UCL CAREERS
FIND
your
FUTURE
UCL Careers
Annual Guide
2015/16
www
2
Contents
Advice and Guidance
5–12
Events and Workshops
13–26
Find a Job
27–32
Additional Support
33–39
AlumniProfiles
41–55
Map, contact details
rear cover
#UCLInspireMe
Whatever career you want to do in the future, UCL Careers is
here for you. Book in for guidance sessions with experienced
Careers Consultants to get help and advice about further study
andfindingrolesinanyindustry.Wedon’tlimitourselvesto
particular sectors and run employer events such as careers fairs,
themed weeks and networking events across the academic year.
Extensive online resources are available and by searching for the
hashtag #UCLInspireMe, you can keep up-to-date with all of
theseandyouwillalsofindblogpostings,jobvacanciesandmore.
From Anthropologist to Zoologist, UCL Careers can help you
Find your Future.
Disclaimer Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at all UCL Careers
events for use in future publicity. Please speak to a member of UCL Careers staff if you
have any questions or concerns. This publication can be provided in alternative formats
upon request to UCL Careers. Please email careers@ucl.ac.uk or telephone
020 7866 3600.
3
Welcome
Whether or not you know what you want to do when you complete
your qualification, UCL Careers is here to advise you, guide you
and inspire you.
Talk to a careers consultant about your options and how to turn these
into a reality; speak to an adviser for help with applications and interviews;
meet employers at careers events.
Over 900 employers, from a vast array of sectors from Science, Cultural
Heritage and Law, to Charities, Finance and Media, come onto campus
each year to help you make the right career choice.
Whatever stage you are at in your career decision making, whether you
wish to start a job or you are considering further study, do visit us.
We are here to help you Find your Future.
Karen Barnard
Director, UCL Careers
4
Key facts – UCL Careers 2014/15 academic year:
14553
854
Practice Interviews were carried out
by our Careers Consultant
People through our doors
www
10,000
4489
Applications checked
Our online careers library, Careers Tagged,
has links to over 10,000 careers related websites
Advice and Guidance
Advice and Guidance
Advice and Guidance
6
Advice and Guidance
UCL Careers can help you with every part of planning your future, from
discussing initial ideas and application checking right through to all parts of
the selection process, whatever time of year. Book in for a one-to-one
appointment and you’ll speak with one of our dedicated team who can
provideusefulguidanceandsupport. ou’llalsofindpracticale perience
available for when you’ve got an interview, assessment centre or tests
to complete.
7
My UCL Careers Account &
Online Booking Information
Your “My UCL Careers” account is
Through your My UCL Careers
Portal from UCL Careers.
UCLAlert!ouremailnotification
your one-stop Careers Management
account you can sign up for
service that allows you to receive
Manage your bookings for:
targeted email alerts of jobs, events
and news based on your preferences.
Short Guidance appointments
Application Advice appointments
Look for the logo on the website:
Careers Events
MyUCLCareers
You can book up to seven days
in advance for Short 20-minute
Guidance and 15-minute Application
Advice appointments and up to two
weeks for any Careers Events.
ofindoutmore,visit
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
myuclcareers
8
Advice and Guidance
We offer a number of different
services which include:
CV and Application Advice:
Whether your application is in the
form of a CV, covering letter, personal
statementoranswerstospecific
questions on an application form,
book in for Applications Advice.
Short Guidance:
Discuss a wide range of queries
which aren’t related to help with a
specificapplicationboo fora hort
Practice Interviews:
Preparing for an interview? Visit the
Guidance appointment with
websitetofilloutaformandwe
a Careers Consultants.
can set up a practice interview to
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
advice
Long Guidance:
After your initial Short Guidance
appointment, a Careers Consultant
may refer you for a longer discussion,
of up to an hour, for you to discuss
issues in more detail.
help you tackle typical questions
you might be asked and given
personalised feedback on your
answers and interview techniques.
We run additional sessions
for Research Students,
esearch taffandrecent
raduates. ou’llfindmore
information in our ‘Additional
Support’ pages.
9
Departmental Support:
Alumni Mentoring:
Careers Consultant who works
Development and Alumni Relations
Each department has a dedicated
with a number of people to help
you get the most out of UCL
areers. ou’llalsofindrelevant
In conjunction with UCL’s
ce A
,wehaveaban of
mentors from a variety of industries,
who want to invest their time and
events and talks run by us within
expertise in UCL students and
your department.
graduates. Make the most of this
opportunity to build a rewarding
relationship with a former student
andfindoutmoreabouttherole
or industry you’re interested in.
If you are unable to visit us in person we may be able to
arrange for a phone or Skype appointment. For more
informationonboo ingdifferentappointmenttypes,
please visit: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/advice
8
Career Planning
Knowing where to start can often be the hardest part. Read about journeys
of different students who have used UCL Careers and use the planner at the
end to note down things that may interest you.
Find
Your
Future
Career planning
Undergraduate student
Career planning
Global student
Career planning
Masters student
Sometimes it’s confusing – Natalie has just started
her course and is unsure what her options are.
She’d like to get an internship for the summer...
ometimesit’sdaunting huisfinishinghiscourse
in a few months and is worried. He doesn’t know
what he wants to do as a career...
Sometimes it’s straightforward – Fabrizio is about
to start his master’s degree and knows exactly
which graduate scheme and company he wants
to apply to...
1.
Picked up an annual guide from
the UCLCareers stand at the
Welcome Fair
1.
Attended an Global talk on
Demystifying the UK Jobs Market’
5.
Took part in a Personality Profile
workshop to review strengths
1.
2.
Attended a departmental
careers talk
2.
Researched options back home
for using Going Global but also
the UK using UCL Jobonline and
online resources
6.
Chose to apply for jobs back in
his home country
Attended the Banking and
Finance Careers Fair in
the autumn term to meet his
chosen company to speak to
representatives
7.
Continued to receive support with
UC Careers Graduates remotely
via phone / Skype
2.
Booked a one-to-one Short
Guidance session to create a
strategy to apply for desired role
3.
