Work Experience Champion Award 2023

Finalists
Alina Vyerova
Becki Bradley
Liv Allsop
Uchenna Idoko

WINNER!

Alina Vyerova – BSc (Hons) Financial Trading and Investment Management  

 

What they did: 

“This student had a very successful time on their placement year at one of the main high street banks. Following on from this, when returning to SHU for their final year at L6, they did not leave their experiences from placement behind. The student then supported L5 on the employability module down in London, by travelling down and presenting their experiences of placement, top tips for application and offered advice of extending their search and not solely focusing of trading placements (as there are very few) and discussed the benefits of this. The student fit this around a busy timetable and gave up their own time to support the student who really needed to hear their advice and placement perspective.” 

 

What was the impact? 

“This individuals impact meant that the students at L5 explored a wider range of placement opportunities, giving them a better chance of securing placement. Immediately after the sessions, students at L5 connected with the student in question to continue to watch their journey through final year. Comments from the L5 group indicated that it was great to hear a students perspective on placement and see a realistic experience. They also very much appreciated the hints and tips on application as this can be a very tedious process.” 

 

How it inspired others: 

“This student inspired others to keep pushing, even when they are getting rejection emails and having to spend hours filling out applications. They inspired students to remove the barrier of only searching for trading placements and actually look across the whole of the financial sector – which opened their eyes. The successes this student shared has inspired others to work hard and want to see a similar journey for themselves. Their impact has been great.” 

Finalist
Wiktoria Lach

WINNER!

Wiktoria Lach – BSC (Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation Year 

 

What they did: 

“The student is completing an enterprise residency sandwich placement, taking bold steps to explore a business venture that is completely unrelated to their degree, but one they have a passion and a talent for. Following an introduction via one of the course leaders, we asked the student if they would write a case study for us.” 

 

What was the impact? 

“We met the student, who told us about the activity they were doing, and the impact this was having on them – personally, and professionally. How great it was to be doing something they were passionate about and being supported! They helped us write a case study article, which has turned into a published resource and circulated across the department to inspire current L5 students interested in Sandwich placements.” 

 

How it inspired others: 

“As an employability advisor, I have shown this case study to my students who have been curious about exploring this as an option which they hadn’t considered before. It has been circulated in our department, and students have expressed an interest in this type of Sandwich placement.” 

Finalist
Lauren Riley

WINNER!

Lauren Riley – BA (Hons) Fashion Design 

What they did: 

“The student participated in the applied diploma work experience with Urban Outfitters, gaining an exceptional and valuable work experience in a global company, based in London.” 

 

What was the impact? 

“The experience has had a huge impact on the student, and this is no particularly visible in their return to final year, in which in the short time they have been self-motivated, professional and ambitious. So far, they have been highlighted for good practice on a national stage through Graduate Fashion Foundation Charity and recently won the Crisis X Love Not Landfill X GFW Competition.” 

 

How it inspired others: 

“This student has been a visible and positive presence within the cohort and has presented in department and course presentations and talks regarding their work experience and the positive impact it has had.”