IT's not just for the boys! - February 2024

IT’s not just for the boys! is primarily an employability networking event, but you won’t find employers at stands handing out leaflets and reeling off the usual spiel. Instead you’ll be invited to have real conversations with representatives from top organisations, whether they are on the recruitment team, graduate schemes or board of directors and take part in unique interactive session all aimed to help you achieve your dream career!

Yes and no. Remember that this event is primarily an employability networking event: you will get first-hand information from recruiters on what roles they offer, advice on their application processes, and useful hints and tips that you can’t find online. However, it will then be your responsibility to follow up with the contacts you speak to and use all of the knowledge you have gained to help you complete applications. It has been known for previous attendees to be fast tracked through an event partner’s application process, so make sure you update your CV to mention that you attended IT’s not just for the boys!, or include it in your applications.

We’ll group you with other attendees (usually a maximum of ten students per group) to work on team challenges, which are a great opportunity to showcase teamwork, decision making and communication skills. You’ll also participate in skills sessions, (don’t worry they won’t be testing you on anything!) with recruiters, who’ll give you the inside scoop on applications, interviews, assessment centres and how to create your personal brand so you stand out from the crowd.

While we understand the idea of a “team challenge” can be a little daunting, we would like to reassure you that the session is absolutely nothing to worry about! It’s not there to judge you or make you feel uncomfortable, the purpose of the session to allow you a to have a practice run for assessment centres with the guidance of employer to help you prepare for the real thing. A good way to prepare is to either read our advice articles on assessment centres , (if you want to treat it like the real thing!), and brush up on your commercial knowledge of Technology!

No, you do not need to bring your CV. We will send your CV to the event partners along with your headshot, which will be taken on the day upon arrival. We will also be sending you a ‘how to get hired’ email after the event, which will include advice from us on how best to tailor your CV to the companies along with their application deadlines, so you will be all set to apply.

Smart business wear. Please do not wear T-shirts, denim or trainers (even black ones!). Remember that you could be meeting your future employer and first impressions are really important.

You will need to bring your travel receipts with you in order to claim back your expenses. It’s also a good idea to bring a notepad and pen.

Your travel costs will usually be reimbursed up to the value of £50. However, if your travel expenses exceed this amount we may be able contribute more, but this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You will be required to submit your travel receipts on the day and we will reimburse you after the event. Please bring with you the bank details for the account you wish us to pay the travel reimbursement into. Please note that you are asked to book travel tickets in advance, use student travel cards where possible, travel in standard class and use public transport. Taxi receipts will not be reimbursed.

By attending IT’s not just for the boys! you will have already proven that you are the type of applicant the event partners are looking for. So, following the event, Jade and the team at targetjobs will be keeping in contact with you to find out how you are getting on with your applications and to offer our help and advice should you need it.

If for any reason you are unable to make the event, please let us know as soon as possible so that somebody else can benefit from this opportunity. You can contact Jade by email: events@targetjobs.co.uk or by phone: 01491 828 915

We would love for you to recommend this event to a friend. However, they will have to go through the same process as you (register, interview and be invited). We will have to turn away anyone on the day who has not come through this process - whilst we would love to have everybody, we are restricted on the numbers that we can invite.