October 7, 2014, by James Jupe

Find your perfect match and make an impression!

If there’s one truth we’ve encountered again and again as part of our Careers in Management and Business Fair blog series, it’s that the world of business is open to all. You will see for yourself on Monday 13 October just how many employers will be on hand to talk about what they do and who they recruit. To help you along, we’ve spoken with Harriette Gwilt from Johnson & Johnson about how to raise your commercial awareness.

What do you do at Johnson & Johnson?

I am a human resources graduate currently working in the Talent Acquisition department. As part of my job, I attend career fairs at various universities around the UK, run skills sessions for students and strive to find the best candidates, so there is never a dull moment in my diary!

When looking at an application or interviewing a graduate, what do you look for? 

Commercial awareness is key and also someone who shows the potential to be a future leader. We assess all candidates against our four leadership imperatives: Connect, Shape, Deliver and Lead – so it is essential to demonstrate how your skills or attributes can relate to these imperatives. We recognise that as students or graduates, you are unlikely to have a wealth of work experience, so it’s definitely more centred on your potential and how you would fit in to the organisation.

What would you top tip for anyone applying for one of your graduate schemes or internships?

Do your research! Commercial awareness of Johnson & Johnson’s current positioning in the market is essential to anyone applying for graduate schemes or internships – you need to know what you’re talking about. Also think about why the particular role suits you and how you would fit in with the organisation.

What career opportunities are on offer? 

We are a global leader in healthcare. We embrace science and research – bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people.  The company is divided across three sectors: consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices/diagnostics.  There are a wide range of business roles available and these opportunities fall in all three sectors including finance, HR, marketing, customer development (sales) and operations.

Check out our entry in the Careers in Management and Business Fair guide. We’re also bringing a Nottingham graduate who works for us so you can talk to someone in your position not so long ago.

(Any companies with a pink mortar board in their entry will also be bringing alumni to the event.)

What is it like to work there?

Everyone is included and made to feel valued. Among my colleagues there is a real team spirit of working together. What also strikes me is that everyone here seems to enjoy their job.  Across the company, employees are treated equally regardless of role or title and there is always direction if you require support.

Take a look at our Careers in Management and Business Fair guide to see which employers are coming. You can also read our blog series to find out more about what to expect!

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