whether its the right route
for them. Work experience also provides an opportunity
to try out different-sized firms and areas of practice.
Doing work experience at a law firm shows commitment
to a legal career, but firms do also value relevant work
experience in a non-legal setting.
Most large firms offer insight and open days, as well
as paid vacation schemes for students. These usually last
for one or two weeks and they typically take place in the
summer, though some firms offer winter and spring
placements as well. In vacation schemes, students work
together on projects, attend meetings and undertake
research. There will also be opportunities to socialise
with lawyers and trainees. Smaller firms may offer less
structured work experience placements, such as work
shadowing, and many students do paralegal work while
they search for training contracts.
STUDENTS NEED TO PLAN AHEAD IF

THEY WANT TO BECOME SOLICITORS.
Students need to plan ahead if they want to become
solicitors. A law degree, or another degree followed by a
law conversion course, begins the process. Many
universities and education providers offer the conversion
course, which may be known as the common professional
examination (CPE) or the graduate diploma in law
(GDL). After this, graduates need to take the legal
practice course, which brings together theory and
practical law. Graduates can only start a training contract
having completed the legal practice course (LPC),
although its advisable to start applying well in advance.
Large law firms, such as those in the so-called Magic
Circle, offer many graduate opportunities each year, and

they can include secondments overseas or with clients.
There are also opportunities with smaller firms. All
trainees, regardless of the type of firm theyre in, need to
gain experience of at least three areas of law to meet the
training requirements set by the Law Society.
Students interested in law solicitors
36 per cent expected to earn more than 31,000 a year
law was the top subject of study at university
59 per cent had done related work experience
23 per cent said they had made 35 or more job
applications
more than a quarter had been looking for a job for
more than a year
69 per cent of applicants were female.


read the View from the top interview with
James Burns of Clyde & Co.
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 31%
Female 69%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
81%
Masters
12%
PhD
1%
MBA
-
Graduated
6%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
27%
adverts
presentations
n Networking
evenings/dinners/events
n Guest lectures
Job applications
3%
04
59
13%
1014
22%
1519
10%
2024
2529
18%
3%
3034
8%
35
or more
less than 3 mths

13%
35 mths
25%
68 mths
31%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
n
n
n
n
n
n
1
2
3
4
5
Law
English
Politics
Social science
6
7
8
9
10
Allen & Overy LLP

Linklaters LLP
Clifford Chance
Slaughter and May
Freshfields Bruckhaus
Deringer LLP
Hogan Lovells
DLA Piper LLP
Simmons & Simmons
5
9
10
6
-
Average number
of applications 28
23%
Yes 59%
No 41%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
6%
1619k
5%
1922k
15%
2225k
15%
2528k
5%
guardianuk300.com
1
3
4
2
2831k
18%
more than 31k

36%
UK
300
Logistics, transport
and supply chain
This sector is all about the quick and efficient movement of materials, people and
goods, so it suits highly organised and analytical graduates well.
ogistics and supply chain involves the
management and movement of materials, goods
and services, and doing this as quickly, safely
and efficiently as possible, while transport
management deals with the movement of people or
freight via rail, air, road or sea. Employment
opportunities are provided by logistics and distribution
companies, manufacturers, transport companies, courier
services, and retail and consumer goods chains.
One of the major issues facing the transport industry,
particularly the air travel sector, is the pressure of
environmental regulations to provide sustainable
solutions to the movement of items and passengers.
Additionally, the often unstable price of fuel is the prime
determiner of revenue for these organisations.
Consequently, many in the industry are looking to the
more environmentally friendly and financially steady
biofuels as potential alternatives to traditional fuels.
Our change in lifestyle, including our increased
demand for low cost goods and the subsequent sourcing
and manufacture of goods overseas, has led to a greater
and more complex international supply chain network.
Countries with emerging markets, such as China, Brazil
and India, are becoming bigger players in the logistics
industry and many international companies are aiming to
invest more in these areas.
In all, its a competitive and complex industry that
needs graduates who have an awareness of the related
issues and are great problem-solvers to keep things
running smoothly.

Graduates can find work in this sector whether they have
a related degree, such as business or engineering, or come
from an unrelated discipline. There are many sub-sectors
within logistics and transport that graduates can go into,
such as sourcing, storage, distribution, operations
management and supply chain analysis. Employers either
recruit graduates into specific roles or onto generalist
training programmes that give an overall introduction to
the processes involved, followed by specialisation later.
Roles tend to involve planning and organisation so
excellent problem-solving skills, initiative, attention to
detail, analytical skills, flexibility and time management
are essential. There are also roles available in support
functions, including finance, HR and marketing.
EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR GRADUATES

WHO ARE GREAT PROBLEM-SOLVERS,
WHO CAN KEEP THINGS RUNNING
SMOOTHLY.
Students interested in logistics, transport
and supply chain...
over half had been job hunting for three to five
months, while only one tenth had been looking for a
job for more than nine months
three-quarters had completed relevant work
experience, more than students interested in any other
sector
some had studied related subjects, such as geography
or business and management, while others came from
unrelated disciplines, including teaching, English and
law
around 23 per cent anticipated earning more than
25,000 per year
were divided exactly 50:50 when it came to gender
were unlikely to be studying further than
undergraduate level
with no respondents
working towards a
PhD or MBA and
only 14 per cent
doing a masters
course.
Turn to page 30 to see

the full survey results
and to page 8 to find
out how the survey
was compiled.

read the Rising star interview with Heather
Betts of Transport for London and Rob
Hughes of First Group.
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 50%
Female 50%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
77%
Masters
14%
PhD
-
MBA
-
Graduated
9%
911 mths
5%
12 mths or more
5%
n Guest lectures
adverts
presentations
n Invitations to off-campus events
0%
04
59
19%
1014
1519
2024
29%
0%
2529
10%
0%
3034
14%
68 mths
38%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
or more
Business/management
Education/teaching
English
science
n Languages, literature and classics
n Law
Average number
of applications 29
28%
up to 16,000
5%
1619k
10%
British Airways
Virgin
Network Rail
Airbus
Royal Mail
DHL
easyjet
Maersk
UPS
Yes 75%
I expect to earn
guardianuk300.com
35 mths
52%
n
n
n
n
Job applications
35
less than 3 mths

-
1922k
29%
No 25%
2225k
33%
2528k
5%
2831k
9%
more than 31k

9%
UK
300
Media and advertising

Communication and interpersonal skills along with a creative mind are core
skills for most media and advertising roles.
he media and advertising sector spans a whole
host of different areas and offers a range of
different roles. Writing, design and marketing
roles are popular with graduates but many
media and advertising positions will also involve
planning, organising and detailed research. Although
hard to break into without relevant work experience,
jobs in this sector can be rewarding. Being able to see the
end result of an advertising campaign or your work in a
finished publication can give you a real buzz.
Communication and interpersonal skills are crucial:
youll need to work effectively in a team and have the
confidence and ability to liaise with clients, the media
and high profile people as well as members of the public.
The emergence of social media, and the everincreasing use of online material and communication,
mean that online skills are more important than ever.
Employers value graduates who can write, plan and
design for web content as well as for print. The decline of
print sales has seen many newspaper and magazine
publishers, for example, move into online publishing.
Graduates who can write effectively and concisely,
design and plan content across a variety of media
platforms will be attractive to media and advertising
employers. Those who can show that they have these
skills in combination with commercial awareness and
business acumen are likely to impress.

There are graduates with agencies, as junior roles within
larger organisations, or as part of companies graduate
schemes. In smaller companies, junior roles may be
combined with other functions such as PR or
communications. All are likely to be competitive, and
work experience and internships are established ways
into these industries.
Some companies have cut creative budgets because of
the recession. However, with much creative work now
being outsourced, graduates should look out for jobs
with agencies as well as in-house roles.
Recruiters look for numeracy, accuracy and the ability
to communicate clearly as well as creativity. They need to
see that graduates joining them can do detailed research,
work to a budget, keep good records and convince clients
to try their ideas. IT skills including familiarity with
social media will also be invaluable.
Some of the creative jobs in advertising may require a

degree in graphic design or a language, but jobs in
account management are open to graduates in all
subjects. Having a specialist qualification from the
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or the Chartered
Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) may help your
application, and speculative applications for jobs may
reap rewards.
THE EMERGENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA,

AND THE EVER-INCREASING USE OF
ONLINE MATERIAL AND
COMMUNICATION, MEAN THAT ONLINE
SKILLS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN
EVER.
Students interested in media and
advertising
rated friendly colleagues, good career prospects and a
high starting salary as the top three most important
employer characteristics
on average made a total of 39 job applications
more than 20 per cent had been job-hunting for 12
months or more, an increase of almost six per cent
from the year before
over half said they did not have any related work
experience
were most likely to study business/management, media
and English.


read the Rising star interviews with Jamie
Macfarlane of WPP and Luke Morano of
Bloomberg.
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Gender
Study level
Male 29%
Female 71%
Important employer
characteristics
Undergraduate
64%
Masters
11%
PhD
1%
MBA
1%
Graduated
23%
911 mths
5%
12 mths or more
22%

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Friendly colleagues
Status and prestige
Being appreciated at work
Job applications
04
2%
59
10%
1014
17%
1519
7%
2024
16%
2529
4%
3034
10%
35
or more
less than 3 mths

11%
35 mths
30%
68 mths
32%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n
n
n
n
n
n
Business/management
Media
English
BBC TV
Google
Channel 4
Sky
BBC Radio
Bloomsbury Publishing
Saatchi & Saatchi
ITV
Random House
1
2
3
4
7
8
6
5
Average number
of applications 39
34%
Yes 45%
No 55%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
17%
1619k
16%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
32%
2225k
20%
2528k
4%
2831k
6%
more than 31k

5%
UK
300
Property
Graduates with related experience, commercial awareness and dedication to a
property career will find a range of roles available in a sector thats picking up again
after the economic downturn.
he property sector is the intersection between
the built environment and finance and its focus
is to generate revenue from land in a variety of
ways. As a result, there is a range of graduate
roles available, right through from planning a new
development to valuing the finished property. There are
also plenty of opportunities for career progression,
personal development and gaining professional
accreditation.
There has been strong competition for property jobs
in recent years; this sector undeniably suffered during the
economic crisis. That being said, the number of jobs
available in this sector is expected to rise and recruiters
are adding more places on their graduate schemes.
Diversity is also a key issue for employers at present as
theyre keen to shake off the white, male-dominated
image in the sector.
To find employment in this area, related work
experience is advantageous, if not essential it shows
recruiters that the applicant is genuinely committed to a
property career and understands what that involves.
Larger firms run internships while smaller firms offer
work shadowing opportunities. Bear in mind that having
completed an internship doesnt guarantee a graduate job
but it can help secure an interview. Above all, recruiters
look for graduates who are driven and passionate about a
property career.

While most come to the sector with a property-related
degree, this is not the only route to entry. Postgraduate
conversion courses are available and some firms are keen
to include graduates from other areas (known as noncognates). Firms also offer on-the-job training geared
towards gaining chartership with a relevant professional
body, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors.
Thanks to the many different areas of work within the
sector, graduates can expect a lot of choice regarding the
path their career will take. Different positions will suit
different personalities: you could be involved in the
renovation of property or take a fund management
position, strategically investing in property on behalf of
clients. All work experience is important to recruiters in
this sector, as they are looking for graduates with
commercial awareness as well as soft skills such as good
communication and analytical ability.
THE NUMBER OF JOBS AVAILABLE IN

THIS SECTOR IS EXPECTED TO RISE.
Students interested in property...
were most interested in the training and development
available when considering employers important
characteristics, while job security was seen as the least
important factor
had made 36 applications over a period of three to
eight months on average
were more evenly divided in terms of gender than last
year 51 per cent of students interested in property
were female this year compared to 56 per cent last year
expected to earn 19,000 to 25,000 per year,
according to 47 per cent of respondents
were most likely studying business and management or
architecture, building and planning subjects
although it is all but essential, only 51 per cent
responded that they had completed related work
experience.

guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 49%
Female 51%
Important employer
characteristics
Undergraduate
56%
Masters
21%
PhD
2%
MBA
1%
Graduated
20%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
20%

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Corporate social responsibility
Friendly colleagues
Equal opportunity
Employer success in the market
Job security
Job applications
04
4%
59
13%
1014
19%
1519
8%
2024
35 mths
32%
68 mths
31%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n
n
n
n
n
n
Business/management
Architecture, building and planning
Law
Engineering
Social science
Savills
BNP Paribas Real Estate
Knight Frank
Grosvenor
Hamptons International
Countrywide
FOXTONS
Countryside Properties
Jones Lang LaSalle
Colliers International
1
2
3
8
5
4
-
14%
2%
2529
3034
35
less than 3 mths

13%
9%
or more
Average number
of applications 36
31%
Yes 51%
No 49%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
12%
1619k
10%
1922k
22%
2225k
25%
guardianuk300.com
2528k
8%
2831k
12%
more than 31k

11%
UK
300
Public sector
Working in the public sector can offer unparalleled opportunities
to change peoples lives on both a small and large scale.
areers in the public sector are wide ranging and
a popular choice for graduates who want to
make difference to the lives of others. Employers
in this broad sector include the local or central
government, semi-state bodies, the Civil Service and
institutions concerned with health, sport, defence,
education, broadcasting and the environment.
Whether they work directly with members of the
public as a teacher or a social worker or behind the
scenes in central government, public sector employees
work to make an impact on peoples daily lives. While
some may see the effects of their work straight away,
others might make decisions or implement policies that
will lead to long-term changes with national or even
international significance.
It is important that the public sectors workforce
reflects and understands the needs of the people it serves.
Many employers are therefore committed to recruiting a
diverse range of people from different backgrounds.

Competition for jobs has tended to be fierce due to the
perceived security of employment and the availability of
flexible working arrangements, generous holidays, career
breaks and job sharing. Further training or study may
also be subsidised, and progression is likely to be via
established hierarchies. However, recent government cuts
have affected recruitment into this sector.
Some local authorities and health organisations

alongside the Civil Service offer graduate schemes that
can lead to management roles. Recruitment to other
graduate jobs within the public sector generally takes
place on an ad hoc basis. Graduate entry roles are
generally administrative.
For those wanting to travel, the European Personnel
Selection Office (EPSO) manages recruitment to the
European Civil Service. These posts require a
comprehensive knowledge of the European Union and its
policies as well as knowledge of at least two European
languages including English. Positions may occasionally
arise in consulates and governmental aid projects.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE PUBLIC

SECTORS WORKFORCE REFLECTS AND
UNDERSTANDS THE NEEDS OF THE
PEOPLE IT SERVES.
Students interested in the public sector
were most likely to be studying languages, literature and
classics or medicine and dentistry
made an average of 27 job applications
over a third said they had been job-hunting for six to
eight months
more than 70 per cent were female and 80 per cent were
undergraduates
over 30 per cent expected to earn 19,000-22,000
while just five per cent expected to earn more than
31,000
said they were most likely to hear about jobs via
internship or part-time position adverts and stands at
campus career fairs
rated NHS Graduate Schemes, Civil Service Fast Stream
and Teach First as the top three employers
over half had related work experience.

To find out more about working in this sector read the View from the
top interviews with Simon Bloore of Teach First and Philip Orumwense
of Civil Service Fast Stream and the Rising star interviews with Julien
Crampes of EU Careers and Sagar Shah of NHS.
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Gender
Study level
Male 27%
Female 73%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
80%
Masters
11%
PhD
2%
MBA
-
Graduated
7%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
18%
adverts
n Guest lectures
presentations
business games
Job applications
04
8%
59
15%
1014
22%
1519
7%
2024
2529
15%
3%
3034
9%
35
or more
up to 16,000
11%
1619k
11%
35 mths
31%
68 mths
33%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
1
2
3
4
n Languages, literature and classics

subjects
n Social science
n Business/management
n Historical/philosophical science
n Psychology
5
6
7
8
9
10

Teach First
Secret Intelligence
Service (MI6)
Local Government (NGDP)
British Council
EU Institutions
Metropolitan Police
GCHQ
1
2
4
5
7
8
9
10
Average number
of applications 27
21%
I expect to earn
guardianuk300.com
less than 3 mths

14%
Yes 52%
1922k
35%
No 48%
2225k
23%
2528k
6%
2831k
9%
more than 31k

5%
UK
300
Retail
Commercially aware graduates will find a variety of roles on offer in retail,
along with speedy career progression and an attractive starting salary.
he retail sector is not only about working on the
shop floor; there are also jobs in IT, finance,
logistics and property to name but a few.
Considering that retail banking, e-commerce
and food technology also fall into this sector, its no
surprise that its a big source of graduate employment.
Retail is a key part of the British economy and top
retailers have a significant influence on the shape of
British business, especially when it comes to technology.
Online shopping is now hugely popular and most
employers are responding to the trend offering click
and collect services and making e-retail smartphone
friendly in order to keep up with the competition. Techsavvy graduates with strong commercial awareness are
certainly sought-after.
Another challenge facing the sector is the current
polarisation of consumers spending habits; while
shoppers are willing to pay more for luxury goods such
as furniture and technology, they expect bargain prices
for other items, particularly when it comes to clothes.

Roles for graduates include both general management
posts, such as area management, and also specialist roles
in buying, merchandising and supply chain/logistics.
Positions also exist within supporting functions such as
human resource management, IT, finance and marketing.
Opportunities for progression are excellent: within three

to five years, an ambitious graduate could be managing a
large store with a multimillion-pound turnover and
hundreds of staff. Working hours tend to be flexible and
starting salaries high compared to other sectors. Plus
most employers include staff discount on their products
in their benefits package.
Many retail companies offer graduate training
programmes and fast-track management schemes, which
allow graduates to sample all aspects of the business
before they choose a specific career path. Retail posts and
training programmes tend to be open to graduates from
all degree disciplines although employers particularly
welcome candidates from a retail or business
background. Recruiters also look for practical skills such
as commercial focus, personal effectiveness, relationship
management and a strong customer service ethic.
Related work experience, such as a part-time job, puts
applicants at a serious advantage too and shows a
practical understanding of the business. Many employers
offer placements lasting from one week to one year in a
variety of roles.
Students interested in retail...
were markedly more often female as only 23 per cent
of students interested in retail were male
had made 30 applications on average, which is around
eight fewer than last years results
around two-thirds of those surveyed had been jobhunting for three to eight months
were divided exactly 50:50 when it came to having
related work experience
had mostly studied business and management or
languages, literature and classics
had heard about retail jobs through adverts, careers
fairs and guest lectures.


read the Rising star interviews with Joe
Hinks of TK Maxx, Rob Moss of Aldi and
Lauren Fanson of Arcadia.
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Gender
Study level
Male 23%
Female 77%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
81%
Masters
10%
PhD
1%
MBA
1%
Graduated
7%
911 mths
5%
12 mths or more
18%
adverts
n Guest lectures
presentations
business games
Job applications
04
5%
59
13%
1014
18%
1519
9%
2024
2529
18%
3%
3034
9%
35
or more
up to 16,000
16%
1619k
12%
35 mths
29%
68 mths
36%
Top rated employers
(top six only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n
n
n
n
n
n
Business/management
Psychology
English

Amazon
Marks & Spencer
Arcadia Group
Abercrombie & Fitch
Tesco
Boots
Aldi
Sainsburys
Next Retail PLC
1
3
2
4
7
6
5
10
9
-
Average number
of applications 30
25%
I expect to earn
guardianuk300.com
less than 3 mths

12%
Yes 50%
1922k
33%
No 50%
2225k
21%
2528k
4%
2831k
8%
more than 31k

6%
UK
300
Scientific research
and development
Careers in science vary widely but all jobs will give science
graduates the opportunity to put their academic learning to practical use.
graduate career in science will give graduates the
chance to apply the academic theories learnt at
university to problems in real life. The science
sector is huge and includes some of the most
innovative and exciting companies in the world.
Typically, science graduates will specialise in a certain
area, mostly this depends on the area of science they
originally studied as well as the company they go on to
work for. There are a number of opportunities for science
graduates to go into including health, IT, education,
energy, environmental protection, engineering, forensics
and even medical writing.
The NHS, as well as private medicine and healthcare
companies, rely on scientists to help make medical
breakthroughs as well as working in other areas including
pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics.
Scientists working in the healthcare sector may work in a
traditional lab setting, a hospital or even out in the
HEALTHCARE COMPANIES RELY ON

SCIENTISTS TO MAKE MEDICAL
BREAKTHROUGHS.
community. There are a range of roles and working for
the NHS could see you doing anything from looking at
the causes of illnesses to studying genetics or blood
science. The NHS runs a scientist training programme,
which covers a number of different areas, including
microbiology and cellular sciences, these courses last
three years and lead to a masters qualification.
Scientists are also needed in the energy sector. There is
a big focus on renewable energy sources with career
opportunities available for graduates to advise,
implement and plan power sources such as wind farms
and solar panels. There is also the chance for science
graduates to work in nuclear power alongside the
governments current plans to decommission 17 old
nuclear reactor sites in the UK.
Science-focused employment tends to involve regular
hours and a structured working environment. Some
graduates may be laboratory based or do field or
administrative work, while others may work in offices or
on manufacturing and production sites. Typical starting

posts in a laboratory setting might include laboratory
technician, quality assurance or quality control, with
progression to posts such as laboratory manager or
project manager. Research and development (R&D) posts
are often only open to those with a doctorate.
Skills highly regarded by employers include strong
technical, analytical, organisational, teamworking and
time management skills, as well as great personal
integrity and attention to detail. There may be
opportunities to work towards becoming professionally
registered with the Science Council through a chartership
with a professional body. This is an internationally
recognised mark of excellence and is available to all
graduates in this sector.
Students interested in scientific and research
development...
are realistic about what theyre expecting to earn in
their first science role with 55 per cent expecting
between 19,000 and 25,000
are mostly female, 61 per cent in fact
send out 25 job applications, on average, which is
slightly lower than other sectors
mostly studied natural sciences
voted pharmaceutical companies as their top three
employers
almost half find work within five months of starting
their job search.

page 8 to find out how the survey was
compiled.
read the Rising star interviews with Martin
Gregg of Magnox and Liam Hutchinson of
AstraZeneca.
guardianuk300.com
Gender
UK
300
Study level
Male 39%
Female 61%
On campus, I hear
about jobs via...
Undergraduate
66%
Masters
21%
PhD
9%
MBA
-
Graduated
4%
911 mths
4%
12 mths or more
12%
adverts
n Guest lectures
n Joint research
presentations
less than 3 mths

12%
35 mths
35%
68 mths
37%
Top rated employers

(top six only)
Job applications
04
6%
59
17%
1014
23%
1519
9%
2024
2529
16%
3%
3034
8%
35
or more
n
n
n
n
n
n
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Natural science
Medicine, dentistry and related
Engineering
Agriculture, veterinary science
science
GlaxoSmithKline
AstraZeneca
Pfizer
Johnson & Johnson
STFC
Abbott Laboratories
Bayer
nucleargraduates
Atomic Weapons
Establishment (AWE)
10 Roche
1
2
3
8
10
-
Average number
of applications 25
18%
Yes 48%
No 52%
I expect to earn
up to 16,000
9%
1619k
9%
guardianuk300.com
1922k
28%
2225k
27%
2528k
7%
2831k
12%
more than 31k

8%
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Assistant
Assist
ssist
i tant
a DDirector
irreecttoor Opportunities for
Inspirational
Graduates
Inspir
pirraational Gr
raaduuattees
2013
2014
Exploree LLearning
national
network
education
centres
operating
across
oss
Explor
earning is a na
tional net
work of 90 educ
ation centr
es opera
ting acr
children.
Exploree LLearning
provide
maths
ths and
the UK benefiting oover
ver 100,000 childr
en. Explor
earning pr
ovide ma
children
aree set ttoo launch a fur
further
centres
es in
English tuition ttoo childr
en aged 5-14, and ar
ther 24 centr
2014.
We recruit bright graduates who want to make an impact both on running our learning centres
as a business , and on the liv es of the families who a ttend them.
Starting as an Assistant Director you will be part of the full-time management team learning
to run one of our tuition centres; developing your management, leadership, marketing and
teaching skills while working closely with the
the childr
children who attend our centres.
Our recruitment process and start dates run throughout the year with opportunities in both
new and existing centres across the UK.
www.explorelearning.co.uk/careers
w
ww.explorelearning.co.uk/careers
View from the top
UK
300
S E C T I O N
View from the top

Interviews with leaders offering
insights into their career paths
Jos Lopes, Jaguar Land Rover ....................84

Francesca McDonagh, HSBC ..........................85
Philip Orumwense,
Department for Work and Pensions
(Civil Service Fast Stream) ............................86
Mark Adolphus, UK Power Networks ............87
James Burns, Clyde & Co ..............................88
Karen Frank, Barclays ....................................89
Simon Blosse, Accenture UK & Ireland
(Teach First) ....................................................90
Harvey Francis, Skanska ..............................91
Luke Morano, Bloomberg Media ....................92
Chris Marsh, Atkins ........................................93
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
View from the top
Creating an
evolutionary environment
Joss responsibilities include ensuring that new engineering
graduates and higher apprentices are given the necessary
skills to support future growth.
I graduated with a physics degree; I enjoyed
problem-solving and technology and I had a
very good physics teacher at school who
encouraged me in the subject. Both my
father and grandfather were motor
mechanics, so you could say cars were part
of my DNA. After I finished my masters,
Jaguar Land Rover was recruiting, so my
route into engineering was through the
technology side of things.
ENGINEERING IS AN
INCREDIBLY CREATIVE
AND DYNAMIC
PROFESSION AND
AUTOMOTIVE IN
PARTICULAR HAS THAT IN
SPADES.
The reality of engineering is completely
different to the image of greasy overalls
that is still associated with the word. Thats
one of the things we stress when we go out
to give talks to students and at schools.
Another thing we stress is how it is a gender
neutral profession, so the majority of
activities happen on a computer model and
the work is done in a clean room
environment. We all wear business suits
thats just how engineering is in the UK. As a
country we havent done very well getting
women into engineering and so as a
company we have been focusing on a
number of activities for a number of years
to attract more women to join engineering.
We emphasise that this is a very varied and
rewarding career.
Heritage, history and innovation
Ive been here 25 years; its just an exciting
place to be. When I first joined as a graduate I
worked on an advanced braking system that
remains the first of its type ever produced.
Working on new technology, a new activity,
something that required lots of creativity, it
got me hooked and thats really what still
keeps me coming in. New innovation, striving

for new technologies and new ways for
vehicles to behave, new ways to satisfy
customers thats all brilliant.
Now I have a different role, within the
engineering function, albeit just as exciting,
to try to bring young people and other
stakeholders into understanding what
engineering really is. There are a lot of ways
people can contribute to Jaguar Land Rover.
One of the elements that gives people a kick
in this industry is being able to see
customers driving the vehicles theyve been
working on, whatever part that might
include, whether its the clock on the
dashboard or something under the bonnet.
Its an actual, physical, working product and
the car has a specific, emotional link its a
fantastic heritage and brand and you do
become interested in the history of the
brand. Engineering is an incredibly creative
and dynamic profession and automotive in
particular has that in spades. Were in a
huge growth phase at the moment; weve
gone from a group employing around
13,000 people to nearly 30,000.
An outlet for creativity
If you are creative you can be from an
engineering or non-engineering background.
If you enjoy problem-solving, if you enjoy
hard work it has to be said, if you enjoy the
fact that actually there is lots of reward to
be had from your creative input, whether
technical or otherwise, that has a high
profile, and one which is continually
changing its a great industry to be in.
Engineering as a discipline is great and its
well paid and we have a good package for
people who do it and very few people leave
once theyre in. As part of my remuneration
package I can lease two cars, Land Rover,
Range Rover or Jaguar. I currently drive a
Land Rover Freelander, Ive just traded in a
Range Rover Sport for that.
Any industry is cyclical, were on a relative
high at the moment, but its a high profile
business, so when things arent going well
there can be a lot of negative press
generated, primarily because of the size and
scope and impact of the automotive
industry. When things go badly, as it did at
Jos Lopes is the head of

technical excellence at
Jaguar Land Rover.
1989 Graduated and joined Jaguar Land
Rover (then Rover Group)
1990 Senior vehicle development
engineer for Rover Group
1994 Project design engineer for BMW
Group UK rising to principal design
engineer
2000-2008 Worked within research and
development in different engineering
roles for both Land Rover and Jaguar
projects
2008 Appointed to current role
Rover, for example, it does affect whole

communities, as with any big industry.
However, I have a very optimistic outlook on
life and my view is that really, I am here to
have an input into it and therefore enjoy
what I do rather than dwell on things that
arent so great.
Life outside work
Away from work my time revolves around
my family and socialising. Im a church
warden and involved with my local parish
church and Im a school governor, so I keep
myself busy. Engineering is something I
would absolutely encourage my children to
go into. My son is looking for a mechanical
engineering degree to go into. My daughter
has a maths and science enthusiasm but is
younger and its too soon for her to decide.
Advice to make me look twice
To be honest, when I look at CVs its not the
qualifications that make people stand out,
its their attitude. When we take people
through our graduate and apprenticeship
programme assessment centres and so
forth, we will accept a 2.2 for graduates; I
take notice of those people who can
communicate properly; those that have the
right attitude in the sense that they will
work with teams and can relate to people.
My advice is, throw yourself into things,
portray a level of enthusiasm and be
interested in what youre doing.
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UK
300
An international career
Francesca has been in banking throughout her career, but has
undertaken a variety of roles during her 17 years.
When I graduated, I didnt know what I
wanted to be. I travelled to Latin America
where I spent a year and learned another
language. As a result, I was inspired to
pursue an international career. After
interviewing at different banks and
management consultancies I chose to work
for HSBC as a graduate trainee in the
investment banking programme.
Women in the City
Despite the best efforts of not just HSBC,
but also other financial institutions, I am a
rarity in the City. HSBC is a meritocratic
organisation and I didnt allow any
perception of a glass ceiling to limit what I
wanted to do or explore. I had the good
fortune to work with great bosses who were
enlightened and enabling, and I worked hard
along the way. But to be honest, my gender
is not the most important thing about me;
when I go into a meeting I am there as a
banking professional.
I challenge the view that to be a successful
woman in middle and senior management
you always have to be geographically
mobile and work 18 hours a day. You may
need to accommodate both in the course of
your career (I have), but they are not
prerequisites that exclude someone from
promotion when they have a family,
personal commitments or a lack of mobility.
I would encourage women to pick
companies that allow them to have that
flexibility while achieving their ambitions.
Maintaining a work/life balance
I have made sacrifices in the course of my
career but that is also true of many of my
male colleagues. My last two roles involved
lots of international travel and though I
havent always been able to make time to go
for drinks with an old friend, for example, I
was able to go to a team gathering or an
industry event where I would meet
interesting people. I feel very privileged to
have had such opportunities and my family
and friends are understanding.
Work/life balance is a conscious trade-off. I
get a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment from
guardianuk300.com
what I do at work. It has enabled me to travel

and as I have lived in several different
countries it has given me a huge amount of
cultural exposure. I work late in the week so
I can enjoy myself and be with my family at
weekends. I also make sure that my team
members, prior to going on holiday, delegate
to a deputy. It is a career development
opportunity for our talent to step up when
their boss goes on leave and enables those
on holiday to really switch off and enjoy
their time away from work.
At the moment I am largely UK-based and
really enjoy travelling around the country.
London is a special city and I am keen to
explore more of Europe now I am back in the
region.
Defining moments
I was offered the opportunity to run our
retail banking and wealth management
business in Hong Kong, which together with
the UK, is one of the big home markets for
HSBC. That was a defining moment in my
career in terms of progression, exposure
and responsibility, our Hong Kong business
is a huge part of our firms heritage. Eighty
per cent of people in Hong Kong have a
relationship with HSBC and we are
incredibly well known there, so the
opportunity to run the retail business was a
real privilege.
Banking as a career
The purpose of what we do from a retail
banking perspective is not about banking
products, channels and fees; rather, we are
enabling people to achieve their hopes,
dreams and ambitions. That is why we are
here. I am also proud of the careers that I
aim to develop for the 22,000 people who
work for HSBCs retail business in the UK. To
see people grow in the organisation and
achieve their own ambition is hugely
rewarding. I also look at our customers, who
trust us with their money or seek our advice
to buy their family home or plan their future,
and the supporting role we play as their
bank is hugely important. I also think about
the interests of our shareholders, who own
a part of HSBC through an investment,
Francesca McDonagh is the

head of retail banking and
wealth management for
HSBC in the UK.
1996 Graduated from the University of
Oxford with a degree in philosophy,
politics and economics
1997 Joined HSBC as an investment
banking graduate trainee
2000 Joined HSBCs International
Manager programme
2009 Led personal financial services for
HSBC in Hong Kong
20112013 Appointed regional head of
retail banking and wealth management
for HSBC in the Middle East and North
Africa
2013 Appointed to current role as head
of retail banking and wealth
management for HSBC in the UK with
responsibility for HSBC, first direct and
M&S Bank
A member of the World Economic Forum
of Young Global Leaders, Class of 2014
pension or insurance giving them a stable

return is also our purpose.
We have been very clear about being a
value-led organisation; our values are at the
core of all decisions made. HSBCs values
are one of the reasons I have stayed in this
organisation for 17 years and my own
values are assessed twice a year by my
team, peers and seniors. It is therefore
worthwhile that graduates consider the
ethos of any firm they are hoping to work
for, whether that is in retail banking or
elsewhere.
Invest in your own education
You can lose money, relationships and time
at different stages of life, but your education
really is forever. In addition to securing the
diploma that gets you into interviews, that
opening of the mind and the ability to think
and acquire knowledge to understand an
issue and articulate it or analyse it, is
something you never lose. I would always
encourage people to invest in their
education as much as possible.
UK
300
View from the top
The power of purchasing

Philips career has been in both the
private and the public sector.
Purchasing is an interesting career option
but its not widely known as a profession. I
studied for a political science and public
administration degree at the University of
Benin in Nigeria. Then I came to the UK on a
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
scholarship for future leaders of Nigeria and
studied for an MA in political behaviour at
the University of Essex. It was a real
THE JOB GIVES YOU

OPPORTUNITIES TO USE
YOUR NEGOTIATING
SKILLS.
hothouse for politics, not just in the UK but
globally. A number of now eminent people
were at Essex at that time.
When I finished university I worked as a
stores controller for an automotive
company. From there I got into low-level
buying of consumables maintenance,
repairs and spares and I found it
interesting. That was my first introduction
to purchasing. The job gives you a variety of
opportunities to use your negotiating skills.
A business depends on its supply chain to
deliver its goods and services. You can
outsource all kinds of service provision.
Politics is essentially the purchase of power.
The amount of power that you have
determines the leverage you have. As a
buyer you have power because the people
selling to you are seeking your consent to
deliver those goods and services to your
organisation. Being able to use that power
balance to make decisions over things that
people require is what attracted me to the
profession. I use my knowledge in politics to
good effect through, for example,
understanding peoples behaviour and body
language at the negotiating table to get a
better outcome. If it sounds like a game of
poker, it can be.
I rose through a number of companies and

promotions to become the head of
procurement for Siemens Business Services
looking after National Savings and
Investments (NS&I). I bought the
replacement ERNIE the computer system
that generates the Premium Bond numbers
because the old ERNIE had run out of
numbers. It was interesting and gave me an
insight into how banking and the Treasury
work. I moved to Siemens transportation
where I bought trains, railway lines, signals
and electrification for a range of lines.
Youve probably travelled on a train that Ive
bought!
The strategy behind the job
Over time I have learned to be a good
strategist and developed the ability to
change a plan or strategy midway because
things never go the way you intended.
Things change ten years ago I was only
doing adversarial procurement driving for
the most value for the organisation I worked
for with no win-win. Ten years on Im looking
at relational purchasing getting the most
value through partnership and relationship
and working collaboratively to a common
end. That way you both win and lose
together with a joint interest in making it
stack up from the very beginning and
through the whole cycle of the deal. When I
did my MBA it was all about having the
power to exploit your negotiating position.
Through my doctoral research degree Im
looking at emotional, strategic, relational,
collaborative environments and the benefits
you get from those.
Private sector jobs v. public sector
employment
I felt Id got to the very top of procurement
so I came into the Civil Service in 2005 to
help undertake an IT transformation to
move to what we now call cloud computing.
By only paying for what we use we released
a 1bn saving. There are innumerable
advantages to working in the public sector
it gives you a very satisfying feeling. My
work provides for the most vulnerable
members of our society. It affects policy
Philip Orumwense is the

head of corporate services
at the Department for Work
and Pensions.
Benin in Nigeria with a degree in political
science and public administration
19932002 Worked as a purchaser for
various automotive companies
1998 Joined Siemens and worked in the
UK, Europe, South and North America
2005 Joined the Civil Service.
Responsibilities include IT sourcing
strategy development, implementation
and delivery, category management and
software licensing, and conducting high
risk reviews of IT programmes at the
Department of Communities and Local
Government and the Ministry of Justice
Studying for a doctoral research degree
at Aston Business School
making and provides savings to create new
ways of engaging with people. I work with
ministers and secretaries of state and I see
the things that I am involved in played out
on the news when I am at home. Many of
the decisions made in the House of
Commons will have been developed and
written by civil servants.
Working in the private sector first gave me a
good lifestyle with a nice home and
financial security. The benefits of a public
sector career can compare favourably to the
private sector. The pension and the
commitment to the employee for a work/life
balance are two of those factors.
I enjoy seeing the outcome at the end of the
process you start off with the pain and at
the end you see the benefits of what youve
done and you can look back at it with pride
and think, Ive created and influenced
something and made a change somewhere.
Theres a drive, an ambition, that keeps me
motivated and gives me the courage to get
more involved. I could have gravitated
towards becoming a policy maker,
strategist, economist or a businessman or
gone into accountancy; my job allows me to
hire and work with all those people.
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300
An electrifying choice
Marks London-based career has taken
him worldwide and been world-class.
As a kid of five or six, I had a reputation for
taking things apart. Whenever a bit of
household kit was broken it would find its
way to me and I would dismantle it. I liked to
see what was inside and how it worked.
In my first year at university I studied
aspects of both mechanical and electrical
engineering. What proved most exciting to
me was not building bridges or looking at
how steel beams bend but electricity and
electronics. It was never preordained I would
end up in electricity distribution it was
just a natural progression.
Though I had an opportunity to pursue a
doctorate, I knew I wanted to get out of
university and do something. I attended a
number of recruitment fairs and I
understood the industries I was interested
in so I targeted London Electricity, among
other companies, and went through the
graduate recruitment process. As Im a
Londoner the job there clicked. The two-year
training programme also fulfilled the
requirements to become chartered with the
Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE)
today the Institution of Engineering and
Technology (IET) and that was important
to me.
I completed a masters in 1998, funded
by London Electricity. It was quite a
commitment but it came at the right point in
my life. It was more like an MBA than an MSc
and was absolutely fundamental to helping
my career to progress. My dissertation gave
me a first step out of the frontline into
management, running a reasonably
substantial team. It was very important to
me, in hindsight.
How (and why) Ive stayed here
London Electricity was one of 14 similar
companies around the country. After a
number of mergers, acquisitions and name
changes London Electricity became UK
Power Networks I havent moved! Though
there have been less enjoyable phases in
my career, opportunities have always
opened up for me in my experience good
people within an organisation will always
get recognised.
We offer some interesting career choices for
young engineers. London is unique in the
guardianuk300.com
UK in terms of the scale of the challenges

that we face and its probably unique in a
European context. The changes happening
in industry the decarbonisation of energy,
the advent of electrification of transport and
the different means of generating electricity
around networks now, including solar and
wind power have created a new set of
complex challenges and hence
opportunities. We are leading the pack in
terms of our ambition and commitment to
innovation within the UK. Were committing
to projects across the network and,
importantly, committing resource in terms
of money and people by playing our part in
understanding how these changes will
impact on electricity distribution.
How I lead and what I look for in graduates
I was head of operations in London for six
years, responsible for keeping the lights on
in the city. In terms of the density of
decision-makers and stakeholders and
critical national infrastructure nowhere
compares to the importance of sustaining
power to the London area. Im very aware of
the shadow of the leader its vital to
maintain a calm, analytical, evidence-based
approach to work through issues. In six
years I dealt with some of the biggest
issues the London network had ever seen,
yet I still look back on that as being one of
the best experiences I had professionally,
because of the focus, energy and teamwork
that we displayed in restoring supplies to
our customers.
DELIVERING
ELECTRICITY TO LONDON
DURING THE OLYMPIC
AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
WAS IMMENSELY
REWARDING.
Its always interesting to see the bright
young things joining the organisation. What I
look for in graduates is enthusiasm, energy
and commitment, self-starters with a bit of
Mark Adolphus is director

of connections at UK Power
Networks.
1992 Graduated with a first in electrical
and electronic engineering from
Leicester University
1992 Joined London Electricity as a
graduate trainee
1998 Completed a masters in
engineering business management
from the University of Warwick business
school
2005 Became head of network
operations, London, EDF Energy
2010 Appointed head of asset
management, EDF Energy Networks
get-up-and-go. If someone can show me that

theyre passionate about something that
they will get stuck in, roll their sleeves up, get
involved and make a difference the rest will
follow. I would take somebody with a 2.2 with
those qualities over somebody with a first
without them any day of the week.
Im unlikely to top...
...delivering electricity to London in the run
up to and during the Olympic and
Paralympic Games. My role was involved in
the operation of that system during the
Games. I visited Vancouver, Beijing and
Sydney beforehand to learn about their
experiences. I led the operational service
provision of UK Power Networks to 29 out of
the 34 Olympic venues and ensured we
played our part in delivering a fantastic
Games for the UK. There were several
hundred people involved from across our
organisation, all volunteers, and we
delivered a faultless performance it was
truly awesome. It was an immensely
rewarding experience and a highlight of my
professional career. At the opening
ceremony on the park, on 27 July 2012, the
mix of excitement and anticipation and,
frankly, apprehension, were emotions I will
never experience professionally again. Not
only am I a Londoner, I grew up in Stratford,
600 yards from the Olympic Park, so to see
that part of London transformed had
personal meaning for me as well.
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Full-on and focused

James found his niche and has stayed
with the same firm throughout his career.
I became intrigued by law from my early
teenage years. Neither of my parents worked
in law but a close family friend, Howard
Townson, was a partner at Clyde & Co and
when I met him at family events I learned a
little about the law. As Im someone who liked
the academic side of being at school and an
intellectual challenge, it suited my
personality. I liked to debate current affairs
and topical issues. Originally, I went to
university to study politics and economics
but changed to a law degree after year one.
Law is fundamentally involved throughout
international trade and commerce and it was
something that I felt drawn to. It may be that
my interest in politics has also served me
well at a law firm where management is very
much about balancing different interests
across the firm.
MY CAREER WAS
INTERNATIONAL FROM
THE WORD GO.
Early experience
My first seat when I joined Clyde & Co
involved an enormous multi-billion dollar
environmental dispute that emanated from
the US theres a Grisham novel based on
one aspect of the case. I came home after
my first day and my mother said: Do you
think its one of those jokes that people play
on you on your first day? She was
struggling to believe I could be involved in a
case of that magnitude from the beginning.
It was fascinating to be involved in a major
piece of litigation a fantastic opportunity.
Within six months I was sent to work in the
US my career was international from the
word go.
What I do now
Insurance is involved in every single aspect
of commerce and our personal lives it has a
fundamental and crucial role to play both in
developed markets and emerging economies.
It gives our firm the scope to operate
worldwide. As a result, the variety in my work
has kept me at the same firm throughout my

career. Ive had other opportunities but I
know, as an insurance lawyer, that I am in the
best firm for me theres no better place to
go. We have a strong and well-established
management team: our CEO has been with us
for 15plus years, our CFO has been with us
for 12 years. My predecessor is now
chairman and still contributing significantly.
Weve retained our focus and have built a
core of the very best people in the market
meaning we are able to attract high quality
individuals from other firms. Weve grown as
our clients have grown. International trade
and the movement of goods whether by
sea or air will continue to increase as the
world becomes more and more connected,
and the core sectors of our firm reflect that
dynamic.
Face to face business
I think there is a tendency now
particularly with the growth of digital
communications to think you can do
everything on email, that you dont need to
speak on the phone or meet in person. But
we always encourage our young lawyers to
go out and meet their clients. Being a good
lawyer is as much about being a good
business person as it is about
understanding the law, and building good
strong personal relationships is a vital part
of being successful in business.
I try to visit each of our 40 international
businesses once a year and that means a lot
of travelling in many ways a 24/7 job.
Communication may be easier but as a result
you are expected to be and have to be
responsive. The work/life balance can be
difficult, particularly when you get more
senior in an organisation and involved in
management. But thats not just within the
business of law, business at the highest
levels is full-on these days. Given the
international nature of our firm we have a lot
of people who travel a great deal, whether to
see their international clients or to work on
matters the world over. My management role
and involvement with our clients probably
puts me at an extreme end of that spectrum.
Its vital to be able to manage stress and to
take the stressful moments in your day in
James Burns is the senior

partner at Clyde & Co.
1989 Graduated from Kent University
1989 Joined Clyde & Co
1998 Became a partner
2013 Appointed senior partner
your stride thats tremendously important

in the job. Ive always felt that through my
own personality and my drive to succeed I
can achieve a positive outcome. But the
more senior you get, the more sophisticated
the issues youre dealing with, and you have
at times to recognise there are certain
issues that are insoluble; treating them as
such and finding a different course of action
is a very important skill to learn.
How to stand out in a crowd
I look for students who have international
experience or orientation and who look for
contact with people from other countries
and cultures. I then ask them why they
chose that experience and what lessons
they have learned. It doesnt have to be a
gap year, although those experiences are
often very positive, but it could be an
activity at school or college a language or
involvement in a particular club, for
example. One of the reasons Ive been here
so long is because its a very broad church
our clients are not all the same so their
lawyers shouldnt be either.
Most lawyers will have a defining case and
for me it was Glencore International v. Alpina
Insurance Company. It took five years of my
career to prepare for what was a six week
trial in the High Court. Winning is always
important as a litigation lawyer but winning
a case when the odds were probably against
us was a very proud moment.
BUILDING GOOD
STRONG PERSONAL
RELATIONSHIPS IS A
VITAL PART OF BEING
SUCCESSFUL IN
BUSINESS.
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Love what you do

The fast pace and intensity of investment
banking has kept Karen motivated.
I travelled when I was young and saw
completely different economic systems to
anything Id experienced in the US and I
became intrigued. I went to university with a
view to studying direct investment in
economies and how that created
sustainable benefits on behalf of a
population. I did an honours course that
married math and economics with strategic
decision making all things that I like. It
took me to my social ethos of How does
this impact on people? How does this
impact on society? and beyond. Ive never
really lost that.
I went into investment banking because of
the experience and learning I would get
within it. In my job, we work with managers
to build businesses and find financing. The
group that I co-head with Ken McGrath,
financial sponsors, deals with all things
private equity. This subset of participants in
the market has the funds to buy and work
with companies, take them public and or sell
them. Private equity uses the entire
spectrum of investment banking. We act as
the interface between them and the bank.
Its very fast-paced.
YOUR OWN ATTITUDE IS

THE MAIN DETERMINANT
OF SUCCESS.
I like to quote my father who said: If you
love what you do, youll never work a day in
your life. I enjoy my job and that in turn
allows me to put my whole heart into it, to
be the best that I can be.
You have to be clear and self-aware about
why youre getting into any profession and
what you want to get out of it. Investment
banking is such an intense, broad-based
experience that it can act as a remarkably
strong springboard to get into almost any
role thereafter. It is a wonderful training
ground. I would encourage people who are
thinking of starting a career in this sector
by saying: learn, gain every bit of
guardianuk300.com
experience and use it as a long-term

foundation for whichever of the many varied
businesses you might want to work in. Its
an incredibly stimulating career experience
to be involved in helping all sorts of
different businesses to develop to the next
stage. We work very closely with clients and
delivering success for them is always our
main priority.
Karen Frank is the co-head

of Barclays Financial
Sponsors group for EMEA.
Support, relaxation and diversion

My husband also works in private equity
and weve been together for 25 years. We
have three beautiful children and I have a
career that I feel fulfilled and energised by.
My husband and I coordinate our careers at
different points to balance each other.
Holidays and weekends are about spending
quality time with the kids, friends and
family. I have a terrific home life and find the
time to relax.
I do martial arts rather than go to the gym
and Ive managed to get my black belt.
Martial arts is all about the next skill you
have to master practising and doing it
until you get it right which is very much a
reflection of my career.
1992 Graduated from Georgetown

University, Washington, DC, with a
degree in economics with highest
honours
1992 Worked in Goldman Sachs
Principal Investment Area in New York
and London
1997 Graduated Harvard Business
School, joined AEA Investors
1998 Moved to London to set up a new
office for Compass Partners
International
2005 Rejoined Goldman Sachs in
London
2012 Joined Barclays, initially as
managing director in the Financial
Sponsor coverage group before being
appointed to current role
Additional roles on the Board of the
Friends of the Royal Academy of Arts,
and previously on the Board of Women
Leaders of Harvard University and the
Development Board of the Private Equity
Foundation
Career progression
A high-achieving person is simply someone
who is self-aware enough to understand
and appreciate the continual challenge that
being in a dynamic institution offers. For
me, success hasnt been about being a
woman or being ahead of ones peers. You
dont sit down when youve just started on a
team and say, I cant wait till Im head of
this team. You sit down and say, What do I
need to do in this role to be really good at it
and help my team?
High-achieving people may like their job
precisely because it is demanding. Easy
wouldnt be as fulfilling. Anyone who doesnt
take a very dynamic approach to career
management will eventually fall away. I feel
Ive made the right choices, short-term and
long-term. Show me anyone who gets
everything that they want all the time. Call
such choices a sacrifice, or a trade-off, but
its important to manage your career. I took
time off and went on a short sabbatical. Did I
sacrifice my career to do that? Well maybe

but Ive had some really wonderful
experiences in my life as a result. Ive traded
off some things for others but that hasnt
stopped me from getting where I am.
Work out why youre doing something and
what youre trying to get out of that. If right
now that means focusing on your career or
your family or your hobby, then do that. Life
is long and careers are long. Careers are not
singular any more; they are multiple. You
can do different things at different stages of
your life. You should always be prepared to
seek challenges.
Your own attitude is the main determinant
of success. Ive found if you have a
positive attitude and youre willing to
work hard and come up with solutions to
help your clients, its difficult not to succeed
in the long run. Whether you are a man or
woman, perseverance and talent will
be recognised.
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Thinking like a teacher

Simon developed the connections that resulted in Accentures
platinum sponsorship of Teach First.
I heard about Teach First through a friend
whod attended an event at Cambridge. I
liked the idea of doing something a bit
different and looked for more information on
the website. Id just finished a very
challenging degree neuroscience at
Cambridge. I wasnt sure that I wanted to
continue in science specifically nor do a
PhD. I had no career path in mind but I knew
I wanted to do something that was a benefit
and would give value to others. Teach First
offered the ability to make a big impact
quickly rather than taking the more
traditional route into teaching and spending
a year studying for a PGCE. I liked the idea of
doing an intense summer of training and
then going into a school and making a
difference to pupils in a challenging school.
Business training
I knew nothing about Accenture when I
joined the programme back then; I was very
much a scientist. I became interested in the
business training that formed part of the
programme. I completed a six-week summer
project at McKinsey as part of the
leadership development programme, which
in turn led to my interest in consulting.
Through the programme I not only got into
education but in business school I also
discovered other avenues that were all
potential career paths.
As well as satisfying my desire to make an
impact through education or other charity
work, Teach First developed me as a skilled
person. I didnt have to take time out from
my career to satisfy the desire to give
something back. It instilled in me the
practice of incorporating that attitude into
my day to day life, rather than it being a
separate entity.
Bringing music to classroom life
At Cambridge I was technical director of a
theatre society and president of a college
musical society so while in school I invested
a lot of time and energy into developing a
new series of shows for the pupils to put on.
Given that we were the first ever group from
Teach First to arrive at the school, there
was, understandably, some nervousness
from the established teachers. The pupils
themselves were very responsive to what
we brought. As a scientist I wanted them to

enjoy science and was a passionate
teacher. It was great to see the pupils
become more involved with that through
experiencing new teaching styles perhaps
that theyd never seen before. In the second
year, when Id already put on a few shows
with them, some of the hardest pupils to
teach became more responsive because
they had a stage to perform on; they
stopped using the classroom to do that
performance. They felt more valued and
suddenly became a lot more receptive to
what we were trying to teach them.
IT TAKES A LOT OF
ENERGY BUT
OVERCOMING A REALLY
DIFFICULT CLASS IS
PHENOMENAL.
You need energy
I think you need to have a can-do attitude
that means you can keep on pushing. The
teaching world can be very draining both in
terms of pupil behaviour and the curriculum
or the governance at the school, which can
sometimes drive you to accept the norm. I
think thats where Teach First really exceeds
itself in finding people who wont accept that
norm and will keep on pushing.
One of the things that really grabbed me
about teaching in this way is youve got
autonomy in your classroom. But if you
think the programme is an easy option
youre very mistaken. It was one of the
hardest things Ive ever done. It was a big
uphill battle in terms of trying to get to grips
with everything and to keep up with training
and personal development. It takes a lot of
energy but the rewards you get from
overcoming a really difficult class or getting
the pupils to do something they thought
theyd never be able to is phenomenal.
Those things stay with you. That would be
my message: dont look at it as the easy
option, instead look at it as a big challenge
youll get a huge amount out of it.
Simon Blosse was one of

the first Teach First cohort
and is now a retail industry
and services manager at
Accenture UK & Ireland.
Cambridge with a degree in natural
sciences neuroscience
2003 Joined Teach First, teaching
science
2003 Taught at Haling Manor High
School, Croydon
2006 Joined Accenture
Maintaining engagement
The exciting thing about working for
Accenture is finding myself in different roles
and in different client situations; through
having those opportunities, Ive ended up
finding a fit, strangely enough in retail. I like
it because it is a balance of science and art.
The opportunities to continue engagement
with Teach First have been quite significant,
though when I first joined Accenture there
was little knowledge of what the programme
was. I was able to bring a lot of the skills I
learned through teaching into consulting
and its been incredible to see the benefits
that brought straight away. When it came to
communications or the ability to solve
problems I could look at issues in ways that
the client wouldnt have done. The links that
Ive maintained with Teach First through
Accenture have been great. Education is a
mainstay of Accenture campaigns and we
recognise the need to develop the next
generation. I still find myself coaching and
thinking like a teacher. I think this is
something that will always be part of my
career.
I WAS ABLE TO BRING

A LOT OF THE SKILLS I
LEARNED THROUGH
TEACHING INTO
CONSULTING.
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Finding my niche
Keeping an open mind and being prepared to say yes has taken
Harveys career from operations to human resources.
I started my career in operations and moved
into training before being invited to go into
human resources at BT. A particularly
inspirational divisional HR director showed
me a different side to HR, and the
contribution it could make to a business. I
thought I would do it for a couple of years to
get a different experience to take back into
operations but once there I realised Id
found my niche; they seemed to like me and
Ive never looked back. I didnt initially have
a clear career path; I always kept an open
mind, but slowly and surely I started to
build a picture and I always said yes to
something that looked interesting. From an
HR perspective my career has been
somewhat back-to-front in that I did all the
specialisms first and then I did a generalist
role to consolidate that usually people do
the generalist aspect and then, if they want
to specialise, find their path.
KEEP YOUR EYES

AND EARS OPEN AND BE
PREPARED TO MAKE
LATERAL USE OF SKILLS
SETS THAT YOU HAVE.
Make use of your skills
My advice to graduates, and anyone else, is
to keep your eyes and ears open and be
prepared to make lateral use of skills sets
that you have. Ive enjoyed almost
everything that Ive done; some things Ive
not initiated, but theyve been great fun and
Ive learned lots from them. My other tip is to
trust the system. If you have a good
sponsor or bosses, take on a learning
perspective. Whether its learning about
clients or how to lead a team, theres always
something you can get from the
opportunities that people pass your way.
Very often, with hindsight, you can see how
it all pieces together. So, be flexible, keep an
open mind, be prepared to say yes, work
hard and get involved where you can.
guardianuk300.com
Working at Skanska
Weve faced challenges in the downturn, the
biggest of which was how to continue to
make investments in graduates and our
people in training and development and
balance that need to invest for the future
with the need to manage through the here
and now. Our policy was not to cut training
and development programme budgets. We
maintained our commitment to people
development, bringing people through the
difficult times so that we would be in a
strong position when we emerged from the
recession.
We are a very broad business in terms of
the sectors that we operate in and the
breadth of capabilities we need. Were
interested in the people who are attracted to
the many departments and functions that
Skanska operates in, but we wont
compromise on values they must be
aligned with our own. We have a very well
publicised, well-documented code of
conduct thats absolutely non-negotiable for
us. Were not just looking for the right kind
of degree; we want to hire the right kind of
people who have the right values and
capabilities, and are prepared to work hard.
The highlights
The one thing that people always say when
they join Skanska is what great people we
have here and how welcoming and friendly
the organisation is. Were also an informal
organisation in terms of visibility of
management and leadership.
The best things about my job are:
First, the people I work with; they are open
to ideas and theres a real opportunity to
make a difference. Thats what brings me
to work every day and keeps me fresh and
excited about making a contribution.
Secondly, every day has a challenge.
Thats great, as its what I thrive on.
Thirdly, that Skanska is an ethical
company and I know that doing the right
thing will always be encouraged and
thats a great feeling.
Harvey Francis is executive

vice president at Skanska
UK with overall
responsibility for HR,
communication and IT
functions.
1991 Joined BT as a retail manager and
then moved into HR
2001 Became head of core services at
Pfizer
2005 Became a chartered fellow of the
Chartered Institute of Personnel and
Development (FCIPD)
2007 Joined Skanska as HR director
2008 Promoted to current position.
Work/life balance at the top of a company

I delegate as much as I can so I can
concentrate my efforts. In HR we find the
people who struggle to achieve a good
work/life balance are involved in too many
things. I set a realistic start and finish time
and try to manage within that. Some people
work long hours through choice, because
they enjoy it, but it may be an unconscious
choice, to exceed expectations. If you work
for an organisation where unnecessary long
working hours are part of the culture and
youre not comfortable with that kind of
corporate culture, my advice would be to get
a job elsewhere. Im fortunate never to have
worked for anybody who put pressure on
me to work excessively long hours. Ive
either wanted to do it or theres been a
genuine need.
Having outside interests and knowing you
have to be somewhere else at a certain time
can be really helpful in terms of not allowing
the day to spill over into non-productive
time. My main diary must-do is my family
Im a great believer that you have family to
spend time with them, not to spend all your
time away from them. My second is music
concerts and playing guitar. In fact, if I
wasnt working in HR I might have had a
career in the music business, either in
studio management or production, or if I
were good enough, Id work as a
professional musician. But I continue to play
in a band and we still gig its great therapy.
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Telling stories in
a visual medium
Luke is fascinated by the pace of innovation in
digital video and how it affects journalism.
I entered the job market in 2001, in the
middle of the financial crash, so there werent
a lot of jobs around. To be candid, coming out
of university with a degree in philosophy, I
wasnt sure what I wanted to do. I got into
news by accident. For the first two years
after graduating, I worked in the Civil Service,
holding temporary positions at the Ministry
of Defence, the Home Office and the Foreign
Office.
When I first applied to Bloomberg Television, I
went for a vacancy creating content and
manually entering data for the j-screen
(graphics and statistics in a J shape around
the screen), a role that no longer exists. They
phoned me up and said, Were terribly sorry
we dont think youre right for that job, but
wed like to put you forward for another, and
that was a junior field producer role.
Once I started working in the Bloomberg
Television team, I immediately recognised
the potential of the role and the opportunity it
presented to forge an interesting and diverse
career path. Over the next decade, I gained
experience of lots of different roles within
media and have been exposed to many more.
Now, Bloomberg Media comprises web,
mobile, television, digital video, print
magazines and live events and I have been
lucky enough to work with many different
people with different skills.
News appeal
I think news appeals to people who have
short attention spans, which Im often
accused of. There is a real culture of
entrepreneurism at Bloomberg. If you identify
opportunities and have an idea of how to
make things happen, you are encouraged to
take ownership and realise your vision.
Extensive experience is certainly valued, but
so is drive and creative thinking. My career
has developed by finding and building on
opportunities.
I was initially trained as a field producer for
live reports and events. Early in my career, I
took the initiative to put packages together
from the content of those live reports. Going
out and travelling week after week for a
certain period of your life is loads of fun, but I
eventually decided what I really enjoyed was
being part of the bigger picture. I went on to
oversee newsgathering for Bloomberg

Television across Europe, the Middle East and
Africa (EMEA). I was responsible for choosing
the stories and angles that we covered and
how we covered them finding the
personalities, data and images that bring a
financially-driven story to life.
Now Im squarely focused on digital video.
This fell under the responsibilities of my
previous role, but its become so big I now
need to devote all my time to it. Its an
exciting time as digital content is at the very
centre of Bloombergs strategy. Were already
the most watched site for business video but
weve only just begun to tap into the potential
audience. That audience is only going to grow
as technology continues to reshape the way
we all consume content. Our video has to
recognise the changing relationship with
consumers and our story telling needs to be
the very best, whether someone is watching
on a smartphone, a tablet, smart TV or
whatever comes next.
BLOOMBERG
THRIVES ON IDEAS AND
DIFFERENT WAYS OF
LOOKING AT THINGS.
High point
Id sent a video journalist off to Denmark to
cover stories on Lego he was assigned to
shoot and edit a few short, digitally focused
stories. He returned with enough material to
create a half-hour TV special. This was the
first half-hour special hed ever worked on,
and while thats not really my achievement, a
year ago he may not have thought hed be
able to do that. I like to see my team do well
and produce fantastic content. It is a
validation that Ive also done a good job as a
manager.
Graduate advice
The fantastic thing about Bloomberg is that it
thrives on ideas and different ways of looking
at things. I love it when someone comes up to
Luke Morano is head of

video content EMEA for
Bloomberg Media, based in
London.
2001 Graduated from the London School
of Economics with a degree in
philosophy
2002-2003 Held short-term contracts in
various public sector organisations,
including the Ministry of Defence and
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
2003 Joined Bloomberg Television on
the news desk
2012 Appointed as executive news
producer for Bloomberg Television
me with something I havent thought of. Were

not looking for people who just want to turn
up, do the same thing every day and then
clock out. A lot of graduates are coming into
journalism now with experience: they have
shot, edited and published stories
themselves. If you take that as the standard,
graduates need to be thinking about how
they can differentiate themselves from
everyone else.
Anyone can shoot something that looks OK
aesthetically, but shooting something that
really tells a story is absolutely key. A
graduate needs to demonstrate that passion
for stories, for telling stories in a visual
medium, and demonstrate as much
experience as they can get.
Future
I think the potential for online video in
business news is absolutely huge. The
technology behind it is developing all the
time, to the extent that its difficult to
envisage where it will be in five or even three
years time. Technology like Google Glass
gives you the ability to see something from
someone elses point of view. That opens up a
whole different form of newsgathering. Its
not just changing how we gather news, its
transforming media consumption. It makes
for an absolutely fascinating time to be
working in the industry, and in digital video in
particular.
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Fascinated by people
Chris has found new opportunities and challenges
by staying at his current company.
I joined a graduate HR scheme with a petrochemical company and got an excellent
grounding in all aspects of HR before
moving to ICI, now no longer in existence,
before coming to Atkins. I moved from
London to Manchester in 1994 with Shell
and Ive been here ever since; this is our
family base.
Getting a job here
One of the biggest challenges facing current
graduates is that there is more competition
for jobs now that a higher percentage of
school leavers go to university. The free
movement of labour within the EU means
that European graduates are also free to
apply for graduate schemes in the UK. Weve
had over 15,000 applications for our 350
graduate vacancies this year its very
challenging now.
YOUVE GOT TO
KEEP INTERESTED
AND CHALLENGED,
OTHERWISE YOUR
PERFORMANCE DROPS
OFF.
Undergraduates have to start early and take
advantage of placements to increase their
chances of getting a good opportunity when
they graduate. A significant proportion of
employers will recruit graduates from
placements and in turn that allows students
to see if they like the company and if they
like engineering or finance, for example,
before they graduate. I would really
encourage people to use their summer break
in this way besides, the money is handy
when youre a student! We will take people
after their first year at university, and then, if
theyre good, in their second year as well
before finally offering them a place on our
graduate scheme once they have completed
their studies. Some students might think the
process for getting a summer placement
here is a bit over the top, but the reason is
that its a precursor for our graduate scheme.
guardianuk300.com
If theyre really good we might offer them a

graduate place on the strength of their
placement without them having to attend a
graduate assessment centre.
Tough choices
Its not easy to choose 350 recruits from
15,000. We try to whittle numbers down bit
by bit so that by the time applicants get to
the assessment centre the chances are
pretty good. At some selection centres
weve taken one in two of the candidates. Its
like peeling an onion; you just do it layer by
layer until you get down to the middle with a
smaller number of people.
Opportunities to develop
Ive been with Atkins for nearly 14 years and
the reason Ive stayed that long is because of
the opportunities offered to me. The biggest
has been a move from being a generalist HR
person, covering the whole remit of HR
activities, to a specialist recruitment role.
This year Recruiter Magazine awarded me
in-house recruitment leader of the year
so I must be doing something right! Thats
thanks to Atkins in terms of the development
theyve given me. Youve got to keep
interested and challenged otherwise your
performance drops off. We want to keep
clever people engaged and offer work for
different sectors and with different clients as
opposed to just one area. The size of the
business can be hard to get your head
around when you first start here because we
have such breadth of disciplines over 20
different engineering disciplines alone. We do
an online induction tour for new starters and
an induction event for all the graduates
regardless of what business group theyre in.
Home and away
Last year I went to Chicago, Florida, Dubai,
Qatar, Frankfurt and Bangalore. Our
business is becoming less UK-centric, with
growing activity in Asia Pacific, Middle East
and US particularly, so international
opportunities arise in a number of ways for
our employees. We use teams in different
countries we have to be more joined up
with our approach, we cant sit back and
think everything runs from the UK thats
not how the world works. Im so busy when I
Chris Marsh is the director

of resourcing at Atkins.
1985 Graduated from University of
Exeter with a degree in politics and
society
1985 Joined Shell HR graduate training
scheme
1997 Joined ICI as HR director for
Eutech Engineering Consultancy
2000 Joined Atkins as HR director for
Atkins property services
2007 Appointed to present role
get there I dont often have time to enjoy the
location, though I did add an extra day to my
trip to Chicago, which I loved there are
some real landmark buildings there. All too
often its just another airport, another hotel.
Technology enables me to work from home
at least one day a week now. The UK team
are based in London, Birmingham and
Bristol so I shuttle between those locations,
with more time in London. Atkins is flexible
about how people work its not just the
number of days a week, its about working in
a grown-up mature relationship so were
getting the best from them and theyre
getting the best from us.
INTERNATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
ARISE IN A NUMBER
OF WAYS FOR OUR
EMPLOYEES.
The best thing about my job
I genuinely like the people I know thats a
terrible clich. The people here are
passionate about what they do, whether
theyre a civil engineer or an architect. In
any walk of life its really nice to see people
who are experts. Having seen the clever
stuff architects do, if I were reincarnated I
would take that route. But I do enjoy the
variety in an HR career. If youre fascinated
by people and enjoy interaction with them
its a great career.
No.
e
b
u
o
y
d
l
Cou
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Rising stars
UK
300
S E C T I O N
Rising stars
Graduate trainees give a glimpse
into their working lives
Roshni Patel, BDO............................................96

Grace Foster, AECOM ......................................97
Chibuzor Edordu, Network Rail ......................98
Heather Betts, Transport for London ............99
Pavlos Spyropoulos, Lloyds (of London) ..100
Jumana Al-Zubaidi, Mott MacDonald ..........101
Julien Crampes, European Parliament
(EU Careers) ..................................................102
Rob Moss, Aldi ..............................................103
Sagar Shah, NHS graduate finance
management scheme ..................................104
Sam Knott, Dyson ........................................105
Lauren Fanson, Wallis (Arcadia) ................106
Martin Gregg, Magnox (nucleargraduates)107
Rob Hughes, FirstGroup ..............................108
Joe Hinks, TJX Europe ..................................109
Jamie Macfarlane, WPP ..............................110
Robert Moody, Siemens ..............................111
Claire Mitchell, British Sugar ........................112
Nadine Young, Babcock International ........113
Liam Hutchinson, AstraZeneca....................114
Elizabeth Wiltshire, Rolls-Royce..................115
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Rising stars
A head for figures

A love of maths gave Roshni the impetus to
pursue a role in accountancy.
d always liked maths and when I was
applying to university I
wanted to use maths in whatever
subject I went on to do at degree level.
One of my slightly older friends and
the headteacher at my college had
both done accountancy and
encouraged me to pursue it as a career
because it included the skills set I liked to use.
Why I joined BDO

I was impressed when two people from BDO
came to present a workshop at university.
They gave us advice about applying for jobs
and helped us with our presentation skills. I
thought they were very down-to-earth and
they really promoted the firm as helping
graduates develop through an all-round
experience. They told us they offered
internships, so I had a look at the website
and went from there.
The internship application process is pretty
much the same as the graduate application
process. I came in for an assessment day
and had lunch with two of the current
graduates. It was good to talk to them and
find out what it is really like to work at BDO.
Advice for students
BDO has four core values honesty and
integrity; mutual support and respect;
professional and personal client
relationships; empowerment and personal
responsibility. At interview stage theyre
likely to ask when youve been able to
demonstrate these values its good to
know that they are looking for that
difference in graduates rather than just,
Have you got the grades?. As well as
making sure youre technically good at the
work, the interview is also about how you
get on with others.
Research the company well when applying
for jobs or internships. When I did my
interview there were a lot of questions
around why BDO? and the role Id applied
for. If someone is well researched that will
make them come across as more interested
in the role rather than just wanting any job.
So focus as well.
Where I work
Job location wasnt that important to me
when I was applying to BDO but I looked at
Manchester because Im from around here.
Last year our firm merged with PKF and we
now have more offices across the UK. I now
get to work across the North West and go to
the Liverpool office around once a month
its good to get involved with different
clients and different work.
BDO also has offices all over the world so I
know there are overseas travel
opportunities if I want to pursue those once
qualified. There are also secondment
opportunities to work in different countries
or in a different stream, say corporate
finance, for example.
IF SOMEONE IS WELLRESEARCHED THAT WILL

