Business School students at the University of Greenwich got a real taste of what it's like to apply for a job in the corporate world, thanks to an intensive mock graduate assessment event run in partnership with Barclays.
Students had the benefit of tapping into the combined experience of 20 Barclays banking professionals from a wide range of roles, including three University of Greenwich alumni who had participated in previous years' assessment days.
The event was compéred by former Greenwich psychology graduate Danielle Taylor, who took part in the first mock assessment in 2014 and now works as a Continuous Improvement Analyst with Barclays.
Working in teams, each with two senior Barclays directors and managers to help and support them, the students were put through their paces in a series of activities and interactive sessions – including mock interviews – designed to hone their presentation networking, interviewing and pitching skills.
The session reinforced the importance of networking skills throughout a business career and gave students the opportunity to practice delivering short, punchy 'elevator' pitches in a safe and supportive environment.
They were also given an overview of Barclays' recruitment process and top tips on producing good CVs and job applications. Students were also able to put questions to a panel of senior Barclays staff about their career paths and day-to-day work.
Second year Business with Economics undergraduate Luca Bertacchini says he hopes the lessons he's learned from the event will give him a competitive advantage against other candidates when he applies for a job.
"The mock graduate interview sessions were an eye-opener and felt very real as you're being asked questions you would face in an actual interview."
Barclays Associate Director and Greenwich alumni Emily Irving adds: "Until I did the mock assessment a few years back I didn't know what to expect from a graduate assessment centre. My main take away was how challenging the task is, so it was a great motivator to be really well prepared."
Commenting on the event, Jon Sibson, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Business Faculty, says it was an excellent opportunity for students to meet with, and learn from senior representatives at the bank.
"I know the students have gained valuable skills and insight which will help them in the future. It was particularly pleasing to welcome back three Greenwich graduates who are now working with Barclays."
"I'd like to thank Barclays for their continuing support to the university and our students."
Mark Moran, Barclays' Head of Mid-Corporate Banking in the South East, adds: "Our key objective is to help students compete for work in the corporate world after graduating, by providing with them a realistic learning opportunity they can use to further their careers."
