Getting rejected is a bit of a smack in the face isn’t it. Both in the sense that it is insulting, and hurts a bit like one too (though probably not round the face as an actual smack would). But even though it can really smart, rejection definitely can have the awakening and therefore positive effect that a slap does: yanking you back to reality and making you realise you’ll have to work hard to find a placement. At the beginning of my 2nd year at university, finding a placement seemed like the easiest task in the world. Though now I think, after my very stressful ordeal, it couldn’t be more of the opposite! So hopefully I can give you some pointers on what NOT to do during your placement hunt.

My search and I really did get off on the wrong foot. I spent days… weeks even, applying for placements that I wasn’t suited to at all, because I was more interested in the money I would receive than what I would actually be good at. If you’re not already, be completely sure that your placement is something you would realistically want to pursue a career in, and you’re not doing it just because you like the sound of it. I think this, though it may be quite an unusual problem, is the single most important thing to have decided from day one. There is no harm changing your ideas during your search if you find something you think you would be better at; but I can tell you that absolutely no benefits come from pretending to want to do something you don’t. So getting my first rejection e-mail hit me like a lead balloon. The hardest part of that was the knowing that they hadn’t even read my application that I had spent two weeks on, and that I had been rejected by a computer generated message.

So this is the part that I think most people could resonate with: being rejected when you tried your best. The thing that annoys me most about the situation is that people from left, right and center tell you encouraging things that they think will make the process all better for you; as if it’s some kind of magic medicine to make your feelings of failure all go away! But even if those words come from someone who may have been in the same position as you once upon a time; they’re probably not anymore which really makes you wonder if they actually have any idea at all.

The most difficult thing for me at this stage was to accept that even though some employers may not like me, others potentially would. In my instance, I had to completely re-evaluate what I wanted to do on my placement as my first ideas were obviously not working out for me! Though I think for others who were more sensible than me and knew what they wanted out of their placement from the start, it is important to remember that even though you are applying for a job with 100’s of other students, you will have something that no-one else will have. Whether it’s different experiences, academic results, or even just your personality; you will have something that is unique only to you. Some employers may see this as a negative, some may be indifferent, but some will think that it will make you succeed at their particular job. And unsurprisingly, these employers are the ones who will offer you a chance to prove to them that you’re what they’re looking for. I think that this is such an important thing to remember when doing a placement search.

Having this attitude allows you to stay positive: which will shine through in your application. I think being happy whilst applying for a job definitely can be seen through the words you write, and therefore in the first impression that you give employers. But as I said, in order to do this you need to be happy with the set of skills and achievements that you have. So if you think your CV might need plumping out a bit, try and take part in activities or work experience that you think would jump off the page at your prospective employers; especially if your line of work requires experience that you need more of.

So now I guess readers are wondering how I know this works. Well, even though I may sound like a complete nut job, I have managed to improve my experience and skills and have subsequently got a 2nd interview for a job that I am really enthusiastic about doing. And all I did to get that opportunity was work out for myself that employers will like me for what I am good at, not for what I’m hoping I can one day be.

Viral’s are fun aren’t they, a perfectly good excuse to while away a few minutes in your day. You only have to like it a little bit to post it on your Facebook, Skype it to a workmate or email it to your friends and all of a sudden its been seen the world over. Here at RateMyPlacement.co.uk we are producing our very own viral to (hopefully) spread across the internet and our fair planet. We are in the planning stages right now and currently brainstorming.. got any ideas? we would love to hear them, but in the mean time heres a few of my favourites that have graced the internet in most recent times that are specifically designed for advertising.

http://youtu.be/FKe6nyORbrM – Pepsi Max

http://youtu.be/y0qZYqdsYAg – Budweiser

http://youtu.be/owGykVbfgUE – Old Spice

http://youtu.be/XI_9Yxr0blo – K-Swiss

http://youtu.be/LJP1DphOWPs – Ojai Valley Taxidermy

10 Second Review – The Muppets (IMDB) The Muppets are rounded up to put on a fundraiser to save the Muppet studios. Plenty of cameos from the likes of Jack Black, Dave Grohl and Zach Galifianakis as Hobo Joe. Very funny. 8.9/10

Chronicle (IMDB) 3 friends develop telepathic powers after interacting with a glowing rock. Flight and vulnerability isn’t enough for one of the boys that goes mental (think Akira) and ends up throwing the Police around like rag dolls. 6.2/10

And finally, well done to new recruit Steve Watling that won blogger of the month for his Valentines day survival guide, the ASDA card is particularly special.

