Graduate Career Guide

As the end of your studies approaches, finding a job suddenly becomes a very high priority for most
graduates. Having spent a large amount of time in a learning environment it is an important, but
often difficult, transition into the business world. This short guide aims to highlight some ways
of easing that transition and giving you that all-important edge over your competition
using the plethora of resources available to you, online and offline.

Sponsored by
ICE Recruit is the UKs only specialist civil engineering job board. It is the official job board of
the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the home of UK civil engineering, and features hundreds
of new opportunities every week for civil and structural engineers in the UK and abroad.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

icerecruit

Getting started
Creating your CV
Probably the most fundamental element
to any job application is your CV.
g

 any universities offer CV writing workshops as well as

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general career advice: these services are usually based
in one of your campus buildings, such as the library.


Your
CV is the crux of any application and must stand
up to scrutiny: many applications are immediately
discarded based simply on poor presentation
and basic spelling and grammar mistakes

 boards index your CV by industry-specific key

Job
words and phrases. Recruitment consultants use the
same technique to match potential interviewees to
new vacancies, so its worth spending a bit of time
getting the details and terminology just right.


Your
CV provides a list of your experiences and skills:
as a graduate you may not have as much relevant
work experience as other applicants so its worth
putting down any extra-curricular activities that
would add value to your application. A bit of poetic
licence is acceptable but its probably best to leave
off your short stint on the board of Microsoft!
 complement to all of this is the growing phenomenon
A
of the video CV. If this is done well it can really add
a personal touch to your application. Ideally the clip
should last less than five minutes, be done with a good
video recorder in a quiet, well-lit environment and make
you look like you can really make that elusive 9am
lecture. These videos can be uploaded to YouTube, your
blog, and provide a great link to include on your CV.

g 
Remember

The next step is to get your new CV in front

of potential employers. The simplest way is
to sign up for a free account on a specialist
online job board like icerecruit.com
g

T he more your professional details are

circulated around the Internet the better:
quantity really is important in this situation.

 ood job sites provide search filters for their

G
jobs to help you find and apply for positions
which are relevant to your interests, skills &
experience. Specialist job boards advertise
vacancies in the UK and from overseas employers.
Civil engineers are currently in high demand
in Australia, New Zealand & Canada.

 ost job sites will also give you the option of

M
opting into Personalised Email Alerts because
the more of your hard-earned summer holiday
you spend on the beach the better! This makes
job hunting that bit more convenient by using
your email to collect all of the latest job offers into
one place and encourages you to be proactive.

page 2

a CV will not get you a job but it

will get you an interview. Most first time job
interviews are conducted via telephone rather
than in person. Make sure you are prepared for
that telephone call when it arrives. Ensure you
have a CV that will make the phone ring.

Starting your job hunt

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

icerecruit

Getting started
Social networking
Another essential job seeking tool is using
social media sites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and
Facebook, to create online networks that can be
used to advertise yourself for free. Social media
sites are also useful for starting a dialogue with
prospective employers about their business.
g


While
the right of potential employers to research
applicants on sites like Facebook is a grey area, it is
always a good idea to make sure there is not a lot of
very personal or compromising material on your profile.
You should ensure your privacy settings are up-todate and recruiters cannot see those embarrassing
photos of the 80s disco-themed night-out.

S ocial media sites are also a good way of making

contacts and beginning to create a personal network,
LinkedIn is a particularly effective way of doing
this. Using LinkedIn you can create your profile,
upload your CV, create a network of contacts,
apply for jobs, join civil engineering groups and
get involved in group and industry discussions.

 n the other hand, creating a blog based around

O
your interests that are related to your subject is a
more personal way of showing an employer your
passion and initiative. But remember to keep the
blog updated and presentable: this usually means
no advertisements, and its important to keep an eye
open for spam-style comments and delete them.


Dont
stop there. Its useful to review third party
websites that will provide you with more detailed
company information. Research what projects they have
been awarded and ensure you bring this information
into your application, discussing how your specific
experience and skills might enhance a particular project.


You
should also research the company on other
social media sites: perhaps they have a Twitter feed
with real-time updates and news. Research their
employees on Linked In: let all your connections
know youre interested in the job and ask if they can
give you insight into the recruitment process and
possibly an introduction to the hiring manager


One
of the benefits of joining a professional body
like ICE is that you get invited to specialist events:
another great way of meeting potential employers.
And you will finally have an appreciative audience
for those quirky civil engineering anecdotes!

