LIAM JAMES
Creative Writer & Voiceover
ARTICLES
LONG-FORM COPY
I was tasked with writing numerous articles for the global leader for employer branding, Universum. Several of these articles are now featured on the "Popular" section of their "Insights" page.
Are High Achievers Really the Way to Go?
A generalization of the recruitment process, when attracting the top talent, might lead us to assume that we are simply targeting those students or graduates who attended the best educational institutes. The nature of hiring to build a successful team is becoming the highlight of a broader discussion, particularly when placing the spotlight on high achievers, their academic results or their personalities.
The battle of top performers vs top institutes
Recruiters have just as many important decisions to make when hiring new staff members as the employers do for the marketing of their employer brand. Both elements must be steering towards the same direction in terms of importance and relevance to a company’s goal. It is no secret that organizations still want to hire students who achieved the highest grades at the best universities. Why wouldn’t you? Nevertheless, it is important not to disregard similar candidates with similar grades who have attended less prestigious academic institutes.
It all boils down to reassurance. Companies want to have faith in the fact that each individual who becomes a new member of staff, will produce successful results at a high calibre. Therefore, it would be a reliable decision to trust the academic facts and qualities of the high achievers. The discussion of this particular topic broadens when taking into consideration the strategies of the top global companies and the portfolios of their workforce...
Link to the full article here .
The Banking Scramble for Fintech Talent
Attracting STEM talent
The banking industry is now, more than ever, experiencing a high turnover of young professionals who seem to be leaving their positions well before the two year mark. Communicating your company’s identity clearly, and disseminating information of growth opportunities will prove to your workforce that they have a valuable and long-term role to look forward to. It inspires purpose and future-proofs your business to ensure you’re not missing out on the best available talent. Attracting STEM talent to the financial industry means that employers must consider being brave enough to test new waters. This includes recruiting talent from other industries. The challenge lies in creating the competitive edge needed to engage with STEM students that prioritize innovation over market success or in other words, the STEM talent that usually opts not to pursue a career in the financial industry.
If your company can afford to be creative with its environment as well as its benefits, you are on track for a winning formula. A top consideration for STEM students headed for the financial services is a creative and dynamic environment. Add to that a thorough research of your market in order to deliver a tailored offering to your future workforce, and your attractiveness will be undeniable. Putting these hiring strategies in place can lead to a better recognition of employee performances as well as a happy and friendly work atmosphere.
The wants and needs of a STEM student
Universum’s study of STEM talent explores and differentiates, in detail, those students preferring the financial sector to those who don’t. The findings concluded that those who are seeking financial surroundings are also looking to be surrounded by high future earnings. It is important to recognize that these high earnings vary from country to country. Also, bear in mind that with Britain’s decision to leave the EU, the number of financial service industry workers based in the UK are now searching for jobs in other European locations, most notably Berlin, a flourishing city within the Fintech scene. STEM talent are clearly passionate about what they do. This fits in with the notion that employers should be future-focused in their planning as competitive base salaries or bonuses are less likely to motivate the students when considering what they are looking for in an employer. Attracting young and hungry talent to reap the short-term rewards is not a rarity among most companies, but retaining top workers is what will develop your company’s success going forward...
The Pros and Cons of Your Main Social Recruitment Channels
Taking as much interest as possible in your target demographic can be key in securing a successful and long-term relationship. Social recruitment is proving to be a hugely effective avenue in hiring the most suitable employees to fill your vacant positions. The content within your employer brand communication strategy will require primary attention, as it is followed up by its deliverance through specific social media channels to engage your target demographic.
Facebook encourages its users to express their personal thoughts and opinions by directly asking “What’s on your mind?” in the status update box. This feature can be advantageous for those companies who wish to encourage word of mouth among other networks and therefore broaden their professional connections. By making positive impressions within the workforce and contingent workers, your employer branding can reach a whole new and global audience. The ability to create groups and particularly closed groups is another feature that boosts communication between the employer and potential candidates. The opportunity to send information privately to a group is rare within the top social media channels and also avoids the time-consuming task of individual emailing.
