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We have all the answers...well almost!
How much do I get paid?
The GA team remember what it was like being at university and working alongside our studies to afford the finer things in life such as a good knees up, and the not so fine - tuition fees! All of our placements are paid according to the type of role and the nature of the business you are working with so they do vary. On average graduate roles are paid 16-17k per year and student placements around 12k per year.
How long are the placements through Graduate Advantage?
Placements run from 4 weeks up to 12 months and anywhere in between, with a number becoming permanent jobs. The length of placement depends on the nature of the project so a company may want someone to do a marketing project for 8 weeks over the summer or they may want someone for a 12 month sandwich year placement or graduate role, we also arrange part time placements which are typically up to 14 hours a week during term-time to fit in with studies.
What is the application process - what do I need to do?
First thing's first - you need to register online with us. You can then browse the placement vacancies and apply for any that take your fancy.
The application is really important as this is how you will be short-listed. Spend time making sure your application wows us because we are a picky lot! Those with super duper applications and the relevant skills will be put forward to the company and fingers crossed they will then contact you directly to organise an interview time and date.
Will I be employed by the company or Graduate Advantage whilst on placement?
You are directly employed by the company during your placement and hence will be treated like any other employee. The up-side? You will be issued with a contract/offer letter after an offer is made. The down-side? You have to take your turn at making the office brews!
Will I need to attend a formal interview?
Companies like to meet you before they employ you! So most will expect you to attend an interview if they like your application. The formality of interviews varies according to the position and the company but we always suggest you prepare yourself for a formal one. The usual rules apply: go dressed to impress, research the company and prepare a few killer questions to ask at the end. The interview is an opportunity for you to see whether they're the right company for you too, are they your cup of tea so to speak! The Graduate Advantage team are happy to help with your interview prep.
Do I get holiday pay?
Yes! Your company is required to pay holiday pay even though you are employed on a temporary contract. And here's the legal bit!
Your contract/offer letter will contain information on your holiday entitlement, including public holidays and holiday pay. You are entitled to a minimum amount of paid holiday a year. If you work a five-day week, this currently stands at 24 days a year; this can include Bank Holidays of which there are eight official days . From 1 April 2009, if you work a five-day week, your holiday entitlement will increase from 24 days to 28 days; again this can still include Bank Holidays.
Will my placement be relevant to my degree?
This is a great opportunity for you to widen your horizons in terms of your career choices. Many of our placements are broad in terms of the degree that the employers are looking for. For example – just because you have completed a degree in Psychology doesn't necessarily mean that the only options open to you are to become a psychologist! Marketing companies love the skills that you can offer and all you need to do is match your skills such as research, analytic thinking and communication skills to the placement description.
This is the whole idea of the placements so you can gain relevant experience on your CV and to inform you about your career options. You are given two options when it comes to searching for placements:
1) You can apply to a generic candidate pool such as 'Marketing' where we will match you to suitable placements.
2) You will search for specific vacancies of interest to you and apply for those you like.
How does Graduate Advantage support students and graduates once they are on placement?
The support whilst you are on placement depends very much on what you would like to receive. We will be on hand and can give you guidance to help you make the most of your placement. This will involve contact by email and telephone when required, updates with your company supervisor and then a final feedback meeting towards the end of the placement.
Is Graduate Advantage a recruitment agency?
No. The main services we offer to businesses are very similar as we advertise and match suitable candidates to their specific placements. However, we are not a commercial organisation as there are no fees for any of our services. It is completely free for you to use.
Do all students and graduates find placements through Graduate Advantage?
Not everyone who applies for placements through Graduate Advantage will be successful but we will help you to maximise your chances. The key to this is to make sure that your application is of a very high standard; those who have very good applications will be much more likely to find a position. If you miss the boat, how about applying for one of our training courses instead?
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