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Following a range of online application questions and tests, I was invited to attend an assessment centre in London. This was a great opportunity to meet fellow students who attended a wide range of different universities and studied a variety of different courses, but who were like-minded and shared my enthusiasm for social action. Prior to the assessment centre, I was asked to prepare a presentation about the area of social impact I have contributed towards. Although this was challenging, it gave me the opportunity to speak about some of the volunteering projects I have been involved in while at university and encouraged me to think about the ways in which these have had, and can continue to have, a wider societal impact. Throughout the application process, I utilised many skills that I have developed and advanced during my History degree. I made use of the ability to communicate effectively, both on paper and verbally, as well as the heightened aptitude for continuous self-reflection and self-improvement. Moreover, the teamwork element of applying for the award invoked my ability to solve problems and respond creatively to various tasks, analysing and evaluating information quickly to reach informed decisions.

The awards final at Canary Wharf was an amazing day, with an exciting and celebratory atmosphere. It was great to be able to celebrate my time at university alongside other young people, and I never thought I would have the chance to network with some of the most influential figures in the UK, working in sectors ranging from finance to engineering to fashion. Most significantly, it allowed me to gain an invaluable insight into the importance of this generation collaborating to instigate enduring and positive change across all sectors. I have gained a wealth of transferable skills from participating in this fantastic awards process, and it has spurred me on to keep pursuing my passion for social action.