undergraduate of the year awards
2023
Winners
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The
AI and Robotics
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Alex Callens
General engineering
|
Durham University
Alex is a third-year mechanical engineering student at Durham University, having also spent a year abroad studying at Queen’s University in Canada. This year, he gained a scholarship with UKNEST by proposing new methods that the Royal Navy could explore to achieve carbon neutrality. He is particularly interested in the role AI and robotics will play in the biomedical and biomechanical fields in the future. Outside of studies, Alex works as an online maths and physics tutor and helps students to find their route into engineering. Being half French, half Peruvian, he loves languages and learning about other cultures
finalists
Aarushi Borkar | University of Southampton| Aerospace Electronic Engineering
Alex Callens | Durham University | General Engineering
Alexander Daniel | University of Sheffield | General Engineering
Dean Rowlett | Heriot-Watt University| Robotics, Autonomous and interactive systems
Dimitrios Koumousidis | University of Stirling| Computing Science
Heenal Vyas | King’s College London | Computer Science
Ismail Hendryx | University of Kent| Artificial Intelligence
Miguel Braganca | Imperial College London| Electronic and Information Engineering
Ted Hubbard | Anglia Ruskin University| Artificial Intelligence
Yusuf Salim | Imperial College London | Electronic and information engineering
The
Construction, Engineering and Environment
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Anna Musial
Civil Engineering
|
University College London
Anna is a third-year civil engineering student at University College London and has a long-held passion for sustainability in construction. Last summer, she completed a facade engineering internship at Buro Happold and became a part of its sustainability working group. Anna is also a Royal Academy of Engineering scholar, which has allowed her to travel and discover civil engineering practices in different parts of the world. Her biggest interest right now lies in the area of biomimicry, therefore emulating nature in engineering design, which she recently wrote her university dissertation on.
finalists
Anna Musial | University College London | Civil Engineering
Anna Pawinska | University of Sheffield| Civil and Structural Engineering
Florence Towersey | University of Nottingham | Civil Engineering
Hassan Eltoum | University of Bristol | Civil Engineering
Hongyuan Du | University of Sheffield | Civil and Structural Engineering
Kobicka Harriam | Loughborough University | Mechanical Engineering
Millicent Wenlock | University of Stirling | Environmental Science
Peter McKillop | Liverpool John Moores University| Quantity Surveying
Ronnie Langerman | University College London | Civil, Geomatic and Environmental Engineering
Travis Fenn | Aston University | Mechanical Engineering
The
Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Charlie-Jade Rossi
Politics, Philosophy and Economics
|
University of Oxford
Charlie is a second-year politics, philosophy and economics student at the University of Oxford. Alongside her degree, she is dedicated to supporting care leavers. In her first year, she sat as the chair of Milton Keynes’ Children in Care Council and took on the role of care leavers’ officer for Oxford Student Union’s Class Act campaign. Committed to personal development, Charlie recently graduated from Circl’s Future Leaders programme, having attained its ‘accredited leadership and coaching qualification. She has recently founded a society for estranged, care experienced and adopted students at Oxford.
finalists
Alexander Vickers | University of Birmingham| Mechanical Engineering
Charlie-Jade Rossi | University of Oxford | Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Emily Cassidy | University of Southampton | Chemistry
Jack Gallimore | Queen Mary University of London | Theoretical Physics
Luis Atkinson | Cardiff University | Media, Journalism and Culture
Michaela Mensah | University of Cambridge| Land Economy
Millicent Jones |University of Manchester| Chemistry
Rhianna Schoemaecker | Harper Adams University | Automotive Engineering
Samuel Jackson | University of Sheffield | Materials Sciences and Engineering
Simrit Sekhon | Imperial College London | Mechanical Engineering
The
Future Lawyer
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Christina Lawrence
Natural Science
|
University of Cambridge
Christina’s first exposure to law came from a mock trial competition involving a stolen Xbox, a witness with poor eyesight and a feud among former best friends as motive for the theft. Work experience at a local solicitor’s office soon followed, where she developed her knowledge of family, probate and real estate law – and gained an interest in clinical negligence and personal injury. However, it was at a SynBioUK Catalyse competition, where Christina’s team pitched their own biotech start-up idea, that her interest in business grew. She found herself delving into commercial law and is now focused on pursuing a legal career, where she can expand her global perspective by working on international transactions.