Attended an Employer
Presentation by the company
he wants to work for to get the
inside track on their selection
process and to network and create
contacts within the company
3.
4.
5.
Booked a Skills4Work panel
discussion with a broad range of
employersfromdifferentsectors
Saw a Careers Consultant in a
Short Guidance session to talk
about summer placements with
her past experience, interests and
skills in mind
Developed a CV and found
opportunities using the Careers
Library and Online resources
6.
7.
Booked an Applications Advice
sessionto get feedback on her
application for a role she is
applying to
Applied for the role via UCL
Talent Bank
. Wasofferedaninterviewandsaw
a Careers Consultant for tips on
how to prepare
9.
Obtained the internship!
Natalie,
BA Archaeology
and Anthropology
3.
4.
Visited UCLU’s Rights and
Advice for technical information on
Visas for working in the UK
Booked a Short Guidance
session with a Careers Consultant
to discuss ideas
and options
Global students – ofindhow
Shu, 3rd year finalist,
Greek and Latin
areers lobalcanhelp,seepage
4.
Went to a Masters talk on
Effective Applications to learn
how to write an application
5.
Booked an Application Advice
session to get his application
reviewed
Masters students – ofindhow
6.
Attended a Masters Assessment
Centres talk as the company had
mentioned this was part of their
selection process
7.
Was shortlisted for a telephone
interview and an Assessment
Centre place in a few months
8.
Booked a Practice Assessment
Centre course through
Skills4Work
9.
Attended and passed his
Assessment Centre and was
givenadateforhisfinalinterview
10. Booked a Practice Interview with
an Employer through Skills4Work
11. Obtained a position!
Fabrizio,
MSc Economics
areers asterscanhelp,seepage
Career planning
Research student
Career planning
Recent graduate
Sometimes it’s complex – Stephen hopes to move
onfromhisPh toafull timejobinthesciencefield...
ometimesit’sdi cult ophiegraduated12
months ago and has quit her retail job. She thinks
shewantstowor foraninternational
...
1.
Attended a PhD webinar on
academic and non-academic
careers planning to clarify
preferences
2.
Booked a Guidance session with
a dedicated Researcher Careers
Consultanttofindoutabout
relevantPh specificeventsthat
wouldbenefithim
3.
Attended a panel forum
and networking event with
employerstofindoutabout
vacancies and opportunities
4.
Used an Applications Advice
session to have his application
checked
1.
Booked a one-to-one Coaching
session to talk through job
searching issues
5.
Invited to an interview and arranged
a Practice Interview
2.
6.
Obtained a job!
Attended a Personality Profiling
workshop to discover strengths
and highlighting skills
Stephen,
Clinical Research Unit
3.
4.
5.
Research students tofindhow
areers esearcherscanhelp,seepage
Went to a Effective Job
Searching workshop on the
advice of a Careers Consultant to
refresh techniques and clarify which
jobsmatchherPersonalityProfiling
results
Had a Long Guidance session
via Skype with a Careers
Consultant to hone possible jobs
sectors and begin to start sending
speculative emails
6.
Booked an Application Advice
session with an applications
specialist for a role after meeting
an Alumni Mentor contact for an
informal information interview
7.
Was short listed for an interview,
booked a Practice Interview
session
8.
Obtained an internship!
9.
Continued with her dedicated
Careers Consultant until her
membership expired, two
years after completing her course.
Sophie,
BA Philosophy
Browsed the Alumni Mentoring
database and found some
potential contacts
Recent Graduates tofindhow
areers raduatescanhelp,seepage
Career planning
Your career path
UCL Careers services I need to use:
9
12
Library and Resources
Our online careers library, Careers
agged www.careerstagged.
co.uk ,offershelpsheetsandguides
in digital format, as well as links to
the best careers information on the
webasresearchedbyourstaff.
You can search by the job sector
you’re interested in or the topic
you’re looking for help with, like
assessment centres or application
UCL Careers has a physical library
and extensive online resources so
you can get the best information at
every stage of your career journey.
Inourlibrary,you’llfindhelpsheetsto
take away on a range of topics, as
well as free guides on a variety of job
sectors. We have books with more
in depth information on job sectors,
interview preparation, aptitude tests
and more. Some books can be
borrowed for three working days
for a returnable deposit. You can
also watch DVDs on interviews and
assessment centres and use our
study space and computers for
any careers-related work.
forms. Sign in to Careers Tagged
using your main UCL username
and password.
www.
careerstagged.
co.uk
Events and Workshops
993
Employers on campus
to recruit UCL students
4227
UCL students attended our
8 specific fairs to meet
with employers
262
Employer-led events and
workshops were held
7330 + 6274
7330 UCL Students attended our employer-led events
and workshops and 6274 attended Career
Consultant-led workshops
Events and Workshops
Key facts – UCL Careers 2014/15 academic year:
14
Events and Workshops
Careers Fairs
At our popular sector-specific fairs, you’ll get one-on-one time with
many employers and graduate recruiters looking to hire UCL students
and graduates. It’s an opportunity to speak to managers, HR staff and
recent hires to find out about relevant jobs, selection processes and current
opportunities as well as ask any other questions that are important to you.
2
A broad range of employers attend our fairs, from international organisations
to small and medium-sized businesses, so you can really compare what
they have to offer.
Our fairs are open to all students and graduates regardless of what
course you are studying. All fairs take place in the evening and no
booking is required, just bring along current UCL ID or
UCL Careers Graduates ID to gain entry.
#uclcareersfair
15
Fair dates 2015/16
Management Consultancy
Sponsored by: Accenture
Wednesday 7th October
5.30–8pm
Banking & Finance
Sponsored by: PwC (Day 2)
Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th October
5.30–8pm
IT & Technology
Sponsored by: EE (Day 1) Cisco (Day 2)
Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd October
5.30–8pm
Engineering
Sponsored by: Target Jobs Engineering
Monday 26th October
5.30–8pm
Law
Sponsored by: University of Law (Day 2)
Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th November
5.30–8pm
All fairs are located at: North & South Cloisters, Wilkins Building
ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
fairs
Jobs 2016
Market
… your last chance to meet recruiters who
are looking to hire for roles starting soon.
