The targetjobs Management Undergraduate of the Year Award, in partnership with Enterprise Mobility, is back. The annual competition is aimed at finding the best management undergraduates in the UK. The lucky winner will not only win a personalised summer placement with Enterprise Mobility but will take away an abundance of invaluable experience.
We’ve been lucky enough to catch up with Kendaa, this years Management Undergraduate of the Year winner, to find out what the competition entails and what she took away from the experience. This is what she told us:
How were you originally introduced to the Management Undergraduate of the Year?
I was searching for a programme that would take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me, especially while studying for my exams. I came across the award on the targetjobs website. Upon reading the criteria for each award and the skills Enterprise Mobility were looking for, I knew it’d be too great an opportunity to not put myself out there.
What does the application process look like?
The process initially began with standard application questions, such as university and course studied, and concluded with 2 written questions. The questions were competency based and ranged from "Tell me a time when..." to "Why do you deserve to be this year’s Management UGOTY?".
Post-application stage, I had to complete situational judgement and a series of psychometric tests. I then had around a 1 month waiting period, as applications had not closed yet, until I was contacted and told that I made it to the next stage, a virtual interview.
This virtual interview was around 20 minutes and comprised of my previous experience, how I’ve demonstrated certain skills and why I deserve to be Management Undergraduate of the Year.
After this, I was informed I had reached the final 40 candidates and would be participating in an assessment centre. The assessment centre was held at Enterprise Mobility’s European Corporate Office and included a group task, an individual task and final interview. A couple of days later I was told I was a finalist and was off to the grand finale in Canary Wharf, London.
How did your perception of Enterprise Mobility change throughout the process?
Enterprise Mobility really encapsulates innovation, development, and support, especially in such a large organisation. From beginning to the end, I felt supported and challenged. The assessment centre allowed me to be immersed in their development culture, where I saw firsthand why they have not only been successful as a team but also an organisation.
What are some of the biggest take-aways from the process?
My main takeaway is that imposter syndrome can really limit your capabilities and highlight areas of self-doubt, especially in new and unfamiliar spaces. Upon submitting my application, I was very pessimistic about how I presented to the recruitment team and if I had enough experience. Every experience is a learning experience so have fun while doing it, even if you know you could have improved in aspects of the process. There are many people applying for a second time, and I think it speaks volumes to the power of resilience and perseverance.
Do not put yourself in a box. If I hadn’t applied to this competition, I would not be where I am today, nor have the new-found confidence the whole process has given me.
How has winning Management Undergraduate of the Year influenced your personal or professional journey?
Winning this year's award has provided me with a new-found confidence and has provided me with a more optimistic attitude towards challenging tasks, especially tasks which are outside of my comfort zone. The whole process developed my leadership, multi-tasking, collaborative and proactive skills, which I use daily in my current role.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for the award?
Apply, apply, apply! You have at least one of the skills Enterprise Mobility are looking for.
If you feel like you lack experience, what better way to gain more than by entering the Management Undergraduate of the Year award? Putting yourself out there is one of the hardest but boldest things you can do, especially in a world full of opportunities to learn.
Are you the next Management Undergraduate of the Year? With nothing to lose, and everything to gain, apply now! Applications close 27th January 2025.
