early careers at schneider electric

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Early careers at Schneider Electric

Power your career

2 3Life Is On | Schneider Electric

Contents

Join Schneider Electric

Applying for a role at Schneider Electric – the Dos and Don’ts

Our mission

Early career scheme – an interview with Lydia James

Early career scheme – an interview with Adam McLoughlin

Change the World – projects you could be working on

Join us

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“I applied for Schneider Electric because I wanted to feel proud of the company I worked for”

Emily Pilgrim, Ecostructure & Install Base Specialist


Join Schneider ElectricTogether we have an opportunity to create the future

We’re not just another tech company.

If you’re interested in evolving as a professional, we’re keeping a seat warm for you.

Schneider Electric appreciates what makes you you. We’re a dynamic, global company looking for passionate people to help us innovate at every level.

We work to deliver safe, reliable, efficient, sustainable and connected energy for everyone.

Why work at Schneider Electric

ValuesWe genuinely care about the well-being of our employees – and the planet.StraightforwardWe act with integrity and communicate with clarity.

ChallengeWe accept challenges and defy the status quo.

OpenWe value differences. We listen, learn, connect, and collaborate.

PassionateWe’re passionate in our approach to finding solutions that improve lives.

EffectiveWe deliver on promises. We’re pragmatic, agile, and determined.

Five R&D hubs and 5% of sales devoted

to R&D

We have over 144,000 employees worldwide

We are recognized and awarded globally in areas of efficiency,

sustainability, connectivity, reliability and safety

We’ve partnered with 50+ global organizations

Our equal opportunities rewards policies and programs are applied consistently to

all employees worldwide

Cool sites are workplaces that are

smart, attractive and energizing

We have trained over 70,000 people in

energy technologies

“We have a really nice mix of people and a really good mix of talents.”William Corrigan, Graduate Engineer

13 awards in HR, well-being, employee of choice domains

(global and local awards)

Top Company

386 Cool Sites in 60 countries

Research

Partnership

Planet & Society

70,000

Global

Gender Equality


Applying for a role at Schneider Electric

Peter Hogg, Talent Acquisition & Mobility Manager

The Dos and Dont’s

DoUse the first third of your CV to highlight your academic credentials. Include relevant details such as your dissertation or topics you were particularly interested in.

DoUse your CV to express your creativity. We like to read CVs by date, so include a clear timeline on the left-hand side, but remember to make the CV your own and personalise it however you want.

Don’tAssume your CV can only take up one page. This is your first chance to tell us about yourself so if it’s relevant don’t leave it out.

DoThink of the recruiter. You want to make sure we can find all the information quickly, so make sure each section is organised in a way that makes it easy for us to read.

DoInclude a profile statement at the top of your CV. This doesn’t have to be a 5 year plan, but at Schneider Electric we like to get an idea of what our candidates want and what they’re expecting to gain from their placement.

Don’t Be scared to include your interests and hobbies. We like to get to know our candidates, and these can go at the end of the CV.

Do Include a covering letter. A good cover letter needs to answer any obvious questions we might have when reading your CV. This includes your availability, why you’re interested in working at Schneider Electric and what areas and roles you are more drawn to.

Don’tForget our social media channels. Keep an eye on our social channels a few weeks before your assessment day – you can almost certainly find useful tips and clues to help you prepare for your big day!

DoYour research. The more you know about the company, the more targeted information the recruiter can give you.

DoUse LinkedIn to research. LinkedIn is a great tool to find out more about Schneider Electric and can help give a broad understanding of the types of roles you will be exposed to.

DoUse YouTube as a starting point in your research. Our channel has a lot of company information, and it’s a valuable tool to find out more about us.

DoInclude previous work experience, whatever that might be. This doesn’t have to be at a major global company, it can be something simple like working at a family’s business, but it indicates drive and ambition – both qualities we look for.

Don’tForget to clearly state whether or not you’re eligible to work in UK. You don’t need to disclose your nationality, but it’s important for us to know if you can legally work in the UK.

DoMake sure you engage in every activity on your assessment day – including group exercises. It helps us get to know you.

Don’tBe cocky. Arrogance tends to put employers off. But DO be confident.

DoRemember our values. It’s important that every new candidate shares the same principles and understands why they want to work at Schneider Electric.

Become part of the team in three simple steps: online application, telephone interview and assessment centre. Below you’ll find helpful tips to get you through each stage of this process.

“So much of what we do touches so many people’s lives”Peter Hogg, Talent Acquisition & Mobility Manager, UK and Ireland


“Schneider Electric always wants to change. It wants to lead the market, come up with new ideas. Everybody is in it together.”Lauren Jobburns, Regional Sales Engineer

Schneider Electric makes life safe, reliable, efficient, sustainable and connected.