Keep up-to-date for more information
about the event to be held at the end of
the Summer term.
16
Sector Themed Careers Weeks
Throughout the year, we run many Sector Themed Careers Weeks which
provide you with a full week of events and workshops designed to give an
insightintoapplying,wor inginandunderstandingaspecificindustry.
With a mix of Panel Discussions, Presentations, Information Sessions
and Networking Events, our events are an ideal opportunity for you to ask
specificquestionstoemployers,alumniand areers onsultantstogaina
better understanding of what you need to succeed in a particular sector.
#UCLInspireMe
UCL C
AREER
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COME ROPOLOGIS
INSPIRAND FIND T TO ZOO
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#UCL
WITH UR CAREE IST.
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UCL . A
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17
Dates 2015/16
Museums & Cultural Heritage
Charities and NGOs
Want to curate your career?
Want to make an impact that will
w/c 2nd November
w/c 1st February
Our Arts, Cultural Heritage and
help lots of people? Getting into the
Museums week will give you a
Charities and NGOs sector can be
chance to meet and network with
competitive, but get ahead and meet
a variety of organisations to help
organisations and people who do
you break into this sector.
the ‘hands on’ roles alongside those
Government and Policy
who run the organisations.
w/c 16th November
Environment w/c 8th February
adifference ocusingonthree
Environment week will reveal the
themes: leadership roles in the
breadth of opportunities in this
public sector; careers at the heart
rapidly growing sector and introduce
ofgovernmentandin uencing
you to organisations who are leading
policy, Government and Policy week
the way in making sustainability
is your chance to meet organisations
more accessible.
Interested in a career that makes
and gain insights into what life
working in the Public Sector and
Sustainability is a hot topic. Our
Life and Health w/c 7th March
ot or Profitisreallyli e.
There is more to Life and Health
Media w/c 30th November
all labwork! Come and hear from
‘luvvie’ to enjoy Media Week. Have
an insight into this large sector.
You don’t have to be a media
Science than meets the eye – it’s not
organisations and network to gain
you thought about broadcasting,
journalism, media analytics, media
buying or digital media? Come and
hear from UCL alumni and other
professionals about these areas
of work.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
themedweeks
18
Skills4Work
You’ll also get top tips on what
you can do to improve your skills
and then a chance to directly ask
questions important to you.
Employer-led Workshops
Our workshop sessions are more
interactive. You can practice a
particular skill under their guidance
and expertise of the employer
facilitators.
We run Employer-led Panel
Employer-led Coaching
Employers also give one-to-one
Discussions, Workshops and
coaching on writing, applications
Coaching to help you understand
advice and improving interview
what recruiters are looking for as
techniques along with how to tackle
well as to help you to develop and
practice assessment centres.
promoteyours illsmoreeffectively.
Employer-led Panel Discussions
The panel events will give you an
opportunitytohearwhatuptofive
differentemployersthin about
specifics illsandwhatyouneed
www.
skills4work.
net
to do to make yourself stand out
throughout the selection process.
Find us on social media
@uclskills4work
Skills4Work
19
Skills4Work
Skills4Work is supported by:
Skills4Work is a joint programme between:
20
Practice Assessment Centres
During the recruitment selection
During the session, you will
process you may be invited to
complete:
an assessment centre, to test a
variety of your employability skills.
Each Practice Assessment Centre
runs as part of our Skills4Work
programme and involves a range
ofemployersfromdifferentsectors.
You don’t have to be applying to the
employers or sectors involved as
they will be general exercises typical
of Assessment Centres run by
many companies.
an e-tray exercise
a group exercise
a presentation
and receive feedback on how you
have performed in each area.
You will also have the chance to
network with the graduate recruiters
taking part in the event.
For a full list of events and dates
for skills development events visit:
For practice tests and
interview simulators visit:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/
information/interviews
www.
skills4work.
net
21
Personality Profiling Workshops
urPersonalityProfilingwor shopsareagreatwaytounderstandyour
strengths and personality especially if you’re considering a leadership type
role. ou’llbeabletoseehowyouwor withindifferentenvironmentsandin
teams. nderstandingthesimilaritiesanddifferencesbetweenyourselfand
others will help you to interact positively in group discussions which is vital
to employers and often a feature in selection processes and assessment
days.Personalityprofilingwor shopscanalsohelpyoutoidentifythe
types of work and working environments that you may enjoy.
heprofilingtoolthatisusedby
yers
riggs ypeIndicator
areersisthewellestablished
I.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
personality
UCLAlert!
We only run these sessions a few times a year and they are very
popular. ignupto
Alert andbethefirstto nowwhenour
events are open for booking: www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/news
22
Global Citizenship Employability
Programme
As part of the Global Citizenship
Programme, students are able to
take part in our innovative two week
programme which runs during the
summer term, designed to give you
a head start in today’s international
competitive job market.
Over the course of the fortnight
you’ll tackle all parts of the job
search frominitialself re ection
right through to every aspect of
a selection process.
This is a unique chance to get a
real range and depth of experiences
on how to proactively approach
employersandeffectivelysearchand
apply for your chosen roles within
any industry to make the most of
UCL’s global university status.
The two week programme involves
a mix of workshops, talks, panel
sessions, networking events, and
personalised one-to-one coaching
with employers, Careers Consultants
and UCL Alumni as well as priority
access to the end of year jobs fair.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
employability
23
Focus on Management
Our three-day non-residential course, is an exciting and challenging
opportunity to get practical experience tackling real-life case studies from top
employers from a range of sectors. You’ll work with experienced managers
who’ll give you personalised feedback on your team work, commercial
awareness and a range of other employability skills.
ou’llalsobeabletoboostyour
,developyours illsandfindoutmore
about which working style seems right for you. Be prepared for an event
whichwillofferafantasticlearningandnetwor ingopportunitywitha
numberofdifferenthigh profilecompanies.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
focus
Encouraging comments by the
supervisors really helped, my
team was a mixture of amazing
individuals with whom I would love
to work with again. Overall positive
attitude and “on-point” issues
being addressed really enriched
my perspective on management.
