Regulatory, Medical & Safety Graduate programme: Application tips from current Graduates

As we sit down in S?borg to write this blogpost, it’s strange to think back to the time when we were preparing our own applications. We were on different sides of the world, still finishing up our studies, and hadn’t yet met. Fun fact: While the first time we met was during the Graduate Recruitment Centre, the first time we met in person was actually carrying suitcases up to our shared flat (all 5 floors, instant way to make friends). A lot has changed since then with moving to a new country, starting our careers and meeting the other Graduates!

While brainstorming for this blog, we tried to think about what we wish we’d known before applying to the Regulatory, Medical & Safety programme. If you’re wondering where to begin with your application, we’re here to help! We’ve assembled our Do’s and Don’ts to help you make the most out of your application. We hope it will make the process easier and wish you the best of luck!

When Preparing to Apply, Do:?

Do your research on the programme tracks

This year 11 programme tracks are accepting applications so we know it can be a bit tricky to figure out know which one is the right match for you. But trust us, taking the time to determine which programme fits both your interests as well as your educational background is worth it! It will help you when putting together your application if you have a clear motivation for why you chose to apply to that particular track and what makes you a good candidate. To guide you with this, check out this helpful table that shows the programme tracks and how relevant different educational backgrounds are (we of course recommend you take a look at the RMS track!)

All jokes aside, if you think you might be interested in applying to the Regulatory, Medical & Safety track it can help to learn more. A good first step might be to check out our colleagues blogpost introducing the different areas of RMS! Learning more about the RMS programme and the areas within it can help you to narrow down what experiences and skills you have that make you a good candidate. This will help you to articulate what you would be brining to the company.?

Reach out to current graduates

Last year, 45% of applicants had been in contact with current graduates prior to applying! There’s no better way to understand if the program is right for you than by speaking to those currently in the program. You can get in touch with us by attending webinars and career fairs, in LinkedIn or by just using the chat function on the Graduate programme webpage. Reaching out to current Graduates can also give you an idea of the people and the company environment so you can determine if it is right for you. Most of the Graduates are happy to answer your questions about the Graduate programme – we’ve been in the same situation before as you are now.?

Read instructions and your application over carefully??

Before uploading your CV, motivational letter and video, make sure you follow the instructions on the application page. You don’t want to end up uploading a video or motivational letter that is way too long, concise is always best. Additionally, it’s good to keep in mind that the type of CV used for applying to an industry position such as the graduate programme is different than the type of CV appropriate in an academic setting. In order to avoid spelling mistakes, have someone proofread your motivational letter and CV. If you dare, you can even ask someone to watch your video and give feedback! Last, but certainly not least, make sure to personalise your CV and motivational letter to the position you’re applying to. This is the case even if you’re applying to multiple tracks within the Graduate programme.

Be reflective

Spend some time thinking about why you want to apply for the graduate programme. It’s important to identify what skills you wish to develop, what your career goals are and what you want to get out of the programme.?You should also spend time thinking about how the graduate programme can help support these aspirations. The Graduate programme is a professional (and personal!) development journey, it will require you to both look backwards and think ahead. If you can demonstrate that you have a clear motivation for joining the graduate programme, as well as the specific track you are applying to, it will help to prepare yourself for the application process.

Be strategic with your application

This year the application consists of 3 different elements: your CV, motivational letter as well as a 1-minute video. That means you have three different opportunities to explain why you think you would be a great fit for the graduate programme. Use the opportunity to not just repeat your CV on the other two elements, but to showcase something new about you in each format.

A Couple Don’ts to Keep in Mind:

Don’t wait until the last minute to apply

It takes time to proof-read your motivational letter, film the video and reflect on your experiences and motivation– don’t wait until the last minute before the application portal closes! It is better to overestimate the time you will spend making your application, than underestimate. A 1-minute video can take surprisingly long to film - we speak from experience (and our many outtakes can back us up!). You also never know if there are going to be any technical issues when uploading your documents to the portal. So to keep the process as stress-free as possible, give yourself plenty of time.

Don’t get caught up in the video production

The video is just one part of the application – don’t over think it! No production elements are necessary, decent lighting and clear sound are the most important parts. Give some thought to what you want that key message to be before you hit record. If you would like to add a personal touch, you can always include something important to you in the background (a guitar, a camera, your knitting equipment etc.). Just make sure to have good lighting and clear audio when you film so there is nothing to stop your personality shining through. ??

Amanda & Iida