How I got my job at BDO in Liverpool
We have a Placement Year information session with BDO on Thursday 5th November at 1pm. In the session they will talk about their year in industry roles within their Shared Services Centre. Read about Hope alumni Denis who secured a graduate role within this department.
Here in the Careers and Employability Team we love hearing, and sharing, the experiences of our graduates in the workplace. In this blog we hear from Denis, A Geography graduate from Hope, who’s now working for BDO LLP in Liverpool.
What is my job role?
I work at a large accountancy and business advisory firm called BDO LLP. I work in the firm’s Shared Service Centre (SSC), which is based in the Liverpool office, and my job title is SSC Assistant. I do bank letter coordinating for various BDO offices, mainly for London and Leeds. This means that I am constantly in communication with banks around the world and our Audit Managers to provide account balances for our clients end of year audits. This requires careful management of large databases consisting of hundreds of entities and client private banking information. At the moment our team is relatively new, so we are always implementing new…
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Focus on: Computer science, maths & ENGINEERING careers fair
On Tuesday 27th October Liverpool Hope University is hosting a careers day for students studying Computer Science, Mathematics and Engineering.
There are a range of sessions available for students to tap into ranging from information on year in industry placements to graduate programmes.
Some of the sessions are available for students of all courses to attend and will have placement and graduate programme sessions that they can apply for.
Below is a list of sessions with the link to register. Once registered you will receive a zoom link.
12pm BDO
BDO is an international network of public accounting, tax, consulting and business advisory firms which perform professional services under the name of BDO. As of 2017 BDO has member firms in 162 countries, employs around 80,000 partners and staff in over 1,591 offices throughout the world, and is the fifth largest professional services network globally.
BDO will discuss their Industrial Placement opportunity (13 month) starting June 2021 until July 2022, for students looking to complete a placement/sandwich year in industry. This will be based within our Liverpool Shared Service Centre, which is essentially a centralised support function for our client facing teams across the country. Various teams and roles to be fulfilled and we are looking for students from studying ALL DEGREES, due to the variation in teams and support we offer.
We will also be highlighting our entry level role possibilities, for students/recent graduates that have not had the opportunity to enrol in a graduation scheme, but would still be interested in a career in accountancy & finance and are happy to join through entry level roles within the Shared service Centre.
Book on here –
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computer-science-maths-engineering-careers-session-bdo-tickets-125509366895
1pm Autotrader
Autotrader will deliver a session on their graduate programme opportunities for Software Developers, Finance Graduates and more.
Autotrader’s recruitment team and current employees in the graduate roles will discuss their opportunities and share insights on the application process. The graduate roles are: Software Developer, Finance Graduate, Account Manager and Project Manager.
You can view more information about the roles here https://careers.autotrader.co.uk/jobs/
Auto Trader sits across the technology, automotive and advertising industries and is a major consumer brand. We are:
Data-led: Data, and the insight derived from it, power everything that we do from new products and development to enhancements to search and advertising. Our colleagues are organised into high-performing, data-oriented squads to ensure we are agile and quick to respond to change.
Inclusive: Ensuring Auto Trader is a diverse, inclusive and conscious employer that contributes positively to its communities is a key strategic priority for our business.
One team: We have built a simple, lean and relatively flat-structured organisation, and we value our people and their opinions. We host an annual employee conference to share ideas, bringing colleagues together from Manchester, London and those based in the field around the UK.
This session is available to students across all courses
Too book on register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computer-science-maths-engineering-careers-session-autotrader-tickets-125600740195
12pm Andy Kent, How to be more Employable
Andy Kent, CEO of Liverpool Software Developer Angel Solutions, shares hints and tips on employability and developing a career
Andy Kent is CEO of Angel Solutions, an award-winning Liverpool-based software development company supplying every local authority in the country alongside a suite of products that service the schools market.
Their core products handle vast quantities of pupil level data and Angel has been innovating ways to help the sector get the best intelligence from this including alternative visualisations to help save time during budget cuts.
Angel has a growing team of passionate and innovative thinkers, creators, designers and educationalists.
The office is themed like a circus to reflect their unique culture which includes monthly innovation days, training programmes, charity days, birthdays off, fun days in the park and surprises throughout the year.
If you’ve not met Andy before he could arguably be Britain’s most energetic tech entrepreneur. This Ringmaster and his team of 50 (and growing) create innovative products out of an award winning circus themed office! Andy was in the 2018 BIMA 100, is the Chair of BIMA Liverpool and is a regular speaker at both local and national events. Andy now spends most of his time working across the city region on projects that invest in young people and mentors other businesses & aspiring entrepreneurs.
