Civil Service Fast Stream

Sector:

Public Sector

Ranking in Times Top 100 Graduate Employers:

2006: 4
2007: 4
2008: 6
2009: 4
2010: 3

Link to Careers (Fast Stream) Web site

Graduate Job Programme

The Graduate Fast Stream is now divided into the following four different options: Central Departments, Diplomatic Service, Houses of Parliament and Science & Engineering, When you apply for the Graduate Fast Stream, you will need to choose the options you’re most interested in.

2011 Applications Opening Date:
Now open for Fast Streams applications to: Technology in Business, HR, European and Northern Ireland.
2011 Applications Closing Date: All Fast Streams close 30th November 2010 except for the Analytical Fast Stream which closes 18th October 2010

2011/12 Sandwich Student Placement Scheme

tbc see Link to Careers Web site

2011 Summer Placement Scheme for undergraduates and graduates with disabilities

tbc see Link to Web site

2011 Government Economic Service Summer Placement Scheme

tbc

2011 Summer Diversity Internships

Opens 1st November 2010; closes 4th January 2011 see Link to Web site

Competencies and Other Requirements

Is the Fast Stream For You

What Are We Looking For?

There is no such thing as a typical Fast Streamer. Successful candidates come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and may have any kind of degree. There are, however, some key competencies that we look for in all our Fast Streamers.

Being flexible
Not everything you do will be headline news. It’s important that you can give as much focus to the smaller details as you do to the big-picture issues.

Making decisions
Sitting on the fence is not an option. You’ll need to be someone who can take the lead on decision-making and handle all the pressure and responsibility that comes with it. This means being proactive and having the ability to think on your feet, as well as being able to make decisions based on evidence.

Developing relationships
You’ll be working with some of the brightest and most talented people in the country. To help ensure you all get the best out of each other, it’s important that you can build trust and develop relationships and that you value and respect the perspectives of others.

Having impact
We look for people who are lucid, persuasive, confident and articulate. Whether it’s a high-level meeting, a large presentation or a conversation with a disgruntled customer, you must be able to express yourself and defend your position clearly and succinctly.

Thinking innovatively
You will often be asked to consider doing something new, or to investigate how things can be further improved upon to be more efficient and cost-effective.

Taking charge of your own development
You’ll be expected to learn a huge amount during your time on the programme. So it’s important that you recognise where additional support and development might be needed, and that you make the most of all the training and opportunities we offer.