How it works

Who is the scheme for?

Eagles is a social mobility programme and we take into consideration the following criteria: :

Whether either of your parents went to university
Whether you received free school meals
Whether you attended a state school
Whether you worked during your time at university

Please note that unfortunately we are unable to sponsor non-EEA applicants.

Is there a minimum degree grade that people need to apply?

No, we do not require minimum grades, only that you have graduated from university in the last three years.

Who is it run by?

Eagles was developed in 2005 to help address the high unemployment and underemployment levels prevalent in east London. It is a flagship social mobility programme for the East London Business Alliance (ELBA), a charity founded in 1989 with the aim of addressing social deprivation in all its guises. ELBA helps facilitate the corporate community investment efforts of nearly 100 member companies.

What will the recruitment process involve?

Apply by submitting your CV and cover letter, and indicating the programme you would like to apply to: CSR programme or ING programme
ELBA will carefully select candidates for the organisation to interview, which may include exercises such as online and written tests, group exercises or a panel interview
You will be provided with training prior to the interview
The organisation will select their preferred candidate for each of the internships on offer

What will the placement involve and what support will I get?

Graduates are supported throughout their placement in a variety of ways:

Monthly recall half-days when the group returns to ELBA for additional training in topics ranging from minute taking and proof-reading to public speaking
Two visits from the Eagles Programme Manager whilst on placement to check that all is well from the perspective of both parties and make sure that learning objectives have been set
A mentor who will support each graduate for the duration of the programme

What can I expect from the pre-placement training?

Personal development: including confidence-building, self-esteem, team work and communication skills
Employability skills: such as organisational skills, customer care, effective networking, equal opportunities, managing your manager, prioritising workloads, CV and interview techniques
Programme specific training: depending on which role you will be going into. For instance, ING Eagles will have an introduction to the role of an investment bank; CSR Eagles will benefit from Community Affairs training
Employer visits: You will also get the opportunity to visit the employers offering placements to help familiarise yourself with the corporate environment

ELBA is fortunate to be able to work with a number of prestigious partners who help to deliver some of the training:

National Theatre facilitators will help you improve your personal impact, communication and presentation skills
Hult Ashridge Executive Business School provides training on Project Management. This residential package also includes a silver service dinner where the trainees are introduced to some rules of etiquette by the head waiter
Pitman Training delivers a number of Business English sessions to help graduates brush up on their written work, including writing business letters.
Happy Computers provide training on Excel and Outlook (Email and Calendar management)