What is Corporate Affairs?

Our Corporate Affairs team promotes and protects the Tesco brand, influencing what people think of us and affecting the way we do things.

The department offers a unique view of Tesco, an unparalleled insight into the many stakeholders in Tesco. Experience here will give you the skills to communicate, think analytically and influence people internally and externally. You'll also build an in-depth understanding of the business and of a range of policy areas, as well as basic skills like managing budgets and projects.

What will I be doing?

Our recent graduates produced Tesco's Annual Review, wrote speeches for the Chairman and had exposure to senior politicians. They have found themselves organising and attending an international conference in Prague and accompanying analysts and investors to Europe to see our stores.

You'll be based in Cheshunt for four office-based placements during the two-year scheme. Each placement will be with a different team. 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 works 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 for good causes through our Charity of the Year or cutting our carbon footprint by supporting the Climate Change team. You could be helping to form policies on animal welfare, working with the press office on new 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 booming 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 big part of the job is to clearly communicate to shareholders what is happening in Tesco all over the world. This may be through the Annual Review, the trading results, or by taking investors to see our stores in action, from Kensington to Korea.

While working in our Regional Corporate Affairs team you'll 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 that could affect the reputation of the business can arise at any time and the team has to react fast with the right 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.

At Internal Communications, you'll keep our ½ million employees across the globe informed about the business. The team has responsibility for the internal magazine, organising important events such as the Company Conference and keeping staff updated on Tesco's strategy, performance and priorities at crucial points during the year and every day.

A typical programme might look like this:

During the year you'll have a great support network. You'll have a dedicated buddy, who has recently completed the programme. You'll also have a mentor who will be a senior manager within the business area. This is complemented 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'll 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 need:

• 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 desire to get ahead