· The key components that construct a successful placement or internship programme
· Insight from award-winning employers on the delivery of an effective undergraduate scheme – both large and smaller sized intakes
· Advice on filling your graduate talent pipeline by retaining undergraduates and an exploration of the challenges faced by recruiters
· Ideas on early engagement with first and second year students on-campus
· An understanding of the dangers of leaving engagement late and the long term consequences for graduate recruitment

Chris Wickson (One of the founders of RMP Enterprise) began the session talking about the ten key components, we believe as market leaders in students searching for placements and internships, makes a perfect placement. To read about these components in more detail, click here.

We then heard from Christina Kerr, Head of Front Office Recruitment EMEA, Campus Recruitment, Barclays Capital and Orla Meade, Graduate Attraction Specialist – UK & Ireland, Unilever who spoke about their experiences in what it takes to deliver a successful undergraduate scheme and look at the longer-term benefits of identifying and retaining student talent on to graduate schemes.

Barclays Capital were named ‘Best Placement & Internship Employer’ at the National Placement & Internship Awards 2012 and Christina provided an insight into their Award winning programme, hiring around 600 summer interns each year. Orla also shared her experiences of the Unilever undergraduate scheme which consists of hiring 50+ year-long and summer placements across the business.

Ali Lindsay (Also one of the founders of RMP Enterprise and Director of On-Campus Promotions) and his team, Charlotte Blake and Amber Jones, presented their findings on how to engage with first year students. Their findings consisted of holding a focus group at their offices with 10 first year students from an array of universities. Also a survey was carried out to 892 first year’s students, as well as brought in three newly recruited first year Brand Managers to talk about their experiences of being approached by recruiters at university and what other ways recruiters can do this effectively.

In brief, we can say that it is very important that recruiters do the following:

- Be innovative with your marketing materials

With so much activity going on on-campus you want to be sure you first attract attention, and secondly leave students with something to remember you by.

Of course we all know that students love freebies, however be sure that students know these freebies are from you. A few ideas include either making sure they are branded or handed out by a representative of your firm. This makes the experience more personal. Remember that your marketing materials will represent your company and brand culture, as well as the event you are holding, which is important to have in mind when designing your material.

Your marketing material should also fit the type of event you have. For example if you are having a more informal event, at a fresher’s fair or stand then you may give away branded sweets, however at a employer presentation you would want to have more formal material to suit the informative, formal event.

This will help students get to know your company and brand more and leave a lasting impression, which is especially important when engaging with students earlier.

- Interaction at any event

It was reinforced in our focus group as well as within our research that friends or peer to peer communication have the biggest influence on students in their first year. First years feel more confident and find it easier to talk to someone who they feel they can relate too. This is important to bear in mind when organising any event. Overall however interaction is key to engaging with students effectively, especially first years who feel a bit less confident about knowing how to apply to opportunities.

- Repetition of messages is key

As mentioned above as there is so much going on on-campus it is very important to make regular appearances on campus. This will essentially provide fantastic brand awareness as well as better, stronger relationships with students as they will feel you are enthusiastic about getting their interest, as well as providing them with enough information on how to apply.

- Students need to be “encouraged” to apply earlier

A question we are still researching is how early should we engage with students. From our research it has been obvious that students embrace being approached in their first year. However should we contact them even earlier?
The overall opinion of this was that students would like to receive information before university preferably via email or online, however students would preferred to be approached directly when they arrive at university rather than before. As soon as they got to university they would like to know what opportunities are available to them.

- Providing knowledge and information will provide First Years with more confidence to apply

In summary the overall opinion was that first year students would like to see more companies engaging with them within their first year at university. They feel there is not enough information given to them to find out or apply to these opportunities both on and off campus. Students have long holidays and have all said that they would rather build upon their work experience than waste their summer!

To find out more information about this and what you can do to engage with first year students in your next recruitment strategy contact us on hello@oncampuspromotions.co.uk 

It was however a fantastic morning and we thank AGR for the opportunity!

In her spare time Eileen is a grade 8 classical singer (we asked her to sing Ave Maria in her interview, it brought tears to our eyes) and a grade 5 Saxophonist and Pianist. Oh and she has run several marathons – she puts a lot of us to shame.

