The Black Excellence Programme 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 give you the confidence to build your professional network and succeed in the graduate recruitment process.

Is this a fast track to graduate schemes and internships?

Yes and no. Remember this event is primarily an employability networking event, you will get first hand advice from recruiters on what roles they offer, the application process, and gain useful hints and tips of information that is not online in this unique experience. It will then be your responsibility however to follow up on the contacts you speak to and put all the advice you have learnt to complete the 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 Black Excellence event, or include it in your applications.

Is there a charge for this event?

No, this event is completely free to attend!

Will there be a prayer room accessible throughout the event?

Yes, a prayer room will be available at any point of the event. If you require access to a prayer room, feel free to approach any member of our team who will be happy to guide you.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

You will need to bring your travel receipts with you in order to claim back your expenses and some form of ID with you (Bank Card, Drivers Licences, Passport etc.). Its also a good idea to bring something you can take notes on either electronically or written.

What will I be doing on the day?

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.

What if I'm worried about the team challenge?

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!).

Do I need to bring my CV?

No, you do not need to bring your CV. We will send your CV to the employers after the event. 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 employers along with their application deadlines, so you will be all set to apply.

The dress code for our events is professional yet relaxed. The most important thing though is that you feel comfortable and confident, so please wear whatever allows you to get the most out of the day.

How and when will my travel expenses be reimbursed?

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.

What about the process after the event?

By attending The Black Excellence Programme you will have already proven that you are the type of applicant the employers are looking for. So, following the event, the Events 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.

What should I do if I can no longer attend?

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 the team by email: events@targetjobs.co.uk or by phone: 01491 828 915

Can I bring a friend?

We would love for you to recommend this event to a friend. However, they will have to go through the same process as you. 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.

How and when will my travel expenses be reimbursed?

We'll cover your travel costs up to £50. If your trip costs more, just let the team know before you book, and we may be able to increase the contribution. To claim reimbursement, keep all of your receipts and simply fill out an online form after the event. We'll then send the money directly to your bank account. Please note, we recommend booking your tickets in advance, using public transport. Please note that taxi/Uber fares will not be reimbursed unless previously agreed upon.

NETWORKING EVENT

The Black Excellence Programme

Hosted by:

targetjobs

Date and time

24 Oct 2024

•

11.00-17:45

Location

Central London

targetjobs has partnered with leading employers in the UK to host The Black Excellence Programme. An event for Black Heritage students to meet with some of the biggest organisations in the world who have open roles for you to apply to.

The Black Excellence Programme is one of targetjobs’ most popular events because students of Black Heritage are given the opportunity to:

Connect with black professionals from worldwide organisations
Have honest and open conversations about systemic prejudices
Chat to students with the same concerns and questions

✨ Event Highlights ✨

Here’s what the Black Excellence Programme is bringing to you this year:

Remarkable key speakers

How do you overcome the barriers of institutional prejudices within the workplace? You’ll have the opportunity to find out by listening to talks from those who have already done it and are eager to share their personal experiences.

Networking with purpose

Want to meet other black students who share your career interests? Or talk to black professionals with plenty of experience in navigating the workplace? With 45 minutes dedicated to a relaxed networking session, you’ll be able to do both.

Candid conversations

Take part in discussions about diversity and inclusion in the workplace through open conversations with other black students and professionals. Here’s something to consider ahead of time: what’s the importance of representation in the working world?

Embracing Diversity, Driving Innovation

Reports from the Parker Review committee showed that in 2023, only 44% of the UK's top 50 largest private companies had at least one ethnic minority director on their board. targetjobs has partnered with leading employers to address the lack of representation in the workplace, and inspire and encourage Black heritage students to explore their talents and pursue their career aspirations.

Mission: Boardroom

Employers know exactly what they're looking for; whether it's skills, experience, qualifications or character. At this event, top UK employers such as Sky and Rolls Royce will be sharing how they select their candidates and what stands out the most to them.

REGISTER TODAY

Who can apply?

To attend this event, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

You’re an undergraduate/master’s students studying at a UK university
You identify as black heritage

PS: There are limited spaces for this highly anticipated event, so we encourage sharing any additional information about extracurricular activities and/or work experience to give yourself the best shot at securing a space.