Liam entered the National Student Challenge 2 years in a row! The first time he entered he came third in the Challenge! Read why he came back!

Introduction

This time last year I wrote an entry for Target Jobs giving some tipson how to do well at the National Student Challenge, and this year I’m writing again to explain why I kept going back.

As a brief intro to me, I’m now a graduate Civil Engineer from the University of Bath, and in September I will be heading off to London to start a job with Atkins, I’ve attended the NSC for the last few years and have really enjoyed the experience. It’s always a lot of fun, and I feel I gained a lot of confidence and experience from it, but most importantly it helped me get a job!

Job Hunting

During final year, you will be stressed with deadlines, exams and job hunting, so you might think that anything extra like the challenge is a waste of time that could be better spent, but that’s so wrong!

Genuinely, there is nothing better way than forgetting your degree for a day and improving your career prospects. Every single CV I sent out had my experience with TargetJobs events prominently displayed, and in nearly every interview it was discussed. From what I’ve seen when applying, the companies don’t care that much whether you got 63% or 68%, they are looking for applicants with other skills not taught (explicitly) at Uni, such as Teamwork, or Initiative, and the NSC is a great way to develop/demonstrate this.

In a large part due to my experience with the NSC I was offered a job in December, so while all my cohort where stressing and juggling coursework and assessment days I could relax and focus on my degree. During my successful application day I put a lot of what I learnt with TargetJobs to the test, with a presentation task and a group debate that I am sure I would have struggled at without the confidence I gained from the Finals.

Reasons to go back

I’m sure also that a lot of people go one year, and then skip it the next, because they’re busy, and have already done it once, but that really wastes the awesome opportunity that this is. Firstly, experience matters at this! I won a prize my second and third years,  so there was pecuniary reward for my efforts, but most importantly I could practice the lessons I learnt as well as demonstrating that I could do it again, both to myself and employers. Also, it’s a lot of fun, and you meet some cool people on the day.

A few of my friends that I mentioned the competition to didn’t apply this year due to the pressures of final year, but honestly how likely are you to actually get much done this exact day? Take a break, do something fun and polish that CV. (Also try and win something, there are some very shiny prizes)

I am certain that the National Student Challenge helped me get my graduate job, with the company and team that I wanted.

Don’t miss out, take the Challenge today!

We've been back in touch with Emily who won the 2013 National Student Challenge and she's now starting her placement at Siemens!

Since Emily’s last blog on her experience of winning the 2013 National Student Challenge, 7 months on we've been back in touch with her to find out what she’s been up to!

What have you been doing since the Challenge?

After the grand final in December, I returned home to revise for my January exams. My classmates did the same and were consequently surprised to find my face displayed on the University homepage! Upon return to Exeter, I was recognised a few times and even received a very tongue-in-cheek award from a society AGM for being the "Most Famous Member."

Since then I have completed the second year of my Maths degree and started my summer internship with Siemens.

When did you start your internship and how is it going?

A couple of months ago I received news that I would be interning within Siemens' Rail Systems department, based in Euston. On 16th June, I undertook my first commute to London and was introduced to the team. Everyone was very welcoming despite being rushed off their feet! The office is always busy and I seem to meet someone new every day.

Most of my time each day is dedicated to a large research project to be used in workshops later in the year. As well as this, I complete various tasks for my colleagues, attend meetings and sometimes visit other sites. I have never had an experience like this before and learn so much every day; it's great! The internship also counts toward one of my modules, which is an added bonus!

Have you spent your prize money yet?

Unfortunately, I haven't found anything worth spending it on. I just hope it doesn't end up paying my rent!

Would you recommend taking the Challenge to your friends?

My recommendation to anyone that is thinking of taking the challenge would be to apply and go for it - what have you got to lose. For the online testing, just practice as much as you can because you will get used to the pace of the tests and style of questions quite quickly. When it comes to the Grand Final, just be yourself and enjoy the day!  It's been one of the most invigorating days of my life and I doubt I will ever forget the experience.

Good luck with the rest of your placement Emily! Why not take her advice? What have you got to lose! Take the Challenge now and represent your university!

 www.studentchallenge.targetjobs.co.uk

Emily Burton the winner of the National Student Challenge 2013 talks us through her memorable day!

I heard about the TARGETjobs Events National Student Challenge and thought it would be a great way to practise numerical and psychometric testing, knowing that most major companies use these types of tests as part of their graduate recruitment - I never thought I'd be successful enough to be invited to the Grand Final!

The final was a fantastic day. The exercises were challenging but definitely a lot of fun to do – at points I almost forgot I was competing! I met a multitude of students from varying backgrounds and course subjects and it was pleasure to get to know them throughout the day. Working (and competing) with such a talented group of people, really pushed me to put my best foot forward and take the most out of such an incredible opportunity. 

