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I applied to the Computer Science, IT and Physics Undergraduate of the Year Award sponsored by FDM Group. The top ten finalists were invited to the award ceremony at Canary Wharf in London, where the winner would be announced and gain an incredible opportunity of a four-week internship with FDM Group.

While studying I received a call from a member of the TARGETjobs team mentioning to me that I was eligible to apply for the Computer Science, IT and Physics award. I was super busy with university at the time so I didn’t apply straight away. Looking through my academic diary I saw the deadline looming, so I decided it was best to apply. I completed the online application form that day and then proceeded to do the online tests, while thinking I wouldn’t make it any further than this stage.

I was then contacted by FDM Group and was asked to complete a telephone interview. I prepared for my interview by researching the company, recent events and news. FDM Group wants to promote women in IT and I am a big supporter of women in STEM, therefore, this was highlighted in my phone interview. A day later I had surpassed my expectations and made it to the final 20! They liked that I was a promoter of women in IT. I would suggest highlighting your interests and passions when at the interview stage.
This was my first experience of an assessment centre and I couldn’t believe it! I have a picture before the interview outside the office and I remember thinking 'Is this real or am I dreaming?' A year before when visiting London, I got a picture on the opposite side of the Thames while I was sightseeing. Who would have thought I would have been in the offices that were in the background.

The assessment centre was a day of new experiences. Two interviews, online gamification, a group task and lots of networking. I enjoyed experiencing the London office and there was some great competition; in my eyes everyone was a worthy winner! I networked with FDM representatives and other students.

Unfortunately, I never made it past the assessment centre stage but I got many memories and experiences. The experience is a great addition to my CV and I experienced an assessment centre for the first time. From making the top 20 I gained a fast track application to FDM’s graduate scheme so don’t ever doubt yourself! I didn’t think I would even get this far in the application process and I got to the final 20 and a fast track application. Believe you can!