Pictured above: A group of new graduate recruits during a
Merlin Entertainments' Graduate Welcome Week
University leavers need to widen their search for jobs to make
the most of opportunities available, according to a leading
graduate recruiter.
Birmingham-based Discovery Graduates works with companies to
help them recruit talented university leavers, and believes that
graduates who are willing to widen their search for employment in
these difficult times will reap significant rewards.
Sarah Evans, Director of Client Services said: "Despite the
apparent gloom in the news regarding graduate recruitment, golden
opportunities are still available. In our field we work with many
employers who recognise the value of graduates and are 100 per cent
committed to recruiting and training that talent."
Sarah and her team recently began working with Merlin
Entertainments Group, which operates attractions such as Sea Life,
Madame Tussauds and Alton Towers, to update the assessment tools
and processes for its XLR8 graduate recruitment programme.
The updated programme offers two routes for graduates, 'General
Management' and 'Marketing'. It consists of three, six-month
placements, where trainees work in different areas of the business,
with the opportunity for placements in the USA, Europe and
China.
Sarah added: "XLR8 is a fantastic example of the opportunities
that are available to graduates, outside of the usual 'Milk Round'
regulars of engineering, banking and professional services. Merlin
Entertainments Group recognise the value to their business of
recruiting the right candidates and are making a significant
investment in their graduate programme."
Sarah advises university leavers not to get too caught up in the
negative stories about graduate recruitment, explaining: "It is
important to look far and wide to find the right career path.
Companies such as Merlin Entertainments Group make a valuable
commitment to the graduates they recruit, and the training will
lead to fulfilling and exciting careers for those who are willing
and able to grasp those opportunities.
"The first step for graduates looking for a career path is to
open their minds to all possibilities. They may just surprise
themselves with what is out there."
Applications for entry onto Merlin Entertainments' XLR8 scheme
in 2011 are still open.