The main reason I attended the Challenge was to get experience in corporate events, to meet new people and network - I never expected to win. When my name was announced I was lost for words, which rarely happens! Now it has sunk in, I am absolutely thrilled to have won and very much look forward to working for Siemens. I’m hoping to do a 10 week internship with them this summer, where I know I will learn and experience a tremendous amount.

My recommendation to anyone that is thinking of taking the challenge would be to apply and go for it - what have you got to lose. For the online testing, just practice as much as you can because you will get used to the pace of the tests and style of questions quite quickly. When it comes to the Grand Final, just be yourself and enjoy the day!  It's been one of the most invigorating days of my life and I doubt I will ever forget the experience.

Congratulations again to Emily and to all those who entered!! 

Daphne came third in the 2013 National Student Challenge! Read about her day!

About Me

I’m a second year English and European Law student at Queen Mary, University of London. It’s essentially a normal three-year law degree with an extra year abroad, which I’ll be spending in Paris. My choice of discipline of course gives away my interest in a career in law, but I’m very open to learning about other professions. The National Student Challenge was great in that respect as it enabled me to gain exposure and chat to employers in other fields, which is invaluable in itself. After the Challenge, employers often get in touch with students they particularly liked – it’s a great foot in the door!

The Online Element

I came across the Challenge when looking to practice some of the online tests many employers now make students take. They tend to leave us hanging with regards to results so I was curious to see how mine compared to those of my peers. Overall, I thought it was a lot of fun and very exciting to track my progress on the league table. The advice I would give to people taking the tests is to practice loads before the real thing to avoid feeling like a deer in the headlights. They're supposed to be based purely on ability but it does take a few tries to get your head around the format.

The Grand Final

I was astonished I'd made it to the Grand Final – it was a lovely surprise! The group exercises were not at all what I was expecting – there were some very creative ones like organising a star–studded event and building a paper ramp to slide a ping pong ball down (my favourite). It was quite difficult because we might be working in a team towards a common goal for one exercise, then have to argue against each other in the next. Similar to my surprise at reaching the Grand Final, I did not in any way expect to reach the top 3. It feels great now, though it did take a while to sink in. My large £250 cheque (or my 'two fiddy' as I like to call it) is now proudly hanging on my wall.

How the Experience Will Help Me in the Long Run

Prizes aside, this was a great experience and fantastic preparation for assessment centres. University careers services do run mock sessions but they’re no substitute for the feeling of genuine competition I got from participating in the NSC. Such days are all about teamwork and bringing out the best in the other members of the group, each of whom will bring their own skills and unique way of contributing to the table. Every team is different so it’s important to get loads of practice to get comfortable with assessment centres. A tip I would give is to be careful about how others perceive you. Although it can be tempting to go in there with an 'in it to win it attitude', the others will see this and it will create a difficult atmosphere for co-operation. Much of the positive feedback other winners got related to the fact that they'd made the rest of their group feel at ease and tried to involve everyone in the day's activities.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, why not apply for our Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2014! 12 awards, from 12 employers, for 12 students - do you have what it takes? APPLY NOW!

We find out what it takes to reach the National Student Challenge final from last year's runner up!

Liam came third in the 2012/2013 National Student Challenge winning £250! Read his top tips to make it here!

Full name: Liam Bryant

Age: 22

University attended: The University of Bath

Course studied: MEng Civil & Architectural Engineering

Introduction

I entered the National Student Challenge for the first time in 2010, when it first started as the Universities’ Brightest Business Brain. My reasons for entering were mainly out of interest to compare my performance with other students. I didn’t expect to do that well, but I got through to the final and have reapplied ever since.

The final has always been fantastic in my opinion. My first time I went in really nervous, but it’s such a good time meeting new people, and getting to work in a team on a range of cool challenges. I may be a bit weird, but I find I enjoy overcoming problems with a bunch of strangers!

Everyone has always been so friendly and fun on the day, and it has been a great opportunity to talk to get some practice at what a real job application will be like, while also helping to make my CV stand out.

Top tips

Before I go any further I should confess that I intend to re-enter the challenge this coming year, so this presents a slight conflict of interest. If any of the advice seems terrible, I apologise for having failed to stay neutral.

The first and most critical point is not to be too aggressive, these are team exercises. I understand, and even occasionally succumb, to the impression that you need to show off and shout the loudest to stand out from the other contestants. This is the exact opposite of what you should do. The assessors are looking for confidence yes, but also teamwork.

