Alumni Advice: applying for graduate employment schemes

Rod Brown, BSc Architecture 1983
Fully understand the organisation providing the opportunity; succinctly explain why you are the best person for the role; have something exceptional to talk about; don't be desperate - be confident that you are good enough for another role if you don't get this one.

Nitesh Srivastava, BA French & German 2013
I would advise using the UCL Careers Centre, as they have some great tips and resources on applying for grad schemes. 

John Deards, BA History 2003
Find out as much as you can about the company: not only what's on the web, but use your network of friends and contacts as well.

Sveva Scenarelli, BASc Arts and Sciences
Tailor your applications to showcase your skills and experiences that are most related to the role in question. Make sure you know the company’s values and opportunities, and some small detail about them that really demonstrates you have done your reading. Finally, research the application process in depth and systematically prepare for online tests and interviews!

Dzhordzhio Naldzhiev, MRes Science and Engineering 2017
Always tailor your application to the specific position advertised: include keywords from the criteria that they are searching for as part of your cover letter and CV. Be ambitious, believe in yourself and be confident.

Daniel Kinnear, LLM Law 1995
Apply only to those institutions that you have a real interest in. Research the institution/role. Try to speak to people who work there. Look at your skill set and map that to the role requirements. Be honest. Present yourself confidently and with energy.

Richard Thorpe, BA English 1978
Prepare! The employer will expect you to have researched their website. Be clear about why you have applied and what you can offer.

The UCL alumni profiled here are all registered on the UCL Alumni Online Community, an exclusive networking site for UCL students and alumni. If you’re looking for careers advice, or a mentor in your chosen field, register today at uclalumnicommunity.org to make professional contacts within the UCL community.