Andy’s event will share hints and tips on how to make yourself more employable and search for opportunities, and to provide some motivation and inspiration during an uncertain job market. Suitable for all courses
To book on register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/comp-sci-maths-eng-careers-session-andy-kent-ceo-of-angel-solutions-tickets-125511543405
12pm LDRA
LDRA are a software company based in Birkenhead and will be discussing graduate opportunities available in the Wirral and across the globe.
For more than 40 years, LDRA has developed and driven the market for software that automates code analysis and software testing for safety, mission, security and business-critical markets. Working with clients to achieve early error identification and elimination, and full compliance with industry standards, LDRA traces requirements through static and dynamic analysis to unit testing and verification for a wide variety of hardware and software platforms. Boasting a worldwide presence, LDRA has headquarters in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and India coupled with an extensive distributor network.
To book on register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computer-science-maths-engineering-careers-session-ldra-tickets-125602312899
1pm – RAF
A webinar with engineering officers from RAF discussing their career opportunities in Communications, Electronics and AeroSystems . This is a talk suited to students in Computer Science, Maths and Engineering with particular interest in engineering. More info on RAF can be found here https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/engineering-roles-technicians
Too book on register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computer-science-maths-engineering-careers-session-raf-tickets-125507691885
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet these leading employers and too boost your chances of a placement or graduate role.
Back to Basics…Taking A Placement Year
For level I students it’s a critical time in the placement year calendar with applications now open for many of the big schemes but how much do you really know about this career enhancing opportunity? In this blog we go back to basics with the placement year.
What is a placement year? 1 academic year spent in the workplace – usually taken between level I and level H. You need to complete the equivalent of 9 months full-time work, the majority of advertised opportunities are for 1 year (12 months).
What kind of job can you do? Taking a placement year offers you the opportunity to spend time working as part of your degree and Hope’s programme is extremely flexible so you could work for a big blue chip organisation or for a charity…the choice is yours; just like it is when you finish your degree. So whether you see yourself donning a suit and working in audit or really want to work in curation in a museum why not get some valuable work experience by taking a placement year?
Who can take a placement year? Here at Hope almost every undergraduate has the opportunity to undertake a placement year (the only exceptions being those whose course already include a significant period on placement – Primary BA QTS, Social Work and Sports Rehabilitation). So if you’re on any other undergraduate course you have the option of undertaking a placement year as part of your degree.
For some students (e.g. Computer Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence) there’s the option to choose a placement year when applying through UCAS, for those without this option you can transfer onto a placement year variant at any stage in level C or I. By letting Careers & Employability know you’re interested we can support you through the finding and applying process.
How to access support contact Anna Worsley, Senior Employment and Placement Officer on worslea@hope.ac.uk if you’re interested in taking a Placement Year. Careers & Employability will then send you regular updates including opportunities we spot and details on how to access one to one support with your search and applications. We also have a lot of resources on My Careers Centre here you’ll find a jobs board with advertised opportunities, a list of upcoming careers events and a whole host of online learning and careers resources.
Joe Perrins, BA Business Management with Placement Year
Virtual interview advice in a time of Covid-19
”…Providing some practical (interview) tips for students can make a real difference to them increasing their chances of a successful outcome. This is especially important for neurodivergent students who may have some additional challenges with communication…and increased levels of anxiety.’’
One huge change that has happened during Covid-19 has been the flip to, and necessity for many to work from home. This has accelerated flexible working that was seen to be a part of the industrial revolution 4.0.It has also meant that many students if they want to apply for jobs now or in the future will need to be confident to participate in all stages of the virtual hiring processes.
Face to face interviews, while costly in time and money can sometimes be easier to gauge the responses from others in the room when being interviewed. Some of the non-verbal cues that you would normally recognise can be missed…
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Teacher Training Events
Hot on the heels of my previous email, there are a wide array of virtual events that are dedicated to teacher training and an overview of the sector provided by Get Into Teaching (Events). Attending these events would be beneficial in terms of the information provided regarding deciding on training, applying and interviewing for a programme, but also, something to add to your personal statement to demonstrate your dedication to securing a training place.
Below is a rundown of events that you can attend:
14 October at 16.30-19.30 Virtual Train to Teach Birmingham
Our virtual Train to Teach events will provide you with a wealth of information on how to get into teaching and how to apply for training in your region.