Focus on Management 2015
attendee
24
Sprint Programme
Sprint is a well-established
development programme for
undergraduate and graduate women.
Building on the success of the
prestigious Springboard programme,
Sprint has been researched,
designedandwrittenspecificallyto
address issues and challenges faced
by undergraduate and graduate
women. Originally pioneered at
University of Cambridge, with more
recent pilot programmes run at the
University of Oxford, following a
successful programme at UCL this
winter, the summer programme will
be hosted at City University.
From all backgrounds and ages,
the Sprint Programme is a fantastic
opportunity for female students at
the early stages of their professional
Across 4 action packed days, the
programme covers a range of key
development topics, with the aim
help you to:
use your personal power
andin uence
identify your values, attitudes
and direction
development. The programme
manageyourtimeeffectively
enables participants to take hold of
learn how to use assertiveness
positively
their personal ambitions and develop
a network of mentors and peers.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
sprint
build your image, networking
s illsandconfidence
engage with inspiring role models
and industry professionals
gain access to a network of
mentors providedbysponsoring
companies tohelpyouachieve
your goals
25
Employer Presentations
Employer Presentations
astinguptoanhour,EmployerPresentationsareachancetofindout
moreaboutaspecificemployer.It’sagreatwaytohearfromorganisations
about what it’s like to work for them, the selection process and current
opportunitiesavailable. ostedbyrecruitmentstaff,newlyhiredgraduates
andevensenior levelstaff,afterthepresentationisover,youcanstayfor
an informal networking session.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
presentation
26
Business Competitions
Business Competitions
Think you could beat other students
from across the UK and around
the world to win great prizes and
even paid work experience with top
companies? Get involved with one
of the many ‘games’ and business
challenges running across industries
such as Marketing, Journalism,
Financial Trading, Project Management
and more! UCL Careers can help
– whether it’s through one-to-one
advice or online resources, you
can get guidance and mentoring
throughout the process.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
competitions
It’s a very good opportunity to get some idea about how to think like
a real business leader. We’ve all learnt to think logically, think broadly,
and deliver ideas to customers in an authentic environment.
Find a Job
Key facts – UCL Careers 2014/15 academic year:
£24,580
£
£30,711
TALENT
The average starting salary
for a UCL postgraduate
www
22,906
380
Number of UCL students and
graduates who were shortlisted
for positions through
UCL Talent Bank
Between July 2014 and July 2015
there were 22,906 job vacancies
advertised on UCL JobOnline
Find a Job
£
The average starting salary
for a UCL undergraduate
exceeds the national average
28
Find a Job
Find a Job
Whatever type of job opportunity you’re looking for, we have plenty of
ways to search and apply. From local and international jobs and internships
3
to voluntary work and placements, all databases are updated regularly with
temporary, permanent, part-time or full-time roles from a variety of sectors
and employers.
29
UCL JobOnline and UCLAlert!
UCL JobOnline
urdedicatedonlinejobsitecanhelpyoufindwor whetheryou’re
an undergraduate, postgraduate, researcher or graduate. Search from
thousands of national and international roles and apply for them directly.
ou’llfindmanyvacanciesfromemployersloo ingspecificallyfor
students and graduates.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
jobs
UCLAlert! (Targeted email)
Sign up online to get regular and customised UCLAlert! emails that closely
matchyourreferences. eoneofthefirsttohearaboutnewjobvacancies,
careers events and fairs, employer information days and much more.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
myuclcareers
30
UCL Talent Bank
UCL Talent Bank
UCL Talent Bank is a short-listing
service which connects UCL
students researchers and graduates
to a broad range of employers,
including UCL alumni.
We will actively source opportunities
for UCL candidates and present
applications to employers.
The opportunities will generally
be graduate roles and summer
internships.
To ensure that you are automatically
considered for these roles, complete
yourcandidateprofileandupload
your CV at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
talentbank
Applying for roles requires you to
create a tailored cover letter for
each opportunity.
UCL Talent Bank listed the
perfect position for me and was
so helpful and supportive when
I was applying for it. I had a few
questions about the position
and made a mistake when
uploading my application that
they promptly assisted me with.
Best of all, it has led me to my
firstjoboutof
Layren Hyden,
MSc in Clinical and Public Health
Nutrition, 2015
31
Find a job
Graduate Gateway: University of London Internships
Graduate Gateway is dedicated to providing paid internships for graduates
and students in London. The programme aims to bring together top
employers and talented, ambitious graduates and students, who are looking
to accelerate their career prospects through a paid internship. The Careers
Group, University of London has placed over 400 students and graduates in
quality paid positions through the internship programme, in sectors including
IT, HR, Finance, Arts, Marketing and many more. You’ll be able to develop
technical and professional employability skills, and with support and advice
available throughout your time, the scheme is the ideal way to gain sort-after
industry experience in your chosen career.
University of London Temp Agency
A professional recruitment agency run by our parent body The Careers
roup, niversityof ondon, he empAgencywor stofindstudentsand
graduates both temporary and permanent positions with a highly specialised
and personalised service. Jobs are being added daily. You might be working
within the University of London, UCL, national or international employers.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
jobs
32
Find a job
UCLU Jobshop
Careers Abroad
aroundyourstudies,you’llfind
abroad, explore more than 10,000
vacancies suited to current students
online pages of international
looking for temporary, part-time and
application guidelines and resources,
seasonal work through the UCLU
culturalandfinancialadviceand
Jobshop. You’ll be able to directly
how-to guides for over 30 countries.
apply for a variety of roles on
Going Global is a vast online library for
campus or with local employers.
help with work permits and visas as
Ifyouareloo ingforwor tofit
Jobs at UCL
For vacancies based at UCL, whether
academic or otherwise, visit the UCL
Human Resources page where you
can view current vacancies and apply
directly. Sign-up for email alerts to
If you’re looking to pursue a career
well as employer listings and current
vacancies you’llfindplentyofuseful
information to make the move abroad.