This month, Charlotte gives her overview of The University of Edinburgh…

• Vital Stats – 25919 Students, 17565 undergraduates, based on 3 Colleges containing a total of 22 Schools. In the Guardian newspaper’s 2012 rankings, Edinburgh is 13 in the league table, and 15th in the Times Good University Guide.
• Best known for – The University’s entry was among the largest for the Guardian University guide 2012 in the UK and produced strong results across the board. The college of medicine and veterinary medicine was the star performer, with all of the work in hospital-based clinical subjects rated at the international level and 40% at the highest grade. Informatics, linguistics and English literature also produced outstanding results.
• (In the same bracket as) – The University of Nottingham and University of Glasgow which are only one above or below in the Guardians University guide 2012. http://bit.ly/lDY3kp
• The Campus Feel – Edinburgh itself is vibrant and cosmopolitan, with stately architecture and green spaces. University buildings are spread throughout the city. Many of them are historic, but the university continues to develop with buildings such as the award-winning Informatics Forum.
• My Top Tip – With such a great space and location to integrate with students, it’s a surprise more organisations aren’t taking the trip up there. Be very clear in your objectives and what students you are targeting however as you will be placed in specific locations around this.
• Little known fact – The University generates more than 140 million for the Scottish revenue every year through the encouragement and support for entrepreneurship and start-ups by their students. Since the 1960’s 262 businesses have been formed by The University of Edinburgh with 84% still active today!
• Fun Fact – A famous Alumni from The University includes Gordon Brown who received a PhD in History.
• The Typical Student Says – “The typical employer activity on-campus involves employer presentations or skill sessions. It would be great to see something a bit more innovative and also a wider range of employers to learn about. It is quite far to travel but definitely worth the time”
• An Employer Must Be Here If… Informatics, Linguistics and English Literature have been known to produce outstanding results over the years, so if these subjects are in your criteria then this is a great University to include in your target university list.

Have you secured any opportunities this year/next year?

I have secured Summer Vacation Schemes at Linklaters, Freshfields and Hogan Lovells.

Has your role as a Brand Manager for OCP helped with your application to these opportunities?

The role has helped me develop my communication, time management and organisational skills. In my Vacation Scheme applications I was able to explain how these skills were transferable to the employer’s business.

What have you enjoyed most in your role as a Brand Manager for OCP?

I have particularly enjoyed being able to advise fellow students about career options as I think they have appreciated having a student representative available on-campus to consult in a less formal environment than regular employer events.

What is your top tip for future Brand Managers?

My top tip for future Brand Ambassadors is to make the most of the advertising channels already in place through various university societies.

If you’ve been inspired, then become part of our Brand Manager team by taking a look at our On-Campus Promotions brand manager roles.

Have you secured any opportunities this year/next year?

I have secured vacation schemes at Clifford Chance and Ashurst.

Has your role as a Brand Manager for OCP helped with your application to these opportunities?

My role has helped me with applications and interviews for vacation schemes as it provided real insight into a city firm. Being a Brand Manager has improved my communication, networking and organisational skills which are all competencies law firms look for.

What have you enjoyed most in your role as a Brand Manager for OCP?

I enjoyed networking with students, the careers service and representatives from the firm. One of the real highlights was the sense of achievement I felt after organising a successful event on campus.

What is your top tip for future Brand Managers?

Contact the Brand Manager from the previous year – they will be able to provide insight into key contacts at the university, what is and isn’t allowed, and what marketing methods they found to be most effective.

If you’ve been inspired, then become part of our Brand Manager team by taking a look at our On-Campus Promotions brand manager roles.

Have you secured any opportunities this year/next year?

I have secured a Linklaters and Freshfields vacation scheme for the summer.

Has your role as a Brand Manager for OCP helped with your application to these opportunities?

It has helped me through every stage of the application and interview process. This went beyond just being an addition to my CV. There were many instances during my interviews where I was able to talk about the experiences I obtained and the challenges I faced in my time as a Brand Manager. It has equipped me with many transferable skills that I can put to use in the next stages of my career.

What have you enjoyed most in your role as a Brand Manager for OCP?

