Sponsored by Deusto Business School  

Juan Pablo, a 22-year-old Mexican student shares his impressions of the Basque Country, where he studied at Deusto Business School.

If you aren’t familiar with the Basque Country, it’s a region of Spain in the north-east of the country bordering France. I moved here for university from Mexico to study business and have come to love this small strip of land and the many surprises it contains. After three years of living here, I’m still very grateful I got to discover it. Here’s why.

Euskara is the oddest language I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing

In addition to Spanish, the people of the Basque Country speak a puzzling language called Euskara. The dialect has a famously complicated syntax and grammar, and it has been spoken for more than two millenniums in the region.   Euskara is one of the few surviving dialects in Europe to predate the Indo-european family of languages, making it one of the oldest languages in Europe. Of course, it has over time borrowed a few words from Spanish here and there, such as aireportua, for instance, which means airport and sounds a lot like its Spanish cousin aeropuerto. But, on the whole, knowing English, German, Italian, Spanish or French won’t get you very far. Take the phrase eskerrik asko, for instance. You could be forgiven for not knowing what it means because it sounds absolutely nothing like gracias, grazie, merci, danke or thank you.

Bilbao and San Sebastian are stunning cities

I’m so glad I was fortunate enough to discover the two cities known locally as Bilbo and Donosti through my university (Deusto Business School has a campus in both cities.) It’s impossible to lay your eyes on Bilbao and San Sebastian and not find them magnificent.   Bilbao is staggeringly beautiful. It offers breathtaking landscapes just minutes from the city center, a world-renowned food scene and truly remarkable architecture. Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, for instance, is one of the most iconic buildings in the region and an architectural gem. If you’re not familiar with it, it has got really sharp edges and a modernist shape (it looks a tiny bit like the Sydney Opera House.) Inside, you’ll find challenging modern art, incredible retrospectives and magnificent permanent exhibitions like Jenny Holzer's LED columns of text phrases in different languages.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the coastal city of San Sebastian and it’s become a bit of a second home to me because I have a few friends based there. I love its beaches and gorgeous hillsides overlooking the sea - not to mention the city’s cool bars and lunch spots. I was so glad to learn that San Sebastian won the European City of the Year award and the European Capital of Culture in 2016 because it totally deserved its moment in the limelight.

My university campus is near a Game of Thrones filming location…

No matter where you look here, you will find gorgeous scenery, from forests to snow-capped mountaintops and a beautiful extending coastline with a great variety of beaches and cliffs. The cherry on top? San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones was shot. It’s a beautiful island and a bit of an adventure: you have to climb up 241 steps to get to the top, where you will find a beautiful hermitage.  

San Sebastian is the city with the most Michelin-rated restaurants per square meter

With almost 40 Michelin-rated restaurants, the Basque Country is one of the best destinations in the world for gastronomy, especially San Sebastian. Of course, while these restaurants are great spots to celebrate graduating (touch wood), I would suggest you try pintxos if you’re fortunate enough to visit, which are small snacks piled on top of a slice of bread. The affordable snacks are particularly great on nights out and best served with a drink and good company.

The Basque country is home to nearly 1,660 multinationals

While Spain suffered a financial downturn since the 2008 economic crisis, the Basque Country is one of the country’s few areas of prosperity. The Basque Country’s ability to thrive in the face of adversity is truly inspiring, and has even prompted the Harvard economics professor Michael Porter to describe the Basque Country as “one of the great economic success stories in the world”. Indeed, the region has achieved the highest productivity rate in Europe and is now responsible for 23.5 percent of Spain’s GDP.   I moved to the Basque Country with very little idea of what to expect. With hindsight, I now realize I couldn’t have anticipated the many, little ways it changed the way I think and feel about the world. So, if you are shopping around for a university abroad, I would suggest you throw the Basque Country into your shortlist of destinations because it’s full of treasures. 

If graduation is around the corner, or you’re beginning to take an early look at which graduate schemes you should be applying to, we’ve found something which should help. Released annually, GlassDoor’s Employees’ Choice Awards features a ranking of the 50 best places to work in the UK in 2018, based on anonymous, voluntary employee feedback gathered over the past year.

This year, Google takes the top spot for the first time since 2015, beating competition from the likes of fellow tech giants Facebook and Apple. So, how can you get a job at the best place to work in the UK? Fortunately for you, several of the companies included in the top 50 also offer their own graduate schemes or internships, so there’s a clear route for you to find work with these top employers.

1. Google

Claiming first place in the ranking of the best places to work in the UK (having ranked only 13^th the year before), Google has a rating of 4.5 out of a possible five. Employees are quoted as describing it as “one of the best companies in the world” and somewhere where they “feel like (they’re) at a company that is actively shaping what the world will be like in the future”.