12 October at 11.30-13.00 Supporting your Teacher Training Application
Join this online Q&A event for advice on your teacher training application. Our panel of experts will answer your questions and offer tips and advice on making sure your application stands out.
15 October at 11.30-13.00 Advice for University Students
Join our online Q&A event specifically tailored for university students and find out why teaching is a great career choice. Our panel of experts will provide helpful information on the different training options available, tax-free bursaries and the application process.
19 October at 18.00-19.30 Change Career to Teaching
Considering changing career to teaching? Not sure about the next step? Join this online Q&A event where our panel of experts will discuss the different options available to help you retrain and experiences of the obstacles faced when changing career.
21 October at 11.30-13.00 Teacher Training Options
Looking for a career with a real purpose? Join this online Q&A event to find out more about teaching as a career and the different options you can take to qualify as a teacher in England. Our panel of experts will help you decide which option is best for you and provide lots of advice to kick-start your new career.
26 October at 18.00-19.30 Secondary Teacher Training Options
Join this online Q&A event for advice on all things secondary school teaching. Our panel of experts will help you decide which option is best for you and provide lots of advice to kickstart your new career.
28 October at 11.30-13.00 Primary Teacher Training Options
Join this online Q&A event for advice on all things primary school teaching. Our panel of experts will help you decide which option is best for you and provide lots of advice to kickstart your new career.
Teacher Training Applications Opening Soon
Save the date: UCAS Teacher Training Applications Open on 13th October
Its that time of year again when applications for teacher training begin. If you’re a Level H student or a graduate with an interest in training to become a teacher, please read on.
Below is a run down of everything you need to get you ready for the 13th and a few words about the importance of applying early.
What type of teacher do you want to be?
Teacher training is available to suit all age groups (below university level) with a range of possible specialisms and providers:
Early Years – EYTS or School Direct
Primary – PGCE (occasionally PGDE) or School Direct
Secondary – PGCE (occasionally PGDE) or School Direct
Sixth Form and Further Education – PGDE (FE/Post 14)
Get ahead of the curve: when its gone, its gone!
Teacher training courses are on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning that once a provider has interviewed potential trainees, and offers for places are accepted, the provider will not accept any more applications.
Training providers are obligated to keep training advertisements open for at least 14 days. Best practice for anyone intending on applying for teacher training should have their supporting statement ready for opening day or at least a draft, and ideally submit as ASAP or before the end of October to avoid disappointment. By November some providers will be full or close to full and by December options will be limited.
Application check-list
- From today you will be able to search training courses through the Department for Education’s Find Postgraduate Teacher Training Service (making note of training provider and programme codes).
- Register to use APPLY (UCAS)
- Complete pro-forma questions including personal details, education and work experience.
*Have all education certificates (e.g. GCSE and A-Level) or details of your certificates as you’ll need to know pass dates and examination boards.
- Pick up to three different programmes of study (can be a blend of PGCE and School Direct or all the same type of training programme). Ensure that all course and institution codes are correct.
*Although your choices are not placed in rank order it is advisable to include your primary choice first.
- Include your personal statement
- Include two referees – contact them for permission in advance of application. For example, an academic and most recent experience provider.
- Submit and track progress
*The turnaround from application to invite to interview can be up to approximately three weeks but is much quicker in many instances.
The personal statement
a) What to include
Structure, structure, structure…rather than telling the reader that you are a good communicator, show them with structure and concise illustrations.
Have a clear beginning outlining the premise of your application, a middle that describes your suitability in more detail with illustrative examples, and an ending.
Here are some elements to consider including within the personal statement:
- Your reasons for wanting to teach
- Relevant classroom experience
- How your education will benefit you as a Teacher
- Demonstrate experience or knowledge of how to plan, deliver and assess learners
- Provide evidence of being a reflective practitioner
- Any other skills or outside interests you consider relevant
b) Important guidelines to follow
- Your statement must be no more than 47 lines of text and a maximum of 4,000 characters (with spacing).
- Please avoid using bold, underlining or sub-headings throughout the statement.
*It would be useful to draft your statement in a word processor first (e.g. MS Word) and copy and paste over to UCAS application to ensure grammar and punctuation are correct.
Submit
Once all sections are completed you will be allowed to submit your application form. Submission of the application costs a single £1 fee.
Useful resources
Get into teaching: how to apply for UCAS teacher training
UCAS: how to write a personal statement
UCAS: filling in your teacher training application
We’re still here to help!
As always, the Careers and Employability is here to help, even in these difficult times. You can access us, via email, telephone or video call by emailing careers@hope.ac.uk as well as My Careers Centre.