My other suggestion is to support other members of your team. There is often a member of the group who has some good ideas, but is not confident enough to speak up. Help this person share their ideas and contributions, either by repeating it for the group or by asking them questions, and both you and the team will benefit.

The last year

This last year, since the competition, has been really good. I spent my giant novelty check on buying myself a tablet which I am rarely separated from and was a lot of help staying on top of all my university work.

I also entered the Undergraduate of the Year competition, another TARGETjobs competition, to win an international placement. Although I did not win, I made it through to the final, and hopefully came close, and I am certain that my performance was improved by the experience and confidence I gained at the NSC.

Future

I’m just starting my fourth and final year at Bath University, and am starting to look for a graduate job. Despite my placements I still have little idea what I want to do as I have a whole range of fields that I am looking at. I am really hoping that my efforts in TARGETjobs Events have helped develop my CV, and I certainly know that my interviewing techniques have improved.

But before I get too far ahead of myself I need to focus on maintaining my average and graduating with a good degree!

Fancy taking on Liam this year? Well why not enter here!

Hello from the TARGETjobs Events team!

Each week we hear from hundreds of applicants trying to secure a space at one of our events. So, whether you’re a future STEMinist, interested in Investment Management, our Asia and Middle East fair or many others, we have some tips on how to make your application stand out!

1.       Write a good cover letter: Your letter should be laid out correctly and contain at least two paragraphs worth of information. We’re looking to hear a little about you and why you want to attend our event; so whether there is a certain sponsor you’re interested in meeting or a passion for the sector this is the time to tell us and stand out from other applicants!

2.       Update your CV: Include details of the grades you received both at school/college and since attending university. Most of our events require applicants to be able to display academic excellence – if it’s not included at this stage we may not have time to chase you for it.

3.       UCAS points: If you did A levels, a BTEC, IB or similar it’s likely you have UCAS points, something we ask for as part of our application form. Working them out only takes a few minutes if you use a calculator like this one and goes a long way towards making you look prepared and informed - checking ‘no’ and listing them individually does not!

4.       Attention to detail: Make sure you double check your application; have you given us the right telephone number, uploaded the right documents and included any details we have asked for.

5.       Get the name of the event right: Need I say more? Make it clear you have read the information available to you and understand what you’re applying for.

If you follow all of the above and meet the event criteria it’s almost certain we’ll be inviting you to a telephone interview before long. So, best of luck with your application and we’ll hopefully see you at an event soon!

Kat, Katy, Becca and Katie

Visit TARGETjobs Events now!

TARGETjobs National Student Challenge Winner! Do you have what it takes?

Full name: Katharina Gammel

Age: 23

University attended: Aston University

Course studied: International Business and Management

Introduction

I entered the TARGETjobs National Student Challenge following an e-mail about the competition from TARGETjobs. Initially I thought it was great practice for numerical testing which obviously all employers use as part of their recruitment process; I didn't really think that I was actually going to make it to the big final! The final was an amazing day, we had to complete different tasks as teams of 10 students which I am sure will be extremely beneficial for future assessment centers  I really enjoyed the activities and getting to know the other participants who were from all kinds of universities and courses from all over the UK. We also had the chance to talk to the sponsors and ask them questions about their graduate programmes as well as their recruitment processes. I thought the whole day was more fun than competition, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the amazing Siemens building where the final was held.

Top tips from the winner

For the first round I would say the most important thing is to practice. It’s all about speed, and you get quicker at the different tasks by practicing. This is not only valuable for this particular competition but for any numerical testing you will have to do when applying for jobs!  For the final, I think the most important advice is to not take the whole experience too seriously. Of course, at the end of the day it’s a competition, but the employers who rate you during the group tasks will see if you’re cooperating with others and how you work in a team, so trying to do everything on your own will not get you on to the podium with this competition. It’s important to have fun throughout the day and to see the activities as a learning experience. I really enjoyed myself throughout the day and I think that’s a big reason why I won in the end!

The last year:

Since winning the competition I was busy completing my final year at Aston University and applying for a place to do my Masters degree. I used the money I won to apply to different universities all over Europe, and I am going to start my MSc in a few weeks in Barcelona. Unfortunately I haven’t had time to complete my internship with Siemens yet, but I already know that I have to do another placement as part of my Masters degree which I am planning to do with Siemens – it’s an amazing company to work for so I’m excited for it!

 

Future

In the near future I obviously want to complete my MSc which I will do in Barcelona and another exchange university outside Europe. Afterwards I am obviously going to try and find employment; maybe I can stay with Siemens after my internship next year; if not I am going to try and get a job at the Rio Olympics in 2016 as I spent my placement working for the London Olympics in 2012 and I’d love to do it again!

Think you have what it takes - Pre-registration open now! Click HERE!