Blind in Business

Blind in Business University Newsletter: Summer Edition

Good Afternoon!

My name is Robin Spruell and I am the new contact for Universities at Blind in Business.  I will be writing to you every quarter to update you on the services we offer and inform you of any upcoming events/opportunities which may be of interest to your blind or partially sighted students.

I ask that you pass this information on to any undergraduates and graduates who are blind or partially sighted. 

If you have any queries regarding this newsletter or otherwise then please feel free to get in touch.  My email is rs@blindinbusiness.org.uk, and I can be contacted by phone on 0207 382 4607.

With the University year coming to a close the competition to secure a prized graduate job is tougher than ever.  Recent data released by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) paints a stark picture: a 6.9% drop of graduate vacancies this year, 78% of employers now insisting on a 2:1 or above and an average of 69 applicants for every vacancy.

The reasons for this are quite clear: a decrease in the number of opportunities available, a backlog of graduates from 2007/8 who have been unable to find work and graduates sending off more applications in light of diminished opportunities. 

In facing up to this difficult climate there is a need to be both resourceful and open minded in identifying possible avenues into work.  For blind and visually impaired undergraduates and graduates this task can be particularly difficult for a variety of reasons. 

Here at Blind in Business we help blind and visually impaired undergraduates and graduates to become resourceful and open minded about different avenues into work.  We do this through a number of free services: 

• Information on current recruitment programmes in easy to access formats
• Assistance with the practical aspects of completing application forms
• Specialised interview practice sessions with graduate interviewers from major employers
• Reading service for selection tests and assessment centres
• Networking and support from visually impaired employees and professionals
• Individual coaching throughout the job-hunting process
• Advice and support on obtaining equipment for work
• Information and advice on disclosing a visual impairment
With competition amongst candidates being so high getting a competitive edge is vital, new for 2010 we have introduced the ‘Interview Preparation Package’ which aims to do just that.  The package incorporates:
• A CV overhaul
• Mock telephone interview, with feedback
• Formation of a ‘Plan B’ plan to maintain momentum if the interview is not successful
• A full professional mock interview with one of our top employer contacts, Acumen Solutions

What have we been up to recently?

Our work over the summer period has focused on two areas.  Firstly, to consolidate our links with employers in preparation for graduate schemes opening.  Secondly, to undertake events and plan for new ones.

In June we held a highly successful Financial Services Speed Recruitment Event at Barclays Wealth in Canary Wharf.  In applying the ‘Speed Dating’ format to recruitment, this style of event not only provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn about this sector but also field any questions they may have. 
This event saw a mix of undergraduates and graduates undergo ten short interviews with some of the biggest names in this sector such as Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and The Bank of England. 

If a match was made between an employer and a student then contact details were exchanged. With some students creating up to nine matches this is an excellent way to network with employers and make a vital first impression in such a competitive climate.  

We are also currently in the process of making the final arrangements to our annual Education to Employment Event.  This event is open to undergraduates and graduates who will shortly be entering the workplace.  The event held over two days sees attendees partake in a number of employment workshops, attend a specialist IT exhibition, meet other blind and visually impaired graduates who are currently in work and sit two full length interviews with a couple of top graduate employers.

Upcoming events/opportunities -

London 2012 Olympics/Paralympics –
Do you have what it takes to be a London 2012 Games Maker?  London 2012's official volunteer programme will launch on 27 July 2010.

Up to 70,000 volunteers will make the Games happen - so we're calling them 'Games Makers'.  Games Makers will be the face of the Games, and we want to attract a team of passionate and dedicated individuals that reflects the rich cultural diversity of London and the UK. We are committed to making sure that London 2012 is everyone's Games and we strongly encourage disabled people to apply.
We’re opening up applications to members of pre-identified disability organisations, of which Blind in Business is one, on 27 July 2010.

All applicants will be required to complete an online application form.  Applicants who are unable to do this for accessibility reasons will be able to telephone the Games Maker Support Centre for assistance.

Every applicant will be expected to go through the full LOCOG recruitment process, which will include completing an application form and attending selection and training events.

Reasonable adjustments for disabled people will be made throughout the recruitment process. They will also be made in order for Games Makers to carry out their volunteer role. For example, there will be a number of adapted vehicles within the Transport team for disabled drivers.

If you wish to find out more the best source of further information is www.london2012.com/volunteering

If you wish to APPLY it is very important that you call ANDY FLACK at Blind in Business, 02075881885, on or soon after July 27th (after 12 Noon).  This is because we have an ACCESS CODE for this scheme which needs to be entered, WE CANNOT PASS THIS ON TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS. 

Project VIP for Men -
Following the success of the Project VIP for women we are looking to extend this format to men.

What is Project VIP?  Project VIP is aimed at providing an extra confidence boost to blind and visually impaired students or graduates who are soon to be entering the workplace.   

We are still currently working out the precise details of the event but the format will be similar to the one we currently use for the women’s version of Project VIP.
To give you a taster, in collaboration with Acumen Solutions the women’s version involves participants being styled by professional stylists from Dress to Success and being given a new interview outfit to keep, they then have their hair and make-up done by Aveda whilst receiving coaching on interview technique and presentation. 
So far the Men’s version we will again be working with Acumen Solutions as well as TM Lewin.  Further partners are being sought.

We are looking to hold the men’s version in October and will be looking for six participants who have upcoming interviews.  The event is free. 

If you wish to express an interest in attending this event please contact Robin at Blind in Business on 0207 382 4607 or email rs@blindinbusiness.org.uk.

We are also looking for young female undergraduates or graduates who have upcoming interviews for the next Project VIP for women!  Please get in touch if you would like to be considered for this event. 

Financial Services Speed Recruitment -
Are you interested in working in the Financial Services Sector?
Would you like a chance to meet graduate recruiters from some of the leading names in Finance such as Ernst and Young, HSBC and Morgan Stanley? 
Are you job hunting or thinking about what to do after university?

Would you like an excellent opportunity to improve your interview technique?

Then this may be for you.  You will meet ten top employers for a series of mini-interviews throughout an afternoon. Employers will have the opportunity to contact candidates who have impressed them after the event.
We are looking to hold event early in the New Year!  If you wish to register an interest in attending this event please send you CV to Robin at Blind in Business at email rs@blindinbusiness.org.uk.

We are based at the heart of the City of London and would be happy to arrange for you to come in and see us to discuss any work-related issues.   We do work throughout the United Kingdom and will shortly be looking to come and visit Universities throughout the country.  If you would be interested in us coming to visit then please do not hesitate to contact us. 

If you would like further information on the work we do or the events we are running then please do get in touch.  You can phone us on 020 7588 1885 or email info@blindinbusiness.org.uk.  All events are posted on our regularly updated website which can be located at www.blindinbusiness.co.uk