What is Corporate Affairs?

Our Corporate Affairs team promote and protect the Tesco brand, and have a direct influence both on what people think of Tesco and on the way the business works

The Corporate Affairs department can offer you a unique view of Tesco, an unparalleled insight into the various stakeholders that have an interest in what Tesco does and will give you the skills to communicate, think analytically about issues and influence both internal and external stakeholders. You will also develop an in-depth understanding of the business and of a wide range of policy areas as you progress through the programme in addition to skills essential for any job such as managing budgets and projects.

Furthermore, the Tesco Corporate Affairs graduate scheme is the only one available in business. No other company offers graduates a structured development programme in a communications and policy role, and is therefore an unrivalled start for any graduate looking to progress in this field.

What will I be doing?

Our recent graduates have helped to write and produce Tesco's Annual Review, written speeches for the Chairman and have had exposure to senior politicians whilst managing the company's influencing policy on trade. They have found themselves organising and attending an international conference in Prague for all of the International Corporate and Legal Affairs Directors and accompanying a group of fifty analysts and investors on a trip to Europe to see our stores.

Based in Cheshunt, you'll undertake four office-based placements during the two year scheme. Each placement will be with one of the different teams within Corporate Affairs:

It's very important that we work closely with Central Government and the EU on legislation that may impact our customers and staff. Our Government Affairs team work collaboratively with them, whether that be working with Defra on how to raise public awareness of climate change or highlighting the positive effect that our regeneration partnership stores have on the lives of long term unemployed.

As part of either the Corporate Responsibility team or the Community Plan, you could be helping to raise millions of pounds for good causes through our Charity of the Year or cutting Tesco's carbon footprint by supporting the Climate Change team. You could be helping to construct policies on animal welfare, working closely with the press office on emerging issues, or preparing speeches and presentations to announce major new environmental projects.

As a member of the International Corporate Affairs team, you'll gain a unique insight into our thriving overseas businesses. The team work with colleagues throughout Asia, Europe and the U.S., helping to support the Corporate Affairs teams in countries with governmental and media issues and helping each of them to implement their own Community Plans.

In your first week in Investor Relations you may find yourself sitting opposite members of the Board in a meeting or liaising with analysts and investors in the city. A large part of the team's job is to communicate accurately to shareholders what is going on in Tesco all over the world. This may be through producing the Annual Review, presenting the company trading results, or taking investors to see our stores in action, whether that be in Kensington or Korea.

While working in our Regional Corporate Affairs team you will be helping to gain approval for new stores and, in doing so, support our property development programme. You may find yourself liaising with politicians and local authorities, managing regional media, whilst regularly talking and listening to local communities and ensuring that we are a good neighbour.

There is no typical day in the Press Office. Situations which could affect the reputation of the business can arise at any time and the team has to react quickly with a suitable approach. You develop a broad understanding of Tesco and liaise with colleagues throughout the business as you could be talking to journalists about the nutritional value of lasagne one day and petrol prices the next. Recent graduates have also found themselves coordinating several PR events including a Mcfly album signing, managing a PR agency and thinking up creative ways to get our new square melons in the press.

If you are working in Internal Communications, you will be helping to keep our 470,000 employees across the globe informed about the business. The team has responsibility for the internal magazine, organising key events such as the Company Conference and keeping staff updated on Tesco's strategy, performance and priorities at key points during the year and on a day to day basis.

A typical programme might look like this:

During the year you will have a great support network. You will have a dedicated buddy, who has recently completed the programme. You will also have a mentor who will be a senior manager within the function. This is complimented by a variety of development opportunities and behavioural training courses that will help you excel at Tesco.

Where could it take me?

Following successful completion of the two year scheme, you'll have the opportunity to move into a permanent role within the Corporate Affairs team, giving you a great start to your career at Tesco.

There are many opportunities to progress at Tesco as the business is continually expanding both in the UK and internationally. Graduates have the potential to deliver high profile and tangible change to Tesco. You will have the opportunity to progress to Senior Management as quickly as your development will allow.

What skills do I need?

To be successful in Corporate Affairs, you'll have:

• Flair and excellent communication skills
• Ability to analyse complex issues and exercise sound judgment
• An enthusiasm for new and exciting challenges
• Ability to work well with others at all levels both inside and outside Tesco
• Lots of energy and a drive to succeed