Women in Business Academy Review

The days were long and tiring but it was really fun to meet a lot of like-minded people.

There were lots of chances to talk to the company representatives and they were really willing to answer all questions.

The senior managers gave really detailed answers to questions about what they are looking for in interviews which went beyond the normal answers you get at careers fairs or online.

I think the skills will really help with future applications for jobs, as well as helping me understand which area I am most interested in.

We were given a timetable at the beginning and most activites ran to time. There were some people who they didn't have name badges for though, and there was a problem with the coach which was supposed to collect us at the start which caused me some trouble getting there.

There were so many different people that even right at the end I was still meeting new people.

It definitely felt like they were planning on us joining in the future.

The activities were not examples of their day-to-day work, although it did help me understand what the different areas of the business do. Some of the careers talks covered this a bit and you could ask questions during networking

We got to meet a lot of their employees which is a fairly good indication, although as we were not at one of their offices it is still hard to say.

They really encouraged us to think about our goals and values which was very interesting to do.

I was reimbursed expenses although getting this was not easy. They didn't give out forms to send in so I had to find one online with the help of another participant. Then I waited 2 months to be reimbursed as it was delayed by claiming for a taxi fair, even though they told us to get taxis when the coach they were laying on was cancelled.

The networking was over dinner and the employees rotated between courses. This was one of the best networking events I've been to as you didn't have ti fight to ask a question and you could also chat about other things and get to know them.

There were lots of chances to get to know the other participants and they made an effort to mix up groups for different sessions.

I think some were mentioned but this wasn't a focus of the event.

I would recommend it if you can't get on to one of their other schemes like shadow a female leader or internship but it wouldn't be my first choice.