So Valentine’s Day is over for another year, and I can almost hear the collective sigh from the guys out there. The trials and tribulations of picking the perfect card, special gift, and stunning day for your loved ones are all things that need to be thought about to make that day extra special for all involved.

However, in some cases the collective ‘tat’ that is available in certain high street stores just doesn’t feel like you’ve made the effort…believe me I used to attempt to sell it online for one of these retailers!

You might be thinking…God this guy is depressing…but given that my work for Valentine’s Day started in November, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, but what I want you to do is give you a What Not to Buy Guide for next Valentine’s Day and beyond, mainly based from things I’ve seen…and regrettably some that I have done!

So let’s start with the Cards

A few things here, firstly don’t be frugal at special occasions like this, is your loved ones not worth a few pounds on a high quality card with a heartfelt message?…if not, why not try this for next year.

Apparently, this card sold out in the Asda store in Dumbarton, not too sure what this says about our society? Would love to see the look on someones face when they open this up!

If you are the type of person who can stretch to more than 7p for a Valentines Card then, congratulations you old romantic!

Maybe a Scribbler card is the type of thing that you’d be looking for, although this is not for the feint-hearted. Make sure your relationship is as solid as a rock before you even consider sending one of these cards, or you could find yourself reading Nat’s blog post on ‘A Singleton’s Guide to Valentine’s Day’ pretty soon!

It takes a brave, or stupid person to purchase one of these, so here’s the one I bought:

and if I’m honest…didn’t get the reaction I was hoping for (I was hoping for laughter and amusement and it evoked more anger and disappointment!) so to make up for it I bought some beautiful roses…which, as you’ll see later didn’t have the desired effect either!

Finally, if you’re a bit of a player but you can’t afford to keep all your many admirers happy then remember to look out for Morrisons next Valentine’s Day, as you never know when their Buy One Get One Free offer will be available again!

Just goes to show that even the big supermarkets can get it a bit wrong! Make sure you don’t make the same mistake 14th February 2013

The all important gift

So, once you’ve nailed that all important card, it’s important not to neglect the importance of your present, whether it be the classic flowers and chocolate or something a little more exotic, there’s a lot to think about. Firstly, avoid the tat!

I spent 18 months selling stuff like this online and it’s a sweet relief to not be surrounded by it everyday, sure there has to be something more sentimental than this…

Although, maybe it could be worse…how about buying flowers a day late and at half price!…Guilty Man right here!

Having felt very bad about the shocking reception the card got, I thought flowers was a safe bet, I’d bought in the flowers, she was loving it, arranged them beautifully and on the sideboard they went in all their glory. Then disaster struck…

The one thing I’d forgotten in what otherwise would have been the perfect crime…the receipt! She spots it, sees the £15 discount, and the illusion is shattered!

All in all a bit of disaster on my part…in case your wondering, she made me a home-made and very tasty heart-shaped cake, shown below, made with TLC:

What did I get her…an offensive card and half price flowers, she’s a lucky lady…in fact maybe I’ll just read Nat’s blog!

Thanks for reading and if you need any advice for not what to buy for Mother’s Day, check back soon!

Being topical, I thought I’d write a blog on fun facts about Valentine’s Day!  If you ever wonder why we spend 1 day a year buying flowers, treating our loved ones to chocolates and bubbly (personally I think that should happen every month?!) then read on find out where it all began.  I’ve also added my own thoughts to give the blog some attitude, if you don’t agree then feel free to COMMENT!

Enjoy and Happy Valentine’s Day

When did it all start?

There are various theories on the origin of Valentine’s Day, but the most popular dates back to the time of the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius II, 270 AD. Claudius didn’t want men to marry during wartime because he believed single men made better soldiers. Bishop Valentine went against his wishes and performed secret wedding ceremonies. For this, Valentine was jailed and then executed by order of the Emperor on February 14. While in jail, he wrote a love note to the jailor’s daughter signing it, “From your Valentine.” Sound familiar?  No actually, I’ve never had a letter written to me from a prisoner in jail?!

Flowers

• 73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.
• 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day – wow, is that desperate?!

Roses

• The red rose was the favourite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
• Red roses are considered the flower of love because the colour red stands for strong romantic feelings – never would have guessed that one…
• Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered within the three-day Valentine’s Day time period – anyone interested in opening a rose shop for 3 days a year?!

