- October 4th, 2019|
- by gradconsult|
- For Graduates,For Students,GC News
- |advice,Gradconsult,students,TeamGC,top tips,university,work experience
By Harriet Swift
Picture this: you’re finishing your second year of University had secured a six week internship in HR/Recruitment which would allow you develop both professionally and personally. But then it falls through last minute. You’re left with a six week gap in your life which, if you’re anything like me, puts you in cold sweats.
This happened to me in June and I knew I needed to fill that void in my summer holidays. In case you hadn’t already guessed, I’m not the kind of person who likes to waste those long University summers… However, fear not, LinkedIn was there to save me. Thanks to the power of networking and Rebecca generously reaching out, I landed myself a Project Coordinator internship at Gradconsult. It’s safe to say I’ve had the best time surrounded by wonderful and truly inspirational people.
The best bit:
My personal highlight of the six weeks was attending one of the graduate induction days for a construction client. My role was to observe and also lend a hand to the candidates as they were sent off to learn more about the business through their ‘onboarding’ task. The graduates had valuable interviews with senior members of staff, including the CEO. It was fascinating to meet the graduates, many of whom were in my position this time last year, and to discuss their hopes and expectations for their brand new graduate programme. It was also interesting chatting to the HR director and finding out about her role in the scheme and her day-to-day role in the company.
Overall, I would say my trip was incredibly useful because it allowed me to see how the work that Gradconsult does in the office translated into real life. As they say at University, it allowed me to get out of the “ivory tower” and what a difference Gradconsult makes, not only to new graduates, but to the businesses themselves.
My best advice:
I just wanted to end this blog by offering the best piece of advice I’ve received while interning at Gradconsult: always try to be yourself in application processes. Don’t try to second guess the psychometric tests, let your enthusiasm naturally flow in video interviews, and try to be friendly and relaxed in assessment centres. Remember, the company you’re applying for has to be right for you, as well as you being right for the company – If it were tinder, you would both have to swipe right. If you try and ‘fake it ‘till you make it’, you’ll probably find yourself disliking the graduate job you thought was right for you, and all the effort you’ve put in won’t have been particularly worth it. Relax, practice, and do your research. You’ve got this.