We're good for your future. And we're good for the planet.

180 years of history and innovationOur story is written by generations of people who have transformed our company, and the world, for almost two centuries. Today, our heritage empowers us to innovate at every level – and to ensure that Life Is On.

We believe that great people and partners make Schneider Electric a great company and that our commitment to innovation, diversity and sustainability ensures that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment.

We develop connected technologies and solutions to manage energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable.

We’re proud to say that... ■ We invest in an inclusive and diverse workforce

■ We’ve already met our sustainability target in the first quarter of 2018

■ We’ve trained 350,000 underprivileged people in energy management

■ We’ve seen 25% increase in our energy and sustainability services

■ Over 100 countries rely on our solutions for their water and wastewater management

“We were able to try numerous different job roles within the company as part of the apprenticeship, as well as getting the education on the side ”James Park, Offer Manager

“Schneider Electric offers multiple internal and external training courses.”Lewis Wassell, Product Application Engineer

“We are a global business. We will continue to evolve and change, and that brings in more opportunities.”Jocelyn Golding, Electrician Channel Program Manager

AwardsOur customers inspire us every day to find new ways to empower people to do more with less. We are honoured to be recognised and awarded globally in areas of efficiency, sustainability, connectivity, reliability and safety.

4th place in Carbon Clean 200 List Corporate Knights (February 2018)

World´s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute (for the 7th consecutive year) Ethisphere (February 2018)

Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations Corporate Knights (January 2018)

Part of First Sector-Neutral Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index 2018 Bloomberg (January 2018)

Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards Glassdoor Best Place to Work in France (January 2018)

World’s Most Admired Companies Fortune (January 2018)

A global leader in Climate Change A-List for the 7th year in a row CDP (October 2017)

Environmental Leader Product and Project Award for Shedd Aquarium Environmental Leader (June 2017)

Sustainability Award Gold Class 2017 ROBECOSAM (January 2017)

Winner Health and Wellbeing 2017 HR Distinction Awards (January 2017)

World Leader for corporate action on climate change by CDP Climate A List CDP (October 2016)


What has been the benefit of joining Schneider Electric through the Early Careers Scheme?

The Early Careers Scheme allowed me to try out different work options before settling on the right career path for me. I found it quite daunting applying for jobs straight out of education as I didn’t know what I wanted to do. The scheme allowed me to work with a variety of teams throughout the company which helped me realise how I wanted my career to develop.

It also gave me a great insight into the company, both technically and commercially, because I was able to work with so many different people. To understand what other people in the company do is really valuable and creates a great work environment.

Meet Lydia JamesSchneider Electric Graduate

What did you do during your first week?

During my first week, everyone on the scheme was sent to London to visit the offices there. We were introduced to members of the senior management team very early on which was impressive as I didn’t think that usually happened in big companies!

Spending the first week together in London was a great opportunity to get to know others starting at the same time as me.

How has your first year at Schneider Electric been?

It’s been a big learning curve but the variety of work and being exposed to different offices, teams and projects has enabled me to really understand the company and its values. I had assumed that in a big, global company, those at the start of their career wouldn’t be exposed to any big projects but Schneider Electric had us involved from the beginning.

What’s the best aspect of the Early Careers Scheme?

It sounds like a cliché but it presents a huge amount of opportunities. Schneider Electric really invests in training and they will support whatever direction you choose to take after the scheme. It opens a lot of doors.

Did you find anything a challenge?

As a global technology company, Schneider Electric is always growing and so always changing. My biggest challenge was fully grasping the company as a whole but it’s also why it’s such an exciting company to work for!

What convinced you to choose Schneider Electric?

The assessment day completely sold it for me. I met several employees and it was clear how much they loved their job. Their enthusiasm for the company and genuine desire to get to know us was the deciding factor. Schneider Electric is at the top of its game but what makes this such an incredible company really is the people who work here.

“It sounds like a cliché, but because you are exposed to all areas of the business it opens up a lot of doors.”Lydia James, Schneider Electric Graduate


department in their offices learning how to use CAD (computer-aided design) to create and modify drawings. Finally, I moved to the contracts department, where I was processing orders and speaking to customers. It’s been a really varied experience and at the end of it, I decided to work full time in contracts.

What’s the benefit of an apprenticeship scheme?

If you know that you don’t want to go to university and you want to start working straight away, the apprenticeship scheme is fantastic. I was still able to

How did you get a place on the apprenticeship scheme?

I heard about the apprenticeship scheme, and after doing a series of tests Schneider Electric invited me for a full day interview which really helped me to get a good understanding of the company. I felt like they really wanted to get to know me. I had been to interviews before but they usually lasted about half an hour. The day with Schneider made a big difference - the team gave a really good description of the company and what it stands for, which I found really inspiring. It made them stand out and it helped me decide that Schneider Electric was the company I wanted to work for.