Greeting Cards

• Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all Valentines – are you going to let this go guys?!
• Teachers will receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets – teachers, really?!  Think they missed out my school in this survey…

And… More fun facts about Valentine’s Day

• Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Denmark, United States and Italy.
• The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife – Mughal definitely set the standard with this one
• Every Valentine’s Day, the Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet – do they know it was a story?!
• About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.
• In the US, 64 percent of men do not make plans in advance for a romantic Valentine’s Day with their sweethearts – typical!  

WARNING! Valentine’s Day is approaching…

I have come to the conclusion that it’s pretty much impossible to deny the existence of Valentine’s Day.  We Brits love a good commercialised holiday.  Or maybe that’s just the people who make cards and balloons?  Anyway, Valentine’s Day is here to stay: FACT.  In all my single glory I have so far managed to avoid eye contact with the small army of teddy bears that glare at me every morning and evening from the window of my local gift shop.  You know the ones – they have ‘I love you’ stitched onto their paw and their expression promises you eternal devotion in a kind of weird-psycho way (ever noticed that their eyes are fixed on you at all times?!)

Teddy bears aside, I ask myself this question: why, as a singleton, should I have a negative attitude to Valentine’s Day?

Yes, the PDAs (Public Displays of Affection) are enough to make me reach for the nearest bucket and yell “get a room!” in a half triumphant, half despairing way.  And of course, the unashamedly commercialised nature of the day is enough to make any sane Clinton’s employee want to flee the country.

But Valentine’s Day isn’t all doom and gloom if you don’t have a better half.  In fact, it’s quite the opposite!  It’s a well known fact that V-Day night is one of the busiest out there, with singletons across the country heading out with their friends to have a good ol’ barmy.

So, with this in mind I have compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts for singletons this Valentine’s Day…

Don’t: Sit at home alone watching Bridget Jones Diary whilst working your way through a bottle of wine, blinking your way through tears and wallowing in self-pity.  Avoid at all costs.

Do: Throw a small gathering at your house!  Have a “bring a dish”/”bring a bottle”/”bring yourself” get-together with your friends to celebrate friendship, good times, and have an excuse to get crrunk!

Don’t: Go for a quiet meal with your Mum at the local Italian.  I think it’s safe to say restaurants are a no-go on Valentine’s Day if you’re single – unless you want to watch all the hand-holding and footsie going on…awkward if you’re caught staring…

Do: Go for a night out with the lads/ladies!  Clubs will be bursting with single people out to have a good time.  Why not join in the fun and enjoy yourself?

Don’t: Head to a small/intimate restaurant if you’re planning a rowdy meal en masse (8 people or more) – couples won’t appreciate the level of noise or the spontaneous chants.

Do: Hit the bars with a friend or a group of friends!  V-Day is one of the best days in the year to meet new people – bars won’t have couples having a quiet romantic time together, they’ll be full of singletons!  So get out there and be sociable, you’ve got nothing to lose.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all in advance!

In January, UCAS are showing a 7.4% reduction in applicants year on year from 583,546 in January 2011, to 540,073 in January 2012. How will this impact the world of placements and internships?

With 2011-2012 academic year being the last year before the tuition fees kick in, the number of applicants to university was a record high. With this in mind, a 7.4% reduction isn’t too shocking; I am sure a lot of students who were considering a gap year pre-university probably thought better then armed with the knowledge that their tuition fees (and travelling debt!) would treble if they postponed a year.

With this peak in applicants last academic year, it would be logical to assume the number of first-years starting university this year increased with it, and should be safe to assume second years next year will swell too? It did, with 1.4% increase in university acceptances in August 2011 last year rising to 384,649 compared with 379,411 in August 2010. Based on these numbers, I therefore believe that without any market changes there should be an increase in demand for placements and internships for the 2012/2013 academic year, with the year after then being the challenge.

Having said this, from reading through all university Award nominations at the National Placement & Internship Awards 2012, we have seen universities ramping up their focus on employability as the core way of attracting students to universities. Newcastle University are one of many universities accrediting and increasing the accreditation for work-based learning modules, with The University of Birmingham Careers & Employability Centre winning ‘Most Improved Commitment to Employability’ and increasing their team from 30 to 60 over the next couple of years. These universities are not alone in investing heavily in student employability, with all other 60 nominations at the NPIAs citing significant financial and personnel investment.