In addition to this positive working environment, GlassDoor also highlight some of the perks of working at Google, including “free food, health insurance, dental insurance, travel expenses and shares [and] flexible working arrangements”.

If all of this sounds good, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are internships available at Google’s London office, including business internships in GMS Sales and Operations, Large Customer Sales, Google Cloud and Marketing, MBA internships and software engineering internships. You’re eligible if you’re currently studying a degree in computer science, business or a related field and able to complete the internship and then complete your studies. Previous relevant experience will also help your application.

2. Anglian Water

Narrowly missing out on top spot in this list of the best companies to work for the UK is Anglian Water, a company which supplies water to the eastern counties of the UK. Based in Cambridgeshire, Anglian Water is the winner of the Responsible Business of the Year award for 2017 and has a GlassDoor score of 4.4. Employees called it “an enjoyable, inspiring and rewarding company to work for” and praised its graduate scheme, saying there’s “a really good balance between having plenty to do whilst having good support in place if required. All Anglian Water staff have been extremely friendly without exception and have made me feel really valued.”

The company’s Graduate Management Programme offers a starting salary of £25,500 (US$34,500), spans two years, and is focused on transforming graduates into future managers, giving them a comprehensive overview of the company and its core business areas. You’re eligible if you have a degree in geography, engineering or other related scientific or engineering subjects, or a business-related discipline.  

3. Bromford

Based in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, Bromford is a social enterprise which provides affordable housing and specialist housing support services. It received a score of 4.4 in the best places to work ranking, with employees praising it as a “fantastic company to work for”. In particular, employees praised its “great office space, amazing, helpful colleagues, really great benefits package [and] good pensions”.

Bromford doesn’t currently offer any graduate schemes, so if you want to work here, you’ll need to gain the required experience for your ideal role elsewhere first. If you apply for a role and are shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an assessment day.

4. Facebook

Another big name to make GlassDoor’s list of the 10 best companies to work for is social media giant Facebook, which gained a score of 4.4. Working here is described as being “fast-paced and constantly changing with an ambition to always do better”. Another employee said Facebook was an “amazing employer with lots of challenges and opportunities to learn and grow”.

Facebook has London-based roles available for 2018 graduates, including positions in production design, UX research, product marketing management (for an MBA graduate) and software engineering. It also offers PhD internships in UX research, which are currently open to HCI, social computing, information science or related social science students who will graduate with a PhD in 2019.

5. Salesforce

Ranked fifth in the GlassDoor list of the best places to work in the UK, innovative cloud computing company Salesforce has been praised for its excellent company culture. Employees pointed out the company’s “values around trust, transparency, innovation and equality are really driven and I haven't met anyone who isn't committed to these values”. The environment is particularly positive for people starting directly after university, with one employee writing: “As a graduate, I feel like I am learning a lot. I have definitely grown in my short time with the company.”

Salesforce runs a 12-month Success Graduate Program in the UK, aimed at graduates from all disciplines, which offers continuous growth and development working as part of the pre-sales or post-sales team.  Previous work experience in a commercial or consulting environment would be ideal for this program, and you can read more tips on how to get hired as a Salesforce Success Graduate here.

6. Lookers

Lookers, one of the UK’s leading car dealership chains, is based in Stretford, Manchester but has a variety of roles available across the UK in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Worcester, Edinburgh, Leeds and Surrey. 90 percent of Lookers employees who posted reviews would recommend the company to a friend, with many benefits available, including a good amount of annual leave (which increases with the longer you stay in the company), share schemes, staff discounts, flexible working, illness cover and more.

7. Rentokil Initial

Ranked as the seventh best place to work in the UK, Rentokil Initial is a leading provider of commercial pest control services, hygiene services, plants and scenting. With a head office in Surrey, Rentokil Initial offers graduate programs lasting up two three years which offer graduates the chance to prove themselves and take on an interesting and rewarding role as an operations or sales graduate, in which every day is different.

Rentokil Initial has a score of 4.3 on GlassDoor. One employee, who is taking part in a graduate management program in Glasgow, complimented his co-workers, describing them as an “amazing team, like a big family” and they also reflected positively on their varied workload and great training.

8. Hiscox

Hiscox is an international insurance company based in Bermuda (with offices in several UK cities) which specializes in niche areas of the market. It has a score of 4.3 on GlassDoor, and one employee said: “You are constantly surrounded by people who are willing to work hard and get the job done to the best of their ability but who also know how to have a good laugh and bring your spirits up when you need to.” Another employee said they were “given responsibility from the first day,” while other positives included, “excellent training, [an] exceptionally friendly and approachable working environment [and] good benefits”.