More Ways to Job Search
hereareplentyofo ineservices
weprovidetohelpyoufindsuitable
update you on new opportunities.
vacancies and many are free to take
UCLU Volunteering Services Unit
pageformap forcareersmaterials
Browse projects through UCLU’s
dedicated volunteering service and
ma earealdifference Asavolunteer
you’ll pick up diverse skills and make
friends all while giving back to the local
community. You can contribute as
much or as little time as you like with a
variety of long-term commitments and
one offeventsonoffer.Wor ingwith
fellow UCL students, there are plenty
ofpersonalandprofessionalbenefits
to getting involved.
away. isitusinperson seebac including directories and guides, as
well as one-to-one career coaching,
to help you make the most out
of your job hunt. We also host
manyevents seeourEventsand
Wor shoppages onandaround
campus where you can speak to a
range of employers about current
and future opportunities.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
jobs
Additional Support
Key facts – UCL Careers 2014/15 academic year:
63
528
Master’s degree students
attended our 14 UCL Careers
Masters talks
1989
Students attended
our UCL Careers
Global talks
154
Countries – students from
154 countries study at UCL,
making up more than
one-third of the
student body
Additional Support
UCL Careers Researchers
organised 63 Research Student
and Research Staff specific
events
34
Additional Support
Weunderstandthatonesi edoesnotfitall,andthatyoumaybeloo ing
for advice and guidance tailored to your personal position within UCL.
Our specialist Careers Consultants have developed specific services
4
and eventstoassistyouinyourjobsearchandcareerjourneywhether
you are a Global, Masters, or Research Student, Research
Additional Support
Staff or recent Graduate.
35
UCL Careers Global
Whether you are an international
student hoping to pursue a career in
One-to-One advice
To discuss your career possibilities
the UK, planning to return home for
as a Global student, book a one to
work or looking for employment, we
one guidance appointment to get
can give you the dedicated support
personalised advice and information
you need. Our Careers Consultants
from one of our dedicated Careers
will help you grasp the basics; from
Consultants.
demystifying the UK job market to
making the most of your skills for
the workplace.
Work and study abroad
Our website is packed with
information for global students living,
studying and working in the UK
as well as those considering making
the move to other parts of the
world after leaving UCL.
Events for Global Students
Alongwith
’sInternational
ce
and UCLU Rights and Advice, we
run talks, workshops and events
throughout the year to improve
your understanding of what’s needed
in the UK job market and abroad.
romwritingeffectiveapplicationsto
pursuing postgraduate study, you’ll
findourtal sholdalltheinformation
you need.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
global
36
UCL Careers Masters
If you’re considering what your
optionsare,wehavespecific
resources and events personalised
to wherever you are in your job
search both during and after you
finishyour asters. on’t now
whether you want to continue in to
academia or enter the workplace?
Wecanhelpyoufigureoutwhat
you want to do and support you
in getting there.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
masters
Events for Masters Students
Our Masters talks are a series
of one-hour lunchtime talks
designed to give you a quick and
detailed overview in to a range
of ways to plan and develop
your career. Whether it’s writing
effectiveapplicationsorpursuing
postgraduatestudy,you’llfindour
sessions hold all the information
you need.
One-to-One advice
I got the chance to discuss
not only my ideas and career
preferences but also to
formulate a plan for the future.
As a Master’s degree student, we
can provide advice and guidance
tailored to your situation, through
our one-to-one appointments.
37
UCL Careers Researchers
As a Researcher, you need
specialist tailored advice about
where you can go with your
qualificationafteryou’vecompleted
your studentship. We have Careers
Consultants who will help and
support you whether you want to
stay in academia, move in to a new
career or get advice about your
options. Alongside this, you have
access to workshops, forums and
Events for Research Students
and Researcher Staff
We deliver employer forums and
fairs for Research students and
esearchstaffwhichfocuson
key employment sectors. These
eventsshowcasedifferentemployer
perspectives and career paths for
researchstudentsandresearchstaff
both inside and outside academia
and provide you with the opportunity
talks, some run by employers.
to network with the invited speakers.
Ifyouwanttofindoutmoreabout
One-to-One advice
how to move on from your current
Post-doc position, we can help
you with personalised advice and
support about all aspects of career
advancement or change. Our
Careers Consultants can discuss
what your options are, how you can
market your specialised experience
and guidance on the application
and selection process. We also run
wor shopsfor esearch taff only
which will cover key aspects of
Academic career management.
To have a discussion with one of
our dedicated Careers Consultants,
we have one-to-one appointments
lasting up to 30 minutes, running
throughout the year.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
researchers
38
UCL Careers Graduates
esignedspecificallyforrecent
UCL graduates, UCL Careers
One to One advice
Weofferconfidentialone to
provide 2 years of support beginning
one discussions with a Careers
after you have complete your course
Consultant of up to half an hour.
at UCL. You’ll be able to access
free careers support and guidance
including one-to-one coaching,
graduate workshops and full
access to the UCL careers events
programme.
Events for Recent Graduates
UCL Careers Graduates holds
regular workshops about all aspects
of the career management process
after leaving UCL. Our titles are
repeated on a regular basis and are
designed with your graduate status
in mind, so that you can make the
most of your return visit to UCL.
Courses.
Coaching.
Community.
www.ucl.ac.uk/
careers/
graduates
39
UCL Careers Graduates Case Study
an academic world to a full-time
working environment does not come
easy to anyone.
A former classmate told me I could
use UCL Careers Graduates for
up to 2 years after completing my
course. I had several meetings with
their helpful advisers via Skype who
guided me through many interviews
Katarina Jensterle,
with Bloomberg; their support ranged
Studies, 2014
guidance on how to pass a phone
at Bloomberg
an assessment centre. I was also
After graduating from UCL last year
detail. After four rounds of interviews
I initially thought I had a fairly good
for an internship with Bloomberg,
idea of what I wanted to do in the
I was tested for a full-time position
future and was certain that I would
which I started earlier in the year.
