We took a hiatus last week as we were busy aiming to sign employers for 2026/27 to provide you guys with opportunities but were back!

I’ve spent the last few weeks on sales and renewal calls with employers for their early career recruitment and a lot of our conversations revolve around what they’re looking for in ideal candidates in an increasingly tough market.

Ive heard a lot of things but 2 repeatedly turn up. So here’s a quick overview of the 2 most important things they’re looking for:

1) Curiosity and genuine interest - they want to see a genuine interest in the role and not that you’ve mass applied. The word they use is ‘signal’. What signal are you giving them that shows why you want to aply

How to show this? Do relevant activities. e.g. if you’re applying for consulting - complete case study competitions; get involved with organisations like 180 degrees or Headstart Global; do consulting-focused virtual simulations; join the consulting society

2) Ability to learn and adapt - employers are increasingly looking for young people who can upskill in an increasingly changing world with the growth of AI. So for that, they’re increasingly looking for individuals who have an aptitude for learning and the ability to continuously learn.

How to show this? Personal Portfolio and Projects, Courses on use cases of AI in that industry or even proactively undertaking relevant qualifications in that field

Secured a spring week and want to convert into a summer internship offer? This event is for you! We will be breaking down how to stand out and are joined by a panel of ex-spring turned graduate offer holders for this information packed session.

Sign up here

Want to know how to actually se. we’re going to learn straight from the source by welcoming Deniz, a graduate consultant at Accenture who secured 2 consulting grad scheme offers who will share his application journey and genuine tips on navigating it

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Interested in a career in Asset Management? PIMCO are hosting an fr 1st and 2nd year students on the different business areas and opportunities open to you at PIMCO

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Interested in a career in consulting? This 6 month programme is built to support young black heritage individuals by providing mentorship, skills sessions, in-person events and much more

This is aimed at individuals who are Black/African/Afro-Caribbean or African-American and Are currently in their first year of undergraduate studies at a UK or Ireland university (or second year if enrolled in a four-year program)

Sign up here

Here are a spotlight of roles across different industries from our early career contacts!