Hi all,Could anyone who works for Javelin Group give me some info please. I have sent in my CV applying for the Graduate Scheme although have been told over the phone that a decision has not yet been made whether it will run this year. I am 24, 2:1 UoL Politics Graduate with 2 years of Area Management experience for leading discount food retailer. Can demonstrate strong performance results. My questions are:Do you think the Grad scheme will run this year?Based on the limited info I have given will I have a chance or do the company value more experience/Masters/MBAs more?How is the company performing at the moment in the downturn?What are your thoughts on the company culture, progression etc?Thank you in advance for any feedback

These guys are not a slick niche consultancy and are not that impressive - that's all i gleaned from their recruitment event in oxford. stick with the discount retailer. Even if the grad scheme runs, I would imagine job security is low, whereas the discount retailer (Aldi perchance?) is probably doing well in this climate.

Grad, thanks for message. May I ask what it was that gave you that impression of them? When was this recruitment event?I understand that it is not the best time to be looking for a consultancy job but are there any other consultants who specialise in retail that you could recommend?I agree that currently I have good job security in a strong performing sector (we are however now facing strong competition from the big 4 supermarkets, particularly Morrissons, clawing the market share back. Even Waitrose has a basics range now!). I'm not about to suddenly jack it all in but I am looking more to a future move to a role that really interests me. Anyway, thank you again for your message.

I get the impression that Javelin have a pretty good reputation in retail and are doing fairly well. They aren't flashy, but that is what is appropriate to working with the retail industry - it shows the firm has similar priorities to their clients. With your direct experience in food retail and your solid qualifications, you should have an excellent chance at getting into the firm.

Stay away from retail unless you are stupid. This sector is full of cheap cnuts. You have to be a cheap cnut to survive in this business (maybe except for Harrods and the like).

I love Retail. It has a dynamic, fast moving culture. It is down to earth and demanding of results. Retailers don't value endless powerpoint slides and spending hours getting the right font. They want delivery. The "not flash" comment is perfect. Personally as a consultant I prefer retail because I feel I am actually adding value.Not sure if there are any really big consultancies in Retail but there are some specialists such as Kurt Salmon and Pragma. I don't know Javelin but they seem to have some heavyweights on their board.