We recently caught up with Naeve about how she secured a graduate management programme position with Hilton Hotels, her top tips for the application process and how Bright Network helped her secure the role.
What stood out to you about the firm you secured a role with?
Hilton stood out to me as an authentic brand with a dedicated culture where employees showed true passion for what they do. It was important for me to work for a company where people enjoyed what they did as well as serving communities and the environment. Also, as a student of languages, Hilton represents a multinational organisation that will provide me with an opportunity for potential progression abroad and the chance to use my communicative abilities and foreign languages knowledge.
How did you make your application stand out?
Firstly, I had prior experience working in the hospitality industry including part time jobs I had throughout university. However, my variety of extra curricular activities, competitions and events I had partaken in were also essential. These experiences such as, Co-founding QMUL Feminist Society and mentoring young students for 3 years with the charitable organisation IntoUniversity, gave me the transferable skills that I could adapt to my application. It helped that these experiences were voluntary and for an extended period of time showing diligence.
What part of the application process did you find the most challenging?
I found the virtual assessment centre slightly challenging as we were put into groups with people we hadn't met before and worked on different projects in a pressurised setting. We were then questioned on our choices and made to consider aspects we had not previously thought about. It was a great insight into the world of hospitality and showed us both the difficult and rewarding sides of the job.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
I found this role on the Bright Network website through the graduate job portal. Once I found the job, the psychometric testing practice under Academy Learning was particularly useful as it helped me pass the initial stages of the application process. The 'Thinking Commercially' podcast is another great tool that helped me to understand my relevant industry and elevate my commercial awareness.
Did you get any feedback in the past that helped you with your application?
Take a deep breath, keep calm and don't be scared to ask them to clarify the question. Remember that your answer will be a way of showing off your relevant skills for the role. You can give any example that would display those skills regardless of whether it was in a professional setting, for example you may use a group project in university as an example for teamwork skills. You must be able to adapt your experience to the question.
Did you use Bright Network Academy in your career search and if so, how did it help you?
Yes, the use of the Bright Network Academy, taught me to do thorough research on the company and understand their ethical goals as well as their business goals. Understanding a company's values allows you to decide whether they are a company you would want to work for. Staying up to date on the current news such as expansions of the company, is also essential in order to show that you are passionate about working for them.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Gain relevant industry experience in a role that will allow you to develop your transferable skills
- Stay commercially aware, follow the company on social media platforms and regularly check for them in News channels and Linkedin to see their latest developments
- Have a look at the company's annual report to gain a deeper insight into their future goals, past achievements and their main values
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