MAKE THEM COME
ACROSS AS INTERESTED
IN THE ROLE.
Exam pressures and work/life balance
The exams get harder as you progress. At
first it wasnt so bad because we had six
multiple-choice exams and juggling those
with work was fine. As Ive progressed
theres more responsibility at work and
harder exams but trainees in the year above
have done the same thing and ask if you
need any help. Managers are supportive as
well, checking every Monday to ensure your
to-do list is manageable. You have to come
home and motivate yourself to revise in the
evenings but as I speak its only for a couple
of months more (I hope!). Im used to it by
now and its nearly over!
My hours are 9.00 am5.15 pm but I
usually come in a little earlier and leave a
little later. If youre really busy you may
have to stay later and everyone realises if
theres extra work on you have to do longer
Roshni Patel is about to

enter her third year at BDO
and is due to complete her
final ACA exams.
2011 Completed BDOs six-week
summer internship programme
Nottingham with a degree in finance,
accounting and management
2012 Joined BDO on the graduate
scheme in the tax team
hours. That said, Ive never done an allnighter.
I relax by playing sport. I like netball and the
team here plays different firms. I also go to
the gym next door. There are a lot of work
sports teams and we have a yearly football
tournament, when all the BDO offices come
together in one place for a five-a-side
competition, featuring womens and mens
teams. We go out for drinks afterwards. Its
nice to get everyone together once a year in
that way.
The trainee group here is very social I
work in a young department where we all go
out for drinks together it is nice to get
away from work once in a while and leave
everything at the office. Otherwise, I enjoy
going out with friends.
How I see life progressing
As I liked maths, if I hadnt gone into
accountancy Id have considered working in
industry, maybe doing a finance job at a
company or perhaps in investment banking.
My GCSEs were randomly chosen from art
and history to the sciences. I only decided
on maths and economics when I went to
college. I think it is important to like what
you do to ensure you succeed and develop.
If youre enthusiastic you will take on more
work, or get involved in more complicated
things and make life a challenge.
In the next 10 years Id like to go up the
career ladder and try to get into senior
management. I think it is important for
trainees and nearly-qualifieds to see that
they can progress and that theres a career
path to follow and I can definitely see
those opportunities at BDO.
guardianuk300.com
Rising stars
UK
300
Part of history in the making

Grace enjoys the prospect of leaving a legacy
that future generations will be able to use.
y choice of career stems from the work
experience a family friend gave
me in his engineering firm. I
thoroughly enjoyed it. I chose to go to
Loughborough because it has a good
reputation for civil engineering. My
sandwich degree gave me the opportunity
not only to get experience and learn
practical things but also to see the parts of
my degree that were really useful for work.
That helped when I was in my final year and
applying for jobs. I knew the areas I found
interesting.
Meeting and mixing with others

I wish Id got more involved in extracurricular activities at university,
particularly those to do with my degree. Im
amending that now and Im involved in my
local branch of the Institution of Civil
Engineers (ICE). Im developing my
knowledge beyond my job by attending
lectures about wider issues, so Im not
pigeonholing myself. ICE holds regular talks
about projects and engineering techniques.
There are lots of debates so it is a great way
to develop your knowledge and also to meet
other people locally who work in
engineering. I didnt attend enough of these
things as a student!
Why I chose AECOM
I knew I wanted to work for a large company
to gain experience working on major
projects and to have support through
chartership. Id heard from friends that
AECOM was a very good, conscientious
employer that looked at you as a whole
person rather than just a resource.
One of the first jobs when I first started was
London Gateway it was a great project to
be part of. AECOM has designed the park
infrastructure next to the port; my
involvement was fairly small but being part
of something massive, part of history, was
amazing.
Where theres a gap in my skills that should
be filled my line manager will help to find
me a different kind of project. For example,
Ive been doing a lot of technical design
work towards the end of the project, so hes
got me involved in a project where you look
at a problem junction at the very beginning
guardianuk300.com
of a project to identify the strategy of how

to fix the problem. The AECOM graduate
development programme provides the
opportunity to learn things that you dont
learn in your day-to-day role. The
development modules build up your softer
skills. My first, as I started work, was
about conducting oneself in a professional
manner; the most recent focused on more
commercial aspects, such as looking at the
legal side of projects and the allocation of
profit.
What Ive learnt (so far)
All the projects Ive worked on have been
exciting for various different reasons. I see
these as the opportunity to learn because
even if, for example, youd built the London
Gateway and then built exactly the same
scheme in Scotland it would be a completely
different project. Thats the lovely thing
about engineering projects; theyre all very
different but you still get to use the skills
youve used before to become a better
engineer youre constantly developing
your knowledge to overcome obstacles.
ICE SAYS THAT ONCE

YOURE A CIVIL ENGINEER
YOU SEE THE WORLD
DIFFERENTLY AND THATS
TRUE.
Im also working towards chartership, while
I work. It is the stamp of approval that
shows you have sufficient experience,
technical knowledge and project
management ability to act as an engineer in
your own right. It certifies that you have
met the standards of the ICE. Its widely
recognised throughout the world because
its such a high standard and it will demand
a lot of you you cant achieve it in just a
year.
Ive found AECOM a really diverse place to
work, with lots of different nationalities in
the same team. It also values female
employees and because of its size it can
Grace Foster is a civil

engineer working within
AECOMs transportation
business.
2012 Graduated from Loughborough
University with a BEng, civil
engineering, with a year in industry,
having completed five placements with
five different companies
2012 Joined AECOM as a graduate civil
engineer, based in Chelmsford
2013 Worked on London Gateway park
infrastructure design
2014 Working on the A14 improvements
between Cambridge to Huntingdon
offer a great variety of work and

opportunity. I want to be the kind of person
who inspires other people to learn. ICE says
that once youre a civil engineer you see the
world differently and thats true. Youve got
that extra, secret knowledge that most
people dont have and you just want to pass
it on, because its so interesting. Ive found
AECOM supportive in that if I wanted to
attend a conference in London to develop
my skills theyd offer to pay and allow me
time off to do it. They will also support
initiatives you want to get involved in. Every
engineer here knows its really important to
encourage the people they line manage.
Now and in the future
As the projects Ive worked on are in the
process of being built the thought I have to
bear in mind is everything I worked on was
checked and verified and approved by many
different people through a very established
checking procedure. At the same time I
want the work to be challenging. I want to
see something physical and think, I was
part of that. Im building infrastructure and
helping people and the economy and its
fantastic, if a little scary.
Being in civil engineering allows you to
leave a legacy that future generations will
be able to use. I think its amazing to be part
of a world that creates physical outputs. I
dont think Ill end up being as famous as
Brunel but its just nice to be famous within
my family and friends for the work that Ive
done!
UK
300
Rising stars
Cutting-edge engineering
Chibuzors work at Network Rail has a national,
and sometimes international, impact.
he first seeds of wanting to become

an engineer were planted
fairly early on for me, around
the age of 14. I chose my GCSE
subjects in sciences and maths and I
decided on engineering because I
loved computers and electronics, so
it seemed like a really good fit.
Gaining an interest
My first degree was in electrical and
electronic engineering at UCL. It was a
fantastic course but there was one module
in particular that stood out, which was a
control systems course. That led me to do a
masters at Imperial College in control
systems and from there I realised I wanted
to do a research degree. So I did a PhD at
UCL with a thesis on energy efficiency in
wireless sensor networks.
I did consider continuing in academia but I
felt that I needed a more professional
experience. The link with Network Rail
happened during my PhD. Before that, I had
no interest in rail but some work was going
on at the university with Network Rail,
measuring tilt angles on embankments by
building sensors to see if they were
collapsing or not. I thought it was fantastic
and really novel. The company is cuttingedge in many ways and thats what
attracted me. Theres a misconception that
you need to be a train-spotter to work in the
rail industry; theres no problem with having
that level of enthusiasm but not having it is
fine too.
The transition
The change from student to employee was
fine for me because when I started the
graduate scheme, I went on a week-long
training module that was all about how to
deal with the transition. There were lots of
topics such as how to meet senior
management, keep your inbox tidy and deal
with pensions. Students dont usually think
about those things. I was lucky to have that
soft landing and a chance to settle in.
The best bits
Even though its classed as rail, there are
industries within industries; there are so
many different areas like power supply

requirements, rail vehicles, civil engineering
and telecommunications. So a graduate
scheme where you get to learn about all
those different areas makes you a really
well rounded engineer.
THERES A
MISCONCEPTION THAT
YOU NEED TO BE A TRAINSPOTTER TO WORK IN THE
RAIL INDUSTRY.
Ive particularly enjoyed working in technical
strategy because its not just an area with
company-wide influence, but national and
possibly international importance too. Our
project in technical strategy was in response
to the whole sectors vision for the future; we
worked on what our organisation thinks
railway should be like in 30 years time. I had
the opportunity to deal with a wide range of
people, review challenges, do organised
workshops and so on, so there were lots of
different activities involved. It was very
successful: parts of it were used for further
research and the project is still running now.
Working for Network Rail around the time of
the Olympics was also really exciting. We
worked with other companies to make sure
that we were all fully prepared for the
games. It was a great experience.
On the other hand, one of the difficult parts
is that you might end up working outdoors
quite a lot, which is fantastic when its a
warm summers day but when the weathers
bad, it can get quite uncomfortable.
Looking to the future
Ive just finished the graduate scheme and
Im about to start working as a project
engineer in a permanent role with the same
company. During the scheme, I had the
opportunity to tick off competencies that
are needed to gain chartership. Now, Im
only one appointment away, so I aim to
complete it in my next position. I also want
Chibuzor Edordu is an
electrical engineer working
for Network Rail.
2004 Graduated from University College
London with an MEng in electrical and
electronic engineering with
communications engineering
2005 Graduated from Imperial College
London with an MSc in control systems
2010 Completed a PhD in electrical and
electronic engineering with University
College London
2011 Started the electrical engineering
graduate programme with Network Rail
2014 Completed the graduate
programme and became a project
engineer with Network Rail
to develop my management skills further

as a project engineer.
Enjoy a challenge
To work as an electrical engineer in rail, you
need to enjoy a challenge and have a can-do
attitude. It is important to be proactive, be
always willing to learn and work well in a
team. Being really considerate about safety
is also attractive to employers. Because its
the railway, making sure the people working
on projects are absolutely safe is very
serious. You cant take safety for granted.
My education prepared me well for my
career: I gained a lot of technical knowledge
but I developed other soft skills too, such as
delivering presentations and writing reports.
I also did projects in a team, which is
fundamental to working in a company like
Network Rail.
A word of advice
My advice to people thinking of working in
engineering is to get experience early on. In
your early years at university, youre not
necessarily looking for a job because youre
more focused on exams, but if you can get
any kind of engineering work experience in
your first year, it will really help your
professional development. In fact, you could
start even younger. The more experience
you get, the more you discover about the
whole industry and the many different
areas within it.
guardianuk300.com
Rising stars
UK
300
The whole project life cycle

Heather has felt part of the team from the very beginning.
resisted a career in engineering
because my dad is a civil engineer
and it sounded cold and
muddy! I thought you were
on site all the time and all you did
was talk to builders. I considered
architecture until I realised it was
quite arty and not for me. My dad
opened my eyes to other aspects of
civil engineering you dont just have to be
out on site supervising works. You can be
designing, you can be in an office, or you
can actually be the client that other people
are working for. I chose Nottingham
University for its reputation in civil
engineering and other subjects. I thought if I
decided not to pursue civil engineering after
all, I would still have a broad base of options.
TfLs structure
The structure of the placements at TfLs
graduate scheme really sold the
organisation to me. Within the civil
engineering scheme you do six-month
placements throughout the three years and
you never know what you might find
interesting. You also become chartered with
the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). TfL is
well known all over the world and I wanted
to be able to say I was part of that from the
beginning. I wasnt just a small cog and I
could see what I was producing myself. I
also liked the fact that the scheme was split
into surface transport and underground.
People see the Tube and think thats TfL, but
buses, cycle routes, boats, walking and the
river are all part of TfL as well.
Getting to know different areas has been
really useful. Im learning where I can
contribute most to the business and where I
enjoy being the most. At TfL the first
placement is chosen for you and then after
that you can ask around the graduates or
people working in your team and find out
about projects that are happening at the
moment and then get yourself involved.
Cycle power
When I learnt about my first placement I
wondered what role civil engineers play in
cycle hire. I took on quite a lot of
responsibility in the middle of an existing
guardianuk300.com
project delivering 170 new docking stations

in southwest London. I was site monitoring,
dealing with problems out on site from the
office, visiting sites and then finally
commissioning. I experienced the whole
project life cycle on a small scale, which
was really useful straight after Id
graduated. I delivered 40 docking stations
myself, so I can wander around London and
say, I did that. I cycle more than I did before
and I go out on the cycle hire bikes. Its
definitely opened my eyes. There are a lot of
projects to increase cycling in central
London. Were creating a grid of cycle paths
on quieter streets called Quietways and
cycle highways for people coming from a
distance who want a quick route in. Not only
do these relieve the pressure on the Tube,
but, short term, cycling can be delivered
really quickly and there are health
benefits.
I WANT TO LEAVE
SOMETHING BEHIND THAT
PEOPLE WILL SEE.
Soft skills
Work isnt all about your academic knowledge
its about how you can apply it to the job
that youre doing. A lot of it is about the soft
skills that you dont really learn at university.
Communication is important you might
have created a design, or solved a problem,
but if you cant communicate it to the people
who could actually get it off the ground then
its not going to get anywhere. Its important
to listen to what other people say
especially experienced people and dont be
afraid to ask questions about anything youre
unsure about.
Gaining recognition
My biggest challenge at the moment is
working towards chartership. It does seem
like a lot of work, but the placements allow
you to tick off objectives because youre
exposed to a wide variety of different
Heather Betts is a graduate

civil engineer working for
Transport for London.
2010 and 2011 Summer placements
working for Balfour Beatty
2011 Engineering student ambassador
for the University of Nottingham
2013 Graduated with a first class MEng
in civil engineering
2013 Joined Transport for Londons
three-year civil engineering graduate
scheme. Started working in Barclays
Cycle Hire
2014 Moved to Borough projects and
programmes, working on central London
cycle grid and Quietways
aspects such as the finance or the health
and safety side. If you want to be an
engineer on a big project or manage a
project, the ICE is the way to progress in the
profession. Ive been on a Crossrail visit and
tour recently and we have an evening
lecture series to get exposure to the more
academic side of chartership. Ive also done
a contracts course in the evenings. Its good
to meet people on other graduate schemes
and see how yours differs to theirs. Its
confirmed to me that Ive made the right
choice at TfL.
There are more men than women in terms of
actual engineers, but that is definitely
changing. Engineering is no longer a mans
world. There may have been a barrier in the
past but that barrier is definitely well and
truly gone in the industry.
TfL is involved with a lot of local schools
through an organisation called Stemnet,
promoting science, technology, engineering
and maths. Childrens perceptions about
careers in these fields are completely wrong
most of the time. I like to help them see the
light about what we actually do. Theres a
perception that if youre good at science you
should become a doctor but actually you
could be a great engineer.
Im really ambitious and I want to leave
something behind that people will see. Im
proud of what Ive done. Once Ive finished
the graduate scheme and become chartered
Id like to be involved in bigger projects.
UK
300
Rising stars
International outlook
Lobbying senior government officials and regulators is an
exciting part of Pavlos work at Lloyds (of London).
hen I graduated I knew I wanted a

role that would enable
me to use my degree in
international relations. I wasnt
necessarily looking at going into
insurance, but I was looking for
the opportunity to work in an
international area of a large business.
The good days

As a graduate in 2006 it was quite easy to
pick which industry you wanted to go into,
its a bit different now in that respect. Back
then were the good days in terms of the
economy! When I was deciding on which
direction to take the first steps of my career,
I spoke with friends working in different
industries so I could make an informed
decision. My friends who worked in the
insurance industry loved it and only had
good things to say. Insurance in London is a
very international industry and that is what
initially drew me to it. I then started looking
at how I could get into insurance, which is
when I found the Lloyds graduate scheme.
THE MOVE TO
SINGAPORE IS SOMETHING
IM REALLY EXCITED
ABOUT.
An attractive challenge
The application process for the graduate
scheme was tough. Initially there was an
online application with maths testing, then a
telephone interview and after that there was
an assessment centre. It was challenging,
but that made it more attractive because it
made a big impression on me.
The written, communication and criticalthinking skills that I developed academically
have definitely prepared me for the job I do
now, but they also helped me in terms of the
assessment process because you have to
be able to present, complete written
exercises and argue a point well. I also
always played a lot of sport which helped
me build up leadership skills and an
understanding of how to work in a team.
100 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Working for Lloyds

The key element of the graduate scheme is
that you work across three different
placements. It really helped me to advance
further within the organisation because it
gave me a broader understanding of the
business, particularly its international side. It
also enabled me to make a lot of contacts
and develop a network. It opens doors for you
really; other people dont get the chance to
have as much visibility of other parts of the
business and to meet as many people if
theyre not on the graduate scheme.
Now, as a manager of international
regulatory affairs, I have to be able to
explain complicated things in simple terms.
Strong communication skills and a strategic
mind are vital. Leadership skills have also
become increasingly important as Ive
developed at Lloyds. I also speak Greek,
Spanish and French, which have definitely
helped me in this role especially the
Spanish side of things.
In my current role I manage a team, so I
spend a lot of time with them. Much of the
work I do is with our international offices
calling country managers particularly from
countries that we have a specific focus on.
A lot of the way we lobby is through written
documents, so writing letters or
submissions is typical. I also have meetings
with external parties such as government
officials and regulators, or meetings from
within the Lloyds insurance market.
For the past couple of years Ive been
working on a really exciting project to help
get Lloyds trading rights which would allow
us to operate in the Turkish insurance
market. This has involved lobbying senior
Turkish government ministers and getting
support from the UK government.
The biggest challenge Ive faced was making
the transition into management from a
graduate role. It required me to shift my focus
to be able to lead and inspire a whole team.
Advice and mentors
One of the most important skills that Ive
found valuable is being able to
communicate well. I know that sounds quite
vague, but what I mean is the ability to write
Pavlos Spyropoulos is a
manager of international
regulatory affairs at
Lloyds (of London).
St. Andrews with an MA in international
relations and English
2008 Joined graduate scheme at
Lloyds of London
2009 Began a secondment at Marsh
2009 Began the advanced diploma in
insurance (ACII) qualification
2010 Became an executive for
international regulatory affairs at
Lloyds of London
2012 Started current managerial role
well, interact with other people confidently

and present well. Its a very powerful tool to
have in the insurance industry and in other
leadership roles. I would really encourage
students to try and develop these skills
wherever possible.
Networking skills are really important too.
Start early and try to meet as many people
as you can. Get advice and find mentors
who will help you advance yourself and
your career. I had a formal mentor as that is
one of the things that Lloyds does for its
graduates. But over the course of my career
so far Ive met other people who have also
acted as mentors to me as well. Its really
important to have someone who can give
you advice based on their experiences and
help steer you when making big decisions.
Moving on up
Im about to move out to Singapore to lead
Lloyds market development work in the
Asia Pacific region. This is the kind of big
career decision that mentors are really
helpful for. Having someone that you can
talk to about how it will help your career and
whether its the right thing to do is useful.
The move to Singapore is something Im
really excited about and it was only formally
announced recently. Over the next five
years I want to keep advancing my career
and develop as a leader in a senior
management role.
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300
Building bridges
Jumana does a part-time PhD alongside her regular work.
hen I was a kid I loved playing around
with Meccano; I loved structures,
bridges and skyscrapers. My
mum is a civil engineer and
my aunt is a structural engineer
and I was always interested in their
work when I was growing up. While I
was at school I spent a few weeks
one summer on a construction site,
which I really enjoyed. That was when I
realised that a career in civil engineering
might be for me.
A learning process
What I like most about my job is that Im
constantly learning. Its intellectually
stimulating and it involves a lot of problemsolving. On every new project I develop a
whole new skills set, and I learn from other
peoples experience and knowledge. Its a
fun, dynamic atmosphere. Alongside my
regular work, Im doing a part-time PhD,
looking at wind-induced vibration on
bridges. Its very theoretical, but it has
practical applications; I spend a lot of time
liaising with other engineers to make sure
that my ideas can be implemented using
todays technology.
Worthwhile work
Civil engineering is a worthwhile industry to
be part of. Even if you work on projects that
will never get seen, such as the sewerage
system, youre creating the buildings and
structures that society relies on. When we
build in the UK we change peoples lives in a
subtle way, but when we build in the
developing world, we make a more tangible
impact. When I was at university I was one
of five students who participated in a
project to build a footbridge in Malawi. We
got involved with the whole process, from
planning to fundraising and design. Once it
was verified, we went out to Malawi and
built the structure, which was an amazing
experience.
Wherever you work, you have to look
through a sustainability lens. Climate
change is one of the main factors affecting
the civil engineering industry at the
moment; one challenge we face is how to
deal with water shortage problems. My PhD
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work is partly about sustainability as well;

Im looking at ways to limit the damage that
wind vibration does to bridges, to make sure
their value doesnt decrease. In the UK, the
number of new structures being built is
reducing, and there are an increasing
number of ageing structures that need
maintaining. As engineers we need to find
the best options for our clients. It is
essential we demonstrate value for money,
increase efficiency and save time, while
maximising sustainable outcomes.
YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE

TO LISTEN, COLLABORATE
AND COME UP WITH
SOLUTIONS AS A TEAM.
Key skills
A lot of people think that engineering
requires a very narrow skills set, and that
you only have to be good at maths and
physics to succeed. But actually, engineers
need a holistic skills set. You do have to be
good technically, but youre going to be in
meetings with clients, architects and people
from other industries who dont have an indepth knowledge of your area. You have to
be able to explain your ideas coherently, to
listen, collaborate and come up with
solutions as a team. Youll need to be good
at persuading people and defending your
viewpoint so that you can get people on
board, come to a consensus and work well
together. Civil engineers are always working
in a team. Normally, youll be with five or six
other people, but on the big projects you can
be in teams of up to 100, although there are
usually sub-groups of about 20.
Building networks
My advice for students considering a career
in civil engineering would be to research the
companies they apply to; each one has its
own culture, ethics and values. It makes a
difference whether theyre shareholder or
employee owned, for example. Id also
Jumana Al-Zubaidi is a
graduate bridge engineer
and aerodynamics
researcher at Mott
MacDonald.
20062007 Undertook an expedition to
design, plan and construct a footbridge
in rural Malawi
2009 Graduated from Imperial College
London with a first in civil engineering
(MEng)
2010 Joined Mott MacDonald as a
graduate engineer and started PhD
research into vortex-induced vibration
(VIV) of long-span bridges
Additional voluntary roles:
An active member of the International
Association for Bridge and Structural
Engineering (IABSE) British groups
executive committee
Organising events and talks aimed at
young professional engineers,
architects and students
Mentoring students at University College
London
CIVIL ENGINEERS
CREATE THE BUILDINGS
AND STRUCTURES THAT
SOCIETY RELIES ON.
advise students to network with other
graduates and employees. People often see
networking as a way to build up contact
lists and find work, but theres more to it
than that. If you discuss engineering
projects with other people, youll learn
information that might help you in the
future. Its a way to find out more about the
industry. For me, its important to have a
community of like-minded people to
discuss civil engineering with; I enjoy
talking to other graduates and learning
about projects in other parts of the country.
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Rising stars
Using influence to
improve situations
Juliens career makes use of his language skills
and has taken him around the world.
ne of the great things about working
here is the diversity of
interesting people that we
meet Members of the European
Parliament (MEPs) from all over
Europe from all shades of the
political spectrum and their advisers,
political and support staff. Ive also
worked with NGOs, diplomats from the
member states, and occasionally I meet
MY ADVICE WOULD BE
TO CONTINUE LEARNING
ONE FOREIGN LANGUAGE
AT UNIVERSITY OR DO AN
ERASMUS IN AN EU
COUNTRY.
ministers and leaders of EU institutions. Its
definitely not a desk job its a lively
environment with lots of interaction. People
might think of grey Eurocrats working at a
computer pushing paper all day, but thats
not the experience I have here.
My job is to advise the director general in
charge of the staff working on foreign
policies, in support of the MEPs. A lot of
thinking is going on at the moment about
how to be more effective, to maximise the
parliaments impact, in the interest of the
Union and its citizens. In common with
many similar jobs theres a heavy workload,
very diverse tasks that must be carried out,
but were lucky, I get excellent help from my
colleagues here its a very team-orientated
approach to getting the job done.
What I find most inspiring is the impact of
the work we do here when we act as a
block we do have significant influence in the
world, through the power of the 500 million
people that make up the EU. Using this
influence to improve situations in other
countries, helping the MEPs to promote
democracy and all our other common
values thats what inspires me.
102 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Diplomacy and personal development

In my previous job I was a desk officer for
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, and
prepared briefing notes and speaking points
for the members and for the President of
the European Parliament. The priority was to
deliver quality papers in a short space of
time and getting an idea across in a concise
way; when the president needs one page of
speaking points, anything not on that page
will not be used in the meeting. The
highlights also included missions to
Ukraine, led by the former president of the
European Parliament Pat Cox and the former
president of Poland Aleksander
Kwasniewski. They travelled to Ukraine 27
times on behalf of the European Parliament
to address the cases of selective justice
such as the then imprisoned Yulia
Tymoshenko [ex-prime minister of Ukraine]
which was the main obstacle to signing a
major political and trade deal between the
EU and Ukraine. I accompanied them 15
times with two other colleagues, though we
didnt have time to visit the country: our
programme was always full of meetings
with government, opposition
representatives and defence lawyers. The
level of the meetings and what was at stake
during the negotiations made that an
exceptional experience.
Another thing about working here is you do
get a lot of training including in languages.
I speak French and English fluently you
need two languages to work here and Ive
also learnt to speak Spanish at working
level. Ive put German on hold, but Im
studying Russian. And theres a range of
other training courses on offer, from
parliamentary procedures and protocol, to
risk management and effective
negotiations.
From uni to the workplace
To advise a current student that is
interested in this type of career I would
definitely say that the most important thing
to prepare for the recruitment process is to
continue learning one foreign language at
university or do an Erasmus in an EU
country. That said, theres no need to decide
early on that you want to work for the EU.
Julien Crampes is the

adviser to the European
Parliaments director
general for external
policies.
2009 Graduated from Bristol University
with a degree in politics
2009 Internship in the EU Commission
(working on the EUs policy in the
Balkans)
2010 Internship in the EU delegation to
the UN in New York (working on political
affairs)
2011 Completed a masters degree in
international relations at Sciences Po,
Paris
2011 Started working for the policy
department for external policies in the
European Parliament
2013 Appointed to present role
Internships and being involved in student
societies at university also helped me, but
theres no point in doing these things just
for your CV. Its best to do a little less but do
it well and have a lot to say about it.
Recruiters are not going to ask, How many
different societies were you involved in?
theyre going to say, Give me an example of
the time when you led a team in a
particularly difficult situation and how you
managed that situation. They will want you
to demonstrate you have the required skills
for the job.
The best internship I did by far was working
for four months in the EU delegation in New
York. Both the location and the work were
amazing. We were given tasks such as
attending Security Council meetings,
preparing speeches and coordinating
positions on specific resolutions. It wasnt
an internship that was on my radar I just
saw it on the website and applied.
Internships in the EU institutions are all paid
about 1,000 a month and Brussels is a
great city and quite cheap to live in, so I can
really recommend it as a good starting
point.
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Work hard, play hard

Rob puts in the hours to reap the rewards of success.
went into business management
because I wanted to work with
people on a daily basis, while
running a challenging,
operational business. A key
benefit is being able to openly
discuss the performance of staff with
the individuals themselves. Being
open and honest with staff is really
encouraged here.
Why I applied here

I wanted to apply my business knowledge
to a retail environment because it means
youre not sat behind a desk all the time. Its
also an industry that relates to everyone
and grocery prices are a hot topic among
shoppers. The company inspires affection
too. I remember when I was canoeing in New
Zealand, an American woman told me how
much she loved the brand and the products.
It was such a great feeling.
The personal development aspects of the
role were a big attraction; I feel that Im
constantly progressing. I love the early
responsibility, and the challenges you have
to tackle. Rewards are important of course,
but graduates need to understand that you
have to work hard for it.
Getting through the interview process
I felt like I really understood the business
Id spent a year working on Aldis retail
placement scheme so Id already developed
some strong insights. Some candidates turn
up at interviews and dont grasp either the
culture or what makes the company tick. I
think that if you show some insight and
demonstrate that youve done your
homework, you always inspire confidence
and communication. I wasnt too fazed or
daunted by the interview process as I felt
sure I could perform the role.
Managing my work
When Im asked about my workload, I always
make the point that a lot of my work benefits
my store teams. Theyre the ones, after all,
who depend on me to provide clear
communication and direction. If you dont put
the effort or the hours in, it can create
additional work for you later on. Its crucial to
face difficult situations head on, although, in
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certain circumstances, I will take advice from

colleagues. But the area management role is
one where you have to use your initiative.
When theres a tricky situation, I try to take a
step back, reflect, analyse and discuss with
other people where relevant. When Im
managing people who are older than me I
respect their experience and make an effort
to draw upon it in the right way, including
asking for their opinion. However, you must
be strong-minded in gathering your own
understanding and insight into the situation
that youre facing. Id also mention that as a
business we are growing so fast that area
managers and store management teams are
learning together to overcome different
challenges.
ITS CRUCIAL TO FACE

DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
HEAD ON.
Celebrating success
Before leaving university I hadnt realised just
how much you rely on the people who work
for you. Your successes are created by their
performance. My biggest success was
turning a store that was poorly performing
and didnt have a great culture into one of
the top performing ones in my region. I
encourage my store management teams to
socialise as a group to keep morale high. I am
quite active outdoors I enjoy cycling,
running and travelling in my spare time, as
well as climbing and mountaineering both
in the UK and abroad.
Tips for graduates
One of my responsibilities as an area
manager is overseeing the recruitment of
our store apprentices within the Middleton
region (which covers Greater Manchester,
Lancashire and West Yorkshire). I play a
major role in making sure theyre the right
candidates. My advice to anyone applying to
Aldi is to research the role theyre applying
for. Go in-store and speak to staff to gain an
understanding whether the role is for you.
Once youve decided on working here, you
then need to put everything into the
Area manager Rob Moss

manages four Aldi stores in
the Tameside area of
Greater Manchester.
2010 Graduated from Manchester
Metropolitan University with a business
degree
20082009 Joined Aldis retail
placement scheme, before embarking
on the graduate area management
programme
2014 Started a two-year international
secondment in Aldis US business
application and interview process to show
how much you want the job. Graduates
should provide examples of relevant work
experience or extracurricular activities
where theyve been adventurous or gone
the extra mile in pursuit of a goal.
What Ive learned
As an area manager I am involved in every
element of the business in one way or
another and I am responsible for 170 staff
who vary hugely in personality, way of life
and needs from a leadership and
management perspective.
The scheme develops every characteristic,
trait and skill you held in some form from
the outset. Ultimately as an area manager
here you learn a great deal about your own
strengths and weaknesses and then
develop in each on-going.
ONCE YOUVE DECIDED

ON WORKING HERE, YOU
THEN NEED TO PUT
EVERYTHING INTO THE
APPLICATION AND
INTERVIEW PROCESS.
If not Aldi...
I would probably be doing a long-distance
travel itinerary or going on an adventure. I
honestly cant think of many other
companies Id want to work for.
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Rising stars
Turning rejection
into success
Sagars finance role means he can make a difference,
allocating resource where its really needed.
y entire family work in finance so to a
certain extent a financial
career was a natural choice
for me. I have relatives working in
tax, payroll and corporate finance
who gave me insights into their lines
of business and what its really like
working in this area. But I really
started planning for this career during my A
levels; I looked at my strengths and they
were maths and economics. The way I saw it
was that every day wouldnt be the same,
which was important to me.
Financial decisions can appear to be all about
cutting services and reducing staff, but
actually working in the public sector gives
you the opportunity to make a difference, by
putting money where its really needed, so I
was determined to work in this area.
The NHS graduate scheme wasnt the first job
application I made, but I persevered, learned
from the set-backs and worked hard to make
myself stand out. Something I told myself
was dont limit your challenges; challenge
your limits. I spent more hours on the NHS
application than I had done for any other job. I
wanted to understand how the new
NHS structure would be implemented and
how finance would play into this. I spoke to
employees via social media and I must have
also read tens of reports!
Making myself employable

I did a gap year between my A levels and
university, spending three months travelling
through Australia and New Zealand and then
working in a local council office for eight
months. It was a complete eye-opener. This
was my first real job with responsibility and I
realised that an office environment in the
public sector really suited me. I learned skills
and built relationships that not many other
18-year-olds get the chance to do.
Then, at university, we often had to work in
groups and make presentations. This
definitely helped me get my first job because
I became more confident when speaking in
front of people.
You often hear that employers are trying to
find people who do extra activities outside of
education. I used to play the violin and I was
104 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
in our University Challenge reserve team.

These things can help you stand out from the
crowd but you have to enjoy them too.
Finding work
When I was looking for graduate jobs, I knew I
wanted to work for the NHS or local
government. The experience, training and
chance of progression on offer at the NHS
won out and became my first choice. You
always hear about the big financial firms at
careers fairs but they only make up a small
number of the finance jobs available.
Whenever I tell people where I work, they
assume Im a doctor. People dont always
realise that there are more career
opportunities at the NHS. In common with a
business, it needs all sorts of people to make
it work.
I WAS GIVEN A LOT OF

RESPONSIBILITY FROM
DAY ONE AND ITS BEEN
A GREAT LEARNING
CURVE.
The application process is certainly tough; it
takes a few months so you have to keep
consistently focused. Be yourself and show
that you genuinely share similar values to
the NHS. Its all about being patient-focused,
regardless of the department youre based
in. Teamwork is also vital because you
interact closely with your team and integrate
with people from different departments. You
should be able to bring a new perspective as
well as be strong enough to accept that
people wont always agree with your ideas.
Working life
I dont always sit in front of a desk. Im based
in a hospital so I meet patients and work with
lots of different departments, such as clinical
teams and corporate directorates. I usually
work in a team of at least five. I deal with a lot
Sagar Shah is on the NHS

graduate finance
management scheme.
Nottingham with a degree in finance,
accounting and management
2011 Worked in the finance service
desk at Action for Children
2013 Started the NHS graduate scheme
of different people with a lot of different
queries and thats what keeps me motivated.
The workload isnt always easy, especially
during busy periods, but I focus on the task in
hand. The most challenging time is during the
months in and around the financial year end.
We have to get the bottom-line figures and
work out whether the organisation is in
surplus or deficit and start budgeting for the
following year. I speak face-to-face with
clinicians and hospital staff to figure out what
money is needed where. Its a long process
but it means that everyone is involved in
coming to an agreed figure. When people
know youre a trainee, they support you
more. I was given a lot of responsibility from
day one and its been a great learning curve.
The regular training is one of the highlights.
Finance trainees dont meet in person
because were based all over the country but
we meet online during CIMA lectures. We also
have the chance to meet the rest of the
graduate intake at workshops. Its our chance
to talk regularly and share experiences.
We are also supported from the scheme
itself; we go to various training sessions and
events. Ive even been able to listen to talks
from chief executives and politicians. Its
given me a real insight into how I want my
career to go and what type of work I want to
be doing.
Future goals
In the future I intend to become a qualified
accountant. Through the graduate scheme,
Im already working towards chartership and
I should qualify in about two years. I also see
myself working in an acute trust and Id like
to be able to manage a team and have more
responsibility so I can really make a
difference.
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Knowing people
as well as products
Sam went from an engineering background to
working in marketing with Dyson.
didnt know much about engineering
until I had to start thinking about
UCAS forms. I was always
really strong at maths and
physics at school and I enjoyed
design and technology (DT). Im not
a great sketcher, but I like to get
hands on and solve problems in a
practical way. I remember looking
through the UCAS book, reading about
mechanical engineering and realising it was
perfect for me its essentially a
combination of maths, physics and DT.
A huge part of me was also being sensible
and pragmatic it was 2005 and it was
starting to get tough for graduates. I knew
that mechanical engineering was well
respected with good employment
opportunities. I knew that the things I would
learn, such as problem-solving and
analytical skills, would arm me well for a
wide range of careers, if I decided
engineering wasnt for me in the long term.
Making a change
A lot of students on my engineering course
were brought up on planes, trains and
automobiles. I was never one of those
natural petrol-heads; thermodynamics
never came naturally to me. And since
working here Ive realised many engineers
are much like me, even James Dyson
himself. Wherever possible, I took modules
in completely different subjects. I wanted to
expand my horizons.
Midway through my course, I met up with a
friend who ran his own branding
consultancy and he offered me an
internship that enabled me to learn more
about the marketing industry. I loved it and
learned that while engineering is about
developing new technology, marketing is
about communicating that technology to
people. I realised I could have a niche; I
could provide the crucial link between the
engineer and the user.
Getting hired
The fact I had an engineering background
gave me great stead for my transition to
marketing at Dyson. It was the perfect
combination of my skills. Through my work
and university experiences, I had realised
guardianuk300.com
my strengths werent solely in engineering. I

stood out because I showed I had the
confidence to learn something new quickly,
even if that meant reading outside work. Ive
always been eager to learn.
The most important thing is to have passion
and enthusiasm, either for the career or the
company. I always throw myself into
projects.
I STOOD OUT BECAUSE I

SHOWED I HAD THE
CONFIDENCE TO LEARN
SOMETHING NEW
QUICKLY.
Not everyone knows what they want to do
long term. Its sometimes best to find out
what you dont want to do. One trick Ive
learned is to ask myself why five times. It
forces me to think more creatively.
Emotional intelligence is vital in a
workplace. Its about being able to have
natural rapport with people, independent of
their department or level of seniority. On my
placement year, I assumed that if I did good
work, people would notice. Yet only a
fraction of people see your work; most will
judge you on how you conduct yourself,
your attitude and your confidence.
A normal day
As my role is cross-functional, I dont spend
much time at my desk Im mostly in
discussions with various teams, from
creative to engineering to advertising and
more. My job is to make sure they are all
brought together and the machine is
brought to life.
My tasks are varied. In fact, its very fast
paced, which is great Im not one for
monotonous tasks. I work with teams
across the globe, specifically Japan and the
USA. Day to day I normally start around
8.00 am to fit with time zones. More often
than not, the list of priorities from yesterday
has changed by midday but thats the
Sam Knott is a commercial

manager at Dyson.
2008 Completed a placement with Tyco
Electronics and a branding consulting
internship with Uffindell
mechanical engineering at the
University of Bath
20102011 Worked as a marketing
assistant at Invensys Rail
2011 Joined Dyson as a competitor
analyst
2012 Promoted to product manager
2013 Promoted to current role
nature of working in a global technology
company! The opportunity to work with
these international markets is fantastic, so I
sacrifice a bit more of my personal time and
make the most of working with the overseas
offices.
Highs and lows
Sometimes the project youve been working
on might not be used or might change
beyond recognition, which can be
disheartening at first, but even if that work
is filed away and never used again, youve
still learned in the process.
The fact that my work is so varied can also
be tricky; youre spinning a lot of plates. If
youre one of those people who likes to have
a Monday morning to-do list ticked off by
Friday afternoon that might be challenging but for me, thats what I love.
One of the most exciting parts of my job so
far was spending a month in Tokyo I could
hardly believe it when I was told I was going.
I was challenged to immerse myself with a
new piece of technology that our office
didnt know a great deal about. I dived in,
fully researching it in Japanese homes and
stores, in readiness for the launch. There
are opportunities to go abroad and thats
something I am incredibly keen to build on.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE IS VITAL
IN A WORKPLACE.
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Rising stars
Dealing with the numbers

behind the dresses
Lauren has an eye for trends and enjoys analysing data.
ve always been interested in fashion

Im really lucky to work in
an area that I love. Before I
came here all my experience was in
retail and customer service, so my
move to Wallis seemed like a natural
progression. I like my job because I
enjoy using facts and figures to
calculate risks and back up what Im doing.
There is a creative side to the fashion
industry, but someone also has to deal with
the numbers behind the beautiful dresses.
Exceeding expectations
In my current role I mainly focus on our
external businesses; we trade on our own
website but we also have concessions with
Debenhams, House of Fraser and Nordstrom
in the US. Ever since I started here Ive been
given real responsibilities. I was asked to see
that all our products went live on the
Debenhams website and to make sure that
they had enough stock to drive their sales
plan. Weve had a great season on
Debenhams, which Id say is my biggest
achievement at work to date.
EVER SINCE I
STARTED HERE IVE
BEEN GIVEN REAL
RESPONSIBILITIES.
Essential skills
Since then Ive been analysing our external
businesses sales performance. For example,
I worked on a sizing project where I had to
identify which sizes were most popular, work
out where weve overbought or underbought
and decide what ratio of sizes would be best
for each type of clothing. In this sector you
need to be able to analyse trends and you
need to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
We constantly have to look out for changes in
the market. For example, if its a cold summer
our dresses may not sell as well as wed like
and wed need to react quickly to that. Time
management and organisation are skills you
cant do without.
106 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Beyond the spreadsheet

When you trade online you have just as
much contact with the customer as when
youre working in store, so its really
important to think about your target
audience. Its easy to lose sight of that when
youre sat at a spreadsheet looking at
numbers, trying to make decisions. We
know our customer as the Wallis woman.
Shes 35-plus, the head of her household
and she doesnt have much spare time. She
likes to chat a lot and shes active on social
media.
Every part of our website has to reflect our
brand, because it is up 24/7 its like having
a shop window thats open all the time. It can
be challenging when we work with external
businesses where we have less control. We
need to be good at explaining how we want
our brand to appear. I think my
communication skills have helped me
succeed at my job Im good at working with
people as well as spotting patterns in data.
Fashioning the future
Online trading is a fast-paced, varied sector
and its a big part of the future of fashion. Im
hoping to progress further in the digital
division its an exciting area to be in. Were
constantly working with new technologies;
we use data tools to track where customers
are clicking, how theyre responding to
different products and how often theyre
buying from pages theyve viewed. Where
theres a low conversion rate we try to work
out if theres something wrong with the page
or the product. It could be that the picture
isnt detailed enough or that the description
is confusing. Once we think weve solved the
problem we may use the product in features
or get marketing to promote it.
I ENJOY WORKING
WITH PEOPLE AS WELL
AS SPOTTING PATTERNS
IN DATA.
Lauren Fanson is an online

trading coordinator at
Wallis (Arcadia).
2012 Summer placement as a sales
associate at Vineyard Vines
2012 Joined the White Company as a
sales assistant
Warwick with a degree in psychology
and joined the Arcadia Group as a
trading assistant
2014 Promoted to online trading
coordinator
As a multi-channel retailer, were always

looking for ways to join up web and mobile
sites with stores. We want to make it a more
seamless experience for customers. But
were not trying to replace stores with the
internet people will always want to go
shopping for leisure. Customers often prefer
to speak face to face with staff or to collect
their online orders in store.
Hints and tips
Students who want to work in fashion will
often apply for any job with their preferred
brands, which isnt always the best idea. You
need to research the industry first; otherwise
you might find yourself doing a job that you
dont enjoy. If someone creative ended up on
the online trading team, for example, they
might not enjoy it. Another common mistake
is to assume that you have to be the target
customer in order to work with a particular
brand. You dont. In my office, most of us are
younger than our customer base.
Enjoying the job
Dont worry too much if your degree subject
doesnt seem relevant to your preferred
industry. I didnt really enjoy my degree at
university, but I stuck with it and I was able to
show employers that Id gained useful
analytical skills from the experience. If I had
the chance to pick my subject again I might
choose law. But if Id done that my career
could have gone in an entirely different
direction. And I definitely wouldnt want to
leave online trading now.
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Enjoying the challenge

Martin finds it rewarding to work on fast-paced projects.
first became interested in nuclear
power during my masters in
sustainable energy
technologies at the
University of Southampton. We had
a module in nuclear technologies
and out of all the other modules I
found that one the most interesting. I
thought the nuclear sector was
particularly important in getting secure low
carbon energy for the future and with all the
plans there are in the UK right now to start
building new reactors I thought itd be a
great time to get involved in the industry.
Planning for the future

My course taught me a lot of theory and
helped me to understand what I was getting
into and then it was more down to me to
settle into working within an office
environment. I think, for graduates, it can be
quite unexpected to be in an office type job
so its about being prepared to find out what
its like to work in that kind of environment
or what its like to be designing all day. You
have to work out which parts of your degree
youre going to be using more and what
experience youre going to be drawing on.
Why nucleargraduates?
The nucleargraduates scheme appealed to
me because it was different to a lot of other
schemes. Although it has changed now,
when I was doing it I took part in a number
of secondments and then on completion got
a job with one of the companies Id worked
for over the past two years. When I left
university I didnt really know what I wanted
to do or where I wanted to live. I liked the
idea of having a two-year window where I
could do secondments around a whole
series of companies and then at the end of
it decide what it was I wanted to do long
term. I went on secondments to America,
West Cumbria and the Northern Highlands;
I experienced lots of different types of jobs
with different types of organisations. I found
out what it was that I enjoyed and now,
luckily, thats what Im doing a lot of. Under
the current scheme graduates are
sponsored by companies from across the
industry and at the end of the programme
go to work for that company.
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Working within the community

During the nucleargraduates scheme there
was a big focus on behavioural skills as
well as technical and I had the opportunity
to do some great things. We spent ten per
cent of our time working out in the
community; so there was a range of
projects I was involved with. I was a
science, technology, engineering and
maths ambassador when I was in Cumbria
so that involved me going into schools and
helping out at science club and talking to
children. And then when I was in the
Highlands of Scotland I was part of the
energy advice service, so I spoke to
members of the community who might
have been facing fuel poverty and gave out
help and advice. The graduate scheme is
different because it doesnt just focus on
technical skills, it builds up the broader
skills youll need for a career in technology.
IVE BEEN GIVEN A

LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY
FOR SOMEONE OF MY
AGE.
Challenging and exciting
Im now working at Magnox and Ive had the
opportunity to work on some really good
and exciting projects but I think the one Im
on now has been the most interesting and
challenging. In the past, Ive been involved
in some very technically interesting and
complicated projects but Ive found that
they can be slow paced you can spend a
year and see no physical difference. Also as
a young person you wouldnt necessarily be
given much responsibility as there are a lot
of very senior people around. Currently Im
working on waste retrieval at our site in
Essex.
Responsibility
Im now the project lead but prior to that I had
worked here for a couple of years so I know
the site. Its an accelerated decommissioning
site were bringing forward the work
Martin Gregg is a project

lead at Magnox
(nucleargraduates).
Southampton with a BEng in electrical
engineering
2007 Spent 11 months as a cadet
officer with the Royal Navy
sustainable energy technologies from
the University of Southampton
2009 Joined the nucleargraduates
graduate scheme
2012 Work pack lead at Magnox
2013 Became project lead at Magnox
programme by 12 years so it is going to be

the first reactor site in the UK to enter its care
and maintenance phase. Obviously, this
means there is a lot of work to do. And we see
physical progress on a weekly basis, which I
find rewarding. Ive also had the chance to
manage the whole design, build,
commission, operation and dismantle life
cycle of the retrieval systems that we build;
were building four and were currently
halfway through. Ive been given a lot of
responsibility for someone of my age.
I FOUND OUT WHAT IT

WAS THAT I ENJOYED
AND NOW, LUCKILY,
THATS WHAT IM DOING
A LOT OF.
Adaptability is important
Our current challenge is to empty 12 vaults
of waste many of which were filled as far
back as the 1960s when the site started to
generate power. This means we often have
to change our plans based on new
information, ensuring we safely deliver
work, while maintaining flexibility and
ensuring we meet deadlines. So the ability
to adapt your plans quickly is important!
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Setting my own targets

Robs people skills and willingness to challenge the
status quo have helped him develop as a manager.
he idea of working in a management
role has always appealed to
me because I get on well with
all types of people. I like being able
to influence others and Ive always
wanted to be responsible for making
key business decisions. During my
time at university, I took on
supervisory roles in my part-time job and I
think that experience has helped me
transition into more senior management
roles.
INDIRECTLY, I
MANAGE MORE THAN
400 PEOPLE, SO I HAVE
TO BE PERSONABLE AND
APPROACHABLE. I SET
TIME ASIDE FOR A LARGE
NUMBER OF MY TEAM.
Leaving Leeds
When I left university I expected to have a
regular Monday-to-Friday job in Leeds city
centre. I certainly never thought that I would
end up moving from Leeds to Plymouth. The
scheme is rotational; it has allowed me to
work in different parts of the country, see
new things and meet new people. One of my
projects on the scheme was to help arrange
transport for the London 2012 Olympic
Games. I was responsible for liaising
between FirstGroup and Transport for
London; we had to try to make sure that
spectators got to the events on time.
Working on high profile events like those is
one of the best aspects of my job.
Fresh ideas
On the training scheme, we were
encouraged to be self-motivated. The
programme wasnt constraining we were
given some small projects to do but if we
saw something we wanted to develop
further, people were willing to listen to us,
108 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
even though wed only been in the

business for a short period of time. As a
young manager in this business you have
to be resilient, since youll be working with
people who are twice your age, with as
many as 30 or 40 years of experience, and
they may challenge you on some points.
But at the same time, everyone
appreciates the fresh ideas and innovation
that graduates can bring to the team.
Improving standards
When I moved to Bolton for my current role
I went into a depot which was performing
very well in areas such as lost mileage,
customer comments and punctuality. The
challenge was to improve those already
high standards and I believe Ive done that.
Sometimes Im at the depot at 2.00 am,
making sure the team is motivated,
overseeing the cleaning, making sure the
buses are ready and sending them off at
4.00 am. But Im also responsible for liaising
between our depot and Greater Manchester;
I spend a lot of time speaking to the local
transport authority to find out about any
future diversions or roadworks. If there were
plans to implement roadworks across an
important section of our route, I would be
vocal, raise my concerns and explain the
impact it would have on our service. I would
try to influence that situation and find a way
around the problem.
The road to success
Ive been really surprised by the pace at
which Ive developed. I believe Ive been
successful because Im self-driven and I set
my own targets. I recently won the young
manager of the year award at the north
region UK bus awards, which was voted for
by colleagues and judged by senior
managers. I think that was in recognition of
how quickly Ive progressed and the impact
that Ive had on the team; Ive always been
willing to implement change and do things
differently. Wherever I go in the future, I
want to be stretched and challenged. Im
going to keep on seeking opportunities to
innovate, challenge the status quo, and
develop the business.
Rob Hughes is an
operations manager at
FirstGroup.
Leeds with a degree in history
2011 Joined the FirstGroup
management graduate scheme (bus
operations)
2012 Appointed staff manager at First
Potteries Hanley depot
2012 Appointed staff manager at the
Queens Road depot in Manchester
2013 Appointed operations manager at
the Bolton depot
Advice for students

When you apply for graduate schemes, itll
make you stand out if you have strong
extracurricular activities to talk about at
interview. While I was at university I helped
out with a charity for homeless people,
which was a really rewarding experience; it
gave me the chance to talk to a wide variety
of people that I wouldnt otherwise have
met. People skills are really important in my
job. Im indirectly responsible for managing
more than 400 people, so I have to be
personable and approachable. I set time
aside for a large number of my team.
Id also advise students not to discount any
industry too quickly. From the outside,
transport may not look like the most
exciting sector to work in, but theres huge
scope for progression and theres no glass
ceiling. There are a lot of roles for young
professionals who have new ideas and dont
expect to be told what to do. Theres an
appetite for innovators, for people who think
differently and who take exciting new
approaches.
ON MY TRAINING
SCHEME I HELPED
ARRANGE TRANSPORT
FOR THE LONDON 2012
OLYMPIC GAMES.
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The freedom to develop

Being able to see his work in the stores is a
rewarding part of Joes role at TJX Europe.
Ive always seen myself as a bit of a
merchant who wanted to buy and sell
things, so I think thats why I
wanted to get into retail.
After completing my history degree
I wanted to show my intent of going
into retail or a big business, which is
why I decided to do a postgraduate
course in management and
marketing. The qualification was worthwhile,
but perhaps more for transferable skills
rather than direct academic skills. Once Id
finished my education I started looking at
positions in retail and ended up securing a
merchandising job at Blacks Leisure Group.
Thats when I started to learn all about
merchandising and buying.
Something different
Although my first job was graduate level,
there wasnt much opportunity for
development, which is why I started to look
for a graduate programme. I was quite
selective when I started to apply because I
already had the security of a job and I wanted
to join one that really stood out to me. The
merchandising and buying programme at TJX
Europe seemed different because it focused
on development and moving around as
opposed to structured rotations. I loved that
the doors were open and you could say what
you wanted to do. After two rounds of online
questions, an interview over webcam and
two assessment days, I secured a place. I
found the process quite exciting and it wasnt
too intimidating.
Say what you think
I would advise graduates who want to join a
graduate programme at TJX Europe or who
want to pursue a career in retail to be vocal in
the most impactful way possible. Its
important not to hold back. When you think of
something, say it. I think I did this
straightaway when I joined the company
perhaps too much! But its the best way to
learn.
The number one skill to have to be in
merchandising and buying is to be great
with people. Its important to take any
opportunity you get to talk to people and
network. My people skills will hopefully get
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me into buying at some point because

buyers have to be able to build close
relationships with vendors.
Flexibility and adaptability is also crucial at
TJX Europe because the company moves
people around a lot and you dont know
when, for sure, until it actually happens.
Moving from menswear to active wear was
the biggest challenge Ive faced so far. Its
difficult because you know so much about
one particular area including all the brands
and products. When you get moved its a big
change and you have to get used to all of the
new products and working in a completely
new team. At the time it feels like youre out
of your depth, but then you realise that its
actually been really good for you.
BE VOCAL IN THE
MOST IMPACTFUL WAY
POSSIBLE.
Life at TJX Europe
My main role is currently in merchandising;
looking at the best ways to drive sales
through the products we have and
strategies we can implement. I love the
atmosphere in the office on a Monday when
the team and I are looking at the deals we
have coming in from the buyers and
deciding the best brands to send to stores
as well as forecasting future sales! At least
once a week the merchandising team travel
to our different stores across the country.
Actually getting to see what youve done in
store is one of the best things about being
in merchandising. We also go on vendor
visits with our buyers to see what products
theyve got this helps us to know whats
going on in the market. Partnering with
buying is key to being successful in
merchandising and its very exciting to see
the deals done first hand! Another thing I do
on a day-to-day basis is spend time on
developing other members of the team. As
Ive moved up in the past couple of years
weve had new graduates starting, so now
part of my role is to help them.
Joe Hinks works as an

assistant merchandiser in
the active wear department
at TJX Europe.
Wales, Aberystwyth, with a history
degree and a postgraduate diploma in
management and marketing
2012 Started on merchandising and
buying graduate programme at TJX
Europe
2013 Promoted to assistant
merchandiser
2014 Moved to active wear to start
current role
Performing for Mel C
TJX Europe is one of the main sponsors for
Comic Relief and we sell the merchandise in
our stores. The company appoints people as
champions to fundraise and drum up
support in the lead up to the event. In 2013, I
was a champion at the head office and it was
honestly the most exciting thing Ive done so
far because I got to experience some pretty
crazy things. We have a talent show to raise
money called TJXs got Talent and my
colleagues from menswear and I formed a
boy band called Boyz II Menswear. We
performed a medley of songs by Boyz II Men,
Backstreet Boys and Westlife in front of a
panel of judges which included Mel C! From
the boy band alone we managed to raise
2,000 and TJX raised a total of 3.5m. It
was a record-breaking year for our head
office and people still approach me and talk
to me about it now even though it happened
18 months ago. If you work at TJX Europe
between January and March you need to
make sure youve got a few pennies saved up
to give to the champions when they start
fundraising!
The next step
Ive decided recently that moving into buying
is definitely something I want to do. If you
have an ambition to do something in a
different department or business area TJX
Europe will recognise that and make it
happen as long as you have the transferable
skills. Once Ive moved into buying Id really
like to manage a team.
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Another year, another

challenge
During his time on the fellowship Jamie led the biggest
new business pitch in the history of Myanmar.
n leaving university, I didnt know
what I wanted to do. I didnt
like the fact that there
seemed to be two preconceived
paths. One led to law and the other to
banking. After taking some time out
to do an internship in Washington DC
at the National Congress of American
Indians, I knew that I wanted to go into
communications instead. What I love about
communications is the storytelling and I
think thats why studying history translated
to a career in the communications industry.
IT JUST SEEMED LIKE

THE PERFECT JOB
BECAUSE EVERY YEAR
YOURE DOING
SOMETHING ENTIRELY
DIFFERENT FROM THE
YEAR BEFORE.
Three years, three countries
I was researching jobs in communications
when I saw the WPP Fellowship. It offered
the opportunity to work for three different
WPP companies in three different countries.
It just seemed like the perfect job because
every year youre doing something entirely
different from the year before. I then locked
myself in my room for four days to complete
the application!
Be passionate
The WPP team dont have any
preconceptions about who they want on the
scheme. Theres a huge spectrum of
backgrounds on the fellowship. I think the
most important thing is to have passion.
You need to have passion for whatever it is
you devote yourself to and then think about
how your experiences shape your
understanding of communications. An actor,
a scientist or an historian are all going to
have a different perspective on how to
110 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
communicate. The WPP Fellowship is about

bringing together these diverse
perspectives.
In my interview I remember talking about
the experience I got from coaching a
debating team at a school in Oxford while I
was at university. After two years we had
built up a team that became the first
English state school to win the largest
debating competition in the UK. This was
something I was very passionate about and
gave me a different perspective on
communication.
Life as a fellow
In my first year as a WPP fellow, I worked at
Blue State Digital in Washington DC. This
was the agency behind Barack Obamas
digital campaign in the 2008 election. I then
moved to JWT Singapore to work as a
strategic planner on Unilever brands and for
the Singapore tourism board. After that I
moved to Myanmar to become the head of
strategy at Mango Marketing, overseeing a
team of five people. Myanmar had been
completely closed to the outside world for
decades, and then in 2012 the government
unexpectedly decided to start opening the
country up. Overnight this unlocked a
market of 60 million people and western
brands have been rushing in ever since.
My team oversaw strategy across the
agencys brands, and for new business. I
ended up leading the largest new business
pitch that Myanmar had ever seen. After
several months we won the business, which
significantly grew the size of the agency.
After hearing the news I remember thinking
this really is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience.
Life in the Myanmar advertising industry
also throws up some pretty unlikely
situations. One example is when I was
drafted in as talent for a local whisky advert.
In Myanmar they dont give you apple juice
as a substitute!
An untypical day
At the moment Im in Eastern Europe working
on election campaigns as part of an
international politics team. This morning I
Jamie Macfarlane is working

on the international politics
team at Penn Schoen
Berland as part of his final
placement for the WPP
Fellowship scheme.
Oxford with a double first in history
2009 Completed an internship at the
National Congress of American Indians
in Washington DC
2011 Completed an internship at the
House of Commons
2011 Joined the WPP Fellowship
programme and began a placement at
Blue State Digital in Washington DC
before moving to JWT in Singapore and
Mango Marketing in Myanmar
2014 Started current placement,
working on election campaigns in
Eastern Europe
was riding in a tractor around a farm for a
campaign stop, after that we had a photo
shoot for our main campaign billboard. This
afternoon Ill be working with our candidate
on debate preparation for a TV debate tonight.
Looking forward
Its been a great three years and I definitely
intend to stay with WPP. I think looking at
what the fellows before me have done is
really inspiring. Theyve all done really
interesting things and everyone has carved
their own path depending on where their
passions lie.
The programme turns you into a very well
rounded communications professional. One
year you are working in digital strategy, the
next strategic planning, then you are
growing a business in a developing market.
The fellowship allows you to tie all these
experiences together, so that you have wide
experience to draw on.
There is no downside to this job. But you are
definitely challenged. For one thing, every
year you start from scratch. The minute you
feel comfortable and like you know what
youre doing, your job suddenly ends. Even
though it can be intimidating, its the best
way to learn.
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Bright spark
Rob likes to apply his knowledge of science and engineering to
real-life situations and problems.
got involved with engineering at quite
a young age. At school I always liked
maths and science,
particularly physics, so
when I was 16 and we had to do
some work experience I went along
to a local engineering firm. I really
liked the idea of applying my
knowledge and understanding of
science to real-life problems and situations.
After I finished my A levels I applied to do
the E3 Academy scheme, which is open to
undergraduates studying electrical (energy)
engineering at the universities of
Nottingham, Bristol and Newcastle and
involves some big international companies
including Siemens. I was lucky enough to
be chosen by Siemens, which meant that
they sponsored me throughout my degree;
they helped me out financially but crucially
they provided me with invaluable work
experience during the summer holidays. Id
spend eight weeks at Congleton working in
a range of different departments, including
manufacturing and quality management. It
was great to be given the opportunity to go
and get this experience as well as having
the chance to build up some work
relationships; it meant that I could hit the
ground running when I started at Siemens
after university.
YOU CAN MAKE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR
YOURSELF IF YOU
DONT ASK YOU DONT
GET!
Role responsibilities
I am currently a graduate test engineer; my
team and I look after the machines that test
products during manufacturing to check
theyve been manufactured properly. We
check all the aspects of a product and look
for defects that may have been caused
during the manufacturing process; this
involves checking we meet legal obligations
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as well as quality control. I write a lot of

software for these machines, I also spend
time looking at future manufacturing
strategy. Our products are used all over the
world and in so many different industries,
some of them are used in manufacturing
and end up on production lines and others
can be used in rollercoasters or to winch a
pop-star over the audience!
More than just science
I think people skills are vital in this job. Its
essential that youre comfortable liaising
with not just your team but other teams
throughout the company; you regularly
liaise with a range of technical and nontechnical colleagues and customers. Theres
a big discrepancy with the technological
knowledge of people youre working with,
for example managers will have one level of
technical ability and shop-floor operators
another and they all want information
presented in different ways. You need to use
your judgement and present it in the right
way according to your audience. We also
work with international colleagues in
Germany and China so its imperative you
can get your point across well.
Languages open up so many doors if you
get the opportunity to learn another
language properly do it or if youre given the
chance to go and do a placement abroad
then take it. I went over to China to
commission some new software quite early
on at Siemens and it was a great experience.
It was a big culture shock but its important
to understand how other countries work
trade happens all over the world and were
influenced by a lot of international factors.
Were in a global market and you cant just
shy away from that, you need to embrace it.
I think to succeed you need to expose
yourself to how the rest of the business
world operates.
Siemens appealed to me because its such a
big company and its involved in so many
different sectors. I was also really drawn in
by the amount of training and development
that it offers and Ive not been disappointed.
I get a lot of on-the-job training as well as
Robert Moody is a graduate

test engineer at Siemens
2009 Selected for the E3 Academy
scholarship Siemens industry sector
2012 Won the IET Northumbria Branch
Power Prize for best final-year project in
electric power systems
Newcastle with a first in electrical and
electronic engineering (BEng)
going on courses and its great to have the
opportunity to work alongside senior
experts in their field. Its the concept of
adding value and constantly improving
yourself; manufacturing is a burning
platform and you have to keep improving to
make sure you stay competitive. Its the
sort of industry where you have to move
fast or you are left behind.
Tips for students
I think the best tip I could offer anyone
wanting to get into this industry is to get as
much work experience as possible. Even if
you go somewhere and discover you
absolutely hate it and realise that you dont
want to work in that particular industry
thats still valuable experience. Take
advantage of any opportunities that come
your way but dont forget you can also
make opportunities for yourself if you
dont ask you dont get!
Encouraging others
Ive been involved in quite a few STEM and
outreach projects. Early on it was mostly
school based so I went to careers fairs to
help make children more aware of the kinds
of STEM and manufacturing opportunities
available. At one of the events I took part in
with Siemens we put on a Dragons Den type
event groups of school children, with me
as an adviser, thought up an idea and then
pitched it to our senior management team; it
was really fun. Ive been fortunate enough
to have benefited from STEM outreach
activities and programmes in the past and I
think its good to go back and return that. If
youre in a position to help others then I
think you should.
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A dynamic, changing,
evolving environment
Claires leadership, resilience and enthusiasm
have helped her to succeed.
y father and grandfather were both
engineers and my family
were always sure that I
would go down a similar route.
According to mum, my interest in
engineering started when I was
about three or four! Apparently one
day we bought a flat-pack toy box
and when we got back from the shop, I
really wanted to build it; I was bouncing off
the walls. When my mum wasnt looking I
put the whole thing together.
YOU NEED TO GO
BEYOND THE OBVIOUS
WHEN SOLVING
PROBLEMS.
However, I went to a girls school where
there wasnt much support for budding
engineers. I did core science subjects, but I
didnt get the option to do GCSEs such as
applied engineering or resistant materials.
The people who spoke to us at careers
events usually worked in areas like law and
medicine, rather than engineering. It wasnt
until university that I decided which area of
engineering I preferred I took a general
engineering course and later zoned in on
mechanical and electrical. As a woman in
engineering, my advice for graduates is:
dont limit yourself. Ive been away, had a
baby and come back I have a career and a
family. I think you set your own barriers in
life.
Knowing the business
If you want to get a job its essential to know
and understand the business. That can be
quite tricky as a graduate, as youll probably
go to lots of fairs and touch on lots of
different businesses, which makes it hard
to choose one that stands out from the
crowd. When I applied to British Sugar, Id
visited their site, Id been on their website,
and Id looked at the business in the news.
After I joined, I was told that I had shown an
112 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
exceptional understanding of the business

at interview, though thats not how it felt on
the day! People who make a lot of
applications just dont have the time to
develop that level of knowledge.
In my industry, we want people who thrive
in a dynamic, changing, evolving
environment people who like a challenge.
You need to go beyond the obvious when
solving problems and you need to be
comfortable with failure. Its ok to make
mistakes, because youll learn from them. If
youre always worrying that youll get
something wrong youll never push yourself.
You need to be resilient because you will
come up against different characters and
challenges; youll need to be strong and
confident.
Leading a team
Leadership ability is equally important.
When I started my British Sugar grad
scheme I worked on shifts and was running
the factory within six months. Having that
responsibility helps you develop as a
person. It really amazed me that I could go
from university to a leadership role so
quickly. I enjoyed shift work, despite the
anti-social hours, because it gave me the
opportunity to be the lead manager on site. I
dont think many other graduate schemes
would offer you that so early on. At three
oclock in the morning, no matter what the
issue might be, I had to act like a senior
manager in control of a multi-million pound
operation.
Working with people
Shift leaders need to be able to understand
that most people arent at their best at three
oclock in the morning your team may not
be as excited as you are about a challenge.
Its important to engage with your coworkers. About 18 months after I joined
British Sugar, I was asked if I would cover for
a shift manager in a factory that Id never
seen run. I quickly realised that it didnt
matter how much or little I knew, since my
team knew what to do and they were there
to support me; they didnt want to trip me
up. I showed respect for their knowledge
and abilities, and I think that contributed to
Claire Mitchell is a
manufacturing reliability
programme manager at
British Sugar
Durham with a first class degree in
engineering and joined British Sugar on
the operations management graduate
scheme
2010 Appointed shift operations
manager
our success. One of my shift teams actually

nominated me for a values award, which I
won. Thats probably my biggest
achievement at work so far. It was great to
see how much my colleagues supported me.
Shared values
Every organisation has core values. If your
morals align closely with the companys,
youll fit in better. Im very keen on recycling
at home, so I liked the fact that British Sugar
look at ways to reuse, sell, or recycle every
single waste stream. At university I did a lot
of work on design management and
manufacturing; I looked for ways to ensure
that products are sustainable and socially
responsible right from the start of the
design process. I think the fact that my
values match the companys and that I
thrive in a challenging environment have
helped me to succeed.
ITS OK TO MAKE
MISTAKES BECAUSE
YOULL LEARN FROM
THEM. IF YOURE
ALWAYS WORRYING
THAT YOULL GET
SOMETHING WRONG
YOULL NEVER PUSH
YOURSELF.
guardianuk300.com
Rising stars
UK
300
Engineering a
successful future
Nadine enjoys the technical nature of being an engineer.
t school I wasnt really sure what I
wanted to do when I was older, all I
really knew was that I liked
maths and that I didnt want
to be an accountant! I went to see
an external careers adviser when I
was about 17 and he talked through
different career options with me. Id
never thought about engineering; I
had people telling me to go into medicine or
accounting but when he told me about
engineering I just had the feeling that it was
right for me, as soon as I heard about it I
thought: thats for me, thats what I want to
do, and the more I learned about it the more
I wanted to do it. Ive always enjoyed maths
and I love making things so it was two of my
biggest interests combined. I was also won
over by the fact there was a huge amount of
diversity and I thought it wasnt the type of
job I would get bored with.
I remember being really shocked with what I
thought engineering was compared to what
I studied at university. My MEng
engineering with product design degree was
one of the more diverse courses; every
module was completely different; some
were more management based and others
were pure numbers.
I THINK ILL ALWAYS