The personalized nature of Facebook means that it is a great platform to almost literally open your doors to future talent. Invite them in for a look around by posting video content including tours, employee interviews and highlight the value of what it is to work for your company. This strategy can especially succeed with the younger generation of career-seekers who use Facebook as a “go-to-guide for whatever they are searching for. Recruiters would be playing it smart by fishing for the younger generation job-seekers on the platform or social network that they feel most comfortable with.
The openness and honesty of Facebook can also lead to employees and customers sharing negative views and opinions. This should not be taken lightly by companies who want to achieve more than simply raise the awareness of their brand. Large companies believe that by investing in employee referral, they will see a return of a 59% increase, which highlights the importance of creating positive relationships on social media...
JOURNALISM
Set with the task of writing an article surrounding the EU Business School with the objective to encourage readers to visit an open day at the universit
Connecting business students to tomorrow’s world
With the business world rapidly evolving and companies constantly competing with each other on a global scale, it’s important to stay connected; both to the ever-changing digital age and also to the people in your network.
“It’s a unique experience for everybody to get connected with people from around the world; both inside and outside of the classroom,” says Sophie Toral, Credit Editor for Bloomberg News and graduate of Business Administration in Business Finance, EU Barcelona.
With an alumni network of 25,000 and campuses in four spectacular European countries, it may seem hard to believe Sophie when she says:
“You basically know everybody.”
This is with reference to the small and dynamic classes that are part of EU’s flexible, personalized and pragmatic approach to business education. The classes are in English and attract students from all over the world.
“It’s such a unique experience,” continues Toral. “Studying at EU opens your mind. Not only do you get a chance to learn about other cultures, but you also make many connections. I’m still very much in contact with a lot of the people I met at EU.”
The EU Business School prides itself on having a strong connection to real businesses and businesspeople. It’s all part of their experiential learning approach; a method that focuses more on case studies and hands-on experience, rather than just reading from textbooks. This is backed up in an impressive manner, as the students have the opportunities to interact with industry experts and leading international businesses, right on EU's doorstep. The school boasts some of the foremost companies from every sector of the business world, as future employers of their graduates.
Someone making the most of EU’s connections is Paul Lombardo, currently studying an MBA in International Business. He’s just spent his internship in Nyon at the Union of European Football Associations, more commonly known as UEFA, the governing body of European football.
“It was a dream come true, both personally and professionally,” says Lombardo. “It’s been like a behind-the-scenes access at how this prestigious organisation functions on a daily basis. I got to meet the people who make the key decisions for the future of football, and had up-close-and-personal meetings with some truly inspirational people from all over Europe.”
Learn more about EU Business School.
Building strong links with companies working in the local areas is considered a priority at EU Business School. Paul is just one of the many students taking advantage of EU’s reputable network at the Montreux campus.
“By experiencing the working culture first hand, I am now familiar with how UEFA work and have had the chance to network with employees in the department I think best suits my abilities. They’ve even asked me to come back in the summer. This whole experience makes graduation a much less scary thought!” adds Lombardo.
This opportunity was made possible via EU’s Career Services Department (CSD), which acts as the bridge between the school and the business world who are eagerly awaiting their students. Mia Accola works in the CSD at the Geneva campus.
“We provide our students with the tools they need to enhance their career development and growth. We organize workshops about topics such as the art of networking, we invite guest speakers and also offer individual career counselling sessions, so students can prepare in a way that’s tailored to their personal needs. Our lecturers even have their own businesses, so it’s a real entrepreneurial insight into the business world for these students.”
Do you like the sound of what you’re reading so far? To gain a better insight into life at EU, the school is opening their doors and allowing you to take a closer look via a few different methods. They will hold Open Days, Info Sessions and Webinars throughout the year and all details can be found here.
“Whatever stage of life you’re at, EU provides a modern, forward-thinking curriculum and program,” Accola explains. “From foundation courses to online programs to doctorates and summer school, we can start you on your career journey and connect you to your dream role. Ultimately, we don’t just help you find employment; we make you employable.”