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The TARGETjobs competition is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in working for a variety of global businesses. I applied for this award as not only is L’Oréal a company with ethics held to a high standard, it is also a market leader, number one in its field and the TARGETjobs award provides a great opportunity to work in fast-paced, intriguing business sectors with colleagues from across the globe. The awards also allow you to dive into important, meaningful and intriguing work that provides invaluable experience for personal and professional growth and development.

When I started my application, I had no idea quite how far I would get, but I stuck to the idea that someone had to win and if it happens to be me then that would be very fortunate. For all careers, it is important to believe in yourself. I never expected to be contacted with an invite to the assessment centre; however, I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by and that, like any applicant, I would have a chance.

The experience is phenomenal. I met many fantastic people and this is another great benefit of the competition: you meet and work alongside other students with a passion for the work and I can say already I’ve made some fantastic friends through the process. At the assessment centre I had to present a 20-minute presentation with data sent to me three days before, followed by an interview and a group challenge, plus a presentation with a panel questioning our decisions. The award ceremony was in April for the top ten from each award category. All of us were joined by representatives from the companies sponsoring the awards. To meet and network with the other candidates and senior company representatives was surreal. We settled down for a fantastic meal and afterwards Konnie Huq, of Blue Peter fame, presented the awards. When my name was announced as the Male Undergraduate of the Year it took a moment to take it in fully and while walking up to the stage I couldn’t believe that it was happening. I remember feeling a mix of shock, happiness and a lot of gratitude to myself months earlier for deciding to apply. It is a great honour to have received the award and I am extremely thankful to L’Oréal and TARGETjobs for giving so many people the opportunities provided to myself and so many others. The process and my current internship is something that I will never forget.

Now I’m working for L’Oréal Paris in the digital marketing team. At the time of writing it’s been three weeks and I’m engaged in a plethora of projects. A highlight so far has been attending a Q&A with Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou, the global president of the brand L’Oréal Paris. I have also worked with the Prince’s Trust and self-worth ambassadors out of the office to engage in the wider work L’Oréal Paris does for the community.

During my time at L’Oréal I will be traveling to Paris to work in the head office alongside senior management and so seeing Paris, working in head office and shadowing management is certainly something I am extremely excited for later in my internship.

I would encourage everyone to apply for the chance to win. No matter what, through the process you gain skills for interviews and assessment centres, can work on your application and CV and how you sell yourself. Overall, TARGETjobs' Undergraduate of the Year Awards is not to be missed!

Where are they now?

Angus is currently working for L’Oréal Paris in the digital marketing team.