Deadline: mid-January, 2017 | Apply here
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Date: The placement begins in July 2017
Duration: 12 months
Salary: GBP 16,440,-
Eligibility: Undergraduate applicants who’ve completed the second year at university, studying for a business, finance or marketing related degree
Location: Hampshire, The United Kingdom

NATS Business Development Placement

NATS is the UKs leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2 million flights each year. It provides air traffic control services from two control centres and 13 airports in the UK, as well as a wide range of commercial solutions to over 30 countries internationally.

NATS long-established trainee programme equips ambitious placement students with broad industry experience, a well-rounded knowledge of Air Traffic activities and exposure to some of the most advanced systems in the world.

Business Development placement

If you’re a high-flying undergraduate who’s completed your second year at university, this scheme will enhance your study in marketing, business or finance. It’s an ideal opportunity to gain first-hand experience of an international company and working within a commercial environment.

NATS’ vision is to become a global leader in innovative air traffic solutions, and the principal function of the Business Development (BD) team is to win new business and create the right environment and framework to allow the company to deliver long-term sustainable growth.

NATS Business Development Industrial Placement will enhance your studies in marketing, business or finance.

Working with a highly experienced team covering many disciplines, your 12-month placement within the BD team will give you a great head start going into your final year at university, not to mention your future career.

How does it work?

You will become involved in a variety of different tasks and projects which support our international growth strategy. From the start, you’ll be expected to assist with robust market analysis, meet deadlines and take responsibility for conducting many key departmental tasks. Under supervision, you’ll be given the chance to manage your own projects and time, ensuring that you become a valued member of the BD team.

Training & development

As a self-motivated student, you’ll be encouraged to get as much out of the year as possible. You’ll develop your strategic thinking, commercial awareness and knowledge of market entry and sales strategy in an international marketplace.

You’ll have the chance to conduct market research and business intelligence gathering while writing reports and presenting the results of your work to colleagues and senior managers.

You will receive on-the-job training for specific areas of work, which will give context to your tasks and allow you to learn how commercial skills are applied in practice.

The BD team has a wealth of experience across many disciplines – from marketing and sales through to legal, commercial and competitive analysis – so there are always plenty of people for you to learn from.

Where might it lead?

The BD team is responsible for the commercial process through which all potential business opportunities across NATS are managed. That means there is a wide range of potential career opportunities for people who join the team.

Culture

NATS has a very team-oriented culture which thrives on everyone working together and supporting each other. That’s why the employees work in open-plan offices to allow easy interaction, which in turn creates a more relaxed environment. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and always happy to help.

Who can apply?

NATS industrial placements are open to those studying for a Bachelor’s in a broad range of subjects that major in marketing, business or finance. In terms of your skills and strengths, the company looks for excellent interpersonal and IT skills, an analytical background, attention to detail, drive and commitment.

How to apply

Although applications for the scheme close in mid-January, you’re encouraged to apply as early as possible, as places are limited.

You’ll be selected for the next stage on the basis of your initial online application, so please do take the time to sell yourself and answer all the questions to the best of your ability. If you’re successful, you’ll be invited you to an assessment centre in December or February.

Structure of assessment centre

You’ll attend a welcome meeting with the graduate coordinator, graduates and placement students, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get the inside track on what it’s like to work here.

The rest of the day consists of a group exercise to assess your team-working skills, a competency and knowledge-based interview, along with a presentation to senior managers.

If you’re successful, you’ll receive your offer by early March before starting in July.

For more business and career opportunities, check our opportunities section and subscribe to our weekly newsletters.