finalists
Alex Virdi | University of Birmingham| Law
Betsy Board | Cardiff University| Law
Christina Lawrence | University of Cambridge | Natural Science
Gulsum Qane | London South Bank University| Law
Hamza Afzal | University of Aberdeen| Law with English
Joshua Gibson | Cardiff University| Law
Maja Raczkowska | University of Exeter | Law and Business
Oscar Calvete Al-Khalidi | University of Birmingham| Ancient History
Rochelle Inbakumar | City, University of London | Law
Saja Ali | University of Law | Law
The
Maths, Physics and Economics
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Hardik Surana
Economics
|
University of Cambridge
Hardik is a penultimate-year economics student at the University of Cambridge, where he is an analyst for the Cambridge Student Investment Fund and the treasurer for his college’s economics society. He spent the summer of 2022 undertaking internships in India at an algorithmic trading start-up and a securities firm. During 2022, he also completed multiple spring and summer insight programmes. Hardik is a keen sportsman and is involved in cricket, football, badminton, rowing and pool. In his own time, he has pursued his interest in technology by learning to code, worked as a tutor for local school children, and volunteered for his local Hindu and Indian associations.
finalists
Aviral Agarwal | University of Exeter| Economics and Finance
Chin Aaron | Lancaster University| Mechatronic Engineering
Geena Barthipan | The University of Warwick | Morse
Hardik Surana | University of Cambridge| Economics
Keyi Xong | University College London| Mathematics with economics
Lucy Wang | University of Oxford| Mathematics and Statistics
Neeraj Rughoo | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)| Mathematics and Economics
Pontus Soderhall | Queen Mary University of London| Mathematics, Statistics and Financial Economics
Tom Mosely | University of Sheffield| Accounting and Financial Management
Vinesh Vinod | The University of Warwick| Physics
The
Software Engineering
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Jack Waller
Computer Science
|
University of St Andrews
Jack is studying for a master’s degree in computer science at the University of St Andrews, where his academic achievements are frequently recognised on the Dean’s List. He discovered his passion for computer science during his first year of study at St Andrews, where he was originally studying chemistry. After one computer science module, it became obvious to him what he wanted to do in the future. Outside of university, Jack enjoys playing puzzle games such as chess, sudoku and poker, as well as getting lost in a good book.
finalists
Ben Sanders | University of St Andrews| Computer Science
Catherine Dickens | Lancaster University | Computer Science
Hannah Falk | University of St Andrews| Computer Science
Harry Drew | University of Hull | Software Engineering
Jack Waller | University of St Andrews| Computer Science
Petros Vasileiadis | Imperial College London | Computing
Ruby Graham | University of Glasgow | Computing Science
Sean Otto | University of Brighton| Computer Science for Games
Sethu Pastula | Cardiff University | Computer Science
William Eddy | Cardiff University | Applied Software Engineering
The
Celebrating Resilience
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Leila Pooriakia
Chemistry
|
Queen Mary University of London
Leila Pooriakia is a second-year chemistry student at Queen Mary University of London. She has a creative approach to science and enjoys making leaps of thought to solve problems and find new patterns. One thing that never ceases to impress Leila about the living world is its diversity – and what this means is that different problems or topics often need different tools. As Abraham Maslow nicely said: ‘To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail’. the world is full of differences and, as a human, it is important to accept this. It is ok if you are different to others, it is ok if you are not the person who likes routines and traditional ways, but it is not ok If you don’t have the unique skill to challenge these diversities.
finalists
Christina Butt | University of Edinburgh | Biochemistry
Erin Lynch | University of Manchester | Politics and Modern History
Ethan Edmunds | University of Sheffield | Aerospace Engineering
Leila Pooriakia | Queen Mary University of London | Chemistry
Luce Biscardi | Queen Mary University of London | International Relations with Business Management
Mahrus Jalil | University of Bristol | Chemistry
Tigerlily Williams | King’s College London | Computer Science
Yasmin Greer | Loughborough University | Accounting and Financial Management
Yulia Getachew | Brunel University of London | Aerospace Engineering
Zainab Adeleye | University of Dundee | Law
Zoe Thomas | Queen Mary University of London | Law
The
Black Heritage
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Masharah Powell
Philosophy
|
University of Warwick
Masharah is a first-year philosophy student at the University of Warwick. She is also an aspiring solicitor. As an active social impact advocate, Masharah has worked on a range of social impact projects with the likes of BBC Children In Need, Birmingham 2022 Festival, the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, We Don’t Settle and Beatfreeks. As a panel member for the ‘We Move Fund’ for BBC Children In Need, Masharah was able to help the team achieve the result of funding 66 organisations across the UK for their black youth, social action projects.