From an employer perspective, we are seeing more and more companies create and develop placement and internship programmes. The latest graduate research outlined:

“More than a third of new graduate jobs this year will go to students who have already worked for the employer – a record high”

Alongside this research, our client base has doubled year on year advertising 50% more opportunities to students than last year, and the launch of the ‘Best Medium-sized Employer’ Award at the NPIAs was to recognise the growing number of large companies, creating and developing their own schemes. SAP who won ‘Best Medium-sized Employer’ are a prime example of this shift in the market, introducing a scheme for 8 students last year, with this number increasing to 15-18 this summer.

So with more students at university from September onwards, universities increasing their emphasis on employability and more employers offering undergraduate schemes, all arrows are pointing in the same direction: that placements and internships will become an increasing part of a students’ university life.

We are obviously biased being so engrossed in the market, however we believe that even if university applicants do significantly drop in the years ahead, the overall exposure in the market across all stakeholders will ensure that awareness and interest of placements and internships amongst students will counteract this.

44 days.

44 days long days since my last blog. You must be having serious withdrawal symptoms but I’m back to give you your fix of YouTube, stupid purchases and LADS.

The last six weeks have been very busy, I have been up to Scotland forChristmas, back home in Jersey for New Year and up to visit all my university friends in Hull. Since I have been seeing so many people again there have been a lot of hugging going on, which makes me very happy. I love a good hug! There are so many occasions for one as well, a welcome hug, a well done hug, a goodbye hug, a hello hug, a drunk hug, a comforting hug, even a three-way hug! They are so underrated and way underused. So because of all the hugging I have been doing lately as soon as I saw this video I knew it was going to be my ‘YouTube Video of the Week’. A hug makes someone feel better, it makes people smile and nothing bad has ever come from a hug! So in dedication for this video I want all of you who read this (Hi mum!) to take this weekend and do three types of hugs…

1. Hug someone you should do a lot more often – There is probably somebody in your life who you love to bits but don’t ever show it enough. So show it with a hug.
2. Hug someone that seems upset or down – If someone is feeling low and hasn’t had the best of days, just take 5 seconds to give them a big fat hug. I bet they will be the best 5 seconds of that person’s day.
3. Hug a stranger – It doesn’t matter where you are, just make eye contact, smile and ask somebody if they would like a free hug. Don’t be shy, the worst that can happen is they say no and it’s their loss! When you do get someone, give him or her a warm, platonic hug. That means you wrap your arms around them over their shoulders or just below their arms and maybe pat their back gently a few times. (Try to avoid being a creep and touching people below the waist and no need to touch hips either!)

Many of you will just think this is odd, and you are the one’s who are missing out. I have no doubt that if you complete all three of these you will feel great and you’ll have a big smile on your face by the end of them.

Now it’s on to my ‘Purchase of the Week’ feature, which I’m surprised, is even happening because of how broke I am. This probably makes this decision easier since I haven’t been able to buy much! My purchase of the week is my ticket to UK Bass Culture at the 02 Academy Brixton on the 2^nd of March. Now I’m not sure how many bass heads read the RMP blog but those of you who are will know this line-up is absolutely amazing and will be an incredible night! I have friends coming to visit me from Jersey for the event and it’s going to be a weekend to remember, but one I am most likely to forget!

Finally we are on to the ‘LAD of the week’ feature. This isn’t actually a story from this week, but it was after my last blog and because of what this guy has gone through he more than deserves it! On BoxingDay, in the middle of the busy Christmas football period, Gillingham faced Crawley Town in a league match, little did winger Chris Whelpdale realise it was going to be a game to forget. In a collision with an opposition player late in the game he took a knock to his “man area” after originally thinking it was nothing too bad he had a look and turned out he had tore his scrotum! OUCH! The 24-year-old had to have 5 stitches and his manager described the injury and “disgusting” adding “I don’t think his wife would be happy either!”

Now the injury alone may just warrant this award. The main reason, however, for Whelpdale being dubbed ‘LAD of the week’ is because once he had taken the expected LADS banter from the guys in the changing room and got himself stitched up he returned 4 days later to play Dagenham & Redbridge! When we look at the likes of Carlos Tevez who are sitting on the bench sulking for half their career and compare them to the likes of Whelpdale who even with a “broken zone” manage to turn up for a scrappy League Two encounter there is only one winner in my eyes! Chris, we salute you sir!

