At a Glance
- Tasks: Support projects that help businesses and communities thrive across the islands.
- Company: Join Highlands and Islands Enterprise, a leader in economic development.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £32,438, excellent pension, and benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and collaboration with experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local economies while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in business, accountancy, economics or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 32438 - 32438 £ per year.
Starting salary: £32,438 per annum. Excellent pension and benefits package.
Closing date for applications: 07-09-2026
Have you graduated in the last four years? If so, this could be the ideal opportunity to develop your career with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The role:
- As a Graduate Development Officer within our Orkney and Shetland area team, you'll support projects that help businesses and communities thrive across the islands.
- You'll be involved in responding to business enquiries, supporting investment projects, undertaking research, helping assess applications for financial assistance, and contributing to property and infrastructure initiatives that support economic growth.
- Working alongside experienced colleagues and specialist teams, you'll develop valuable skills in economic development, project delivery, stakeholder engagement and public sector investment.
The person:
- We're looking for a motivated graduate educated to degree level in business, accountancy, economics or a related subject.
- You should have strong communication and analytical skills, a proactive approach to problem solving, and the ability to work collaboratively while using your own initiative.
- An interest in economic development, excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills are important, as is a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
- A full driving licence and willingness to travel, including occasional visits to Shetland, are essential.
Find out more by downloading the job description and person specification.
Graduate Development Officer in Kirkwall employer: Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Benbecula. With a competitive salary and a robust benefits package, including an excellent pension scheme, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on local communities and entrepreneurs. Join us to be part of a team that values ambition and proactive engagement in driving community growth.
Contact Details:
Highlands and Islands Enterprise Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Development Officer in Kirkwall
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like Highlands and Islands Enterprise!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Development Officer in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Highlands and Islands Enterprise
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
