The City Course May 13, 2011
Posted by Jeff Riley in : careers, london, university of london, workshop , add a commentThere is only a tenuous link between City careers and international development or security and intelligence (the other main concern of this blog). However, I hope readers won’t mind this piece because careers sometimes take an unexpected turn (or more likely, always take an unexpected turn). Our colleague, Kate Murray, has been organising the City Course – closing date for applications 24th June (The Careers Group, University of London Colleges only) I talked to her about the highs and lows of delivering the course.
What’s the best thing about organising a course like this? It’s been a really positive experience on the
whole. Employers have generally been really keen to take part. They really want to meet hand-picked,
financially-interested University of London students and we always get a good response from students.
What’s the worst thing about it? We get three applications for every place so sifting takes a fair bit of time
– and sometimes it is a bit wearing seeing poor applications that don’t address the competencies. Get some
help from the Careers Service!
When you are selecting applicants what do you look for? The applications are assessed and scored against
competencies. We also try to ensure we get a balance across our member colleges and different courses.
Why does the Careers Service organise these types of events? Well, although we organise fairs and have
employers visit colleges for skills talks, the City Course is a more in-depth look at a broad range of City
careers. It helps us ensure students get access to firms that might not visit colleges and meet students
otherwise.
Kate, the course costs £96. Do you think that’s fair? Well, it’s over five long days for a start. Includes
extensive visits to nine top-notch City firms such as Lloyds and the Bank of England and has food and drink
as part of the price. There’s great networking opportunities and each firm gives you the chance to do a
business game or similar. So yes, I think it’s fair.
What has been the biggest coup on the course so far? The last event on the Friday is being hosted by
Lloyds, the insurance market. It’s great to be in such an iconic building and I know students are going to be
really engaged with what they find out about a less well-known part of the City market.
And, finally, what has been the biggest challenge? Each year it takes a fair amount of work to enrol a wide
range of employers. There’s always a turnover of contacts and this means rebuilding connections and
making sure they understand what the course is about and how they can benefit from it.
Thanks, Kate.
If you want to find out more about the City Course please visit careers.lon.ac.uk/city and visit Facebook www.facebook.com/CareersintheCity?ref=ts