Hiscox’s 2018 Graduate Program aims to give graduates hands-on experience with on-the-job training from reputable professionals. These programs are two years long and consist of three secondments, two in your home location and one in an office abroad. If you’re from the UK, you will need at least 300 UCAS points and a 2:2 degree. You’ll also need to be numerate, share the company values and have excellent interpersonal skills.

9. Apple

Ranked ninth in this year’s list of the best places to work in the UK, Apple has a score of 4.0 and has a large number of positive reviews, including: “The atmosphere is amazing and working around like-minded people makes you want to better yourself and give a better experience to the customers”.

Apple offers London-based internships such as a product marketing internship aimed at current students or recent graduates, which starts in June/July 2018 and lasts a year. This represents a great opportunity to gain experience in the product marketing team and gain insight across a range of well-known Apple products.

10. HomeServe UK

Last but not least in this top 10 of best companies to work for is HomeServe, a home emergency repairs business with its head office in the West Midlands. Achieving an overall GlassDoor score of 4.3, one HomeServe employee called the company “one of a kind”. They continued: “[It has a] very special culture. A lot of businesses claim to have created a ‘family like’ feel. HomeServe truly has. I have a real sense of belonging, people at all levels genuinely care about the customers and each other”.

At the time of writing there are roles available in marketing, production management and customer service.

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By Ilana Klok

If you'll be applying for your first graduate job later this year, you’ve probably already been made aware of how important it is to polish your resume and produce a tailored cover letter for each job you apply for. However, what you might not realize is that your test-taking days won’t end after graduation.

In today's competitive job market, most employers use pre-employment testing to separate top candidates from the rest. Despite how common these tests are, the fact they can be such an unknown quantity can terrify candidates.

Fortunately, we have the inside track on what to expect next time you walk into a job interview. Here’s a closer look at the two main types of test you can expect to face: aptitude tests and personality tests.

What are aptitude tests?

Aptitude tests evaluate your relevant skills and determine if you can perform the duties that are required for the position you are applying to. Since so many candidates have the same qualifications and educational background, aptitude tests are a great way for companies to choose between candidates.

Unfortunately, there is no one type of aptitude test, so we can’t provide you with a one-size-fits-all cheat sheet. However, the most common aptitude tests evaluate a candidate’s overall cognitive capacity by testing basic numerical, verbal, or logical reasoning skills. It’s also extremely common to encounter a more technical test which would require you to display a job-related skill, such as clerical skills or Microsoft Excel skills.

Companies usually outsource these exams and use tests provided by assessment companies, which actually works to your advantage. If possible, ask in advance which assessment company test you will be expected to take, and use that information to practice using online practice aptitude tests. Popular assessment company aptitude tests include the CCAT Criteria, Kenexa, and Wonderlic.

What are personality tests?

Whereas aptitude tests assess your ability to perform a particular job, personality tests are used by employers to determine if you have the right personality profile for the job. They’re designed in a specific way to give employers an idea of how you will get along with your coworkers, and if you will be a good cultural fit for the company.

When taking a personality test, you may be asked to choose adjectives that describe you, or presented with sentences and have to decide if you agree or disagree with the statements. While you should answer questions honestly, it is important to understand how personality tests work and to practice beforehand in order to obtain a good result.

One of the most popular personality tests is the Big Five test, which assigns each candidate with five major aspects of their personality. The Hogan, and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) are also extremely common.

In the past personality tests were used primarily by governmental agencies or industries requiring a high level of responsibility such as airlines. In the current employment market though, most industries give their candidates some sort of personality screener. Companies have learned that providing more pre-employment screening can save them valuable time and money in the long run.

Be warned: most personality tests are designed to be extremely long and repetitive. The test questions can also feel wearying and confusing too, as they’re designed to have multiple answers that seem correct. Make sure you don’t become fatigued while taking the test, and try to answer all the questions consistently. Employers are looking for decisive and consistent employees.

Take a look at this practice personality test based on the Big Five test to make sure you know what to expect on the test.  What’s great about this resource is that it gives you an in-depth analysis of what traits employers are seeking for different positions.    

Top tips for preparing for your assessment

Read the instructions carefully: You should always know what each section of the test is asking from you before attempting to complete it. By doing so, you minimize the risk of making careless errors. This might sound obvious, but pre-employment tests are usually a new form of test for most candidates. They do not test a specific subject area like you are used to in university.

Familiarize yourself with the test beforehand: Before you attempt the test, you should already feel comfortable with the types of questions you will encounter as well as the content of the exam. For this reason, it’s important to study using practice tests prior to taking the actual test.