It’s been fun, but it’s time for me to shut up and you to get on with some work!

Adue, Kwa Herini, Auf Wiedersehen and Goodbye!

Tom

On Wednesday 18^th January, The National Placement & Internship Awards, sponsored by PwC and supported by AGCAS and AGR, were attended by over 300 representatives from both the corporate and higher education world.

The event kicked off with the unveiling of the results from our recent First-Year Student Survey by our On-Campus Promotions team, followed by an incredibly inspiring and motivational key note speech from Olympian and former World Record Holder Steve Backley.

As a few of you have already requested, please see the industry facts and stats mentioned by Ollie during the Awards Ceremony.

You can also click on the link at the bottom of this post to view the presentation slides from the On-Campus Promotions session, ‘An Insight into Engaging with First-Year Students’.

Thanks,

The RMP Team

Ollie’s Facts & Stats of the Higher Education Industry: 

Where do we see the market heading?

In the UK last year there were 1.8 million full-time undergraduate students in higher education. 477,000 started in September, which interestingly is 5.6% up on last year’s stat. This year, with the increased tuition fees coming in for September 2012, UCAS have already seen 15% reduction in university applicants. How do we see this affecting the market?

Fewer students at universities will hit the institutions, and from reading through the 60+ university nominations across the 3 university categories, it’s overwhelming how much they are investing heavily in their employability agenda quoting figures in the tens and hundreds of millions of pounds. With fees rising so significantly, the return on investment from entering university to coming out of the other end is being increasingly scrutinised by students and parents. Therefore we personally see placements and internships playing a much greater role in academia, encouraged through:

• A rise in accredited work-based learning modules

• Increased resource and provision from the university

• Heightened awareness from students, and at an earlier stage

How are employers changing? The recent recession has taught most businesses to be more effective and justify every pound they spend. Across all our 200 clients, we see the average retention rates from undergraduate schemes to graduates is between 60 – 70%. This outlines how in the long term, attracting and retaining the best talent early can be a more successful and efficient form of recruitment. Anecdotally, we are seeing more and more companies engaging with the best talent earlier through starting and growing placement, internship and insight programmes and that’s reflected in our client base doubling in the past year.

Latest Graduate research from the article below in the Telegraph outlines:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/9005585/Graduate-job-competition-hots-up.html

“An extra 50,000 graduates are set to leave university this summer compared with five years ago”

“Employers have already received 19pc more graduate applications for roles compared with last year”

More than half of the recruiters warned graduates with no previous work experience had “little or no chance” of landing a job this year.

Specifically in the investment banking industry, 3 / 4 of investment bank graduate jobs will be taken by candidates who have completed industry placements.

More than a third of new graduate jobs this year will go to students who have already worked for the employer – a record high

In conclusion… All arrows point towards early identification, with placements, internships and insights becoming increasingly important…

-          to students needing to gain work experience before they graduate

-          to universities needing to differentiate themselves through their employability agenda to attract students

-          and to employers looking to recruit the best talent earlier, and most effectively

On-Campus Promotions Presentation Slides:

Please click on the link below to access the slides from the On-Campus Promotions session, ‘An Insight into Engaging with First-Year Students’ hosted by Ali Lindsay and Amber Jones.

An Insight into Engaging with First-Year Students – presentation slides

So my last few blogs have featured drugs, boobs, embarrassing-photos-of-the-night-before and snippets of advice that I have shared along the tumultuous path of what has become my blogging career. With all this knowledge imparted, I now do not feel guilty about asking for your help, advice and insights on an upcoming excursion I am undertaking….

This week I learnt….

…..that I am going to LA!!

Yes, you heard it here first – in preparation for my blog (amongst other things) I have planned a trip to LA. So far my itinerary is as follows;

• Depart London Heathrow

• Arrive in LA X

• Visit amazingly witty, clever and talented actor-brother

• Depart LA for the Grand Canyon (it’s on my bucket list)

• Depart the Grand Canyon for San Francisco

• Visit amazingly intellectual, long-standing friend from Ireland who has a very big and important job

• Return to LA to see brother for an update on his (undoubtedly multiple) successes

• Depart LA X

• Arrive in London Heathrow

• Recover

View Larger Map

Interesting? Yes.

Detailed? Not really.

And that’s where you come in. In true ‘Idiot Abroad’ style, I want your hints, tips and advice on what I should do and how I should do it. So please leave your comments and recommendations below and I’ll report back upon my return!