WANT TO BE DOING
SOMETHING TECHNICAL
WHATEVER LEVEL I END
UP AT.
My graduate programme
My degree was quite general and not a
professional one that leads into a specific
area so I wasnt sure what type of
engineering I wanted to go into once Id
finished university. The Babcock
programme seemed perfect for me because
it meant that Id have the chance to look at a
number of different types of engineering
before I had to decide where Id like to end
up. You get a pretty broad view of
guardianuk300.com
everything. There are four six-month-long

disciplines over the two year programme
and these really help you to decide where
you want to work, rather than having to
choose one area and then sticking with it
your whole life. Theres a lot of time and
effort put into the training, because youre
only there for six months they put in a lot
of effort to make sure you see everything
and learn as much as possible before you
move.
Moving every six months also helps you to
become more adaptable and it stops you
getting bored. It can be quite challenging
to move so often; just as you start to feel
like you know what youre doing your six
months are up and its time to move on and
to learn about something completely
different. There is a little bit of fear when
you have to meet new people and start to
work in a new office but it gets easier every
time.
The Babcock graduate programme has a
professional development programme
which is great; it teaches you soft skills.
I felt at university they taught me a lot of
theory and not really how to deal with real
people or situations; here were taught
things such as negotiating skills. Its also a
good chance to meet other graduates on the
same programme, sometimes youre the
only graduate in your division so its nice to
spend time with other people doing the
same things as you.
Tips for graduates
Id say one of the most important things for
graduates wanting to get into engineering is
work experience, work experience, work
experience get any that relates to what
you want to do. It was one of the main
things for me and I think you just need to
have it on your CV now; it also helps you to
develop personally as it makes what youre
learning at university more relevant and
shows you how to apply it to real working
situations.
Outside of work
I have been to events aimed at women
working within engineering and they can be
really helpful. I went along to the
Nadine Young is at the final

stage of her graduate
programme with Babcock
International.
201011 Internship at Plastec Australia
in Sydney
Liverpool with a degree in MEng
engineering with product design
2012 Joined Babcocks graduate
programme
2014 F1 in schools judge
Everywoman in Advanced Manufacturing

and Engineering Leadership Academy which
was a great experience with guest
speakers and workshops. Outside of work I
am a champion of the elite engineering
programme, which means I promote
engineering to young people. Its important
to get people, especially girls, into
engineering when theyre quite young. A lot
of the time they dont really understand
what being an engineer is and they think
that youre a mechanic!
Looking ahead
In the future Id like to have experience in
numerous areas. Id still want to be working
at a level that challenges me Id hate to get
too comfortable. If I am working at a senior
level Id like to be quite hands-on and not too
managerial; Ill always want to be do
something technical whatever level I end up
at.
Every place Ive worked at so far theres
been one person in the office that Id want
to be like its real people that Ive met and
worked alongside that inspire me, more
than famous people. Its more achievable
and real to me when I can aspire to be like
someone Ive met.
I wouldnt want to be doing anything else
it might sound cheesy but its true. Ive
never looked at anyone elses job and
thought: thats what Id like to be doing,
even in terms of looking at the graduate
programmes my friends are on, Im still so
glad I chose this one. There really is no other
job Id like to be doing, well, except maybe a
Formula One driver!
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 113
UK
300
Rising stars
Research that matters

Liam uses his passion for medical science to make a real
difference to the lives of others.
y fascination with how our movement,
our senses and all of our
organs work together to keep
us alive, as well as how things in our
body can go wrong has spurred me
on to pursue a career in biomedical
science. Health and medicine is
becoming increasingly important in
our lives and I love being able to find out
more to help people.
A middle ground
After university I had a choice of either doing
a PhD, going to medical school or working in
industry. Medical school meant dealing
directly with patients which isnt what I
wanted, and doing a PhD was too far in the
other direction. I wanted something inbetween and I think working in industry fitted
the bill nicely. The graduate scheme at
AstraZeneca really appealed to me because
of its rotational basis that gives you the
opportunity to try out different departments
and work abroad. Although the application
process was tough because there were
industry specific questions, I spent a lot of
time on my application and made sure it was
the best it could be before submitting it.
Rotation, rotation, rotation
In the first of my three eight-month rotations
at AstraZeneca I worked in the cancer
research department oncology doing preclinical work. I completed a two-day course to
obtain my Home Office personal licence,
allowing me to learn and apply techniques to
help take multiple drugs closer to clinical
trials.
Although Im still working in oncology, in my
second rotation Im mostly involved in cell
work and protein analysis. Im now focused
on a single project which is more flexible
because I can dictate the work Im going to
do. Science is a collaborative industry so I
also have to constantly present data and
attend project meetings, discussions and
seminars.
Valuable skills
One of the most important skills to have in
this job is personal integrity. Science is
challenging by nature and you need to be
114 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
able to meet deadlines and present your data

exactly how it is even if the results arent
what you wanted or expected. Its better that
a drug fails early on rather than wasting
500m on developing it just because
someone didnt want to share their data. You
also need to be very good technically and
have the ability to learn new skills as
technologies advance. Being a graduate in
this kind of role entails a lot of collaboration
between your team, other departments,
people from different companies and
academics, so being a team player is also a
valuable skill.
PEOPLE WHO CARE

ABOUT DEVELOPING
DRUGS AND MAKING AN
IMPACT ON PATIENTS
ARE THE MOST
ATTRACTIVE
CANDIDATES.
Show your enthusiasm
My biggest piece of advice would be if you
see an opportunity that you really like, go for
it and be passionate about it. We recently
took some interviewees to lunch and those
who asked about the company and science
were the successful ones. People who care
about developing drugs and making an
impact on patients are the most attractive
candidates.
In this industry you also need to be proactive.
Attend science fairs, ask people already
working in the industry for advice and try to
get some work experience. Even if you just
work for two weeks in a lab thats what I did.
Both my undergraduate degree and my
masters helped me to develop techniques
and critical thinking skills for the transition to
working in industry.
Liam Hutchinson works as

a bioscientist in the
oncology department at
AstraZeneca.
2011 graduated from the University of
Sheffield with a first in biomedical
science
2012 completed a masters in
translational neuroscience
2013 joined the innovative medicines
graduate scheme at AstraZeneca
2014 moved to the targets biology
department to begin second rotation
Race against time

At the moment Im working on a project to
find the different mechanisms that make
cancer cells develop resistance to drugs. Its
definitely the most exciting thing Ive worked
on so far. Once weve found these
mechanisms we can then develop a new
drug to be able to target them. Its an
extremely relevant project because there are
people on drugs right now but their tumour
has stopped responding. Its a race against
time to try and get a drug out as quickly as
possible to try and save these patients.
I think the biggest challenge for me was
getting my foot through the door. It took me a
while but I was persistent and it paid off.
Since joining the graduate scheme the most
difficult thing for me has been deciding which
area I want to work in next and which one
would be the most beneficial to my career.
The next step
Id really like to stay in oncology as its such a
relevant topic and its really exciting knowing
that we could produce a drug that would save
so many lives. Although its not set in stone,
Im thinking of going to our site in Boston for
my third rotation. I would be there for eight
months which would be really exciting
especially as Ive never been to America
before! There are also opportunities to work
in Sweden too where they specialise in
cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic
diseases.
In five years time Id love to be in charge of a
project and take a drug from its initial
concept right through to seeing it save the
first patients life.
guardianuk300.com
Rising stars
UK
300
Aim for the best

Elizabeth is enjoying a globe-trotting career.
iving abroad while growing up really
helped me become open to change
and to enjoy being thrown into
new environments. So, when
international research placements
came up at university, I wanted to
make the most of the opportunities
especially as science and engineering
is such an international and
collaborative environment. I went to
Switzerland to work in a research centre one
summer and the following year I applied to
Rolls-Royce in Germany for an engineering
placement. My university also had a yearlong exchange programme with the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
in Boston, which I was selected for, and that
was an amazing experience.
The Rolls-Royce graduate scheme has given
me further opportunities to work across the
world in new and different settings. I went
back to America for six months, but this time,
it was a chance to experience the culture
from a business perspective; and Ive just
completed a placement in our India office a
fascinating change of culture.
I love languages and Ive kept them ticking
over since school its great to get the
chance to use these skills in your daily
interactions with customers and colleagues
in our businesses around the world.
Why I enjoy engineering

Ive always loved problem solving and
science ticked that box for me at school. I
went on to do natural sciences at Cambridge,
taking physics, chemistry, maths and finally
specialising in materials science for my final
years. During my four years of studies and
internships, I moved from working on the
research side, through to engineering, and
then to business, in a step by step journey,
as I discovered I enjoyed project and people
management too. On the customer
management scheme I can combine both
that numerical side with these other parts of
my personality that are important to me.
I applied for Rolls-Royce because its a top
company why not aim for the best? The
way the graduate scheme is structured was a
real draw. Its rare to know exactly what you
want to do or aim for in ten years time, so a
guardianuk300.com
scheme offering a breadth of experiences in

the first instance, and then the support to
hone your career path, was really important
to me. The rotations around the company, the
world and different business functions have
given me the opportunity to experience a
variety of different business aspects so far
sales, customer services and strategy and
Ive just started a role in the commercial
function, learning to negotiate and manage
contracts, among other things.
MUSIC HAS GIVEN

ME A LOT OF CONFIDENCE
IN PERFORMANCE THAT
CAN BE TRANSLATED
INTO A BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT.
How music and sport helped me
Ive always played a lot of sport and music,
both of which are about working in a team,
but also about being individually dedicated.
As a teenager I was a member of the National
Youth Strings Orchestra and National Youth
Choir, attending camps over the Easter and
summer holidays, where youd put together a
top-standard concert or recording with
almost complete strangers over several
weeks. This taught me to get on with lots of
different personalities and to build
relationships quickly to make something out
of nothing a skill that Ive found translates
well to the business environment.
Music has also given me a lot of confidence
through performing; which can also be
channelled in the business world whether it
is speaking up and leading discussions and
meetings, or not being intimidated by a big
audience during a presentation.
The other thing about having a diverse range
of interests outside your studies is that it
teaches you to manage your time I was a
choral scholar at Cambridge, which was a
huge time commitment alongside lectures,
lab time, and social life. Juggling all of those
Elizabeth Wiltshire is a
customer management
leadership graduate at
Rolls-Royce.
2008 began degree in natural sciences
at Gonville and Caius College, University
of Cambridge
201011 Studied at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology and Harvard
University, as part of the Cambridge-MIT
exchange programme
2012 Graduated with a BA natural
sciences, and masters in materials
science and metallurgy, from the
University of Cambridge
2012 Joined Rolls-Royce customer
management graduate development
programme
successfully and managing your time is a
discipline that comes across when youre
trying to get a graduate job and is a useful
lifelong skill!
Taking STEM into schools
Im a registered STEM ambassador and
throughout the company we go into schools
to talk to pupils and tell them about our jobs.
Its important to get girls interested in
engineering and technology and to dispel
early on any preconceptions that kids may
have about engineering being a mans job
and sometimes its just about improving
visibility of women engineers; showing that
we exist and that we have fun!
Aside from work...
Coming back after working abroad Im picking
up my UK life again. Dealing with change and
not getting too stressed out by it all is just
part of the career experience. I enjoy sport
and when youve been sitting in an office for
most of the day its really nice to get out and
run around. I did get to do some Bollywood
dance classes when I was in India that was
fun. Music is still important to me and Ive
been lucky enough to be able to continue as a
hobby, though its not been easy to fit it
around all the changes. Some of the other
graduate trainees in Bristol and I have been
in a jazz band, which is a nice way to unwind
in the evenings after work.
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 115
trendence
GRADUATE
Vote for your

favourite employers
in the UKs most
comprehensive
careers survey
BAROMETER

ve prizes of 500 and ten of 200.
www.trendencegradbarometer.co.uk
Graduate employers in detail
S E C T I O N
UK
300
Graduate
employers in detail
ABB ..........................................118
Abercrombie & Fitch ..............120
AECOM ......................................122
Air Products ............................124
AkzoNobel................................126
Aldi............................................128
Allen & Overy LLP ..................130
Amazon ....................................132
American Express ..................134
Amey ........................................136
Arcadia Group ........................138
The Army..................................140
Arup..........................................142
Asda ........................................144
Ashurst LLP ............................146
AstraZeneca ............................148
Atkins ......................................150
Atomic Weapons
Establishment (AWE) ......152
Aviva ........................................154
Babcock ..................................156
BAE Systems ..........................158
Baker & McKenzie LLP ..........160
Balfour Beatty ........................162
The Bank of England ..............164
Barclays ..................................166
BBC ..........................................168
BDO ..........................................170
Bechtel ....................................172
BlackRock ................................174
Bloomberg ..............................176
Bond Dickinson LLP................178
Boots........................................180
BP ............................................182
British Airways ......................184
British Council ........................186
British Sugar............................188
BT ............................................190
Burges Salmon........................192
Buro Happold ..........................194
Cancer Research UK ..............196
guardianUK300.com
CGI ............................................198
CHP Consulting ......................200
Cisco ........................................202
Citi ............................................204
Civil Service Fast Stream ......206
Clifford Chance ......................208
Clyde & Co LLP ........................210
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP ..212
Credit Suisse............................214
Deloitte ....................................216
DHL ..........................................218
Dialog Semiconductor............220
DSTL ........................................222
Dyson ......................................224
E.ON ........................................226
EDF Energy..............................228
EE ............................................230
Enterprise Rent-A-Car ............232
EU Institutions ........................234
Eversheds LLP ........................236
ExxonMobil ..............................238
Ferrero ....................................240
Financial Conduct Authority..242
First Group ..............................244
Deringer LLP......................246
Fujitsu ......................................248
GCHQ ........................................250
GE ............................................252
Goldman Sachs ......................254
Guardian Media Group............256
Hill Dickinson LLP ..................258
Hogan Lovells ........................260
Holman Fenwick Willan..........262
HP ............................................264
HSBC Bank plc ........................266
IBM ..........................................268
Imagination Technologies......270
Ince & Co..................................272
Irwin Mitchell ..........................274
Jaguar Land Rover..................276
John Lewis Partnership ........278

Johnson & Johnson ..............280
Jones Day................................282
Kennedys ................................284
Kerry Group ............................286
Kirkland & Ellis
International LLP ..............288
KPMG........................................290
LOral ......................................292
Laing ORourke........................294
Lidl ..........................................296
Lloyds ....................................298
Lloyds Register......................300
Local Government National
Graduate Development
Programme (NGDP) ........302
Marks & Spencer....................304
Mars ........................................306
Max Fordham ..........................308
Mayer Brown
International LLP ..............310
McDonalds Restaurants Ltd..312
Mercer ......................................314
Merlin Entertainments ..........316
Mills & Reeve LLP ..................318
Morgan Stanley ......................320
Morrisons ................................322
Mott MacDonald......................324
Nabarro LLP ............................326
National Audit Office ..............328
National Grid............................330
Network Rail............................332
Next Retail PLC........................334
NHS Leadership Academy ....336
Nomura....................................338
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP ....340
npower ....................................342
nucleargraduates ..................344
Olswang LLP ..........................346
Oracle ......................................348
Osborne Clarke........................350
Oxfam ......................................352
PA Consulting ..........................354
Petrofac ..................................356
PwC ..........................................358
QinetiQ ....................................360
Reed Smith ..............................362
Rolls-Royce ............................364
RPC ..........................................366
Santander................................368
Schlumberger..........................370
Security Service (MI5) ..........372
Sellafield ..................................374
Shoosmiths ............................376
Sidley Austin LLP ....................378
Siemens ..................................380
Simmons & Simmons ............382
Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP ........384
Skanska ..................................386
Sky ..........................................388
Slaughter and May..................390
Stephenson Harwood ............392
STFC (The Science and
Technology Facilities
Council) ............................394
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP........396
Tata Steel ................................398
Teach First ..............................400
Tesco........................................402
TJX Europe (TK Maxx) ............404
TLT Solicitors LLP....................406
Transport for London ............408
Travers Smith LLP ..................410
Trowers & Hamlins..................412
UBS ..........................................414
UK Power Networks ................416
Unilever....................................418
URS ..........................................420
Weil, Gotshal & Manges ........422
Wood Group ............................424
WPP..........................................426
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 117
UK
300
ABB Limited
R A N K I N G S
153rd In the top 300
www.abb.co.uk
More about us
ABB is a global leader in power and
automation technologies. Over our 120 year
history we have won the innovation race
time and time again; from the first high
voltage oil circuit-breaker in 1897, we
produced the worlds first industrial robot in
1974, developed the power infrastructure
for the worlds first self-sustaining
renewable energy island in 2011 and in
2013 we commissioned the worlds first
high speed hybrid HVDC breaker that makes
intercontinental power grids of tomorrow a
reality today.
To deliver, maintain
and develop our
technologies, we
need exemplary
people people
who see
opportunities, can
act decisively and
are willing to take
responsibility.
Contact
Email: ukrecruitment@gb.abb.com
Type of employer
Global power and automation technology
provider
Locations
20 UK locations
What are our graduate opportunities?

We are looking for engineering graduates for
a variety of roles in electronic, electrical,
mechanical, chemical and materials
engineering.
Our 3-year graduate program operates
alongside your full-time roll a real job, with
a real team, making a real contribution, at
the same time benefitting from a structured
career development path.
How do we select?
We advertise graduate vacancies on
abb.co.uk/careers in the autumn and
through universities, careers fairs and on
gradcracker.com.
After sifting candidates against essential
criteria we conduct telephone interviews
and on-line psychometric tests followed by
face-to-face interviews & assessment
centres for shortlisted candidates.
118 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
In the UK, ABB employs 3,500 people and
150,000 worldwide
Number of graduate vacancies in 2015
Around 20 vacancies
Core skills required
Ability to work under pressure
Attention to detail
Commercial awareness
Communication skills
Creativity
Initiative
Leadership potential
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Organisational skills
Problem solving skills
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
A better world begins with you.

Graduate entry
Every day, ABB staff all over the world are working to bring about more
efficient use of energy, to improve productivity in industry and to build a
more flexible power infrastructure to meet the changing demands being
placed on it. To develop, deliver and maintain leading edge technologies
we need exemplary people people who see opportunities, can act
decisively and are willing to take responsibility. With your energy,
enthusiasm and expertise, there are no limits to what we can achieve
together. A better world begins with you at new.abb.com/uk/careers
Your ambition.
Your legacy.
UK
300
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
R A N K I N G S
5th Retail
77th In the top 300
http://www.anfcareers.com/
More about us
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) is a
leading specialty clothing retailer holding
four unique lifestyle brands Abercrombie
& Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister Co., and
Gilly Hicks. Abercrombie & Fitch operates
retail stores in the United States, Canada,
the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia, and ecommerce websites at Abercrombie.com,
abercrombiekids.com, HollisterCo.com and
GillyHicks.com. With the continued growth
of the company domestically and
internationally, career opportunities have
never been better.
We hire NICE, smart,

optimistic people who
put the goals of the
brands ahead of
the individuals.
Contact
Manager In Training
UnitedKingdom_Opportunities@
abercrombie.com
Leadership Development Programs
www.abercrombiehr.com/careers/
Type of employer
Speciality retailer
Locations
Career opportunities in stores across the
UK, Europe, Asia and the UAE. Merchandising
and Leadership Development opportunities
available at our corporate office in New
Albany, OH.
The Manager-in-Training program is a
blended-learning, ten week program
focused on immersing a manager in every
aspect of running a multi-million dollar
business.
120 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Check out our Day in the life of an MIT

http://www.anfcareers.com/Page/
manager_in_training
The A&F Leadership Development Programs
are highly competitive initiatives that offer
immediate exposure to senior level
management, as well as a carefully crafted
balance between classroom sessions and
hands-on experience throughout the
program. Trainees are placed in either
merchandising or inventory
management/supply chain.
How do we select?
Submit your CV to the careers website at
http://www.anfcareers.com/. We will
contact you to fill out an application and
invite you to attend an information session
to get to know more about the company and
the career opportunities within the UK, USA,
Europe , Asia and UAE.
Number of employees
100,000
Were always looking for the most talented
people.
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
AECOM
R A N K I N G S
5th Construction, civil
125th In the top 300
http://aecom.com/Careers/Students+and+Graduates
More about us
At AECOM the work we do truly makes the
world a better place. 45,000 strong
internationally, we work on many of the
largest civil infrastructure projects in the
world, so you will have the opportunity to
learn from renowned experts in your field
from across the world.
Creating,
enhancing and
sustaining the
We offer our clients a fully integrated suite

of services, covering every component of
the project lifecycle. We bring together
creative, technical and management
specialists to work on projects at every
scale. We engineer energy-efficient
buildings and build new links between
cities. We design new communities and
regenerate existing ones. We are the first
whole environments business, going
beyond buildings and infrastructure
worlds built,
natural and social
environments.
Contact
http://www.aecom.com/Careers/Students+
and+Graduates
Type of employer
Transportation, Building Engineering, Water,
Geotechnical, Surveying & Project
Management, Planning, Environment,
Energy, Architecture, Ecology, Archeology
Locations
A network of 80 regional offices across
Europe. Operating in 140 countries around
the world.
We are seeking applicants from a wide
range of disciplines, including civil,
structural, mechanical, electrical, building
services, sustainable buildings engineering,
ecology, environmental engineering,
archaeology, energy related disciplines,
122 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
quantity surveying and project

management.
Our Graduate Development Programme,
along with our huge scope of projects across
the globe, will challenge and inspire you to
make a real difference to the world we live
in. Our GDP forms a core part of our
business strategy across AECOM globally,
designed to develop the best talent across
numerous disciplines to lead our business
into the future.
How do we select?
AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and has been named one of the Worlds
Most Ethical Companies for 2013 by the
Ethisphere Institute.
You will need to submit an online application
form, with the final stage of the assessment
process being an assessment centre in the
office we are considering you for.
Number of employees
Over 5,600 in UK/Europe, 45,000 across the
globe
320
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
IMAGINE
You could change how
we connect and grow our
cities, heat our homes,
purify our water, think
about the everyday.
With AECOM.
aecom.com
aecom.com/careers/students+and+graduates
UK
300
Air Products
R A N K I N G S
242nd In the top 300
www.airproducts.com
More about us
Air Products touches the lives of consumers
around the globe in positive ways every
day. With over 20,000 employees and
operations in more than 50 countries, we
serve customers across a wide range of
industries from food and beverage, health
and personal care to energy, transportation
and semiconductors.
Air Products is filled

with inspiring people
who make you want to
work hard to achieve
We supply a unique portfolio of atmospheric

gases, process and speciality gases,
performance materials, equipment and
services.
your own goals.

Jonathon Wright,
If you want to be part of something

amazing, join us as an intern or a graduate
to experience this for yourself.
European Graduate
Programme, UK
Contact
For more information please visit our
website www.airproducts.com/careers
Type of employer
Air Products is a supplier of industrial gases,
performance materials, equipment and
technology.
Locations
UK nationwide and across Europe

As well as summer placements and Year in
Industry programmes, we offer recent
graduates and PhD students the
opportunities to kick start and develop their
careers in Engineering, Commercial and IT
parts of our business. Whether you wish to
become a chartered engineer or make our
business more profitable, you will be given
all the support and learning you require to
be the future of Air Products!
How do we select?
There are certain entry criteria we would like
you to have, dependant on your chosen
programme stream. However, regardless of
your discipline, expect to complete the
following:
CV / covering letter
Video and / or phone interview
Assessment centre
124 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
20,000+
1020
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Be part of something
amazing . . .
tell me more
Air Products touches the lives of consumers around the globe in

positive ways every day. With over 20,000 employees and operations
in more than 50 countries, we serve customers across a wide range of
industries from food and beverage, health and personal care to energy,
transportation and semiconductors. We supply a unique portfolio
of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance
materials, equipment and services. If you want to be part of something
amazing, check out our graduate and internship opportunities for 2015
within Engineering, Commercial and IT areas. You will be surprised
where your skills and degree can take you with us!
European Graduate Development Programme
across the UK and Europe
Summer Internship Programme UK
Year in Industry Programme UK
For more information and to apply, please visit
www.airproducts.com/careers
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2014 (EU003093)
UK
300
AkzoNobel
R A N K I N G S
www.akzonobel.com/graduates
More about us
AkzoNobel is the worlds largest coatings
and specialty chemicals company, with
leading market positions and brands in
countries around the world. We operate in a
number of important market segments
ranging from buildings and infrastructure to
transport, industrial and consumer goods.
Were also the sector leader in sustainability
and are number one in the renowned Dow
Jones Sustainability Index. In practical
terms, that means our sustainable solutions
are in your lives, and those of your friends
and family, every day: the differentiator that
makes it possible for you to do what you
need to do.
The AkzoNobel graduate scheme

has given me a great rounded
experience of working in a global
organisation. On the marketing
scheme, I have been exposed to all
areas of the marketing
department from UK PR
campaigns to brand planning- I
have even created a website for
Dulux Nigeria!
Sorrel Sheppard, Brand Manager,
Lifestyle & High Street Channel
Contact
AkzoNobel
Graduate Recruitment
Wexham Road
Slough
Berkshire SL2 5DS
grad.recruitment@akzonobel.com
Type of employer
Largest producer of paints and coatings
plus major producer of chemicals
Locations
Slough, Berkshire; Altrincham, Greater
Manchester; Stowmarket, Suffolk; Felling,
Tyne & Wear; Ashington, Northumberland
and Prudhoe, Northumberland.
126 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Your development is as important to
AkzoNobel as it is to you. We have designed
a development programme for high
potential graduates which delivers
extensive training and, where appropriate,
the opportunity to gain external
qualifications. We have roles in: Business
Development/Sales; Finance; Marketing;
R&D; Purchasing; Supply Chain and
Engineering for Manufacturing.
How do we select?
Apply online via our website where upon
meeting our selection criteria you will be
invited to complete an online test. This will
be followed by a telephone or face-to-face
interview with a technical interview if
appropriate. The final stage is an
assessment centre which will involve a
range of activities including group exercises
and presentations.
Number of employees
Over 51,000 worldwide
See our website for details
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and

coatings company and a major producer of
specialty chemicals. We have operations in more
than 80 countries and our 55,000 people are
passionate about developing sustainable
answers to our customers.
AkzoNobel. Where your ideas go far.
UK
300
Aldi
R A N K I N G S
8th Retail
97th In the top 300
http://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk
More about us
Aldi is the UKs fastest-growing retailer with
over 500 stores and more than 20,000
employees. Aldis core philosophy is to offer
high quality, brand-like products at
everyday low prices that shoppers can
trust. Many of these products have won
awards in a fiercely competitive
marketplace.
James Hutcheson, Regional

Managing Director at Aldi:
Aldi is currently looking to recruit
a number of graduates across the
UK during 2014/15. Were looking
for outstanding candidates who
can offer something beyond
academic achievements. Strong
personalities, work experience,
hobbies and leading teams at
university are key strengths that
we have identified. In return, they
will receive unrivalled career
progression and responsibility in
a thriving sector from the start.
Type of employer
Grocery Retailer
Locations
Across the UK
Aldi will be recruiting around 175 graduates

across the UK for its highly sought-after
Area Management Programme next year.
Aldi offers its graduates unrivalled levels of
responsibility and progression
opportunities, linked to a market-leading
rewards package.

Candidates selected for Aldis Area
Management Programme begin their
journey in-store and within weeks will be
managing a store of their own. After
receiving comprehensive training in all
aspects of retail management, graduates
are expected to take charge of a multimillion pound area of three to four stores, as
and when they are ready.
How do we select?
Applications should be completed online,
and those who are successful will be invited
to a group assessment, followed by a oneto-one interview. During the group
assessment, candidates will be faced with
team building challenges. At the interview
stage, they will be expected to provide
examples of leadership and team working
skills.
128 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
20,000 in the UK
175
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Team work skills
guardianuk300.com
Graduate Area Manager Programme

I think everyones waking up to the fresh vibrancy of Aldi. I was canoeing down a fjord in
New Zealand and these Americans were like Hey do you work for Aldi? We LOVE Aldi!. It was
so funny. Thing is, theres lots to love, especially as a graduate. Its very fast-paced with plenty
of variety. I admire Aldis frugality and efficiency; everythings just incredibly well managed.
Were all working in harmony and theres a strong sense of combined purpose. If you really want
this (and youre prepared to work hard) you develop skills for life. And I like that.
aldirecruitment.co.uk/graduates
LIKE NO OTHER
UK
300
Allen & Overy LLP
R A N K I N G S
1st Law solicitors
34th In the top 300
www.aograduate.com
Today, virtually every piece
More about us
Allen & Overy is a pioneering legal practice
operating around the world at the frontline
of developing business. By helping
companies, institutions and governments
tackle ever more complex issues and
transactions on a global stage, it is leading
the way and extending what is possible in
law.
of work we handle is won

through relationship building
and competitive pitching. So,
in recruiting trainees, we are
With 44 offices in 30 countries, plus a

network of relationship firms in other
locations, Allen & Overy is one of the few
legal practices that can genuinely claim to
be global, covering 99% of the worlds
economy.
looking for evidence of

entrepreneurial drive,
innovative thinking and
resilience.
Claire Wright,
Graduate Recruitment Partner
Contact
Allen & Overy LLP, One Bishops Square,
London E1 6AD
T: 020 3088 3399
E: graduate.recruitment@allenovery.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/allenoverygrads
Twitter: @allenoverygrads
Type of employer
Allen & Overy LLP is an international legal
practice with approximately 5,500 staff in
44 major centres worldwide
Locations
Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Athens, Bangkok,
Barcelona, Beijing, Belfast, Bratislava, Brussels,
Bucharest*, Budapest, Casablanca, Doha, Dubai,
Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh
City, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Jakarta*, London,
Luxembourg, Madrid, Mannheim, Milan, Moscow,
Munich, New York, Paris, Perth, Prague, Riyadh*,
Rome, So Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo,
Yangon, Warsaw, Washington D.C.
*(associated office).
130 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We recruit around 85 trainee solicitors each
year across two intakes (March and
September) in London. Applications are
welcome from undergraduates and
graduates from any degree discipline. Final
year non-law undergraduates and graduates
can apply from 15 October 31 December
2014. Penultimate year law undergraduates
and law graduates can apply for our training
contracts from 1 June 31 July 2015.
How do we select?
Please apply online at www.aograduate.com
Our selection process involves two
interviews, should you be successful at
application stage. We expect to see a
consistent academic performance with at
least a 2.1 degree and 340 UCAS (AAB), or
equivalent, predicted or achieved.
Number of employees
Approximately 5,500 including some 525
partners.
85 trainee solicitor vacancies per year
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Amazon
R A N K I N G S
2nd Retail
21st In the top 300
www.amazon.jobs
Were looking for analytical
More about us
Since Jeff Bezos started Amazon in 1995,
Amazon has significantly expanded its
product offerings, international sites, and
worldwide network of fulfilment and
customer service centres.
and entrepreneurial thinkers,

who like to be challenged and
are able to keep pace in a fast
Technological innovation drives the growth

of Amazon, offering our customers more
types of products, more conveniently, and
at even lower prices.
moving business. In return

well give you responsibility
Today, Amazon offers everything from

books and electronics to tennis rackets and
diamond jewellery. Amazon operates sites
in the United Kingdom, Germany, France,
Japan, Canada, Italy, Spain, Brazil and China
(Joyo.com) and maintains dozens of
fulfilment centres around the world which
encompass more than 17.5 million square
feet.
and hands-on training to help

you succeed. Its as simple as
this: Work Hard. Have Fun.
Make History.
Contact
www.amazon.jobs
Type of employer
Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping,
personalised recommendations, Prime,
Fulfilment by Amazon, Amazon Web
Services (AWS), Kindle Direct Publishing,
Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV
are some of the products and services
pioneered by Amazon.
Locations
UK & ROI
Graduates and interns learn fast and have
funplus, they benefit from the resources
of a stable, forward thinking Fortune 500
company.
We have e-commerce opportunities
available across areas such as Finance,
Design, Marketplace, Retail, Amazon Local
and Amazon Media Group.
132 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
We have software development engineering

opportunities at Amazons Development
Centres in London, Edinburgh and Dublin
supporting businesses including Amazon
Instant Video and Amazon Data Services.
Opportunities are also available at Book
Depository and IMDb.
Amazons operations network also offers
graduate roles within Engineering, Finance,
HR, IT, Logistics and Learning and
Development in its Fulfilment Centres.
How do we select?
The selection process varies depending on
the requirements of the role.
Candidates complete an online application
and if successful, will be invited to further
stages of assessment, which typically
include:
Online tests
Telephone interviews
Onsite assessment centres or interviews.
Number of employees
97,000 full-time and part-time employees
worldwide
Varied
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
American Express
R A N K I N G S
9th Banking, insurance and
financial services
americanexpress.com/campus
More about us
American Express is a global service
company, providing customers with
exceptional access to products, insights and
experiences that enrich lives and build
business success.
I was first attracted to

an internship here
because of American
Express strong global
brand presence. The
work environment is
what enticed me to join
full-time.
Taehun, American
Express Summer Intern
Contact
ask.campus.emea@aexp.com
Type of employer
Financial Services
Locations
London, Brighton and Burgess Hill
American Express offers world-class
programmes for students who want to
develop a career in Financial Services. We
offer positions in: Client Management,
Customer Care, Consulting, Finance,
Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Sales,
Travel and Technologies. These are designed
to expand your business expertise while
helping you to accelerate your career from
day one.
134 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
We employ more than 60,000 people across

four continents and are proud to be
recognised as one of the best places to
work.
Our impressive scale demonstrates that you
can take your career in any direction. This is
where innovative thinkers become
extraordinary leaders.
How do we select?
The application process for all our
Programmes (Summer Internship, Industrial
Placement and Full Time Graduate roles) is
the following:
Submit your CV and Cover Letter via our
Careers Website
www.americanexpress.com/campus
Online Testing
Telephone Interview
Final Assessment Centre (2 interviews,
case study/presentation and group
discussion)
Our Summer Internship and Industrial
Placement Programmes act as the primary
pipeline for the following years Full Time
Graduate Programme.
Number of employees
60,000+ globally
Up to 50
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Be more than just your job.
LEARN HOW OUR EMPLOYEES

HELP SHAPE THE WORLD.
At American Express, we deliver extraordinary service
to Cardmembers and offer rich rewards that redefine
expectations. And were constantly reinventing ways for
consumers to connect with businesses, and vice versa. Thats
our purpose. And how we can be sure, in every situation, we
do more than our job we accomplish our lifes work.
lets connect
Join us at
americanexpress.com/campus
UK
300
Amey
R A N K I N G S
www.amey.co.uk/graduates
Joining Amey as a Graduate has
More about us
Amey is one of the largest and most diverse
companies working for the public and
regulated sectors in the UK. We are also
making our mark internationally, in
Australia, America and the Middle East.
kick started my career, allowing

me to develop a wide variety of
skills and experience through
Join as a graduate to help create better

places to live, work and travel.
the diverse range of projects on
We are the people behind the services you

use every day from roads, railways and
schools to waste disposal or the energy and
water you use at home. Nearly every person
in the UK will benefit from at least one Amey
service today.
offer. The company actively

supports career progression and
provides me with the challenges
Im looking for.
Philippa, Management
Development Graduate
Contact
HR Talent Team
01865 713101
The Sherard Building
Oxford Science Park
Edmund Halley Road
Oxford
OX4 4DQ
Type of employer
Amey is one of the countrys leading public
and regulated services providers
Locations
Nationwide
136 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Our career options are as varied as the
business itself. If you are driven, ambitious
and a self-starter we have a graduate
programme to suit you. Our Graduate
Pathways Programme is focused on
creating technical experts and our Graduate
Management Development Programme is
aimed at creating the business leaders of
the future.
How do we select?
Starting with an online application,
candidates will upload their CV and answer a
set of application questions. Successful
candidates will then take part in a telephone
interview before the chosen candidates are
invited to assessment centres. The
Graduate Management Development
Programme selection process also involves
psychometric tests.
Number of employees
c. 21,000
100 - 150
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
When it
comes to
your career,
you lead
the way
Do you see yourself as a leader of the future?
Achieve your full potential and begin your
journey today on one of our exciting and
rewarding graduate programmes.
Tweet @ameyplc using #AskOurGrads to

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OLQNHGLQFRPFRPSDQ\DPH\
UK
300
Arcadia Group
R A N K I N G S
4th Retail
48th In the top 300
www.arcadiagroup.co.uk/careers
More about us
Arcadia is a business like no other.
Were the UKs largest privately owned
fashion retailer, with eight major high street
brands: BHS, Burton, Dorothy Perkins,
Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Topman and
Wallis, along with our out-of-town fashion
destination Outfit. Its not just about the UK
high street; with online stores and over 550
global locations, our presence is felt all over
the world.
It takes exceptional people to keep so many
different brands at the forefront of our
rapidly changing industry. Our people
demonstrate a perfect combination of
strong commercial skills and real passion
for the business. Well help you develop and
give you the chance to influence our future.
Contact
www.facebook.com/ArcadiaFutureTalent
www.twitter.com/Arcadia_Talent
www.instagram.com/arcadiagram
www.pinterest.com/arcadiatalent
Type of employer
Fashion Retailer
Locations
London, UK
Its not only our products but our people who
drive our success. Our graduate recruits are
no exception to this. Whichever cornerstone
of our business you join Buying, Digital,
Finance or Merchandising youll be
contributing from the start. You can count on
tailored on-the-job training and a manager
who really understands the importance of
giving you responsibility from day one. There
138 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
will be huge scope to shape the direction of

your career as you develop and youll play a
part in supporting the growth of our
business. As you progress, you could have
the chance to move between our brands, and
see the full breadth of what we do. Youll need
to show that youre really passionate about
building a career in retail. After all, this is the
chance to join one of the most successful
businesses in the industry. We recruit for
Buying, Digital and Merchandising all year
round, whilst we recruit for our Finance
Programme three times a year.
How do we select?
Our selection process includes:
online application with numerical test
video interview
assessment centre
brand/department interview
Number of employees
43,000
200+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
BUYING
DIGITAL
FINANCE
MERCHANDISING
www.arcadiagroup.co.uk/careers
UK
300
The Army
R A N K I N G S
51st In the top 300
www.army.mod.uk/officer
After my initial Officer training at the
More about us
Life for Officers in the British Army is far
from routine.
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and

attending the specialist Royal Artillery
Right from the start, youll be given real

responsibility whether its commanding a
platoon of 30 soldiers on operations or
organizing an adventurous training
expedition in Arizona.
Young Officers course, I was ready for my

first command position. Essentially I am
looking after a troop of 30 soldiers,
making sure their training is up to date,
Officer Cadets are paid a starting salary of

25,220 while at Sandhurst and this rises
to 30,314 on completion of training.
Officers can then expect to reach the rank of
Captain in 3 years which sees pay increase
to 38,847 with annual rises to follow. They
also benefit from free health and dental
care, subsidised accommodation and food,
and a competitive pension.
taking care of any welfare issues and

being their line manager in all aspects of
military life. Not only that, but Ive just
finished 4 weeks in Kenya and Im
preparing for a training exercise in
Canada. Im only 18 months into my career
as an Officer but I already feel like Ive
achieved so much.
Libby, 2nd Lieutenant Royal Artillery
Contact
For more information search Army Jobs
Type of employer
Armed Forces
Locations
Throughout the UK

Graduates start their officer training at the
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS)
where they learn all aspects of soldiering, as
well as gaining transferable skills in
communication, management and
leadership. On completion of training at
RMAS, theyll join their Regiment or Corps for
further specialist training before starting
their chosen role.
There are also over 400 opportunities
available for the Officers in the Army
Reserve.
How do we select?
There are certain entry criteria you will be
expected to meet. To find out more about
this and the joining process, search Army
Jobs.
140 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
100,000+
650
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Arup
R A N K I N G S
2nd Construction, civil
47th In the top 300
www.arup.com/ukmeagrads
More about us
Arup has 11,600+ staff in more than 30
countries across the world, making
international team-working part of everyday
life. With experts in design, engineering,
planning, project management and much
more, Arup people work together to make
infinite possibilities.
We shape a
Arup brings together professionals from

diverse disciplines and with complementary
skills, on a uniquely global scale. The depth
of expertise and the sheer numbers of
specialists allow Arup to take on complex,
strategic projects that no other organisation
could have delivered.
better world
With no shareholders or external investors

we are able to independently determine our
own priorities.
Contact
Email: uk.recruitment@arup.com
Web: www.arup.com/ukmeagrads
Discussion: thoughts.arup.com
Watch: video.arup.com
Twitter: @ArupJobs @ArupGroup
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArupGroup
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/arup
YouTube: www.youtube.com/arupgroup
Type of employer
We are a global firm of designers, planners,
engineers, consultants and technical
specialists offering a broad range of
professional services.
Locations
15 locations throughout the UK, and several
international offices.
142 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Our graduate opportunities span a wide
range of disciplines and offer exceptional
experience for students that are ambitious,
organised and have outstanding
communication skills. As well as recruiting
into various Engineering roles, we are
looking for students with backgrounds in
Environment, Transport and Town Planning,
Surveying, Business and Finance.
How do we select?
Candidates must submit an online
application form for us to shortlist. Those
that are successful will be passed to the
relevant Hiring Manager for review, and if
invited to interview you will also be asked to
complete an online personality profile. The
final stage of the process is a technical
exercise and interview with two of our
senior staff.
Number of employees
11,600+
200+ UK vacancies
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
ASDA Stores Ltd
R A N K I N G S
www.asda.jobs/graduates
More about us
Were a multi-billion business with over
170,000 colleagues working in over 578
stores and 26 depots. Were also part of
Walmart, the worlds largest retailer, and a
major employer of graduates in the UK.
Rising responsibility,
increasing challenges,
You can expect early responsibility, endless

opportunities to learn, and the chance to
make incredibly rapid career progression
with senior management roles being a
genuine possibility after a few years. Throw
in the huge range of benefits we offer, and
all it adds up to a whole lot more than you
could ever imagine.
dynamic environments
and the prospect of
becoming a future
leader of our business.
Its all on offer at Asda.
Contact
www.asda.jobs/graduates
Type of employer
Retailer. Asda is part of Walmart, the worlds
largest retailer.
Locations
Our Trading, Logistics and Rotational
programmes will be predominantly based at
our Home Offices in Leeds. While on our
Retail Programme youll be working in one of
our many stores.
We have four fast-track graduate
programmes on offer: Retail, Trading,
Logistics and Rotational. All of them give
you the chance to gain leadership
experience and specialist expertise, as well
as in-depth knowledge of our business. The
rate of a progression is sometimes hard to
believe. Within a few years you could find
144 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
yourself running your own 1million store,

scouring the world for new products or
rolling out logistical innovations across the
world. We also offer a direct entry route,
which involves going straight into a role in
one of our head office functions, such as
marketing, property, finance, IT, legal, HR or
e-commerce.
How do we select?
We like to keep everything simple and
straightforward at Asda. Our application
process is no different. The online
application takes around an hour and if
successful youll be invited to take part in a
video interview. If we like what we hear,
youll then get the chance to impress us at
our assessment centre, which gives a taste
of what life at Asda is really like. Well decide
whether to make you an offer straightaway,
too, so therell be no anxious wait.
Number of employees
c.170,000
c. 2030
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Ashurst
R A N K I N G S
http://www.ashurst.com/trainees
More about us
Ashurst offers its clients and trainees a
clear alternative to other elite law firms by
cutting through complexity. With 28 offices
spanning the worlds leading financial and
resource centres, we offer the scale to
attract global mandates. We operate at the
cutting edge of the financial, corporate,
infrastructure, disputes and resources
markets with advice that is commercially
acute as well as technically accurate. For
our clients this means getting to the heart
of issues with speed and clarity. For
trainees, our strong culture of collegiality
means you will be encouraged to apply your
intellect and make your presence felt right
from the outset.
Ashurst combines the

best of both worlds;
big-ticket work in a
large firm, with a
collegiate, relaxed and
most importantly fun
working environment.
Contact
Email: gradrec@ashurst.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7638 1111
http://www.facebook.com/AshurstTrainees

We offer open days, winter and summer
vacation schemes and a two-year training
contract.
Type of employer
Leading international law firm
During the training contract you will

complete four seats of six months, each of
which will be planned in collaboration with
you. You will also be encouraged to join an
overseas office or go on secondment to one
of our most valued clients.
Locations
Abu Dhabi, Adelaide, Beijing, Brisbane,
Brussels, Canberra, Dubai, Frankfurt,
Glasgow, Hong Kong, Jakarta (Associated
Office), Jeddah, London, madrid, Melbourne,
Milan, Munich, New York, Pairs, Perth, Port
Moresby, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore,
Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Washington DC
146 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
How do we select?
You will initially complete an online
application. If successful you will be invited
to an interview. On your interview day you
will complete a written case study followed
by two interviews. The first interview is with
a member of our graduate recruitment team
and the second with two partners from our
graduate recruitment committee.
Number of employees
3,500 worldwide
40
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
AstraZeneca
R A N K I N G S
2nd Scientific research and
development
31st In the top 300
www.astrazenecacareers.com
More about us
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven
biopharmaceutical company, specialising in
the discovery, development, manufacture
and marketing of prescription medicines
that make a meaningful difference to
peoples lives.
A business with
Science and patients are at the heart of

everything we do. Our skills and resources
are concentrated in the places we believe
we can make the most difference
including cancer and respiratory disorders.
an inspiring future.
How will you
shape it?
Contact
David Westbury (Global Operations & IT)
David.Westbury@astrazeneca.com , Donna
Watkin (Innovative Medicines and Early
Development),
Donna.Watkin@astrazeneca.com, Jon-Paul
Sherlock (Pharmaceutical Development)
Jon-Paul.Sherlock@astrazeneca.com
Type of employer
Pharmaceutical
Locations
UK/US/Sweden (for all 3 programmes) plus
additional countries across Asia/Pacific,
Latin America and Europe for the Global
Operations and IT Programme.
148 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
We are proud of our scientific capabilities

and commercial expertise, and we build on
our strengths to continue to meet the needs
of a changing world.

Innovative Medicines and Early
Development, Pharmaceutical Development
and Global Operations and IT
Number of employees
50,000
How do we select?
We initially assess applications against the
key capabilities, skills, strengths and
experiences that are required for success in
our graduate programmes. We may invite
candidates for a telephone screening
interview before shortlisting them to attend
an assessment centre at one of our global
locations.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills

60
guardianuk300.com
A busin
ness with an inspirring future.
How will you shape it?
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven

biopharmaceutical company, specialising in the
discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of
prescription medicines that make a meaningful
difference to peoples lives.
Science and patients are at the heart of everything we
do. Our skills and resources are concentrated in the
places we believe we can make the most difference
including cancer, cardiovascular disease and
respiratory disorders.
We are proud of our scientific capabilities and commercial
expertise, and we are investing in a new research centre
and corporate headquarters which will be located within
the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. This is a place
where you can help us continue to lead the industry in
ground-breaking research and development, through our
uniquely entrepreneurial and collaborative culture.
astrazenecacareers.com
We build on our strengths to continue to meet the

needs of a changing world, so youll also find we have a
diverse workforce, with employees drawn from all
backgrounds and cultures. This helps us to better
reflect and understand our patients and the healthcare
professionals we serve in increasingly global markets and ultimately, develop the medicines society needs.
If youre as inspired as we are, join us and make a
positive difference to healthcare and your ambitions.
If you graduated from your first or masters degree in
2014, or youre graduating in 2015 we currently have
three different graduate programmes available to you:
Innovative Medicines and Early Development,
Pharmaceutical Development and Operations
& IT Global.
For more information about a career at AstraZeneca,
visit www.astrazenecacareers.com
UK
300
Atkins
R A N K I N G S
1st Construction, civil
42nd In the top 300
www.atkinsglobal.com/careers/graduates
One of the best things is
More about us
We are one of the worlds leading design,
engineering and project management
consultancies, but we prefer to carry on
quietly doing brilliant things, letting our
achievements speak for themselves. Our
brilliant people are involved in some of the
worlds most technically challenging and
time critical projects.
being part of such a

brilliant team. Were
shaping millions of
peoples lives and are
Our work covers a range of sectors including

nuclear, oil & gas, power, highways, rail,
defence, aerospace, Information
communications, water, environment,
management consultants and design &
engineering.
part of projects that will

impact us all for decades
to come. Whats better
than that?
Contact
graduates@atkinsglobal.com
Type of employer
The UKs largest design and engineering
consultancy
Locations
Around the UK and key regions around the
world
Choosing to start your career with us is
more than just selecting where you want to
work. Its about investing in your future and
working with other bright minds to produce
some truly inspirational projects.
We look for talented engineering graduates
from civil, structural, mechanical, electrical,
chemical, aerospace and aeronautical,
systems and communications as well as IT,
physics, geography and maths to name a
few.
150 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
How do we select?
The first step is to complete our online
application form, followed by online verbal
and numerical reasoning tests. If
successful, the next step is a telephone
interview to allow us to understand your
capabilities and explore which area would
be right for you. Following this, youll then
be invited to attend an Assessment Centre,
where you can meet recent graduates and
line managers.
Number of employees
18,000
300
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
This is our story

Quietly doing brilliant things
I wanted to work on some of the

most prestigious engineering
projects around, across a number
of different industries.
Matthew
Graduate and undergraduate
opportunities
competitive pay | Opportunities across the UK
Theres more to Atkins than meets the
eye. Were the UKs largest engineering
consultancy and the biggest multi-disciplinary
consultancy in Europe. Were also the seventh
largest design firm in the world with a
c.1.4 billion turnover and a global team
of around 17,000 brilliant people.
Join us as a graduate or on a placement
and youll broaden your skills and help us
to achieve great things, as we take on some
of the most exciting engineering challenges
of our time.
Amazing projects. Unique challenges.
Competitive pay. Your story starts here.
Discover more about our opportunities
across the UK at
www.atkinsglobal.com
/careers/graduates
UK
300
Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) PLC
R A N K I N G S
9th Scientific research and
development
www.awe.co.uk
More about us
Keeping our world safe and secure AWE is
proud to play a central role in the defence of
the UK.
We have been at the forefront of nuclear
deterrence for over 60 years. Providing
security and protection to our nation we
deliver and maintain the warheads for the
UK deterrent.
Unique graduate
opportunities in a
Our unique expertise also supports the UK

government with a wide range of nuclear,
threat reduction and counter terrorism
solutions.
unique environment
As a centre of technological, scientific and

engineering excellence, you will have the
opportunity to work in some of the most
advanced research, design and production
facilities in the world.
Our people and the work we do are truly
innovative.
Contact
Address: Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire,
RG7 4PR
Telephone: 0118 981 4111
Email: careers@awe.co.uk
Type of employer
Defence and Nuclear
Locations
AWE Aldermaston, near Reading.
AWE Burghfield, near Reading.

We are seeking graduates with a degree in
the fields of science, engineering,
technology, manufacturing and business
if thats you, we would be delighted to hear
from you.
Once you join us, you will be supported to
develop your skills and competence in your
chosen discipline. In the longer term, you
can choose to specialise or pursue a
broader management career we attach
equal importance to both career paths.
How do we select?
Applications are accepted throughout the
year. Applications to be submitted online.
Candidates will be invited to attend an
assessment centre, and/or interview if
successful.
152 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
5,000
AWE recruits a significant number of
graduates each year to join our two year
graduate development programme.
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Graduate Opportunities
in a truly unique environment
AWE is proud to play a central role in the defence of the UK.
Providing security and protection to our nation we deliver
warheads for the UKs deterrent.
A centre of technological, scientific and engineering
excellence, we have some of the most advanced research,
design and production facilities in the world.
Our expertise, our people and the work we do are truly
innovative.
If thats something you would like to be a part of

we are seeking graduates in the fields of science,
engineering, technology, manufacturing and business.
Find out more at www.awe.co.uk
UK
300
Aviva
R A N K I N G S
graduates.aviva.co.uk
More about us
Aviva is the UKs largest insurer and the
sixth largest in the world. Weve long since
branched out beyond car, home, health and
travel insurance to become one of the
countrys leading pension and life
assurance providers. We also offer a range
of long-term savings and fund management
services.
Successful Individuals
Contact
Type of employer
Financial services
Locations
Norwich and York for most schemes. Other
locations may include: London, Eastleigh
and Perth.

Being such a large organisation, our
opportunities range from Insurance specific
schemes, such as Underwriting and
Actuarial, to roles in crucial business
functions such as Chartered Accountancy,
Marketing and IT. We offer study support for
professional qualifications, buddying, as
well as an attractive package. It really is up
to you and your individuality.
How do we select?
The aim of our selection process is to get a
good understanding of who you are. The
selection steps include: your online
application, our review of your application
and some online tests, then a face-to-face
interview or assessment centre. Then the
most exciting part; an offer of a place if
successful!
154 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
36,000 worldwide
c.2030
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Individuality
rocks.
At Aviva, its something were really
big on. With a strong global family,
we believe our different backgrounds,
interests, thoughts and ideas are
what make us the vibrant, thrusting,
booming business we are today.
A business who customers trust
to look after their hard-earned
money. Just imagine what we
could achieve with you here.
Aviva Graduates. Successful Individuals.
UK
300
Babcock
R A N K I N G S
www.babcockgraduates.com
More about us
Babcock International Group is the UKs
leading engineering support services
company, managing assets, infrastructure
and projects by integrating engineering
expertise.
When your expertise
Babcock delivers asset support to sectors

from transport and energy to defence,
telecommunications and education. As a
graduate at Babcock you can develop your
skills and abilities and choose from a range
of careers across the business.
helps manage 45
billion worth of assets
thats epic engineering.
Contact
graduates@babcockinternational.com
Type of employer
Babcock is the UKs largest engineering
support services business
Locations
Nationwide
Our people represent a diverse body of

engineering and business expertise. They
deliver world-class support across a wealth
of activities.

Start your epic career with us by joining our
Engineering & Science or Business
Management programmes. Within each you
can join a range of disciplines from
engineering to HR. Opportunities are
nationwide, so you must be prepared to
relocate to make the most of them. Youll
have responsibility and you will work in a
variety of markets.
How do we select?
The first step is to complete an online
application. If youre shortlisted, youll be
asked to complete some online tests. If
successful, youll be invited to one of our
Assessment Centres.
Apply today and discover why Babcock is
such an epic place for graduates to build
their perfect career.
156 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
Approximately 28,000
160+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
BAE Systems
R A N K I N G S
4th Engineering design and
manufacturing
32nd In the top 300
www.baesystems.com/graduates
More about us
Real world. Real work. Real challenges.
Join us as a graduate and youll quickly
become involved in developing some of the
most technologically advanced defence,
security and aerospace systems, and
receive tailored development to advance
your career!
How do you see
About Us
your career
We work together with local partners to

develop, engineer, manufacture, and
support the innovations that sustain
economies, increase defence sovereignty
and safeguard commercial interests. With
some 84,600 employees in six continents,
our story is about talented people who are
relentlessly committed to creating solutions
that protect and strengthen nations. Thats
work that inspires us. Thats BAE Systems.
lighting up?
Contact
www.baesystems.com/graduates
Twitter - @BAESGraduates
Facebook - BAE Systems Graduates
FLDP is our five year fast-track graduate

scheme, which seeks to prepare individuals
to become Finance Directors of the future
within the organisation.
Locations
Multiple across the UK
Sigma is our three year fast-track leadership

programme created for people of the very
highest potential. With only a few places
available each year it aims to develop
engineering and business leaders of the
future.

Our Graduate Schemes
The GDF is our two year scheme which
develops people who are passionate about
their choosen field. As our largest scheme
we have a range of business and
engineering opportunities available.
BAE Systems Applied Intelligence offers a
range of programming, data analytics,
electronic engineering and consultancy
roles, with salaries starting at 28,000.
158 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
84,600
200
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR

CAREER LIGHTING UP?
WELCOME TO
SUCCESS IN THE
REAL WORLD.
At BAE Systems, we serve the needs of our customers by delivering advanced defence,
aerospace and security solutions that provide a technological and performance edge.
With some 84,600 employees in six continents, our story is about talented people who
are relentlessly committed to creating solutions that protect and strengthen nations,
commerce, communities, and people. Thats work that inspires us. Thats BAE Systems.
To do that, were constantly innovating and looking out for people who can add real
value to our business. Thats why we offer exciting and challenging career opportunities
to enthusiastic, driven graduates and undergraduates.
If youre aspiring to develop professional excellence, you can join our Graduate
Development Framework in a business or engineering role, ranging from human
resources to naval architecture. For those who want to be part of a team that builds
solutions of the future theres Applied Intelligence, with roles ranging from cyber security
to software engineering. For individuals with the capability and determination to take up
a senior finance role in the future, theres the Finance Leader Development Programme.
Or, theres the Sigma Leadership Programme designed to develop those with the
highest leadership potential in to a business or engineering leader of the future. We
also welcome undergraduates with bold ambitions to take up an Industrial Placement or
Summer Internship.
If youre ready to work on projects that make a real difference, visit
baesystems.com/graduates
UK
300
Baker & McKenzie
R A N K I N G S
6th Law solicitors
76th In the top 300
www.bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates
More about us
Baker & McKenzie is a leading global law
firm based in over 70 locations across 47
countries.
With a presence in nearly all of the worlds
leading financial and commercial centres,
our strategy is to provide the best
combination of local legal and commercial
knowledge, international expertise and
resources.
Baker & McKenzie:

Go places.
Our trainee solicitors are a vital part of that

strategy, exposed to the international scope
of the firm from the moment they start.
There is also the possibility of an overseas
secondment, recent secondees have spent
time in Brussels, Moscow, Hong Kong,
Johannesburg, Sydney and San Francisco.
Contact
E-mail:
londongraduates@bakermckenzie.com

We offer open days, spring and summer
vacation schemes and international
vacation schemes.
Address:
100 New Bridge Street
London
EC4V 6JA
The two-year training contract comprises of

four six-month seats which include a
corporate and a contentious seat, usually
within our highly regarded dispute
resolution department, together with the
possibility of a secondment abroad or with a
client.
Type of employer
Global Law Firm with over 70 offices in
47countries
Locations
London and worldwide
160 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
How do we select?
We have an online application form where
we ask for your academic record, work
experience, extra curricular activities and a
cover letter. Should your application meet
our criteria you will be invited to take our
online tests and have a short telephone
interview with the Graduate Recruitment
team. Successful applicants are then invited
to an assessment centre at the Firm.
Number of employees
London 827
30 Training Contracts, 40 Vacation Scheme
places
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Go
places
UK
300
Balfour Beatty
R A N K I N G S
121st In the top 300
www.balfourbeatty.com/graduates
More about us
We are Balfour Beatty, the UKs largest
construction, investments and
infrastructure business of our kind. Each
year we seek the best graduates to come
and join our ever changing business.
Imagine being able to

stand next to a new
Each day our projects change peoples lives

for the better. For more than 100 years we
have created and cared for the vital assets
that enable societies and economies to
grow: road & rail; airports, seaports, tunnels
& bridges; health and education facilities;
heat, light, power and water; places to live
and places to work the infrastructure that
underpins all our lives and drives progress.
hospital and say, I

helped build that. Now
stop imagining and
start doing.
Contact
web: www.balfourbeatty.com/graduates
email: emergingtalent@balfourbeatty.com
Type of employer
We are Balfour Beatty, the UKs largest
construction, infrastructure and investment
business
Locations
UK and Eire
Were looking to meet graduates from a
variety of disciplines who want challenging
and meaningful careers in technical
engineering and the commercial business
world.
Our Technical Graduate Scheme focuses on
a breadth of capabilities and depth of
technical expertise in areas such as:
Building/Construction Management,
Engineering Quantity Surveying /
Commercial Management, Design, Health &
162 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Safety,Transport Planning and

Environmental
Number of employees
c. 35,000
Our Business Graduate Scheme offers a

breadth of general management and
support function expertise such as IT,
Marketing and HR.

150
How do we select?
Our current graduate and placement
vacancies are advertised online at
www.balfourbeatty.com/graduates
Complete the initial application form, upload
your CV and complete psychometric testing.
If successful youll be invited to submit a
video interview with our partner
PowerMeeter.
The final stage will be a one day assessment
centre where you will have the opportunity
to meet both graduates and senior
members of the business.
Throughout your process our resourcing
team are here to help you.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
FROM THE START OF

THEIR CAREERS,
OUR PEOPLE MAKE
A BIG IMPACT.
WHO WE ARE
WHY WORK FOR US?
We are the UKs largest construction and infrastructure

business. Each day our projects change peoples lives and
communities for the better. Each year we seek the best
graduates to come and join our ever changing business.
We are members of Stonewall,

Disability Confident, Race for
Opportunity and Opportunity Now
YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Were looking to meet graduates from a variety of disciplines
who want challenging and meaningful careers in technical
engineering and the commercial business world. We built the
famous London Aquatic Centre and youll find our mark in all
kinds of infrastructure like schools and hospitals, major roads,
rail and power networks. We have Technical and Business
Graduate Schemes and are looking for people who have the
enthusiasm and determination to succeed.
HOW TO APPLY
Visit balfourbeatty.com/graduates
@balfourbeatty
Balfour Beatty plc
We are a Guardian UK 300 and Job

Crowd Top 100 graduate employer
and a Target Jobs Finalist
All our schemes include support
to gain professional qualifications
through real experience and mentor
support.
Youll work with a diverse range of
people on a variety of projects
Youll be proud of what you achieve
on a daily basis
UK
300
Bank of England
R A N K I N G S
4th Banking, insurance
70th In the top 300
www.bankofenglandgraduates.co.uk
More about us
This is an exciting time to join the Bank of
England, the countrys central bank. Were
committed to working as one team to
promote the good of the people of the United
Kingdom by maintaining monetary and
financial stability.
One of the most enjoyable

features of working at the Bank is
the opportunity to influence
policy. From my first days in the
Bank, I was expected to contribute
The work we do makes headlines and has an

impact both at home and abroad, so we
want the people that work at the Bank to be
as diverse as the people we serve. Its how
we ensure were always working with the
best talent, and our wide range of entry
routes ensures this is possible.
to the policy process through, for

example, helping to
prepare briefings for the Monetary
Policy or Financial Policy
Committees. It is great to see that
work having a genuine impact.
James Wackett, Analyst.
Contact
Graduate Recruitment Team,
Recruitment@bankofengland.co.uk
Type of employer
Central Bank / Regulation
Locations
City of London

Our graduate programmes are open to first
degree graduates from all degree
disciplines and offer opportunities in a
variety of business streams, from Financial
Stability and Monetary Analysis, through to
Banking or Insurance Supervision, HR and
IT. Wherever you join us, you will be involved
in a range of varied and challenging
projects, always with the full support of
more senior colleagues.
How do we select?
Youll initially fill in an online application
form and complete a critical-thinking test.
The next step will be a business based case
study and a numerical psychometric test at
a regional testing centre. This is followed by
a half-day selection centre involving a
competency interview and a group exercise.
For more information please visit our
website.
164 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
3,000+
70+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
SEE THE BANK

OF ENGLAND
DIFFERENTLY
Develop your skills with
an iconic organisation
As the countrys central bank, we play a fundamental role

in ensuring the monetary and financial stability of the UK
economy. Our work is as fascinating and diverse as the people
we employ, and we enjoy a culture of open debate with the
best people in their field regardless of their gender, sexuality,
religion or ethnicity. Its because of this talented group of
people and the fact that were actively looking to recruit
more that we benefit from such a vibrant workplace that is
trusted and relied on by the entire nation. We know that our
decisions have influence and impact both at home and abroad,
which is why its so essential that were always transparent
and accountable to our stakeholders.
If you choose a career with us, you will have the chance to be
part of this exciting environment, and you will have plenty
of opportunity to take initiative and make things happen.
We are currently looking for:
First degree graduates
IT graduates
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Our graduate recruitment programmes are open to first degree

graduates from all disciplines and offer experience within many
areas of the organisation. On top of that, were also looking for
IT graduates, including those who havent specialised in IT. Join
one of our structured career paths, and you will benefit from
excellent development opportunities while being mentored by
more seasoned colleagues.
Were also delighted to launch our new six-week internship for
first-year degree students. This is a great taster for our graduate
programmes and a fantastic opportunity for undergraduates to
show us their skills. We still have positions available on many of
these programmes and in particular are looking for candidates
interested in Prudential Regulation, IT, HR or Statistics plus
were offering eight-week penultimate year internships for
undergraduates.
Wherever you join us, you will be involved in a range of varied
and challenging projects. In return, youll receive flexible working
options and a range of benefits. Joining us is a truly engaging
and rewarding experience we look forward to welcoming you
to our friendly and stimulating working environment. So take
a closer look, and see the Bank in its true colours.
First-year interns
For more information about what the Bank has to offer,

and to apply, go to:
Penultimate year interns
www.bankofenglandgraduates.co.uk
UK
300
Barclays
R A N K I N G S
2nd Banking, insurance and
financial services
4th

investment
29th In the top 300
barclays.com/joinus
More about us
Were a major international financial
services provider, with a presence in more
than 50 countries. Were also a bank with
strong values and a clear purpose: helping
people achieve their ambitions - in the right
way. We are reshaping and rebalancing our
business to build on our strengths. And our
ambition is clear: to become the instinctive
partner of choice for all our stakeholders.
Right across Barclays, graduates are playing
a part in realising this vision. In doing so,
theyre driving their own careers too.
Contact
barclays.com/joinus
facebook.com/BarclaysGraduates
@barclaysgrads
Type of employer
Investment Bank, Personal and Corporate
Bank, Global Functions.
Locations
UK,Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA.
166 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

The diversity of Barclays means that were
able to offer a remarkable breadth of
opportunity. We have programmes in the
Investment Bank, our Personal and
Corporate Bank and our Global Business
Functions such as Technology, Finance and
Compliance.
How do we select?
As we welcome every background and
degree discipline, its your personality that
will make the difference here. We look for
graduates who are academically strong,
commercially minded, and capable of
learning quickly. The readiness to take on
responsibility and express ideas is vital too,
because well want you to make an early
impact.
Number of employees
c. 140,000
250+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Go a long way,
the right way.
Graduate and internship opportunities

As we set out to shape the future of Barclays, we are looking to our graduates and
interns to play their part. Whichever part of the business you join, your innovation,
drive and inspiration will take us forward. Youll get every opportunity to make a
positive impact, and our full support when you do. And it all starts today.
barclays.com/joinus
Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England. Registered number 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.
UK
300
BBC
R A N K I N G S
1st Media and advertising
2nd
In the top 300
http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes/
More about us
Help us to transform the future of
broadcasting.
The BBC is one of the worlds best-known
broadcasting brands. Roughly 97% of UK
adults use our services each week not to
mention millions more around the globe. We
want to offer them a future that is
interactive, on-demand and online, and we
need the best graduates to help make it
happen from journalism to production to
our industry-leading technology teams.
The worlds watching
Type of employer
Media / Broadcasting
Locations
London, Salford, Bristol, Birmingham,
Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow
As a Production or Journalism trainee, you
can shape the future of the BBCs news
programming or maybe help to create the
next Dr Who or Top Gear.
As a Technology or Research & Development
trainee, youll have the unique chance to be
a part of some of the nations most
innovative and popular products, such as
our News, Weather and Sport apps, iPlayer,
and the new BBC Playlister.
168 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Join us as a graduate on our Production,

Journalism, Technology or Research &
Development schemes, and youll spend
one to two years receiving some of the best
training in the industry, learning, growing
and breaking new ground. Digital Media
Graduates, for example, are supported from
aspiring developer to industry expert, and
BBC Technology Trainees earn a Masters in
Digital Broadcast Technology. Production
and Journalism trainees work in our UK
newsrooms and production teams, adding
new and exciting ideas for broadcast. And
thats just a taste of the numerous career
paths you can forge here as a graduate.
How do we select?
online application, online assessment,
assessment centres.
Number of employees
c23,000
c200
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Help create the future of the BBC

Graduate Opportunities | UK Wide | 20,000 - 25,000 pa
The BBC is one of the worlds best-known broadcasting
brands. Roughly 97% of UK adults use our services each
week not to mention millions more around the globe.
We want to offer them a future that is interactive,
on-demand and online, and we need the best graduates
to help make it happen from Journalism to Production
to our industry-leading Technology Teams.
As a Production or Journalism trainee, you can shape the
future of the BBCs news programming or maybe help to
create the next Doctor Who or Top Gear.
As a Technology or Research & Development trainee,

youll have the unique chance to be a part of some of
the nations most innovative and popular products, such as
our News, Weather and Sport apps, iPlayer and the new
BBC Playlister.
No matter which of our schemes youll join, youll receive
transformative training and opportunities and
in turn help us transform the way media is consumed by
creating ground-breaking broadcasting experiences.
To find out more visit www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes
The worlds watching
UK
300
BDO
R A N K I N G S
7th Accounting and financial
management
www.bdo.co.uk/careers
More about us
At BDO we advise businesses. And
businesses come in as rich a variety as the
people who run them. They also need to
draw upon our broad spectrum of different
services. So the last thing we want is people
who are all the same. Thats why we choose
colleagues who can engage their
personalities as well as their skills, who can
take the time to get to know our clients well,
to understand what they want to achieve
and then give specially tailored advice. This
is how we deliver our ultimate goal of
exceptional client service.
We know how to make

sure our people give
their best. Quite
simply, we let them. At
BDO, you can show
your true colours.
Contact
student.recruitment@bdo.co.uk
Type of employer
Accountants and Business Advisors
Locations
Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick,
Glasgow, Great Yarmouth, Guildford, Ipswich,
Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, London,
Manchester, Norwich, Nottingham, Reading,
Glasgow, Guernsey, Sheffield, Southampton

We give you all the training you need to
attain your professional qualifications, along
with extensive practical experience
including on-site client work. We offer highly
competitive rewards, along with vast scope
for you to develop in a range of disciplines
such as audit, tax, corporate finance,
management consulting, forensics and
more
How do we select?
First you complete an online application.
Then well give you some tests that you also
complete online. If you pass these, well
invite you to a first round interview at the
office to which you have applied. If youre
successful there, youll receive an invitation
to our Assessment Day for final selection
170 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
3,500+
250
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
GRADUATE CAREERS
IN ACCOUNTANCY
SHOW YOUR
TRUE COLOURS
Here at BDO we turn professional solutions into an art
form. So were after talent that comes in every shade you
can imagine. Vivid personalities who can blend with our
teams and relate to our broad spectrum of clients.
Well train you and support you every step of the way, with
hands-on experience to let your potential shine through.
What can you add to our mix?
Apply online at bdo.co.uk/careers
COLOURFUL CAREERS | COLOURFUL CHARACTERS

FIND OUT A SHADE MORE ABOUT BDO
BDO-TraineesUK
@BDO_TraineesUK
www: bdo.co.uk/careers | e: student.recruitment@bdo.co.uk
UK
300
Bechtel
R A N K I N G S
http://bechtel.com
More about us
Bechtel is the worlds No. 1 choice for
engineering, construction, and project
management. Our diverse portfolio
encompasses energy, transportation,
communications, mining, oil and gas, and
government services. Founded in 1898,
Bechtel has worked on more than 25,000
projects in 160 countries on all seven
continents. Some of our signature projects
include the Hoover Dam, Channel Tunnel and
Jamnagar Refinery.
Give Bechtel people a

challenge and theyll
make history.
No matter how challenging a project or how

remote its location, chances are Bechtel can
handle it. Thats because we bring to every
job an unmatched combination of
knowledge, skill, experience, and customer
commitment.
Riley Bechtel
Contact
http://www.bechtel.com/uk-grad.html
https://twitter.com/Bechtel
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bechte
l-corporation
Type of employer
Engineering, construction and project
management.
Locations
We are a truly global company. Our
employees work on hundreds of diverse
projects in nearly 40 countries worldwide.
Our UK operations are centred in London,
but once you join us, you could find yourself
posted to a project site anywhere in the
world.
172 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Programme areas include: Civil Engineering,
Chemical Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Environmental Engineering,
MET Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Piping Engineering, Process Safety & Loss
Prevention Engineering, Control Systems,
Project Controls, Procurement, Contracts,
Human Resources and IS&T.
How do we select?
If your initial online application matches our
requirements, you will be invited to an
interview with a manager from your
discipline and a HR representative. There
are two parts to the interview process: a
technical interview, followed by a
competency-based interview.
Number of employees
50,000+
15+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
BlackRock
R A N K I N G S
10th Investment banking and
investment
INVESTING FOR A NEW WORLD
www.blackrockoncampus.com
At BlackRock, we view our
differences as strengths.
We know that our success
depends on our ability to
use our collective
experiences and ideas to
achieve more for our
clients and our business.
We strongly believe that
diverse skill sets and
perspectives lead to more
innovative solutions and better
results.
Contact
emeacampusrecruitment@blackrock.com
www.youtube.com/blackrock
www.facebook.com/BlackRock
Type of employer
Asset Management, Technology
Locations
UK: London and Edinburgh
EMEA: Denmark, France, Germany, Holland,
Ireland, Switzerland
More about us
BlackRock was founded 25 years ago by
eight entrepreneurs who wanted to start a
very different company. One that combined
the best of a financial leader and a
technology pioneer. One that focused on a
singular purpose: making a difference in the
lives of the parents and grandparents, the
doctors and teachers who entrust us with
their moneyand their futuresevery day.
Today, as the worlds largest asset manager,
with more than $4 trillion under
management, BlackRock brings together
financial leadership, worldwide reach and
state-of-the-art technology to provide
answers to the millions of investors who
entrust their financial futures to the
company.

