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Quality careers for graduates

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MARKS and Spencer is the latest blue-chip company to target Sussex students for the job market.

The recruitment team's first contact with the University was through COGS as it was hoping to attract graduates with information technology skills for their IT department. However, they then recognised that the Schools system at Sussex provides all graduates with a variety of skills. They were keen to emphasise that they arelooking for people with good communication skills, not just those with IT degrees. There are 65 vacancies in their merchandising, technology, finance and IT departments at head office, and 300 other positions in various stores.

M & S are hoping to establish a long-term relationship with Sussex. As well as approaching the University for recruitment purposes, speakers will be present at the COGS career day for second years this spring.

Brian Nisbet of the Career Development Unit commented, "We are gratified that such a big company is getting involved in the process of higher education rather than just the product (graduates)."

COGS industrial liaison officer, Medeni Fordham, said that since being approached by M & S she had received numerous calls from other major companies, indicating a possible upturn in graduate employment.

Jason Stoakley graduated with a Geography degree from AFRAS in 1990, and now works in the IT section for M & S. "The good thing about the company is that they are more interested in you than your particular skills. If you have the aptitude, they are quite happy to invest the time and money to train you in the relevant technical areas."

M & S are currently inviting applications for their 1997/1998 graduate recruitment scheme. To apply for an application form and careers brochure, call 0990 443070 or check the web site on: www.marks-and-spencer.co.uk Closing date is 28 November.

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Friday November 7th 1997