Job boards arent the only place to look for new

opportunities. Its always worth doing some
background research and finding companies you
can apply to directly.
g


Create
a list of companies youd like to work for.
Understand the employers culture and mission and
look for companies who are a good match for you.
Check with your career services office for a list of alumni
contacts who might be willing to help you.

 directly to the source and search for and apply for

Go
jobs on company websites. On most company sites, you
can apply for all positions online: from part-time hourly
jobs to top management positions.


Jobs
are typically listed in the Careers section of the
employers website. Job and Career information may
be in a separate section (Careers) or under the
About Us section.


Just
about every company has detailed employment
information including job openings, an employment
application, company locations, benefits, and how to
apply online.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

page 3

Do your homework

icerecruit.com

icerecruit

How ICE can help

Why become a Graduate member?

Graduate membership of ICE is the ideal stepping stone

to becoming a professionally qualified engineer and
offers a wide range of benefits, including: professional
development advice and support; free access to
specialist events and lectures; free subscription to
NCE and the ICE Virtual Library, and the chance
to meet and network with expert practitioners and
industry leaders from the UK and around the world.

Becoming a Graduate member of the ICE

only costs 178.50 for UK residents &
133.50 for overseas members. If you are
earning less than 12,000 a year, you could
be eligible for a concessionary discount.
Find out more about Graduate
membership and join today.

ICE is a global membership organisation that

promotes and advances civil engineering
around the world.

society. They are responsible for designing, building,

maintaining and improving bridges, roads, canals,
docks, office buildings, hospitals, schools, airports,
power stations, railways, flood defences, watertreatment facilities... all over the world.

Its purpose is to qualify professionals engaged in civil

engineering, exchange knowledge and best practice,
and promote their contribution to society. ICE members
help to create the structures and systems that sustain

ICE makes sure that the high standards needed

to become a professional civil engineer are met.
Professionals who are awarded membership of the
Institution are among the best in the world.

About ICE

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

page 4

The ICE can support you throughout your lifetime

as a civil engineer, from the moment you start
to look for a suitable academic qualification,
through all stages of your career development.

icerecruit

Working Overseas
Youve done all the right things. You got good
grades at university, youve worked hard to create
an excellent CV but getting no job offers. Perhaps
its time to look at other options, like moving
abroad. Pack a suitcase and catch a flight, sleep on
a couch, buy a suit, shine your teeth, and find a
good spot in the overseas workforce.

Finding a job abroad isnt impossible: with a

structured, thought-out approach, determination
and a dose of creativity, you can increase
your chances of success. Trying to find a job
abroad may seem a little intimidating at first,
but the process itself is not very different from
what it would be in your home country.

Analyse the market

Choose the right employer

You should not dive into the job search right away.
Take some time to get a general idea of the international
job market before trying to find a job abroad. Find
out which jobs are in demand in specific countries or
what country has been awarded a major infrastructure
project. If you have not settled for a country yet, this
may help you decide where youd like to work.

One option is to try to find a job abroad directly with a

company based in the country youre going to. If you
can find a foreign-owned company, i.e. one that is run
by other expats, this may facilitate your attempts to find
a job abroad. It may also be worth considering applying
to those companies with offices at home so that when
you have gained experience and want to move home you
may be able to relocate with this company.

Currently civil engineers are especially in demand

in Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, South Africa,
Australia and New Zealand. Opportunities are
advertised all year round on ICE Recruit.

Country

ICEs International Representatives

Hong Kong

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/Hong-Kong

China

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/China

Australia

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/Australia

New Zealand

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/New-Zealand

Canada

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/The-Americas/Canada

South Africa

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Africa/South-Africa

Other

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

page 5

ICE Presence Internationally

icerecruit.com

icerecruit

Have a backup plan

Finding your first professional job can be tough.
The important thing is to stay positive, dont
forget to schedule some downtime and, most
important of all - have a backup plan.

Transferable skills
All too often during a recession graduates find
themselves in a job that doesnt seem to have much
to do with civil engineering. However, any job - from
bar work to tour guide has the potential to enrich
your CV with transferable skills you can use to impress
a potential employer. The ICE goes a step further,
and allows you to continue working towards your
professional development objectives even if youre
not working in civil engineering: another good reason
for becoming a Graduate member (see page 4).

