Businesses advertising commission-only jobs on campus at Cardiff University will no longer be supported by the Careers Service, a University spokesperson said.
Enterprises like The Southwestern Company that recruit Cardiff students may be restricted by new rules aimed at preventing external bodies from advertising any work opportunities paid solely by commission.
Concerns have been raised at universities including Cardiff University over the recruitment tactics of companies who sign up students for direct sales work in Britain and America.
Megan Robson, who signed up to work with Southwestern last year, complained to Cardiff University after claiming that she felt pressured into paying $750 in fees.
Southwestern said that this pays for the time-consuming visa application process, necessary to work legally in America.
However, Megan said that the company’s advertising was “misleading” and that the Sales School training is “cult-like, with intense, long hours.”
Megan complained that her pay was not sufficient at $6/hr and that she had to travel home late and live in substandard accommodation.
After experiencing these problems Southwestern offered her another job, which she rejected, describing the whole experience as “really frustrating.”
Southwestern Vice President, Dave Causer, said: “I am not sure a person who did not complete the training week would be the best judge of how it works.”
He added: “[Megan] has been trying to blame Southwestern for problems she had with that employer, even though they are a completely different company and have nothing to do with Southwestern.”
“I can only assure you that we do everything possible to prepare them properly. It is our goal to help all of the students have a successful summer.”
Amy Davies, who also worked with the company, said: “It’s really brainwashing. They try to make you feel included, but it’s quite false.”
However, other students have described positive experiences with Southwestern.
Alistair McAloon, a student at Cardiff University, said:: “The Sales School was great, motivating and empowering. It really prepares you for the summer.”
A University spokesperson said that the University takes complaints “very seriously” and that grievances against Southwestern are “under active consideration.”