2 flights + 10 days + 3 cities + 1 best friend + 1 brother = 1 trip to remember (with your help)

………..that bubbles make everything ok – just ask Winston Churchill.

One of my highlights over the last week was catching up with my champagne-loving partner in crime. We have a long-standing appreciation for sipping bubbles but last week that appreciation hit a pinnacle whilst we sat in Selfridges, watching Chanel bags be put to bed from the Champagne bar on the first floor.

Now that, is what I call a Friday night to remember.

Here are a few of our favourite London champagne haunts for you to check out…

• Mews of Mayfair

• Searcys, particularly at the National Portrait Gallery

Here, here Winston.

• Claridges for afternoon Champagne tea

……….presenting to over 300 people can make you forget to breathe

Unless you have a great team to help you raise your game and get through it (lucky me)!

If you don’t already know, last week was the 2012 National Placement & Internship Awards (NPIA’s). It was a great day, with a great crowd and a great team of organisers behind it. As my first NPIA event, I was hugely impressed at the work put in by everyone here at RMP Enterprise, the guest list of industry experts, Steve Backley’s inspirational speech and the results of all this hard work combined. Good job. Go Team!

……….exactly what Chinese New Year means (other than free calendars with your takeout)

Happy Chinese New Year! In case you didn’t know, the year of the dragon has been celebrated this week, and with the amount of posts and tweets wishing me a happy a new year I felt nothing short of an obligation to send similar well-wishes on to my friends and followers (of which I would love to say there are many, but are probably better described as a ‘select few’).

In Chinese astrology the animal signs assigned by year represent what others perceive you as being or how you present yourself. According to the Wiki-fountain of on-line knowledge, those born in the year of the Dragon are described as follows;

Dragon – 龍 / 龙 (辰) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Wood): Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal. Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash.

Seemingly, quite the split personality.

Amber’s advice of the week….

Tick things off your bucket list.

Drink champagne.

Raise your game.

Order a takeout and get a free calendar.

We are delighted to announce the Winners of the 2012 National Placement & Internship Awards!

The Awards, sponsored by PwC, took place yesterday at City University, London, and were attended by over 350 representatives from both the corporate and higher education world.

The event kicked off with the unveiling of the results from our recent First-Year Student Survey by our On-Campus Promotions team, followed by an incredibly inspiring and motivational key note speech from Olympian and former World Record Holder Steve Backley.

The Awards were then presented by RMP co-founders Oliver Sidwell and Chris Wickson, closing with the announcement of the 2012 ‘Best Placement & Internship Employer’. Congratulations go to Barclays Capital.

For a full overview of the day and to find out which employers, universities and students picked up the prizes, visit our Awards website via the link below.

Check back next week for photos and videos from the day too!

The RMP Team

*Order of Awards presented are as follow:

University Awards:

Best University placement / Careers Service: Brunel University (Highly Commended: University of Dundee). Most Improved Commitment to Employability: University of Birmingham Careers & Employability Centre University Personality of the Year: Jim Wood, Newcastle University (Highly Commended: Graham Kaye-Taylor, Brunel University)

Student Awards:

Best Placement student: Lillian Hiscox, Microsoft Best Intern: Sophie Petrie, HSBC Best Student Contribution to a Small to Medium-sized Enterprise: Michael Daniel McAllister, Buzzlines Travel Best University Society: University of Warwick History Society Best On-Campus Promotions Brand Manager: Amelia Marchant, University of Surrey

Employer Awards:

Best New Provider of Work Experience: Cooper Industries Best Short-term Insight Scheme: Linklaters (Highly Commended: Simmons & Simmons LLP) Best Diversity in Work Experience: Civil Service Fast Stream Best On-campus Marketing Campaign: The Royal Bank of Scotland Group/ThirtyThree (Highly Commended: Ernst & Young/SAS and PwC/ThirtyThree) Best Small or Medium-sized Enterprise: ProspectSoft Distinctive Contribution to Work Experience (Special Judges’ Award): Champions Life Academy Best Medium-sized Employer: SAP Best Placement & internship Employer (Headline Award): Barclays Capital

*Note – the last two Awards were based on student-written reviews from RateMyPlacement who have completed placements and internships

www.rmpawards.co.uk

Thanks to all our sponsors for supporting the National Placement & Internship Awards 2012