Tim Janes - QinetiQ

Tim Janes is QinetiQ's Head of Resourcing for Europe, Middle East and Australia; he is responsible for all recruitment and resourcing aspects for an organisation of over 8,000 employees. QinetiQ is one of the top 10 largest recruiters of science and engineering graduates, with approximately 100 intakes a year, all of which Tim manages. With an academic background in electrical and electronic engineering, as well as professional experience of being a logistician, trainer and business manager, Tim is well placed to understand the human aspect of the business. In addition to being a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tim is also learned in the human aspect of professional life, with a M.Sc in Strategic Personnel & Development, as well as being a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development. Tim himself has stated that his work in the technical aspects of business has hopefully made him a better people manager, as this has allowed him to amalgamate the commercial and human aspects of QinetiQ. I spoke to him regarding his own opinions of graduates, and his advice for them:

Vinay: "What are the important skills that graduates need to ensure they have to make themselves more marketable?"

Tim: "First and foremost, an understanding of how to apply the knowledge they have learnt at university in the workplace. This includes ideas such as breaking problems down into first principles; that is, being able to understand a problem in an accessible way. From a non-technical perspective, I believe that having a real drive and tenacity for results is crucial. Ultimately, every industry is results orientated, and being able to stick to both costs and deadlines are elementary skills in my eyes."

Vinay: "What do you define as being tenacious?"

Tim: "To put it simply, you have the drive in you to push through your own ideas, and are constantly challenging other ideas in order to find the best one. You also show a great deal of initiative by constantly looking for new things to do, rather than being the type who sits back and asks for work. I like those who are pro-active, not reactive. However, there is a fine balance to being tenacious. And on the other side of the line is arrogance. No-one has a monopoly on ideas, and you must accept that others will have a point of view that must be considered. It's positive to challenge ideas and look to better the idea in hand, but you must do it without annoying or irritating others, otherwise you may find that their willingness to take on your ideas will quickly disappear. That balance is the key – it's something all good leaders have."

Vinay: "Clearly then leadership is also a trait you desire in a candidate."

Tim: "Not only something I desire, I think this is something that all firms want. Leadership, and especially interpersonal and communication skills are imperative for business, regardless of which industry you want to go into. Poor communication is the root of all evil. Look at the major world conflicts, all arising because of poor communication. I honestly cannot emphasise enough how important interpersonal skills and communication are to the professional world."

Vinay: "How do you then assess a candidate for all these competencies?"

Tim: "We, like most firms, use the assessment centre process. Of course, prior to the assessment centre, all candidates have to fill in an online application form. From this we then decide to whom we want to give a telephone interview, before we choose those who will attend the assessment centre. Each stage of the application process tests and retests candidates on the competencies that we are looking for, and the assessment centre is the final chapter, allowing us to fully assess each candidate on a variety of tasks, including a written exercise, presentation, technical interview and group exercises. Each process re-evaluates the answers that candidates have previously given, thus cross validating the findings to ensure that we get the most suitable graduate."

Vinay: "Do you find that graduates have certain myths about recruitment centres?"

Tim: "Too many graduates fear that they are going to miss out if they don't make themselves heard, and so they'll do everything they can to make sure they are seen. But we're not looking for dominance as a skill; in fact, this could lead to you being negatively assessed as you are literally showing poor interpersonal skills. There are too many students who fear that we are going to try to trick them, to ask hidden questions. But remember that we invited them! We want them to work for us, so all our questions and assessments are there to ensure that we find who suitable for us. As long as you contribute, are engaging and relax, you will have the opportunity to let your skills do the talking, and show us that you really are the best for us."

Vinay: "Finally, what would you say is the one piece of advice you would like to give you candidates?"

Tim: "I've always felt that enthusiasm for working with us helps - I'm sure it's the same for all firms. If you turn up without any research done on the organisation, and showing no enthusiasm, then I too will feel no enthusiasm to employ you. I want people who want to be with QinetiQ, not people who want to simply pay off their student loan! To put it simply, my one piece of advice would be: Apply to a Company because you want to work for them."

Interview conducted by Vinay Trivedi, Director of The Career Agency

The Political Game

Sir Peter Soulsby MP is the Member of Parliament for Leicester South, having become an MP after 30 years as local councillor, including 17 years as Head of the Council for Leicester. Having come to Leicester to study to become a teacher, Peter began by getting involved in special needs teaching. Having lived in Leicester ever since, Peter then got involved in the politics of Leicester, firstly as a councillor for 30 years before becoming an MP. I spoke to him regarding his views on graduates and advice for budding politicians.

Vinay: "What were the main experiences that you had at university that lead to a life in politics?"

Peter: "I have always had an interest in Politics, and having become President of my colleges union, I knew that this was something that I wanted to continue with. Essentially it's helping people and trying to be a positive influence in the community, which being president allowed me. At the same time, I became a councillor! So it was whilst I was at university that I really got into the whole political game."

Vinay: "And what skills did you develop from being involved in politics at such an early stage in your career?"

Peter: "First and foremost I developed negotiation skills, which serve me well even to this day! But I think the main skills that I have picked up are being able to build a rapport and help people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the 1970's in Leicester was probably fast becoming the most varied and diverse place in the country. I also learned how important it is to be responsive to anyone that I come in contact with, whether or not I can help them, because in politics, as is in business, health or law, you simply cannot help everyone you meet, regardless of how much you want to, but you need to ensure that they remember that you considered their situation."

Vinay: "What skills do you feel that graduates need to develop in order to be successful in the professional world?"

Peter: "Rather than any particular skill, I think that the most important development they need to make is in their attitude to work. Flexibility is a key attitude for the work place as the world and all that is in it seems to be developing at an extremely fast rate, and if you're not flexible, you may end up being left behind. You need to be open to continuously learning and developing skills within yourself - you'll notice that those who are at the peak of their industry are always learning and ensuring that they are better than anything else out there."

Vinay: "And finally, if you did have one piece of advice for any students or graduates looking to enter politics, what would you say?"

Peter: "Get involved. It doesn't matter at what level, but get involved. Start engaging people and look for the right party for you. Remember that no party will ideologically have the same views as you, but you'll find that there will be a lot in common with some parties, so be involved, whether it's in canvassing, policy development, and for those who are really keen for it, to get involved in becoming an elected official, whether it be local, national or international level. You can theorise about politics all you want but you won't learn a thing until you experience it."

Interview conducted by Vinay Trivedi, Director of The Career Agency