FAQs

Does BT accept paper applications?

No, all graduate applicants must apply online. To make it easier, the application form can be printed and saved, so you can log back in to complete the remaining sections.

What is the closing date for applications?

HR, Marketing & Finance - Applications closed
Northern Ireland - Applications closed
Professional Services & Customer Experience, ICT, , Law, Procurement & Supply Chain - 31^st December 2008
International Opportunities - 28^th February 2009

I can't access the online application form.

Check back later. This may be a temporary access problem. Please make sure you're using a minimum of Internet Explorer 5.5 (or equivalent) to view the form.

I've forgotten my password.

Return to the application log-in page, where you will see a link entitled "I forgot my password". Click on this link and a new password will be emailed to you. Once you have logged on using this new password, there is then the facility for you to change it via the link "Change password".

How will I know you've received my completed online form?

You'll receive an email within 24 hours, to confirm we've received your application.

How can I check on the progress of my application?

Log on to your application form, from the application log-on page and use the "View Application Status" link to check the progress of your application.

How do I enter details of my university if it isn't in the UK?

If you attended an overseas university, please select "Non-UK" from the dropdown box. You'll then be asked to specify which university you went to.

I already work for BT. Do I still need the same qualifications and do I have to apply online?

Yes. Our application procedure is exactly the same for internal and external applicants.

Is there an age limit for applicants, or a time limit between graduating and applying for a graduate job?

No. As an equal opportunities employer, we don't discriminate on any basis, including age.

Which areas do you recruit into?

We recruit into the following three streams:

• Professional Services & Customer Experience 
• ICT 
• Functional Specialist (Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Law and Procurement & Supply Chain)

Find out more about the roles that might suit you in each stream in the Opportunities section.

Where would I work?

Our graduate vacancies are in major UK towns and cities. We do have a small number of opportunities in Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland).

Our research vacancies are based at our laboratories in East Anglia, Ipswich.

Most of our Procurement and Supply Chain jobs are based in Swindon.

I achieved a 2:2 honours degree, but I hold an MSc. Can I still apply?

Yes. All Master's degrees count as higher than a 2:1 Bachelor's degree.

Can I still apply with a third-class degree?

Unfortunately not, as you don't meet our minimum entry requirements of a 2:1 honours degree (or a recognised international equivalent).

Is my degree subject acceptable?

Many of our technical and engineering roles have specific requirements. However, we're otherwise open to all kinds of degree subjects and it would be unusual to find one we wouldn't accept.

Do you apply the UCAS points scheme?

Yes – we require a minimum of 280 UCAS points (or equivalent).

I don’t have 280 UCAS points – can I still apply?

There are a number of instances where we consider applications on an individual basis that don’t have 280 UCAS points:

• If you have a disability that you think may have affected your performance 
• If you are a mature student
• If there are exceptional circumstances that affected your ability to achieve 280 UCAS points (proof of the exception will be required)

If one of the above circumstances applies to you, please apply, select "Yes" when asked if you have 280 UCAS points, enter 280 in the UCAS points box and use the additional information section to provide further details.

Can applicants from outside the European Economic Area apply?

International applications are accepted for entry to the UK programme, for all other countries applicants need to have the permanent right to work in that country. For further information please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk to confirm your eligibility prior to applying.

Can I take a year out?

Exceptionally this will be considered, although it'll be down to the recruiting units, which usually need their graduates to start in the coming year. You'll need to state on your application form that you want to take a year out.

Can I work towards professional qualifications?

Graduates who join us via the Functional Specialist stream will study for the professional qualification relating to the particular area of work (CIMA, CIPD, CIM, CIPS, LPC). For graduates who join in other areas, this will be dependent on the role that you undertake - we encourage all graduates to work towards professional qualifications relevant to their career. See career development for more details.

Will I be able to study for further qualifications?

Yes. However, the extent of support given to further education must be decided between you and your Line Manager - full-time study is rarely supported.

Whatever arrangement you and your Line Manager reach, you'll be expected to show a high degree of commitment to developing your career and demonstrate how further education would benefit both you and the company. BT strongly supports both NVQs and SVQs.

Can I move within BT?

Some of our roles are rotational, which means that you'll benefit from moving into different roles while you're on the Graduate Development Programme.

Moves within the company are encouraged as part of the process of developing managers' leadership potential, and would form part of your development plan as agreed between you and your Line Manager. However, a move between streams is not guaranteed and would be dependent upon business operational requirements at the time.

New job opportunities come up often and are advertised internally.

Will I be able to work overseas?

Possibly. Overseas secondment opportunities do come up for people based in the UK, while people in Europe may be offered the opportunity to work in the UK.
We also exchange managers with other European telecommunications companies.

How is my progress monitored?

From the start, your performance will be monitored against both personal and team objectives. You'll have regular performance reviews with your Line Manager, and you'll be expected to show that you want to make an ongoing, effective contribution to the company.

Does BT provide sponsorship for higher education?

You may get the opportunity to study for further qualifications, but this will be based on operational needs as well as your own development needs.

Do you sponsor undergraduates?

No. We offer a wide range of paid work experience to undergraduates (see Undergraduate Placements), but not bursaries. We sponsor a limited number of employees as part of their development.
If you're enquiring about sponsorship for further study once you've joined, see the answer to 'Will I be able to study for further qualifications?' above.

I have been unsuccessful at one of the recruitment process stages – can I re-apply?

No, you can only submit one application for each campaign year.