I was lucky enough to gain a place on the scheme and began at Schneider in September 2014, straight from secondary school.

What have you done since starting your apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship scheme has allowed me to continue my studies whilst experiencing a variety of roles within the company. Schneider sent me to college so I’ve been able to gain qualifications in Electrical Engineering and will soon finish my NVQ.

In the four years that I’ve been at Schneider Electric, I’ve spent two years on the shop floor, at the Leeds site, where I learnt the fundamentals of what we manufacture. After that, I was based in the Engineering

Meet Adam McLoughlinContracts Engineer

go to college and study but I was working at the same time. It’s a rare balance to find and Schneider Electric has been really supportive throughout the process. As well as the financial help provided, I’ve been able to do my college work during office hours which is a huge help. We also have an advisor coming in on a regular basis to make sure we’re on top of our work and not missing any deadlines.

How did you find your first week?

There were four of us who started together when we were 16 and our first week was HR focused. As none of us had ever worked before, it was important to have an initial period where we could become accustomed to the work environment. I was worried about being thrown in the deep end without any support but Schneider Electric were very aware of our inexperience and made us feel very welcome. During that first week, we also met members of the management team, including the site manager. From day one, I felt I could rely on my managers. I knew I could ring them at any time and that ease in communication goes a long way to make people in the scheme feel comfortable.

What was the first year like?

Overall, my first year took a bit of adjusting to, it was a big change! But I’ve felt very supported throughout.

When I first started, I wasn’t very confident but now I’ve developed skills that help me handle customers with confidence and it’s made a big difference to how I approach situations, both professionally and personally.

What do you think is the best thing about the scheme?

I’ve been really impressed with the development opportunities that Schneider has offered. They always want you to improve so if there’s something you want do do, Schneider will help you. All you have to do is ask.

“Schneider always wants you to improve, so if there’s something you want to do, they will help you.”Adam McLoughlin, Contracts Engineer


Moorfields Eye Hospital

A bold vision for efficient care.

Transforming a century-old building into a state-of-the-art medical facility is a bold idea. Schneider Electric partnered with Moorfields Eye Hospital to update an existing infrastructure. Schneider EcoStruxure™ Building led to operational efficiency and improved patient safety and satisfaction, thanks to its innovative building management and power monitoring solutions.

Bristol Airport

Schneider Electric helps Bristol Airport meet growing energy demands.

When Bristol Airport needed facility improvements, the airport’s engineering team chose to partner with Schneider Electric. The upgrades form part of the long-term vision for developing the site to meet growing requirements for air travel in the region, with the expectation of serving close to 10 million passengers per year.

Hilton Worldwide

The energy concierge

Schneider Electric offered Hilton innovative, energy-efficient solutions that delivered lower costs and sustainable value to all aspects of hotel operations, from board rooms to guest rooms, and every level in between.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur selected Schneider Electric as stadium

energy management supplier.

Working closely with Spurs and its partners during the construction, service and maintenance phases of the project, Schneider Electric distributes all the power supply to the stadium and integrates key systems. The energy management and building management solutions provided by Schneider Electric play a key role in supporting the club’s vision of delivering the ultimate experience for every visitor to its new world-class stadium.

Change the world

Projects at Schneider Electric

Start building your career today

Apply now!

“If you look around you, anything that has electricity in it. Schneider is probably involved somewhere along the line.”David Rimmer, Graduate Trainee

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Online application

Visit our career website and apply now

Assessment centreCompetency based interview Presentation Group case study

Telephone interviewCommunication skills Company knowledge

We get back to youWithin the next two weeks, we will get back to you

September 2018 SE10552©2018 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks are owned by Schneider Electric Industries SAS or its affiliated companies.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries.

With global presence in over 100 countries, Schneider is the undisputable leader in Power Management – Medium Voltage, Low Voltage and Secure Power, and in Automation Systems. We provide integrated efficiency solutions, combining energy, automation and software.

In our global Ecosystem, we collaborate with the largest Partner, Integrator and Developer Community on our Open Platform to deliver real-time control and operational efficiency.

We believe that great people and partners make Schneider a great company and that our commitment to Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability ensures that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment. www.schneider-electric.com

Schneider Electric

United KingdomStafford Park 5, TelfordShropshire TF3 3BLTel: 0870 608 8 608Fax: 0870 608 8 606

www.schneider-electric.co.uk

IrelandHead office, Block AMaynooth Business CampusMaynooth, Co. Kildare W23 Y7X0Tel: 1 800 805 800Fax: (01) 601 2201

www.schneider-electric.ie

early careers at schneider electric

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