Could you win the Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent?
We're searching UK universities to discover an inspiring neurominority Undergraduate of the Year. We're looking for somebody who brings different perspectives, creative problem-solving skills and unique strengths to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Win
You could win a ten-week, paid summer internship starting in June/July 2023, an Apple watch and Rolls-Royce-branded gifts. You’ll also spend a working day shadowing a Rolls-Royce leader – a fantastic opportunity to discover how decisions are made and to build your network.
All finalists will also be considered for paid work experience opportunities with Rolls-Royce.
Applications for the targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2023 are now closed.
Introducing the 2023 finalists...
Alexander Vickers | University of Birmingham| Mechanical Engineering
Charlie-Jade Rossi | University of Oxford | Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Emily Cassidy | University of Southampton | Chemistry
Jack Gallimore | Queen Mary University of London | Theoretical Physics
Luis Atkinson | Cardiff University | Media, Journalism and Culture
Michaela Mensah | University of Cambridge| Land Economy
Millicent Jones |University of Manchester| Chemistry
Rhianna Schoemaecker | Harper Adams University | Automotive Engineering
Samuel Jackson | University of Sheffield | Materials Sciences and Engineering
Simrit Sekhon | Imperial College London | Mechanical Engineering
To enter you need to:
- have a diagnosis, be in the process of being diagnosed or identify as having a neurodivergent condition (eg through strong traits or family history and so on) but not pursuing diagnosis. Neurodivergent conditions include autism or an ASD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADD or ADHD, Tourette syndrome. This is not an exhaustive list and all neurocognitive minorities (acquired or diagnosed) are welcome to apply
- be in your first or second year of a three-year course, or your first, second or third year of a four-year course at university – all degree subjects are accepted
- have the right to work in the UK after graduation.
What makes an award winner?
People at Rolls-Royce know that diverse perspectives and experiences make for better ideas and solutions. They’ve seen how their neurodivergent people help them innovate through different ways of thinking, working, evaluating and communicating.
Rolls-Royce is truly interested in what you can bring as yourself. So, tell us what makes you ‘you’. We’ll be looking for a creative problem solver who has got where they are today through determination, resilience, independent and innovative thinking and, potentially, lots of other skills.
You do not have to disclose your condition(s) or diagnosis if you don’t want to. Extenuating circumstances will always be taken into account throughout and we’ll let you know exactly what to expect and when. We encourage communicating your needs for additional support or adjustments (including the online tests). If your needs aren’t already supported in our assessment process, we’ll make sure we accommodate them to make sure you can be at your best.
How do I win?
Register
Register your details online and answer three questions set by Rolls-Royce.
Must be completed by 30.01.23
Personality Questionnaire
Receive an email inviting you to take a personality questionnaire designed exclusively by our partner SHL.
Must be completed by 30.01.23
Submit by 30.01.23
Your details must be submitted by 30 January 2023.
If you are successful in getting through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 28 February 2023.
Assessment centre
If you successfully make it to the next stage your application will be reviewed by Rolls-Royce.
This stage will involve a virtual or face-to-face assessment centre.
Grand final
The final shortlist of ten students will be invited to the awards ceremony on 21 April 2023, where the award winners will be announced.
Rolls-Royce and the Undergraduate of the Year Award for Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent
In 1904 Henry Royce, a working-class owner of an electrical and mechanical business, met Charles Rolls, an upper-class businessman. The rest is history. Over the past 100 years, Rolls-Royce has built a reputation for technical innovation and excellence; but the business could never have succeeded without the diversity of thought that it established from day one.
As an organisation, we’re now in the middle of an exciting period of transformation. We’re re-inventing Rolls-Royce. Expanding beyond our famous engineering capabilities and pushing the boundaries of a digital world. We have bold, ambitious purpose: to create sustainable solutions that meet the planet’s vital power needs. And to deliver on that purpose, we need to attract more bold, ambitious people to join us. The kind of people, that is, who win awards like these.
Why an award celebrating neurodiverse talent?
The Rolls-Royce is proud to be partnering this award. There are undoubted benefits for us in attracting and retaining a more neurodiverse workforce and supporting neurodivergent people as change agents, thought disrupters and innovators. After all, we already know that neurodivergent individuals often have particular success in STEM careers – Elon Musk, Henry Ford, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates among them. We believe strongly in the value of people and ideas. We encourage everyone to share their thoughts and vision for the future, no matter who they are or their level of experience. And we do all we can to create an environment where every individual can be themselves and be their best.
Click here to find out more about us and our internship and graduate opportunities.