Provide Technical and Commercial Management

During my time at Robson Insurance,

I was responsible for the development
and maintenance of a client database,
resource planning and ensuring
legal deadlines were met.
I also took responsibility for three of
the companys staff, including their
sales targets and all aspects of their
office records. Although my job wasnt
directly connected with my degree in
civil engineering I have still been able to
use my experiences to help me achieve
my goal of professional accreditation.

page 6

So dont give up. The concept of transferable skills

means that, when that ideal job finally comes along,
youll be well prepared to grab it with both hands.

Completed ICE Objective:

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

icerecruit

Have a backup plan

Internships
The main obstacle most graduates have to finding a
job in the first place is lack of practical experience.
But there are various ways to increase your
experience level and therefore your employability
without entering the conventional job market.
One of these options is what is commonly referred to in the
US as an internship. An internship is a common element
of the US job-seeking process and is becoming increasing
prevalent in Europe. It involves working for a company
for a period of time, usually a year, for little or no pay.
Instead of a salary the company provides you with training
and a place in their organisation with the possibility of a
job at the end of the process. Employers see interns as
prospective employees and many finish their internships
and continue working with the company full time. Think
of it as a really long interview, after which youve proved
that you are a capable and hardworking employee.
An internship is sometimes confused with a work
placement. A work placement is usually included in a
university course and takes place between two years
of education, lasting a year. It is usually organized
and supported heavily by the university and a salary
is paid to the student. As a graduate you may have
taken part in one of these programs, but you can
still benefit from taking part in an internship.
The more experience you have as a graduate the
less risk companies are taking when they employ
you. It also gives you a chance to become specialised
in an industry-specific role, which is very useful
when looking to apply for jobs in industry.

Some Useful Websites

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Graduate Talent Pool - If you are a graduate,

who graduated in 2008, 2009 or 2010 with
at least a degree or foundation degree, one
way of finding a work placement or internship
opportunity is through the Graduate Talent Pool.

Prospects - Graduate Prospects provides an

extensive amount of information on graduate
career opportunities, including work placements.

Grad Cracker - A useful site that provides

a range of work placement opportunities.

page 7

The downside to internship is pretty clear.

However, it remains a viable option for those with
a bit of financial security looking to get a start in
the industry, and the experience can really help
focus your thoughts about the type and size of
company you want to work for going forward.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

icerecruit

Have a backup plan

Volunteering
Voluntary work is another way to enrich your CV.
Whether youre helping build bridges or drainage
systems, volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to
take a bit of a gap year after the strains and stresses
of your final exams and give something back.

International Voluntary Agencies

Here are a few organisations you could contact
regarding volunteer opportunities overseas:
g 
RedR

- RedR is an international charity that

provides training and recruitment services for
the humanitarian sector, improving emergency
response worldwide. For the past 30 years, they
have been helping rebuild the lives of those
affected by disaster. This company will definitely
help get you the training that you will need to
be able to work in the humanitarian sector, but
they wont employ you on their own unless you
already have experience working in the field.

Volunteering can set you apart from other candidates.

It bridges the gap between education and the world
of work. It gives evidence of skills that employers are
very keen on, such as working in difficult environments,
teamwork and adaptability. Volunteering also
suggests youre a generally good person who would
be a pleasure to have in an office. Of course you
already know that, but it never hurts to advertise!
Volunteers are usually paid a small wage, flight and
travel expenses, given medical care and accommodation.
This means that it is a good way to tide you over
for another year until the job market is a bit more
favourable and maybe even save a little money. Many
people who have passed through the process will cite
it as a life changing experience but potential volunteers
should definitely consider their choice very carefully.

g 
Engineers

Without Borders (EWB)

- EWB are an international development
organisation that removes barriers to a
countrys development through engineering.

VSO - VSO is an independent international

development organisation that works through
volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.

We hope this short guide has given you some useful

tips on ways to approach job hunting as a graduate.
Its a competitive world out there, but were sure
that with your education and the right skills you
will find the right job for you, good luck!

About ICE Recruit

ICE Recruit is available to use by members and non-members of the Institution. We advertise permanent
and contract positions in every specialism and every level of civil engineering, from graduate to director
level roles. Our clients include local and national government, engineering consultancies, charities
& NGOs, as well as a wide range of recruitment consultancies and international recruiters.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

page 8

ICE Recruit is the UKs only specialist civil engineering job board. It is the official job board of
the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the home of UK civil engineering, and features hundreds
of new opportunities every week for civil and structural engineers in the UK and abroad.