What did you think of The Graduate?

Alex

"The event worked really well; the running was smooth and all the helpers knew what they were doing and what the process was. We were met at the train station with a friendly face, who got us organised and made sure we knew where we were going and that we were in the right place! From there the day followed on from this with a very well organised event. We all knew where we had to be at what times, and when the time came given clear instructions on what we were going to be doing for each part of the day. The evening event worked excellently, with a good chance to network with many high up people from different businesses and it was a great way to finish off the day. It made The Graduate feel like a very special event and an honour to take part in."

Jamie

"The event itself was very well organised and a lot of thought had gone into providing the finalists with the best possible, realistic experience. Even though it was just a mock up event, it certainly seemed real on the day and I actually felt quite nervous! It was a lovely setting at Yorkshire Water’s official training facility and we were all made to feel very welcome. The structure of the day was well explained at the introduction presentation, this made it clear what type of activities we would be taking part in and how the day would pan out. I’m obviously not going to give away any secrets, but be prepared to be put through your paces in these activities, just like you would in a real assessment. There was sufficient time in between the tasks to network with representatives from the other graduate companies, as well as getting my CV checked over by a recruitment specialist. It really was a fantastic opportunity to gain more experience of the assessment centre process and to feel more prepared for applications in the future."

Did attending the event help you to progress in any way?

Alex

"My performance gave me a big confidence boost in my abilities, and gave me the confidence to perform in a real assessment centre which in turn gave me a job. I believe this is a direct result of the Graduate experience. I felt ready when I next attended an assessment centre; with the advice and feedback offered after the experience I knew where and how to improve to ensure success."

Jamie

"Yes! Before attending the final of this event, I had been applying for numerous industrial placements. It was a very lengthy and challenging process to go through, and on a number of occasions I got as far as the assessment centre, only to be unsuccessful. When I heard about The Graduate event, I did at first think “I haven’t got time to apply, especially when there is no job at the end of it, so what’s the point?” Well the point was that I was failing at the last hurdle of the job application processes, and I wanted to increase my chances of success. After taking part in The Graduate final, I was able to use this experience, as well as the feedback received, to look at ways in which I could improve in the job application process going forward."

What did you gain from this event?

Alex

"I gained the knowledge of how assessment centre exercises are run and what is being looked for by an employer in each one. I learned how to talk in an interview, how to work better in a group, what tests we are likely to take and mostly how to think on your feet!"

Jamie

"One of the main things I gained from this event was the opportunity to improve and gain feedback on my employability skills. The invaluable feedback I received highlighted the areas I was strongest at, but more importantly the areas I could improve in. I felt that I had gained a better idea of what to expect from assessment centres and what employers expected from me, this understanding really does improve your confidence. Another thing I gained from this event, which was totally unexpected, was being offered a 12 month industrial placement with Yorkshire Water. It just goes to show that if you are prepared to put in the effort with these kinds of opportunities, who knows where it might lead."

What did you enjoy most about The Graduate?

Alex

"The people; all members of the Yorkshire Water/Graduate team were very friendly and good to talk to. The sponsors were very open also and it was genuinely a nice experience to be part of. The experience as a whole, finishing with the hotel stay and excellent award ceremony really made this feel like an event to be part of; an event to remember. Meeting lots of like minded people and lots of employers potentially interested in you is definitely an enjoyable experience."

Jamie

"Of course I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the awards ceremony, like any typical student, the opportunity to be wined and dined is great one! But seriously, the whole day itself was very enjoyable. You might question why I think putting myself through a grilling process like this would be ‘enjoyable’ and I would have said the same thing before hand. There is a real buzz throughout the day, from the people organising the event, to the finalists taking part. It is a great opportunity to network with associates from all the companies involved and you never know, they may well remember you if you apply for a job with them later! Everyone wants to do well, and even though there isn’t a job at the end of it, it really is rewarding to know you’ve got through it and learned something at the end of it."

Would you recommend The Graduate to others?

Alex

"Most definitely; I already have! Where else can you learn so many important soft skills while competing for top prizes like these? It is an event which can help any graduate improve in the necessary skills needed in today’s very competitive climate. Any advantage is needed to ensure success, and The Graduate helps give you that advantage."

Jamie

"Yes absolutely! These days the application process for jobs is so long, what with application forms, telephone interviews, aptitude tests, and then after all that, if they like what they’ve seen so far, the assessment centre. If you are unprepared for this it can be a really daunting experience, sometimes people really are good enough for the job, but just fail at this last hurdle. The Graduate event gives you that opportunity to practice and really understand what is expected of you at an assessment centre. You will come away from this event feeling like you’ve gained a real competitive advantage over others who’ve not had this experience. This insight will really help you when you face a real assessment centre as it will allow you to channel your efforts into impressing the right people and hopefully bag that dream job."