The work is diverse with opportunities
across Advisory & Strategy, Analytics &
Risk, Client Businesses, Corporate,
Investments and Technology. BlackRock is
committed to harnessing every graduates
potential and so the programme begins with
orientation in New York, followed by a
structured curriculum of ongoing training
designed to maximise business knowledge
and individual effectiveness.
How do we select?
The story of BlackRocks success rests not
just with our founders, but with the
thousands of talented people who have
brought their ideas and energy to the firm
every day since. Thats why we always look
for fresh perspectives and new ideas. There
is an online application followed by online
tests. Next are first round interviews then
assessment centres.
174 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
11,000+ worldwide
EMEA: 100+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
MAKE A
LIVING
MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
The world is more complex than ever before. And with the financial futures of millions in
our hands, were looking for the best and brightest talent the future leaders that will
help make a difference for our clients and the larger world around us. From Advisory and
Client Businesses to Investment Management and Technology no matter what youre
looking to do, there are many exciting challenges waiting for you at BlackRock.
Meet our people and find out how you can

make a difference at BlackRock at
blackrockoncampus.com
Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). Registered office:
12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Registered in England No. 2020394. Tel: 020 7743 3000. For your protection, telephone calls are usually
recorded. BlackRock is a trading name of BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited.
001946a-HR Aug14
UK
300
Bloomberg
R A N K I N G S
financial services
69th In the top 300
www.makeyourmarkatbloomberg.co.uk
More about us
What does it mean to work at Bloomberg? At
a company that covers nearly every aspect
of an entire worlds economic, financial and
business activities? Its about becoming
part of something as big as your ambitions.
This is an energetic place to begin your
careeror to propel it forward.
How will you make
If you have a passion to pioneer, to be first,

Bloomberg can help you achieve more than
you thought possible. In a world where fast,
accurate, trusted information is crucial,
Bloomberg gives decision makers in
business, finance and government a
competitive edge by connecting them to a
dynamic network of news, people and ideas.
We deliver data, facts and analytics through
constantly evolving technology.
your mark?
Contact
City Gate House
39-45 Finsbury Square
London EC2A 1P0
+44 (0)20 7330 7500
Type of employer
Financial news, data and analytics
Locations
London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong,
Singapore
Bloomberg offers full time entry level roles
to graduates across a range of business
areas including global data, analytics and
sales, financial software development and
operations. Graduates who join Bloomberg
will focus on building and defining their own
career rather than climbing a pre-defined
ladder. All graduate starters will participate
in team specific training that continues
176 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
throughout their career via the Bloomberg

University. All new graduates will benefit
from our full staff benefits which include
free snacks in our 24/7 pantry. Internship
opportunities are designed for students
interested in the worlds of finance, news,
and technology. Our programmes provide
opportunities and exposure for
undergraduates and postgraduates of every
academic background.
How do we select?
Candidates apply online and submit a CV
and cover letter. Following this, successful
candidates will be invited to a phone
interview and then a face to face interview
with the business area they have applied to.
Our recruitment team take the time to
review all CVs that are submitted online and
support candidates by matching them to the
roles and teams that are the best fit for their
skills.
Number of employees
15,000+
400 globally
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
IVE GAINED
INSIGHT INTO MY
ENTIRE COMPANY,
NOT THE INSIDE
OF A CUBICLE.
Bloombergs global mission is to

help individuals, enterprises and
governments make smarter, faster,
more profitable decisions first.
In order to get there, we need
constant ideas, energy, innovation;
which is where you come in.
At Bloomberg, you will have the
opportunity to go above and
beyond and take risks. Be a part of
an organisation that is entering new
markets, launching new ventures
and pushing the boundaries.
makeyourmarkatbloomberg.co.uk
UK
300
Bond Dickinson LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.bonddickinson.com
"Were proud of our
graduate recruitment
programme and the
recognition that it
continues to receive. We
believe we attract the
brightest graduates
because we work hard to
create a culture that
encourages, inspires and
challenges those who train
with us."
Contact
Samantha Lee, Recruitment Manager
sam.lee@bonddickinson.com
More about us
Its been a year of change for Bond
Dickinson since our merger last year. In that
time weve continued to grow our business
by strengthening client relationships,
winning new business and investing in our
people. Its been challenging but its been
exciting and were looking forward to what
the future now has in store for us. One thing
is for certain, were ambitious and
committed to growing the business and that
makes it an exciting time for anyone at the
start of their legal career to be joining us.
The merger has given us a nationwide
footprint and we now have more than 700
lawyers, 145 partners across 8 locations,
namely Aberdeen, Bristol, Leeds, London,
Plymouth, Southampton and Tees Valley.
Locations
Bristol, Plymouth, Southampton, Aberdeen,
London, Leeds, Newcastle, Tees Valley
well as supporting lawyers and partners on

large transactions, you will also get the
opportunity to manage your own small
caseload. During your two year training
contract you will spend time in four seats of
six months each. There are a variety of
seats to choose from but wherever you end
up you will benefit from quality training,
supervision and support.

Our approach to trainee recruitment is one
of long-term investment, both in terms of
your career and the future of our business.
We are looking for future leaders of our
business who will contribute to the growth
of our business whilst developing their own
rewarding career. As a Bond Dickinson
trainee youll be amazed at how quickly you
get access to some of our most senior client
contacts. The work you are involved with
will be high calibre and varied giving you a
real head-start with your legal career. As
How do we select?
We recruit via vacation scheme, or
assessment centre. The process opens in
November each year and applications are
made by way of on-line application form.
Whilst academics are clearly very
important, we look for balanced and well
rounded individuals to join our firm and our
application form will assess a number of
other skills. Whatever route you choose, our
exercises are designed to showcase a broad
range of skills through group exercise, role
play, interview and ability tests.
Type of employer
A national business law firm.
178 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
1200
25
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Looking for a rewarding

training contract?
Make the informed choice
We are proud of our training and development
programme. Why? Because more than
shouting about it, we deliver on what
we promise.
When you join us, we look at you as the future
associates and partners who will contribute
to the growth and success of our firm, whilst
developing your own rewarding career.
Weve worked hard to create a culture that
encourages, inspires and challenges.
We think youll agree. So why not take that
first important step in securing your training
contract and find out more about what we
can offer you? Come and talk to us at one
of the many events and open days we host.
Wed love to hear from you.
For more information

about us and to find
out about our next open
days, please visit our
website or send us an
email.
Contact us here
E: graduates@
bonddickinson.com
W: www.bonddickinson.com/
join-us/trainee-solicitors
UK
300
Boots
R A N K I N G S
7th Retail
88th In the top 300
boots.jobs
More about us
As the UKs leading pharmacy-led health and
beauty retailer and one of the countrys
most trusted household names, Boots is
evolving in the changing world of retail and
our future looks very bright. The company
needs to develop future leaders who
genuinely love driving business
performance by creating feel good
moments for customers.
Start leading now

#Good4Grads
Contact
Email: Graduates@boots.co.uk
Twitter: @Boots_Talent
Facebook: Boots Talent Programmes
Type of employer
Pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer
Locations
Across the UK and Ireland
The Retail Management Programme
develops graduates as store leaders capable
of offering a legendary customer
experience. Brand, Buying and Marketing
candidates explore how to develop, source &
market Boots own and external brands. The
Finance Programme offers more than
financial accounting, management
information and business partnering
experience. Its being part of the team
creating the framework for now and the
180 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
On the Boots Graduate Programme there are

six exciting, involving and evolving areas of
the business to choose from.
future. Boots also fund a relevant

qualification and offer the chance to work
internationally. Technology Leadership
graduates drive IT solutions to meet the
demands of this fast growing business now
and for the future. This year Boots also have
programmes in Supply Chain and
Operations. Theyll see how Boots responds
to customer needs, driving loyalty & sales
to increase market share.
How do we select?
Whats really important for all our
programmes is a passion for retail and a
desire to drive the business into the future.
Develop an amazing career with Boots and
realise why the company is #Good4Grads.

60
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Good4Grads
UK
300
BP
R A N K I N G S
1st Energy and utilities
19th In the top 300
bp.com/ukgraduates
More about us
BP and its people find, develop and produce
essential sources of energy. And then turn
that energy into products you and everyone
on the planet depend on every day.
I found my new
Heat. Light. Power. Mobility. Materials to

make the products that define the life you
live. All are made possible by oil and gas.
And as demand continues to grow,
delivering it sustainably and at a reasonable
cost remains one of the biggest challenges
in the world today.
chemistry set under a

car bonnet.
Ruth Poultney, Science,
Pangbourne
Contact
bp.com/ukgraduates
Type of employer
BP finds, develops, produces and delivers
energy safely to the world.
Locations
Aberdeen, Hull, Pangbourne, Swindon,
Sunbury, Canary Wharf and Central London.
We recruit ambitious graduates like you at
every stage of the energy life cycle - from
geoscientists sending shock waves through
the earth to find new oil and gas reserves
and engineers building platforms in the
ocean to extract them, to traders
anticipating and reacting to changes in the
markets around them.
Whether you want to be a future business
leader, a world-class scientist or groundbreaking engineer, our three-year Challenge
182 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Join us and youll find how our people make

some truly amazing discoveries to meet
that challenge. Both in terms of scientific
and engineering breakthroughs and what
we as a team are capable of.
and Integrated Supply & Trading (IST)

Programmes are designed to help you
develop the skills and experience you need.
And at the same time, youll get a unique
insight into our work and discover how
incredible an organisation this is to be part of.
To say these programmes are an inspiring
way to launch your career would be an
understatement. But exhilarating though
they are, theyre really just a starting point
for even more amazing discoveries to come.
How do we select?
Go to our website to explore our
opportunities and apply for your perfect
graduate programme. If youre successful at
this stage, prepare for online numerical and
verbal tests, followed by an initial telephone
interview. Next up is an onsite technical
interview, which leads up to the final step in
the process: the assessment centre.
Number of employees
83,000 worldwide
150
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
I found
my responsibilities
ran a whole lot
deeper
Calling total depth on the drilling

of an offshore well was incredibly
exciting. Weeks of studying data had
gone into the project, but its in
that one moment you understand the
importance of what youre doing.
seb turner, SCIENCE, SUNBURY, UK
What will you discover?

At BP, we offer the most exciting and challenging global opportunities for high
performing graduates in engineering, science, business and trading.
Search for BP Careers
UK
300
British Airways
R A N K I N G S
1st Logistics, transport and
supply chain
www.britishairways.com/careers/
More about us
BA, part of International Airlines Group, is
one of the worlds leading global premium
airlines and the largest international carrier
in the UK. The carrier has its home base at
London Heathrow, the worlds busiest
international airport and flies to more than
70 different countries. BA carries almost 40
million customers a year and has a fleet of
more than 280 aircraft. Graduates joining BA
will be a key part of its journey thats about
a greater purpose; the promise BA makes to
each of its customers every day: To Fly. To
Serve.
Live the journey
Contact
0870 60 80 747
Type of employer
Aviation, Travel, Tourism, Air-Transport,
Hospitality
Locations
Heathrow and Newcastle

The talented graduates who join BA work on
real jobs with real responsibilities. This
takes ambition, resilience and the drive to
go above and beyond. There are
opportunities to become one of their
Analysts or Leaders for Business as well as
in IT, HR, Procurement, Operational
Research, Engineering and World Cargo.
How do we select?
Youll need to complete your initial
application online. If youre successful at
the application stage, youll be invited to
take part in the next stage of the
assessment process, which may include
online or paper based ability tests, an
interview, group discussion and a workrelated exercise.
For more information and advice on our
selection process please visit our website.
184 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
40,000 +
75+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
British Council
R A N K I N G S
7th In public sector
35th In the top 300
www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-create/opportunity/work-volunteer/graduate-scheme
More about us
The British Council creates international
opportunities for the people of the UK and
other countries and builds trust between
them worldwide. We call this work: cultural
relations.
We see ourselves as
an entrepreneurial
Each year we work with millions of people,

connecting them with the United Kingdom,
sharing our cultures and the UKs most
attractive assets: English, the Arts,
Education and our ways of living and
organising society. This year marks our
80th anniversary of doing this. To continue
our work, we need people who can share
and contribute to our vision.
public service. To
continue our work, we
need people who can
share and contribute to
our vision.
Contact
Email: uk_recruitment@britishcouncil.org
Tel: 020 389 4945
Type of employer Public Sector, Charity
Locations
The British Council operates in over 100
countries and our graduate vacancies could
be anywhere in the world. In 2013, graduate
recruits went to Greece, Poland, Libya,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Brazil, Qatar,
Kenya and Russia. Generally we recruit
graduates with a view of placing them
overseas but occasionally roles are based in
our UK offices.
Theres never been a better time to be a
British Council graduate. With an impressive
record of success since 1934, we thrive on
talent. We need the next generation of leaders
who can build on this success, work well in
an ambitious team and use their passion,
186 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
commitment and integrity to make things

happen.
Number of employees
7,000
Weve created a series of development

schemes, designed to highlight the qualities
that you already have. These programmes
support our principles of providing
opportunities for learning and for developing
wider cultural relations, specifically within a
difficult economic climate.

Typically 10 each year
The challenges vary depending on the

country youre assigned to but youll have
real, tangible responsibilities and projects to
deliver from day one.
How do we select?
All vacancies will be advertised on our Study
Work Create website. Applicants are required
to submit their applications online. Our
recruitment process typically comprises of a
telephone interview and an all-day
assessment centre. For some roles, further
language and writing testing may be applicable.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Graduate careers
Creating opportunity worldwide
Its a chance to share the UKs most attractive assets: language, education
and culture, and to build long-lasting, cultural relationships with other
countries. As one of our graduates, you can use your linguistic skills and
business acumen in a truly rewarding context. Youll be a next-generation
leader, driving an organisation thats nurturing trust and understanding
across a global community with real benefits in prosperity and trade.
Take a look around theres a whole world to explore.
www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-create/work-volunteer/graduate-scheme
Images Mat Wright

British Council 2014 / E216 The British Council is the United Kingdoms
international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
UK
300
British Sugar
R A N K I N G S
www.notjustsugar.com
More about us
British Sugar is the UKs leading sugar
supplier to food and drink manufacturers in
the UK and Europe, and with around 4,000
growers supplying its four processing
factories the business produces over 1
million tonnes of sugar annually.
Did you think we were
Beyond sugar production there is a

surprisingly diverse business to be
discovered. Although sugar remains at the
core of its operations, by using a highly
integrated approach to manufacturing, the
company aims to transform all raw
materials into sustainable products; from
animal feed and electricity to Bioethanol
and tomatoes, making it a truly diverse and
exciting business to work for.
just about sugar?
Contact
graduate.recruitment@britishsugar.com
www.notjustsugar.com
Type of employer
Engineering and Manufacturing
Locations
East Anglia & the East Midlands

Graduates can expect a high degree of
challenge, responsibility and support
throughout the scheme, equipping them
with a wealth of knowledge and experience
to become future leaders. All programmes
are equally stimulating and graduates will
build a unique portfolio of skills by rotating
around teams and/or sites to gain an
understanding of the way in which British
Sugar operates.
How do we select?
Our selection process can be completed
online. The application form will be followed
by numerical and verbal reasoning testing. If
successful you will be invited for a
telephone screening session to allow us to
understand your motivations and
experience. Successful candidates will then
proceed to telephone interview and final
stage assessment centre.
188 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
over 900
No fixed quota
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
OPPORTUNITY ENGINEERING AGRICULTURE
GROWTH
NURTURE
CHALLENGE
ENERGY
INNOVATION
TALENT
GROW WITH US
British Sugar is the UKs leading sugar supplier to food and drink manufacturers
in the UK and Europe, and with around 4,000 growers supplying its four factories
the business produces over 1 million tonnes of sugar each year. Graduates are at the
heart of British Sugars talent pool and stand out for their passion, drive, adaptability,
a desire to challenge and a can-do attitude.
Beyond sugar production there is a surprisingly diverse business to be discovered.
British Sugar is part of AB Sugar, which is wholly owned by international food,
ingredients and retail group, Associated British Foods plc.
Your future starts here.
For an insight into British Sugar visit:
NOTJUSTSUGAR.COM
UK
300
BT
R A N K I N G S
10th IT and technology
93rd In the top 300
www.btgraduates.com
Make amazing
More about us
Welcome to a world of innovation. BT are one
of the worlds leading providers of innovative
technology and communication services.
Theyre always looking for new ways to help
businesses and people across the globe by
developing new technologies that make
amazing things happen.
things happen.
Working on challenging
projects with ongoing
But staying ahead in the industry isnt just

about technology. Its about people too.
People who want to challenge the norm,
think of new and better ways to do things
and work as part of a team to make them
happen.
training and an
amazing graduate
community; theres
huge scope for
graduates at BT.
Contact
www.btgraduates.com
Type of employer
IT and Telecommunications Service
Provider
Locations
Nationwide

We have opportunities in IT, Consulting,
General Management, Law, Marketing,
Research & Development, Sales and
Engineering. Our graduates work on real
projects, with responsibility from the start.
Theres huge scope for graduates to shape
their career, to make the most of their
leadership potential, and to make more
amazing things happen with BT.
How do we select?
Our application process starts with an
online questionnaire to make sure were
right for each other. You will then complete
an application form and online tests, and if
successful, you will take part in a telephone
interview. If you do well here, you will be
invited to an assessment centre.
190 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
200
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Make amazing
things happen.
BTs technology helps make amazing

things happen across the globe.
But staying ahead in the industry
is about more than just technology;
its about people too.
As a BT graduate youll turn amazing
ideas into real life solutions that help
people connect, communicate and
collaborate better than ever before.
Visit www.btgraduates.com
to find out more.
UK
300
Burges Salmon
R A N K I N G S
www.burges-salmon.com
More about us
Burges Salmon is consistently ranked
among the UKs most successful
commercial law firms. We pride ourselves
on delivering excellent legal and business
advice to our clients, which has led to many
of our practice areas and sectors winning
awards and recognition as best in class.
Our national and international client base
ranges from private individuals to
government departments and FTSE 100
companies including The Crown Estate,
Discovery Channel and Lloyds Banking
Group. Trainees have the opportunity to
work with exceptional clients on
outstanding cases against the backdrop of
Bristol; consistently ranked as having the
highest quality of life in England and Wales.
Its the way we work

that makes us
different
Contact
Frances Lambton
Trainee Solicitor Resourcing
0117 939 2229
frances.lambton@burges-salmon.com
Type of employer
Commercial law firm
Locations
Bristol, London

We are looking to recruit 29 trainee
solicitors to commence their training
contract in 2017. There are also
opportunities to secure a place on one of
our 4, two-week summer vacation schemes
which run from June August, offering the
opportunity to spend time at the firm,
attend skills sessions and presentations
and get to know the current trainees and
solicitors.
How do we select?
Online application forms are available from
1 October 2014 via the trainee solicitors
section of the website (www.burgessalmon.com/careers).
Deadline for 2015 vacation scheme: 14
January 2015. Deadline for 2017 training
contract applications: 31 July 2015.
192 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
650
29
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
WHO SAID
YOU CANT
HAVE IT ALL?
High quality client work,
collective wisdom.
An international outlook,
a collaborative approach.
A firm with a rich history

and a bright future.
Breadth of experience,
early responsibility.
TRAINEE SOLICITORS, BRISTOL

www.burges-salmon.com/careers
@BurgesSalmonTS
Burges Salmon LLP is an equal opportunities employer
UK
300
BuroHappold Engineering
R A N K I N G S
www.burohappoldgraduates.com
For me, BuroHappold is
More about us
We are an international practice that has
grown from a small partnership to a
multidisciplinary engineering consultancy.
We work collaboratively on some of the
most exciting, ground-breaking projects
from across the globe, providing innovative
and inspiring engineering design for the
built environment.
a great company to work

for. You feel looked after
and that your opinion
counts... your ideas are
The most important thing about

BuroHappold Engineering is our people.
Working with limitless passion and
enthusiasm for what we do, we approach
every project with creativity and technical
perception, always delivering exceptional
value to our clients. By joining our team, you
will become one of the many talented
individuals that define us.
heard, valued and very

often used. Thats why I
think its so good for
graduates.
Contact
BuroHappold Engineering
Camden Mill
Lower Bristol Road
Bath
BA2 3DQ
Tel: 01225 320600
graduates@burohappold.com
Follow us on Twitter: @burohappold
Type of employer
A global community of driven, world leading
engineering professionals
Locations
Various locations across the UK and globally
including: London, Bath, Leeds, Edinburgh,
Berlin, Warsaw, Los Angeles, New York, Hong
Kong, Dubai and Mumbai
194 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

If you are looking for a practice that offers
new challenges every day, that gives you
direct input into live projects and that
always pushes you to be the best you can
possibly be, then our graduate opportunities
have been designed with you in mind. We
currently have a number of vacancies
across our international network of offices.
How do we select?
The first step is to complete an online
application form at
www.burohappoldgraduates.com. If you are
successful you will be contacted to take
part in a telephone interview and will then
be invited to attend one of our regional
offices for an interview.
Number of employees
1600+
70+ globally
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
www.burohappoldgraduates.com
Haramain High Speed Rail, KSA Image dbox / Foster + Partners
UK
300
Cancer Research UK
R A N K I N G S
4th Charity and not-for-profit
44th In the top 300
www.cruk.org.uk/graduates
More about us
We are the worlds leading cancer charity,
dedicated to working collectively to save
more lives, create more tomorrows and
dispel the fear of cancer. We are smart,
brave and innovative people, all united in
our relentless pursuit of beating cancer,
always challenging ourselves and each
other to achieve more.
I could not have

imagined being part of
such a motivated and
courageous team, with
so many opportunities
to learn and be involved
with every aspect of the
charity
At Cancer Research UK, our progress is your

progress. Our culture is about passion,
ambition and groundbreaking work. If youre
smart, brave, engaging and optimistic, were
sure well be right for you.
Jenny, grad scheme

participant.
Contact
Graduate@cancer.org.uk
Type of employer
Charity / Not for profit.
Locations
Angel Islington, London

Our graduate scheme offers a choice of six
different streams in areas that are vital to
our work: Corporate Resources; Finance;
Fundraising and Marketing; IT and Digital;
Science Research and Funding; & Policy
Information and Communications.
Wherever you want your career to take you,
you can get there with us.
How do we select?
After the initial shortlisting of online
applications, candidates will be invited for a
telephone interview. If successful, they will
then be asked to attend an assessment
centre which will involve a presentation,
panel interview and group exercises.
196 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
3,500+
8
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
AMBITIOUS
FAST-PACED
SMART
INSPIRING
DRIVING
CHANGE
SHARP
UNITED
PIONEERING
CHALLENGING
VERSATILE
LIFE-SAVING PERCEPTIONS
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS HELPING TO BEAT CANCER.
For your chance to experience it, go to cruk.org/graduates
UK
300
CGI
R A N K I N G S
www.cgi-group.co.uk
More about us
CGI was founded in 1976 by 26-year-old
entrepreneurs Serge Godin and Andr
Imbeau. The two started the company in the
basement of Serges home with one client,
one phone and a lot of ambition.
By the end of their first year, CGI had
generated C$138,000 in revenue. From that
point on, CGI grew consistently year after
year, whereby now C$138,000 of revenue is
generated every few minutes by our
dedicated global workforce.
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the 5th
CGI now has over 68,000 employees

working in 40 countries and is the 5th
largest IT services company in the world.
largest independent information technology and

business process services firm in the world
Contact
www.cgi-group.co.uk/careers
ukstudents@cgi.com
Type of employer
IT Services, IT Consultancy
Locations
Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Bridgend, Bristol,
Manchester, Birmingham, Reading,
Leatherhead

CGI look year round for talented IT and
business graduates. We have vacancies in
roles as diverse as Space and Defence to Bid
Management, Cyber-Security to Project
Management. The best thing about joining us
is that while you may start in one of these
areas, the opportunity to move internally is
huge, so you can take control of your career
from day 1.
Our graduates have worked on top-secret
national security projects, they have send
satellites to Mars, helped win multi-million
pound projects and ensured that all our
projects are planned and executed to the
standards our clients have come to expect.
How do we select?
Online application & inductive reasoning test
followed by Assessment Centre, including
written and group assessment and a
competency/strengths based interview
198 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
68,000
100
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
CHOOSE
sustainability
CHOOSE
CHOOSE
innovation
CHOOSE
excitement
CHOOSE
Your
Future
CHOOSE
development
Careers in
IT and
business
Connect with us:
www.cgi-group.co.uk/careers
@CGI_UK_Students
www.facebook.com/CGIUKStudents
UK
300
CHP Consulting
R A N K I N G S
9th Consulting
www.chpconsulting.com
More about us
CHPs aim is to help asset finance
companies improve their business
performance by implementing our software
- ALFA Systems - and applying our wideranging experience of the industry. Our bluechip clients reap the benefits of CHPs finest
assets: our people. We are extremely proud
of our track record of successful projects, a
testament to the skills, experience and
knowledge of our consultants, who develop
organically through the company from
graduate joiner to senior manager. We are
proud to say our achievements as a
company are backed up by the awards we
hold, such as Investors in People, Best
Companies and Top Companies for
Graduates to Work For.
Join a company with

a small feel but big
aspirations. Enjoy early
responsibility, the
opportunity to travel
and a great work-life
balance.
Contact
Gillian Bray, HR Manager
recruit@chp.co.uk
020 7920 2722
20 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7JE
Type of employer
IT Consultancy
Locations
Based in London with operations in the US,
Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
200 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Our junior consultants are recruited from
graduates of the highest calibre across all
disciplines. New recruits are given an
intensive induction into the asset finance
industry, software development and
consultancy skills, before being assigned to
a project where they can put their training
into practice.
How do we select?
Apply online where you can upload your CV
and covering letter. The interviews come in
three stages; telephone interview, face-toface interview with a member of the HR
team and a Senior Manager and then final
interview with two members of our
Operational Board. During this process we
are looking to get to know you and ensure
making you a part of CHP is a good fit for
both parties.
Number of employees
200
2025
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
You have seven balls and two bags.

Using all of the balls, can you arrange it so that each bag contains an odd number of balls?
AN IT CONSULTANCY FOR PEOPLE WHO ENGAGE THEIR BRAINS.

Super geek, people person or business brain?
CHP employs graduates and professionals from many disciplines. Do you have
what it takes to be a top Java programmer? Do you make managing complex
projects look easy? Could your ideas make leading companies more profitable?
CHP is established in the UK, US, Asia-Pacific and throughout Europe. You will
be based in our London City office and go on to work in a variety of roles on
projects with some of the worlds leading leasing and asset finance companies.
We will train you so that youre able to work on any part of our business change
projects, building and implementing our industry-leading software.
You will have an outstanding academic background including a 2:1 degree or
better and a minimum of 320 UCAS points. You will be curious, have a logical
mind, and be confident, ambitious and ready for a challenge.
Starting salary is 40k with a 5k sign-on bonus, and you will join one of our
graduate intakes throughout the year. Find out more about opportunities with
CHP Consulting at www.chp.co.uk/careers.
UK
300
Cisco
R A N K I N G S
http://jobs.cisco.com
More about us
For years, Ciscos vision has been to change
the way the world works, lives, plays, and
learns. Our vision is more relevant today
than ever. We made the Internet what it is
today. First, we focused on creating
connectivity. Now, were entering the
Internet of Everything transitionan era
where well help create unprecedented
value by connecting the unconnected.
Join us and
help us become
the #1 IT company
The Internet of Everything is a global

industry phenomenon that is driving the
biggest market transition for Cisco and our
customers. This includes the intelligent
connection of people, process, data, and
things. Its where everything is converged
on the Internet, making networked
connections more relevant and valuable
than before.
in the world.
Contact
https://www.facebook.com/CiscoUniversity
Jobs
https://twitter.com/ciscojobs
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/c
areers

ASE (Associate Systems Engineer)
Number of employees
73,834 world wide
ASR (Associate Sales Representative)

100 in Europe and Emerging markets
aNCE (Associate Network consulting

Engineer)
aPM (Associate Project Manager)
Type of employer
Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking
that transforms how people connect,
communicate, and collaborate
Locations
UK, Germany, UAE ,Saudi ,Oman ,South
Africa, Poland, Russia, Iraq, Turkey, Kenya,
Nigeria, Egypt, Kazakhstan ,Finland,
Netherlands, France, Greece, Israel, Italy,
Portugal, Spain
202 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
How do we select?
http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac40/abo
ut_cisco_careers_hiring.html

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Our vision is to change the way the world works, lives, plays, and learns. We are proud of the part that
we have played in making the Internet what it is today. Were entering the next era of the Internet, the
Internet of Everything, an era where well create unprecedented value by connecting the unconnected.
Its a global industry phenomenon, driving the biggest market transition for Cisco and our customers
through the intelligent connection of people, process, data, and things. Its where everything is
converged on the Internet, making networked connections more relevant and valuable than ever before.
Through our commitment to inclusion and diversity we create a great place to work for our teams and
provide them with opportunities to gain a better understanding of the world. We are looking for Interns
and new Graduates from Business and IT faculties, who are excited by the future and understand the
value of connecting the world. #TOMORROW starts here!
To find out more: cisco.com

m/careers
2014 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
University Connection
Join the Conversation:
facebook.com/CiscoUniversityJobs
UK
300
Citi
R A N K I N G S
investment
82nd In the top 300
www.oncampus.citi.com
More about us
Here, we are the leading global financial
services company. In our 200 year
heritage, we have grown to service over 200
million customer accounts, in over 160
countries. Our global impact is down to our
exceptional people. They are the ones
whose passion, entrepreneurship and
creativity has taken us this far, and who will
continue to shape our future.
Our graduates help us

shape the future of
banking
Contact
campus.queries@citi.com
Type of employer
Financial Services
Locations
Europe, Middle East and Africa

Citi offers full-time, placement and
internship opportunities across a number of
its business areas, including Investment
Banking, Corporate Banking, Capital Markets
Origination, Markets and Securities Services,
Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS),
Investment Research, Private Bank, Risk
Management, Human Resources, Operations
and Technology. Citi also offers insight
programmes enabling students in their first
year (or in their second year of a four year
course) to experience first-hand the Citi
culture and environment. Graduates
interested in this industry with drive,
commitment and a passion for learning are
encouraged to apply
How do we select?
Online application
Online testing
First round interviews
Assessment centre
204 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
260,000 globally
250+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
start your
career
here
Are you bright and ambitious?
Do you relish a challenge?
Do you want to work in a global
company that encourages
innovation and diversity?
Then consider Citi.
Here at Citi we provide one of the best
graduate training programmes in the
industry. So whatever your background,
you can excel with us!
Whether youre a student in your first
or final year, we have a programme for
you. Visit our website to learn how to
start your career at Citi.
your place is here
/citigradsEMEA
oncampus.citi.com
2014 Citibank, N.A. All rights reserved. Citi and Arc Design is a trademark and service mark of Citigroup Inc., used and registered throughout the world.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Citigroup Inc. is an equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V.
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
2nd Public sector
11th In the top 300
www.faststream.civilservice.gov.uk
More about us
For more than 65 years weve been
recruiting talented people to lead the Civil
Service. During that time, the Fast Stream
has never stopped creating new ways of
developing and supporting leaders who
embody the highest levels of
professionalism, integrity and impartiality.
The Fast Stream is ranked among the top
five Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.
Join it and, whichever way you lead, youll
begin to build the kind of career that will
have a real impact on the most important
and exciting issues facing the country.
I want to have an
impact on people not
just the bottom line.
Ailsa Harris, Generalist
Fast Stream
Contact
www.facebook.com/faststream
www.faststream.civilservice.gov.uk
Type of employer
Central government
Locations
Nationwide
There are eight core Fast Stream options:
Generalist; Commercial and Finance;
Analytical; European; Government
Communications Service; Northern Ireland;
Digital and Technology; and Human
Resources. Each Stream consists of
challenging placements at the heart of
government, all backed up by carefully
designed support, mentoring and accredited
training options.
206 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
How do we select?
You should apply online via the Civil Service
Fast Stream website. For most streams,
youll be asked to complete Online Selection
Tests. Successful applicants complete an
online e-Tray exercise, and if you pass you
are invited to attend a final assessment
centre. Some Streams have a final selection
board or assessment following this. We
believe a diverse workforce enhances
effectiveness and performance by better
reflecting the aspirations, experiences and
needs of the people they serve.
Number of employees
420,000
Annual intake of approximately 700+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Education. Health. Justice. Employment. Defence. Transport. Climate change.

International development. Foreign affairs. If the government has a policy on
something, it is guaranteed that Fast Streamers are working at the heart of it,
putting their brains and their skills at the disposal of the whole of society.
The Civil Service Fast Stream offers the kind of leadership training you simply
cant have anywhere else. Choose from an exciting range of generalist and
specialist streams with a programme thats ranked among the top ten of
The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.
Learn more: faststream.civilservice.gov.uk
UK
300
Clifford Chance
R A N K I N G S
3rd Law solicitors
46th In the top 300
www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk
More about us
Our practice is diverse and dynamic and we
are regularly singled out for the quality of
our client service and legal expertise.
WHILE OUR GOALS
Clifford Chances recent recognition

includes, No.1 International Law Firm
(Chambers Global Top 30 2014), Banking &
Finance Law Firm of the Year (Chambers
Global Awards 2014), International Law Firm
of the Year (IFLR Europe Awards 2014), and
Private Equity Team of the Year (Legal
Business Awards 2014).
UNITE US, OUR

DIVERSITY OF TALENT
SETS US APART.
TOGETHER WE ARE
To join us, youll need to share our ambition

and our willingness to grasp new
opportunities and enjoy being part of an
exceptional team, helping businesses and
individuals succeed in increasingly complex
and global markets.
CLIFFORD CHANCE.
Contact
graduate.recruitment@CliffordChance.com
Type of employer
Clifford Chance is an elite, international law
firm.
Locations
Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona,
Beijing, Brussels, Bucharest, Casablanca,
Doha, Dubai, Dsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong
Kong, Istanbul, Jakarta, Kyiv, London,
Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Moscow,
Munich, New York, Paris, Perth, Prague,
Rome, Riyadh, So Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai,
Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Warsaw,
Washington DC
208 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Clifford Chance is a firm of exceptional
lawyers drawn from a wide range of
backgrounds there is no one type here.
Instead, we aim to recruit people who can
help us to give our clients a competitive
edge in challenging situations. Were
interested in people who have the potential
to become outstanding lawyers
regardless of what degree subject studied
at university.
How do we select?
Youll first complete an online application
form and then a verbal reasoning test. If you
pass the test, your application will be
reviewed against our core competencies.
Top performing candidates will be invited to
an assessment day which includes two
hour-long interviews (one competency, one
case study) and a Watson Glaser Critical
Reasoning test.
Number of employees
6,163 worldwide
100
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
WORK ON BILLION-DOLLAR,
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL DEALS.
JOIN A FIRM THATS FAMOUS
FOR DOING WHATS NEVER
BEEN DONE BEFORE. BECOME
PART OF A GLOBAL ELITE.
TOGETHER WE ARE
CLIFFORD CHANCE.
When you start your career in law at Clifford Chance,

you become part of something. We share an ambition
that has fuelled our growth around the world and our
ability to tackle some of the most complex and fascinating
legal issues facing the world today. As a trainee, youll
be an integral member of the team shaping those deals.
Youll work hard. Youll push yourself. Youll feel the rewards.
Because it may be our goals that unite us, but its our diversity
of talent that sets us apart.
TOGETHER WE ARE CLIFFORD CHANCE www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk
UK
300
Clyde & Co LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.careers.clydeco.com/trainees
More about us
Clyde & Co is a global law firm with a
pioneering heritage and a resolute focus on
its core sectors of aviation, energy,
infrastructure, insurance, marine, and trade.
With over 1,400 lawyers operating from 37
offices and associated offices in six
continents, the firm advises corporates,
financial institutions, private individuals,
and governments. The firm has a reputation
for its work in emerging markets, being the
largest international firm in the Middle East
and with a rapidly expanding network
across Asia, Latin America and Africa.
Clydes overseas
trailblazing alone
should be enough to
warrant a certain
degree of recognition
(American Lawyer,
2014)
Contact
Caroline Walsh
Head of Legal Trainee Recruitment and
Development
0207 876 5555
theanswers@clydeco.com
@ClydeCoGrads
Type of employer
Global law firm
Locations
Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Beijing, Cape Town,
Caracas, Chongqing, Dar es Salaam, Doha,
Dubai, Guildford, Hong Kong, Jakarta*,
Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Manchester,
Melbourne, Montreal, Mumbai*, Nantes, New
Delhi*, New Jersey, New York, Newport
Beach, Oxford, Paris, Perth, Piraeus, Riyadh*,
Sao Paulo, San Francisco, Shanghai,
Singapore, St Petersburg*, Sydney, Toronto,
Tripoli.
*associate offices. A further two offices in Cape Town
and Johannesburg opening later in 2014.
210 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We offer training contracts and two-week
vacation placements, one at Easter and two
in the summer. You will gain early
responsibility and be supported through
close personal supervision and day-to-day
coaching complemented by a wide range of
training courses. During the training
contract you will undertake four six-month
seats in the UK, which will cover both
transactional and contentious work. There is
also an opportunity to be seconded to one
of our overseas offices or to a client.
How do we select?
Applications are made by completing an
online application form. The assessment
day includes two drafting exercises, a pitch
presentation and interview with the
graduate recruitment panel made up of
partners, senior associates and legal
directors.
Number of employees
1,400+
4550
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Wider
Perspectives
37 offices worldwide
1,440 lawyers
Develop your career with a leading
international law firm.
clydeco.com
theanswers@clydeco.com
twitter.com/ClydeCoGrads/
UK
300
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.cms-cmck.com/targetjobs
Were looking for trainee
More about us
CMS is the leading organisation of European
law firms, which includes CMS Cameron
McKenna. We advise on a wide range of
transactions and issues, meaning that our
clients benefit from working with teams that
really understand their needs and concerns.
solicitors who have talent,

energy, ambition and
commitment - and who
We have six practice groups: banking and

international finance; commercial;
corporate; energy; projects and
construction; insurance and reinsurance
and real estate.
want to play part in our

continued success. You
will need to have flair,
Our industry focus groups are: consumer

products; energy and utilities; financial
institutions & services; hotels & leisure;
infrastructure & project finance;
lifesciences; real estate & construction; and
technology, media & telecoms (TMT).
creativity, the ability to

make things happen and a
real interest in business.
Contact
Mitre House, 160 Aldersgate Street, London,
EC1A 4DD
Tel: 02073673000
gradrec@cms-cmck.com
Type of employer
Law
Locations
London, Bristol, Scotland, and Central and
Eastern Europe.

We offer both Training Contracts and
Vacation Schemes.
Training Contracts: Over two years you will
undertake four six month seats in different
practice areas including a six month
secondment at one of our UK offices, Client
Secondment or European offices.
Vacation Scheme: Our schemes give you the
opportunity to spend two weeks with us,
finding out more about our firm and what
its like to be a trainee. Youll work with
supervisors on live matters across different
practice areas, and participate in
presentations, workshops and social
events.
How do we select?
Whats involved: Online application form and
psychometric test, HR interview,
presentation, analysis and group exercises
and a partner interview.
212 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
5,500 globally
80
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Experiencing
different cultures.
For me, thats
why CMS stands
for more.
Priya | Energy team
Training contracts
Vacation schemes
For Priya, who spent part of her
traineeship with Erste Bank in
Vienna, a CMS career has meant
gaining experience of the world as
well as gaining experience of the law.
This is just one of the ways we offer
our graduates more.
www.cms-cmck.com/targetjobs
Stand for more
UK
300
Credit Suisse
R A N K I N G S
investment
96th In the top 300
www.credit-suisse.com/careers
More about us
Credit Suisse is a global financial services
company providing a broad range of advisory
services, comprehensive solutions and
excellent products through two global
divisions, Private Banking & Wealth
Management and Investment Banking. We
serve companies, institutions and private
clients around the world. As a stable company
with a long banking tradition, we are one of
the most respected banks in the world,
recognized by industry publications for our
continued excellence and leading position in
many key markets around the world.
Were looking for

people who show
vision, enthusiasm
and leadership.
Credit Suisse is active in more than 50

countries and employs over 46,000 people.
Since our founding in 1856, we have
continuously set new standards in service
and advice, and created intelligent solutions
in response to changing client needs. We
are renowned for our expertise and valued
for our advice, innovation and execution.
Contact
facebook.com/creditsuissecareers
linkedin.com/company/credit-suisse
Type of employer
Investment Bank
Locations
Today, the firms European operations are
based in London and Zurich; the firm has
additional European offices in Amsterdam,
Frankfurt, Istanbul, Kiev, Madrid, Milan,
Moscow, Paris, and Wrcolaw, and an office in
Dubai.

We offer entry-level programs in a variety of
business areas. Our programs give you the
chance to make a difference from day one,
and provide world-class training and
support to help you to develop into a future
business leader. Whichever program you
choose, youll contribute to projects that
have a significant impact on our business,
while building your own expertise. And
throughout your career with us, you will
benefit from cross-business and
international mobility opportunities.
How do we select?
You apply with your CV and Cover Letter and
then will be sent a numerical and verbal
test. If succesful you will then attend
assestment centres
214 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
46,000
150+ graduate jobs
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Calling all...
Industry Shapers
Idea Igniters
Agile Entrepreneurs
the
future
at work
We look for future

leaders with a wide
range of interests,
backgrounds, and
degrees.
To learn more about careers

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credit-suisse.com/careers
Credit Suisse is committed to a professional

and inclusive work environment where all
individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Credit Suisse is an equal opportunity employer.
2014 CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or
LWVDIOLDWHV$OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG
UK
300
Deloitte
R A N K I N G S
2nd Accounting and financial
management
16th In the top 300
deloitte.co.uk/careers
More about us
With more and more projects focused on
technology and the latest digital
developments, Deloitte approaches every
client with a clear eye on the future. Its that
vision that enables them to help the biggest
businesses make some of their biggest
decisions, tackle the most complex
operations, and lead the leading edge.
Our approach combines

insight and innovation
from multiple
disciplines with
Whats more, the firms advisory expertise is

as broad as it is deep, extending to entire
sectors and industries from travel to retail,
entertainment, government, charities and
life sciences, to name just a few.
business and industry

knowledge to help our
clients excel anywhere
in the world.
Contact
deloitte.co.uk/careers
facebook.com/yourfutureatdeloitteuk
twitter.com/deloitteukgrads
linkedin.com/company/deloitte-uk
youtube.com/deloittecareersuk
Type of employer
Professional Services offering advisory
careers in Audit, Tax, Consulting, Corporate
Finance and Technology.
Locations
In 21 offices across the UK:
Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol,
Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Gatwick,
Glasgow, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey,
Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester,
Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading,
Southampton, St Albans
216 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Focus on the future extends to the firms
people, too. Join in Audit Tax, Consulting,
Corporate Finance or Technology, and youll
be exposed to a range of business areas
and gain experience of interesting, inspiring
work. Youll also receive expert training and
support from some of the best minds in
business, helping you to build an enviable
career.
Deloitte offer a range of opportunities for
students. You could join the graduate
scheme or one of Deloittes work experience
schemes (available in both spring and
summer), or the industrial placement
programme.
How do we select?
Online application, Online testing, First
interview, Final interview
Number of employees
14,000 in the UK
1,200
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Behind the
biggest figures
in sport.
And the
brightest futures
in business.
Each year, we draw on the combined expertise of specialists from across

Deloitte to determine the business drivers and financial trends among the
top European football clubs. The Football Money League report we
produce on the back of their knowledge provides an incredible insight
into how the game is run - and is another fine example of what makes
Deloitte such a fascinating place to develop your career. Join us on one of
our work experience programmes, an industrial placement or after you
graduate, and youll be inspired to develop new skills, gain new insights
and make amazing things happen for our clients. And all the while, well
help you achieve some pretty impressive goals of your own.
www.deloitte.co.uk/careers
$GYLVRU\FDUHHUVLQ$XGLW7D[&RQVXOWLQJ&RUSRUDWH)LQDQFH7HFKQRORJ\
2014 Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is an equal opportunities employer.

0HPEHURI'HORLWWH7RXFKH7RKPDWVX/LPLWHG
UK
300
DHL
R A N K I N G S
7th Logistics, transport and
supply chain
www.dhl-graduates.com
More about us
DHL is the global market leader in the
logistics industry. We commit our expertise
in international express, air and ocean
freight, road and rail transportation, contract
logistics and international mail.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. A global
network composed of more than 220
countries and territories and 470,000
employees. The Group generated revenue of
55 billion euros in 2013.
DHL THE Logistics

Company for the World.
Contact
graduate@dhl.com
Type of employer
Logistics & Transport
Locations
UK nationwide

DHL has opportunities for graduates within
Operations Management and Functional
Programmes. All DHL graduates complete a
structured programme, with on-the-job
training supported with a framework of
development modules focusing on
leadership skills and personal development.
There are also opportunities to support
community and environmental projects.
Visit our website to understand which
programmes we offer and how they can
help your career take a flying start.
How do we select?
The process includes Online Application
Online Testing (programme specific)
Telephone Interview
Number of employees
470,000 (Deutsche Post DHL)
40+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
Assessment Centre
218 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com
Deutsche Post DHL The Mail & Logistics Group
GRADUATE CAREERS: CREATING

FUTURE LEADERS TODAY
2015 graduate opportunities online now
The DHL Graduate Programme provides a proven route to career success.
You can discover more about the outstanding opportunities currently available online.
For 2015, were looking for future leaders to join our Operations and Functional programmes.
So, make DHL your first choice and start looking forward to a bright future by applying today.
www.dhl-graduates.com
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
www.dialog-semiconductor.com
More about us
Dialog Semiconductor creates highly
integrated, mixed-signal integrated circuits
(ICs), optimised for personal portable, low
energy short-range wireless, LED solid state
lighting and automotive applications. With
its focus and expertise in energy-efficient
system power management and a
technology portfolio that also includes
audio, short-range wireless, AC/DC power
conversion and multi-touch, Dialog brings
decades of experience to the rapid
development of ICs for personal portable
and digital consumers applications,
including smartphones, tablets, Ultrabooks
and digital cordless phones.
Contact
Lauren Kennaugh
lauren.kennaugh@diasemi.com
Apply online: http://www.dialogsemiconductor.com/careers
Type of employer
Semiconductor - Mixed Signal Integrated
Circuits
Locations
Dialog Semiconductor has offices in the UK,
Germany, Austria, China, Greece, Italy,
Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan,
the Netherlands, Turkey, and USA.
Do you want to make a difference with your
career? Are you enthusiastic, driven, and
dedicated to achieving excellence?
220 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
We are seeking proactive, commercially

aware, and technically excellent individuals
who are looking to forge a career with one of
the most successful companies within the
field of mixed-signal integrated circuits.
Graduates are taken on across most of the
engineering functions. They will participate
in a Graduate Development Programme,
covering not only the technical parts of the
role, but also personal, business and
management development. We are
committed to delivering a full and varied
programme, ensuring continual career-long
development.
How do we select?
Online application, initial phone interview,
follow-up face to face interview with both
technical and non-technical elements and
HR interview.
Number of employees
1,000+
20+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
DSTL (Defence Science Technology Laboratory)
R A N K I N G S
manufacturing
98th In the top 300
www.facebook.com/dstlearlycareers
More about us
The Defence Science and Technology
Laboratory (Dstl) maximises the impact of
science and technology on UK defence and
security across government.
The Defence Science

and Technology
Laboratory (Dstl)
and Technology on
We work with the best people with the best

ideas from small companies to worldclass universities, large defence companies
and even other nations. Together we
develop battle-winning technologies, based
on deep and widespread research,
supporting UK military operations now and
in the future.
UK defence and
Some work is sensitive, operationally critical

or international in nature.
maximises the
impact of Science
Our work covers a range of disciplines

including social science, mathematics and
engineering, including research, advice,
consultancy, technical and systems risk
management.
security across
government.
Contact
GRADUATES@dstl.gov.uk
Type of employer
Research & Development - government
Locations
Dstl Porton Down, near Salisbury
Dstl Portsdown West, near Portsmouth
Dstl Fort Halstead, near Sevenoaks

Dstl recruits around 80 graduates and
postgraduates each year to join its two-year
graduate development programme from a
range of scientific and technology
disciplines and backgrounds including
applied sciences, physical sciences,
engineering, biological and health sciences,
and research and development.
How do we select?
Applications to be submitted online.
Candidates will be invited to attend an
Assessment centre if successful.
222 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
3,500
Approx. 80
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
DEFENCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY
For Technology.
For Science.
For Defence.
This is where it begins.
Dstl is a vital agency of the Ministry of Defence. We tackle some of the worlds
most challenging science and technology issues head on. Our innovation
and advice pushes boundaries to solve problems for the UK Government,
Armed Forces and Security Services. Its work that takes us from the front
line to the bottom of the ocean, making the impossible possible, saving lives.
Every year we hire UK graduates from a wide range of backgrounds. If youve
a strong academic record you could be one of them. The training and
development opportunities youll receive ensure you build a thriving
career, while enjoying real balance in your life. And youll make use of the
capabilities youve already developed on work that is demanding, exciting,
rewarding. Work that is essential to national security. Work that matters.
Due to the nature of our work, these roles are only available to UK
nationals and are subject to security clearance.
www.facebook.com/dstlearlycareers
UK
300
Dyson
R A N K I N G S
manufacture
78th In the top 300
www.careers.dyson.com/graduates
James Dyson
More about us
21 years ago, Dyson began with a single
thought: a vacuum that wouldnt lose
suction. It seems obvious now, but
revolutionary at the time. And its this fresh
thinking that we still crave today. Beyond
the bagless vacuum cleaner, Dyson
engineers have developed bladeless fans,
high speed hand dryers & the Dyson Digital
motor. Today Dyson invest 3m a week
developing new technology and ideas.
Challenging convention
Truly original ideas
come to life when people
dare to be different. Its a
combination of inventive
engineering, passion for
technology and brave
design.
Contact
Email Graduate Recruitment via
cv@dyson.com
Dyson Facebook
Dyson Twitter
Type of employer
Engineering, technology and innovation
Locations
Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Weve roles in all departments: Research,
Design and Development (RDD); Marketing
and Creative; Communications; Finance and
Business. Attitude is more important than
experience. We look for bright, intelligent
and articulate people those who wont
ever give up.
How do we select?
Look at www.careers.dyson.com/graduates
for a list of vacancies. Youll then need to
apply online with a CV and cover letter
outlining your interest in the chosen
opportunity.
Next steps vary but well review your
application and if successful there would
typically be a short telephone interview,
online ability testing and an assessment
centre.
224 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
4300+
70-100 Graduate and undergraduate
opportunities
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
FAILURES WANTED.
We made over 2,000 prototypes when developing our latest vacuum.
Thats over 2,000 machines that werent quite right, and then just one that was.
But thats how we do things at Dyson. We relish failures. Each one pushes us on
to try something new. Every mistake leads to an improvement and ultimately,
an invention. If youre bold enough to get things wrong, apply here:
www.careers.dyson.com
UK
300
E.ON
R A N K I N G S
5th Energy and utilities
81st In the top 300
eonenergy.com/graduates
More about us
Every day, millions of people across the
world depend on us for safe, affordable and
reliable energy, at home and at work. That
makes E.ON one of the UKs top energy
companies. With our industry evolving
faster than ever, we need to ensure were
leading the change. And its our people who
are making it happen. Were a team that
works together to come up with bright ideas.
That means were always looking at new and
better ways of making energy, including
renewables like wind, biomass and marine.
And, were always finding new ways to help
customers use less energy and keep their
bills down.
I was attracted to E.ON because I

wanted to be part of an energy
company that can really make a
difference to the sector and
thats exactly what E.ON is able to
offer. They also offered me great
training opportunities and the
chance to work internationally.
Jonathan Sedgwick, Science and
Engineering Excellence Scheme
Contact
Email: gradrecruitment@eon-uk.com
Website: eonenergy.com/graduates
Type of employer
One of the UKs leading energy companies
Locations
UK Nationwide with international
placements available on some schemes

On the commercial side, you can start your
career with us in one of six schemes:
Finance, IT & Business Change, HR,
Marketing, Sales & Service or International
Business Management. We also have three
schemes for engineers: Engineering,
Science & Engineering Excellence and
Exploration & Production. You will have the
chance to gain professional qualifications,
great training and broad experience as you
move around the business at home and
abroad.
How do we select?
Online application and questionnaire
Online testing
First interview
Assessment centre
226 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
12,000 in the UK
4550
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Sharing ideas
with our most
senior leaders
If not you, then who?
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Find out more about our diverse range of

programmes at eonenergy.com/graduates
Helping our customers.

Were on it.
UK
300
EDF Energy
R A N K I N G S
3rd Energy and utilities
45th In the top 300
www.edfenergy.com/graduates
More about us
EDF Energy wants to make energy better:
fairer, simpler, cleaner and more affordable.
As the largest generator of low-carbon
electricity in the UK, were perfectly placed
to tackle some of the energy industrys
greatest challenges, including climate
change and security of supply. Graduates
who join EDF Energy will help make a
sustainable future a reality. This is work you
can feel good about and youll feel good
doing it too, in a working culture thats
committed to being more inclusive, more
diverse and more empowering.
Youll realise your

ambitions.
Together well shape a
better tomorrow.
Contact
yourfuture@edfenergy.com
Type of employer
EDF Energy is the UKs largest producer of
low-carbon electricity.
Locations
UK Wide
EDF Energy is sponsoring
The TARGETjobs
Low Carbon Undergraduate
of the Year 2015

From the technical challenges of
maintaining nuclear power stations to the
commercial aspects of managing a fastgrowing business, programmes cover civil,
electrical, mechanical, materials and
chemical engineering; physics, chemistry,
mathematics and environmental science;
finance, HR, supply chain, sustainability and
energy analysis.
How do we select?
Our selection process starts with an online
application followed by online tests and a
telephone interview. Successful applicants
will then take part in an assessment day
and a face-to-face interview.
Number of employees
15,000
Around 60
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
To find out more and apply visit:
undergraduateoftheyear.com/lowcarbon
228 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com
YOULL DISCOVER
YOUR PATH.
TOGETHER WELL
MAKE ENERGY BETTER.
Exceptional opportunities for graduates
from all disciplines.
Its time to make a dierence and feel good about it.
To apply fresh thinking and see your ideas in action.
To dene the UK energy industry for generations to
come. Perhaps youre up for the engineering challenge
of building our nuclear future. Or maybe the commercial,
logistical and human aspects of managing a fast-growing
business are more your thing. Whichever route you
choose, expect a rewarding journey with EDF Energy.
Find out more at edfenergy.com/graduates
UK
300
EE
R A N K I N G S
http://jobs.ee.co.uk/work-at-ee/new-talent/graduates
Ive enjoyed every moment of the
More about us
Were EE. And our vision is to provide the
best network and best service so our
customers trust us with their digital lives.
Were doing that by building a new digital
backbone for Britain and offering a great
experience to every customer. But we can
only achieve our vision with a great team
that includes smart, talented graduates
whom well empower, challenge, support
and reward. Thats why the Sunday Times
named us one of the Best Big Companies to
Work For. But why take their word for it?
Come and see for yourself.
graduate scheme. EE is an exciting

company and we are doing really
interesting, influential projects.
They have actually adopted the
marketing strategy for one million
upgrading customers that we
presented to the business. It
really shows how much they value
us.
Fleur Millar, Graduate
Contact
http://jobs.ee.co.uk/work-at-ee/newtalent/graduates
Type of employer
Telecommunications
Locations
UK wide

Its a seriously exciting time to be part of EE.
We have huge plans and need graduates
with the belief and passion to make them
happen. There are eight graduate paths in
total each focusing on a different area of
the business, but all lasting two years and
consisting of four six-month rotations. Come
and be EE.
How do we select?
The selection process depends entirely on
which role youre going for. You can read
about our different opportunities and how
we choose people at jobs.ee.co.uk.
230 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
Circa 14,000
20 per year
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
WELL
BE BACK
SEE YOU
IN 2015
EE is among the UKs top 300 graduate employers and were going
to be back next year. Its a fantastic feeling to be among the best and
brightest. But as a talented graduate, youll already know all about that.
Well empower, challenge, support and reward you whilst you help us
achieve our vision of providing the best network and best service to
our customers. Join us and help make EE the most advanced digital
communications company in Britain. Come and be EE.
Visit jobs.ee.co.uk for more information.
UK
300
Enterprise Rent A Car
R A N K I N G S
www.enterprisealive.co.uk/targetjobs
More about us
Add an annual turnover of over $16.4 billion
to a rental and leasing fleet made up of
more than one million vehicles spread
across some 8,100 locations worldwide and
you get Enterprise Rent-A-Car a business
thats grown into the largest car rental
company in the world. Our approach is
simple. We empower our people to take
control of their work and career. Thats then
coupled with an unwavering commitment to
customers. Its a combination that has made
Enterprise a real success story and a truly
special place to work.
One of the things I love most

about Enterprise is how
closely our values align to
reality; in particular our
doors are open. Being made
to feel welcome is very
important, as it tends to keep
customers coming back for
more and thats one of the
reasons why Enterprise is so
successful.
Contact
Ashley Hever
Ashley.V.Hever@ehi.com
Type of employer
Management Training Programme
Locations
400 offices throughout England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland

Our Management Training Programme
allows you to develop the skills youll need
to move into senior management. With our
help, youll hone your talents in key areas
such as sales and marketing, customer
service and finance. Its entirely possible to
be a Branch Manager within just two years
of joining, and it really is up to you how fast
you progress.
How do we select?
1. Online application form
2. Meet a recruiter
3. Visit a branch
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is
sponsoring
The TARGETjobs Management

Undergraduate of the Year 2015
4. Assessment day
Number of employees
Over 3,400 in the UK and Ireland
750
Attention to detail
Creativity
Customer service
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
undergraduateoftheyear.com/management
232 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN A GRADUATE
AND A MANAGER?
ABOUT TWO YEARS.
Whether youre looking for an internship, a year-long placement or a graduate scheme,
Enterprise could be the foundation of a great career. You will undertake our awardwinning training in any one of our 400+ locations across the country, providing you with
every opportunity to achieve real success. Find out where your journey could begin at
www.enterprisealive.co.uk/targetjobs
ER
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UK
300
EU Institutions
R A N K I N G S
8th Public sector
39th In the top 300
www.eu-careers.eu
More about us
Based in the heart of Europe, the European
Union Institutions offer a fast-moving multicultural environment and a truly
international career to ambitious and
capable graduates. We serve 500 million
citizens, so you can expect a range of career
options, all with the chance to make a real
and lasting difference.
Looking for a
challenging
career in a truly
Most positions are either in Brussels or

Luxembourg, with 20% of staff in offices
throughout the world. When you apply for an
EU Career, you could be recruited to work for
the European Commission, Council of the
EU, European Parliament, European External
Action Service, European Court of Justice,
European Court of Auditors, as well as other
EU bodies and agencies.
international
environment?
Contact
www.eu-careers.eu
www.facebook.com/EU.Careers.EPSO
www.twitter.com/EU_Careers
www.youtube.com/user/EUCareers
www.linkedin.com/company/3040469
Type of employer
International organisation
Locations
Brussels, Luxembourg and offices in Europe
and worldwide
234 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We offer entry-level positions in various
fields, from law, to economics, or languages.
You could be drafting legislation, helping to
implement EU law, developing
communication strategies, or managing
resources. We look for strong analytical,
communication and team-working skills, a
drive for results, and a potential for
leadership.
How do we select?
We select candidates through open
competition, with a first round of computerbased tests, followed by an assessment
centre in Brussels or Luxembourg. We
normally look for graduates in the spring,
but all EU Institutions offer paid graduate
traineeships throughout the year a great
way to gain a first taste of your future EU
career.
Number of employees
50,000
No fixed quota
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
FACE A BIGGER CHALLENGE

What I really love about my job is that Im working right at the heart of international politics
and at the top of the news agenda. One day I might be live tweeting from a European Council
summit or the G7, and the next working on the Councils long-term social media strategy or
advising upcoming Council presidencies on their social media activities.
I get to travel a lot, speak different languages, and meet new people from all over the world.
But what I really appreciate is how the EU institutions invest in their staff, and the opportunities
to build my career through new skills and experiences.
Alexandra coordinates social media

for the Council of the European Union.
She studied History.
eu-careers.eu
UK
300
Eversheds LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.eversheds.com
At Eversheds, were on an
exhilarating journey to
cement our position as one
of the worlds leading law
firms. Were innovative,
were international and
were committed to getting
our trainees up to speed as
quickly as possible so that
they can be part of the
team that propels us
forward.
Contact
Email gradrec@eversheds.com
Web www.eversheds.com/graduates
Follow us on twitter @legaltrainee
Type of employer
International Commercial Law Firm
Locations
London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff,
Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham
We view our training contracts as the start
of a long and highly rewarding legal career.
We aim to give you the knowledge, tools and
opportunities to make you truly successful.
Our training contracts consist of four seats
of six months over two years. You can also
apply to do a secondment at a client office
or at another Eversheds office in the UK or
internationally.
236 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
More about us
Eversheds is an international law firm with a
clear vision of the future. A firm that is
adapting to new demands and business
pressures. A firm that understands what
clients need today and, equally important
what they will need tomorrow. We have
recognised that the marketplace is
changing, and we have analysed what is
shaping the industries we serve.
Now we are focusing on creative and costeffective solutions that ensure our clients
receive the best service at the best price. It
is an approach that makes Eversheds such
a distinctive and innovative force in the
legal world. It is what makes us 21st century
lawyers.
We recommend trying as many seats as

possible, but if theres one you really want
to experience, well do our best to
accommodate you. Once you qualify, you
will be able to apply for any of the vacancies
on offer.
How do we select?
All applications for vacation schemes and
training contracts must be made online via
the website. The application process is the
same whether you join via a vacation
scheme or apply directly for a training
contract.
Our online application form can be found by
visiting www.eversheds.com.
Apply by 31st January 2015 to be
considered for our summer vacation
scheme.
Number of employees
2,740
55
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
To apply directly for a training contract

your application should be submitted by
July 31st 2015.
guardianuk300.com
A global law firm with a difference
It starts with you

As a growing international law firm, Eversheds has market-leading teams of
legal and business advisors across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. But
international influence is only part of our strength. We are also recognised for
our innovative thinking, our willingness to challenge industry norms and our
client-centred approach to delivering results. This has produced a vibrant career
environment - one that offers you the training, resources and opportunities to
develop your talent and achieve your full potential.
To apply, go to www.eversheds.com/graduates
Applications for 2015 Vacation Scheme and 2016 Training contracts are open from
October 2014.
You can also find out more about some of our office open evenings and campus
events by visiting our website.
Find us, follow us and talk to us @LegalTrainee on:
www.eversheds.com
EVERSHEDS LLP 2014. Eversheds LLP is a limited liability
partnership. DT03795_08/14
UK
300
ExxonMobil
R A N K I N G S
72nd In the top 300
ExxonMobil.com/UKRecruitment
Whether your
More about us
Imagine working for the worlds largest
publicly traded oil and gas company, on
tasks that affect nearly everyone in the
world today and for future generations to
come. ExxonMobil in the UK is better known
for its Esso and Mobil brands due to the
success of its success of its motor fuels and
high performance lubricants.
strengths lie in the

technical or commercial
sides of our business,
every day will be
We offer challenging long-term careers to

high performing graduates, as well as
summer and year placements with real
responsibility!
intellectually
For graduates who are looking for a longterm career that will be challenging,
rewarding and certainly varied, then a
career with ExxonMobil might just be for
them.
challenging.
ExxonMobil UK
Recruitment Advisor
Contact
UK.Vacancies@exxonmobil.com
twitter.com/ExxonMobil_UK
linkedin.com/company/ExxonMobil
youtube.com/ExxonMobil
Type of employer
Oil and Gas Upstream and Downstream
Locations
Global 47 countries
UK Specific Sites:
- Fife, Scotland
- Leatherhead, Surrey
- Fawley, Hampshire
- Newport, Wales
238 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

For the technical schemes, applications are
welcomed from Chemical, Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers with a 2:1 minimum.
For the commercial schemes, applications
from a number of disciplines including
Science/Engineering/IT/Business degrees
with a 2:1 minimum are accepted.
How do we select?
Selection includes Candidate Profile Review,
CV Review, Online Numeracy Testing,
Telephone Interview, Face-to-face Interview
and Assessment Centres (role dependant).
Number of employees
77,000+
No fixed quota
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Ferrero UK
R A N K I N G S
10th Consumer goods
manufacturing and
marketing
http://www.ferrero.co.uk/
asset which is just as
More about us
Present in the UK since 1966 and part of a
leading global company, Ferrero is
recognised for iconic brands such as Ferrero
Rocher, Tic Tac, Nutella and Kinder Surprise:
unique brands which are well loved
throughout the UK.
important as our
Ferrero is a family owned company, with its

origins in Italy.
Our people are an
We enjoy the heritage of being part of a

successful European confectionery group,
but are also importantly adapting to local
consumer needs. With this in mind, we are
continuing to develop the Ferrero story in
the UK.
products.
Michele Ferrero
Visit us at www.ferrero.co.uk
Contact
uk.recruit@ferrero.com
Type of employer
FMCG
Locations
Greater London

As a world leader in the chocolate
confectionery sector, we create enthusiasm
among young and adults through quality,
innovation and passion: these Ferreros
values have helped to make its products
loved by millions of consumers. Today,
together with 22,000 employees working in
32 countries around the world, we work to
maintain these values as high as ever: do
you want to join us, shaping your and our
future success?
How do we select?
Online application
Assessment day
Presentation
240 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

5
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Discover
the taste of
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UK
300
Financial Conduct Authority
R A N K I N G S
www.fcacareers.org.uk
More about us
Weve opened the doors to the new Financial
Conduct Authority. Its not just about being
given new powers and a fresh remit. Our
responsibilities extend to all consumers,
whatever their age or financial
circumstances and whether an individual,
small company or a major participant in the
wholesale markets.
Own what happens

next
This is your chance to explore an exciting

range of career opportunities that will help
us create an environment that supports
good conduct and where incentives and
opportunities for bad behaviour are low and
potential costs are high.
Spotlight on your future
Contact
www.fcacareers.org.uk/graduateopportunities/
Type of employer
In 2013, the Financial Conduct Authority
(FCA) became the new regulator of the UK
financial services industry.
Locations
London

This is a really exciting time to be
considering a career in financial services
regulation. Our programmes offer the
chance to experience working at the heart
of the financial services industry.
With our specially designed graduate
programme, youll gain an unprecedented
helicopter view of the world of financial
services.
How do we select?
In addition to a 2:1 in any degree discipline,
were looking for bright and inquisitive
graduates from all walks of life and cultural
backgrounds to join our graduate
programme.
242 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
c. 3,000
40
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Own what
happens
next
Spotlight on your future
Graduate programme
Find out more and apply online at
www.fcacareers.org.uk
UK
300
FirstGroup
R A N K I N G S
www.firstgroupgraduaterecruitment.com
More about us
Every year we help 2.5 billion passengers to
get to where they want to go. The leading
transport operator in the UK and North
America, we employ 117,000 people and
generate annual revenues of more than
6.9 billion.
Get to grips with first-
Keeping people moving and communities

prospering in an increasingly congested
world, were the UKs biggest bus operator
with a fleet of 8,000 buses. Were also the
UKs largest rail operator carrying over 280
million passengers a year. Shaping the
future of passenger transport, were looking
to develop the skills of our future leaders.
hand experience, reallife projects and all

kinds of challenges.
Contact
Sian Raper
graduate@firstgroup.com
Type of employer
Transport
Locations
UK-wide. Youll need a flexible approach, as
youll go on placements at various sites
across our UK network.
Our two-year programmes are designed to
take you out of your comfort zone and
quickly develop your skills and career.
Engineering: You must have (or be
expecting) a 2:2 or above in BEng or MEng
accredited by IMechE or IET.
244 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Commercial: Youll need at least (or be

expecting) a 2:1 degree in any subject.
Number of employees
117,000
Operations/General Management: Youll

need at least (or be expecting) a 2:2 degree
in any subject.