MSc Russian and East European
fromaninitial
Technical support representative
interview and survive a long day at
cope well in the job market – despite
hearing from job-seekers about their
struggle. Straight after handing in
my dissertation, I did 3 months of
unpaid internship at the UN and
OSCE in Vienna, which put the theory
I learned in my Master’s degree into
practice. Naive at the time, I thought
every door would be open for me.
Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The usual feelings of initial despair
appeared since the transition from
chec tospecific
advised on how to use LinkedIn in
hedifferencethatthe
Careers Graduates made for me
as a non-national in helping me to
cometotermswiththespecifics
of the UK job market. Whether it is
an initial doubt on which sector to
focus on or preparing for any stage
of an interview, I would strongly
advise anyone to use UCL Careers
during their studies, since that may
effectivelyshortenyourjobhunt.
Alumni Profiles
Key facts:
53
46%
Our academic community
includes 53 Fellows of the
Royal Society
46% of the 29,000
strong student community
is engaged in graduate
studies
200,000
Alumni Profiles
UCL’s alumni department
connects over 200,000 former
students that make up the
UCL community worldwide
28
Nobel prizes have been
awarded to 28 people who
are or were students or
academics of UCL
42
UCL Connect
After you graduate, you will have access to UCL Connect, the professional
development series for alumni. UCL Connect offers a range of services
including award-winning professional networking events to meet fellow alumni
who are leaders in their sectors, free online mentoring, webcasts and lots more.
5
Careers Mentoring Network
The Careers Mentoring Network is an online database of over 500
UCL alumni mentors, spanning a wide range of professions, who have
volunteered to give informal advice to UCL students and graduates
considering their career options. Alumni mentors can help you find out
more about the reality of certain jobs, sectors and professions based
on their personal experiences. You’ll be able to speak with them directly
and ask questions to find out what they enjoy about their job,
the challenges and advice on how to get into the sector.
Alumni Profiles
www.ucl.ac.uk/
alumni/
professional-development
43
Alumni Profiles – AlphaSights
A project can last from a day to several
weeks depending on the scope and
length and we have multiple projects
on the go. It’s rewarding to see the
impact these interactions can have
on the kinds of deals you read about
in the news.
Working at AlphaSights has made me
realise how important the skills you can
Georgie Smith
develop at university are. My course
Associate, Capital Markets
economics and politics I needed to
I joined AlphaSights as an Associate
up with the markets and have credible
Economics and Geography, 2014
in January 2015 after completing my
Economics and Geography degree
at UCL. The main things that drew
me to the company were the diversity
of the projects and the broad range
of clients. I was also attracted by
the fact that they are a fast growing
company with a young and dynamic
gave me the broad understanding of
piece together industries fast, keep
conversations with industry experts.
Having said this, it was the interpersonal
and team-working skills I developed
through my extracurriculars and work
experience that really prepared me for
the working world. I captained the UCL
Tennis team for two years and did a
number of internships in consulting and
atmosphere.
finance before applying to join.
Working within the Capital Markets
I am thrilled to have joined such a high
team, no two days are ever the same.
growth company and am excited to see
what the next few years have in store!
We work on connecting investment
professionals across the world with
industry experts who have the specific
knowledge required to help our clients
make better, more informed decisions.
www.alphasights.com
44
Alumni Profiles – Ark
During my time at UCL I was involved
in showing secondary school students
around the university, which sparked
my initial interest in teaching.
In particular, I knew that I wanted to
work with children who didn’t have the
same opportunities as me in life – this is
when I discovered Ark Teacher Training.
Ark’s programme is a highly supportive
Christina Sparks
BA English, 2011
Teacher and Head of Year
This time last year I had just completed
my training on the one-year Ark Teacher
course which trains graduates and
career-changers to become teachers.
It’s a new way of training where you’re
intheclassroomfromdayone an
approachthatreallyappealedtome ,
but you also receive lots of training
Training programme. Now I’m a
and support.
qualifiedteacher andheadofyear The programme sounded great but
in an Ark school and I’m looking
forward to continuing my career as
a primary teacher. So far it has been
an amazing experience.
I didn’t go straight into teaching –
upon graduating, I started work
infinancialservices,whereIhad
completed an internship while at
university. This was an interesting
experience, but I knew that there
were other ways in which I could be
challenged and could use my
English skills.
also challenging. This is where the
multi-layered support from Ark’s
education experts has been really
helpful.Imeetwithmymentor also
a
alumnus frequentlyandget
weekly training on all aspects of
teaching. Everyone wants me to
succeed, and that’s really encouraging.
The best thing about the programme is
that you keep on receiving support,
so I’m constantly improving.
www.arkschools.org/teach
45
Alumni Profiles – BDO
BDO provide a large amount of
training and support, especially
at the beginning, and there are
constant opportunities to learn and
push yourself further if you want to.
Since joining, I have worked on a
range of clients varying in size across
different industries – from charities to
technology companies; working in
both small and large teams – each one
Hannah Louise Rouse
brings with it a new set of challenges.
Stem Cell Biology, 2015
For me the best part of BDO is the
PhD in Developmental and
Audit Trainee
atmosphere – the work is challenging
I joined BDO in 2014 while completing
friendly and approachable, I would
my PhD at UCL. Having studied in
definitely recommend BDO to others.
and the people I have met are very
the field of biology and without any
previous business knowledge I chose
to start a career in accountancy
because I wanted to branch out into
something completely new that would
challenge me and provide a platform
for moving into a whole range of
business areas that would not have
previously been accessible from a
pure science background.
I started in the London office in
November with a cohort of other
graduates and you very quickly feel
a strong sense of identity both with
them and within the firm.
www.bdograduaterecruitment.
co.uk
46
Alumni Profiles – Deloitte
I joined Deloitte after graduating with
a BSc Economics degree from UCL
in 2012. The Deloitte Graduate
Scheme attracted me because of the
range of opportunities available, both
in terms of areas of expertise and
the number of industries and clients
for which Deloitte is the professional
services provider.