Meeting so many new people, for example, students within my own university when promoting around campus and Brand Managers from different universities who have even secured the same summer placements as I have. We are all still in touch and plan to meet up sometime in the near future.

What is your top tip for future Brand Managers?

Be organised and think outside the box! There were so many occasions when I felt like there wasn’t enough hours in the day – staying organized is key to getting things done. Use your initiative when you are inevitably faced with challenges and make use of the helpful OCP team to combat any difficulties.

If you’ve been inspired, then become part of our Brand Manager team by taking a look at our On-Campus Promotions brand manager roles.

Have you secured any opportunities this year/next year?

Yes, I was flattered to have been offered a number of vacation schemes over the course of this academic year.

Has your role as a Brand Manager for OCP helped with your application to these opportunities?

Definitely. The role looks is great on my CV and has given me something to talk about at interviews. Firms have been impressed by the high level of responsibility which comes with the role. Also, the position has included lots of liaising with Graduate Recruitment- this means assessment days are not quite so daunting!

What have you enjoyed most in your role as a Brand Manager for OCP?

I enjoyed marketing a firm’s flagship recruitment event at Warwick. I was solely responsible for promoting the event and it was nerve wrecking on the night as it would have been very embarrassing had only a few people turned up for it! Fortunately, the attendance was high and so my blushes were spared; dinner out with everyone from the firm afterwards was definitely a bonus as well!

What is your top tip for future Brand Managers?

It’s worth remembering that often you’re working with future employers. So, cliché though it is to say, always go beyond what has been asked of you as this will stand you in good stead for interviews and applications; if you go the extra mile as a brand manager, they’ll assume you will as a future trainee as well!

If you’ve been inspired, then become part of our Brand Manager team by taking a look at our On-Campus Promotions brand manager roles.

Have you secured any opportunities this year/next year?

I have successfully secured an analyst role at an Investment Bank.

Has your role as a Brand Manager for OCP helped with your application to these opportunities?

It has developed my confidence and given me the opportunity to network with employers and form relationships with staff. OCP try to assign you to campaigns which are in line with your career motivations.

What have you enjoyed most in your role as a Brand Manager for OCP?

The campaigns are really fun and offered a brilliant opportunity to build a network with graduate recruiters.

What is your top tip for future Brand Managers?

Organise your campaigns well, but most importantly have fun on the role!

If you’ve been inspired, then become part of our Brand Manager team by taking a look at our On-Campus Promotions brand manager roles.

Have you secured any opportunities this year/next year?

As a language student, next year is my third year abroad and I am in the advanced stages of the application process for an advertising internship in Barcelona.

Has your role as a Brand Manager for OCP helped with your application to these opportunities?

Yes, massively!

What have you enjoyed most in your role as a Brand Manager for OCP?

Doing something different at University and getting an insight into the advertising industry.

What is your top tip for future Brand Managers?

Organise your time well and enjoy it!

If you’ve been inspired, then become part of our Brand Manager team by taking a look at our On-Campus Promotions brand manager roles.

Have you secured any opportunities this year/next year?

I received a few graduate offers including CSC, Barclays Corporate and Credit Suisse. I’ve only confirmed a summer with Citigroup so far.

Has your role as a Brand Manager for OCP helped with your application to these opportunities?

My experiences with OCP have provided some decent interview material. The OCP team are supportive, especially in getting you in touch with the companies that you have applied for. My presentation at the On-Campus Promotions Christmas Extravaganza encouraged further communication with RBS and Semantec to name a few.

What have you enjoyed most in your role as a Brand Manager for OCP?

The OCP extravaganza included the opportunity to present to over 60 recruitment representatives (clients of OCP). We were given 10 minutes to demonstrate our idea’s for an on-campus recruitment campaign- a chance to be as creative as possible. There was a lot of good feedback about the presentations and it was a unique opportunity to impress.

What is your top tip for future Brand Managers?

Accept whatever cases come your way and throw yourself into it fully. It’s a fun way to communicate with societies and students and you will find yourself becoming much more visible on campus as a result. Get yourself along to the OCP brand manager events which is a good way to surround yourself with people of a similar nature to you.

If you’ve been inspired, then become part of our Brand Manager team by taking a look at our On-Campus Promotions brand manager roles.