2025
How do we select?
Graduates apply online and answer some
key questions to help us determine if you
are the right fit for First. Following this,
applicants will be asked to take part in
online tests before applications are sifted
and successful candidates are invited for a
video interview.
Finally after successful completion of the
above stages you will be invited to attend an
assessment centre to meet current
graduates and key people within the
business.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
R A N K I N G S
5th Law solicitors
57th In the top 300
www.freshfields.com/uktrainees
More about us
Our clients are mainly big commercial
businesses whose names are well-known.
The type of work we do divides into helping
clients achieve what they want through
doing deals, advising them on real and
potential problems, and helping them sort
out their disputes. Our practice is very
diverse, and constantly changing to meet
our clients evolving needs.
Join Freshfields and

join the firm that offers
the most flexible
Whatever clients want to achieve, their

lawyers job is to find out whether and how
they can do it. Is it possible? What will be
the most effective structure? What are the
risks? How should it be documented?
training contract in
the City
Contact
www.freshfields.com/uktrainees
Facebook: FreshfieldsUKTrainees
Twitter: @uktrainees
LinkedIn: Freshfields
Type of employer
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is one of a
handful of leading international law firms,
with offices across the world.
Locations
London
We are looking for up to 90 trainees to start
training with us in London in 2017. Our
training programme is vital to us, because
todays trainees are where most of
tomorrows associates and partners will
come from.
246 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
The firm wants its trainees to come from

diverse backgrounds, and their choice of
university or degree is immaterial. Whatever
their background, trainees need some nonnegotiable qualities. They need to be
intellectually talented and have excellent
English skills. They need to enjoy working
on difficult problems, working alongside
others, and never doing less than the best
they can.
How do we select?
Applications should be made via our
website. This will include a personal
statement and an online verbal reasoning
test. If your application is successful you
will attend two interviews and complete a
written exercise.
Number of employees
Around 5,000 globally
100 training contracts (London)
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Youve come
too far to
be ordinary
And now youve set your
sights on a career in
international commercial law
You want colleagues who are bright,
friendly and fun to work with. And work
thats interesting, complicated, intellectually
challenging, high-value and international.
You want the best (and the broadest) training
you can get. Training thats not run-of-the-mill.
Training where you can explore up to eight areas
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80 training contracts
8 seats
46 overseas secondments
Nicole Shui
Trainee
Philosophy and
Economics, UCL
Nicoles story:
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UK
300
Fujitsu
R A N K I N G S
www.uk.fujitsu.com/graduates
More about us
Were the UK and Ireland IT services division
of the Fujitsu Group, one of the worlds
largest IT companies. Unlike a lot of our
competitors, we take a no-nonsense,
straightforward approach to IT, delivering
solutions that help our customers deliver
results.
One of the highlights of the

Fujitsu Graduate Programme for
me, is the emphasis on
taking advantage of
development opportunities.
From enabling airline bookings and driving

licences through to banking transactions,
high street shopping and much more
besides, Fujitsu touches the lives of millions
of people every day.
In two years I have

experienced so much to
help me reach my full
potential and absolutely
know that I have had the
best possible start to my career
Andy, Technical Graduate
Contact
graduaterecruitment@uk.fujitsu.com
Type of employer
IT Services
Locations
UK Wide

Roles available in:
Technical
Human Resources
Finance
Marketing
Project Management
Sales
Service Delivery Management
Commercial
Procurement
How do we select?
Step 1: Online application form
Step 2: Online tests
Step 3:Telephone interview
Step 4: Assessment Centre Step
Step 5: Offer of employment
248 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
14,000 (UK&I)
7080
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Are you looking for a role in the

challenging and ever changing world of IT?
With operations worldwide, high-profile clients and a wealth
of opportunities, Fujitsu could be just the place for you.
Who we are
Were the UK and Ireland IT services division of the Fujitsu
Group, one of the worlds largest IT companies. Unlike a lot
of our competitors, we take a no-nonsense, straightforward
approach to IT, delivering solutions that help our customers
deliver results. From enabling airline bookings and driving
licences through to banking transactions, high street
shopping and much more besides, Fujitsu touches the lives
of millions of people every day.
Quick Fujitsu Facts

14,000 employees in the UK and Ireland
Operates globally
A place to develop
At Fujitsu youll be given a real job with real
responsibilities from the very start. Youll be able to
harness your skills and develop individually within a
team, whilst having the support of a strong graduate,
buddy and mentor network. Alongside your chosen role
and the training you undertake in your chosen area you
will embark on a comprehensive 24 month modular
development programme. This is designed to cover all the
key skills to set you up for a career in business, to help
you make sound commercial decisions and develop your
business knowledge.
Positive change
Fujitsu takes its role within the wider community seriously
and wherever possible we make the best use of our IT
capabilities to help make a positive difference. As a graduate
within Fujitsu you will have a range of opportunities to get
involved with community and charitable projects. From
raising money for Children in Need, to volunteering with
our charity partners, youll be encouraged to spend time
supporting these fantastic causes. Beyond the feel good
factor of making a big impact to those who are really in
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and development opportunities to be had from taking part.
Join us today
We think Fujitsu is a great place to start your

career, but why not check out our website for more
information on available roles, how to apply and to
hear from some of our current graduates?
Start your journey with us at:
www.uk.fujitsu.com/graduates
Starting Salary for Graduates:
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UK
300
GCHQ
R A N K I N G S
10th Public sector
79th In the top 300
www.gchq-careers.co.uk
Keeping our society

safe and successful in
the Internet Age.
Contact
recruitment@gchq.gsi.gov.uk
Type of employer
Intelligence and Security Agency
Locations
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Bude, Cornwall
Scarborough, Yorkshire
More about us
GCHQ the Government Communications
Headquarters - works in association with
MI5 and MI6 to make up the UKs National
Intelligence Machinery. Our operations
relate to national security matters, the
prevention and detection of serious crime
and the UKs economic well-being. GCHQ
relies on the latest technologies to intercept
vital information which is decoded for
delivery to branches of the military or
government to help inform on foreign policy
and affairs. GCHQ also works to protect and
secure information on Government IT and
communication systems from hackers and
other threats. This work is carried out by
CESG, a specialist organisation within GCHQ
and the National Technical Authority for
Information Assurance.

GCHQ recruits graduates from various
disciplines into a huge range of operational
functions:
IT, Engineering, Cyber Security, Languages,
Information Assurance, Network Defence,
Mathematics, Research and Development,
Information Science.
GCHQ recruits all year round so please visit
our website for details and closing dates.
How do we select?
Application to GCHQ is online only, via the
website. A variety of assessment tools are
used, depending on the nature of the
vacancy (for example, psychometric tests,
telephone interviews, group exercises,
presentations, assessment days and panel
interviews). Individuals will be assessed
against a competency system and be
expected to provide evidence of their
accomplishments and achievements.
250 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
GCHQ plays a crucial role in cyber security

for the UK with expertise concentrated on
understanding threats and exploiting
opportunities in cyber space. We also host
the UK Cyber Security Operations Centre
(CSOC) at our headquarters in Cheltenham.
We offer a wide range of exciting career
opportunities for graduates, please see
below for details. We also offer technical
sponsorships/placements, with applications
accepted in the autumn of each year.
Intelligence work is unique, constantly
evolving, extremely challenging, and always
interesting. Everyone benefits from a
personalised training programme, and we
offer a range of benefits including flexible
working arrangements.
Applicants must be British citizens.
Number of employees
5,000+
150
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
THE UK FACES ALL KINDS OF CYBER THREATS.

So we need all kinds of people to combat them.
Make a complex world yours
Every day cyber criminals, terrorists, hackers, fraudsters,

organised gangs are targeting the UK using ever more
sophisticated technology. As the governments security
and intelligence agency, were dedicated to combating
these diverse threats.
Our unique remit means we offer the kind of opportunities
you wont find anywhere else complex, technically
challenging and intellectually stimulating roles that test
both technical and non-technical skills. Whether youre
an experienced professional or just starting out in your
career, there are many ways to play your part in keeping
the UK safe, secure and successful.
UK
300
GE
R A N K I N G S
87th In the top 300
6th
Energy and utilities
www.ge.uk
More about us
GE is a diversified infrastructure and
finance company thats leveraging the
strengths that have made us an industry
leader into projects that are genuinely
making a difference across the globe in
sectors such as Aviation, Healthcare,
Energy, Oil & Gas and Finance.
Bring your talent and

passion to one of the
At GE, we understand what it takes to be a

global leader. Thats why we invest 600M
annually in our people, empowering their
growth through our leadership development
programs. With world-renowned training
facilities, were committed to seeing you
hone your skills as an inspirer, motivator
and collaborator.
worlds most admired

companies
Contact
jobs.gecareers.com
www.ge.reports.eu
facebook.com/gecareers
youtube.com/gecareers
twitter.com/GE_UK
twitter.com/GECareers
Type of employer
Diversified infrastructure & finance
Locations
>60 sites across the UK

For those fresh from the university
environment, GE provides real-world
experience to meet your aspirations. Our
entry-level leadership programs offer
graduates development opportunities that
combine hands-on training with formal
classroom study. Through a series of
intensive rotations, youll experience
accelerated professional development,
world-class mentorship, and global
networking across the full spectrum of GEs
businesses. We offer renowned leadership
programs in IT, Manufacturing/Operations,
Finance, Risk and Engineering. Learn more
at ge.com/careers/students/index.html
How do we select?
Online applications are screened by
recruiting teams. Successful candidates are
invited for a telephone interview and/or
invited to an Assessment Centre.
252 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
300,000 worldwide, >20,000 in the UK
75 in the UK
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
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UK
300
Goldman Sachs International
R A N K I N G S
2nd Investment banking and
investment
22nd In the top 300
www.goldmansachs.com/careers
More about us
Goldman Sachs is a leading global
investment banking, securities and
investment management firm that provides
a wide range of financial services to a
substantial and diversified client base,
including corporations, financial
institutions, governments and highnetworth individuals.
Whatever your background

or area of academic study,
we value the intellect,
personality and
integrity of an
individual. While an
interest in and
appreciation for
finance is important,
ones personal qualities
are key.
Contact
Type of employer
Investment Bank
Locations
European opportunities are available in
London, Frankfurt, Paris, Moscow and
Zurich. Opportunities are also available in
other worldwide locations; please see our
website for further information.
Whatever your background or area of
academic study, we value the intellect,
personality and integrity of an individual.
While an interest in and appreciation for
finance is important, ones personal
qualities are key.
We offer opportunities in the following
divisions:
Executive Office
Finance
Global Compliance
254 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
At Goldman Sachs, you will have many

opportunities to make an impact. The
unique perspectives that our people bring to
the firm and their shared passion for
working on projects of great global,
economic and social significance, help drive
progress and create results. From your first
day, you will be immersed in a collaborative
environment with people of all levels who
share the firms values.
Global Investment Research

Human Capital Management
Internal Audit
Investment Banking
Investment Management
Legal
Merchant Banking
Operations
Realty Management
Securities
Services
Technology
How do we select?
Nearly everyone from our junior analysts
to our most senior leaders is actively
involved in recruiting talented people from a
variety of backgrounds, because we
recognise that a diverse workforce enables
us to serve our clients most effectively and
in the most innovative ways.
Number of employees
c.30,000
c.300
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
Apply online at
guardianuk300.com
HOW WILL YOU
MAKE AN IMPACT
CONTRIBUTE, COLLABORATE AND
SUCCEED WITH A CAREER AT
GOLDMAN SACHS
If youre the kind of person who cant wait to make a
difference, consider a career at Goldman Sachs.
We believe that good ideas and innovations can come
from anyone, at any level. We offer meaningful
opportunities, best-in-class training and a wide variety of
career paths for talented people from all academic
backgrounds. Plus, with access to important clients and
projects, youll have the chance to make an impact with
global significance.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
NEW ANALYST: 2 November 2014
SUMMER PROGRAMME: 7 December 2014
SPRING PROGRAMME: 4 January 2015
WORK PLACEMENT PROGRAMME: 4 January 2015
DOWNLOAD OUR APP
goldmansachs.com/careers
to learn more about how

you can make an impact.
Goldman Sachs is an equal opportunity employer.
2014 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
@GSCareers
UK
300
Guardian News and Media
R A N K I N G S
4th Media and advertising
20th In the top 300
www.guardian.com/workforus
More about us
Guardian News & Media Ltd. is one of the
most successful and innovative media
organisations in the world, renowned for
leading edge journalism, product and
commercial development, and famous for
nurturing talented individuals.
Theres a respected
Guardian voice I know
We publish The Guardian and Observer, two

of the worlds oldest and most highlyregarded quality newspapers, as well as
guardian.com, one of the worlds leading
news websites. Our unique ownership
structure through the Scott Trust Ltd.
ensures the independence of our editorial
voice, and a sustained investment in
intelligent journalism.
I am helping in my own
little way to help
produce that voice.
Contact
Visit www.guardian.com/workforus for
information about working for GNM and to
search for current vacancies.
Type of employer
Media
Locations
London, Manchester, New York, Sydney

Journalism is what were famous for, but
Editorial roles are not the only opportunities
available we take on graduates across
various departments including Sales,
Marketing, Finance, Commerical Delivery
and Technology.
Our full range of opportunities can be found
at www.guardian.com/workforus
How do we select?
The recruitment process varies depending
on the requirements of the role but our
standard process includes an online
application form, competency-based
interview (can be telephone or face to face)
and on occasions, an assessment centre.
256 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
1,500+
Varied
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Some of our core values wouldnt be the same without

great talent. Join us for the whole experience.
theguardian.com/workforus
web
print
tablet
mobile
the whole picture
UK
300
Hill Dickinson LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.hilldickinsontrainees.com
More about us
Hill Dickinson is a leading, full-service
international law firm with more than 1300
people, including 180 partners. From offices
in Liverpool, London, Manchester and
Sheffield, and international bases in
Singapore, Piraeus, Monaco and Hong Kong,
were proud to act as trusted legal advisers
to businesses, organisations and
individuals across the globe. If youre
looking to start a career in law, visit our
website and take a look at the facts. With big
clients and great people, were offering
fantastic opportunities for ambitious and
talented future lawyers.
We do all the things

youd expect of a
successful law firm and a little bit more!
Contact
Emma McAvinchey/Jen Hulse/
Hannah Williams
0151 600 8000
recruitment@hilldickinson.com
Type of employer
Law
Locations
Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield,
Singapore, Piraeus, Monaco, Hong Kong
Modest numbers we recruit to retain, so
for 2017, were taking on up to 14 trainees
which means well have the resources and
time to give you as much support as you
need.
Immediate responsibilities because of our
small intake, theres lots of interesting work
to go around and you will be given
challenges from the start.
258 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Choices you will do four seats and will be

able to select preferences from a variety of
different areas of law.
A brilliant start before you officially start
your training contract, you will spend a
number of days in our offices learning about
our business, as part of our LPC+ scheme.
How do we select?
Online application
Video interview
Psychometric testing
Panel interview
Presentation
Group exercise
Written exercise
Number of employees
1300 including 180 partners
Up to 14
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Hogan Lovells
R A N K I N G S
7th Law solicitors
80th In the top 300
www.hoganlovells.com/graduates
More about us
Hogan Lovells is a leading global law firm,
with over 2,500 lawyers working out of
more than 40 offices in the US, Europe, Latin
America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Our
scale and capability positions us amongst
the global elite of law firms, and provides
our trainees with an international stage on
which to develop their legal career.
We are looking for graduates

whose combination of academic
excellence and desire for
specialist knowledge will
develop our business and
take it forward. Although we
Our international strength across a wide

range of practice areas gives us a strong
reputation for corporate, finance, dispute
resolution, government regulatory and
intellectual property. This provides good
training opportunities for those joining us.
are one of the largest global

legal practices, we work in
small, hard-working teams
where everybody is
committed to our collective
success.
Contact
Graduate Recruitment,
Hogan Lovells, Atlantic House, Holborn
Viaduct, London, EC1A 2FG
graduate.recruitment@hoganlovells.com
Type of employer
Global law firm
Locations
Alicante, Amsterdam, Baltimore, Beijing,
Brussels, Budapest, Caracas, Colorado
Springs, Denver, Dubai, Dusseldorf,
Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City,
Hong Kong, Houston, Jakarta, Jeddah,
Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles,
Luxembourg, Madrid, Mexico City, Miami,
Milan, Monterrey, Moscow, Munich, New
York, Northern Virginia, Paris, Philadelphia,
Rio de Janiero, Riyadh, Rome, San Francisco,
Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Sao Paulo,
Singapore, Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar, Warsaw,
Washington DC, Zagreb
260 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We recruit up to 60 trainee solicitors per
year across two intakes in February and
August. Applications from all degree
disciplines are welcome.
Number of employees
+ 2,500
We offer up to 90 places over two highly

regarded summer vacation schemes and
one winter vacation scheme. If you join us,
you will be working alongside partners,
associates and trainees for up to three
weeks in key practice areas such as
corporate, finance and litigation.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
We also hold a one-week spring vacation

scheme for up to 25 students in April and
three open days for up to 75 first year law
students in March, April and July each year.
How do we select?
Online application form, then one-day
assessment day.

up to 60
guardianuk300.com
Careers in law
The best of all worlds.

All in one place.
Working with international offices should feel seamless. Yet not
every firm works this way. Even fewer do it with the strong sense
of shared culture and collaboration that we have fostered at
Hogan Lovells. We routinely tackle complex, high profile
cross-border deals; but we always tackle them as one.
Thats why for us, and your career, this is the best of all worlds.
UK
300
Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.hfw.com
More about us
We are an international law firm with over
450 lawyers worldwide and a marketleading reputation for advising businesses
in all aspects of international commerce. We
have developed our transactional,
regulatory and dispute resolution services
across a number of core sectors, including
aviation, commodities, energy, mining,
insurance, and shipping and transport. Our
trainees complete a global training contract,
with at least 6 months spent in one of our
international offices. We look for individuals
who are entrepreneurial, ambitious and
enthusiastic with a passion for practising
law on an international stage.
We are a truly international

business working in exciting
locations across the world.
We speak 30 different
languages at HFW and offer
experience and exposure at
the highest level. Joining
HFW means that you will
have an international
career, with global
opportunities from Trainee
level, right up to Partnership.
Toby Stephens Training Principal
& Partner (Shipping)
Contact
Email: grad.recruitment@hfw.com
Address: Friary Court, 65 Crutched Friars,
London, EC3N 2AE
Type of employer
We are an international law firm with a
market leading reputation for advising
businesses in all aspects of international
commerce.
Locations
London, Paris, Brussels, Geneva, Piraeus,
Dubai, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Perth, Melbourne, Sydney & So Paulo.
Together with various open days, we offer
one spring vacation scheme and two
summer vacation schemes each year. Our
vacation schemes are an integral part of our
training contract recruitment process and
all vacation scheme participants attend a
final round interview for a training contract
262 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
as part of the vacation scheme. Our training

contract comprises of four six-month seats
with all trainees having the opportunity to
complete at least one seat in an
international office. Recently trainees have
completed seats in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Shanghai, Dubai, Perth, Geneva, Paris,
Piraeus and Brussels.
How do we select?
Our recruitment process consists of an online
application form followed by an assessment
centre, and an interview with 2 Partners.
In our application form we ask for your
academics, work experience (legal and non
legal) and for some evidence of your
transferable skills and interests.
Our assessment centre consists of a written
exercise, a group exercise and an interview
with HR and an Associate.
Number of employees
800
15
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
The final round interview tests your problem

solving skills and your commercial acumen.
guardianuk300.com
YOUR GLOBAL
SUCCESS
Every year we recruit 15 Trainee Solicitors to complete a truly international

training contract. With HFW, you will:
Spend time working on global projects
Work alongside some of the most respected and talented lawyers in their
specialist fields
Have direct client contact
Have the opportunity to complete a six-month secondment in one of our
international offices
If you are excited by the prospect of joining a growing international
industry-focused firm, then please visit www.hfw.com/Graduate-Recruitment
to find out more.
So Paulo London Paris Brussels Geneva Piraeus Dubai Shanghai Hong Kong Singapore Melbourne Sydney Perth
UK
300
HP
R A N K I N G S
www.hp.co.uk/jobs
More about us
What do you think about when you hear the
name HP? Is it printers? Laptops? Maybe
its Beats Audio? These are our products
that people see every day.
But what about the other sides to HP? The
side that helps the MoD get a 3D view of a
battlefield or brings a kung-fu panda to life?
What do you think
Join one of our graduate, intern or

apprentice schemes and youll see them all.
You could get to grips with the cloud
technology, play a part in business strategy
or even come up with the solutions that
could fire the future of our business.
Whatever you choose to do, youll see us for
what we are a global organisation with farreaching opportunities for bright-minded
and resilient self-starters.
about when you

hear the name HP?
Type of employer
IT/Technology
Locations
UK and Ireland
Our graduate schemes put you in control of
your career. Join us in consulting,
Project/Programme management, IT,
Business or Sales and youll have the
opportunity to explore your interests and
build solid foundations for the future. Whats
more, all our schemes come with a
generous and competitive remuneration
package find out more about the rewards
and benefits on offer.
Apply to the programme thats best suited to
your degree and your interests. From there,
264 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
youll join the available graduate roles we

have in each area. Please note that although
many of our roles are Bracknell based,
specific positions could take you to any one
of our sites in the UK, so youll need to be
prepared to relocate. The location of the role
will be specified at interview stage.
How do we select?
Youll need to hold or be on course for a
minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a
relevant field. Equally important will be your
outlook and attitude. Proactive and positive,
youll combine adaptability with a good work
ethic and desire to learn.
To find out more about the programmes,
how to apply and details of our
opportunities, visit www.hp.co.uk/jobs.
Number of employees
Approx. 320,000
300 Graduates roles
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Brilliant
thinking
wanted
Graduating was a great accomplishment.
Now youre ready for a career. An
opportunity to leverage what youve
learned and make a real impact.
Welcome to HP. Where creativity is
the norm, not the exception. Where
well value your fresh perspective and
challenge you to keep on growing. Bring
your enthusiasm and your desire to
make the world better.
hp.co.uk/jobs
Click on student and graduates for more
information on our Apprenticeship and
Graduate Programmes.
2013 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP. The Hewlett-Packard Company

is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to workforce diversity.
UK
300
HSBC
R A N K I N G S
1st Banking, insurance and
financial services
3rd

investment
28th In the top 300
www.hsbc.com/targetjobs
Throughout our history we
More about us
HSBC is one of the worlds largest banking
and financial services organisations. We are
also a responsible business that knows
what we do impacts on local communities,
national markets and our planet. We focus
on achieving long-term growth and
sustainability, not short-term success. But
what really differentiates us from our
competitors is the strong set of values that
guide us day to day.
have been where the growth

is, connecting customers to
opportunities. We enable
businesses to thrive and
economies to prosper,
helping people fulfil their
hopes and dreams and
realise their ambitions. This
is our role and purpose.
Contact
Type of employer
Financial Services
Locations
Opportunities available Globally, including
UK, Dubai, Hong Kong, China and New York

We can offer a rewarding and exciting career
for those who are about to, or have,
embarked on the early stage of their
careers. Our global and diverse businesses
provide opportunities in a wide range of
areas such as commercial, retail and
investment banking,
HSBC people are open to different ideas and
cultures. We are connected with our
customers, our communities and each other
across the world. Its the talent and diversity
of our people that are the foundations of our
success, so whatever your path into HSBC
and regardless of your role, you will be
valued as an individual and for the
contributions you make.
How do we select?
You will need to complete an on-line
application, numerical test, telephone
interview and assessment centre.
266 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
270,000
>500
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
We see a future with so much

We
see aDo
future
to offer.
you?with so much
to
offer.
Do
you?
Around the world, growth is bringing new prosperity; businesses are pioneering new
trade routes; and new centres of wealth and influence are emerging. At HSBC, were
Around
world,
growth
is bringing
new prosperity;
businesses
are
pioneering
new
inspiredthe
by the
ways
the world
is changing
for our business
and for
our
customers.
trade
routes;
and
new
centres
of
wealth
and
influence
are
emerging.
At
HSBC,
were
Thats why were looking to connect with the best and the brightest people from across
inspired
byWith
the ways
the world
is changing
for placed
our business
our customers.
the globe.
so much
to offer,
were ideally
to helpand
youfor
realise
your ambitions.
Thats why were looking to connect with the best and the brightest people from across
the
globe. your
With so
much to at
offer,
were ideally placed to help you realise your ambitions.
Achieve
potential
HSBC.
Achieve your potential at HSBC.
HSBC is committed to building a culture where all employees are valued, respected and opinions count. We take pride in providing a workplace that fosters continuous professional
development, flexible working and opportunities to grow within an inclusive and diverse environment.
UK
300
IBM
R A N K I N G S
2nd Consulting
14th In the top 300
ibm.com/jobs/uk
More about us
We live in a moment of remarkable change
and opportunity and here at IBM we are
driving this transformation. We are one of
the worlds leading IT services and
consulting organisations with over 430,000
employees world-wide. We use data and
technology to make the world better and
more efficient, improving energy production,
finding smarter ways to manage water
supplies and even helping doctors develop
personalised treatments for cancer. What
better place could you think of to launch
your career?
What will you

make with IBM?
Contact
facebook.com/IBMUKcareers
twitter.com/IBMUKCareers
Type of employer
IT & Consulting Services
Locations
Nationwide

Whether you want to pursue a career in
Consulting, Technology, Design, Business or
Sales we will offer you award-winning,
bespoke training to make sure you have the
personal, business and technical skills to
take your career wherever you want it to go.
How do we select?
We look for the best and brightest
applicants from all Universities, degree
subjects, backgrounds and abilities. In order
to apply for any of our schemes the process
is:
Online Application Form
Online Test
Assessment Centre
Final Interview
268 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
430,000+
300+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
your future
made with
IBM
IBM is now hiring

Whether you are looking for a Summer Internship,
12-month University Placement or a Graduate role,
we have plenty of exciting opportunities in a range
of areas across our organisation. Whichever is right
for you, youll collaborate with extraordinary people
in a creative environment to make the world work
better. Join us and discover what you can make
of this moment.
What will you make with IBM?
ibm.com/jobs/uk
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
www.imgtec.com/graduates
More about us
Imagination designs hardware and software
technology that is used in almost every
consumer electronics device around you,
from the latest smartphones and tablets, to
digital radios and more.
Imagination designs
technology at the heart
of todays most
innovative and
exciting devices.
This success has
been made
possible by an
exceptional team:
a team who do difficult
things well.
Contact
Email: hr@imgtec.com
Tel: 01923 260511
www.facebook.com/imgtec
www.twitter.com/ImaginationTech
Type of employer
Hardware and software technology
Locations
Kings Langley (Herts, HQ), Bristol, Leeds,
Chepstow (Wales)
As an industry leading provider of

processors for mobile and embedded
devices, we provide some of the best
opportunities to work on cutting edge
technology, including our PowerVR graphics
and video, MIPS processors and Ensigma
communications.
Imagination is also home to Pure, who are
leading the way in wireless music, radio
systems and entertainment cloud services.

Imagination has over 40 graduate and 40
placement hardware and software
opportunities in graphics, video,
communications and processors. We also
have technical roles available in operations
and sales, as well as in our Pure division.
How do we select?
We are mainly looking for candidates with
good C/C++ programming for software and
for hardware, candidates with strong digital
or physical design skills.
Applications are made via our online
graduate website and are technically
screened. If successful, a technical test and
telephone interview will be requested.
These are then followed by a face to face
interview, which consists of problem solving
and technical questions. A HR interview is
done at the end to wrap up the application
process.
270 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
1,600
40+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
The work we do here is literally years ahead

of the game, and were uniquely placed to see
our ideas become tomorrows reality
James, Graduate Engineer
At Imagination we offer unique opportunities

for hardware and software engineers to
define the future of consumer electronics.
Where will your Imagination take you?

imgtec.com/graduates
facebook.com/imgtec
UK
300
Ince & Co LLP
R A N K I N G S
http://graduates.incelaw.com
More about us
With 140 years of experience, were one of
the oldest law firms in the City. Weve built
our success by always taking an innovative
approach, looking for new ways to apply
legal strategies and create new law. While
our international firm and world leading
reputation was initially built on shipping and
insurance, over the decades we
successfully explored new territory and
established our expertise across a number
of specific industries.
A fine firm, with fine

lawyers.
Chambers & Partners
Contact
Ince & Co Recruitment Team
International House
1 St Katharines Way
London
E1W 1AY
recruitment@incelaw.com
020 7481 0010
Type of employer
International commercial law firm
Locations
Beijing, Dubai, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Le
Havre, London, Monaco, Paris, Piraeus,
Shanghai, Singapore
272 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
We dont have departmental structures

here, instead we have five core business
groups and we provide contentious and noncontentious services in these sectors:
aviation, energy and offshore, insurance
and reinsurance, international trade and
shipping.

We offer training contracts and a two week
trainee recruitment placement scheme
(TRPS).
Our TRPS gives you a taste of life as a
trainee - youll work on real cases which
may involve attending court, meeting
clients and doing legal research.
We pride ourselves on our training contract.
Youll gain a solid understanding of the
breadth of our work and get real
responsibility on cases from initial
instruction to conclusion.
How do we select?
Our online application form asks you to
provide a covering letter as well as academic
and work experience details. The second
stage is an online critical thinking test. The
final stage is an interview with HR and a
partner with some written tests and an
intray exercise.
Number of employees
645
10
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Irwin Mitchell
R A N K I N G S
http://www.irwinmitchell.com/graduates
More about us
Irwin Mitchell is unique, both in its culture
and its approach to law. As the largest, full
service law firm in the UK, we genuinely
have something different to offer.
The firm has a very good structure.

We are encouraged to work hard
and to the best of our ability, but
there is always something
interesting to get involved
with out of hours. The firm
actively encourages us to
take part in business
development and social
responsibility activities.
Our supervisors are all
approachable and there is a
definite open door policy.
Everyone works hard and pulls
together as a team.
Contact
Nicola Stanley, Graduate Manager
Type of employer
A full service law firm.
Locations
Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds,
London, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield
and Southampton.
We have the largest personal injury practice

in the country and, with clear expansion
plans, our Business Legal Services is
growing rapidly. We also handle a range of
private client work including family, wills,
public law and have the largest court of
protection practice in the country.
We are diverse in terms of both the people
we employ and the work we do. We think
this makes for a more interesting and
enjoyable place to work and we think youll
agree.

Whether you choose our Business or
Personal Legal Services stream, you will
enjoy a fantastic training contract with three
training seats and a fourth qualification
seat in the area we expect you to qualify
into.
Opportunities are available in London and in
our regional locations.
How do we select?
Online application, telephone interview and
assessment centre.
274 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
2,100
50
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
GRADUATES
Irwin Mitchell is unique, both in its culture and its approach to law. As the
largest, full-service law firm in the UK, with a strong national presence,
we genuinely have something different to offer.
We are one of the leading personal injury practices
in the country and in recent years have significantly
expanded our commercial services to include
corporate, litigation and real estate with the offering
continuing to grow rapidly.
We also handle a comprehensive range of private
client work including family, wills, court of protection
and public law.
For further information and how to apply visit
www.irwinmitchell.com/graduates
Follow us on @IMGraduates
To see a list of our offices please visit www.irwinmitchell.com
Whether you choose our Business or Personal

Legal Services stream, you will enjoy a fantastic
training contract at a truly unique and innovative
firm.
We are diverse in terms of the people we employ
and the work we do. We think this alone makes for
a more interesting and enjoyable place to work and
we think youll agree.
Build your career with us
UK
300
Jaguar Land Rover
R A N K I N G S
2nd Engineering design and
manufacturing
8th
In the top 300
www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com
We make amazing
More about us
Home to some of the most iconic
nameplates ever to take to the road, Jaguar
Land Rover has an enviable heritage. But its
our future that excites us most. Already
making an impression in over 170
countries, were driven to continually
redefine the global benchmark for quality,
performance and innovation. And with
increasing demand and significant
investment in new products, facilities and
markets, finding the next-generation of
innovators has never been more important.
To keep our momentum going, youll need a
creative and commercially-focused
approach to your work. Bring that and youll
find all the opportunities, support and
rewards you need to put your excellence in
motion.
products that consumers

aspire to, or actually
desire, to own. It is great
to make products that
you will actually see in
reality and know that you
played a part in them
being there.
Contact
www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com
Type of employer
Automotive Design, Engineering and
Manufacturing
Locations
West Midlands/Warwickshire/Liverpool.
Locations are dependent on which business
area you join.

Our extensive and expanding graduate
offering reflects the scale of our ambition.
Opportunities lie right across the
organisation in everything from Engineering
and Manufacturing disciplines to
Commercial and Business areas. And as
youd expect for a business with a
dedication to excellence, our programmes
are designed to be as inspiring as the
pioneering vehicles youll help produce.
How do we select?
Head to our careers site to find out more.
Applications will open in September.
276 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
c. 26,000
c. 270
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
BEHIND THE NEXT GENERATION
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
1st Retail
9th
In the top 300
www.jlpjobs.com/graduates
The John Lewis Partnership is
More about us
The John Lewis Partnership is a multi-award
winning retail business and incorporates
two of the high streets most renowned
brands John Lewis and Waitrose. As its
also committed to evolving in response to
its customers needs, online is a huge
growth area. With 91,000 Partners, 42 John
Lewis shops, 320 Waitrose supermarkets,
online businesses, a production unit and a
farm... your career will know no limits.
different due to the Partners, or

employees, who get a say in the
business and a share in its
profits. As an omnichannel
retailer, it combines traditional
values with the most modern of
outlooks and provides
exceptional opportunities for
graduates to become the leaders
of tomorrow.
Contact
JLPgraduatecareers@johnlewis.co.uk
Type of employer
One of the UKs largest retailers
Locations
Retail schemes are nationwide and the Head
Office schemes are based in London or
Bracknell

Keen to give their graduates early
responsibility, the Partnership provides
challenges that give them every opportunity
to make a difference. It runs a number of
schemes which are all geared up to create
future leaders of the business. Real
experiences, superb training and support,
exposure to senior leaders, the chance to
work with different individuals and to create
a strong graduate community are all core
aspects of development.
How do we select?
Is this right for you? A sense of pride in
ownership and the ability to make things
happen, deliver excellent service, work
together, develop yourself and others are all
vital (with specific generalist/ specialist
skills). If that sounds like you, youll be
expected to pass online selection, first
stage interviews and assessment centres.
278 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
91,000
79
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Johnson & Johnson
R A N K I N G S
development
61st In the top 300
http://www.jnjuniversityrecruitment.co.uk/
More about us
Caring for the world, one person at a time...
inspires and unites the people of Johnson &
Johnson. We embrace research and
science bringing innovative ideas,
products and services to advance the
health and well-being of people. Whether its
analgesics or baby care, endoscopic surgery
or interventional cardiology, oral care or
wound care, employees of the Johnson &
Johnson Family of Companies work with
partners in health care to touch the lives of
over a billion people every day.
Career opportunities as
limitless as the lives
youll touch
Contact
http://www.jnjuniversityrecruitment.co.uk/
Type of employer
Global leader in healthcare: consumer,
pharmaceutical and medical devices
products.
Locations
Leeds, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire,
Inverness, Dublin

Opportunities available in a range of
functions across the three sectors of
consumer, pharmaceutical and medical
devices/diagnostics. At J&J, our graduates
are given responsibility from the word go.
Just some of the roles we have on offer
include: Finance, Marketing, Customer
Development (sales), HR, Operations and
Engineering.
How do we select?
When you apply for a graduate opportunity
at Johnson & Johnson, you will need to
complete our three stage recruitment
process:
1. Online Application CV and questions
2. Telephone Interview
3. Assessment centre a chance to
showcase your talent.
280 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
129,000
30
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
CONSUMER
LIMITLESS POTENTIAL.
BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.
ENDLESS CAREER PATHS.
ONE YOU.
PHARMACEUTICALS
MEDICAL DEVICES
& DIAGNOSTICS
Graduate Opportunities & Student Placements

We offer a variety of opportunities across our consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics
companies. So, whether youre looking for a career in Engineering, Research, Marketing, Finance,
Supply Chain, or Sales, youll be able to find the right role for you as we innovate, research and make
breakthroughs at the cutting-edge of science. In fact, youll be at the heart of a family of international companies
that provide health and beauty products that touch the lives of millions of people in homes and hospitals every day.
Are you ready to be bold and make your mark on the lives of customers and patients around the world?
Find out more by visiting: www.jnjuniversityrecruitment.co.uk
Search and apply for this years Graduate Opportunities & Student Placement roles at: www.careers.jnj.com
UK
300
Jones Day
R A N K I N G S
www.jonesdaylondon.com
In London, our graduate

trainees work on truly
global transactions,
thrive on early
responsibility, and
develop as lawyers fast.
We recruit to retain.
Nearly half our London
partners trained with the
Firm.
Contact
Diana Spoudeas: Manager - Trainee
Recruitment/Development
recruit.london@jonesday.com
Facebook:Jones Day UK Graduate
Recruitment
Type of employer
Jones Day is a truly global law firm with a
significant presence in the City of London.
Locations
London, Continental Europe, Asia, North
America, Middle East, Asia-Pacific.
In London, we sponsor our graduates
through law school and offer them a unique,
non-rotational, two-year training contract
designed to provide flexibility and
responsibility from the start.
282 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
More about us
Our 2,400 lawyers across 41 major
business and finance centres worldwide
address the most demanding and complex
global matters. As leaders in cross- border
M&A and global disputes, we look for
exceptional individuals who want to work on
global deals, be challenged on an
international level, and can become
partners of the future, not just train with us.
You dont need a background in law. Over
half our trainees are non-law graduates and
many have postgraduate degrees in
disciplines other than law.
In our unique training system, trainees
assume their own workload and work across
different practice areas simultaneously.
Because they do not move department
every six months, they dont miss the end of
deals or trials they have worked on.
Our work placement schemes are the route

to training at Jones Day. Operating like mini
training contracts, you gain a real insight
into life as a trainee at our global law firm.
They are open to all final year students,
graduates and postgraduates of any
discipline, as well as penultimate year
students of a qualifying law degree.
How do we select?
Apply online for a placement. No
supplemental questions, psychometric
tests, assessment days. Candidates are
selected for interview with 2 partners. If
successful, you attend our placement
scheme and interview for a training
contract. Applications open 1 September
2014. We recruit on a rolling basis, so apply
early. Closing dates: 31 October 2014
(Winter); 19 December 2014 (Spring); 16
January 2015 (Summer).
Number of employees
London: 300
Placements 70: Training contracts
(commencing 2017): 20
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
TRULY GLOBAL LAW FIRM

UNIQUE NON-ROTATIONAL TRAINING
LITIGATION POWERHOUSE
NO LAW FIRM DOES MORE M&A
COLLABORATIVE NOT
COMPETITIVE CULTURE
A truly global law firm, leading in cross-border M&A
and global disputes. Its significant City of London office
operates a unique, non-rotational system of training.
Apply for a Placement to train at Jones Day.
Applications open 1 September 2014 to 16 January 2015.

Placements open to any final year students, graduates or postgraduates.
Summer placement also open to penultimate year students of qualifying law degrees.
www.jonesdaylondon.com
UK
300
Kennedys
R A N K I N G S
www.kennedys-law.com
More about us
Kennedys is a top 30 international legal firm
with unrivalled expertise in litigation and
dispute resolution, particularly in the
insurance/reinsurance and liability
industries.
21 of our partners
Our UK staff are proud to be part of

Kennedys growing international network
that is well resourced to help clients handle
and resolve cases all around the world.
began their life in law

as trainees with us
Kennedys is here to provide answers,

recommendations, strategy and tactics. We
deliver these in plain English and its what
we call: Legal advice in black and white.
including our senior

partner.
Contact
Kennedys
25 Fenchurch Avenue
London
EC3M 5AD
0207 667 9667
www.kennedys-law.com
www.facebook.com/KennedysTrainees
Type of employer
International law firm with specialist
expertise in litigation/dispute resolution.
Locations
Auckland, Belfast, Birmingham, Brussels,
Cambridge, Chelmsford, Dubai, Dublin, Hong
Kong, Lison, London, Madrid, Manchester,
Miami, Maidstone, Singapore, Sheffield,
Sydney, Taunton.
284 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
We deeply value the relationships we build

with our clients and we know that they
value our warm, friendly, human approach.

The two years are split into four, six month
seats giving trainees the opportunity to
experience work and liaise with clients
across a variety of industries.
Number of employees
1240
The purpose of the training contract is to

give the trainees a mix of experience and
skills that will set them up in their legal
career.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
Some of our trainees are given the

opportunity to undertake a client
secondment for up to six months.
How do we select?
On-line application form, short telephone
interview, on-line critical thinking test,
assessment day including a group task,
written exercise and Partner interview.

16
guardianuk300.com
We make a difference
Kennedys is an international law firm with unrivalled expertise
in litigation and dispute resolution, particularly in the insurance
industry. With over 1,250 people worldwide across 19 offices in
the UK and Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America,
we have some of the most respected legal minds in their fields.
We offer a vibrant and supportive working environment built upon our core values of being
approachable, straightforward, supportive and distinctive.
Our trainees experience early responsibility and client contact as we find this produces excellent
solicitors capable of running their own caseload on qualification. We therefore recruit graduates
who are confident, articulate and sociable, who are team players, self-aware and resourceful.
If you are interested in opportunities at Kennedys please visit our website:
www.kennedys-law.com/uk/careers/graduates
UK
300
Kerry Group
R A N K I N G S
www.kerrygraduates.com
If you would like to work
More about us
Kerry, a world leader in food ingredients and
a leading supplier of consumer foods is
recruiting for its Graduate Programme to
start in July/August/September 2015. Kerry
has the largest, most innovative portfolio of
Taste & Nutrition Systems and Functional
Ingredients & Actives for the global food,
beverage and pharmaceutical markets.
Kerry Foods is a leading producer of chilled
consumer foods with top brands such as
Cheestrings, Low Low and Mattessons. We
have operations in more than 25 countries,
over 24,000 employees around the globe,
more than 100 manufacturing sites and
revenues in excess of 5.8 Billion Euros.
for a global organisation

where the pace is fast,
where you will have the
opportunity to work with
diverse teams and where
you will be given a lot of
responsibility from day
one.... then a Graduate
Career in Kerry is for you
Contact
www.kerrygraduates.com
Type of employer
Kerry is a world leader in food ingredients
and consumer foods.
Locations
Various Ireland and UK locations.

Our best in class Graduate Programme
provides an accelerated path to leadership
whilst working in an innovative, energetic
and global environment. Kerry Group has
around 100 vacancies in Accounting and
Finance, R&D, Engineering, ICT, Operations,
Procurement, Supply chain, Quality, Sales,
Marketing and Category management and
HR.
How do we select?
Apply online at www.kerrygraduates.com
ideally before 31st January 2015.
Your application will be screened by our
Recruitment Team and if successful you will
be invited to complete relevant online tests.
There is a telephone interview stage and
then if successfully shortlisted, you will be
invited to an assessment centre.
286 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
25,000
100
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Graduate careers
at Kerry Group
Kerry has the largest, most innovative portfolio of Taste & Nutrition Systems and
Functional Ingredients & Actives for the global food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets.
Kerry Foods is a leading producer of chilled consumer foods with top brands such as
Cheestrings, Low Low and Mattessons.
We are now recruiting for our

next generation of global leaders
Our best in class graduate programme provides an accelerated path to
leadership, whilst working in an innovative, energetic and global environment.
Kerry Group has over 100 vacancies:
VV}>`w>Vi R&D
Operations
Procurement
Sales and marketing
HR
Engineering
Supply
chain
ICT
Quality
Apply online at www.kerrygraduates.com
UK
300
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.kirkland.com/ukgraduate
More about us
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is a
leading international law firm with more
than 1600 lawyers representing global
clients in complex corporate, restructuring,
finance, litigation, intellectual property and
competition matters.
Kirkland & Ellis: A law
Kirkland is ranked in the top 10 of the Global

100 (Legal Business 2013) and based in the
heart of the city in the iconic Gherkin
building, our London office - compromising
around 140 lawyers - acts in some of the
most complex high value and high profile
transactions in Europe.
firm serving global

clients
Contact
Kate Osborne
Graduate Recruitment Specialist
02074692000
lontrainee@kirkland.com

High-quality training is the hallmark of the
graduate programme at Kirkland & Ellis. For
2017 we are offering up to 10 training
contracts.
Number of employees
140 Attorneys - London, 1600 - worldwide
Type of employer
International Law Firm
Vacation schemes are a vital part of the

graduate recruitment process. We would
strongly encourage those interested in the
firm to apply for a vacation scheme before
applying for a training contract.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
Locations
London
International secondment opportunities
How do we select?
Vacation scheme and training contract
candidates are invited to apply online with a
covering letter. Assessment days are run at
the start of the year to select vacation
students. Candidates are interviewed for
training contracts at the end of the summer.
288 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Up to 10 per annum
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
KPMG LLP
R A N K I N G S
3rd Accounting and financial
management
23rd In the top 300
www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates
Theres no one type of
More about us
At KPMG, we provide Audit, Tax and Advisory
services to some of the worlds biggest
businesses. And we believe that all
business and solutions boil down to one
thing: people. Thats why whatever we do,
we see people first.
person that succeeds at

KPMG. Its a massively
diverse business,
Were a massively diverse business,

welcoming all kinds of personalities and
characters, skills sets and, indeed, degree
disciplines. Youll enjoy exceptional training,
exposure to clients from day one, and real
world, real time responsibility.
welcoming all kinds of

personalities and
So if you thrive on intellectual challenge,

variety and direct client involvement, this
could be just the place for you.
characters, skills sets

and, indeed, degree
disciplines.
Contact
15 Canada Square, Canary Wharf,
London, E14 5GL
Freephone 0500 664 665
ukfmgraduate@kpmg.co.uk
facebook.com/kpmgrecruitment
twitter.com/kpmgrecruitment
Type of employer
Our UK firm offers Audit, Tax, and Advisory
services to thousands of clients.
Locations
Nationwide

Visit www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates to
find out about careers for graduates from all
degree disciplines in Audit, Tax, Advisory,
Technology, Marketing and HR.
How do we select?
Our application process is designed to
support you during this important stage of
your career and ultimately assess whether
we feel your skills, aspirations and
experience are what were looking for.
Stage 1: Online Application Form
Stage 2: Situational Judgement Test
Stage 3: Online Numerical and Verbal
Reasoning Tests
Stage 4: First Round Interview
Stage 5: Immersive Assessment Centre
Number of employees
11,000+
1,000
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
Stage 6: Final Interview
290 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com
2014 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 Cooperative, a Swiss entity. The KPMG name,
logo and cutting through complexity are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International.
My KPMG
As you can see, its made up of a lot of people.
Some I see every day. Some maybe less so.
But each and every connection Ive made here
has taught me something. And I know
many of them will last for life.
Id recommend KPMG to any graduate because,
no matter which path you take, youll be working
with some of the brightest brains in business with
access to the best professional development around.
Katharine, Graduate Trainee
Visit www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates
to find out about careers for graduates
from all degree disciplines in Audit, Tax,
Advisory, Technology, Marketing and HR.
UK
300
LOral
R A N K I N G S
2nd Consumer goods
manufacturing and
marketing
26th In the top 300
www.lorealbusinessclass.co.uk
More about us
At LOral, were at the top of our industry.
Our hair, skincare and beauty brands reach
a billion customers in over 130 countries.
You are made to feel

really valued,
being given
responsibility
from day one.
Our brand portfolio includes The Body Shop,

Maybelline, Lancme, Georgio Armani and
Diesel fragrances, to name only a few.
Not content to sit back, we have ambitions
of reaching a billion more. Driving this is a
complex and dynamic global business one
that has been leading the way in terms of
science and innovation for over a century.
Will Parker, Commercial

Industrial Placement
Student, LOral
Contact
gradsandinterns@loreal.com
Facebook.com/LorealCareersUKI
Twitter @LorealGradJobs
instagram.com/lorealgraduates
Type of employer
World #1 Beauty FMCG
Locations
Graduate Schemes, Industrial Placements
and Summer Internships can be based at
LOral, London, Hammersmith or The Body
Shop, in London Bridge.
Although applicants must be flexible as
regional opportunities can arise on all
schemes.
We offer Graduate Schemes (Management

Trainee Programme), Industrial Placements
& Summer Internships

On one of our junior talent programmes at
LOral youll take on all kinds of fascinating,
high profile challenges, supported
throughout by HR sponsors, graduate
buddies and tailored training. We offer
opportunities within LOral UK offices and
the Head Office of the iconic beauty retailer
The Body Shop.
Our 1 year Management Trainee Scheme and
10 week Summer Internships operates across
commercial, marketing, supply chain and
finance functions. Our Industrial Placements
also offer opportunities in other functions
such as visual merchandising, purchasing,
packaging, IT, digital, events and R&D
How do we select?
All applications must be made online at
www.lorealbusinessclass.co.uk . Our
website details the full selection process,
alongside some useful hints and tips.
292 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
70,000+ globally 3,000+ UK
4045
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
LOREALBUSINESSCLASS.CO.UK
Management Training Scheme / Internship opportunities

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Ambition is creating something

that two million people Like
Ambition means something different to every one of our graduates. For Chetan,

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HSSHYV\UK[OL^VYSK-VYV[OLYZP[ZTHUHNPUN[^LU[`JSPLU[ZPU[OLPYYZ[[^V
weeks, or showcasing the revenue they have driven.For us, its about pushing

[OLIV\UKHYPLZHUK^VYRPUN[VNL[OLY[VZ[H`U\TILYVULPUV\YLYJLS`
competitive global market.
What is ambition to you?
UK
300
Laing ORourke
R A N K I N G S
www.laingorourke.com/careers
Year on year I am amazed by
More about us
Laing ORourke is a multidisciplinary design,
manufacturing, engineering and
construction group. We have a presence
across the UK, Middle East, Canada,
Australia, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
the energy and ambition of

our graduates. It is a source of
great personal satisfaction
Our capabilities cover the full lifecycle of

buildings and infrastructure. This means we
are involved before the start and beyond
the completion of construction from
funding and planning a development to
managing the end product. The combined
expertise of our in-house delivery
businesses allows us to tackle some of the
largest and most complex projects, such as
the City of Londons tallest structure, the
Leadenhall Building and Manchesters
Central Library and Town Hall (pictured).
that Laing ORourke continues

to provide such fertile ground
to so many exceptionally
gifted young men and
women.
Ray ORourke, Chairman
Contact
Email:
graduateprogramme@laingorourke.com
Telephone: 01322 730730
Follow us on Twitter @Laing_ORourke
and LinkedIn
indepth understanding of business principles

and exposing you to the latest industry
expertise. These experiential learning
workshops are designed to help our future
leaders grow the personal and professional
skills required for project delivery excellence.
Type of employer
Construction Engineering
There are a number of career entry points

available, including:
Engineering and design
Quantity Surveying, Estimating and
Procurement
Planning and Construction Management
Locations
Across the UK
As a Laing ORourke graduate you will work
through a structured 32-month programme
combining practical experience, academic
learning and professional development. At
the same time, you will follow a step-by-step
process designed to fast-track you towards
chartership. Diverse on-the-job experience
will be complemented by an engaging series
of learning modules, providing you with an
294 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
How do we select?
Online application: submit a CV and cover
letter
First-stage interview: on campus or by
telephone
Online psychometric assessment
Half-day assessment: including group
discussion, problem solving exercise and
structured interview
Number of employees
15,000+
70
Initiative
Teamwork skills
Laing ORouke is sponsoring
The TARGETjobs Construction

Engineering and Design
undergraduateoftheyear.com/construction
guardianuk300.com
Think big
122 Leadenhall Street, City of London, UK
The Leadenhall Building stands testament to Laing ORourkes modular approach to
construction, delivering an iconic landmark constructed using state-of-the-art preassembly
techniques aligned with the highest possible standards of quality and interior finishes.
Enterprising graduates
The Laing ORourke

Graduate
Development
Programme
Join the next generation
of engineering and
construction talent
www.laingorourke.com
@Laing_ORourke
UK
300
Lidl Ltd
R A N K I N G S
www.lidl.co.uk
Our graduates are very
More about us
As one of the UKs retail success stories, our
simple retail philosophy and efficient
working practices allow us to focus on what
we do best providing top quality products
at the lowest possible prices. Our principles
ensure clear structures, simple processes,
flat hierarchies and short decision paths.
important for the future

growth and development of
our business. Bringing fresh
ideas and enthusiasm they
Lidl is an established international food

retailer with more than 9,000 stores trading
across Europe. With over 600 stores in the
UK alone, we have an impressive schedule
of new store openings.
put theory into practice,

whilst developing their
management skills in a
retail environment.
Lidl HR Director
Contact
Email: recruitment@lidl.co.uk or visit
www.lidlgraduatecareers.co.uk
Type of employer
Grocery Retailer
Locations
Nationwide

Uncompromising on quality, we look for the
same in our graduates. We are seeking
talented, motivated and ambitious people
who are excellent communicators and
possess good commercial awareness. We
offer graduate opportunities in positions
across the UK, based in our stores, Regional
Distribution Centres and Head Office. A
structured and hands-on approach to
training allows graduates to take on early
responsibility with support being provided
throughout the training by experienced
colleagues.
How do we select?
Apply online attaching your CV & covering
letter. First interview includes a
presentation detailing the graduate
opportunities, test(s) and one-to-one
interview. Second interview will be a one-toone interview with a Senior Manager.
296 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
12,000+ in the UK
Approximately 30 graduates and
undergraduates
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Other retail careers

dont compare.
Graduate opportunities
NATIONWIDE
You choose us and we choose you, for exactly the same reason. We want
only the best.
If youve been following the news youll be aware of the massive leaps
forward were making. As an ambitious graduate you owe it to yourself to join
a company thats setting the pace, on a salary that reflects the confidence we
have in you. We want you to make your mark on our business from day one,
so the support we give you will be outstanding, with training designed to
maximise your potential.
Its your choice. Make it the right one.
www.lidlgraduatecareers.co.uk
www.lidl.co.uk
Lidl surprises.
UK
300
Lloyds
R A N K I N G S
financial services
www.lloyds.com
As the global centre for specialist
More about us
There are two parts to Lloyds: theres the
market and the Corporation. Like any
market, we enable those with something to
sell underwriters providing insurance
coverage to come face to face with those
who want to buy brokers, working on
behalf of their clients who are seeking
insurance. The Corporation is there to
oversee, support and promote the market.
Based in the City of London, in the iconic
Lloyds building, we operate globally, doing
business in more than 200 countries and
territories around the world.
insurance, Lloyds is also certified

as one of Britains Top Employers.
Along with our commitment to
train and support our graduates,
we offer a competitive benefits
package and rewarding career
opportunities, all from our iconic
building in the City of London.
David Banner, Senior Recruitment
Manager
Contact
lloydsgraduates@capita.co.uk
Type of employer
Specialist risk solutions.
Locations
HQ in London, North America, Latin America,
Europe, Asia Pacific

The Lloyds programme helps you explore
the many roles Lloyds has to offer by a
series of rotated placement areas. You could
examine the potential impact of a
catastrophe on Lloyds itself or manage
relationships with international regulators.
You might help underwriting specialists
assess risks in the market or work with the
international regulators building
relationships and helping to gain access to
new markets. Wherever you are placed,
youll be guaranteed a fully rounded
experience within Lloyds.
How do we select?
Priority competencies are tested through an
online application form, followed by an
online numerical test. If you are successful
at this stage, there will be a telephone
interview. The final stage is a half-day
assessment centre.
298 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
950
1215
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
A NEW GENERATION
OF RISKS needs the
next generation
of thinkers.
DRONES_
NASAs exploratory research into
using drones to monitor volcanic
activity is part of the new generation of
risk for which Lloyds is at the forefront.
Shape the future with the Lloyds graduate programme_
www.lloyds.com/futurethinkers
@LloydsofLondon
www.facebook.com/lloyds
UK
300
Lloyds Register
R A N K I N G S
www.graduates.lr.org
More about us
Lloyds Register is a global engineering,
technical and business services
organisation wholly owned by the Lloyds
Register Foundation, a UK charity dedicated
to research and education in science and
engineering.
Do what you do best......
We have a long-standing reputation for

integrity, impartiality and technical
excellence. Our compliance, risk and
technical consultancy services give clients
confidence that their assets and
businesses are safe, sustainable and
dependable. Through our global technology
centres and research network, we are at the
forefront of understanding the application of
new science and technology to future-proof
our clients businesses.
Solve problems
creatively and improve
the world around us
Contact
graduateteam@lr.org
Type of employer
Independent risk assurance in the marine,
energy and transportation sectors.
Locations
Global company, placements throughout the
UK & Europe

We are currently looking for ambitious and
dedicated graduates to join our 2015 Marine
& Energy Graduate Training Schemes.
During both schemes you will be training to
become technical specialists and future
leaders of our business.
Whether your passion lies in the Marine
environment, or the Energy sector, we can
offer exciting and challenging opportunities
to grow and develop.
How do we select?
Process as detailed below:
1) Online application form
2) First interview (competency based,
fifteen minutes on the telephone)
3) Second interview (competency based,
face-to-face in London)
4) Technical interview (thirty minutes on
the telephone)
5) Assessment centre (case study,
interview, presentation, group exercise)
300 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
9,000
18
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Do something
that matters
Graduate and undergraduate opportunities
One of the worlds leading classification societies, Lloyds Register is an organisation thats
driven by principles rather than profit. Our commitment to safety and technical excellence
means everyone who works here does something that matters.
We are looking for ambitious and dedicated graduates to join our 2015 Marine and Energy
Graduate Training Schemes and train to become technical specialists and future leaders of
our business.
We also offer summer internships for undergraduates.If you want to do something that
matters,find out more and apply at www.graduates.lr.org.
Lloyds Register and variants of it are trading names of Lloyds Register Group Limited,
its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Copyright Lloyds Register Group Limited 2013.
Working together
for a safer world
UK
300
Local Government National Graduate Development Programme
R A N K I N G S
5th Public sector
24th In the top 300
www.ngdp.org.uk
More about us
Local government is the largest and most
diverse employer in England and is
responsible for a wide range of services that
support local communities.
The ngdp offers the

opportunity for
The ngdp is a two-year graduate

management development programme, run
by the Local Government Association, which
gives committed graduates the opportunity
to have a positive impact on the sector. It
trains high-calibre managers to influence
and implement the huge change programme
facing local government.
graduates to become
leaders within local
government and to help
This is your chance to help redefine how

councils will operate in the future for the
benefit of local communities.
shape the future of the

sector.
Contact
NGDP@local.gov.uk
Type of employer
Public Sector
Locations
Nationwide

The ngdp is a launch pad for a successful
leadership career in local government.
Graduates undertake a series of placements
within a council to experience a range of
challenges including policy and strategy,
front-line services and corporate functions.
They also gain knowledge and qualification
through the postgraduate national learning
and development programme.
How do we select?
Our selection process begins with an online
application, followed by further testing and
an in-person assessment centre. Final
interviews are conducted by individual local
authorities.
302 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
c1.2 million
Up to 120
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Real life. Real work.

Your opportunity to make a difference.
As an NMT I am
encouraged to challenge
current working practices,
spot future opportunities
and support change in
a time of uncertainty.
By working on a project
which has gained
national recognition it
has enabled the council
to think differently about
how it demonstrates
change and delivers
services in todays
challenging environment.
This programme gives

you access to the
inner workings of local
government, a sector
that is changing rapidly.
There are opportunities
for innovation around
service delivery and
supporting communities.
I have been able to work
in a number of different
departments, delivering
a wide array of services
which affect peoples
daily lives.
Jonathan Downs, National

Management Trainee,
Oldham Council
Michael Gladstone, Customer

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London Borough of Sutton
Thats what the ngdp is all about. Its a two-year

graduate training programme designed to help
you develop as a leader in local government,
giving you hands on experience and genuine
responsibility. Youll take on a variety of projects.
Youll meet all sorts of people. And youll enjoy
all the challenges and opportunities.
7RQGRXWPRUHDERXWQJGSDQGZK\\RX
should join us visit www.ngdp.org.uk
UK
300
Marks & Spencer
R A N K I N G S
3rd Retail
37th In the top 300
www.marksandspencergrads.com
More about us
Theres a lot to be said for a career that
begins by saying yes to M&S. With
programmes ranging from Retail
Management through to IT, Logistics, Buying
and beyond, each M&S graduate has access
to the amazing, exciting and incredible
opportunities and experiences we offer. You
could be spotting todays trends and turning
them into tomorrows reality, refining retail
channels and enhancing shopping
experiences, or developing the products and
services we offer. Whatever area you
choose, youll have unique opportunities to
be the best you can be for yourself and
the business. Whats more, youll be an
important part of building the future of one
of Britains best-loved brands.
Youll have unique

opportunities to be
the best you can
be. Whats more,
youll be an
important part of
building the future
of one of Britains
best-loved brands.
Contact
graduate.opportunity@marks-andspencer.com
Type of employer
We are one of the UKs leading retailers
Locations
UK-wide
304 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We have opportunities available in Retail
Management, IT, Buying, HR, Merchandising,
Product Design & Technology, M&S.com,
Marketing and Logistics.
How do we select?
The first thing well ask you to do is
complete our online application form, which
includes a number of selection exercises.
Its designed to give us an idea of whether
youd enjoy, and be a good fit for, a
managerial role. It may include verbal
reasoning exercises, numerical tests plus a
personality questionnaire. If you do well,
well soon be in touch to invite you to attend
a one-day assessment centre.
Number of employees
Over 75,000 people in the UK and abroad
200 vacancies
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Mars
R A N K I N G S
8th Consumer goods
manufacturing and
marketing
62nd In the top 300
www.mars.co.uk/graduates
More about us
Think Mars, think M&Ms, think Uncle Bens,
Pedigree, Whiskas and Wrigley. Mars is all of
these and more. Were the worlds third
largest food company, were a $30 billion
dollar, privately-owned business, were a
place where you can experience unusual
levels of freedom and responsibility and use
them to make what you do mean more for
you, and more to the people and
communities you interact with.
Start your own story.
Contact
Email: marsfuturetalentuk@effem.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MarsGradsUK
Twitter: @MarsGradsUK
You Tube: youtube.com/Mars
Linked in: linkedin.com/company/mars
Type of employer
FMCG
Chocolate, Petcare, Food, Drinks and
Wrigley Gum & Confections
Locations
Nationwide
Mars is sponsoring
The TARGETjobs
Future Business Leader
undergraduateoftheyear.com/leader
306 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

This year were running programmes in the
following areas:
Management Development Programme
Customer Development Management
Programme
European Procurement Leadership
Programme
Engineering Development Programme
Research and Development Programme
Business Technology Leadership
Programme
European Finance Development
Programme
How do we select?
There are five steps in our selection
process, the order they run in is: Online
competency-based questionnaire > Online
psychometric tests > First-round
assessment day > Final round assessment
day > Appointment
Number of employees
35
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Max Fordham
R A N K I N G S
www.maxfordham.com
More about us
We bring buildings to life with beautiful
engineering.
Since 1966, Max Fordham has worked with
the worlds leading architects on some of
the most significant buildings in the UK and
around the world.
We are dedicated to delivering sustainable,
robust and elegant engineering solutions
that serve a buildings architecture.
Beautiful Engineering
Recent projects include the award-winning

refurbishment of the Tate Britain, the new
Britten Pears Archive and the Ironmonger
Row Baths in London. Alongside our many
prestigious projects, we also undertake probono humanitarian projects in developing
countries, and provide opportunities for
active involvement in the wider engineering
community.
Contact
42-43 Gloucester Crescent
London NW1 7PE
Type of employer
Environmental and Building Services
Engineers
Locations
London, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Manchester
and Bristol

Graduate engineers from all our offices get
an opportunity to work on a variety of local
and international projects.
Our graduates can expect leadership and
mentorship from experienced, creative,
expert engineers. We encourage a cross
disciplinary approach to mechanical and
electrical engineering, to identify and solve
challenges a less integrated method might
not even find.
How do we select?
Through face to face and technical
interviews, we recruit from a variety of
engineering, science and mathematics
backgrounds. We look for people who can
generate and develop their own ideas. It is
the way a graduate approaches a problem
that is most important to us.
308 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
186
1015
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
TAKE
IT TO
THE
MAX
Your career in building services
engineering starts at Max Fordham.
Work on great projects.
Work with creative minds.
Work with great engineers.
Visit maxfordham.com
and vimeo.com/45124608
UK
300
Mayer Brown International LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.mayerbrowngraduates.com
More about us
Mayer Brown was one of the first law firms
to develop a global platform in recognition of
the fact that many of its clients increasingly
needed an integrated, cross border legal
advice. The firm is now one of the worlds
leading global law firms with offices in key
business centres across Asia, Europe and
the Americas. In Brazil, the firm has an
association with Tauil & Chequer Avogados.
Through the association, the extensive
international expertise of its lawyers and its
presence in the leading financial centres
around the world, Mayer Brown provides
high quality legal advice and client-focused
solutions to support many of the worlds
leading businesses, governments and
individuals.
Contact
Caroline Sarson
Graduate Recruitment & Development
Manager
Type of employer
Global law firm
Locations
Bangkok, Beijing, Brussels, Charlotte,
Chicago, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Guangzhou,
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong,
Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York,
Palo Alto, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore and
Washington DC
Mayer Brown is sponsoring
The TARGETjobs
Law Undergraduate
of the Year 2015
undergraduateoftheyear.com/law
310 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

One of the advantages of joining Mayer
Brown are the choices available to you. Our
trainees can tailor their training contract
from a range of different seats, including
our main practice areas in London (as listed
above) and international secondments
(Hong Kong and New York). If you dont want
to stray too far, a wealth of in-house
experience is also available via our client
secondments within the UK. For a large
international firm, our London office
remains a tightly knit team with an open
and inclusive culture. You will nevertheless
be given significant opportunities to assist
on matters which may be multi-disciplinary,
cross-border, complex and high-profile in
nature.
How do we select?
Online application form and assessment
centre.
Number of employees
Approx 500 in the London office
Approx 20
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Interview us
Whats involved in training to be a lawyer at Mayer

%URZQ":HNQRZKRZLPSRUWDQWWKHoUVWVWHSVLQ
your career are, which is why we want you to know as
much as you can about the realities of life as a trainee
solicitor. If law is for you, we want you to know what
we look for in a trainee. Not that we are looking for
clones we are a diverse group of people but there
are some important skills that we all share.
Ask us anything.
T +44 20 3130 8524

E graduaterecruitment@mayerbrown.com
Mayer Brown values diversity and welcomes
applications from all sections of the community.
Americas | Asia | Europe | www.mayerbrown.com

Mayer Brown is a global legal services provider comprising legal practices that are separate entities (the Mayer Brown Practices). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP and Mayer Brown Europe
Brussels LLP, both limited liability partnerships established in Illinois USA; Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales (authorised and regulated by the
Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England and Wales number OC 303359); Mayer Brown, a SELAS established in France; Mayer Brown JSM, a Hong Kong partnership and its associated entities in Asia;
and Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law partnership with which Mayer Brown is associated. Mayer Brown and the Mayer Brown logo are the trademarks of the Mayer Brown Practices in their respective
jurisdictions.
UK
300
McDonalds Restaurants Ltd
R A N K I N G S
www.mcdonalds.co.uk/people
More about us
McDonalds has operated in the UK since
1974 and currently operates 1,225
restaurants, employing 95,000 people who
work together to deliver the food and
service that our customers know and trust.
We want to hire people with

the right attitude and qualities
to fulfil their potential. People
who can stand out from the
crowd and deliver the best
customer experience and the
high standards of quality and
cleanliness expected in our
restaurants.
Jez Langhorn, Senior Vice
President, People
Contact
www.mcdonalds.co.uk/people
Type of employer
Global restaurant chain with 1,225 UK outlets.
Locations
UK-wide
If you are interested in a career leading to
managing all aspects of a successful
restaurant, including a team of around 80
employees, then the Trainee Manager
programme would be a great first step. Open
to graduates, or those with experience of
working in a customer facing environment
and managing teams this role is restaurant
based and does involve changeable shift
patterns including working weekends and
bank holidays.
After successfully completing the training
period, Trainee Managers are promoted to
312 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
McDonalds invests over 43 million in

development programmes for its employees
each year. The company has a proven track
record of career progression, in fact the
entire UK Operations executive team started
their careers on the graduate Trainee
Manager programme. Prospective
employees can be reassured that they can
create a long-term career with one of the
worlds most recognised and successful
brands.
2nd Assistant Managers and become part of

the core restaurant management team.
Opportunities for promotion include
progressing to 1st Assistant Manager then to
Business Manager opportunities then arise
to progress to area management roles or
secondments in support departments.
How do we select?
First we check to see if you measure up to
our basic criteria. Were looking for graduates
from any discipline, or people with relevant
experience in management and customerfacing roles. Youll then complete an online
application, psychometric testing and, if
successful, a restaurant-based assessment
day, which we call an On-Job Evaluation,
where you get to try the job for real. Finally,
an interview where we discuss everything
youve done so far and decide if were right for
each other.
Number of employees
95,000
350
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
The McDonalds Trainee

Manager Programme is
the first step to managing a
multi-million restaurant
employing 80 staff.
After six months training and
learning all the basics, our
Trainee Managers are promoted to
Assistant Managers but if youve
got the drive and ambition, theres
no limit to how far you can go.
To find out more about working and
learning with us visit
Stockport
Sammy Jo
mcdonalds.co.uk/people
TRAINEE
MANAGER
UK
300
Mercer
R A N K I N G S
7th Consulting
www.mercer.com/ukgrads
I completed an internship
More about us
Every day, we help organisations around the
world to advance the health, wealth and
wellbeing of their most important asset
their people.
at Mercer while still at

university. It offered me
Our Talent team provide the strategic advice

and guidance clients need to manage,
reward and engage their people effectively.
something quite
distinctive a chance to
Our Retirement team are actively advising

governments as well as designing and
implementing pension and wider benefit
structures for our clients.
use my actuarial expertise

within a leading
Within Investments, our consultants provide

practical solutions and investment advice
on institutional investing from structure
and implementation to portfolio monitoring.
investment environment.
VIKRAM CHATRATH
With so many career opportunities

available, you will have the freedom to
shape a successful career at Mercer.
INVESTMENT ANALYST
Contact
www.mercer.com/ukgrads
020 7178 7192
Type of employer
One of the worlds largest providers of Talent,
Health, Retirement and Investments.
Locations
England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and
over 40 other countries around the world.