Neha Singh
Studying at UCL taught me how to
Finance – Financial Performance
efficient, logical way and I now use
BSc Economics, 2012
prioritise and approach tasks in an
Management & Analytics
these skills at work on a daily basis.
Since joining Deloitte I have
been involved in multiple finance
transformation projects at a large
UK bank. I have been entrusted with
a significant amount of responsibility
in my roles, which has allowed me to
develop my skill set much faster than
initially anticipated.
www2.deloitte.com/uk/en.html
47
Alumni Profiles – GSK
My current rotation within IT
procurement is a varied experience.
Some of the projects I’ve been
involved in include optimising our
mobile phone usage and negotiating
new mobile phone contracts to
sourcing a new SMS service to help us
better engage patients, customers and
health care professionals to working
with our IT Outsourcing vendors to test
Gary Yeo
the compatibility of our applications.
Procurement Graduate
To give a sense of the variety available,
While completing my undergraduate
I was touring factory floors watching
degree in Economics at UCL it
toothpaste being made!
BSc Economics, 2014
6 months ago on a previous rotation
became increasingly clear to me that
I didn’t want to follow the typical path
If you are looking for a varied,
of pursuing a career in banking or
challenging and meaningful career
consultancy. A quick search online
I would strongly encourage you to
brought me to GSK and after some
apply!
consideration and research, I opted
for the Procurement Future Leaders
Programme.
The Future Leaders Programme gives
graduates a wealth of opportunity
and exposure across geography
and functions. You get involved in
projects that challenge you but you’re
also given the guidance and support
necessary to succeed.
www.gsk.com
48
Alumni Profiles – Hogan Lovells
vacation scheme experience with two
commercial law firms. I was impressed
by the approachable culture of Hogan
Lovells and the strength of its practice
areas. I wanted to work for a firm that
was not just strong in one of Corporate,
Finance or Litigation, but was excellent
in all these areas. I was impressed by
the firm’s supportive culture, as though
most firms’ state they have an open
Sengova Kailondo
door policy, the trainees I met confirmed
Trainee Solicitor
Having obtained and accepted a
Law LLB, 2013
Hogan Lovells has been instrumental
in helping develop my legal career.
As a UCL law student I attended an
open day at the firm where I gained
practical insight into what a career as
that this was true at Hogan Lovells.
training contract with the firm, I started
my training contract in August 2014.
I have learnt an immense amount and
been exposed to a variety of work in
Corporate and Litigation so far.
a commercial lawyer would be like
My advice to students is to really
through discussions with partners
research the firms they are applying to.
and associates.
Though firms may seem very similar
Through Hogan Lovells’ work with Rare
Recruitment, I attended further insight
days at the firm. These were very
helpful as I participated in workshops
with other students where I analysed
case studies on commercial deals
that Hogan Lovells had worked on,
and I further understood the roles that
lawyers played. I also received tailored
application advice that helped me to
prepare strong applications and obtain
on websites and brochures, they can
be quite different. An open day can be
a fantastic opportunity to learn about
the firm, meet lawyers and see whether
you like their offices and the work
environment!
www.hoganlovells.com
49
Alumni Profiles – KPMG
actual day in the life of a consultant.
I really enjoyed the process and learnt
so much more about KPMG through it.
By the time I had my final interview
I was sure that KPMG was the right
firm for me. The Graduate Programme
is great because from day one you are
provided with extensive support as
they fully understand the transition from
university life to the working world can
Adeola Adebowale
be challenging and you are provided
Graduate Trainee Management
ground running.
MEng Chemical Engineering, 2012
Consulting
I joined KPMG Management Consulting
practise specialising in the Corporate
Sector. I chose to apply to KPMG
because of the people and the
opportunities. The people I had met
from KPMG were always very friendly
and genuine. KPMG has a Global
Opportunities (GO) programme which
offers you the opportunity to apply
for a different role in any country that
has a KPMG office. This programme
significantly increases your career
with all the tools you require to hit the
If you want to work for a firm which
gives you great learning opportunities
and world class training, alongside
some of the smartest and friendliest
people, then KPMG is the place for
you. To work here you have to be
hardworking, enthusiastic and put
passion in all that you do. You have to
be willing to think out of the box and
exert yourself. If you think you have
what it takes then you should definitely
apply as this a firm where you can
design your own career and you get
prospects.
as much out as you put into it.
I found the recruitment process for
www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/ucl
KPMG to be very unique. It was the
only company I applied to that didn’t
have the typical team working activities
and the assessment center felt like an
50
Alumni Profiles – LSEG
My first placement was in the IT
Project Management team. One
project involved having to migrate a
high volume of trades over to a new IT
model. When you’re handling trades
with a combined value of several million
pounds there’s very little room for error.
I’ve since started my second rotation in
Operations and Client Services, which
Alexander Imseeh
is very much a hybrid role between
Technology graduate
queries will come into us from major
I’ve always enjoyed working with
come up with the right strategy to
technology, and I was keen to combine
resolve these.
MSc Nanotechnology, 2012
business and technology. Different
investment banks and it’s our job to
this with my interest in the financial
markets. London is at the centre of the
What I like about the programme is
global economy and I wanted to be
that you can really tailor your training to
where the action is.
your specific interests and have a say in
the kind of work you want to do. I love
London Stock Exchange Group offers
travelling so I would also be keen to
a rotation-based graduate programme
work abroad at some stage.
and I was keen to get exposure to
different sides of the business.
www.lseg.com/careers/graduateand-internship-programmes
51
Alumni Profiles – Oliver Wyman
Although I started working in the
London office, Oliver Wyman allowed
me to transfer to the New York office,
where I have spent the last two years
working in New York, Boston and
Toronto. Their flexibility is key to what
makes Oliver Wyman a great employer
– both in the way day-to-day work is
carried out and longer term in the ability
to manage your own career path.
