From Doubt to Finalist: My Undergraduate of the Year Story

When I first saw the email from targetjobs about the Undergraduate of the Year Awards, I was curious and decided to explore it further. I read through the list of award categories and felt a strong connection to the Career Changer category. This particular category resonated with me because I am a mature student embarking on a new career path after being away from formal education for a significant period.

As I started my application, I was initially discouraged. It was mid-semester, and I questioned whether I was genuinely ready to take on this challenge. The application questions were intense and required deep reflection and complete focus. At the time, I was managing many responsibilities, including coordinating my son’s hospital admission and completing my course assignments. Feeling overwhelmed, I gave up and convinced myself not to proceed. My thought was that “Don’t bother, you wouldn’t go through anyway.”

However, close to the application deadline, I received a call from someone at targetjobs, reminding me that I had begun an application but had yet to complete it. I laughed at the reminder and, in that moment, decided to go ahead and finish it. The questions prompted me to reflect deeply on my career journey, my achievements, and the importance of inclusivity in the workplace, particularly for individuals like me who are career changers. Writing about my experiences and accomplishments made me feel genuinely proud. It also helped me appreciate the impact of inclusive practices in supporting career transitions.

To my surprise and delight, I received an email from Clifford Chance inviting me for an interview. During the interview, I met other finalists from different universities across the country. Afterwards, I received a congratulatory email informing me that I was one of the ten finalists selected for the award. I was overjoyed, almost in disbelief, but truly honoured. Next came the invitation to attend the awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony has been the highlight of my year so far. It was a beautifully organised, glamorous event where I had the pleasure of meeting other finalists from the different categories. The event exceeded my expectations, and I felt proud to be part of such a prestigious occasion. I am especially pleased that this award category was introduced to celebrate and recognise the unique journeys of career changers. Even though I did not win the overall award, I have felt like a winner from the moment I was shortlisted as a finalist.

This entire experience has been gratifying and inspiring. It has increased my visibility within my university community and boosted my confidence. My advice to others is never to underestimate your journey or your achievements. Even in tough times, persevere and give your best effort. You never know—you may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish!

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