Our graduate roles encompass actuarial,
retirement, investment and hr consulting.
Youll be supported in studying towards a
professional qualification. To succeed at
Mercer, you must be highly perceptive,
communicative and organised. Youll be
looking to be challenged by genuine
responsibility, intellectual stimulation and
ever-changing client priorities.
How do we select?
For more details on the application process,
along with closing dates and to apply,
please visit www.mercer.com/ukgrads
314 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
over 19,000
c50
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
6th Hospitality, leisure and
tourism
www.merlincareers.com/graduates
More about us
Merlin Entertainments is a business built on
fun. We run 100+ attractions in 22 countries
across 4 continents, and with a number of
new sites opening around the world every
year, we operate some of the best known
names in global leisure. These include the
likes of SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, the
Dungeons and LEGOLAND, as well as local
icons such as The EDF Energy London Eye,
Gardaland Resort, Heide Park Resort,
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
and Alton Towers Resort, and the objective
at each is to provide a truly memorable
experience and a great day out for all the
family. All of which helps to cement our
reputation as one of the worlds leading
leisure and entertainment companies.
Accelerate your
career
Contact
graduates@merlinentertainments.biz
Connect with Merlin Graduates on:
www. facebook.com/merlingraduates
www. twitter.com/merlingraduates
Type of employer
Leisure & Entertainment; worlds 2nd
largest visitor attraction company
Locations
Global Programme: Europe, Asia, Australia
and the US
316 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

There are two Graduate programmes on
offer General Management and Marketing
and while each is focused on a distinct
area of our business, they both offer the
same level of fast-track development. They
also require the same blend of commercial
nous and creative thinking. After all, were
not after run-of-the-mill individuals. We
want future leaders who can shake things
up and take our business forward.
How do we select?
Online application and testing, telephone
interview and then assessment centre.
Number of employees
23,000
Up to 20 per year globally
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
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Before you know it, you too could be working your magic
at the heart of Merlin Entertainments plc home to
some of the worlds most popular attractions including
Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, Alton Towers Resort and
LEGOLAND to name a few. Over 18 incredible months,
you can either work to become a leader through our
Business Management programme or work with
some of the worlds most exciting brands on our
Marketing programme.
Find out where you could go.
MERLINCAREERS.COM/GRADUATES
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
UK
300
Mills & Reeve LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.mills-reeve.com
More about us
Mills & Reeve is a major UK law firm
renowned for its outstanding service to
national and international clients, for its
collaborative culture and for its deep sector
expertise.
96% of Mills & Reeve
The firm has a strong sector focus with

expertise in agriculture, charities,
education, food and beverage, health,
insurance, private wealth, real estate
investment, sport and technology.
staff would recommend

the firm as a good place
Clients include businesses from PLCs to

start-ups high net worth individuals and
landowners, more than 120 universities,
colleges and education bodies and over 100
healthcare organisations.
to work
Contact
Fiona Medlock
Botanic House
100 Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 1PH
Tel: 01223 222336
email: fiona.medlock@mills-reeve.com
Type of employer
Legal sector
Locations
Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, London,
Manchester, Norwich
318 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

Two-year training contracts commencing
September 2017.
We also offer two-week summer
placements.
How do we select?
Online application form, then assessment
centre consisting of a group exercise,
interview and aptitude tests.
Number of employees
800
17
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
spark
enthusiasm
commitment
bright idea
Some law firms try to mould their trainees into what they think
a good lawyer should be. At Mills & Reeve we give you the opportunity
to find out who you are. As the future of our firm, well encourage you
to think independently and come up with better ways of doing things.
The actual training you receive will be second to none and youll find
yourself working closely with some of the UKs leading lawyers.
Number of vacancies: 30 summer placements, 17 training contracts
How to apply: by 31 January for 2015 summer placements, by 31 July
for training contracts commencing 2017.
Contact: Fiona Medlock, Graduate Recruitment Manager
Mills & Reeve LLP, Botanic House, 100 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1PH
Tel: 01223 222336 Email: fiona.medlock@mills-reeve.com
website: www.mills-reeve.com/graduates
UK
300
Morgan Stanley
R A N K I N G S
5th Investment banking
and investment
53rd In the top 300
www.morganstanley.com/careers
More about us
Morgan Stanley is more than a leading
financial services firm. With 1,200 offices
spanning 43 countries and talented,
passionate people bringing excellence and
integrity to everything we do, the firm is
truly global. Throughout the firms history,
diverse and talented individuals have
worked together to develop our new ideas
and groundbreaking financial products.
YOU HAVE TALENTS

WE HAVE OPTIONS
Contact
graduaterecruitmenteurope@
morganstanley.com
Type of employer
Investment Banking, Fund Management and
Technology.
Locations
EMEA locations
Amsterdam, Budapest, Dubai, Dublin,
Frankfurt, Geneva, Glasgow, Istanbul,
Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Milan,
Moscow, Munich, Paris, Stockholm,
Tel Aviv, Warsaw and Zurich.

Morgan Stanley offers a variety of
undergraduate and graduate programmes in
EMEA. We recruit students and graduates
across the following divisions: Equity
Research, Finance, Global Capital Markets,
Human Resources, Investment Banking,
IT/Technology, Operations, Prime Brokerage,
Real Estate Investing, Risk Management,
Sales and Trading, Stats & Modelling.
How do we select?
Type of application accepted
Online (CV and cover letter) at
www.morganstanley.com/careers. You will
be required to complete a set of online
psychometric tests as part of your
application.

No fixed quota
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
Closing date Varies by division and

programme. Please check our website.
Enquiries graduaterecruitmenteurope@
morganstanley.com
320 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com

For more details visit our website

www.morganstanley.com/careers
Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. (M/G/D/V) 2014 Morgan Stanley
UK
300
Morrisons
R A N K I N G S
www.morrisonsgraduates.com
More about us
Morrisons is much, much more than a big
food retailer. We are a business in
transformation, with a passion for new ideas
and are well on our way to becoming our
customers favourite food shop. Proud to be
different, at Morrisons we grow our own
both our talent and our food.
With 12 schemes to choose

from, you can be sure that
our investment, in our
graduates, is both
genuine and generous.
If youve got the
leadership skills,
passion, integrity and
drive to make things
happen, then you
could join our management
team.
Contact
Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, BD3
7DL
graduates@morrisonsplc.co.uk
Type of employer
Food Retailer and Manufacturer
Locations
At Morrisons its not just our stores that are
spread throughout the UK, the rest of our
business operates from a range of locations
too.
We not only buy from carefully selected

suppliers, but also own our own production
and supply chain, making Morrisons the
UKs second largest food producer. This
gives us full control of the quality,
availability and cost of our food and means
we can operate to the shortest lead times in
the business.

With such a broad range of schemes
available in the one company, Graduates
can learn fast and go far. Whether joining
one of our many Head Office based
schemes or in Manufacturing, Logistics or
Retail this range of opportunities simply
isnt available anywhere else. Moving in
many directions across the organisation,
Morrisons graduates have the best chance
of reaching the top.
How do we select?
Playing to strengths is how we grow our
own key players and leaders so once youve
passed our online application, we will
assess you against some key strengths.
This helps us to understand what you really
enjoy doing and therefore do really well. The
stages are: a Situational Strengths Test; a
Verbal Numerical Test; Video Interview and
finally Assessment Centres.
322 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
Over 120,000
160
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
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GRADUATE SCHEMES - NATIONWIDE

Graduates rate Morrisons in The Guardian UK 300. Probably because we make so many into
managers. We have an eye for fresh talent. We can spot it in qualities like the ability to move
quickly from one challenge to another, respect, integrity, team work and a passion for doing
things simpler and smarter. And then we nurture it, treating you as someone to be valued,
supporting and encouraging your progress, trusting you to take on new things, showing you
how, and being your biggest and best supporter when you succeed. Were a business thats
changing fast and can take you far. We know our core strengths so why not discover yours?
To find out more go to Morrisonsgraduates.com
UK
300
Mott MacDonald
R A N K I N G S
3rd Construction, civil
More about us
Our employees are united by our vision to
be the consultant of choice, recognised for
the quality of our people. The immense
talent and energy of our people have
resulted in us winning 525 awards in 6
years for innovative and technical prowess.
We are in 140 countries so although we are
global, we are truly local. We deliver
technical expertise across 12 core sectors:
buildings; communications; education;
environment; health; industry; international
development; oil and gas; power; transport;
urban development and water.
We are a uniquely
diverse range of
consultants delivering
extremely high profile
projects across the
world, working to meet
Our ambition is that our people are able to

enjoy a long and rewarding career with us.
To support this we encourage and enable
people to achieve their full potential.
some of the worlds

greatest challenges
Contact
Graduate Recruitment Team
Mott MacDonald House
8-10 Sydenham Road
Croydon CR0 2EE
graduate.recruitment@mottmac.com
020 8774 2176
Twitter: @MottMacGraduates
www.facebook.com/mottmacdonaldgroup
Type of employer
A global management, engineering and
development consultancy.
Locations
Across 30 offices in the UK

We have 8 graduate schemes which cover a
range of disciplines, as well as summer
internship and industrial trainee schemes.
Our award winning graduate programme will
support you in gaining experience across all
our core business areas through providing
you with the opportunity to work on some
the most exciting projects across the world.
We will support you with a tailored
programme allowing you to progress within
one of the worlds leading engineering
consultancies and so support the
development of your potential.
How do we select?
We have an online application form where
you upload your CV, covering letter and any
other supporting information, followed by a
number of questions specific for the
scheme you are applying to.
324 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
16,000
250
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
here
AMBITION meets
OPPORTUNITY
OVER
16,000 STAFF
MOTT MACDONALD
SUPPORT
AND TRAINING
TO BUILD
A LIFELONG CAREER
EMP
LOYEE- OWNED
1.2
150 YEAR
HERITAGE
MANAGEMENT
BILLION
ENGINEERING
DEVELOPMENT
WORKING IN
12 CORE
SECTORS
500
AWARDS IN
SIX YEARS
ble
aina
sust
Buildings, Communications, Education,

Environment, Health, Industry,
International Development,
Oil and Gas, Power, Transport,
Urban Development,
Water
WORKING IN
140
COUNTRIES
DRIVING
INNOVATION
UK
300
Nabarro
R A N K I N G S
www.nabarro.com
The placement was
More about us
Nabarro has over 100 partners leading 300
lawyers focused on delivering practical,
business-savvy legal advice. From the most
successful companies in the world to fast
growth start-ups, we work with a diverse
range of clients across many sectors.
brilliantly structured,
informative and with plenty
of real work for us to be
The firms areas of work include banking and

finance, corporate, infrastructure,
construction and energy, dispute resolution,
employment, financial services, funds and
indirect real estate, intellectual property,
pensions, planning, real estate,
restructuring and insolvency and tax.
getting involved in. The firm

takes great pride in the
training of its employees
and this is greatly reflected
in the quality of the threeweek summer scheme
Contact
Nabarro LLP
125 London Wall
London EC2Y 5AS
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7524 6000
Email: graduateinfo@nabarro.com
Twitter: @nabarrograds
Type of employer
Nabarro is a full service commercial law
firm, offering extensive legal services to
both national and international clients.
Locations
London
Manchester
Sheffield
Brussels
Dubai
Singapore
326 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We recruit 25 trainees per year; 20 in
London and 5 in Sheffield. Our trainees
undertake six four-month seats ensuring
great variety and exposure to the firms core
practice and specialist areas. We offer 55
vacation scheme places across London and
Sheffield each year. Our multi-award
winning vacation scheme is designed to
ensure you gain a clear insight into our
business, the type of work you can expect
and the kind of people youll be working
with. We recruit all of our trainees through
our vacation schemes.
How do we select?
All applications should be made online via
www.nabarro.com. To obtain a place on the
scheme you must progress through an
Interview Day. This includes an interview,
group and written assessments and a
networking exercise.
Number of employees
794
25
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Our Summer Scheme.

A dozen awards, and counting.
What are your chances of winning a Training Contract with Nabarro without first
getting to know us on our Summer Scheme? In a word, non-existent. These days,
every trainee who joins us starts here.
To find out why joining Nabarro, via our multi-award-winning Summer Scheme,
will greatly increase your chances of building the kind of career you want, just roll
up for a chat at the next Law Fair you see us at. Wed love to meet you.
Or visit: graduates.nabarro.com
Your future as a lawyer. Leave nothing to chance.
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
6th Accounting and financial
management
www.nao.org.uk
More about us
The NAO is an independent public body that
helps Parliament hold government to
account for how tax payers money is spent.
We provide assurance to Parliament through
our audit work and add value to government
by supporting its drive to improve public
services. Our work is impactful and
influential. It makes a real difference by
working closely with government bodies to
understand the challenges they face help
them drive real improvements in important
public services. Our work is wide ranging from health and education to transport and
defence.
A career at the NAO offers an

impressive variety of training
opportunities. Youll find the
professional qualification makes
up only a small part of your
personal development
(current trainee)
On the financial audit side, Ive
been given responsibility for
whole account areas and been
sent to clients all around the UK.
(current trainee)
Contact
Telephone the Recruitment Team on: 020
7798 7227 or e-mail:
hrservicedesk@nao.gsi.gov.uk
Type of employer
The National Audit Office scrutinises
government spending on behalf of
Parliament.
Locations
London and Newcastle

We recruit about 70 graduates a year with a
2.1 degree or better in any discipline. The
professional training scheme leads to
qualification as a Chartered Accountant
(Institute of Chartered Accountants in
England and Wales). Its a very successful
scheme, giving the best chance of
qualifying and a great foundation for a
successful career.
How do we select?
Our selection process for the 2015
campaign involves an initial online
application form and numeracy test. If
successful the candidate will be invited to a
preliminary interview. If the candidate
meets the required standard
in the interview they will be invited to attend
an assessment centre which includes a
range of exercises.
328 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
820
70 (60 in London and 10 in Newcastle)
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Career. Inuence. Impact.

Take yours further in public sector audit
At the NAO, we offer something different the chance
to be part of work that has a real impact on the nation.
Weare an independent and successful organisation with
high professional standards where ideas, people and
quality are valued.
Visit our website to nd out more about a career in public
sector accountancy.
nao.org.uk/studentcareers
UK
300
National Grid
R A N K I N G S
www.nationalgridcareers.com
More about us
National Grids job is to connect people to
the energy they use, safely. We are at the
heart of one of the greatest challenges
facing our societydelivering clean energy
to support our world long into the future.
Were investing around

30billion over the next
National Grid holds a vital position at the

centre of the energy system. We join
everything up. We own and manage the
grids that connect the energy sources to the
people that use it. Were the largest utility in
the UK, running systems that deliver gas
and electricity across the entire country,
connecting people to the energy they use. In
the North East US, we provide power directly
to millions of customers.
8 years to develop and

renew the UKs energy
infrastructure, leading
the way on renewable
energy.
Contact
www.nationalgridcareers.com
Type of employer
One of the worlds largest investor-owned
energy companies
Locations
Nationally across the UK
Our Graduate Development Programme
offers you a fantastic insight into a number
of career paths within National Grid that are
crucial to its future success. These range
from Technical Engineer through to
Commercial Analyst. The 18 month
programme has been designed to accelerate
your development by offering you key
experience and knowledge in your relevant
330 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
career path, ensuring you are ready and

prepared for this demanding role in 18
months time. The training is a great blend of
technical specialism combined with
business and commercial insight and fast
enhancement of your behavioural, personal
and managerial capabilities. Typically the
sort of training you would only experience
after a few years with an organisation. We
believe that by investing in you now it will
provide greater returns in the future.
How do we select?
For Graduate there are four stages, on-line
application, situational judgement test,
telephone interview and Assessment Centre
and just three stages for our Student
Programmes (no telephone interview).
Number of employees
over 22,000 UK/US
40+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
My quick transition
from graduate to
managing other
people and leading
a team shows how
much commitment
National Grid has to
developing its people
National Grid provides

such an essential
service to the UK and
it respects peoples
needs and allows
them to perform.
Matt Hateley, Investment Planning

and Performance Manager
Tom Williams,
Finance Analyst
I want to be developed so one day

I can manage a team of my own
I know I can do that here.
Vicky Young, Industrial Placement
www.nationalgridcareers.com/
Development-Programmes/
UK
300
Network Rail
R A N K I N G S
3rd Logistics, transport and
supply chain
manufacturing
www.networkrail.co.uk/graduates
60th In the top 300
More about us
As a major growth industry, rail is right at
the heart of the UKs economic prosperity,
connecting people and businesses
nationwide. Every day, four million people
use the rail network 50% more than a
decade ago. At Network Rail, this expansion
Europes fastest - is our responsibility.
Weve already invested 39 billion
increasing capacity and modernising
stations, tracks and other infrastructure.
And we have a further 38 billion to
continue creating a bigger and better
railway today and well into the 22nd
Century.
Its exciting to be
involved with the
complexities of
delivering a
sustainable transport
network.
LAUREN HARGREAVES,
Strategic Planning
Contact
www.facebook.com/networkrailgraduates
www.networkrail.co.uk/graduates
Type of employer
We are transforming Britains Railway we
run, maintain and develop the entire railway
infrastructure including tracks, signalling
and electrical control systems, bridges &
viaducts, overhead lines, tunnels, level
crossings and 17 key stations.
Locations
Nationwide (except Ireland)
332 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

The size, scope and diversity of our
organisation means we recruit a variety of
bright, ambitious graduates into a
surprisingly wide range of business areas.
Our Engineering programme attracts civil,
electrical/electronic and mechanical
engineers. In other business areas, our
schemes range from Finance to Property,
Project Management to Business
Technology amongst others.
How do we select?
Online Application, Online Testing,
Assessment Centre
Number of employees
c.34,000
150180
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Your journey to
a bright future
starts here
Were looking for brilliant, bold graduates to help us transform Britains rail
infrastructuretoday and have a lasting impact into the 22nd century.
Apply now at www.networkrail.co.uk/graduates
UK
300
Next
R A N K I N G S
10th Retail
www.careers.next.co.uk/trainees
More about us
You know Next, but did you know we are the
biggest retailer in UK Fashion and
Homewares.
Offering one of the

best career training
A mainstay in the FTSE-100 with around 740

stores dotted across the planet and online
presence in over 60 countries.
opportunities in
We want to provide our customers with

quality products and the latest trends in
clothing, footwear accessories and
Homeware at reasonable prices.
Retail Fashion.
Be part of our Next
generation.
Contact
trainee_careers@next.co.uk
www.linkedin.com/companies/next-groupplc
www.twitter.com/nextcareers
www.facebook.com/nextcareers
Merchandisings about more than just

number crunching. Youll be right there in
the middle of all the commercial challenges
and creative excitement that comes with
bringing next seasons hottest looks to the
high street.
Type of employer
We are one of the UKs leading retailers
Youll be part of making sure the right

products are in the right place in the right
quantity at the right price at the right time.
Locations
Head Office, Leicester
We are looking for Trainee Merchandisers Were after those with a head for figures and
a heart for fashion. So, if youre analytically
minded, this could be the job for you.
334 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
How do we select?
First step is to complete our online
application form, then do our online
numerical, verbal & personality
questionnaires. If youre successful then its
the video interview to showcase your talent
if that goes well wed like to talk in more
detail over the phone. If you get this far well
see you at our Assessment Centre.
Number of employees
Over 40,000 people in the UK
c50
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
C R E AT I V E
WITH
NUMBERS?
WERE LOOKING FOR TRAINEE MERCHANDISERS
WHO HAVE A HEAD FOR FIGURES AND A HEART
FOR FASHION.
In return well offer successful applicants a progressive and rewarding
career path, fantastic training and development, coupled with an
attractive salary. So if you have the desire, passion and commitment
to make a difference at Next, wed love to receive an application.
TO APPLY GO TO
HTTP://CAREERS.NEXT.CO.UK/TRAINEES
UK
300
NHS Leadership Academy
R A N K I N G S
1st In the top 300
1st
Public sector
www.isthenhsrightforme.co.uk
More about us
In 1948 the NHS was created with the vision
that good healthcare should be available to
all, regardless of wealth. This is a vision we
continue to work with today. If graduates
are driven enough to join the NHS, we will
give them great training, comprehensive
development and challenging work.
No matter what area of

the NHS graduates join,
they will become part
of a talented,
We offer a huge range of exciting

opportunities for people who are passionate
about making a difference. No matter what
area of the NHS graduates join, they will
become part of a talented, passionate team
embedded in local communities throughout
England. Our graduates are committed to
improving peoples health and the quality of
their interactions with the NHS in every area
of the UK.
passionate team
embedded in local
communities
throughout England
Contact
Type of employer
Public Sector
Locations
England

Our Graduate Management Training Scheme
is a comprehensive programme aiming to
produce successful leaders in the NHS, with
opportunities in Finance, General
Management, HR and Health Informatics.
How do we select?
Our selection progress is a rigorous one with
three key stages:
1. Application and online testing
2. A face to face interview with senior NHS
managers
3. Assessment centre
336 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
c1.3 million
To be confirmed
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Brain.
Vision.
Taste.
Backbone.
Heart.
Show us what
youre made of
Apply now for the NHS Graduate
Management Training Scheme
www.facebook.com/NHSGraduateScheme
UK
300
Nomura International PLC
R A N K I N G S
www.nomura.com/careers
More about us
Nomura is an Asia-based financial services
group with an integrated global network
spanning over 30 countries. By connecting
markets East & West, Nomura services the
needs of individuals, institutions,
corporates and governments through its
three business divisions: Retail, Asset
Management, and Wholesale (Global
Markets and Investment Banking). Founded
in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of
disciplined entrepreneurship, serving
clients with creative solutions and
considered thought leadership.
Build your investment

banking career at
Nomura
Contact
Recruitment queries only:
eurrecruitingevents-eu@nomura.com
Type of employer
Investment Banking
Locations
Based in Tokyo with regional
headquarters in London, Hong Kong and
New York

Nomura offers a range of graduate and
internship programmes (6 month winter,
36 month spring and 10 week summer)
across three key areas, investment
banking, global markets and corporate
infrastructure. We also offer 3-6 month
internships in our regional offices.
How do we select?
Graduate Programme - three first round
interviews (two sessions on competency
and one case study) with junior
representatives
Internship Programme - two first round
interviews (one competency and one case
study).
If successful, the final round interviews will
consist of four competency based
interviews with senior representatives.
338 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
Approx. 28,000 globally
Varies per business division
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Make an
impression
Build your investment banking
career at Nomura
Uncover the spirit of a business with deep
experience in building financial markets
since 1925.
With a global network spanning over 30 countries, were
able to connect our retail, asset management and
wholesale clients to opportunities wherever they are.
We are now looking for the next generation of
entrepreneurs and leaders to join our highly nimble
and diverse workforce. If you want to make an
impression and build a long term career in
investment banking, come and discover
more about Nomura. This could be a
perfect fit for you.
To find out more and apply, visit

Nomura International plc 2014. Nomura is the global marketing name of Nomura Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries worldwide including Nomura International (Hong Kong)
Limited, licensed and regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Nomura Securities International, Inc (New York), a member of FINRA, NYSE and SIPC and Nomura International
plc (London), authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority and member of the London Stock Exchange.
This is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell securities.
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
10th Law solicitors
www.nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com
Our people are our most
More about us
We provide the worlds pre-eminent
corporations and financial institutions with
a full business law service. Recognised for
our industry focus, we are strong across all
the key industry sectors: financial
institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining
and commodities; transport; technology
and innovation; and life sciences and
healthcare. Wherever we are, we operate in
accordance with our global business
principles of quality, unity and integrity. We
aim to provide the highest possible
standard of legal service in each of our
offices and to maintain that level of quality
at every point of contact.
important asset.
Attracting, developing,
promoting and
retaining the very best
talent that there is in
each of our markets is a
key priority for Norton
Rose Fulbright.
Contact
Caroline Lindner
Trainee Recruitment Manager
Tel: 020 7444 2113
Email: graduate.recruitment@
nortonrosefulbright.com
Type of employer
A global legal practice
Locations
We have more than 3800 lawyers based in
over 50 cities across Europe, the United
States, Canada, Latin America, Asia,
Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central
Asia.
We recruit up to 55 trainees each year.
Based on a four-seat pattern, you will get
the widest possible exposure to different
practice areas and offices around the world,
enabling you to make the best and most
340 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
informed choice of qualification area. You

will have the opportunity to spend one of
your seats on an international or client
secondment.
We run three vacation schemes each year
(winter and summer) where you will have
the opportunity to get under the skin of our
business and get a genuine feel for what it
is like to work here.
For individuals who do not attend a vacation
scheme, we run a number of open days
throughout the year for impressive
candidates. Two of our open days are
reserved for first year undergraduates, who
will participate in a two-day event which will
include work shadowing.
How do we select?
Online application form, with assessment
days for vacation schemes and training
contracts.
Number of employees
7,500
55
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Five questions
to help you decide if law
is right for you.
Do I have the right kind of brain?
Success in law is not just a question of being clever.
The trainees that do the best with us are inquisitive, logical and commercially minded.
How do I feel about international work?

Many trainees work overseas at some point. Ours are pretty much expected to.
Is it the work that appeals, or the lifestyle?

This is a big one. If the challenge of the work doesnt grab you,
then youll never really be able to commit to it fully.
Am I ready for some serious reading?

If you cant sit down and get your head around a LOT of paperwork to get to the key issues,
then this may not be for you. It doesnt suit everyone.
Am I comfortable being the one

that everyones looking to for an answer?
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then the next question is: where do you apply? We are happy to help with that one too.
nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com
Progress with purpose
UK
300
npower
R A N K I N G S
npowerjobs.com/graduates
More about us
RWE npower is a leading UK energy
company and is part of the RWE Group, one
of Europes leading electricity and gas
companies.
The energy industry is full of

exciting opportunities and at
npower this is clearly evident.
We serve around 5.4 million residential and

business customers with electricity, gas
and energy services.
Graduates are given high profile

and meaningful roles from day
Our success depends on our ability to

anticipate and respond to customers
changing needs and deliver the highest
quality services. This includes selling our
products responsibly, protecting the most
vulnerable members of society and helping
our customers to reduce their carbon
footprint.
one. They are provided with the

all the support and training to
drive their career and become a
professional. - Harpavan Khaira
(Graduate Recruitment Manager)
Contact
npower@gradswithenergy.com
0844 245 8072
Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
Type of employer
Energy / Utilities / Retail
Locations
UK wide

npower are currently recruiting across four
schemes:
Finance
Commercial Analyst
Quantitative Risk
and Bespoke.
Our Bespoke graduate scheme allows you to
drive your own career, choosing which
business areas you want to work in with the
unique opportunity to manage your own
team. On this scheme you can work in any
business area from Marketing, HR or Sales
to Strategy, Digital or Sustainability
How do we select?
Our process involves an application form, an
ability test, a telephone interview and an
assessment centre.
Number of employees
Over 9,000
3040
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
We have plenty of hints and tips on how to

succeed on our website.
342 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com
Energy. It powers everything we do. And right now, its one of the most
complex challenges we face. Which is why were looking for graduates who
are driven, ambitious and ready to bring on the future. If that sounds like
you, we could both be in for a very exciting future.
Quantitative Risk sFinancesEnergy Risk ManagementsBespoke Graduate Scheme
Follow us
UK
300
nucleargraduates
R A N K I N G S
development
www.nucleargraduates.com
More about us
The UKs nuclear industry is facing its
biggest challenge in decades. Existing
power stations are ready to be
decommissioned, a new wave of plants has
been given the go ahead and the next
generation of submarines is being tested.
One Industry-
Nuclear is back on the agenda.

The need for suitably skilled graduates from
the UK is greater and more urgent than ever.
Hundreds of
Engineers, scientists, business minds,

talented managers and financial experts will
all be essential to the future of this sector.
Thats why leading businesses and
organisations have come together to create
a new graduate training programme.
Opportunities
Its the most comprehensive scheme the

industry has ever seen. Were calling it
nucleargraduates.
Contact
questions@nucleargraduates.com
Type of employer
A collaborative approach by UK nuclear
sector employers.
Locations
National; including Bristol, Cumbria, Derby
and Warrington.

Our scheme lasts for two experience-packed
years. Built around diverse placements and
structured training this IMechE, IET, IoP and
RSC accredited programme will see you
sponsored by a choice of companies,
followed by employment with your
sponsoring company.
We are looking for engineers, scientists and
commercial graduates. We have some of the
most cutting-edge roles available for
electrical engineers.
How do we select?
The process consists of 3 stages: online
application form, video interview and
assessment centre. This challenging but
rewarding experience involves role playing,
interviews and presentations to help us
learn more about you.
Number of employees
100+
50
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
You will also be subject to security checks

following the assessment centres.
344 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com
Three simple steps allow you to achieve expertise in one of the most
talked about and least understood industries via nucleargraduates.com
%HVHOHFWHGE\RQHRIWKHQXFOHDUJUDGXDWHVVSRQVRUVLQFOXGLQJ5ROOV5R\FH6HOODHOG
Ltd, Magnox Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and other leading industry
organisations and bodies)
2. Experience a world class twenty four month long development programme
3. Join your sponsor for a career based on professional excellence and opportunity.
UK
300
Olswang
R A N K I N G S
www.olswang.com
Olswang is a firm which
More about us
Olswang is a passionate and pioneering firm
with a business-minded approach to the
law.
welcomes you as an
individual, not just another
Our decisive, connected and highlycommercial people are committed to

changing the face of business, impacting
sectors ranging from Real Estate to Retail
and Life Sciences to Leisure.
pair of hands; youre not just

a vacation scheme student,
Our progressive culture gives us a definitive

edge and has won us an unparalleled
reputation in industries such as Technology,
Media and Telecoms.
not just a trainee, but one of

the people who contributes
Established over 30 years ago, our firm now

comprises over 800 people. Our rapidly
expanding international presence makes us
the firm of choice for true innovation,
wherever it may be emerging across the
globe.
to achieving success, and for

that you feel valued.
Olswang Real Estate NQ
Contact
Katharine Banbury
Graduate Recruitment & Development
Specialist
90 High Holborn
London WC1V 6XX
www.olswangtrainees.com
traineesolicitor@olswang.com
Type of employer
Law Firm
Locations
Berlin, Brussels, London, Madrid, Munich,
Paris, Singapore, Thames Valley

We offer work placement schemes for
penultimate and final year law students,
final year non-law students and graduates.
We offer 12 training contracts per year in
our London office.
Our trainee solicitors will discover a
supportive environment providing unique
and exciting opportunities, a strong sense
of collaboration and community combined
with structured career progression.
How do we select?
Online application
Psychometric tests
First round competency interview
Assessment centre
346 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
800+
12
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Individuality.
One thing we all
have in common.
We celebrate diversity. We relish in people being
different. Weve found that a wide range of
backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are what
make our people so distinctive. At Olswang, its part of
RXUHWKRV+DYLQJWKHFRQGHQFHWRWKLQNEH\RQGWKH
everyday and deliver the extraordinary is what talent is
all about. Our people are our business. Theyre what
PDNHXVWKHODZUPRIFKRLFHIRUWUXHLQQRYDWLRQ
and excellence for clients in a wide range of industries
across the UK and internationally. If you think youre
exceptional then get in touch and tell us why.
Open minds open doors

www.olswangtrainees.com
UK
300
Oracle Corporation (UK)
R A N K I N G S
oracle.com/uk
A quote from Oracle CEO,
More about us
With more than 400,000 customers
including 100 of the Fortune 100and with
deployments across a wide variety of
industries in more than 145 countries
around the globe, Oracle offers an optimised
and fully integrated stack of business
hardware and software systems.
Larry J. Ellison:
We look for the kind of people
with whom we want to work
on a daily basis: people with
track records of exceptional
Oracle engineers hardware and software to

work together in the cloud and in your data
centerfrom servers and storage, to
database and middleware, through
applications. Oracle systems:
achievement in school and

business, people with
strong self motivation and
Provide better performance, reliability,

security, and flexibility
an uncommon drive to
Lower the cost and complexity of IT

implementation and management
excel, and, every bit as important,

people who are well-rounded and
Deliver greater productivity, agility, and

better business intelligence
fun to be around.
Contact
Alan Walker
Graduate Recruiter - UK & Ireland
alan.walker@oracle.com
Software Development & Engineering

Sales & Sales Support
Pre-Sales
Technical Consulting
Number of employees
120,000+ Globally
Type of employer
Oracle is a leading global technology
How do we select?
The recruitment & selection process at
Oracle varies depending on the opportunity
you apply for.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
Locations
EMEA Wide Locations
If you want to work with the brightest minds
in the industry and want to be part of a
global team thats changing the way the
world does business, then Oracle is the
place for YOU!
At Oracle we offer structured graduate
programs throughout EMEA in areas such
as:
Business Development
Customer Intelligence
348 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
The first stage for all applicants is to search

& apply through our website
(campus.oracle.com) with your most recent
CV. If you successfully get through the
initial CV screening stage, you will be invited
to take part in a short telephone interview.
Successful candidates will then be invited to
take part in either a national assessment
center or Face-to-Face interviews at Oracle
offices.

150+
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Osborne Clarke
R A N K I N G S
www.osborneclarke.com/trainees
More about us
What makes us tick? A commitment to deep
legal expertise; real involvement in
interesting sectors; exciting international
expansion; and a great culture. Our high
profile clients expect us to be brilliant, so we
offer career-long learning support. Our focus
on 7 exciting industry sectors makes for
fascinating work and thrilling partnerships.
Our rapid worldwide growth adds an exciting
international dimension to our work. And our
culture? Well, its about building
relationships, providing insights and getting
valuable results and its what underpins
our exceptional track record.
I got client contact

from day one of my
training contract, and
three weeks in was
asked to run a client
meeting
James Taylor
Associate, Corporate
Contact
Trainee recruitment
E: trainee.recruitment@osborneclarke.com
T: 0117 917 3484
Twitter: @OC_Trainee
Type of employer
Law Firm
Locations
We are recruiting trainee solicitors for our
London, Bristol and Thames Valley offices.

We recruit 25 trainee solicitors each year.
Were looking for candidates who can;
communicate effectively, think
commercially and practically, solve
problems creatively, build effective
relationships and demonstrate initiative.
Foreign language skills are an advantage.
Strong academic achievement is essential
and you should have achieved, or expect to
achieve, at least a 2.1 degree in any
discipline with grades A-B at A level or
equivalent.
How do we select?
Online application form and verbal
reasoning test.
Assessment day (group exercises and
written exercise).
Panel interview.
350 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
1,083
20
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Constant
development
High-profile
clients
19 united
offices
Talent.
Meet Experience.
Imagine. Time, proper time with a
partner, working together with your
colleagues from 18 other offices around
the world. Your opinion counting when
you are working on multi-billion dollar
deals. All supported by award-winning,
innovative training, giving you the
confidence to deliver.
Explore how you will fit in:
osborneclarke.com/trainees
UK
300
Oxfam GB
R A N K I N G S
2nd Charity and not-for-profit
33th In the top 300
www.oxfam.org.uk/getinvolved
More about us
Oxfam is one of the most experienced
development agencies in the world, working
in more than 70 countries. It has run its
Voluntary Internship scheme since 2006
and has helped to provide valuable
experience and skills to hundreds of people.
Voluntary Internships provide a structured,
time-bound opportunity, so that people can
get the most out of volunteering. Oxfams
Voluntary Internships are based on projects
where its people are able to contribute and
add significant value to an area of the
organisation. Voluntary Internships are
usually between 3 and 7 months,
depending on the project. Oxfam pays out of
pocket local travel and lunch expenses.
Ever wanted to change

the world?
To right wrongs
and make a real
difference?
Take up a voluntary
internship that
takes on poverty,
suffering and injustice,
and help us change lives
worldwide.
Contact
www.oxfam.org.uk/getinvolved
Type of employer
International Development Charity
Locations
UK-wide

The roles could be in Oxfams Oxford
Headquarters, a shop or a regional office.
They range from Voluntary Assistant Shop
Managers, to Marketing & Communications
Assistants working in Oxfams Community
Fundraising team, to HR & Recruitment
Advisors, to Research Executives in the
Campaigns Division. Regardless of whether
graduates want to plan a fundraising event,
work on a campaign project, or help to run a
shop, they will get to experience how a
major international Non Government
Organisation works and enjoy a friendly,
open and passionate working environment.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
How do we select?
We run an open and fair recruitment
process that is open to all. Details of how to
apply to specific roles are on our website.
352 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
guardianuk300.com
Voluntary Internship Opportunities, UK-wide

Ever wanted to change the world? To right wrongs and
make a real difference? Take up an internship that takes
on poverty, suffering and injustice, and help us
change lives worldwide.
Apply now at www.oxfam.org.uk/getinvolved
Oxfam is a registered charity in England and Wales (202918) and

Scotland (SCO39042). Oxfam is a member of Oxfam International
UK
300
PA Consulting
R A N K I N G S
6th Consulting
www.paconsulting.com
More about us
PA is different from other management
consultancies. As an employee-owned
business, which specialises in consulting,
technology and innovation, PA doesnt just
offer a job; but a stake in the firm. As an
analyst you will work in small multidisciplinary teams and be expected to take
on significant responsibility, working with
colleagues and clients at all levels.
Progression is based on merit, not time
served, and high performers will progress
rapidly. With 2,500 people operating
globally, we are large enough to attract an
impressive and diverse client base, yet
small enough to be individuals with our own
strong professional identity; its the best of
both worlds.
I wanted a job that

tested me but still
allowed me to have a
work-life balance. I feel
Ive found that at PA.
Sukh Plaha, Analyst
Contact
123 Buckingham Palace Road,
London, SW1W 9SR
0207 730 9000
Type of employer
A leading management and IT consulting
and Technology firm
Locations
London and Cambridge (Melbourn)

We offer over 20 different analyst roles
across a range of practices which include,
Financial Services, Life Sciences and
Healthcare, Government, Defence and
Security, IT, Project Management, People and
Operations Excellence, Shared Services and
Outsourcing, Strategy and Decision
Sciences and Technology.
How do we select?
Step 1. Online application
Step 2. Verbal and numerical online testing
Step 3. Telephone interview
Step 4. Assessment centre: Interview with a
member of the business area; case
study and group exercise.
Step 5. Senior management competency
based interview
354 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
2,500
4050
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
On my second day at PA,

I was presenting some
slides that Id created to
senior clients. It was a
great feeling to be able
to add value so early on!
SHANELLE BLAIR, ANALYST
Careers that provide a wide variety of challenging

opportunities in a company that offers the training
and assignments youd expect from a big rm, but
with an unprecedented level of exposure to clients
and other disciplines.
For those who are prepared to turn accepted
wisdom on its head in the pursuit of the right
solution, this is the place to make an impact.
And since PA is wholly owned by its employees,
everyone of us has a real stake in its success.
Find out more about our graduate opportunities
atany of the below.
01975-32
paconsulting/careers
PAConsultingCareers4Grads
Pa Consulting Graduate Networking Forum
UK
300
Petrofac
R A N K I N G S
www.petrofac.com/graduates
More about us
We are one of the worlds leading oilfield
service providers and we know that todays
graduates are our future.
Petrofac is a great
company, with great
Offshore Projects & Operations (OPO) is one

of seven business units within Petrofac.
Headquartered in Aberdeen and operating
across our key geographies, we specialise in
both offshore engineering and construction
services and the provision of operations and
maintenance, on and offshore. We are a
pioneer in the field of operations
management and maintenance.
people. I have received

invaluable exposure to
the industry; always
learning something new
and solving real problems
We are a progressive, dynamic and

successful company looking for talented,
motivated and committed graduates to start
their journey with us.
as part of a united team.

Conor McAlister, Graduate
Contact
www.petrofac.com/graduates
facebook.com/PetrofacGraduatesUK
Type of employer
A leading international facilities service
provider to the oil and gas industry
Locations
UK-based (Aberdeen and Woking)

We support our graduates to achieve
Chartered Engineer status or equivalent
professional standard, and develop
personalised training plans.
Our programmes provide the experience,
training and development you need to
accelerate your career and develop your full
potential in a fast-growing and ambitious
company.
How do we select?
We require at least a 2:1 degree in a subject
related to the role you are applying for.
Online application followed by a telephone
interview. If successful, you will be invited
to join us in Aberdeen for a challenging and
enjoyable assessment day. The day will
consist of a number of exercises assessing
your technical, communication and team
building skills.
356 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
18,000+ (Worldwide), 5,000 Offshore
Projects & Operations (OPO)
30+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
As todays graduate,
you are Petrofacs future.
Were looking for talented,
motivated and committed
graduates to start their journey
with us.
If you want to work for a
progressive, dynamic and
successful company in the
oil and gas sector, take a
look at what our graduate
programmes can offer you.
Visit www.petrofac.com/
graduates and discover what
we can achieve together.
UK
300
PwC
R A N K I N G S
1st Accounting and financial
management
6th
In the top 300
pwc.com/uk/careers
More about us
Our purpose is to build trust in society and
solve important problems. We do this for our
clients by helping them tackle complex
business challenges, improve how they
work and create the value they need.
Take the opportunity

of a lifetime and
There are many areas of our business you

can choose to join: Assurance, Actuarial,
Consulting, Deals, PwC Legal, Tax and
Technology.
join an employer
focussed on
All routes offer you the same deal. The

opportunity to grow as an individual, to
meet new people, and build lasting
relationships that will stay with you for life.
In return we need people who are resilient,
willing to work hard, are quick to learn, and
who, above all, are passionate about going
the extra mile to help our clients.
helping you reach

your full potential.
Contact
Student careers helpline: 0808 100 1500
pwc.com/uk/careers
facebook.com/PwCCareersUK
Type of employer
Professional Services
Locations
UK-wide
Be part of the worlds leading professional
services network.
Our continuing success, size and scale,
coupled with our extensive quality client
base enable us to give you the best career
opportunities to grow and find your niche.
Our development approach is centred on
three principles; learning by doing,
learning from others, and more formal
approaches to learning. This puts you in
the drivers seat of your development.
We work in a changing world which offers
great opportunities for people with diverse
358 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
backgrounds and experiences. Creating

value through diversity makes us a
stronger business.
Youll be rewarded with a competitive
salary and a personally tailored benefits
package.
How do we select?
All our people need to demonstrate the skills
and behaviours that support us in delivering
our business strategy. This is important to
the work we do for our business, and our
clients. These skills and behaviours make
up our global leadership framework, The
PwC Professional.
The PwC Professional focuses on five core
attributes; whole leadership, technical
capabilities, business acumen, global
acumen and relationships. We use this
framework to recruit, develop and assess
our people at all grades and in all areas of
our business, because we expect all of our
people to be leaders.
Number of employees
c. 18,000 in the UK
1,200+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
7KHH[SHULHQFH
stays with you
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Assurance
Actuarial
Consulting
Deals
PwC Legal
Tax
Technology
All degree subjects
Voted employer of
choice by students
in The Times Top 100
Graduate Employers
survey for eleven
years running.
Opportunities with the UKs number one

graduate employer
2IFHVDFURVVWKH8. Join spring, summer or
autumn
Your career is just that; yours. You choose it. You live it. You make
it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities.
Thats why opportunities are at the heart of a career with us.
Opportunities to grow as an individual, to build lasting
relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality
and value mean everything. For Stephanie, this means working
with a leading online fashion retailer. Having spent lots of time
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she now understands how their business revolves around the
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on helping you reach your full potential.
Take the opportunity of a lifetime

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ZZZIDFHERRNFRP3Z&&DUHHUV8.
2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.
Diverse people make us stronger
UK
300
QinetiQ
R A N K I N G S
www.QinetiQ.com/careers
More about us
QinetiQ is one of the worlds leading defence,
aerospace, technology andsecurity
companies. We deliver technology based
services and solutions, ground-breaking
products and unrivalled research
capabilities to solve some of the worlds
most challenging problems.
Why dont you join

some of the worlds
finest scientific and
Our people make the critical difference to

customers by providing unique approaches
to problem solving. They supply answers
requiring innovation, deep domain
knowledge, rigorous independent thinking
and technical expertise answers which
save lives, protect assets and critical
infrastructure, reduce costs, ensure
competitive advantage answers which
make tomorrow work today.
technical minds to help

make tomorrow work
today?
Contact
earlycareers@qinetiq.com
Type of employer
One of the UKs largest research and
technology organisations
Locations
Various - including Farnborough, Malvern,
Boscombe Down, Portsmouth, Aberporth,
Fort Halstead, Hebrides and Shoeburyness.
360 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

If youre a Science, Maths, IT, Engineering,
Business or Project Management graduate
and have a passion for cutting-edge science
and technology, then we want you!
Number of employees
Circa 9000
We have a range of opportunities in various

divisions, including Air, Weapons, Maritime,
C4ISR, OptaSense and Head Office.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
How do we select?
Our process includes an online application,
video/telephone interview and a final
Discovery Day.

Circa 100
guardianuk300.com
People Who Know How
To help you launch

your career
Recruiting The Next Generation
www.QinetiQ.com/careers
UK
300
Reed Smith
R A N K I N G S
http://www.reedsmith.com/united_kingdom/graduates/
More about us
Founded in 1877, Reed Smith is a global
relationship law firm that represents leading
international businesses, from Fortune 100
corporations to mid-market and emerging
enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation
and other dispute resolution services in
multi-jurisdictional and high-stake matters,
deliver regulatory counsel, and execute the
full range of strategic domestic and crossborder transactions. Reed Smith is a
preeminent advisor to industries including
financial services, life sciences, health care,
advertising, technology and media,
shipping, energy trade and commodities
and real estate.
We are looking for

outstanding graduates
to join us. Could you be
one of them?
Contact
The Graduate Recruitment Team
graduate.recruitment@reedsmith.com
+ 44 (0) 203 116 3000
Type of employer
Law Firm
Locations
Century City, Chicago, Falls Church, Houston,
Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh, Princeton, Richmond, San
Francisco, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C.,
Wilmington, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Greece,
London, Munich, Paris, Beijing, Hong Kong,
Shanghai, Singapore, Kazakhstan
362 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We offer a two-year, four-seat, training
contract programme, and there are also
opportunities for secondments to clients
and our overseas offices. We have 24
vacancies for training contracts
commencing in August 2017 and February
2018.
How do we select?
Candidates are asked to complete an on-line
application form and verbal reasoning test.
If successful, they are then invited in for an
assessment centre (case study,
competency based interview and group
exercise).
Number of employees
3,567 globally
24
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Rolls-Royce
R A N K I N G S
1st Engineering design
and manufacturing
10th In the top 300
www.rolls-royce.com/graduates
For me, a big part was

the company heritage
and world-recognised
brand power.
Rolls-Royce employees,
and their qualities and
skills, are recognised
and acclaimed
worldwide.
Tiago Oliveira
Contact
www.rolls-royce.com/graduates
Type of employer
Civil aerospace, defence aerospace and
marine.
Locations
Within the UK our graduate vacancies are
based nationwide with the key locations
being Derby and Bristol. Our main
international locations are in China, Finland,
Germany, India, Japan, Norway, Poland,
Singapore, Sweden, and US.
Rolls-Royce is sponsoring
The TARGETjobs
Female Undergraduate
of the Year 2015
undergraduateoftheyear.com/female
364 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
More about us
Were known the world over for creating
high-performance, integrated power
solutions for use on land, at sea and in the
air. Were the worlds second largest provider
of defence aero-engine products. Our
marine products are currently on 30,000
vessels and, as you read this, 400,000
people are flying in aircraft powered by
Rolls-Royce engines. Ours is a global
organisation in every sense, with customers
in 120 nations and an order book that
currently stands at over 71 billion.

With opportunities all over the world, our
graduate programmes will give you firstclass training and support over a structured
number of rotations, together with an indepth understanding of your chosen
business area. Once your training is
complete youll be in an excellent position to
continue your career as an expert in your
field or to develop your leadership capability
and become one of our future leaders.
How do we select?
1. Complete our online application and
online tests.
2. Wait for our decision.
3. Attend an assessment centre this will
involve both technical and competency
based interviews, psychometric testing,
a presentation and group exercise.
Number of employees
55,000
C.400
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
4. Final decision.
guardianuk300.com
CREATIVE
excellence
innovative
PIONEER
expert
leader
OBJECTIVE
analytical
LOGICAL
WE LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK
Internship and graduate opportunities in: Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Commercial,

Customer Management & Services, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management,
Finance, Project Management or Human Resources.
Were known the world over for delivering excellence
With opportunities spanning a vast amount of areas the
creating high-performance, integrated power solutions for
prospects for all kinds of undergraduates and graduates
use on land, at sea and in the air. And now were looking for
at Rolls-Royce are huge. Youll be given support to develop
minds like yours to help keep our customers one step ahead
as an expert or leader in your field. All you need to bring
of an ever-changing world. The kind of minds that can see the
is well-grounded talent and the ideas to make it work.
logical and the innovative, who can analyse as well as inspire
To find out more visit rolls-royce.com/graduates or
who love to think as well as get hands-on.
rolls-royce.com/internships
Trusted to deliver excellence
UK
300
RPC
R A N K I N G S
www.rpc.co.uk/manifesto
More about us
Leading lawyers. Great clients. And an
unrivalled commercial approach to
business. At RPC we offer a depth of
knowledge and creativity that few firms can
rival and combine this with high quality
training programmes that are consistently
lauded in the leading directories.
We want to break the

mould, rewrite the rules
and redefine the legal
We provide top quality legal services to

global businesses across a wide range of
industry sectors and practices, including
insurance, commercial litigation,
construction, engineering and projects,
corporate/M&A, IP and technology, media,
real estate, employment and pensions,
outsourcing, regulatory, tax and
competition.
profession. Your
mission could be to
build the law firm of the
future, today.
Contact
Trainee Recruitment Team
020 3060 6000
Tower Bridge House
St Katharines Way
London
E1W 1AA
Type of employer
Law Firm
Locations
London
Bristol
Hong Kong
Singapore

As a trainee you will receive first rate
training in a supportive working
environment. You will work closely with a
partner and will be given real responsibility
as soon as you are ready to handle it. At
least six months will be spent in four areas
of our practice, with opportunities to be
seconded to our other UK offices. We
encourage our trainees to express
preferences for the areas in which they
would like to train. In addition to the
Professional Skills Course we provide a
complementary programme of in-house
training. When you qualify we hope you will
stay with us and we always do our best to
place you in the area of law that suits you
most.
How do we select?
Face to face interview, presentation,
aptitude test and case studies.
366 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
598
20 (London)
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
THE LAW CAREER FOR PIONEERS
1.
RIP UP
THE
RULE
BOOK
If you never go against the grain, always follow the well-trodden path and consistently
take the safe option, you could nd yourself sleepwalking into a predictable career with
a traditional rm. If thats how you see your future, we wish you every success.
But please look away now. If you prefer the bold to the boring, however, and nd the
prospect of joining a dierent kind of law rm enticing, wed love to talk to you.
We want to break the mould, rewrite the rules and redene the legal profession.
Your mission could be to build the law rm of the future, today.
And to dene your career at the same time.
Read the full manifesto and nd out more at
RPC.CO.UK/MANIFESTO
OUR MANIFESTO
UK
300
Santander UK
R A N K I N G S
financial services
www.santanderearlyincareer.com
More about us
Santander is already one of the largest and
most successful financial groups in the
world. But we have the ambition and drive to
become the best - the best bank for our
customers and our investors, and the best
employer for our people.
As our business grows and improves, the
opportunities for our people will do the
same. Working together, we aim to deliver
exceptional service from exceptional people,
inspired and motivated by strong teamwork,
market-leading benefits and incentives
packages, and a commitment to support
and nurture them as they deliver their
personal best, every day.
Contact
graduate@santander.co.uk
Type of employer
Retail Banking Services
Locations
Nationwide
Were focused on recruiting exceptional
talent into Santander UK in order to help
build a strong pipeline of future leaders. Our
graduate programme has been designed to
provide the right candidates with a thorough
and solid grounding to allow them to kickstart their career within Santander.
Because we give you a high level of
responsibility from day one and
opportunities to get involved in essential
368 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
networking, CSR and business events, our

graduates receive the knowledge and
experience needed to realise their full
potential. As long as they demonstrate the
required level of skills and behaviours, show
that theyre committed to making things
simple, personal and fair for our customers,
and have the passion and enthusiasm to
succeed, our people will continue to find
that were the perfect company to develop
their career with.
How do we select?
Your application process will begin online
with a short application form to which youll
need to attach your CV. If successful, you
will then be asked to go through stages
such as online testing, telephone interview,
assessment centre and a further interview.
Number of employees
24,000
5075 graduate jobs
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Youre inspired by what

your future holds.
We are the career starters.
Graduate Opportunities
Santander graduate schemes offer early responsibility and lots of room to use your
initiative as part of a balanced development plan that also features structured
training and expert mentoring. Its an approach that gives you more chance to show
your leadership potential from the very earliest stages of your career. And a stronger
foundation to realise your ambitions for the future.
Find the scheme thats right for you at www.santanderearlyincareer.co.uk
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UK
300
Schlumberger
R A N K I N G S
http://careers.slb.com/
More about us
With a history and culture of science and
innovation, Schlumberger are the worlds
largest oilfield services company. Our
people invent, design, engineer, and apply
technologies that help oil and gas
companies find and produce oil and gas
more efficiently and safelyoften in remote
and challenging locations. Founded in 1926,
the company takes its name from Conrad
and Marcel Schlumberger, brothers who
transformed the energy industry with the
revolutionary idea of using electrical
measurements to map subsurface rock
formations. Today Schlumberger has a $45
billion revenue, employs over 120,000
people and works in more than 85
countries.
I love working for a

boundary-less
organization. Its
challenging, but it
teaches you to adapt;
you learn to think
differentlyand
for the better.
Contact
http://careers.slb.com/
Type of employer
Oilfield Services Company
Locations
Global (85 Countries of Operation)

We offer 3 distinct career paths in
Schlumberger. Field Engineering: It will test
you physically as well as mentally.
Research, Engineering, Manufacturing and
Sustaining (REMS): Share ideas, win patents
and make a real impact to the future
technology development. Petrotechnical:
Your expertise in Reservoir Engineering or
Geoscience can help shape the future of
energy.
How do we select?
1) Online application at
www.careers.slb.com. 2) Assessment
Centre various tasks including interviews,
personal presentations, aptitude tests,
practical tasks and group work. 3)
Depending on the role, you may need a 2nd
round interview for in-depth technical
assessment. 4) Offer
370 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
120,000
200 UK (3,000+ Global)
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
careers.slb.com
85
years of
innovation
>120,000 employees
>140 nationalities
~ 85 countries of operation
Who are we?
We are the worlds largest oilfield services company1.
Working globallyoften in remote and challenging locations
we invent, design, engineer, and apply technology to help our
customers find and produce oil and gas safely.
Who are we looking for?

We need more than 5,000 graduates to begin dynamic careers
in the following domains:
Engineering, Research and Operations
Geoscience and Petrotechnical
Commercial and Business
What will you be?
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
6th Public sector
18th In the top 300
www.mi5.gov.uk/careers
Amanda, Intelligence Officer:
In the counter intelligence, or
espionage, section I work with
colleagues from a range of
departments including our
surveillance teams, agent
handlers, the language unit and
digital intelligence section. I look
at what we know and provide
briefs for them on how to collect
more information to fill the gaps.
We work together to determine
how to take the investigation
forward.
Contact
www.mi5.gov.uk/careers
Type of employer
MI5 is the UKs national security intelligence
agency.
Locations
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
More about us
MI5 safeguards the UK against threats to
national security including terrorism,
espionage, cyber attack, sabotage and the
spread of weapons of mass destruction. We
investigate suspect individuals and
organisations to obtain, collate, analyse and
assess secret intelligence relating to these
threats. We also act to counter the sources
of threats and advise the critical national
infrastructure on protective security
measures, to help them reduce their
vulnerability. Graduates from a range of
backgrounds join MI5 for stimulating,
rewarding careers.

Many graduates join our Intelligence Officer
Development Programme, which covers the
first 3-5 years of an Intelligence Officers
career. It is designed to help you learn about
investigations before you lead them.
Graduates with a passion for technology join
our two year Technology Graduate
Development Programme which will equip
you with the skills to undertake a range of
roles within our pioneering IT function.
Others join to use languages such as
Russian and Mandarin.
How do we select?
The process varies by role but is likely to
contain online, technical or language tests
related to the role; a telephone interview; an
assessment centre; a competency based
face-to-face interview; a security interview
with a vetting officer and a final selection
board.
372 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
c. 4,000
80+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Senior Manager asks for your

opinion on the future direction
of the investigation
Intelligence Analyst establishes
a link between the premises
owner and subject of interest
Digital Intelligence
Specialist analyses
intercepted
communications that
suggest suspicious activity
at commercial premises
Report from assessment

team links subject with
another extremist group
Intelligence
Officer
Mobile Surveillance Officer
follows subject of interest
Foreign Language Analyst translates

vital plans from a rare language
Warrantry Officer
advises on the legal
case for surveillance
Graduate Careers at MI5

MI5 helps safeguard the UK against threats to national security including terrorism and espionage.
Graduates from a range of backgrounds and degree disciplines join us for stimulating, rewarding
careers. Some join to use languages such as Russian or Mandarin Chinese, others join the
Intelligence Officer Development Programme, designed to help you learn about investigations
before you lead them. Graduates with a passion for technology can join our Technology Graduate
Development Programme. We recruit for these roles several times a year. To find out more,
visit our website www.mi5.gov.uk/careers
To apply to MI5 you must be a born or naturalised British citizen, over 18 years old and normally have lived in the UK
for nine of the last ten years. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family
member, providing that they are British. They should also be made aware of the importance of discretion.
UK
300
Sellafield Ltd
R A N K I N G S
www.sellafieldsites.com/careers
More about us
Sellafield Ltd is the company responsible for
safely delivering decommissioning of the
UKs nuclear legacy as well as fuel recycling
and the management of low, high and
intermediate level nuclear waste activities
on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning
Authority.
Sellafield Ltd is incredibly

varied and I never know what
challenges Im going to face
every day! I get the Opportunity
to develop myself
professionally whilst building
up my experience and skills
Sellafield Ltd has sites at Sellafield in West

Cumbria; Engineering, design and functional
support capability are provided by
employees based at our Risley office, near
Warrington.
Madeleine Jones, Process

Engineer.
Contact
WSSC.Resourcing@sellafieldsites.com
019467 81000
https://twitter.com/SellafieldGrad
Type of employer
Nuclear Industry
Locations
Sellafield Site, Seascale, Cumbria
Hinton House, Risley, Warrington

When you apply to join the Sellafield Ltd
Graduate Scheme youre not applying to a
specific role or vacancy. We prefer to get to
know you a little bit more first as your
application progresses, well help you find
the perfect role within our business. We
have roles available for Engineering,
Science, Technology and Business
Graduates. In the two years that youll be
part of the scheme, we will maximise your
skills, confidence and experience.
How do we select?
We pride ourselves in the selection of our
Graduates therefore you can expect to take
part in various different exercises including,
Aptitude Test, Telephone Interview and
Assessment Centre. This process not only
allows us to see the skills you can bring to
Sellafield Ltd but also what Sellafield Ltd can
offer you.
374 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
11,000
61
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
The chance to do
something that
really matters.
Ongoing development
to maximise your skills,
confidence and experience.
Benefits that
truly reflect your
achievements.
Its an ambitious list...

Youre graduating at just the right time just as we embark on a new era in the UKs
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more than 11,000 globally recognised nuclear experts involved in the most demanding
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next century.
Fascinating
work that
changes
every day.
UK
300
Shoosmiths
R A N K I N G S
www.shoosmiths.co.uk
More about us
Shoosmiths focus on people, relationships
and results has defined its achievements for
more than 160 years.
We are close to our

clients, constantly
Our client list speaks volumes for the

quality of our lawyers and the experience
they provide. From Hewlett-Packard to
Krispy Kreme and property developers to
some of the UKs largest banks, we work
with a growing number of the FTSE 250 and
some of the worlds most exciting and
ambitious growth businesses
listening, thriving on
their challenges,
bringing the energy,
We are a full service firm offering a variety

of services in commercial, real estate,
corporate and finance.
ideas and results they

need.
Contact
Samantha Hope
join.us@shoosmiths.co.uk
www.twitter.com/shoosmithsgraduates
www.facebook.com/shoosmithsgraduates
Type of employer
A modern, forward-looking national
commercial firm with a dedicated team of
lawyers and strong support team, in 10
offices throughout the UK.
Locations
An established top 30 national law firm with
10 offices: Basingstoke, Birmingham,
Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Milton
Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham,
Reading, and Solent. (Please note we do not
offer training contracts or placements in
Basingstoke or London)
376 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We recruit bright graduates, training them to
become innovative solicitors who can
provide a quality service to our clients.
Over two years, a trainee will complete four
six-month placements, one of which could
be a secondment to a clients in-house legal
team, providing an invaluable insight from
the clients perspective.
How do we select?
We accept online applications between
December and July each year. If you are
successful at application stage, you will be
invited to attend an Assessment Day in
August which involves a written, group and
individual exercises, as well as a
competency based interview.
Number of employees
1,350
20
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
DONT MISS
YOUR CHANCE
Join a firm with the scale,
stature and clients to provide
you with the quality and variety
of work and opportunities that
you need to grow your career.
Be a part of it.
Apply now at
www.shoosmiths.co.uk
www.twitter.com/shoosmithsgrads
www.facebook.com/shoosmithsgraduates
UK
300
Sidley Austin LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.sidley.com
We operate in a
More about us
Globally, we work for many different
businesses, financial institutions,
governments and individuals. As a trainee,
youll experience the international side not
by constantly travelling but by working on
multi-jurisdictional matters with people
from all around the world.
supportive
environment
and people here are
Our main practice areas in London are:

Corporate, Competition, Corporate
Reorganisation and Bankruptcy, Debt and
Equity Capital Markets, Debt Restructuring,
Debt Finance and Structured Finance,
Employment, Financial Services Regulatory,
Hedge Funds, Insurance, IP/IT, Litigation,
Real Estate & Real Estate Finance, Tax.
very approachable.
Thats very much the
Sidley way.
Jason Richardson,
Partner
Contact
Lucy Slater
Sidley Austin LLP
Woolgate Exchange
25 Basinghall Street
London
EC2V 5HA
TEL 020 7360 3677
EMAIL ukrecruitment@sidley.com
WEB www.sidley.com
Type of employer
Global law firm
Locations
London, Chicago, Beijing, Boston, Brussels,
Dallas, Geneva, Hong Kong, Houston, Los
Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco,
Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo,
Washington, DC
378 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

You will have many opportunities to learn
and develop during your training. You will
get involved in real work from day one and
gain experience of working for a number of
people on different matters. We will be
holding three vacation schemes with the
aim of filling ten training contract spaces.
How do we select?
Online application, verbal reasoning test
followed by an interview with two partners.
Number of employees
Globally 3500
10
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Our search for standout trainees.

Sidley Austin LLP is one of the worlds largest law firms,
with more than 1,800 lawyers across 4 continents. We are
looking for outstanding individuals to join us as vacation
scheme students in Summer 2015 and trainees in our
London office in September 2017. Our London team is
energetic, dynamic and collegiate. The London office
currently has approximately 230 lawyers and staff, but
still retains the intimacy and camaraderie of a smaller firm.
For information on our training programme please request a
brochure from our graduate recruitment team on 020 7360 3677
or via ukrecruitment@sidley.com or visit our
website at sidleycareers.com/europe.
Sidley Austin LLP is an equal opportunities employer.
TALENT. TEAMWORK. RESULTS.
Woolgate Exchange
25 Basinghall Street
London, EC2V 5HA
sidley.com
AMERICAS ASIA PACIFIC EUROPE

Attorney Advertising - For purposes of compliance with New York State Bar rules, our headquarters are Sidley Austin LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY
10019, 212.839.5300; One South Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.853.7000; and 1501 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, 202.736.8000. Sidley Austin
refers to Sidley Austin LLP and affiliated partnerships as explained at www.sidley.com/disclaimer. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
UK
300
Siemens
R A N K I N G S
5th Engineering, design and
manufacture
55th In the top 300
www.siemens.co.uk/grads
More about us
At Siemens, our graduates are helping to
solve the worlds toughest challenges. From
keeping cities at the cutting edge of
technology, to providing greener energy
solutions for the way we live, work and
travel were providing the solutions for a
sustainable future.
If you want a graduate
Whether you want to develop a career in

Engineering or Business, we offer early
responsibility and continuous development;
youll be working for a company thats
committed to innovation and facing
challenges head on.
career that makes a

difference - join us
Contact
01276 690204
graduate.recruitment.cp.gb@siemens.com
Type of employer
Leading global engineering company
Locations
Includes Frimley (UK HQ), Manchester,
Nottingham, Lincoln, Poole, Sheffield, Oxford
and Congleton

Our Engineering careers are as diverse as
the industry itself. From renewable and
fossil power generation, drive technologies,
through to traffic solutions, the most
challenging careers are on offer.
As a Business graduate, youll play a crucial
role in helping our business run smoothly.
You could be working in a variety of
business-related roles including Finance,
Project Management, Sales and I.T.
How do we select?
Graduates apply online via the website,
which is followed by an online assessment.
Successful applicants will undertake a prescreening interview with the hiring manager
and the recruitment team before being
invited to an assessment centre for final
stage interviews.
380 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
13,700+ UK
80
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Advancing technology.
Advancing your career.
If you want a graduate career that makes a difference join us
Siemens is a leading global engineering company and has

been finding innovative answers to some of the worlds
most challenging questions for 170 years.
From keeping cities at the cutting edge of technology,
to providing greener energy solutions for the way we live,
work and travel were providing the solutions for a
sustainable future.
Whether you want to develop a career in Engineering or Business,

we offer early responsibility and continuous development; youll
be working for a company thats committed to innovation and
facing challenges head on.
Head to our website to find out more.
siemens.co.uk/grads
UK
300
Simmons & Simmons
R A N K I N G S
9th Law solicitors
99th In the top 300
www.simmons-simmons.com/graduates
We offer our trainees
More about us
Simmons & Simmons is a leading
international law firm with fully integrated
teams working throughout offices in Europe,
the Middle East and Asia. The firms strategy
is desgined to ensure it provides its clients
with high quality advice and to deliver value
through new ways of working.
high quality international

experience and provide
training, which equips
We offer all our trainees the opportunity to

become leading business lawyers in some
of the most important financial centres
around the world. We encourage our people
to attain the highest standards of
excellence, so they can meet the challenges
we set and make the very best of their
talents.
you with the insight and

ability to deal with the
legal and commercial
issues relevant to our
clients.
Contact
Jenny Daniel, Graduate Recruitment Advisor
020 7628 2020
CityPoint
One Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9SS
Type of employer
Simmons & Simmons is a leading
international law firm with more than 800
legal staff in business and financial centres
across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Locations
Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Beijing, Bristol,
Brussels, Doha, Dubai, Dsseldorf,
Frankfurt, Funchal*, Hong Kong, Jeddah*,
London, Lisbon*, Madrid, Milan, Munich,
Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo
*Associated offices

We are looking to recruit around 40 trainee
solicitors to commence training in
September 2017/March 2018. Our six month
long seats enable you to gain hands on
experience in four different areas of our
business, working with other lawyers,
gaining knowledge in different service areas
and dealing with our all important clients.
Our vacation schemes provide a unique
insight into working life at Simmons &
Simmons. They provide us with the chance
to test your suitability for a training
contract. They are also a unique opportunity
for you to get to know our firm, decide if we
are the best firm for you and for you to
prove your potential during your time with
us.
How do we select?
Online application, remote online critical
reasoning test, assessment day
382 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
Total staff worldwide of more than 1,500,
with over 230 partners.
40
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
DO
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salary
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Were
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innovative
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lawyers.
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FFrom
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sure our trainees are stretched and can experience business and legal w
worlds
orlds from different
different
angles.
Thats why whether yyou join us as a law or non-law student, at Simmons & Simmons, youll
oull see
more, learn more and achieve more.
simmons-simmons.com/graduates
simmons-simmons.com/gra
du
ua
at
tes
UK
300
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.skadden.com
More about us
The firm is one of the leading law firms in
the world with over 2,000 lawyers in 23
offices across the globe. Our clients include
corporate, industrial and financial
institutions and government entities.
We strongly
advise that you
The London office is the gateway to our

European practice where we have some 250
lawyers dedicated to top-end, cross-border
corporate transactions and international
arbitration and litigation. We have handled
matters in nearly every country in the
greater European region, and in Africa and
the Middle East. We consistently rank as a
leader in all disciplines and amongst a
whole host of accolades the firm has been
voted Global Corporate Law Firm of the
Year.
attend a vacation
scheme in order to
secure a Training
Contract.
Contact
Aidan Connor, Graduate Recruitment
Manager
Type of employer
Private Practice - Law Firm
Locations
London
Types of work Lawyers across the European
network focus primarily on corporate
transactions, including domestic and crossborder mergers and acquisitions, private
equity, capital markets, leveraged finance
and banking, tax, corporate restructuring
and energy and projects. We also advise in
international arbitration and litigation and
regulatory matters.
Who should apply We seek to recruit a small
number of high-calibre graduates from any
discipline to join our highly successful
384 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
London office as trainee solicitors. We are

looking for candidates who combine
intellectual ability with enthusiasm,
creativity and a demonstrable ability to rise
to a challenge and to work with others
towards a common goal.
How do we select?
You must attend a vacation scheme in order
to secure a Training Contract. You can apply
through our website between 1 October and
12 January (deadline). We receive on
average 1000 applications each year, and
from that pool roughly 100 students will be
invited to attend and assessment day.
During the assessment day you will be
invited to an interview, group exercise and
you will be given a tour of the office and
Q&A session. We then invite 40 successful
applicants back for vacation schemes.
Number of employees
UK 250. Globally 5,000
1012
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
LAWYERS
WHO
GET IT
Most people cant tell you exactly what it is, but they say they know it when
they see it. At Skadden, our lawyers get it perhaps you have it?
SKADDEN, APRS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (UK) LLP
UK
300
Skanska
R A N K I N G S
www.skanska.co.uk/careers
More about us
Skanska is one of the worlds leading project
development and construction groups.
Working collaboratively with customers,
partners and our supply chain, we make a
positive difference to society.
This includes some of the most prestigious
projects in both the private and public
sectors, from large, high-profile schemes to
smaller projects such as public realm
improvements and landscaping, as well as
many utility and facility management
projects.
Building a brighter
future
Based on its global experience in green

construction, Skanska aims to be the first
choice for environmentally friendly
solutions.
Contact
earlycareers@skanska.co.uk
Type of employer
Construction
Locations
Nationwide

We have a range of graduate opportunities
from across the business available
throughout the year. Successful applicants
receive in-depth training and mentoring to
support their career progression.
How do we select?
All graduate opportunities will be publicised
on our website. Applications will be reviewed
by our in-house recruitment team and if
successful will be invited to an Assessment
Centre.
386 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
Over 5,000 UK (57,000 Global)
40
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Its not just

about construction.
Its about reaching your potential.