finalists
Adedoyin Adeyanju | The University of Warwick | Systems Engineering
Ann-Marie Namugenyi | Nottingham Trent University| Biomedical Science
Esther Akinlosotu | University of Manchester | Modern History with Economics
Kwabena Osei | University of Oxford | History and Politics
Laila Kakande | Nottingham Trent University | Biomedical Science
Masharah Powell | The University of Warwick | Historical and Philosophical Studies
Melissa Gentles | University of Cambridge | Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
Nana Yaw Antiedu | The University of Warwick | Economics
Samuel Ajakaiye | University of Oxford| History and French
Stephanie Wamunuko | University of Sheffield | Biochemistry and genetics
The
First Generation
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Monzur Chowdhury
Economics and Finance
|
Queen Mary University of London
Monzur is currently an undergraduate at Queen Mary University of London, studying economics and finance. He aspires to pursue a career in fintech and has gained experience at Schroders and Barclays, as well as volunteering with Teach For India. He is a proactive learner, adaptable communicator and values diversity. Monzur is also a dedicated reader, currently engrossed in the discourses of Epictetus. As a first-generation university student, he believes that opportunities are all around us, but it's up to us to seek them out and maximise them.
finalists
Aldrie Chandradinata | University College London| Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Aleesha Bruce | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)| Economics and Politics
Aleksandr Kozachuk | Nottingham Trent University | Business Management, Accounting and Finance
Alton Fernandes | Lancaster University| Accounting and Finance
Hazal Turunc | Queen Mary University of London| Medicine
Linge Guo | University College London | Sociology
Liqiong Francesca Hu | The University of Warwick | Business Management and Administrative Studies
Monzur Chowdhury | Queen Mary University of London | Economics and Finance
Nishorgo Mostofa | Kings College London| Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Raminta Kacinskaite | Queen Mary University of London| History
The
Future Actuary
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Moyosola Oyebanji
Mathematics and Actuarial Science
|
University of Leicester
Moyosola is a penultimate-year maths and actuarial science student at the University of Leicester. She was born in Nigeria and grew up in London and has always been determined to make the most of every opportunity. Moyosola was inspired to pursue a career as an actuary due to her love of maths and learning the impact actuaries have on future development. She would really like to travel the world and immerse herself in different cultures – so a backpacking trip is definitely on her agenda.
finalists
Aditi Nayak | The University of Warwick | Economics
Andre Soares | University of Strathclyde | Accounting and Finance
Anvita Maurya | University of Nottingham| Chemistry
Jonny Seagrave | University of St Andrews | Mathematics and Statistics
Leo Wass | Imperial College London| Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Physics
Liam Gettins | Imperial College London | Mathematics
Magdalena Georgieva | University of Bristol | Mathematics
Moyosola Oyebanji | University of Leicester | Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Sur Agrawal | University College London | Mathematics
Theo Sibtain | University of Bristol | Physics
The
Female
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Rosalind Aves
Aeronautical Engineering
|
Imperial College London
Rosalind is an aeronautical engineering student at Imperial College London. She has immersed herself in university life, both as a member of the Imperial College London Rocketry team and as Deputy President of the Fellwanderers hiking society. She is passionate about female representation in engineering, having previously volunteered for an outreach day aimed at inspiring local schoolgirls to explore STEM subjects. Last summer, Rosalind undertook an internship with Leonardo UK as well as completing the Great Glen Way solo. Outside of her degree, she is a keen adventurer, recently hiking in Madeira, Norway and Scotland.
finalists
Anvi Parikh | Royal Holloway, University of London | Economics
Catherine Turkington | University of Oxford | Chemistry
Harriet Spoor | Queen Mary University of London | Politics and International Relations
Imogen Canell | University College London | Natural Sciences: Astrophysics with Geophysics
Isabelle Mullings Wong | University of Bath | Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Isabelle Atkinson | Imperial College London| Aeronautical Engineering
Mirha Butt | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)| Geography
Rosalind Aves | Imperial College London | Aeronautical Engineering
Sharwa Molla | Imperial College London | Aeronautical Engineering
Shiuli Banerjee | University of Cambridge | Natural Sciences
Shourya Gupta | Loughborough University | Product Design Engineering
The
LGBTQ+
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Rylee Spooner
Advanced Applied Psychology
|
University of Chichester
Rylee is an undergraduate student at the University of Chichester, studying advanced applied psychology. They currently work as an associate lecturer in Chichester’s psychology department. Rylee has been the LGBTQ+ officer for the University of Chichester Students’ Union for two years and proudly champions LGBTQ+ voices on campus. They were awarded National Student Pride’s Role Model of the Year 2022 Award for their cross-institutional work within the university. Rylee’s research interest lies within understanding minority stress in the LGBTQ+ community, and how to improve support for this community in clinical settings by accounting for such stressors.