Elisa Haining
MSc Economics, 2012
For me, one of the most marked
Associate
differences about working for
I joined Oliver Wyman after completing
constantly changing, ensuring that I
a master’s degree at UCL in 2012.
Having considered a range of
companies across different industries,
I chose Oliver Wyman for the mix of
bright people, dynamic environment
and opportunities to travel.
During my first three years at Oliver
Wyman I have had the opportunity
to work with a number of different
clients in the financial services industry
on a range of different projects; from
building projection models for capital
adequacy assessments to developing
capital markets client strategies. Each
project brings fresh opportunities, with
new team members and clients to
learn from.
Oliver Wyman is the way my role is
am continually challenged and never
bored. The one constant is the great
group of people you get to work with
wherever you are in the world –
from Munich to Puerto Rico.
www.oliverwyman.com
52
Alumni Profiles – Police Now
Policing is the best kept
secret in the
graduate market. You can make a
meaningful difference to the
lives of
others whilst developing your own
leadership skills. Policing is a
really
challenging job and I have had the
most incredible two years in the MET.
I enjoy the fast pace and variety; I love
the fact that I am not
stuck in an office
and each day I find myself in situations
Rhona Hunt
that I never
thought I would be in. The
Police Officer
people’s
lives – you see the very best
Whilst her peers went off to law
one
incident. The feeling you get from
Speech and Language Therapy, 2013
firms and investment banks, Rhona
decided to do something different and
joined
the Metropolitan Police Service
as a Police Officer.
role has given me perspective on other
and the very worst of humanity, often in
helping someone going through their
hardest
moments is unbeatable.
Police Now is a trailblazing
graduate
development programme.
Over the last two years
she has worked
It offers graduates seeking a
in Hackney in both frontline uniform
challenge the opportunity
to do
and detective roles. She
has worked
something different while developing
in neighbourhood policing, tackling
leadership
skills transferable to
crime and anti social behaviour
in the
any sector. It offers intense world
community, and in CID investigating
class training and
has a number of
serious and violent crime. Alongside
prestigious platinum partners. Police
her operational role Rhona has
Now are asking graduates from any
been part of innovative start up
discipline, who may not previously
‘Police Now’,
a two year leadership
have considered policing, to apply.
development programme for
graduates.
www.policenow.org.uk
53
Alumni Profiles – PwC
My career started in Assurance, where
I worked mainly within audit teams.
Within BRS, there are opportunities to
take professional qualifications like the
ACA or ACCA and also more specialist
exams like the JIEB (Joint Insolvency
Examination Board), to qualify as an
Insolvency Practitioner.
There’s huge variety in the work we do
Ify Agbakoba
according to a number of factors such
Senior Associate, Business
which our clients operate. This makes
Biomedical Sciences, 2010
as location, sector, and the market in
Recovery Services
day-to-day tasks and responsibilities
I work in the Corporate Simplification
the way, I’ve learnt key technical skills
and Exit team, a specialist team within
but also equally important softer skills,
Business Recovery Services (or ’BRS’
such as relationship building and
as we call it). We advise both public
communication.
interesting and also challenging. Along
and private sector clients on a range
of group re-organisations, specifically
If you’re looking for a diverse, global,
on the wind down and exit of their
and challenging career, I would
operations and businesses.
recommend applying to PwC.
As team members, we’re encouraged
www.pwc.com/uk/careers
to network with clients and fellow
colleagues, look for new opportunities,
and bring new ideas to the table which
I really enjoy.
54
Alumni Profiles – TeachFirst
nothing quite like working with young
people and seeing your hard work
directly impact people’s lives.
Now I have moved on to become
Teach First President, an elected
position in which I represent and
mobilise our community of almost
7000 Teach First participants and
ambassadors for two years. The
Danielle Tobin
role sees me travelling all over the
MA Legal and Political Theory, 2012
of people, from children, teachers
UCL – BA English Literature, 2011
country and meeting a huge range
IOE – MA Leadership, 2015
and headteachers to people like HRH
UCL is a whirlwind of a place to study
and, after attending pretty much every
careers event on offer and taking part
in various corporate vacation schemes,
I wanted to be truly challenged whilst
doing something that felt genuinely
worthwhile. The Teach First vision of
addressing the UK’s huge educational
inequality is incredibly important and
particularly resonated with me after
having had the opportunity to study
at a world-leading university.
I joined the Teach First Leadership
Development programme and taught
English in a secondary school in
London for two years. I learned an
incredible amount during this time
and fell in love with teaching: there is
Prince Charles and Sir John Major.
Teach First is a brilliant platform for
whatever you choose to do long-term
– there are so many opportunities
on offer. I can’t think of many other
graduate jobs that give you so much
responsibility, are so important to
society, provide a platform for whatever
you want to do in the future, as well
as access to an incredible and
inspiring network.
www.teachfirst.org.uk
55
Alumni Profiles – UBS
InAugust2011IjoinedtheEquity
Derivatives Flow desk as a full time
sales trader. On a day to day basis
I build and maintain relationships,
pitch trade ideas and executing these
for my clients. I have an excellent
opportunity where I can trade both
index and single stock European
equity derivatives, plus I regularly looks
at Asian and US underlyings too.
Meera Sheth
BSc Economics, 2011
UBS is a challenging and collaborative
Sales Trader
place to work with so many
I studied a BSc in economics at UCL,
UCL school team, where I have the
andinmyfirstyearIappliedand
opportunity to drive recruitment
was successful for the UBS Horizons
strategies and build a network with
programme! This prize included an
other alumnus.
opportunities! I am now part of the
amazing 5 week volunteering trip to
Borneo and a summer internship in
the area of my choice!
In my second year I returned to UBS
for my internship on the Equity Capital
Markets desk, and at the end of the
internship I was very excited to be
offeredagraduaterolefor2011.
www.ubs.com/graduates
Student
Central
(ULU)
UCL Careers,
4th Floor, Student Central (ULU Building), Malet Street, London WC1E 7HY
Tel: 020 3549 5900 Email: careers@ucl.ac.uk
@UCLCareers /UCLCareers www.ucl.ac.uk/careers