We have fantastic opportunities at
Skanska, one of the worlds leading
project development and construction
groups. We make a positive difference
to society and with our broad range
of graduate schemes you can too.
For ambitious graduates interested
in entering this dynamic industry,
we offer fast-track career development,
working on exciting projects with
inspiring people.
At Skanska, you could help deliver

landmark buildings, like The Gherkin
in London, keep vital infrastructure
functioning and manage essential public
facilities for local communities. There
are also opportunities in key supporting
functions, such as HR, finance and IT.
More information about our graduate

roles and how to apply can be found
at skanska.co.uk/careers.
skanska.co.uk
twitter.com/skanskaukplc
linkedin.com/company/skanska
youtube.com/skanskauk
UK
300
Sky
R A N K I N G S
9th
IT and technology
41st In the top 300
SkyStartingOut.com
More about us
Come to Sky and youll be part of a fastpaced business thats changing the game
for the entire industry. Were constantly
launching new channels, as well as getting
record viewing figures for Sky Sports;
bringing on board some incredible brand
ambassadors in David Beckham and Jessica
Ennis-Hill; and investing in exciting shows
like Game Changers and The Smoke. Not
to mention blazing a trail for technology
development with our Sky Go Extra platform
and Sky apps all built in-house. Helping Sky
do things better than ever, youll work on
real projects where youll make decisions
that really matter.
I never fully realised how

much a working environment
impacts productivity,
team work and overall
happiness, its not
something covered in
uni modules or the
standard text books.
This place brings
it all to life.
Briony, Property graduate.
Contact
twitter.com/skystartingout
facebook.com/skystartingout
Type of employer
Delivering great TV, brilliant broadband and
award-winning customer service is no easy
task. It takes a team of talented, ambitious
and dedicated people working together to
make it happen. People just like you.
Locations
We have over 23,000 employees across our
estate of 150+ properties made up of sites
including broadcast centres, offices and
contact centres offices. Our graduates will
join Sky at one of our state of the art offices
close to Central London and Edinburgh.

Corporate Affairs, Finance, Marketing,
Procurement, Programme Management,
Property, Software Engineering Academy
(Developer and Dev-Ops), Strategy and
Technology.
How do we select?
Our application process involves the
following:
Submit online application form.
Online test (this only applies to
applicants applying for the Finance,
Strategy, and Software Engineering
Academy Developer Programmes).
Telephone interview.
Assessment centre.
Offer.
388 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
23,000
90+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Slaughter and May
R A N K I N G S
4th Law solicitors
52nd In the top 300
www.slaughterandmay.com
More about us
We are a leading international law firm with
a multinational client portfolio of many of
the worlds leading companies,
organisations and governments. Our
lawyers devise solutions for complex, often
transnational, problems and advise some of
the worlds brightest business minds. Our
offices in London, Hong Kong, Brussels and
Beijing combined with our extensive and
meaningful relationships with market
leading firms around the world allows us to
deliver the most incisive advice available.
We are interested in
applications from
various sources over
60 universities are
represented at the firm.
Contact
The Trainee Recruitment Team
trainee.recruit@slaughterandmay.com
020 7600 1200
Type of employer
International law firm
Locations
London, Beijing, Brussels and Hong Kong
plus best friend firms in many other
jurisdictions

We recruit approximately 75-80 trainee
solicitors per year and also have 80 places
available on our work experience schemes
for those considering a career in law.
We are interested in applications from any
source over 60 universities are
represented at the firm. A strong 2.1
standard or better from any discipline, not
just law, is important because our work is
intellectually demanding.
How do we select?
Our interviews are a dialogue between you
and two partners, not a one-way grilling.
After the interview, a trainee will show you
around the office, talk to you about the way
we work and answer any questions.
390 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
1,100 approximately
7580 vacancies for trainee solicitors per
year.
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Stephenson Harwood LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.shlegal.com/graduate
I chose Stephenson Harwood
on the strength of the firms
reputation for training, for its
varied work on an
international scale and for its
size. I felt I would receive a
more personal experience and
have the chance to take on
real responsibility from the
start.
More about us
Stephenson Harwood is a thriving,
international law firm with over 120
partners and more than 700 staff
worldwide. We act for a wide range of listed
and private companies, institutions and
successful entrepreneurs. We also offer a
full range of services in a wide variety of
sectors. Whats more, when it comes to
delivering sound commercial solutions to
complex business challenges, we punch
well above our weight.
Lucy Swayne, NQ solicitor,

University of Leeds
Contact
graduate.recruitment@shlegal.com
020 7809 2812
Type of employer
Stephenson Harwood is an international law
firm.
Locations
London, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Paris,
Piraeus, Singapore, Shanghai, Dubai, Beijing
We take just 16 trainees on each year. So
you can look forward to a huge amount of
individual attention, coaching and
mentoring. Your structured programme
involves four six-month seats in our
contentious and non-contentious practice
groups. You can expect on-the-job training
392 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
complemented by in-house seminars; to

share an office with a partner or senior
associate; and to benefit from a continuous
review of your career development. You
could also have the chance to spend one of
your six-month seats in Hong Kong,
Singapore or Dubai and to take advantage of
client secondment opportunities. Well give
you your own caseload and as much
responsibility as you can shoulder not
forgetting free language tuition where
appropriate.
How do we select?
Online application
Online verbal reasoning and numerical
reasoning assessments
First stage interview with HR
Assessment day
Number of employees
700+
16
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Invest your talents in a law firm thats growing and regularly delivering groundbreaking deals.
For our size, our international reach and client base are exceptional. Get right to the heart of
the action alongside associates and partners in tight, focused teams. Add the chance to complete
a six-month seat in Hong Kong or Singapore, and its clear were a firm that can help you perform
brilliantly. Find out how at www.shlegal.com/graduate
UK
300
STFC
R A N K I N G S
development
75th In the top 300
www.stfc.ac.uk/graduates
After finishing my degree I joined STFC on
their graduate scheme as an Electronics
Engineer in RAL Space. My role in the
department has included electronic
design and testing work for a variety of
space missions, including two cameras
that are now installed on the International
Space Station. STFC offers a unique
opportunity to work in a world-leading
facility; my work has been challenging
and rewarding and Ive always had the
support Ive needed from both my direct
managers and STFC as a whole.
Throughout the two years of graduate
scheme there were many excellent
training opportunities that allowed me to
develop a variety of skills and get my
career off to the best possible start. Since
completing the scheme Im continuing to
develop and progress within STFC and am
working towards chartership.
Contact
hr@uksbs.co.uk
Type of employer
Scientific and Engineering Research and
Development
Locations
Vacancies will be mainly at the Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory, near Oxford but there
may be opportunities to work at the
Daresbury Laboratory near Manchester
and the UK Astronomy Technology Centre,
Edinburgh.
394 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
More about us
The STFC is a science-driven organisation
where a broad range of scientists and
engineers undertake the highest quality
research, tackling some of the most
fundamental scientific questions.
Our highly skilled scientists and engineers
generate ideas and technologies that have
broad social and economic impact. We
encourage researchers to create new
businesses based on their discoveries and
we help established companies to use the
fruits of our research as a basis of new or
improved products and services.
As a graduate trainee joining STFC you will
be employed working on world-leading
projects. You will have a chance to make a
difference in areas of major importance for
the future.

We are looking for graduates in mechanical,
electrical, control, software, electronics and
microelectronic engineering, also science,
particularly physics, computing science,
mathemeatics and degrees relevant to
working on software development and
advanced IT solutions.
How do we select?
Online application form, then assessment
centre.
Applications are sought from those looking
to build a successful career who have, or will
have, obtained a 2.1 honours or better
degree or a masters degree in the 18
months prior to application.
Number of employees
1,700
Between 12 and 20
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
www.sullcrom.com
More about us
S&C provides the highest quality legal
advice and representation to clients around
the world. The results we achieve have set
us apart for more than 130 years and serve
as model for the modern practice of law. S&C
has more than 800 lawyers across an
international network. The office locations
represent our strategy to be present in key
financial and business centres where our
clients are active. Clients include
corporates, financial institutions,
governments and private clients in Europe,
Africa and the Middle East, the Gulf regions,
and Central Asia.
Our selling point is

that we give our junior
lawyers top experience
as we dont run deals
with big teams,
enabling us therefore
to give our lawyers lots
of responsibility.
Contact
Kirsten Davies
1 New Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1AN
Tel: +44(0) 207 959 8900
Email: traineesolicitors@sullcrom.com
Web: www.sullcrom.com
Type of employer
S&C a leader in its field provides the highest
quality legal advice.
Locations
12 offices on four continents: Europe
(London, Paris, Frankfurt); Asia/Pacific
(Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Melbourne,
Sydney); and the United States (New York,
Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Palo Alto)
Training contracts with S&C will be divided
into four six-month seats, covering at least
three practice areas. Throughout your
training contract, you will attend regular
396 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
formal group training sessions on the key

building blocks of commercial legal practice.
We will offer our trainees the opportunity to
do superior work, meet exceptional people
and grow in a supportive culture.
Number of employees
circa. 1500 worldwide
You will be supervised in each seat by a

partner who is a leader in his or her field,
along with other senior lawyers.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
How do we select?
Application is by way of a CV (including a full
percentage breakdown of all academic
results) and a covering letter.
2015 summer placement applications open
3 November 2014 through 30 January 2015.
2017 training contract applications open 1
May through 31 July 2015.
The interview process will involve a
business case study; 1-2 interviews with
partners and HR; and informal meetings
with firm associates.

4 per annum
guardianuk300.com
Sullivan & Cromwell provides

the highest quality legal advice
and representation to clients
around the world.
The results we achieve have set us apart for more than 130 years and serve as a
model for the modern practice of law.
If you are considering a career as a solicitor, interested in working with the
worlds leading companies on their most challenging matters, and feel that you
have the qualities we are looking for, we encourage you to apply for a place on the
2015 summer vacation scheme or for a training contract in our London office, to
commence September 2017.
Please send a copy of your CV (including a full classification and percentage

breakdown of all academic results) and a covering letter to: traineesolicitors@
sullcrom.com. We will be accepting applications for the 2015 summer vacation
scheme from 3rd November 2014 through 30th January 2015, and applications
for our 2017 trainee intake from 1st May 2015 through 31st July 2015.
www.sullcrom.com
london . paris . frankfurt
new york . washington , d . c . . los angeles . palo alto
tokyo . hong kong . beijing . melbourne . sydney
UK
300
Tata Steel
R A N K I N G S
www.tatasteelcareers.com
More about us
Tata Steel, part of the Tata Steel Group, is one
of the worlds largest steel producers, with a
combined presence in nearly 50 countries.
Tata Steel is a leading supplier to many of
the most demanding markets around the
world including: Aerospace, Automotive,
Construction, Consumer Products, Energy &
Power Generation, Engineering, Metal
Goods, Oil & Gas, Packaging, Rail and
Security & Defence.
Together we make the

difference
Contact
twitter.com/tatasteelcareer
Type of employer
Steel Manufacturing
Engineering
Locations
UK Wide
To achieve our vision, we look for people
with the qualities that will fit into our way of
thinking; these include passion, drive,
enthusiasm, imagination and the ability to
adapt to new challenges. We are looking for
innovative minds and skills that go beyond
just pure academic ability in order to drive
change and really make a difference.
398 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Steel is a material that shapes lives across

the world. From constructing new schools,
hospitals and bridges, to building new cars,
boats and planes. From the tallest
skyscraper to drinks cans and paperclips,
its a multi-billion pound industry.
We accept online applications for our

Graduate and Placement Programmes in the
following areas:
Manufacturing
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Technical and Chemical Engineering
Research, Development & Technology
Process Control & Automation
Technical Consultancy
How do we select?
Applications are online through our website
and successful applicants will be invited to
undertake two psychometric tests; Logical
Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning.
Following this we invited candidates for a
telephone itnerview with our final stage an
Assessment Centre, which will typically
include an interview, a presentation task,
and a group exercise.
Number of employees
40,000 (80,000 including Tata Group)
30
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
TOGETHER WE MAKE
THE DIFFERENCE
Could you structure solutions
that shape everyday lives?
Whether your ambitions lie in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or
materials science, at Tata Steel youll be part of an industry that touches millions
of lives every day.
Its demanding work. But well invest in you to build the foundations of a longterm, rewarding career utilising your existing talents and giving you the training
you need to develop new ones. Whats more, if you complete a successful summer
placement with us at Tata Steel, you could get sponsorship for your next year at
university and a fast track to a graduate position when you graduate.
Find out more at
www.tatasteelcareers.com
TOP
TOP
COMPANIES
COMPANIES
for graduates
to work for
2012/13
2013/14
UK
300
Teach First
R A N K I N G S
3rd Public sector
13th In the top 300
teachfirst.org.uk/graduates
More about us
We are a charity working to end educational
inequality. We believe inspirational teaching
and leadership is key to helping every child
succeed, regardless of their background.
Since 2002 over 7000 graduates have
joined the Teach First Leadership
Development Programme (LDP) in schools
across England and Wales and helped
change the lives of thousands of young
people in low-income communities.
Were working
towards a day
where no childs
success in life will
be limited by how
much their
parents earn.
Contact
4 More London Riverside,
London SE1 2AU
faq@teachfirst.org.uk
teachfirst.org.uk/graduates
Type of employer
Education/All disciplines
Locations
East of England, East Midlands, Greater
London, North East, North West, South
Coast, South East, South West, West
Midlands, Yorkshire, South Wales

The LDP is a personalised programme
encompassing high-quality training,
supportive coaching, work experience and a
PGCE qualification. The skills and experience
gained can be taken forward into any career.
Thats why many businesses recognise our
programmes ability to effect change and
develop leaders for the future. Put simply,
they know that graduates who can engage,
stimulate and inspire in the classroom can
handle pretty much any situation in any
organisation.
How do we select?
2.1 degree or above and 300 UCAS points
(or equivalent, excluding General Studies)
required, in a degree or A-levels that satisfy
our teaching subject requirements. See
website for further details.
400 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
You will spend two years working in a school
and then join our ambassador community of
more than 2,500
2,060
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
I wanted
to make a
difference,
so I did
Robin Hartfield Cross Taught: Maths
Now: PwC Graduate Scheme
20% of pupils eligible for free school meals

make it to university, compared to 86% from
independent schools.
Change their lives.

Change yours.
Apply now for our Leadership Development Programme
teachfirst.org.uk
Charity No 1098294
UK
300
Tesco PLC
R A N K I N G S
6th Retail
83rd In the top 300
www.tesco-graduates.com
Tescos success has always been
More about us
Tesco touches millions of peoples lives
every day. This scale gives us an
opportunity to make a positive difference to
some of the biggest challenges facing the
world. We are a retailer aiming to offer
quality and value to our customers,
colleagues and communities, and make
what matters to them better. We want to be
about more than simply function. Its about
the way we work, the values we live by, the
legacy we leave. Were looking for graduates
who want to be a part of this exciting
journey, and want to work not only for a
leading retailer, but want to make a real
contribution and create value for society as
a whole.
based on trying to understand

customers needs better than
anyone else and then innovating
to make their lives that little bit
easier. We make what matters
better, together, and graduates
who join our team will be
encouraged to bring fresh ideas,
and help us achieve our
multichannel ambitions.
Contact
www.tesco-graduates.com
twitter.com/TescoEC
facebook.com/TescoEarlyCareers
Type of employer
Tesco is the UKs largest retailer. We are a
team of over 500,000 people in 12 markets
providing a totally compelling customer
offer through a comprehensive
multichannel offering, including mobile and
tablet apps, click-and-collect and home
delivery.
Locations
Nationwide
402 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We run programmes across three main
areas Commercial Operations, Business
Operations and Retail Operations. They
include:
Number of employees
Buying, Customer Analysis, Distribution,

Finance, Marketing, Merchandising and
Analysis, Personnel, Property, Store
Management, Supply Chain, Support Office,
Technology, Technical Sciences, Telecoms
and Tesco.com

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
How do we select?
Application > Online Testing > Telephone
Interview > Assessment Centre

100+
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
TK Maxx
R A N K I N G S
www.graduates.tjxeurope.com
More about us
TJX Europe is part of the TJX Companies,
Inc. the worlds leading off-price apparel
and home fashions retailer with sales of
over $27 billion (FY14). We operate TK Maxx,
HomeSense and an online retail business in
the UK, with over 400 stores (July 2014) in
the UK, Ireland, Germany and Poland.
Working at TJX Europe is

genuinely fun and exciting. You
are given a huge amount of
responsibility from the word go.
The culture within the company is
Whats so different about Off-Price retail?

Its a lean business model without frills or
fancy extras. It involves buying when we
find something amazing much like our
customers do all year round and as close
to season as possible to get the best deal.
No two deals are ever the same, and Buyers
are in the market all the time with an open
brief to buy anything as long as itll wow
customers.
great and nobody is too senior to

stop and chat to. Relationship
building is key to getting along in
this organisation and a can-do,
curious attitude is key to
success.
Richard, Associate Buyer
Contact
graduate_recruitment@tjxeurope.com
facebook.com/tjxeuropegrads
Type of employer
Fashion & Home Retailer
Locations
UK: Watford; Germany: Dsseldorf
Joining us as a graduate is a proper job with
real responsibilities. This will be your
opportunity to learn a variety of new,
practical skills and make a real impact
within your department. Its an eye opening
experience which will enable you to build
404 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
upon your university skills whilst gaining a

valuable insight into our business. Youll
become part of a team and make the role
your own in:
Merchandising and Buying
Business Technology
Finance
Distribution
How do we select?
Please apply online at our website you will
need to submit your CV and answer some
application questions. The second stage will
be to complete an online assessment and
online video interview. The final stage will be
an assessment centre.
Number of employees
Over 190,000 globally
Over 100 Graduates & Placements
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
FOR QUICK THINKERS

AND FAST LEARNERS.
FOR THE ADVENTURE.
GRADUATE AND
PLACEMENT PROGRAMMES
TJX is different. Our off-price business model
means we need to be more agile. More creative.
More entrepreneurial. If youre ready to make decisions
that matter and are unafraid of a challenge, this could
be just the start of the career youve always wanted.
THE
TOP 100
COMPANIES
for graduates to work for
2014 / 15
(MORE THAN 30 GRADUATES/YEAR)
To start your adventure, go to
www.graduates.tjxeurope.com
UK
300
TLT LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.TLTcareers.com/trainee
More about us
An award-winning law firm with offices
across the UK, our business is driven by
people with the talent and vision to deliver
exceptional results. In return, we believe in
developing that talent at every opportunity.
As our people grow their careers with us,
they in turn support our growth. During
2013/14 alone, revenues increased by 18%
on the previous year to 57.85m.
TLT: talent
New offices have brought new clients, new

challenges and new opportunities.
TLT Gresham Street offices, London
Contact
Gemma Cowley, HR recruitment officer
trainees.
Tel: 0117 917 8905
Type of employer
Law Firm
Locations
TLT LLP: Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow,
London, Manchester, Piraeus; TLT NI LLP:
Belfast

Whether you join us for your training contract
or a one week vacation scheme placement,
youll work on live cases for real clients, get
input from a partner and develop a broad
range of skills across the full legal and
business spectrum. Our training contracts
are designed to have more in them so you
get more out of them, something recognised
by The Lex 100 who awarded us
Recommended Firm status in 2012/13. With
TLT, youll gain invaluable technical
knowledge and professional skills, all backed
up by a one-to-one mentor, expert guidance
and unlimited support throughout.
How do we select?
Please apply online at
www.TLTcareers.com/trainee
Our selection process involves application
form, telephone screening, verbal reasoning
testing and an assessment centre.
406 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
In 2015, our training contracts and vacation

schemes are available in Glasgow,
Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, London and
Bristol.
Number of employees
c.950
Up to 15 p.a.
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
A NEW KIND OF LAW FIRM

www.tltcareers.co.uk
TLT: talent
Training Contracts
and Vacation Schemes
An award-winning law firm with offices across the UK, our business is driven by people with the talent and vision to deliver
exceptional results. In return, we believe in developing that talent at every opportunity.
As our people grow their careers with us, they in turn support our growth. During 2013/14 alone, revenues increased by
18% on the previous year to 57.85m. Our focus is on achieving the highest professional standards and to join us, you will
need to share that commitment. We are looking for high-calibre individuals who combine an entrepreneurial spirit with drive,
ambition and commercial nous.
In return, well give you all the support you need to become one of our future business leaders. In practical terms, that means
real responsibility from day one, your own live caseloads to work on and plenty of client and Partner contact. Our structured
development programme will see you build a broad range of technical and commercial skills.
New offices have brought new clients, new challenges and new opportunities, as well as the possibility of broadening your
experience through secondments.
In 2015, our training contracts and vacation schemes are available in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, London and
Bristol. They are open to second-year law students, final-year law or non-law students, graduates and mature candidates.
Our excellent track record of trainee retention speaks for itself. You are our future and our investment in your development
reflects that fact.
Visit www.tltcareers.co.uk/trainee to find out more and apply.
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
5th Logistics, transport and
supply chain
www.tfl.gov.uk/graduates
More about us
From the famous red buses and black cabs
to the Tube, Transport for London (TfL) is
responsible for virtually every mode of
transport in the city and its story goes
back a long way, as 2013 marked the 150th
anniversary of the worlds first underground
railway service and 2014 marks the 60th
anniversary of the Routemaster.
We keep
Without us London would stand still.

Whichever opportunity graduates choose,
they can expect support, training and
responsibility worthy of one of Londons
largest employers. These are unique
opportunities for people with the flair,
potential and personality to make a vital
contribution to one of the worlds greatest
cities.
London moving
Contact
graduates@tfl.gov.uk
Type of employer
Transport
Locations
London

Business Analyst, Project Management,
Commercial Procurement, Finance,
Management, Transport Planning,
Information Management, Quantity
Surveying, Marketing, Legal, Traffic Control
Systems, Road Network Performance
Management, Electronic, Electrical, Civil,
Mechanical and Software Engineering. All
offering opportunities to become Chartered
or undertake further studies.
How do we select?
Our recruitment process consists of an
online application, online testing and
telephone interviews, then a one day
assessment centre which will be held in
London. Please see our website for more
details.
408 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
28,000
130
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
Travers Smith LLP
R A N K I N G S
www.traverssmith.com
More about us
Size isnt everything. Travers Smith is under
a quarter of the size of the largest firms but
continues to attract top-quality work from
an enviable list of clients. Over half of the
firms work has an international dimension
which means we work very closely with
leading independent law firms around the
world (in addition to our Paris office). The
firm is entrepreneurial and innovative with
an uncompromising focus on quality. Our
working environment is good-humoured,
social and supportive, with a refreshing lack
of hierarchy.
every lawyer is first rate

Legal 500
consistent teams of
uniformly excellent
lawyers.
Chambers Guide to the
UK Legal Profession
Contact
graduate.recruitment@traverssmith.com
Type of employer
Pre-eminent City firm with leading
reputation in all practice areas.
Locations
London and Paris

The firm offers a comprehensive training
programme over two years, ensuring
trainees experience a broad range of work.
Trainee solicitors sit with partners and
associates and receive an individual and
extensive training from experienced
lawyers, enjoying client contact and
responsibility from day one.
How do we select?
Applications are made online through cvMail
via our website at www.traverssmith.com. If
selected for interview you will attend a half
hour interview with one partner at the firms
offices. If we wish to take your application
further, you will return for a second
interview with two partners and be given a
tour of the firm by a trainee.
410 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
470
25
Initiative
Motivation
guardianuk300.com
Bold modern thinkers

required
Your training starts the moment you do work of the highest quality
with the support and guidance of some of the best people in the
business. At Travers Smith, we are big enough to offer the most
excitingopportunities but small enough for each individual to count.
If you are a bold modern thinker and want to find out more
please visit www.traverssmith.com/graduaterecruitment or contact
Germaine VanGeyzel, our Graduate Recruitment Manager:
graduate.recruitment@traverssmith.com
Travers Smith LLP, 10 Snow Hill, London EC1A 2AL T: 020 7295 3000
UK
300
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
R A N K I N G S
282ndIn the top 300
http://www.trowers.com/careers/students/
More about us
We are the number one firm in the UK for
Housing and Public Sector work, and are
consistently ranked as one of the leading
firms in the Middle East.
If you are looking for a

different kind of
Our main areas of expertise include Banking

and Finance, Corporate, Dispute Resolution
and Litigation, Employment and Pensions,
International (based in London, the Middle
East and the Far East), Projects and
Construction, Public Sector, Real Estate
(including Commercial Property and
Housing), Tax and Private Wealth.
international law firm,

are an independent
thinker and
intellectually curious,
We pride ourselves on providing down-toearth and commercially savvy advice to our

clients and, no matter where they are, they
have access to a connected network of
lawyers.
we would like to hear

from you....
Contact
Mr Anup Vithlani, Graduate Recruitment &
Development Manager
0207 423 8312
avithlani@trowers.com
Type of employer
We are a City, national and international fullservice law firm.
Locations
London, Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester,
Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Malaysia and
Oman

We usually recruit around 20 trainees every
year, split between September and March
intakes. The majority of our trainees will be
recruited for our London office, with a small
number of trainees taken on in our
Birmingham, Exeter and Manchester offices
respectively. However, we expect our
trainees to be ready to undertake seats in
any of our national or international offices.
How do we select?
We have a structured recruitment process in
place, the first stage of which is to complete
our comprehensive online application form
for our winter open day, our summer vacation
scheme and / or our autumn training contract
assessment centre.
For further information on the rest of the
respective processes thereafter, please take
a look at our dedicated graduate
recruitment webpages and our graduate
recruitment brochure.
412 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
641
circa 20
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
www.trowers.com
training contracts
follow us on Twitter - @Trowers_GradRec
Are you an independent thinker and intellectually curious?
If so, we would be keen on hearing from you.
UK
300
UBS
R A N K I N G S
www.ubs.com/graduates
More about us
UBS is a global financial services firm
offering wealth management, investment
banking, asset management and, in
Switzerland, retail and commercial banking.
Around the world, individuals look to UBS to
provide them with the advice and
opportunities they need to protect and grow
their wealth. Leading companies and
institutions rely on our financial resources,
expertise and infrastructure to help them
grow their businesses, manage their risks
and invest in the future.
Youre full of energy

and ideas. And thats
just what we are
looking for.
Contact
sh-ubs-campusrecruiting@ubs.com
Type of employer
Financial Services
Locations
Global

Todays UBS is in transformation. Join this
winning team and we will both challenge
you and support you to reach your full
potential. If you want to build a career and
grow professionally in a fascinating
industry, check out UBS.
We offer graduate training programs,
summer internships, industrial placements
and first-year programs.
How do we select?
We select applicants via an online process
which starts at www.ubs.com/graduates
414 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
Approximately 60,000
100+
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
You know what you want.

Well help you get there.
If, like us, youre excited about what the future could hold, an internship or
Graduate Training Programme at UBS could be just what youre looking for.
Weve got people from all academic disciplines on our global team and
theyre working together today to build a great business for tomorrow.
Whatever youre studying, theres a world of opportunities to be a part of
our success so start exploring them now at ubs.com/graduates.
UBS Programme Deadlines:

Graduate Training Programme: November 9, 2014
Summer Internship and Industrial Placement programmes: December 31, 2014
First Year programmes: January 18, 2015
UBS is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We respect and seek to empower each
individual and the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.
UBS 2014. All rights reserved.
UK
300
UK Power Networks
R A N K I N G S
www.ukpowernetworkscareers.co.uk
More about us
Did you boil a kettle to make a coffee this
morning? Or charge your iPod? Or turn on
the lights while you brushed your teeth?
Have you jumped on the Tube recently or
jetted off from one of the major airports in
the South East?
All of these events could not have occurred
without UK Power Networks.
We empower people to
As one of the UKs largest energy

distribution companies, were responsible
for delivering electricity to more than eight
million customers including homes, schools
and businesses.
reach for the best
Were striving to become an employer of

choice, a responsible and respected
corporate citizen and sustainably cost
efficient. If you want to play a role in
influencing the energy industrys future
then get in touch.
Contact
futuretalent@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Type of employer
We own and maintain electricity cables and
lines across London, the South East and
East of England making sure your lights
stay on. We maintain and upgrade power
equipment. We move and connect new
electricity cables.
Locations
London
Greater London
South East
East Anglia
Our institute of Engineering and Technology
accredited Graduate Engineering
Programme is designed to help you develop
the skills you need to become a Chartered
Engineer.
416 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
The Business Management and Information

Systems programme are designed to give
you a good understanding of the business
whist offering you valuable hands- on
experience at the same time.
Number of employees
Circa 5000
Our Powering Placements include a variety of

industrial placements (10 to 12 months) and
summer internships (two to three months).

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
You will be assigned a mentor and buddy as

part of all of our training programmes, to
help you with your development.
We believe our combination of training and
hands-on project work will get your career
with us off to a flying start.
How do we select?
1) Online application form
2) Online testing
3) Video interview
4) Assessment Centre
5) Final interview

25
guardianuk300.com
Inspiring the
next generation
We have exciting opportunities to join our
Engineering, Business and Information
Systems Graduate Programmes, as well as
internship opportunities through our Powering
Placements. Come and join this exciting
industry at a critical time of change.
Find out more
ukpowernetworkscareers.co.uk
futuretalent@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Linesman
Dispatchers
Business Support Roles
ukpowernetworks.co.uk
UK
300
Unilever
R A N K I N G S
1st Consumer goods
manufacturing and
marketing
7th
In the top 300
www.unilever.co.uk/careers-jobs/graduates
Our challenge? To double
More about us
Unilever, a leading consumer goods
company, makes some of the worlds bestloved brands; Dove, Lynx, Sure, Magnum
and Hellmanns. 2 billion consumers use
their products every day. Unilever products
are sold in 190 countries.
the size of our business,

while reducing our
environmental impact
Unilever are the number 1 fast-moving

consumer goods employer of choice
amongst students in 26 countries. Around
the world, Unilever products help people
look good, feel good and get more out of life.
Their impact is the result of deep thought,
hard work, and carefully applied skills.
and increase our positive

social impact. Behind
that ambition, and every
Unilever want graduates with the will to lead

others in driving these brands forward. The
Future Leaders Programme (UFLP) helps
talent reach senior management. Quickly.
brand, lie exciting

challenges.
Contact
Email address:
enquiry@unilevergraduates.com
Telephone number: 0870 154 3550
Facebook page:
facebook.com/unilevercareers
Twitter address:
twitter.com/unilevergradsuk
Type of employer
Consumer Goods
Graduates can apply to one of the following
areas - Financial Management, Supply Chain
Management, Customer Management
(Sales), HR Management, Business &
Technology Management, Research &
Development and Marketing.
Whichever area they join, graduates will

make a big business impact. The two to
three year programme (depending on the
business area) involves placements across
the business with responsibility from day
one, alongside excellent training in
leadership and business. Graduates will
learn business fast. Unilever will support
them in achieving Chartered status and
qualifications such as CIMA, IMechE, IchemE,
IEE, APICS, ICS, and CIPD. When the
programme ends, they will move into a
management role.
How do we select?
Online application form
Online tests
Telephone Interview
Selection Day
418 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
174,000
50
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT
(SALES)
I MANAGED THE
SALE OF NEW
COMPRESSED
DEODORANTS
INTO 6,000
STORES.
UNILEVER FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAMME
Customer Management (Sales) | HR Management
Marketing | Financial Management | Supply Chain Management
Business & Technology Management | Research & Development
The Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP)

is about having a big impact on business, right from
the start. Its about growing iconic multi-million
euro, market-leading brands from day one.
Its about learning business fast. Youll tap in to
continuous business mentoring, excellent training,
and hands-on responsibility. Youll learn like
youve never learned before.
www.facebook.com/unilevercareers
UK
300
URS
R A N K I N G S
www.urs.com
What I like the most about URS
More about us
URS is a leading global provider of
engineering, construction and technical
services. With a global network of offices in
nearly 50 countries and over 50,000
employees worldwide, we are a fully
integrated services provider.
is the exposure to a variety of

projects, one day I will be
devising a new railway station
proposal in Kent, the next
We have the capabilities to support largescale projects at every stage of their

lifecycle, from inception, start-up and
operations through to decommissioning and
closure.
designing a new section for the

underground. Following a
In the UK we operate in four key sectors:

Engineering & Facilities, Environment &
Permitting, Infrastructure, Major Projects &
PMCM. Our scale, global reach, local
knowledge and sector expertise equip us to
meet the most complex and challenging
needs.
scheme from an initial sketch

into a structure that serves the
society, makes you proud of
your work and contribution.
Contact
Scott House
Alencon Link
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 7PP
www.urs.com
Type of employer
Engineering, environmental, construction
and technical services consultancy
Locations
Nationwide including Republic of Ireland
420 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

We look for talented, motivated engineering
and environment graduates who are eager
to kick start their career in their chosen
discipline. We recruit in six major
disciplines: Civil and Structural Engineering;
Environment & Sustainability; Engineering
Geology & Geosciences; Mechanical &
Electrical Engineering; Economics &
Development; Building Surveying.
How do we select?
Our graduate recruitment programme is
open for applications from September until
February. Graduates are asked to submit
their application on our website,
www.urs.com/uki We hold assessment
centres throughout February and these are
1 day events.
Number of employees
50,000+
120
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
UK
300
R A N K I N G S
www.weil.com/ukrecruiting
More about us
Weil is committed to delivering sound
judgement to our clients on their most
challenging and important matters. With
approximately 1,200 lawyers across 20
offices in 9 countries, including full-service
capabilities in the UK, our lawyers are
known for giving clear and effective advice.
We provide one-stop shopping on highly
complex matters, true international
execution, and local law advice in many of
the worlds key jurisdictions, including New
York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and
Frankfurt.
The vacation scheme gives you an

extremely realistic picture of what its
like to be a Weil trainee. Throughout,
I contributed to live matters,
worked on documents that
would go out to clients,
and took part in
interdepartmental meetings.
I even got to attend a
conference with counsel on
We are consistently ranked as one of the

elite US-headquartered international firms.
my very first day.

Imaan Gangi, Easter Vacation
Scheme Student
Contact
Lisa Wells
Graduate Recruitment Advisor
graduaterecruitment@weil.com
Type of employer
International Law Firm
Locations
London
We recruit between 12 - 14 trainee
associates per year who undertake four sixmonth seats. Working in close-knit partnerled teams provides trainees with greater
responsibility and early exposure to our
global network of clients and contacts. We
also ensure a tailor-made approach to
mentoring, career progression and
development through the allocation of a
Trainee Responsible Partner and regular
performance reviews.
422 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
We have up to 30 places on our two-week

paid vacation schemes which run during the
spring and summer each year. As part of the
scheme you will work alongside some of our
most experienced lawyers in two different
practice areas and make contributions to
live matters, undertaking similar work to our
trainee associates.
How do we select?
Applications are made online via our
website, www.weil.com/ukrecruiting. All
successful candidates at this stage will be
asked to complete a verbal reasoning test.
Those that pass the test will be invited to
attend a 45 minute interview with a partner
and an associate.
Candidates applying directly for a Training
Contract, and who are successful at the first
round interview, will be invited back to
interview with two partners and will also
complete a commercial written exercise.
Number of employees
267
1214
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Charles Osborne, Trainee

The biggest deal Ive worked on
so far was Facebooks purchase of
WhatsApp. Seeing it written up the
next day in the financial news gave
me a huge sense of achievement.
Expect the
exceptional
Jessica Kam, Trainee

Its amazing how much responsibility
you get here, but with lots of support.
I have just worked on the finance
aspects of the PizzaExpress
acquisition and really felt that made a
contribution to the success of the deal.
Practising law at the very top of the market. Advising on the most complex
transactions and disputes. Being one of just a handful of trainees working
alongside some of the best practitioners around.
These are a few of the things you have to look forward to from a vacation scheme
or training contract with us.
Add in the comprehensive training and support and its no wonder we were
recently awarded Best Legal Employer and ranked #1 for Employee Satisfaction
for law firms globally by Legal Week.
If you have exceptional intellectual drive and creativity, and want to
play a real part in the growth and development of one of the worlds
leading law firms, visit weil.com/ukrecruiting
Weil
UK
300
Wood Group
R A N K I N G S
www.woodgroup.com/graduates
More about us
Wood Group is an international energy
services company with around $7bn sales,
employing about 40,000 people worldwide
and operating in more than 50 countries.
The Group is built on our Core Values and
has three businesses Wood Group PSN,
Wood Group Kenny and Wood Group
Mustang. We offer a diverse range of
services to a diverse range of operators.
Our relationships are important to us and
we have long standing relationships with
our customers.
For experience,
for a career; Wood
Group is where
you want to be.
Our Core Values define who we are, how we

work, what we believe in and what we stand
for. These Values guide how we act and how
we expect to be treated, providing a sound
basis for decisions.
Contact
developing.talent@woodgroup.com
career forward, while having fun in the

process!
Number of employees
40,000 people worldwide
Type of employer
Energy services company
How do we select?
We are powered by people. We are looking
for bright individuals who demonstrate
passion and a commitment to learn and
develop. We are looking for individuals who
are collaborative, flexible and focused on
delivering exceptional results.

70+
Locations
50+ countries
We offer a diverse range of opportunities
across our business with graduate
programmes within our Engineering,
Commercial and Support disciplines.
Our people Core Value is at the heart of our
business and we want to attract, develop
and retain the best people. Our graduates
are paid competitively, given responsibility
early, and given the tools to drive their
424 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
During the recruitment process we want the

individual to feel comfortable, allowing them
to be at their best. Typically the process
involves an online application and
assessment centre.

Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
We are Wood Group.

Joining the Wood Group team you will have a career
development path that offers a lifetime of opportunities.
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and our People core value is at our heart. People join us
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some of the most complicated projects ever conceived.
If you could offer a fresh and unique perspective to our
ATRHMDRRSGDM6NNC&QNTOHRVGDQDXNTV@MSSNAD 3N
jMCNTQLNQDUHRHSwww.woodgroup.com/graduates
UK
300
WPP
R A N K I N G S
www.wpp.com
More about us
WPP is the world leader in communications
services. There are more than 150
companies within the Group, setting
industry standards in Advertising; Media
Investment Management; Data Investment
Management; Public Relations & Public
Affairs; Branding & Identity; Healthcare
Communications; Direct, Digital, Promotion
& Relationship Marketing and Specialist
Communications.
WPP is the
world leader in
communications
We are manufacturers of communications

ideas that help to build business for our
clients, through creating and developing
relationships with the people who buy and
use their products and services. We do this
through a demanding combination of hard
work and flair; logic and intuition; left brain
and right brain thinking.
services.
Contact
Harriet Miller
hmiller@wpp.com
Type of employer
Communications Services Group
Locations
Worldwide

The Fellowship comprises three one-year
rotations with WPP companies, with each
rotation chosen on the basis of the
individuals interests and the Groups needs.
The multi-disciplinary rotation is unique in
the industry. Fellows are likely to work in a
client management or planning role
although some work on the creative side of
an agency.
How do we select?
To apply, please fill in our online application
form which can be found at www.wpp.com.
The deadline is 6 November 2014.
First round interviews take place in early
January 2015 and second round interviews
in early February 2015.
426 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Number of employees
175,000 (including associates)
110
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Meeting deadlines
Motivation
Teamwork skills
guardianuk300.com
Fellowships 2015
Ambidextrous brains required

WPP is the world leader in marketing communications, with more than
150 companies setting industry standards in Advertising; Media Investment
Management; Data Investment Management; Public Relations & Public
Affairs; Branding & Identity; Healthcare Communications; Direct, Digital,
Promotion & Relationship Marketing; and Specialist Communications.
We are manufacturers of communications ideasthat help to build business
for our clients, through creating and developing relationships with the
people who buy and use their products and services. We do thisthrough
a demanding combination of hard work and flair; logic andintuition; left
brain and right brain thinking.
The Fellowship was started, 19 years ago, tocreate future generations

ofleaders for our companies. Fellows tend to be intellectually curious
people who are motivated by the challenges of marketing communications
andbythe prospect of working at the confluence ofartand business.
They spend three years on theprogram: in each yearthey work in a different
WPP company, in a different marketing communications discipline and,
usually, on adifferent continent.
Long-term prospects withinaWPP company are excellent, with
manyformerFellows now occupying senior management positions.
Deadline for entry:

6 November 2014
For further information ask at your careers

serviceor contact:
Visit our website and apply online at

www.wpp.com
Harriet Miller, WPP

T: +44 (0)20 7408 2204
E-mail: hmiller@wpp.com
Internships
How to get started

targetjobsinternships.co.uk and TARGETjobs Internships
how to secure essential internships and where to find them
TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year celebrating the brightest
and the best undergraduateoftheyear.com
TARGETjobs Events face to face experiences with future employers
Keep in touch @TJobsInterns
Internships
The 300 in brief
UK
300
S E C T I O N
The 300 in brief
We have taken all reasonable care to ensure

that the listings in this section are correct but
always check websites for the latest picture.
For more information about the employers in
The Guardian UK 300 go to
guardianUK300.com.
guardianUK300.com
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 429
UK
300
1
The 300 in brief

See page 336 for more
information
The National Health Service is the largest public sector employer and employs more than 1.7
million people. It runs a training scheme for graduates in finance management, health
informatics management, HR management and general management. A 2.2 or above in any
degree subject is required for all specialisms.

information
The BBC is a global public service broadcaster that aims to provide programmes that inform,
educate and entertain. Its services include ten national TV channels, ten national radio
stations and an extensive website. It offers trainee schemes for graduates in technology,
journalism, production and business support.
Google
Technology company Google provides a variety of services for people and businesses. Its
products and services include Chrome, Gmail, Web Search, Google Maps and Google Earth.
GlaxoSmithKline
Microsoft
PwC
BBC

information
Unilever
information
Jaguar Land Rover

information

information
10
Rolls-Royce
information
430 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company that develops

and supplies medicines. It employs 97,000 people in over 100 countries. It offers graduate
future leaders programmes for those with a 2.1 or above. There are programmes in areas
including communications, engineering, environmental health and safety, finance, HR,
procurement, science, supply chain and sales and marketing.
Microsoft specialises in software, services and solutions. Its software and hardware
products include Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Surface. It runs a
Microsoft Academy for College Hires (MACH) programme for graduates with a 2.1 or above in
any degree. Graduates choose whether to focus on sales, technical or business management
and business consulting.
Professional services firm PwC advises organisations, private businesses and
entrepreneurs. It offers graduate opportunities in actuarial, assurance, consulting, deals,
legal and technology. A 2.1 or above is required for graduate-level jobs. The degree discipline
and number of UCAS points required varies depending on the role or business area.
Unilever is a supplier of consumer goods that produces food, home and personal care
brands. It manufactures global brands including Ben & Jerrys, Comfort, Persil, Lipton and
Bertolli. It runs a graduate future leaders programme in sales, financial management, supply
chain management, HR management, business and technology management, marketing,
research and development, as well as international programmes.
Jaguar Land Rover is an automotive manufacturing business based around the car brands
Jaguar and Land Rover. It offers two-year-long graduate programmes in engineering, design,
HR, purchasing, finance, IT, supply chain, property and marketing and sales. A 2.2 or above is
required for all schemes.
The John Lewis Partnership owns the UK retail businesses Waitrose and John Lewis. It
employs 91,000 people and has annual gross sales of more than 10bn. A 2.1 or above in
any degree is required for graduate schemes in finance, buying, technology, leadership and
merchandising. A 2.2 or above is needed for the retail management scheme.
Rolls-Royce provides power solutions for customers in the energy, aerospace and marine
markets. It employs over 55,000 people in more than 50 countries. It offers a range of
graduate programmes in engineering, commercial, customer management, finance, HR,
manufacturing and engineering, operations management, project management, purchasing
and planning and control. Minimum requirements vary.
guardianuk300.com
The 300 in brief
11

information
12
Secret Intelligence
Service (MI6)
13
Teach First
information
14
IBM
information
15
Channel 4
16
Deloitte
information
17
J.P. Morgan
18

information
19
BP
information
20

information
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
The Civil Service is responsible for formulating and implementing central government policy.
It runs Fast Stream programmes for graduates with a 2.2 or above in any degree discipline.
There are six different programmes to choose from: analytics; HR; technology in business;
generalist; European for those who want a career in the EU institutions; and Northern Ireland
for roles based in that country.
The Secret Intelligence Service collects Britains foreign intelligence and promotes and
defends the national security and economic well-being of the UK. It recruits graduates with a
2.1 or above in any discipline as intelligence officers. It also offers some graduate
opportunities in technology, corporate services and as language specialists.
Educational charity Teach First trains graduates to become classroom leaders in schools in
low-income communities. Every year graduates recruited on the leadership development
programme receive six weeks of intensive training before being placed in schools for at least
two years. A 2.1 or above in any degree discipline and 300 UCAS points are required for the
programme.
IBM is an international IT and consulting enterprise that operates in more than 170 countries.
It runs schemes in business operations, sales, business consulting, software development,
technology solutions and software design for graduates with a 2.1 or above in any degree. A
2.1 or above in a relevant subject is required for technical consulting, financial management
consulting, and strategic analytic consulting.
Channel 4 is a publicly owned and commercially funded public service broadcaster. It works
across television, digital media and film and it consists of E4, More4, 4Music, Film4 and
online activities. It runs a 20-month-long scheme in a variety of roles for graduates with a 2.1
or above. Required degree disciplines are relevant to the chosen role or department.
Deloitte is the brand behind tens of thousands of professionals in independent firms that
collaborate to provide services including audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance. It
offers three-year-long graduate schemes in all of its business areas. Each scheme has its
own academic requirements. Details can be found on the company website.
J.P. Morgan is a global financial services company that offers solutions in asset
management, investment banking, private banking, treasury, securities service and
commercial banking. It offers graduate opportunities in asset management, corporate and
investment banking, finance, investor services, operations, private banking, sales,
technology, trading and research for graduates with a 2.1 or above in any discipline.
The Security Service is the UKs national security intelligence agency. It protects the UK
against threats to national security from espionage, terrorism and sabotage. It runs an
intelligence officer development programme for graduates with a 2.2 or above in any
discipline. It also offers a technology development programme for graduates with a 2.1 or
above.
BP is a global oil and gas company that provides fuel, energy, engine lubricants and
petrochemicals products. It employs more than 83,000 people in 80 countries. It runs
engineering programmes for graduates with a masters in engineering. It also offers schemes
in science for science graduates and business and trading for graduates of any discipline.
UK media organisation Guardian Media Group runs Guardian News and Media and publishes
theguardian.com and the Guardian and Observer newspapers. It runs schemes in a range of
business areas for graduates with a 2.1 or above and a passion for media, business and
technology.
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 431
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21
The 300 in brief
Amazon
information
22
Goldman Sachs
information
Amazon is a global e-commerce company. It offers graduate opportunities in retail and ecommerce for those with a 2.1 or above in any degree discipline. A 2.1 or above in a relevant
subject is required for its finance programme and a 2.1 or above in any subject plus fluent
language skills in French, German, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese are required for its
transactional risk management services openings.
Goldman Sachs is an investment banking, investment management and securities firm that
provides a range of financial services. It recruits graduates with an outstanding record of
academic achievement and an interest in the financial markets for its analyst programme. It
also offers summer and spring internship schemes.

information
KPMG provides professional services including audit, tax and advisory. It offers a range of
graduate programmes in business areas including advisory, audit, tax and pensions and
central services such as HR and marketing. A 2.1 or above, 320 UCAS points and Bs in GCSE
maths and English are required.
24
Local Government National Graduate

Development Programme
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(NGDP)
The Local Government Association works with councils to support, promote and improve
local government. It runs a two-year management development programme for graduates
from any degree discipline. It includes a range of placements based within a corporate
function, a customer-facing area and a support service such as HR, finance, IT and legal
services.
25
26
LOral
23
KPMG

information
27
Airbus
28
HSBC Bank plc

information
29
Barclays
information
30
Shell
432 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Procter & Gamble is a consumer goods company that produces brands such as Ariel,
Duracell, Pampers, Gucci Fragrances and Aussie. It serves around 4.6 billion consumers
globally. It recruits graduates into roles across various business areas including HR, finance
and accounting, marketing, product supply, consumer and market knowledge and
information solutions.
LOral is a beauty and cosmetics company with 28 international brands in 130 countries. It
recruits up to 40 graduates a year for its UK management trainee programme. Roles are
available in commercial, finance, marketing and supply chain for graduates with a 2.1 or
above in any degree. Strong numerical skills are needed for commercial, finance and supply
chain programmes.
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus is headquartered in Toulouse and employs more than 60,000
people from 100 nationalities. It runs programmes for graduates in business areas including
engineering, procurement, programme planning, supply chain logistics, HR and finance.
Entry requirements differ for each programme.
HSBC is a global banking and financial services organisation with more than 60 million
customers in 80 countries and territories. It offers programmes in areas including
commercial banking, global functions, global private banking, technology and retail banking
for graduates with a 2.1 or above and 320 UCAS points. For global banking advisory and
equity capital markets 340 points are required.
Financial services provider Barclays lends, moves, invests and protects money for 48 million
customers and clients globally. It runs graduate programmes in corporate banking,
investment banking, retail and business banking, wealth and investment management and
business functions such as technology, HR and marketing.
Shell is a group of energy and petrochemicals companies with around 87,000 employees in
more than 70 countries and territories. It runs two to three-year graduate schemes in
technical and commercial areas. Each role will require particular skills and attributes.
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AstraZeneca
information
32
BAE Systems
information
33
Oxfam
information
34
Allen & Overy LLP

information
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British Council
information
36
EY
37
Marks & Spencer

information
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Pfizer
39
EU Institutions
information
40
Linklaters LLP
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Global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca provides medicines for some of the most
serious diseases. It works in more than 100 countries and its medicines are used by millions
of patients. It offers graduate programmes in finance, medicines, chemical engineering, IT
and operations. Entry requirements vary.
BAE Systems provides clients with solutions to protect and enhance their infrastructure,
critical systems, intellectual property, corporate information, reputation and financial
success. It runs graduate programmes for software developer, cyber security consultant,
business consultant, consulting engineer and data analyst roles. A 2.1 or above and As and
Bs at A level are required.
Oxfam is a global aid and development charity that operates in 94 countries. It aims to
change the lives of those living in poverty by campaigning, fundraising and providing aid in
emergencies. It doesnt run any formal graduate schemes, but it encourages graduates to
apply for jobs that match their skills.
Allen & Overy LLP is a global law firm with 43 offices in 30 different countries. It offers
training contracts with a combination of three- and six-month seats. Both law and non-law
graduates are accepted, but there are separate application windows. It also offers financial
support for the graduate diploma in law (GDL) and legal practice course (LPC).
The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other
countries by promoting British interests. It has 7,400 employees in more than 100 countries
and territories. It runs a scheme in cultural relations for graduates with a 2.1 or above who
are fluent in Mandarin, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Japanese.
Global professional services organisation EY works with clients on advisory, assurance, tax
and corporate finance. It runs graduate programmes in assurance, advisory, corporate
finance, tax, financial services and core business services. There are a range of specialist
schemes for graduates with numerate and technology degrees that have varying specific
requirements.
Marks & Spencer is an international retailer of clothing, home products and food. It has 455
stores globally and more than 85,000 employees. It runs graduate programmes in retail
management, buying, IT, business analysis and marketing for any degree. A relevant
discipline is required for buying, HR, design, fabric technology, food technology and
software engineering programmes.
Pfizer is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures medicines and
healthcare products, conducts research and supplies medicines to the NHS. It offers
university students one-year placements in a range of commercial and research roles as
part of a four-year degree. It also offers post-doctoral research and development
opportunities.
The European Commission proposes legislation, implements EU policies and enforces EU law.
It offers an administrative traineeship in competition law, human resources, and
environmental policy for graduates with very good knowledge of another EU language. There
are also translation traineeships for graduates with knowledge of two other EU languages.
Global law firm Linklaters LLP works with large companies, financial institutions and
governments. Its three divisions are finance, commercial and corporate. It offers training
contracts to both law and non-law graduates. The firm pays for non-law graduates to do the
graduate diploma in law (GDL) and for all graduates to complete the legal practice course
(LPC).
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The 300 in brief
Sky
information
42
Atkins
information
43
Hilton Worldwide
44
Cancer Research UK
information
45
EDF Energy
information
46
Clifford Chance
information
47
Arup
information
48
Arcadia Group
information
49
Samsung
50
McKinsey & Company
434 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Sky is a telecommunications company with 24,000 employees. Its core capabilities are
content, customers and technology. It offers graduate schemes in finance, marketing
strategy, programme management, software engineering and technology. A 2.1 or above is
required for most roles and some require relevant degree disciplines.
Atkins is a design, engineering and project management consultancy. It has offices in

Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia Pacific. It recruits graduates to work in
aerospace, defence, design and engineering, nuclear, oil and gas, power, transportation,
information communications, management consultancy, rail and water and environment.
A degree in a relevant subject is required.
Hilton is a global hospitality company that has 4,100 hotels in 92 countries. It recruits
graduates for its general manager fast-track and management development programmes.
Applicants from any degree are considered but preference is given to those from hospitalityrelated disciplines. Graduates must be fluent in English and another European language.
Cancer Research UK is a charity that raises money, develops policy and funds scientists to
beat cancer. It runs graduate schemes in fundraising and marketing, policy, information and
communications, IT, science and corporate functions. A 2.1 or above in any discipline and
280 UCAS points is required. For the science scheme a degree in life, physical or natural
science is necessary.
EDF Energy produces low-carbon electricity and supplies around 6 million residential and
business accounts with electricity or gas. It offers graduate programmes in nuclear science,
engineering, finance, HR, supply chain, business analysis and sustainability. A 2.1 or above
is required for all programmes but the subject requirements differ.
Clifford Chance is a global law firm that practises in areas including finance, capital markets,
real estate and litigation and dispute. It has 36 offices in 25 countries. It offers training
contracts and funding for the graduate diploma in law and the legal practice course. It
recruits both law and non-law graduates.
Arup is a firm of designers, engineers, planners, technical specialists and consultants with
offices in 32 different countries. It offers graduate programmes across a range of its
business areas including engineering, consulting and project management. A 2.1 or above in
a relevant subject, a minimum of three Cs at A level and less than 12 months work
experience (barring placements and vacation schemes) is required.
Arcadia Group is the fashion retailer behind brands including Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and
Evans. It recruits graduates for buying, merchandising and digital all year round and three
times a year for its finance programme. For buying and digital jobs a degree related to the
field is required. Any degree is accepted for finance and merchandising.
Global corporation Samsung Electronics has businesses in areas including advance

technology, semiconductors, skyscraper and plant construction and petrochemicals. It
employs 190,500 people in 206 offices in over 68 countries. It offers year-long internship
schemes in various areas of the business. They are suitable for graduates with a 2.1 or above
degree.
Global management consulting firm McKinsey advises organisations across the private,
public and social sectors. It has more than 90 offices in over 50 countries. Those with a
degree in any discipline can join the firm as business analysts.
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The Army
information
52
Slaughter and May

information
53
Morgan Stanley
information
54
Accenture
55
Siemens
information
56
The Royal Air Force
57
Deringer LLP
58
Deutsche Bank
59
Nestl
60
Network Rail
information
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The British Army defends the interests of the UK and may also assist on United Nations
operations or emergencies. Primarily it carries out tasks given to it by the British
government. There are a number of opportunities offered to graduates in areas such as
combat, medical, intelligence and engineering. Requirements for the schemes differ.
International law firm Slaughter and May employs more than 1,100 people and has over 119
partners. It offers a training contract for both law and non-law graduates. A high 2.1 or above
and three strong A levels are required. It also has opportunities in finance, HR, technology
and business development.
Morgan Stanley is an international financial adviser to governments, companies and

investors. It has 1,200 offices in 43 countries. It runs an analyst programme for graduates in
institutional securities, investment management, wealth management, company
management, operations and technology. It also offers an associate programme in equity
research, investment banking, global capital markets and strats and modelling.
Accenture is an international management consulting, outsourcing and technology services
company. It has offices and operations in 56 countries. Its consulting graduate programme
requires a 2.1 or above in any degree and 340 UCAS points from three A levels. A 2.1 or above
in a technology-related subject and 240 UCAS points are needed for its technology scheme.
Siemens is an engineering and technology services company that employs around 13,760
people globally. It offers a range of graduate programmes in engineering and other business
areas including finance, project management, product management, IT and supply chain and
procurement. The two-year schemes require a minimum 2.2 degree in a relevant subject.
As a branch of the UKs armed forces, The Royal Air Force (RAF) works to defend the UK and
strengthen international peace and stability. It recruits graduates into various roles including
as officers, airmen and airwomen. It also runs a healthcare programme for graduates with a
relevant medical degree.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is an international law firm with 28 offices that cover the
Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firms training contracts offer the option of
doing up to eight seats. It recruits law and non-law graduates with 2.1 or a first for each year
at university and mainly As at A level.
Deutsche Bank is a global banking and financial services company. It runs a global analyst
programme for graduates in asset management, compliance, corporate banking, global
transaction banking, group audit, group strategy, risk and group technology and operations.
Requirements are dependent on the role.
Nestl produces consumer brands and employs 8,000 people across 23 sites. A 2.1 or above
in any degree is required for its HR, marketing, and finance schemes; IT, sales, supply chain
and health and safety require a 2.2 or above. Engineering graduates with a 2.2 or above can
apply for engineering and science graduates with a 2.1 or above for manufacturing and
quality assurance.
Network Rail runs and maintains the UKs railways, tunnels, bridges, signalling, viaducts,
level crossings and 19 major stations. It runs graduate schemes in civil engineering,
structural engineering, finance, general management, business services, mechanical
engineering, plant engineering, project management, property, strategic planning and
supply chain. A 2.1 or above is required for all schemes but subject requirements differ.
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Johnson & Johnson

information
62
Mars
information
63
The Body Shop (now part

of LOral)
64
65
66
Metropolitan Police
67
Apple
68
69
Bloomberg
information
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The Bank of England

information
436 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Johnson & Johnson is a multinational three-sector healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical

devices company. It has more than 275 operating companies in more than 60 countries. It
runs graduate programmes in business areas including engineering, finance, HR, IT,
marketing, operations and regulatory affairs. Requirements vary depending on the role or
business area.
Mars produces confectionery, food, petcare and drinks products. Its brands include Galaxy,
Extra and Pedigree. It runs a general leadership graduate programme, as well as
programmes in engineering, finance, procurement, research, customer development and
business technology. A 2.1 or above is required for all programmes and engineering, science
or maths disciplines are needed for engineering and research.
Part of the LOral Group, The Body Shop is a natural and ethical beauty brand. It has 2,800
stores in 67 countries and employs 8,000 people internationally. It offers a 13-month
management trainee programme for graduates in areas such as global marketing,
international commercial and business development, international operations, IT and digital.
As the tax authority for the UK, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) collects tax to make sure the
money is available to fund public services. It runs a four-year tax professional development
programme for graduates with a 2.2 or above. It also offers an internship programme to
students in their penultimate year.
Lloyds Banking Group is the financial services group behind brands such as Lloyds Bank,
Scottish Widows and Bank of Scotland. It offers 13 graduate programmes across general
management, commercial banking and specialist functions. A 2.1 or above is required for all
programmes, with some also specifying a minimum number of UCAS points.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) employs more than 31,000 officers, including about
13,000 police staff and 2,600 police community support officers (PCSOs). It is supported by
more than 5,100 special constables. The MPS has launched a new graduate programme for
which a 2.2 or above is required. The accelerated development programme requires a 2.1 or
above.
Apple is the technology company responsible for the Mac and iPhone. It does not run specific
graduate schemes but it does offer entry-level roles in areas such as hardware and software
engineering, design, product management, customer service, finance, marketing, HR, legal,
information systems and technology, sales, real estate and development, and
administration.
The Boston Consulting Group is an international management consulting firm and adviser on
business strategy with 81 offices in 45 countries. Its consultants advise a range of large to
mid-sized businesses, non-profit organisations and government agencies. Its associate
programme and associate abroad programmes are open to graduates of all degree
disciplines.
Bloomberg is a financial services news group that provides real-time financial information,
data and analysis around the world. It has over 15,000 employees across 192 locations.
Bloomberg offers entry-level posts that are available to graduates in analytics and sales,
operations, market data research and analysis, software development, research and
development and programming. Individual degree requirements vary and can be found on its
website.
The Bank of England is the UKs central bank. It usually recruits between 30 and 50
graduates each year from all academic disciplines. Applicants are required to have at least
300 UCAS points and a minimum 2.1 degree. Candidates for the IT graduate scheme must
have a strong interest in IT, although any degree subject will be considered. A masters in
economics and/or finance is required for the postgraduate programme.
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AAH Pharmaceuticals
72
ExxonMobil
information
73
adidas Group
74
BMW Group (BMW, Mini,

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)
75
STFC (The Science and Technology

Facilities Council)
76

information
77
Abercrombie & Fitch

information
78
Dyson
information
79
GCHQ
information
80
Hogan Lovells
information
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AAH Pharmaceuticals is a UK distributor of healthcare and pharmaceutical products and

services to hospitals, pharmacies and doctors. It makes over 100,000 deliveries every week
and stocks over 20,000 product lines at a branch at any one time. It employs around 3,800
people across 20 locations in the UK. Opportunities in areas such as commercial, sales,
administration, IT, HR and finance are advertised on an ad hoc basis.
ExxonMobil is responsible for about five per cent of UK oil and gas production and serves
800,000 retail customers every day. For graduates in engineering, science, analytical and
numerate disciplines it offers training schemes in refining and chemicals, marine, IT,
marketing, sales, supply and trading, among others. It also offers an HR programme for
graduate in all degree disciplines.
adidas Group designs and produces sports footwear, apparel and accessories. With
headquarters in Germany, it controls around 170 subsidiaries and employs more than
50,000 people. Its functional trainee programme offers positions in product development,
marketing, finance and controlling, HR, design, engineering and research, sales and retail
and supply chain management. Applicants should have six months international work
experience and a degree in any subject.
The BMW Group designs and manufactures automobiles and motorcycles and employs more
than 110,000 people. Its 2013 revenue exceeded 76bn. The company runs a management
scheme for graduates fluent in German with a technical or commercial-based degree, and a
management associate scheme for graduates with any degree who have working knowledge
of a second language. It also offers PhD and masters programmes.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is one of the UKs seven publicly funded
research councils. It works with academic and industrial communities to share expertise in
areas including materials science, space and ground-based astronomy technologies, particle
and nuclear physics and energy. It runs a graduate training scheme in research for
graduates with at least a 2.1 in engineering, physics, software design or computing science.
Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm structured into 12 main practice groups,
including banking, dispute resolution, real estate and EU, competition and trade. It has 75
offices in 47 countries and employs over 4,000 lawyers. It has 34 trainee placements each
year and takes on graduates from all degree disciplines.
Abercrombie & Fitch sells clothing, accessories and body care products. It joins four
separate brands Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks and has
stores across North America, Japan and Europe. In the UK there are management training
programmes for graduates in any degree discipline.
Dyson is a UK company that designs and manufactures vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, fans
and motors. It employs over 4,500 people across the UK, Canada, the USA, Singapore,
Australia and Malaysia. It recruits over 100 graduates annually, with a minimum 2.1 in any
degree discipline for jobs in finance and business, research, design and development,
creative and marketing, and communications.
GCHQ is a major public sector defence organisation, responsible for signals intelligence and
protecting the governments communications and information systems. It recruits graduates
into many areas including cyber security, information assurance, IT, engineering, research,
mathematician and language roles.
Hogan Lovells is a legal practice that works with corporations, financial institutions, and
governments. The firm employs over 2,500 lawyers in more than 40 offices around the
world. It recruits up to 60 trainee solicitors in London each year and its training contracts are
available to graduates from all degree backgrounds.
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The 300 in brief
E.ON
information
82
Citi
information
83
Tesco
information
84
85
Abbott Laboratories
86
Intel
87
GE
information
88
Boots
information
89
Bank of America Merrill

Lynch
90
Bain & Company
438 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
E.ON UK is an energy supplier and electricity generator and part of E.ON, an international
investor-owned power and gas company. E.ON UK employs over 12,000 people and supplies
around five million customers with energy. There are opportunities in engineering for
graduates with mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering and relevant science
degrees as well other opportunities in management, HR, sales and marketing, IT and finance.
Citi is a global financial services company with approximately 200 million accounts in 160
countries. Its analyst and associate graduate programmes include investment, corporate
and private banking, sales and trading, transaction services, risk management, operations,
technology and HR. Graduates require any degree with at least a 2.1 The associate
programme is aimed at final-year MBA students.
Tesco is a grocery and general merchandise retailer that operates in 12 countries in Europe
and Asia. Within the UK alone it has over 3,300 stores and employs over 310,000 people. Its
store, office and distribution programmes are mainly open to graduates of all degree
disciplines who have been awarded a 2.1 or above, although some office programmes have
specific degree requirements.
Mondelez International, formerly known as Kraft Foods, is a worldwide company that owns
brands such as Cadbury and Toblerone. Employing 100,000 people, its annual revenue is
approximately $35bn. There are graduate programmes in engineering, and research
development and quality for those with engineering or science-related degrees. There are
also opportunities in supply chain, sales, marketing, HR and finance for those of any degree
discipline.
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company that researches, develops, markets and
manufactures pharmaceuticals and medical products. Its UK headquarters are in
Maidenhead, Berkshire and it has operations in Dartford, High Wycombe, Sittingbourne,
Southampton, Witney and Bolton. It employs around 1,600 people nationwide. Professional
and management development programmes in a variety of sectors are available for
graduates. Vacancies are advertised on an ad hoc basis.
Intel is a global technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of
semiconductor chips. Intel has UK offices in Swindon and Winnersh that provide sales and
marketing support, and professional services. Intel does not have a specific graduate
programme, but it offers opportunities in technology for graduates in science, engineering
and technology and opportunities in sales and marketing, HR and finance for graduates of
all degree disciplines.
GE UK has a strong presence in energy management, capital, aviation, healthcare, oil & gas
and power & water. It offers graduate leadership programmes in finance, IT, commercial,
operations management and risk management. It also offers the Edison engineering
development programme.
Boots runs around 2,500 local pharmacies and health and beauty stores across the UK. It
offers graduate opportunities in branding, buying and marketing, retail management and
technology to graduates with at least a 2.1 in any degree discipline. Its finance scheme is for
graduates with at least a 2.2 in a relevant degree. The company also runs a year in industry
placement programme for undergraduates.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch is part of the Bank of America. Graduate analyst programmes
are available in global banking and markets, technology and operations, and HR. Degree
subject requirements vary according to the specific programmes but applicants must have
at least a 2.1. A language may be required for some roles.
Bain & Company is a global management consulting firm that provides advice on strategy,
marketing, organisation, IT, and mergers and acquisitions to clients ranging from
multinational corporations to mid-sized and small start-up companies. It has 50 offices
across 32 countries. Its associate consultant roles are open to graduates of all degree
disciplines. Applicants will need to have an A at maths GCSE, or equivalent.
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Bayer
92
Mercedes AMG High

