Accessment center

I have been selected to attend an assessment centre for the NHS Wales national graduate programme. The assessment centre will consist of a group exercise, a short presentation and reflections. Does anybody have any idea or some tips for me

Hey,
First of all, congratulations on being invited to the assessment centre — that’s a big deal, and you should feel proud for making it this far in the NHS Wales National Graduate Programme process. It shows they already see something valuable in you, and now it’s just about showing them more of who you are.
Assessment centres can feel intimidating, especially when they include group tasks, presentations and reflections, but try to remember: they’re not looking for perfect people, they’re looking for real people who can work well in a team, communicate clearly, and reflect on their own development. You don’t have to be the loudest or flashiest person in the room to stand out. Being thoughtful, organised, and a good listener goes a long way.
For the group exercise, focus on contributing ideas, but also showing that you value and build on what others say. It’s not about dominating the conversation, it’s about showing collaboration. Try to gently help steer the group if things go off track and encourage input from quieter members. That sort of teamwork and emotional intelligence gets noticed.
For the presentation, structure is key. A strong opening, 2–3 clear points, and a confident close. Practise aloud a few times beforehand, even if just to yourself. If nerves hit, just take a pause and breathe, the assessors aren’t expecting perfection, they’re looking at how you communicate under pressure.
The reflection section is your chance to show maturity and self-awareness. Think about moments where you’ve learned something, handled a challenge, or grown personally or professionally. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your responses clear and meaningful.
At Salford University, our students have access to mock assessment centre workshops and 1:1 support through the Careers and Enterprise team, which really helps build confidence and prepare for these exact scenarios. It might be worth seeing if your university has a similar service, they often have career coaches who can talk you through what to expect or even run through a mock exercise with you.
You’ve already taken a big step just by being invited, now it’s about showing them what you’re capable of, and that you’re someone who can thrive in the kind of environment the NHS needs. Be yourself, stay calm, and give it your best. You’ve got this 💪💼
Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Thank you so much… Can you recommend things I could look up before hand?