A Graduate’s guide to navigating the EOI process

Although current placements have just begun it is time to start thinking about where you would like to do your next placement. Expressions of Interest from business units will open the first week of March, which means it is time to start networking.

Here are some tips on how to navigate the Expressions of Interest process from a Graduate perspective. For Cadets and Scholars, the Expressions of Interest process is still relevant to you, especially if you are doing a five year degree or a double degree and may want to change placements through your degree (changing placements is at the discretion of ELTP).

1. Talk to fellow Participants about their placements. Are there any projects going on within their teams that might be a great development opportunity for you?

2. Look at projects that interest you and reach out to the manager responsible for the project. You can either call or email the placement manager, depending on what you feel comfortable doing, the process is the same for both:

  • Introduce yourself, let them know you which part of ELTP you are from for example the Graduate program and are talking to managers about possible placements for the program.
  • Ask to set up a face to face meeting at a time that is convenient for the manager.
  • Ensure you let your current placement manager know about the meeting and set up the meeting at a time that suits your current manager. It is important to manage your work load while meeting with possible managers.

3. When meeting with a manager about a possible placement you need to:

  • Be prepared. Do some research about the team first, look at their organisation chart and understand where they fit in the cluster.
  • Ask about what the team is currently working on and what they will be working on in the future. The next rotation begins in August, so you want to know what they will be doing then.
  • Ask what a normal day will look like and how it will contribute to your development.
  • Find out where you will be based each day, is it easily accessible by public transport, if not is there suitable parking?
  • If you are in your second year of the Graduate Program, ask if there is the possibility that the placement could become a permanent position.

4. If the placement interests you and you would like to do a rotation with the team, ask the manager to complete an Expression of Interest form before they close (this is via Survey Monkey). When does it close, you can ask the manager to preference you specifically on the Expressions of Interest form though this doesn’t guarantee you the placement. You can also send the link to the intranet that provides more information for managers on what the Graduate program is, or send them the link to the Expressions of Interest form. You should let managers know that submitting an EOI does not guarantee a participant will be placed with them.

5. If you feel that the placement won’t be the right fit for you, let the manager know; either send them an email or give them a call. You should thank them for their time and politely and respectfully let them know why you are looking at other teams for a rotation. You can still encourage the manager to complete and EOI, as the placement may suit other Talent participants.

6. It is important not to over promise. Don’t tell three managers you are going to preference them as your first choice if you aren’t going to.

Remember that this process reflects not only on you but also on Entry Level Talent Programs, be up front with managers about your intentions and be respectful of their time. Remember, just because you preference somewhere as your first preference and are requested by a team does not mean you are guaranteed to be placed there; placements are decided on with business needs in mind, not just where participants would like to be placed.

Good luck with the EOI process and choosing your next placements!

Although current placements have just begun it is time to start thinking about where you would like to do your next placement. Expressions of Interest from business units will open the first week of March, which means it is time to start networking.

Here are some tips on how to navigate the Expressions of Interest process from a Graduate perspective. For Cadets and Scholars, the Expressions of Interest process is still relevant to you, especially if you are doing a five year degree or a double degree and may want to change placements through your degree (changing placements is at the discretion of ELTP).

1. Talk to fellow Participants about their placements. Are there any projects going on within their teams that might be a great development opportunity for you?

2. Look at projects that interest you and reach out to the manager responsible for the project. You can either call or email the placement manager, depending on what you feel comfortable doing, the process is the same for both:

  • Introduce yourself, let them know you which part of ELTP you are from for example the Graduate program and are talking to managers about possible placements for the program.
  • Ask to set up a face to face meeting at a time that is convenient for the manager.
  • Ensure you let your current placement manager know about the meeting and set up the meeting at a time that suits your current manager. It is important to manage your work load while meeting with possible managers.

3. When meeting with a manager about a possible placement you need to:

  • Be prepared. Do some research about the team first, look at their organisation chart and understand where they fit in the cluster.
  • Ask about what the team is currently working on and what they will be working on in the future. The next rotation begins in August, so you want to know what they will be doing then.
  • Ask what a normal day will look like and how it will contribute to your development.
  • Find out where you will be based each day, is it easily accessible by public transport, if not is there suitable parking?
  • If you are in your second year of the Graduate Program, ask if there is the possibility that the placement could become a permanent position.

4. If the placement interests you and you would like to do a rotation with the team, ask the manager to complete an Expression of Interest form before they close (this is via Survey Monkey). When does it close, you can ask the manager to preference you specifically on the Expressions of Interest form though this doesn’t guarantee you the placement. You can also send the link to the intranet that provides more information for managers on what the Graduate program is, or send them the link to the Expressions of Interest form. You should let managers know that submitting an EOI does not guarantee a participant will be placed with them.

5. If you feel that the placement won’t be the right fit for you, let the manager know; either send them an email or give them a call. You should thank them for their time and politely and respectfully let them know why you are looking at other teams for a rotation. You can still encourage the manager to complete and EOI, as the placement may suit other Talent participants.

6. It is important not to over promise. Don’t tell three managers you are going to preference them as your first choice if you aren’t going to.

Remember that this process reflects not only on you but also on Entry Level Talent Programs, be up front with managers about your intentions and be respectful of their time. Remember, just because you preference somewhere as your first preference and are requested by a team does not mean you are guaranteed to be placed there; placements are decided on with business needs in mind, not just where participants would like to be placed.

Good luck with the EOI process and choosing your next placements!

Page published: 28 Feb 2019, 11:03 AM