93
BT
information
94
DLA Piper LLP
95
The Royal Navy
96
Credit Suisse
information
97
Aldi
information
98
DSTL
information
99
Simmons & Simmons

information
100
Toyota
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Bayer produces pharmaceutical and medical products, GM crops and materials, and provides
technology and business services. It runs graduate training schemes in pharmaceutical
production, financial management, HR, supply chain management, engineering and
procurement. Applicants will need to have studied a relevant degree subject programme, and
some will require a masters degree.
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains designs and manufactures Mercedes-Benz
Formula 1 racing engines and hybrid power systems for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team. It
offers a rotational two-year programme for graduates with an engineering background.
BT provides retail and business telecommunications, network services, IT, communications

and internet networks in more than 170 countries. It offers graduate schemes in sales,
marketing and business management for graduates with a minimum of a 2.1 in any degree
discipline, and a legal scheme for graduates in law or those who have completed the
conversion course. Its technical graduate training scheme is for graduates with a degree in
maths, computer science, physics, electronics, electronic engineering, or IT-related subjects.
Law firm DLA Piper employs 4,200 lawyers in 83 offices in over 30 countries. The firm offers
about 80 training contracts a year across its seven UK offices. They are open to students
from all degree backgrounds, although a minimum of a 2.1 degree classification is needed
and non-law graduates will need to take a conversion course.
The Royal Navy protects UK ports and merchant ships. It also works abroad, helping the UKs
allies in areas of conflict throughout the world and delivering humanitarian relief. It helps to
prevent smuggling, illegal trade, terrorism and pollution across the worlds oceans. There are
opportunities in areas such as administration, aircrew, warfare, engineering, and medical.
Credit Suisse is an international financial services firm that employs over 47,000 people
globally in two main sectors: private banking and wealth management, and investment
banking. Graduate analyst programmes are available in areas including equity, investment
banking, alternative investments and information technology. There are also associate
programmes and quantitative programmes open to graduates with a relevant degree.
Aldi is an international supermarket chain. It has over 9,000 stores worldwide; more than
600 of these are in the UK and Ireland. It offers an area manager training programme for
graduates. Applicants must have achieved at least a 2.1 degree in any discipline to be
considered. A UK driving licence is also required.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) works to maximise the impact of
science and technology for the defence and security of the UK by providing research, and
scientific and technical support. It runs two-year graduate analyst, engineer and scientist
training schemes. It recruits about 80 graduates a year from a range of scientific, technology
and humanities disciplines.
Simmons & Simmons is an international law firm offering legal advice in sectors such as
energy and infrastructure, financial, life sciences and media and telecommunications. It
employs 120 partners and 344 other lawyers in the UK. It recruits 40 trainees each year (25
in September and 15 in March). The firm will fund the GDL for non-law graduates and the LPC
for law graduates and provides grants towards living expenses.
Toyota is a motor vehicle manufacturer employing approximately 339,000 people. It
produces and markets its models in more than 160 countries. Its UK division operates two
manufacturing plants and has over 3,800 employees. The companys development
programme includes logistics, HR engineering, and finance roles.
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The 300 in brief
Norton Rose Fulbright

LLP
102
information
103
Herbert Smith Freehills

LLP
104
Eversheds LLP
information
105
Bird & Bird
10 6
Pinsent Masons LLP
107
Ubisoft
108
Sainsburys
109
National Grid
information
110

information
440 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Norton Rose Fulbright is an international legal practice that works in 17 sectors including
energy, life sciences, transport and finance. It employs over 3,800 lawyers in more than 50
offices around the world. The London office accepts graduates from both law and non-law
academic backgrounds. It funds the GDL for non-law graduates and the LPC for law graduates
and provides grants towards living expenses.
Merlin Entertainments is an entertainment company whose brands include LEGOLAND, Alton
Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Madame Tussauds. It has 100 attractions in 22
countries and it employs almost 22,000 people. The company runs 18-month graduate
programmes in general management and marketing.
Herbert Smith Freehills is an international law firm. It employs 2,800 lawyers in offices in
Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and the US. Herbert Smith Freehills considers
penultimate and final-year law students, final-year non-law students and all graduates. The
firm funds the GDL for non-law graduates and the LPC for law graduates. It also provides
grants towards living expenses.
Eversheds is an international law firm specialising in company, commercial, litigation and
dispute management, and real estate. Approximately 55 training contracts are available in
the UK. The company will fund the GDL for non-law graduates and the LPC for law graduates
and provides grants towards living expenses.
Bird & Bird is an international law firm that provides legal services to clients in 13 industry
sectors such as financial services, media, communications and life sciences. It has clients in
118 countries. It accepts training contract applications from law and non-law graduates. It
will fund the GDL for non-law graduates and the LPC for law graduates and provides grants
towards living expenses.
Pinsent Masons is an international law firm working with clients in both the private and
public sector. The firm has offices in cities across the UK, Asia and the Middle East. It typically
recruits around 80 trainee solicitors a year in the UK.
Ubisoft develops and publishes video games including the Assassins Creed and the Just
Dance franchises. It employs 8,350 people in 27 locations across the globe. Its UK offices are
situated in Newcastle and Chertsey. It offers two-year graduate schemes in areas such as
project management, producing and programming.
Sainsburys operates over 1,200 supermarkets and convenience stores and employs around
161,000 people. It runs graduate programmes in commercial, HR and customer service, and
logistics and supply chain for graduates with at least a 2.1 in any degree discipline. It also
runs summer placements in the same areas for students in their penultimate or final years
at university.
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company supplying energy to customers
across the UK. Its technical programme is for graduates with an engineering background and
its commercial and finance programmes are for graduates of a range of disciplines. It also
runs programmes in information services and procurement management.
Transport for London is responsible for the transport network across the city of London. Its
graduate roles include project management, commercial procurement, quantity surveying,
transport planning, engineering, information management and finance. Entry requirements
vary from role to role.
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Facebook
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Irwin Mitchell
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113
Schlumberger
information
114
BlackRock
information
115
Mott MacDonald
information
116
Lloyds
information
117
Grant Thornton
118
Sony
119
ARM
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Ferrero
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Facebook is a global online social networking service with 802 million daily users. It employs
6,800 people in 49 international offices in areas such as software engineering, legal, finance
and admin, communications and public policy, data and analytics, and IT and security.
Facebook does not run a specific graduate scheme; it advertises open positions in its offices
on an ad hoc basis.
Irwin Mitchell is a law firm that provides legal services for individuals and organisations. It is
a UK-based firm employing over 2,200 people. It offers training schemes in personal legal
services and in business legal services and has around 40 training contract vacancies
available per year. It will fund the GDL for non-law graduates and the LPC for law graduates. It
also provides grants towards living expenses.
Schlumberger provides technology backed by research and development for customers
working in the oil and gas industry. It employs approximately 123,000 people in over 85
countries and runs graduate schemes in engineering, geoscience, petrotechnical, operations
and research. These are open to graduates from engineering or technical backgrounds. There
are also commercial and business graduate schemes for graduates of all degree disciplines.
BlackRock is an asset manager which invests on behalf of individuals and organisations. The
firm employs over 10,000 people in 30 countries across the world. It offers career paths in
advisory and client support, analytics and risk, corporate, investments, sales and marketing
and technology. Graduate vacancies are advertised on the website as they come up.
Mott MacDonald is a management, engineering and development consultancy with more

than 16,000 staff working in 140 countries. Its annual turnover exceeds 1bn. It employs
graduates in cost and project management, environment and power sectors, among others
and supports staff through accredited professional development schemes. A minimum of a
2.1 degree is required for all roles; specific degree disciplines are needed for some roles.
Lloyds is a specialist insurance market and corporation where members join together as
syndicates to insure risk. The corporation oversees the market and has more than 800
employees globally. It offers a generalist and a claims graduate programme. Both schemes
require a 2.1 or above.
Grant Thornton is a group of independently owned and managed accounting and consulting
firms. Grant Thornton UK, which employs more than 4,000 people, is one of its member
firms. It offers opportunities in recovery and reorganisation, actuarial, audit, business risk
services and tax to graduates of all degree disciplines. There are around 300 graduate,
placement and intern places each year.
Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and IT products, including Hawk-Eye,
which is used to track ball paths in international sport. With headquarters in Tokyo, the
company employs over 180,000 people worldwide. Graduate schemes and job vacancies are
advertised on the website as they come up.
ARM is a semiconductor intellectual property supplier and software design company

headquartered in Cambridge. The company licenses its technology to a network of
manufacturing companies. It employs over 2,000 people and has offices and design centres
across the world. It recruits graduates with engineering, computer science, maths or related
degrees into engineering, research and administrative roles.
Ferrero manufactures chocolate and confectionery products such as Nutella, the Kinder
range and Ferrero Rocher. It employs over 24,000 people worldwide. It offers career
opportunities in HR, marketing, sales, logistics, supply chain, finance, research and
development and production.
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Cisco
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Santander
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HP
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AECOM
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Next Retail PLC

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WPP
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American Express
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Diageo
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nucleargraduates
Balfour Beatty is an international infrastructure. It offers opportunities in engineering,

building and construction management, quantity surveying and commercial management
for graduates with engineering, construction or environmental management degrees. There
are also schemes in HR, IT, marketing and communications and general management for
graduates with business related degrees.
Cisco designs, manufactures and sells IT networking equipment. It employs over 73,000
people. It offers graduate programmes in legal, global business services, HR, engineering,
finance, IT, sales, supply chain operations and global marketing and corporate
communications. Applications are welcomed from graduates with a range of degree
disciplines.
Santander is an international bank with more than 100 million customers. It employs around
187,000 people, 25,000 of whom are part of Santander UK. Eight graduate programmes are
available, including operations, compliance, finance, marketing and risk. They employ
graduates with a range of degree disciplines.
HP is a global IT company which designs and manufactures personal IT systems, imaging

and printing products, and business products and services. Its graduate schemes are in the
areas of consulting, sales, project management, IT and business, with individual roles
including developer, technical or solutions architect, business analyst and sales
representative. Candidates require a 2.1 in a relevant degree discipline.
AECOM is an engineering design firm providing professional design, technical and
management support to a range of markets. It has approximately 45,000 employees around
the world. AECOM offers graduate positions in design, building engineering, construction,
planning, economics, energy, environment, consultancy, programme management,
government, transportation and water. It advertises vacancies throughout the year.
Next is a UK-based retailer that sells mens, womens and childrens clothes and accessories
as well as a range of homewares. It employs over 53,000 people and has customers in
around 70 different countries. It offers trainee schemes in buying, merchandising,
technology and design.
WPP is a UK-based marketing communication services provider with almost 175,000

employees across 110 countries. It is made up of smaller companies in disciplines such as
advertising, public relations and media investment management. It offers a number of
graduate fellowships, which consist of three one-year rotations across three of its
companies. Alternatively, graduates may apply directly to any of its constituent companies.
American Express provides payment, travel and expense management solutions for
individuals and businesses. It employs around 63,000 people and operates in over 130
countries. It runs UK graduate schemes in risk management, operations, finance, client
management, customer care, technology and marketing. It also offers opportunities for MBA
students.
Diageo is an international drinks business responsible for managing brands such as
Smirnoff, Baileys and Guinness. It has offices in 80 countries. It trades to approximately 180
markets and employs over 28,000 people worldwide. In the UK it runs graduate programmes
in finance, commercial, HR, and supply.

information
nucleargraduates is a two-year graduate training programme designed by the Nuclear

Decommissioning Authority and backed by seven sponsors. On the scheme graduates help
decommission existing nuclear power plants and construct a new generation of nuclear
power stations. There are opportunities in science, engineering and commercial. Science and
engineering graduates are needed, although they welcome applications from people of all
disciplines.
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UBS
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The Royal Bank of

Scotland Group
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British Sugar
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Roche
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Atomic Weapons
Establishment (AWE)
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Co-operative Group
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BASF
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QinetiQ
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Asda
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Laing ORourke
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UBS is a global firm that provides financial services to private, corporate and institutional
clients. It has offices in over 50 countries and employs around 60,000 people. Its graduate
training programme lasts between 18-24 months and involves training in three core
components. It also offers internships and pre-internship insight placements.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is an international bank with over 17 million customers. It
has a number of graduate opportunities in a range of roles, which break down into three
main areas: markets, banking and specialist careers. Most of its graduate schemes require a
2.1 or better. They also offer internships.
British Sugar is a UK sugar supplier and manufacturer; it produces around 1 million tonnes of
sugar per year and has over 900 employees. It has a range of graduate programmes
including engineering, science and finance. The finance scheme is open to graduates of all
degree disciplines but the others require a degree in a relevant subject. A 2.1 or better is
necessary for all programmes except agriculture. It also offers placement years.
Roche is an international research-focused healthcare company. It develops medicines and
diagnostics to deal with a variety of conditions and illnesses. In the UK it employs nearly
2,000 people. As well as jobs it also runs student internships. Vacancies for both jobs and
internships are advertised on its website and applicants can join their talent pool to register
their interest in future opportunities.
Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is responsible for the UKs nuclear deterrent. It builds
and maintains warheads from initial concept to decommissioning and disposal. It has
around 4,500 members of staff and also employs over 2,000 contractors. It has graduate
opportunities for applicants who have MSc and PhD qualifications in science, engineering,
business and assurance degrees.
Co-operative Group has over 5,000 outlets, including grocery stores, funeral care, banking
and travel. It is a mutual business: owned by over 7.2 million members, not private
shareholders. It has 28 graduate opportunities available in general management, HR, retail
operations and finance open to graduates from all degree disciplines. It also runs one-year
placement schemes to undergraduates.
BASF is an international chemical company. It manufactures a range of products including
pest control solutions, polyurethane systems and industrial coatings. It employs around
1,700 people in the UK and Ireland with over 110,000 members of staff worldwide. It offers
graduate training programmes for economics, science, humanities and engineering
graduates.
QinetiQ is an independent provider of technology-based advice, testing and evaluation
working in defence, security and aerospace it employs 10,500 people worldwide. It has
graduate opportunities open to applications from graduates with a 2.1 or better from a
variety of relevant degree disciplines, including IT, maths and engineering.
Asda is a UK supermarket chain and is part of the Walmart Group. It has over 400 stores and
around 200,000 employees. It has a range of graduate roles, including trading, finance and
retail management. Graduates need at least a 2.1 in any degree discipline for the finance
scheme applicants should have a minimum of 300 UCAS points.
Laing ORourke is an engineering company that specialises in engineering, construction and

asset management for public and private organisations. Its graduate training programmes in
engineering and design, commercial management and construction management require
applicants from specific degree disciplines who achieved or are predicted a minimum of a
2.1; both the commercial management and construction management programmes need
graduates with professionally recognised degrees.
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CMS Cameron McKenna

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Thales
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British Airways
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Macfarlanes LLP
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Ford
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Wragge & Co LLP (now

known as Wragge
Lawrence Graham & Co)
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Babcock
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Yorkshire Water
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Merck
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Nomura
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CMS Cameron McKenna is an international commercial law firm with over 3,000 lawyers
working in 58 offices around the world it has expertise in many areas of law, including tax,
employment and real estate. It offers 60 training contracts per year; graduates need to have,
or be expected to achieve, a 2.1 or better and will need a minimum of 320 UCAS points.
Thales is a communications and technology company; it employs over 68,000 people in 50

countries. It has training programmes in engineering and business management and
finance and takes on up to 130 graduates on a year. Its business and finance role requires
graduates to have a minimum of a 2.1 but a 2.2 is accepted for some of its engineering roles.
British Airways is an international airline based in the UK it employs around 40,000 people.
It has graduate training programmes in a range of roles, including finance, HR and
engineering. To apply for the programmes graduates need a 2.1 or better, except for the
commercial analyst scheme. Some roles accept graduates from any degree discipline but
others, for example operational research, require a specific degree.
Macfarlanes LLP is a London-based law firm with around 80 partners and over 180 solicitors.
It practises in many areas of law, including employment, finance and corporate. Its training
contracts are open to applicants from any degree discipline provided they achieve, or are
expected to achieve, a 2.1 or better. It also has a vacation scheme.
Ford is an international vehicle manufacturer and distributor with over 70 plants and offices
worldwide and around 166,000 employees. It has a number of graduate opportunities in a
variety of roles from HR to manufacturing. To apply all graduates should have a minimum of a
2.2. Some schemes will allow applicants from any discipline but others, for example
productive development, are looking for graduates from specific disciplines.
Wragge & Co LLP this UK-based international law firm works in a variety of sectors, including
public sector and real estate. It has 1,226 employees working across its 10 offices. Training
contracts are open to graduates from any degree discipline and it does not ask for any
particularly degree classification.
Babcock is an engineering support services company with over 26,000 members of staff
working in sectors including transport, telecommunications and education. It offers graduate
training programmes in commercial/business schemes, including HR and accountancy and
engineering schemes. Applicants must have a degree from a relevant degree discipline,
most schemes accept a 2.2 or above but its project management, physicist and mechatronic
engineering schemes all require a minimum of a 2.1.
Yorkshire Water manages the collection, treatment and distribution of water in Yorkshire. It
supplies about 1.24bn litres of drinking water a day and operates more than 700 water and
sewage treatment works and 120 reservoirs. It has a two-year graduate training programme
open to graduates who achieve a 2.2 or better. Some roles require a specific degree.
Merck is a pharmaceutical and chemical company that produce medicines, vaccines and
consumer and animal health products. It has around 38,000 employees working in 66
countries in the UK it has two main bases. Graduate opportunities are available in sciencerelated roles as well as more business-focused opportunities in in-house controlling,
consulting and finance.
Nomura is an international investment bank that works in over 30 countries. It employs over
26,200 people across its four divisions: wholesale, asset management, global research and
retail. It runs trainee analyst schemes for graduates and associate schemes for graduates
who have two to three years relevant work experience and an MBA. It also offers internships.
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Volkswagen Group
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Lidl
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ABB
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Clyde & Co LLP

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Nabarro LLP
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Johnson Matthey
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Bond Dickinson LLP

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Reckitt Benckiser
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Volkswagen Group is an international automotive company, comprised of 12 brands

including Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley and Porsche. It manufactures cars, commercial vehicles,
engines and motorbikes. Volkswagen Group has over 100 production plants across 27
countries and currently employs more than 572,800 members of staff. It runs a two-year
graduate training scheme.
Lidl is a European supermarket that employs more than 11,000 people in over 600 UK
stores. It has graduate opportunities in a range of trainee manager roles, including
warehouse manager and area manager. Graduates will need at least a 2.1 and some roles
require a degree from a specific discipline. A fluency in German is considered an advantage
and is essential for the graduate manager buying role.
ABB supplies around 1bn of power and automation solutions, products and services. It is an
international company with its UK headquarters in Cheshire. Across its 20 locations in the UK
it employs around 3,000 people. It has opportunities for engineering graduates in its five
core businesses: process automation, power systems, discrete automation and motion, low
voltage products and power products. Applicants need a 2.1 or better.
Clyde & Co LLP is an international law firm with more than 1,400 lawyers working in its 37
offices. It practises in a variety of areas including aviation, energy, marine and trade. It
recruits around 55 trainees each year; 43 in the UK and the rest in Dubai and Hong Kong. Its
training contracts are open to both law and non-law graduates provided they achieve a 2.1 or
above. It also offers vacation schemes.
Nabarro is a commercial law firm with its headquarters in London as well as offices in
Brussels, Dubai, Singapore and Sheffield. It employs more than 100 partners and over 300
lawyers. It is offering 25 trainee placements for its 2016/17 intake. The scheme has six fourmonth seats and is open to law and non-law students and graduates who have a minimum of
a 2.1 and AAB at A level.
Johnson Matthey is a specialist chemical company that operates in 30 countries and
employs around 10,000 people. It has three divisions: environmental technologies, precious
metal products and fine chemicals. It has a number of graduate opportunities including in
the precious metal division and emission control most programmes require a 2.1 or better
in a relevant subject.
Anglian Water Services provides water and water recycling services to over six million
customers across the east of England and Hartlepool. It employs around 4,000 members of
staff and is, geographically, the largest water supplier in England and Wales. It has a range of
graduate trainee programmes including water recycling engineer programme and customer
service programme; open to graduates with a relevant degree.
National Audit Office is an independent body set up to scrutinise government spending. Its
work involves auditing the financial statements of all central government departments,
agencies and other public bodies and reporting its findings to Parliament. It offers graduate
training programmes leading to qualification as a charted accountant; applicants can have a
degree in any discipline but must have achieved a 2.1 or better.
Bond Dickinson LLP is a national law firm with over 700 lawyers practising in a variety of
sectors including private wealth, real estate and transport and infrastructure. It offers
trainee schemes to graduates from any degree discipline and currently around half of its
trainees are from non-law backgrounds. It also runs a work placement scheme.
Reckitt Benckiser has a brand portfolio of 19 health, home and hygiene products that are
sold in almost 200 countries. Its brands include Cillit Bang, Dettol, Nurofen and Veet. It has
graduate opportunities in sales and marketing, supply chain, finance and research and
development. Its training programmes are open to graduates with degrees from relevant
disciplines.
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Shoosmiths
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Ashurst LLP
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Sellafield
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Addleshaw Goddard
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AkzoNobel
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PA Consulting
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TJX Europe (TK Maxx)

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npower
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Zurich Financial Services
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Jones Day is an international law firm with around 200 lawyers working from its London
office. It recruits around 15 graduates a year onto its trainee lawyer programme. Its training
schemes are open to both law and non-law graduates with around 60 per cent of its current
trainees coming from a non-law background. Its training programme does not use a
rotational system.
Shoosmiths is a UK law firm with 10 offices nationwide it has 130 partners and around 700
lawyers and legal advisors. It practises in a range of areas including real estate, property
litigation and corporate. Applications for its training programme are open to both law and
non-law students provided they have a 2.1 or better and AAB at A level.
Ashurst LLP is an international law firm with 28 offices across 16 countries; its core
businesses are in corporate, finance, dispute resolution, and the development and financing
of assets in the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors. It employs 400 partners and
around 1,700 lawyers in total. Its training programmes are open to applications from
graduates with a 2.1 or better in any degree discipline and at least AAB at A level.
Sellafield Ltd is responsible for safe decommissioning, reprocessing and nuclear waste
management on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. It employs over 10,000
people across its two main UK sites. It has opportunities for graduates who achieve, or are
expected to achieve, a 2.1 or better in a related degree subject but for its engineering
programme a masters qualification is required.
Addleshaw Goddard is an international law firm with around 160 partners, over 540 other fee
earners and 70 trainees working across six divisions: commercial services, corporate,
finance and projects, international, litigation and real estate. Its graduate training programme
is open to applications from graduates with a minimum of a 2.1 in any degree discipline
applicants also need at least BBB at A level.
AkzoNobel is a paints and coating company and a producer of speciality chemicals that
operates in over 80 countries and employs 50,000 people. It has a range of graduate
opportunities including, marketing, engineering for manufacturing and HR. For some roles a
2.1 or better from any degree discipline is required but other roles need graduates to have a
specific degree background and classification, for example engineering.
PA Consulting is an employee-owned business with expertise in a range of sectors including
energy, financial services, healthcare and defence and security. Its analyst recruitment
programmes cover a range of practice areas and look for graduates with a 2.1 or better and
at least 300 UCAS points. Some business areas will accept graduates from any academic
background but others will require a specific degree.
TJX Europe (TK Maxx) is a global fashion and homeware off-price retailer. It has graduate
training programmes in: merchandising and buying, business technology, finance, logistics
and distribution. Applicants need a 2.1 or better in any degree discipline and will also need
GCSE maths and English at grade B or above.
npower is a gas and electricity supplier with around 5.4 million residential and business
customers. It has four graduate programmes: for the bespoke and finance schemes a degree
in any discipline is acceptable but for energy risk management a maths-related subject is
required and for the quantitative risk scheme a masters related to maths or finance is
necessary.
Zurich Financial Services is an international insurance company with over 60,000
employees working in over 700 countries. It has two-year-long graduate training
programmes covering a range of areas, including: actuarial, change management, finance
and accounting, general management and IT. The programme is open to graduates from all
academic backgrounds provided they have a 2.1 or better and have at least 280 UCAS points.
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BDO
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Capgemini
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Allianz
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Tata Steel
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Mercer
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AMEC
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White & Case LLP
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Reed Smith
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BDO is an accountancy and business advisory firm with more than 3,500 members of staff.
It covers a range of services including audit, tax and management consultancy. It has a
number of graduate training programmes that typically last three years in areas such as
tax and forensic services. Applicants need a 2.1 or better in any degree discipline, 280 UCAS
points and GCSE maths and English at grade B or above.
Berwin Leighton Paisner is an international law firm that provides legal advice for private
companies and banks. Based in London, BLP has nine regional offices, from Brussels to
Hong Kong. BLP recruits graduates twice yearly for a total of 45 training contracts. Graduates
with both law and non-law backgrounds can apply but must have a 2.1 degree or better.
Capgemini provides consulting, technology and outsourcing services in over 40 countries

and employs around 130,000 members of staff. It has three graduate training programmes:
management consulting, technology and general management. Applicants should have a 2.1
or better in any degree discipline as well as 320 UCAS points for the consulting programme;
240 for the technology programme and 300 for general management.
Allianz is a general insurance company and part of the Allianz SE Group. It has around 4,500
people working across 20 UK offices. It offers graduate schemes in a range of areas
including finance and commercial insurance. Graduates need a minimum of a 2.1 in any
discipline, GCSE maths and English at grade B or higher and 300 UCAS points. For the finance
programme applicants need a 2.1 in a relevant background and GCSE maths at grade A.
Tata Steel is a steel producer with operations in 26 countries and commercial offices in over
35. It supplies a number of markets, including aerospace, consumer products and rail. It
recruits graduates into three main areas; manufacturing, engineering and technical. A 2.1 or
better is required in a related degree discipline for the technical consultancy programme a
masters is required.
Mercer is an international consultancy company specialising in talent, retirement, health and
investments. It employs over 20,500 people and operates in more than 130 countries. Its
graduate training programme is open to graduates who have a 2.1 or better in a numeraterelated subject; applicants also need 300 UCAS points from three subjects, including a B or
above in a numerate-related A level.
AMEC is a project management, consultancy and engineering services company working for
customers in oil and gas and mining sectors. It employs around 27,000 people who work in
40 countries. It offers up to 100 graduate training places within three areas: environment
and infrastructure, clean energy and oil and gas. Technical subjects require graduates to
have relevant degrees with business function roles accepting a 2.1 in any degree discipline.
White & Case LLP is an international law firm. It works in a large range of sectors including
construction, Islamic finance and real estate. Its London office has more than 550 members
of staff and globally the firm work in 26 countries. It recruits 30 trainees a year, from both
law and non-law backgrounds. The training scheme guarantees an overseas seat for all
trainees.
Reed Smith is a global law firm with offices throughout America, Europe, Asia and the Middle
East. Its London office has over 350 lawyers working in areas such as trade, litigation and
commercial concerns. Its training contracts are open to applications from graduates with a
2.1 or above in any degree discipline.
Burges Salmon is a UK commercial law firm working in a number of areas, including

corporate, health and safety and intellectual property. It has 79 partners and around 600
members in total it currently has 46 trainees. It offers training contracts and vacations
schemes; to apply for its training contracts graduates need a 2.1 or better in any degree
discipline and at least 300 UCAS points.
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Buro Happold
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Lloyds Register
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Jacobs Engineering
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Jagex
185
Travers Smith LLP

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Morrisons
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Nissan
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Mills & Reeve LLP

information
Buro Happold is an engineering practice working within the built and natural environments; it
has over 50 partners and employs 1,400 members of staff in its offices worldwide. It has a
number of graduate training programmes in three areas of operation: buildings,
infrastructure and environment and consulting. The programmes are open to applications
from graduates with relevant degree backgrounds.
Lloyds Register is an engineering, technical and business services company owned by the
Lloyds Register Foundation, a charitable trust; it has 9,000 employees working across 78
countries. Its UK-based graduate opportunities are in marine and energy and last four years
applicants need a 2.1 or above in a relevant degree discipline. It also offers summer
internships to undergraduates.
Jacobs Engineering provides technical professional and construction services. It is
headquartered in the US and employs around 70,000 people working in over 250 offices in
28 countries. It runs a number of graduate training schemes in the UK as well as internship
opportunities.
Jagex is a UK games development and publishing company it currently has 40 titles and
over 480 staff based in its office in Cambridge. It doesnt run a specific graduate scheme but
advertises jobs including ones that are suitable for new graduates such as its
junior/graduate Java developer role throughout the year on its website.
Travers Smith LLP is a UK law firm; it works in 17 specialist practice areas including real
estate, pensions and litigation. It is looking to recruit 25 trainees this year and accepts
applications from both law and non-law graduates provided they have a 2.1 or better and a
minimum of AAB from their A levels.
Morrisons is a UK supermarket chain headquartered in Bradford; it has almost 500 stores

nationwide. It has 13 graduate programmes in a range of different areas, including property,
buying and marketing and logistics; graduates will need a 2.1 or better, GCSE maths and
English at C or above and a minimum of 280 UCAS points some programmes, like property,
require a specific degree. It also runs a sponsored degree.
Nissan Motor Corporation manufactures and sells automotive vehicles and marine
equipment it has production plants in 20 countries and its products are available in over
160. Its graduate schemes are split into two main areas: motor manufacturing and Nissan GB
which is the marketing and sales side. Some of the schemes require a specific degree,
while others accept any degree discipline.
Mills & Reeve LLP is a UK law firm with 114 partners and 400 lawyers working across its six
offices. It offers 17 training contracts to graduates each year in four of its offices.
Applications are open to both law and non-law graduates 35 per cent of its current lawyers
do not have law degrees. Applicants need a 2.1 or better and at least 300 UCAS points.
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Scottish and Southern

Energy (SSE)
Scottish and Southern Energy (SEE) is a gas and electricity company, that supplies power to
over 3.7 million homes and businesses and employs around 20,000 people. The graduate
distribution programme requires a minimum of a 2.2 in BEng electrical engineering;
transmission and generation and renewable programmes require a MEng in electrical,
mechanical or civil engineering.
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Meagher & Flom LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom UK LLP is an international law firm that employs
around 1,600 lawyers across its 23 offices. Its UK office is based in London and practises in
a number of areas including banking, tax and mining. It is offering ten trainee solicitor
contracts in 2016 it also offers vacation schemes.
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Ocado
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BNP Paribas
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Mishcon de Reya
194
Financial Conduct
Authority
195
Total
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Honda
197
Centrica
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UK Power Networks
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RPC
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Ocado is an online grocer that delivers to customers homes. It has graduate opportunities in
technology requiring a relevant degree as well as in operations management, HR and
retail, where all degree disciplines will be considered. Its graduate training programmes are
made up of different placements; for example in retail graduate placements will include
trading and marketing. The technology programmes recruit all year round.
BNP Paribas is an international bank and financial services company with headquarters in
Paris and London. It employs over 180,000 members of staff who work across 75 countries.
It has various training schemes open to applications from graduates with a degree in any
discipline. It also runs ten- to twelve-week-long internships and a summer insight week for
students.
Mishcon de Reya is an international law firm with over 300 lawyers, and 500 members of
staff in total, working in its offices in London and New York. It offers between eight and
twelve training contracts to graduates each year and will accept both law and non-law
graduates with a minimum of a 2.1 and at least AAB at A level.
Financial Conduct Authority is the independent body that regulates the financial service
industry in the UK; it has the power to make rules, investigate and enforce rules. It has a
graduate training programme that lasts two-and-a-half years and offers sponsored study. It
also runs a ten-week-long summer internship for students.
TOTAL is an energy company that primarily works with gas and oil but is also involved in
renewable energy as well as being a chemicals producer. It employs almost 99,000 people
and has operations in over 130 countries. Its graduate training schemes require a 2.1 or
better in a relevant degree discipline as well as a willingness to learn French.
Honda is a multinational company primarily known as an automotive manufacturer that also

produces marine, energy, motorcycle and garden products. More than 198,000 people are
employed with Honda worldwide. It does not run a graduate scheme but recruits graduates
into entry-level roles as they become available.
Centrica is an integrated energy company operating predominantly within the UK and North
America with 37,000 employees worldwide. It offers graduate programmes in engineering,
information systems, subsurface, finance, marketing, customer operations, analysis, human
resources, customer insight, procurement and health, safety and environment. Summer
placements and year-in-industry placements are also available.
UK Power Networks manages and maintains power cables and equipment in London, the
east and the south east. The organisation employs around 5,500 people. The graduate
engineering programme and the graduate business programme both last two years and
require a 2.2 or above at degree level for entry. Summer internships and year-in-industry
placements are also available.
RPC is a law firm with offices in the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. Its work is broadly split
into the areas of insurance and corporate. The two-year four-seat graduate training contracts
run in Bristol, London and Hong Kong. Summer vacation schemes are also available in these
offices.
Latham & Watkins LLP is a large international law firm with over 2,000 lawyers speaking 55
languages in 14 offices worldwide. The London office has 250 lawyers and gives training
contracts to around 20 graduates each year. Applicants should have a 2.1 degree or above
and AAB at A level. Vacation schemes run in Easter and summer, each lasting two weeks.
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The 300 in brief
201
ScottishPower
202
Nationwide
203
Mayer Brown
International LLP
204
BAM Construct UK
205
Skype (UK)
20 6
Aon
207
Veolia
208
Skanska
information
209
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
information
210
Taylor Wessing
450 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
ScottishPower is part of the Iberdrola Group and provides gas and electricity to 3.5 million
homes in the UK. The two-year graduate programmes are open to those with 2.2 degrees or
above in relevant subjects. Programme streams include: energy networks, generation, retail,
engineering and construction, and renewables.
Nationwide is a British building society providing mortgages, loans, savings and current
accounts, ISAs and credit cards. It has around 15 million members and employs 16,000
people. Graduate programmes in leader roles and specialist areas last two to three years.
Applicants should have a 2.1 degree or above and at least 280 UCAS points. Summer
internships, work experience and one-year placements are also available.
Mayer Brown is an international law firm with lawyers across Europe, USA and Asia. It recruits
around 20 graduates for training contracts, with over 50 per cent of its trainees coming from
non-law backgrounds. Applicants should have a 2.1 degree or above and at least 340 UCAS
points. The firm also runs a work experience programme.
BAM Construct UK is part of the worldwide construction and property services company
Royal BAM Group. Graduate programmes run in variety of disciplines, such as construction
management, quantity surveying, architecture, design management and sustainability.
Candidates should have a construction-related degree or come from a non-cognate
background and have sufficient transferable skills.
Skype, part of Microsoft Corporation, provides a video calling and instant messaging service
via the internet. Graduate-level roles are available in the London office in areas such as
engineering, design, operations and product management. Internships are also offered to
those studying a relevant degree subject.
Aon is an insurance broker and provider of risk management services with 6,000 employees
in 23 offices across the UK. Graduate programmes run in six streams, such as investment
consulting, actuarial consulting and global risk consulting. Summer internships lasting nine
weeks are also available. Candidates for both the graduate programmes and the internships
should have or be predicted a 2.1 or above at degree level.
Veolia Water provides water and waste water management services, and employs around
1,000 people in the UK. The graduate programme is made up of four six-month placements.
Applicants should have a 2.1 degree or above in engineering, maths, science, biology,
chemistry, physics, geography or environmental management/science.
Skanska is a multinational construction company with 57,000 employees worldwide, 5,000

of whom are based in the UK. Various graduate opportunities are offered and the majority
require a relevant 2.1 degree or above. Internships and industrial placements are also
available.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an international car rental provider that was founded in 1957 and
now has 6,500 locations around the world. The management training scheme lasts eight to
twelve months and is open to graduates from any degree discipline. The finance controller
management scheme is open to finance graduates or those with sufficient finance
experience.
An international law firm with 24 offices and 1,800 staff members across the globe, Taylor
Wessing focuses on technology, media and communications; life sciences; private wealth;
and energy. The UK offices in Cambridge and London give training contracts to graduates
with ABB at A level and a minimum of a 2.1 in any degree discipline. There are also 40 places
available on two-week summer vacation schemes each year.
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Caterpillar
212
Farrer & Co
213
Olswang LLP
information
214
ConocoPhillips
215
Kier Group
216
URS
information
217
Hill Dickinson LLP

information
218
McDonalds Restaurants
information
219
EE
information
220
MBDA
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Caterpillar is a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, engines, and

turbines with over 116,000 full-time employees worldwide. It hires graduates with a relevant
2.1 degree or above and interns in various locations and sectors, including engineering,
sales and marketing, global purchasing, and supply chain.
Farrer & Co is a London-based law firm whose main clients are individuals and families,
charitable institutions, and businesses. Between eight and ten trainee contracts are offered
each year to graduates with a 2.1 degree and AAB at A level. Easter and summer vacation
schemes lasting two weeks are also available.
Olswang LLP is a multinational law firm with 475 employees in its London headquarters. The
firm specialises in technology, media and telecommunications. Training contracts in London
and Reading are offered twice yearly to graduates with a 2.1 or above. Vacation schemes also
run in spring and summer with 20 places available in the London office and four in Reading.
ConocoPhillips is an independent exploration and production company with oil and gas
operations in almost every continent. Graduates are hired for full-time positions in business,
engineering, finance, HR, IT, land management, supply chain, and health, safety and
environment. Roles in geosciences are open to candidates with a masters or PhD. Summer
internships are also available.
Kier Group is a construction services and property group that employs more than 16,000
people worldwide. The three-year graduate development programme is open to graduates
with a relevant accredited 2.1 degree or above. Undergraduate sponsorship, foundation
degree programmes and apprenticeships are also available.
URS is a multinational corporation providing engineering, construction and technical

services. With offices in nearly 50 countries, it employs more than 50,000 staff members.
Various opportunities are open to graduates, including positions in engineering, building
surveying and regeneration. Summer internships, year-in-industry placements and
apprenticeships are also available.
An international commercial law firm, Hill Dickson LLP employs more than 1,300 people
including 180 partners worldwide. UK offices are in London, Liverpool, Manchester and
Sheffield. Up to 14 trainee contracts and 12 places on vacation schemes are offered each
year to those with or predicted at least a 2.1 at degree level and ABB at A level.
The McDonalds Corporation is a fast-food chain with almost 1,200 restaurants across the
globe and 97,000 employees in the UK. Corporate and industrial placement schemes lasting
one year are open to undergraduates. The trainee manager scheme also recruits graduates.
EE provides 4G mobile services alongside fibre broadband. It runs the EE, Orange and TMobile brands and has a customer base of over 27 million users. Graduate programmes run
each year in sales, technology, finance, consumer and non-consumer marketing, and
communications. A minimum 2.1 degree in any relevant discipline is required.
MBDA is a multinational missile developer and manufacturer with around 10,000 employees
across Europe and USA. Engineering and finance graduate programmes are available, as are
summer and industrial placements. Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 in a relevant
subject plus 300 UCAS points for the finance programme or 240 UCAS points for other
positions.
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AXA
222
JCB
223
Kennedys
information
224
Bristows
225
226
Wood Group
information
227
Oracle
information
228
AB InBev
229
Alstom
230
Cummins
452 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
AXA is an investment, retirement and insurance group that operates in 56 countries. It has
more than 157,000 employees and 102 million customers. The UK department works
primarily in wealth management, insurance and healthcare. Business, finance, actuary and
investment graduate programmes are available to those with a 2.1 degree or above. Summer
internships of eight to ten weeks are offered in HR or business and finance.
JCB is a construction equipment manufacturer headquartered in Rocester, Staffordshire. It
employs around 10,000 people and sells products in 150 countries. Business and
engineering graduate programmes are available to those with a 2.1 or above. Summer
placements, work experience and year-in-industry placements are also on offer.
Kennedys is an international law firm that specialises in litigation and dispute resolution. It
has nine offices across the UK and over 1,200 employees worldwide. Training contracts are
offered to graduates with a 2.1 degree or above in any discipline and at least 300 UCAS
points or equivalent at A level. Two-week summer placements also run in June and July.
Bristows is a London-based law firm, which was founded in 1837 and now has 38 partners
and a total of more than 200 staff members. Graduates are recruited twice a year for trainee
contracts. Most trainees go on secondment for a three-month period during the course of the
training contract. Winter, spring and summer insight workshops lasting two days are also
available.
Shearman & Sterling LLP is an international law firm with 18 offices and around 900 lawyers
around the globe; the London office employs approximately 180 legal staff members. The
four-seat training contracts are offered to graduates with a minimum 2.1 in any discipline
and AAB at A level. Vacation schemes and first-year programmes are also available.
Wood Group is a multinational energy services company that employs around 40,000 people
worldwide and operates in more than 50 countries. A range of UK-based graduate
programmes are available within commercial and support, and engineering. Internship
opportunities include summer placements, 48-week placements and year-in-industry
placements.
Oracle is a provider of business software and hardware systems to industries in over 145
countries. It employs more than 120,000 people and has around 400,000 customers.
Graduate roles are advertised throughout the year. Some positions require relevant technical
degrees; for others, all degree disciplines are accepted. Internships are also available, which
are typically between two and twelve months.
AB InBev, or Anheuser-Busch InBev, is a Belgian-Brazilian beverage and brewing company.
Around 1,000 people are employed in the UK breweries in Lancashire, South Wales and
London and in the Luton headquarters. Several graduate programmes are available,
including streams in supply, commercial and global management.
Alstom operates within the rail, power and electricity transmission sectors. It employs more
than 6,500 people across the UK from over 30 sites. The two-year graduate development
programme is comprised of several placements of three to six months. Applicants should
have a minimum 2.1 degree, and a masters is preferable. Internships, apprenticeships and
work experience placements are also available.
Cummins designs, manufactures and distributes engines, filtration and power generation
products. Graduate roles are available in the UK and across Europe in mechanical, electrical
and global engineering, IT, sales and manufacturing. Graduates from relevant technical
degree programmes are desirable although candidates from other disciplines are also
considered.
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The 300 in brief
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Standard Life
232

information
233
Dentons
234
Essar Oil
235
MACE
236
Dell
237
Telefnica O2
238
DHL
information
239
240
Socit Gnrale
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Standard Life is a provider of long-term savings and investments, which has six million
customers worldwide. It offers graduate programmes in accountancy, actuarial and risk,
business change and technology, HR, legal, operational and business management,
investments, and sales and marketing to those with a 2.1 degree or above. The international
graduate programme includes placements in Canada or Asia.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges is a global law firm with around 1,200 lawyers in 20 offices
worldwide, from Dallas to Dubai. Both law and non-law graduates are accepted onto two-year,
four-seat training contracts. The two vacation schemes run in the spring and summer and
are open to postgraduates and undergraduates except first years.
Dentons is an international law firm that operates across 75 locations in more than 50
countries. It employs over 2,600 lawyers. Applications are accepted from graduates of all
disciplines, provided they have a 2.1 or better; minimum A level grades of AAB are also
required. If accepted onto the training course, graduates are asked to attend BPP University
College for their GDL and LPC.
Essar Oil is an oil and gas company within the wider Essar Corporation. Employment offers
for graduates with a 2.1 degree or better include the graduate engineering trainee
programme, the graduate executive programme and the business leadership programme.
Engineering and technology summer internships lasting eight weeks are also available.
MACE is an international consultancy and construction company with more than 4,100
employees working in over 70 countries. The two-year graduate development programme is
open to applicants with a 2.1 or above and over 280 UCAS points. Streams include a range of
disciplines, from project management to structural engineering. Work experience,
apprenticeships and industrial placements are also available.
Dell is an international computer technology company with services for home and business
customers. It employs over 110,000 staff members. Four graduate development
programmes are available, and summer internships lasting ten to twelve weeks run in the
USA.
Telefnica O2 provides customers across Europe and Latin America with communication,
information and entertainment. A total of 132,000 people across 24 countries work for the
organisation. Graduates with a 2.1 degree or better can apply for the two-year business
graduate scheme or the three-year finance graduate scheme. Internships, work experience
and apprenticeships are also available.
DHL is a logistics company with more than 285,000 employees in over 220 countries.
Several graduate programmes are available, including roles in IT, operations and
procurement. Positions are advertised for different countries at different times in the year.
Both UK-based and international internships are also available.
Jackson is a civil engineering firm with seven regional offices across the UK. The graduate
development scheme lasts two years. Industrial placements and four-week summer
placements are also available.
Socit Gnrale is a French banking and financial services company. Both graduate
programmes and entry-level roles are available. The two-year junior programme has streams
in global markets, investment banking and global finance, and corporate and resource
functions, while the general inspection programme focuses on business development and
organisation.
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The 300 in brief
Osborne Clarke
information
242
Air Products
information
243
Charles Russell LLP
244
Pannone
245
Aviva
information
246
Kirkland & Ellis

International LLP
247
TLT Solicitors LLP

information
248
Walker Morris
249
information
250
BAM Nuttall
454 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Osborne Clarke is an international law firm with over 350 lawyers working in London, Bristol
and Reading. The various sectors of expertise include: digital business, energy and utilities,
financial services, healthcare, real estate, retail and transport. The training scheme is open
to graduates with a 2.1 degree in any discipline. The vacation scheme also has 25 places
available.
Air Products and Chemicals is an international supplier of gases, chemicals, equipment and
technology for industrial use. It employs around 21,600 staff members in over 50 countries.
The career development programme recruits graduates from a range of relevant
backgrounds and lasts two to three years. Internships are also available.
Charles Russell LLP is an international law firm headquartered in London. Graduates with at
least AAB at A level and a 2.1 at degree level can apply for training contracts, for which the
core areas are: employment and pensions, family, private client, corporate/commercial,
litigation and dispute resolution, and real estate. Three summer placement programmes
lasting one week each are also available.
Pannone LLP is a law firm based in the UK with offices in Manchester and London. Applicants
for trainee schemes are accepted from both law and non-law degree subjects although
having a 2.1 is recommended. One-week summer vacation schemes are also available.
Aviva is a global provider of insurance, savings and investment products, which is

headquartered in London. The actuarial and insurance graduate schemes each last two
years; the chartered accountancy scheme lasts three. Each requires a minimum of a 2.1 at
degree level and at least 300 UCAS points.
Kirkland and Ellis LLP is an international commercial law firm with around 1,600 lawyers in
offices in London, Germany, China, Hong Kong and USA. The London office has 120 lawyers
practising English, US and international law. Around ten graduates from any degree subject
are recruited for training contracts every year. The vacation scheme has 16 places and runs
for two weeks through the summer.
TLT Solicitors LLP is a British commercial law firm with offices in Bristol, London, Manchester,
Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. It recruits trainees who ideally have 300/24 UCAS points at
A level and a 2.1 or above in any subject at degree level. Easter and summer vacation
schemes are also available.
Walker Morris is a commercial law firm based in Leeds that has 460 employees. It has a wide
range of specialisms, including: education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment, retail, tax
and sports. Around 30 trainees are recruited each year for two-year six-seat contracts, for
which both law and non-law students are accepted. Also offered are 48 places on one-week
vacation schemes held during June and July.
Dialog Semiconductor is a German manufacturer of circuits for use in mobile phones and the
automotive industry, among other applications. It has offices in London and 1,100
employees worldwide. The one-year graduate development programme has 15 to 20 places
for those with relevant degrees, such as: microelectronics, electronics, physics or software
development.
BAM Nuttall is a civil engineering organisation with projects in rail, aviation, roads, energy,
waste, maritime engineering, water, geotechnical services and environmental engineering.
Graduates can do a training scheme of two years in civil, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical
and environmental engineering, or quantity surveying. Summer vacation and industrial work
placements and sponsorship are also available to university students.
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Ashfords LLP
252
Sir Robert McAlpine
253

information
254
Weightmans
255
Amey
information
256
Ince & Co
information
UK
300
Ashfords LLP is a law firm with over 490 staff members and six offices in the south west and
London. The four core practice areas are corporate/commercial, property, litigation and
private client. Training contracts are available in Exeter, Bristol, Taunton and London to
graduates with a 2.1 degree or better.
Sir Robert MacAlpine is a building and civil engineering company in the UK. The five-year
graduate development programme is open to graduates with a strong, relevant degree.
Sponsorship, industrial training and vacation employment are also available.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is an international law firm. Its London office is the second largest in
the firm with 75 lawyers who serve corporate, financial institution, investment bank, private
equity and government clients. Both law and non-law students with a 2.1 or above are
recruited as trainee solicitors. A two-week vacation scheme is also available.
Weightmans is a law firm with around 1,300 employees in eight offices across the UK. It
operates in a number of sectors, such as: education, healthcare, marine, IT and media. Both
vacation schemes and training contracts are available. The firm recruits between 14 and 16
graduates each year from law and non-law backgrounds.
Amey is an infrastructure and public services provider that works on areas including utilities,
highways, waste management, rail, social housing and facilities management. The graduate
management development programme is open to those with a 2.1 or above, and the
graduate pathways programme is open to those with a 2.2 or better in a relevant technical
subject. Summer and industrial placements are also available.
Ince & Co is an international law firm with over 180 lawyers who primarily serve clients in
five sectors: aviation, energy, insurance, international trade and shipping. Applicants should
have at least AAB at A level and a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a law or non-law subject. A twoweek trainee recruitment placement scheme is available to five students over the Easter
vacation.
257
King & Wood Mallesons

SJ Berwin
King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin is a global law firm with a focus on Asia and a UK office in
London. The firm employs over 500 lawyers in Europe and the Middle East, and over 2,700
worldwide. Law and non-law graduate trainees are recruited twice yearly. Vacation schemes
are also available for summer and Easter.
258
Yahoo! UK & Ireland
Yahoo! provides internet-based services, including a search engine, news, email and a web
directory. Graduate roles and internships are available in a range of areas including,
marketing, legal and security operations.
259
Ministry of Defence
260
Vodafone
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The Ministry of Defence is a British ministerial department that focuses on foreign affairs,
defence and armed forces, and national security. The two-year defence commercial graduate
programme involves purchasing and contract management of technologies and equipment.
British national graduates with at least a 2.1 degree in any subject may apply.
Vodafone is a global telecommunications company that employs around 90,000 people in

nearly 30 countries. Its Discover graduate programme focuses on retail and business while
its Discover Technology programme focuses on IT. Both require a 2.1 or above and the
Discover Technology programme calls for relevant degree subjects.
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The 300 in brief
CHP Consulting
information
262
Withers LLP
263
Blake Lapthorn
264
Holman Fenwick Willan

information
265
CGI
information
266
United Utilities
267
BG Group
268
Kimberly-Clark
269
270
Metaswitch Networks
456 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
CHP Consulting supplies software platform ALFA Systems to asset, motor and consumer
finance companies. The London-based company recruits those with a 2.1 or above and As
and Bs at A level. It accepts applicants from any degree discipline and candidates do not
need to have a technical background.
Withers is a commercial law firm with 12 offices spread across Europe, US, the Caribbean and
Asia. It offers two-year training contracts to applicants who have obtained or are expecting a
2.1 or above and a minimum of AAB at A level. Language skills can also be beneficial.
Blake Lapthorn is a commercial and private client law firm with offices in London, Oxford,
Portsmouth and Southampton. It offers around ten training contracts a year as part of its
graduate programme. It prefers to hire applicants who have at least a 2.1. The firm also offers
a four-week vacation scheme.
Holman Fenwick Willan is an international commercial law firm with 13 offices across 11
countries. It specialises in aviation, finance, energy, engineering, shipping, space, logistics,
commodities and more. It recruits around 15 trainees each year from all academic
disciplines. Applicants need to have AAB at A level and a 2.1 degree or above. Languages are
an advantage.
CGI is an IT and business services company with 68,000 professionals in 40 different
countries. Graduates are recruited for roles in a number of its business areas including oil
and gas, space and defence, government business and national security. A 2.1 or above in a
relevant degree discipline and at least 240 UCAS points are required.
United Utilities is a listed water company that provides seven million people in north-west
England with water and sewerage services. A 2.1 or above is required for its civil and process
engineering, finance, general management and project delivery schemes. For its mechanical
and EICA engineering programmes, a 2.2 is accepted.
BG Group is a natural gas company that focuses on exploration, production and liquefied
natural gas (LNG). It offers a two-year international graduate development programme in
various different areas of the business including finance and human resources. A masters
degree is required for well engineering. For all other areas a 2.1 or above is required.
Personal care company Kimberly-Clark produces brands such as Huggies, Andrex and
Kleenex. It has operations in 61 countries, with almost 56,000 employees. It offers two- and
three-year graduate schemes in marketing and customer management, finance and supply
chain. A 2.1 or above in a business-related or relevant subject is required.
Commercial law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse has offices in the UK and Europe. It specialises
in sectors such as technology, the public sector, financial institutions, life sciences and
healthcare. Graduates of both law and non-law disciplines with an excellent academic record
are considered for training contracts. It also runs two paid vacation schemes per year.
Metaswitch Networks is a global technology supplier specialising in voice, data and video
communications. It recruits all year round for its graduate vacancies in IT and Technology.
These roles require a strong expected or obtained degree classification in any subject and
straight A grades at A level. The company also offers internships and summer placements.
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272
Capsticks
273
Lawrence Graham LLP

(now known as Wragge
274
Nokia
275
Petrofac
information
276
Sidley Austin LLP

information
277
CH2M HILL
278
Phillips 66
279
Bechtel
information
280
DAC Beachcroft LLP
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Anthony Gold Solicitors is a UK law firm with offices in London Bridge, Walworth and
Streatham. It specialises in claimant clinical negligence, personal injury, family, housing and
administrative and public law. It recruits four to five trainees a year. At least a 2.1 degree in
any discipline and AAB at A level are usually required.
Capsticks is a UK law firm with offices in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Southampton. It
specialises in health, social care and litigation and looks for trainees committed to a career in
healthcare law. The firm recruits five trainees to its London office and one to each of its
others each year. Trainees are offered financial support for both the GDL and the LPC.
Lawrence Graham, now known as Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, is an international law firm
with headquarters in London. For 2016 it will recruit approximately 15 graduate trainees into
its London office and 15 into its Birmingham office. The firm will fund the GDL for non-law
graduates and the LPC for law graduates and it provides grants towards living expenses.
Nokia specialises in the fields of network infrastructure, location-based technology and

advanced technology. As of April 2014, it no longer sells mobile devices. Graduate jobs at
Nokia are available for those with technical degrees in engineering, computer science and
cloud computing. Non-technical jobs in fields such as finance, management and market
research are also available.
Petrofac is an oilfield service company with 31 offices and more than 18,000 staff
worldwide. Graduate opportunities are available in areas such as process engineering,
mechanical engineering and subsea engineering. Depending on the location and programme
graduates will train for between two and four years.
Sidley Austin LLP is a global law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers. In the UK, its main areas
of practice include: corporate, intellectual property, litigation, real estate and tax. It recruits
ten trainees a year and it offers financial support to successful applicants. AAB at A level and
at least a 2.1 degree in any discipline is required.
CH2M HILL is a global engineering company with 30,000 employees worldwide. It provides
consulting, design, design-build and programme management services. Graduate jobs are
available in architectural design, operations and maintenance as well as in engineering.
Vacancies are advertised online as they come up.
Phillips 66 is an international, integrated energy manufacturing and logistics company.

Graduate opportunities are available in engineering and trading as well as in areas such as
accounting, finance and marketing.
Bechtel provides engineering, construction and project management services to clients

worldwide. It offers a four-year graduate development programme to graduates with a 2.1 or
above in disciplines including chemical/process engineering, civil/structural/architectural
engineering, construction management, supply chain, electrical engineering, HR, information
systems and technology and mechanical engineering.
DAC Beachcroft is an international law firm with offices across the UK, Europe, Latin America,
Asia Pacific and North America. Its specialisms include insurance, health and real estate. The
firm recruits trainees each year across its London, Bristol, Leeds and Manchester offices.
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The 300 in brief
Stephenson Harwood
information
282
Trowers & Hamlins

information
283
Brodies LLP
284
First Group
information
285
Northrop Grumman
286
Dundas & Wilson
287
Gateley
288
Morgan Sindall
289
Penningtons LLP
290
Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm with nine offices across Europe, Asia and
the Middle East. It employs 120 partners and has 700 members of staff. There are 16
graduate training contracts offered for the London office with a chance of having a seat in
either Hong Kong or Singapore. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.1 in any discipline.
Trower & Hamlins is an international law firm with offices in the UK, Middle East, and southeast Asia. It offers around 20 training contracts per year in its offices throughout the UK and
around 50 per cent of its contracts go to those from non-law backgrounds. To apply
applicants must have a minimum of a 2.1 degree and 320 UCAS points.
Brodies LLP is a law firm with its headquarters in Scotland. It has offices in Aberdeen,
Edinburgh, Glasgow and Brussels. It works with private and public sector clients in areas
including commercial property, banking and financial services and employment. Their
trainee schemes consist of three 8-month-long placements. It also offers summer
placement opportunities to students.
First Group is a transport operator in the UK and North America used by than 280 million
passengers a year. It has a total of around 20-25 graduate opportunities in its engineering,
operations and commercial sectors. For the commercial scheme applicants must have a 2.1
or above and for the operations and engineering scheme a minimum of a 2.2 is required.
Northrop Grumman is an international security company that provides systems, products

and solutions for unmanned systems, cyber security, C4ISR and logistics and
modernisation. In the UK it has 600 employees working across its nine sites. It has graduate
opportunities in a range of roles, including engineering. It recruits for its graduate schemes
throughout the year.
Dundas & Wilson is a Scottish law firm that is now part of CMS Cameron McKenna, see 141.

information
458 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
Gateley is a law firm with nine offices across the UK and Dubai. Headquartered in
Birmingham and Edinburgh the firm focuses on specific business sectors including real
estate and construction, public sector and private client. It offers training placements in
England and Scotland; applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 in a law or non-law degree
discipline.
Morgan Sindall is a UK construction and regeneration group. Working in public and
commercial sectors the group has five divisions, construction and infrastructure, fit out,
affordable housing, urban regeneration and investments. Applications are open to graduates
with a degree in a relevant construction or engineering subject. It also offers summer and
12-month work placements.
Penningtons LLP is a UK law firm based in London with over 115 partners and around 600
staff in total. Its main areas of practice are dispute resolution, corporate and commercial,
real estate, private client and family. It recruits seven to ten trainees each year. On its trainee
scheme graduates will complete four six-month seats. It also offers vacation schemes for
students.
Imagination Technologies creates and licenses processor solutions for video, graphics and
other multimedia. There are a number of graduate opportunities available in its two divisions:
technology and pure which is its consumer electronics division. It also offers summer, sixmonth and one-year placements, in either hardware or software, to students.
guardianuk300.com
The 300 in brief
291
BAE Systems Applied

Intelligence
292
Browne Jacobson LLP
293
294
Fujitsu
information
295
DESG
296
Kerry Group
information
297
SAP
298
Red Gate Software
299
Max Fordham
information
30 0
Forsters LLP
guardianUK300.com
UK
300
BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (previously known as BAE Systems Detica) is an

international information intelligence solutions firm working in both physical and online
protection and security. A number of roles are available on the graduate programme to those
with a 2.1 or above. Summer and one-year internships are also offered.
Browne Jacobson LLP is a law firm with five offices around the UK and specialisations in
commercial, public, health, education, retail and insurance sectors. Applications for trainee
roles are accepted between November and July from graduates with both law and non-law
degrees.
Freeths Cartwright (now known as Freeths) is a large law firm with over 600 employees in
11 UK cities. A two-year training programme is available to graduates from both law and nonlaw backgrounds. Applicants should have 320 UCAS points from three A levels and a 2.1
degree or equivalent.
Fujitsu is an international IT products and services company with headquarters in Tokyo and
14,000 employees in the UK and Ireland. Graduates can apply for the two-year programme in
the finance, sales, project management, marketing, HR, technical, procurement, service
delivery, commercial or IT sectors. Industrial placements are also available.
The Defence Engineering and Science Group works within the Ministry of Defence to provide
the British armed forces with advanced technologies. Careers are available in aerospace,
land, maritime, nuclear, communications and information systems, weapons, ordnance,
sensors, and command and control. There is two-year graduate scheme for those with a 2.1
or above in an appropriate discipline.
Kerry Group provides ingredients and solutions for all sectors of the food, drink and
pharmaceutical industries. Kerry Group has a work force of 24,000 and is headquartered in
Ireland. The two-year graduate programme runs in several countries and in a variety of
sectors including, supply chain, quality, engineering and ICT.
SAP is a German software corporation with offices in over 130 countries and over 65,500
employees. It specialises in delivering products and services to businesses. Internships and
entry-level graduate jobs are offered in the UK as well as international offices, in a variety of
areas, including sales, research and business support.
Red gate is a software development company with nearly 300 employees based in
Cambridge. It offers internships and graduate jobs to those with both technical and nontechnical backgrounds. Applicants should have a 2.1 or above.
Max Fordham is a building services engineering firm with offices in London, Cambridge,
Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh, and projects in the UK and abroad. Graduate jobs are
available to those with a 2.1 degree or above in a science, engineering or mathematics
subject.
Forsters LLP is a London-based law firm with over 100 lawyers. It has a property and private
client focus but also has corporate, commercial and litigation practices. Forsters takes on up
to eight trainees per year from both law and non-law backgrounds. Two vacation schemes
with seven places each also run in July.
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 459
The most extensive

UK and international
courses database
Major funding opportunities
linked to relevant courses
The best postgraduate fairs

in the UK
targetpostgrad.com
Internships
The 300 in brief
UK
300
AZ index
A
71
228
153
85
77
54
165
73
125
242
27
166
97
34
174
229
21
177
128
255
157
271
206
67
48
119
51
47
139
251
163
31
42
135
AAH Pharmaceuticals
AB InBev
ABB ................................118
Abbott Laboratories
Abercrombie & Fitch ....120
Accenture
Addleshaw Goddard
adidas Group
AECOM............................122
Air Products ..................124
Airbus
AkzoNobel ....................126
Aldi ................................128
Allen & Overy LLP ........130
Allianz
Alstom
Amazon..........................132
AMEC
American Express ........134
Amey..............................136
Aon
Apple
Arcadia Group ..............138
ARM
The Army ......................140
Arup ..............................142
Asda ..............................144
Ashfords LLP
Ashurst LLP ..................146
AstraZeneca..................148
Atkins ............................150
Atomic Weapons
Establishment (AWE) ..152
245 Aviva ..............................154
221 AXA
B
147 Babcock ........................156
32 BAE Systems ................158
291 BAE Systems Applied
Intelligence
90 Bain & Company
76 Baker & McKenzie LLP 160
121 Balfour Beatty ..............162
204 BAM Construct UK
250 BAM Nuttall
guardianUK300.com
89
70
29
137
91
2
171
279
172
267
105
114
263
69
74
192
63
159
88
68
19
224
143
35
133
283
292
93
180
181
C
44
173
272
211
197
265
277
15
243
261
122
82
11
Bank of America Merrill

Lynch
The Bank of England ....164
Barclays ........................166
BASF
Bayer
BBC ................................168
BDO ................................170
Bechtel ..........................172
BG Group
Bird & Bird
BlackRock......................174
Blake Lapthorn
Bloomberg ....................176
BMW Group (BMW, Mini,
Rolls Royce Motor Cars)
BNP Paribas
The Body Shop (now part
of LOral)
Bond Dickinson LLP ....178
Boots ............................180
BP ..................................182
Bristows
British Airways ............184
British Council..............186
British Sugar ................188
Brodies LLP
Browne Jacobson LLP
BT ..................................190
Burges Salmon ............192
Buro Happold ................194
Cancer Research UK ....196
Capgemini
Capsticks
Caterpillar
Centrica
CGI ................................198
CH2M HILL
Channel 4
Charles Russell LLP
CHP Consulting ............200
Cisco..............................202
Citi..................................204
Civil Service
Fast Stream ..................206
46 Clifford Chance ............208

154 Clyde & Co LLP..............210
141 CMS Cameron
McKenna........................212
136 Co-operative Group
214 ConocoPhillips
96 Credit Suisse ................214
230 Cummins
D
280
236
16
233
295
58
238
129
249
94
98
286
78
DAC Beachcroft LLP

Dell
Deloitte ..........................216
Dentons
DESG
Deutsche Bank
DHL ................................218
Diageo
Dialog Semiconductor 220
DLA Piper LLP
DSTL ..............................222
Dundas & Wilson
Dyson ............................224
E
81
45
219
209
234
39
104
72
36
E.ON ..............................226
EDF Energy ..................228
EE ..................................230
Enterprise Rent-A-Car ..232
Essar Oil
EU Institutions..............234
Eversheds LLP..............236
ExxonMobil....................238
EY
F
111
212
120
269
194
284
145
300
293
57
294
Facebook
Farrer & Co
Ferrero ..........................240
Financial Conduct
Authority ......................242
First Group ....................244
Ford
Forsters LLP
Deringer LLP ................246
Fujitsu ..........................248
G
287
79
87
4
22
3
117
20
Gateley
GCHQ..............................250
GE ..................................252
GlaxoSmithKline
Goldman Sachs ............254
Google
Grant Thornton
Guardian Media Group 256
H
103 Herbert Smith Freehills
LLP
217 Hill Dickinson LLP ........258
43 Hilton Worldwide
64 HM Revenue & Customs
80 Hogan Lovells ..............260
264 Holman Fenwick
Willan ............................262
196 Honda
124 HP ..................................264
28 HSBC Bank plc ..............266
I
14 IBM ................................268
290 Imagination
Technologies ................270
256 Ince & Co ......................272
86 Intel
112 Irwin Mitchell ................274
J
17
239
183
183
8
222
9
J.P. Morgan
Jacobs Engineering
Jagex
Jaguar Land Rover ......276
JCB
John Lewis
Partnership ..................278
61 Johnson & Johnson ....280
156 Johnson Matthey
161 Jones Day ....................282
K
223
296
215
268
257
Kennedys......................284
Kerry Group ..................286
Kier Group
Kimberly-Clark
King & Wood
Mallesons SJ Berwin
The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 461
UK
300
The 300 in brief
246 Kirkland & Ellis

International LLP..........288
23 KPMG ............................290
L
26
140
200
273
152
40
116
182
65
24
M
235
144
37
62
299
203
220
218
50
92
176
149
102
270
66
5
188
259
193
84
288
53
186
115
LOral............................292
Laing ORourke ............294
Lawrence Graham LLP
(now known as Wragge
Lidl ................................296
Linklaters LLP
Lloyds ..........................298
Lloyds Register ..........300
Local Government
National Graduate
Development Programme
(NGDP) ..........................302
MACE
Macfarlanes LLP
Marks & Spencer ........304
Mars ..............................306
Max Fordham................308
Mayer Brown International
LLP ................................310
MBDA
McDonalds
Restaurants ..................312
McKinsey & Company
Mercedes AMG High
Mercer............................314
Merck
Merlin Entertainments 316
Metaswitch Networks
Metropolitan Police
Microsoft
Mills & Reeve LLP ........318
Ministry of Defence
Mishcon de Reya
Morgan Sindall
Morgan Stanley ............320
Morrisons......................322
Mott MacDonald ..........324
462 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15
N
155
158
109
202
59
60
126
1
199 RPC ................................366
169
130
Nabarro LLP ..................326

National Audit Office ....328
National Grid ................330
Nationwide
Nestl
Network Rail ................332
Next Retail PLC ............334
NHS Graduate
Schemes ......................336
Nissan
Nokia
Nomura ........................338
Northrop Grumman
Norton Rose
Fulbright LLP ................340
npower ..........................342
nucleargraduates ........344
O
191
213
227
241
33
Ocado
Olswang LLP ................346
Oracle ............................348
Osborne Clarke ............350
Oxfam ............................352
P
167
244
289
275
38
278
106
25
6
PA Consulting................354
Pannone
Penningtons LLP
Petrofac ........................356
Pfizer
Phillips 66
Pinsent Masons LLP
PwC................................358
187
274
150
285
101
Q
138 QinetiQ ..........................360
R
160
298
179
134
10
56
132
Reckitt Benckiser
Red Gate Software
Reed Smith....................362
Roche
Rolls-Royce ..................364
The Royal Air Force
The Royal Bank of
Scotland Group
95 The Royal Navy
S
108
49
123
297
113
189
201
12
18
164
225
30
162
276
55
99
252
190
208
41
205
52
240
118
231
281
75
253
T
175
210
13
237
83
142
168
247
195
100
Sainsburys
Samsung
Santander ....................368
SAP
Schlumberger ..............370
Scottish and Southern
Energy (SSE)
ScottishPower
Secret Intelligence Service
(MI6)
Security Service (MI5) 372
Sellafield ........................374
Shell
Shoosmiths ..................376
Sidley Austin LLP..........378
Siemens ........................380
Simmons & Simmons..382
Sir Robert McAlpine
Meagher & Flom LLP ..384
Skanska ........................386
Sky ................................388
Skype (UK)
Slaughter and May ......390
Socit Gnrale
Sony
Standard Life
Stephenson Harwood..392
STFC (The Science and
Technology Facilities
Council) ........................394
Sullivan &
Cromwell LLP................396
110 Transport for London ..408

185 Travers Smith LLP ........410
282 Trowers & Hamlins ......412
u
107
131
198
7
266
216
Ubisoft
UBS ................................414
UK Power Networks......416
Unilever ........................418
United Utilities
URS ................................420
V
207 Veolia
260 Vodafone
151 Volkswagen Group
W
248 Walker Morris
254 Weightmans
232 Weil, Gotshal &
Manges ........................422
178 White & Case LLP
262 Withers LLP
226 Wood Group ..................424
127 WPP ..............................426
146 Wragge & Co LLP (now
known as Wragge
Y
258 Yahoo! UK & Ireland
148 Yorkshire Water
Z
170 Zurich Financial Services
Tata Steel ......................398

Taylor Wessing
Teach First ....................400
Telefnica O2
Tesco ............................402
Thales
TJX Europe (TK Maxx)..404
TLT Solicitors LLP ........406
Total
Toyota
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TOGETHER WE ARE CLIFFORD CHANCE www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk

Behind the survey:

Deloitte: in search of the new professionals ................................24

John Lewis Partnership: first among equals ..............................26

The McDonalds Trainee

Over 27,000 students took part in the trendence

View from the top page 83

The top employers

The 300 most popular

Rising stars page 95

The 300 in brief page 429

Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

Behind the survey:

How this survey was compiled........................................8

The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 7

Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

How this survey was compiled

Students are issued with a

8 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

within their sectors (you can see

Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

Tips for using this survey

what first year students say they

In Section 1, we offer you an insight

The Guardian UK 300 2014/15 | 9

Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

degree graduates who finished

they did). This is despite the highly

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Tweet @ameyplc using #AskOurGrads to

Buildings, Communications, Education,

Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

NHS Graduate Schemes

NHS Graduate Schemes

NHS Graduate Schemes

Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

Employer rankings by ethnicity

Other ethnic group

Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups

NHS Graduate Schemes

14 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

NHS Graduate Schemes

As an engineering graduate, I went on a series of placements at maintenance depots

Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

Favourite employers: gender

16 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

by females and 48th by males),

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Behind the survey: diversity, aspiration and expectation

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18 | The Guardian UK 300 2014/15

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