Get a good night's sleep: It’s important to get at least six hours of sleep the night before, to ensure you’re well-rested and alert. To reduce stress levels, don’t attempt to study the night before. Rather, engage yourself in relaxing activities and aim to go to bed at a reasonable hour.

Practice good time-management skills: Many online assessments are long, and sometimes that means you aren’t expected to complete the entire exam. Don't rush just because there is a time limit—learn how to pace yourself and answer enough questions to achieve a high score.

Quality vs. quantity: There are two main test-taking strategies when it comes to timed tests: either to attempt as many questions as possible, or to attempt fewer questions but answer them correctly. When it comes to aptitude tests, it's better to answer fewer questions but have a higher percentage of them answered correctly. When practicing, try to identify which question types are hardest for you. That way you will know which questions you should skip and which you should answer, giving yourself the best chance for success.

Even the simplest test can feel challenging when you are under pressure with the clock ticking to complete the test within a certain time, but don’t panic. You’ve got the ability to be a success with this, so start researching and preparing for your interview assessment today.

This article was contributed by Ilana Klok. She is a pre-employment testing expert at JobTestPrep. She specializes in writing about the use of tests in the employment hiring process. 

By Laura Kabelka

If English isn’t your first language, you might find you need to take an English language proficiency exam such as the IELTS or the TOEFL as part of your application to study abroad. These tests may seem straightforward, but learning to write and speak in a sophisticated and eloquent manner in a new language doesn’t come easily. In order to succeed, you’ll need to put a lot of continuous effort into learning a new language, but there are some quick fixes that can help to boost your test performance at short notice.

If the exam is just a few weeks away, here are some ways to quickly improve your English language skills.

Watch movies in English      

Watching series on Netflix might not exactly improve your debating skills or formal register, but it helps you to understand the language better, get used to colloquial, conversational forms of English and implicitly get a feeling for the language. Also, you could try to pick out words that sound highly informal and look up their more scholarly counterparts. Of course, there is also a plethora of documentaries (try anything by David Attenborough to start you off) to be found online as well. Being exposed to a language for the length of a movie might help you to actually start thinking in English.          

Immerse yourself in English language news        

Try to sample a broad range of English language newspapers, including broadsheets as well as magazines and tabloids. As well as helping you keep up to date with current affairs, this range of news sources will also expand your vocabulary. Another advantage is that you will also become more comfortable with how words are spelt and the contexts in which they are used.                 

Start a vocabulary book of useful words              

Either in a notebook or on your computer, start making a list of useful words and phrases. Every time you hear or see a word you’re not familiar with, note it down. Don’t only focus on the word itself, but search for synonyms and phrases in which it’s used. After all, you might understand what words such as “precedence” or “tantalizing” mean, but do you know how to use them accurately?

Have conversations in English

As helpful as listening and reading tasks may be, you also need to use English interactively and practice your own speaking skills. If you’re lucky, you’ll be friends with a few native speakers who can help you out, but if not then try to meet up with someone else studying English. Another option is to talk to yourself in the mirror or record yourself. Listening to the sound of your own voice might be a little bit awkward at first, but you will be able to hear mistakes of which you weren’t previously aware.     

Practice, practice, practice         

Let’s face it, academic phrases won’t just fall from heaven and straight into your brain. Even if your English is already quite good, don’t be complacent and underestimate stressful factors such as the time pressure in an exam. You still have to practice, no matter how much time you have left before your big day. Try coming up with a word of the day, and then try to employ it as often as possible. If you do this, don’t waste time on extremely specific words you will never actually use. Instead, focus on conversational English which is likely to be relevant in the exam.      

Curiosity doesn’t always kill the cat        

In order to improve rapidly, you should ask a lot of questions and resolve them. Don’t just read phrases. Ask why they are used in a particular way, whether other constructions are possible as well and don’t trust everything you read online. Of course, it is tempting to be content with the first answer that pops up on Google, but you’ll find more rewards if you show a bit of curiosity.

Don’t forget to have fun while you learn             

If studying the English language only feels like a burden, it will seem tedious and you won’t perform as well. This is why it’s important to stay motivated and enjoy the experience of learning a new language. Find ways to add entertainment into your studies, such as playing word games with friends that will boost your critical thinking skills.

Obviously, learning a new language is a long-term project and you can’t start from zero and write an academic paper a week later. But, when building on a decent foundation, you can achieve great results quickly if you devote yourself intensely. Especially for exams like the IELTS, you should really know what questions will be asked, what the formats look like and how to deal with the respective tasks. Try to stay focused and improve certain parts, rather than frantically trying to catch up with everything at once.

Laura Kabelka works in Communication and Marketing at StudentJob AT.