EDS looks to build on graduate intake

Services company looks to build on client-facing IT staff base

IT services company EDS wants to recruit more than 300 graduates to fill technology positions this year.

Head of recruitment Andrea Grant says EDS is looking for technically-focused people with all levels of experience to build on previously successful graduate initiatives.

‘We have had some very healthy graduate intakes in previous years,’ she said. ‘The profile of EDS makes us very attractive to computer science graduates. But we increasingly look across all graduate areas for our varied skills requirements.’

Regardless of whether prospective candidates are new to the industry or more experienced, Grant says demand is highest in the areas of application development, business support and project management.

‘Looking at the mix of commercial and public sector clients we are involved with, we have recruitment needs in pretty much every area,’ she said.

‘But application expertise and business knowledge are key. For example, in manufacturing we work with Rolls-Royce, and with the UK government there is also an increasing need for programme-wide skills.’

But Grant says non IT-related professional skills are deemed just as important when looking at potential recruits.

‘We expect higher business knowledge and skills than is perhaps the norm for IT recruitment,’ she said.

‘But it is imperative that new recruits are able to work closely with clients. That demands very strong communication, listening skills and leadership qualities.’