Are you the LGBT+ Undergraduate of the Year?
We’re searching UK universities to find the outstanding LGBT+ Undergraduate of the Year. We are looking for a student who is driving positive change within the LGBT+ community, breaking down barriers and leaving a legacy.
Announcing the 2021 finalists
Win
A unique experience with Clifford Chance, including work experience and various networking opportunities with the firm's LGBT+ network.
Finalists
We are delighted to introduce the 2021 finalists for this award.
Daniel Kirkbride | Newcastle University | Psychology
Erica Chan | Durham University | Social Sciences
Francesca Warren | University of York | Law
Joshua Bastow | University of Kent | Applied Bioscience
Kai Heale | Durham University | Computer Science
Mitchell Burns-Jackson | University of Liverpool | International Politics and Policy
Phillip Rucci | University of Southampton | Computer Science
To enter you must:
- be an undergraduate student at a university in the UK
- be a self-defining LGBT+ student
- be on track to achieve a 2.1 or above
- have the right to work in the UK after graduation
What makes an award winner?
Our winner will be ready to seize this opportunity to showcase the contributions that you have made in the LGBT+ space and to be a role model for other students who might be struggling with their identity or questioning what they can achieve personally and professionally.
You will also possess:
- an analytical mindset
- great attention to detail
- the ability to think commercially
- a knack for problem solving
- strong teamwork skills
- leadership potential
- the ability to work under pressure
- ambition and a willingness to grasp new opportunities
'The award has been an amazing springboard for many new and exciting opportunities while also providing an incredible platform on which to amplify minority voices and inclusion projects.' – Tom Moran, LGBT+ Undergraduate of the Year 2018.
'Winning the LGBT+ Undergraduate of the Year Award has hands down been the highlight of my year thus far. Firstly, to have the work that I have done with FUSE be recognised on such a large, prestigious platform is not only a fantastic opportunity for more LGBT+ students of colour to be inspired to start similar initiatives, but also to shine a light on a vibrant, diverse community that is often considered as not much more than a minority within a minority.' – Zareen Roy-Macauley, LGBT+ Undergraduate of the Year 2019.
How do I win?
Register
Register your details online and answer four questions set by Clifford Chance.
Must be completed by 01.02.21
Online tests
Receive an email inviting you to sit one online test designed exclusively by our partner SHL.
Must be completed by 01.02.21
Submit by 01.02.21
Your details must be submitted and all online tests completed by 1 February 2021.
If you are successful in getting through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 26 February 2021.
Assessment centre
If you pass the online tests and successfully make it to the next stage your application will be reviewed by Clifford Chance.
This stage will include the Watson Glaser test and an assessment centre.
Grand final
The final shortlist of ten students will be invited to the awards ceremony on 30 April 2021, where the award winners will be announced!
Clifford Chance and the LGBT+ Undergraduate of the Year Award
We're delighted to be partnering the LGBT+ Undergraduate of the Year Award for the third year alongside National Student Pride and ATTITUDE. This award celebrates the diverse range of talent, endeavours, and achievements made by LGBT+ students.
If you identify as LGBT+, this is your opportunity to showcase the contributions that you have made in the LGBT+ space and to be a role model for other students who might be struggling with their identity or questioning what they can achieve personally and professionally.
But why would a global law firm partner this award, and why is your sexuality even important? Well, the answer is very simple.
Whether you've considered a career in law or not, providing legal services to our clients relies heavily on our amazingly talented and diverse people. Our clients are made up of a range of businesses, and to find ever better solutions to our clients’ most important challenges, we must build the best team, made up of people from a range of demographics including different gender identities and sexual orientations.
It’s our aim to be the LGBT+ employer of choice in the legal sector, where our culture supports people to be themselves, all day, every day – so this award means everything to us.
Find out more about Clifford Chance and their invovlement with this award here.
Find out more about Clifford Chance and their annual LGBT+ student conference ACCEPT here.
Videos
Hear from previous winners and finalists
Thomas Moran
Management and Information Technology, Lancaster University
Winner of the LGBTQ+ Award, 2019
I would encourage anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+, especially those who are actively involved in the LGBTQ+ community to apply. The advice I would give to those who do, is to be yourself, openly and honestly. I also suggest that individuals who apply should consider this process as an experience to be enjoyed and to try to have fun throughout, without thinking necessarily about the potential career in law.
Read the blog
Cassandra Grützner
Philosophy and Psychology, University of Stirling
Finalist of the LGBTQ+ Award, 2019
Take your time writing your application. The application window is open for a couple of months, so you really have the time to think and polish your essay responses to properly represent what you think and feel. There is no reason to cram it all into the day of the deadline, and having the essay questions in the back of my mind for a few weeks certainly helped me solidify which aspects I wanted to highlight.
Read the blog Sara Borasio
Human, Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge
Finalist of the LGBTQ+ Award, 2019
I would tell anyone considering applying to definitely go for it. The application process itself is an interesting learning experience, so it is well worth the time it takes to apply. My other recommendation would be the somewhat clichéd statement to be yourself, which did prove true in my case.
Read the blog Joseph Luke
Mathematics, MMath, University of St Andrews
Finalist of the LGBTQ+ Award, 2019
To individuals considering applying next year, I would say this: if you want to learn, come to Clifford Chance. You shouldn’t be discouraged by your own negative thoughts - if you think you have the potential to do well in a career like law, at a firm like CC, then go for it. In my experience, CC really invest in their people, and put a big focus on training and continuous improvement. The worst that can happen is you don’t get the gig, and even then it will be a learning experience with good feedback. Of course, if you think you aren’t ready or it’s not right for you, don’t force it, but don’t hold yourself back.
Read the blog Shayna Mardenborough
Law, Lancaster University
Finalist of the LGBTQ+ Award, 2019
Be open and ready for the new experience. Make friends, it makes it so much easier. And remember, everyone is in the same/a similar boat to you. Don’t be afraid to talk on your experiences; we’re all growing and we’re all learning. Tell people about yourself and ask about them too. At this stage in your career, everyone you meet is important so learn about everyone at every different stage of the process. Lastly, believe in yourself!
Read the blog