finalists
Ahmed Hayat | Northumbria University | Law
Bailey Hope | University of Dundee | Geography
Jack Liepa | Lancaster University | Politics and International Relations
Kass Caldicott | University of Cambridge | Law
Lee Bowditch | University of Salford | Business and Management
Leo Tidmarch | University of Oxford | European and Middle Eastern Languages
Maria Ni | King’s College London | Pharmacology
Reuben Cornwell | Loughborough University | Mathematics and Physics
Rylee Spooner | University of Chichester | Advanced Applied Psychology
Zab Birch | Coventry University | Law
The
Management
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Saba Shahzad
Business Management
|
University of Birmingham
Saba is a keen student with a passion for business and continuous learning. She has worked in both start-ups and global firms, spanning industries including consulting, real estate and finance. Through these experiences, she has gained a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork, communication and a customer-centric approach. Saba believes great teams are built through a positive workplace culture and that the future of management is empathetic leadership. With her skills, she looks forward to making a sustainable impact on businesses and, importantly, their values and culture. In her spare time, she enjoys painting and is a proud member of her university’s calligraphy society.
finalists
Chibuchi Amadi-Livingstone | University of Buckingham| Medicine and Surgery
Isobel Finch | Oxford Brookes University| Business and Management
Jeanne Volschenk | Arden University | Business
Paul Wilson | University of Strathclyde | Business
Paulina Zdieblowska | University of Greenwich| Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Saba Shahzad | University of Birmingham| Business Management
Sahrish Zeb | University of Buckingham| Law
Sana Jalal | Lancaster University| International Business Management
Svenja Shulz | University of St Andrews | Management and International Relations
Yao Siang Brendon Koh | University College London| Geography with Social Data Science
About the event
On Friday 21 April 2023 the targetjobs team celebrated the fourteenth Undergraduate of the Year Awards at East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf. On the day we were joined by 132 outstanding finalists, and over 150 industry professionals and University representatives.
The targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards are an annual competition that aims to find the UK's best undergraduates. This year the awards were, once again, held in collaboration with SHL and each award was presented with the support of one of our graduate recruitment partners. Each partner provided a fantastic prize for the winner of the category they sponsored. This year the categories were more diverse than ever with 13 categories partnered with 11 of the UK's most prominent graduate employers - Aon, AECOM, BT Group, Clifford Chance, Clyde & Co, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Glencore, Ocado, Rolls-Royce, Sky and Skyscanner.
The awards were set up to celebrate UK's top undergraduates in categories related to career paths (such as Future Actuary and Software Engineering) and personal characteristics (such as LGBTQ+ and Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent).
Once a student has chosen their category, they must submit an application, which includes essay questions and online tests provided by SHL. Students who are successful past this stage will then be assessed in person by the award partner.
The 132 undergraduates that made it to the final this year, are the best of the best. Out of almost 5000 applications, these students have demonstrated academic excellence, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to excel in a series of online tests. The quality of this year's applicants was outstanding, and the diversity across the applications was record breaking with 64% of applicants identifying as female, 66% of applicants being from a BAME background and 12% identifying as having a disability.
"The targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards shows us that UK higher education continues to produce gifted graduates with the academic and personal skills needed to be successful in work. The final ten from each category, sitting here today, really are the proverbial cream that has risen right to the top."
Simon Rogers, Chief Customer Officer at Group GTI
The awards ceremony
The day started with a drinks reception and live music before an opening address from Simon Rogers, CCO at Group GTI (parent company of targetjobs). He began by outlining just how important widening participation is to the company...
"We have always endeavoured to widen the participation from every demographic in this initiative. Over the last 6 months, undergraduate of the year has reached well over a quarter of a million undergraduates from a very diverse set of backgrounds."
He went on to add that "the social campaign has been the biggest and most engaged that we have ever seen in the history of targetjobs, and with almost 5000 having taken part and over 400 making it through to an actual Assessment Centre, it’s been our widest participation EVER, with 160 universities represented."
After lunch, Simon welcomed Sue Perkins to the stage to begin the award ceremony. Sue co-hosted The Great British Bake Off, has presented multiple travel documentaries, is the host of Radio 4’s Just a Minute and has recently been BAFTA-nominated for her Netflix show, Perfectly Legal. She graduated with a degree in English from New Hall (now Murray Edwards College) at the University of Cambridge, where she was also president of FOOTLIGHTS – the world-famous student comedy society.
After sharing her words of wisdom with this year's finalists Sue announced the winners of this year's Undergraduate of the Year Awards.
"We might all be different, but we’re all in this together. And all ways of learning are, and should be, equal."
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