Future leaders: chatting to the finalists of the Top100 Awards

When we graduate from uni, we’re thrown into a world of work we may not have prepared for. How do you interview properly? What is the recruitment process really like? Is networking even a thing??

It’s difficult to answer these questions with just a blog post (although, ya know, we try) but one way to prepare for this daunting and exciting future is by trialling the real thing. That’s where the GradConnection Top100 Awards come in.

This unique experience is designed to give you a taste of a graduate recruitment process, even putting you face-to-face with some of your industry’s top employers for interviews and assessment centres. You’ll have the chance to develop your application and communication skills, personal branding, and professional profile before even completing your degree.

But don’t take our word for it! In 2021, UTS had a whopping 11 finalists in the awards from all different backgrounds and disciplines, from engineering and IT to business and innovation. The awards have something for everyone.

Today we’re chatting to just three of our amazing finalists to hear a little about the Top100 process.

Sydney is a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Structures Specialisation student, who was a finalist for the Jacobs Engineering Consulting Award. She is Gender Equity Ambassador for the UTS Women in Engineering and IT Program, and is passionate about motivating young people to immerse themselves in STEM through leading school outreach programs.

Laura studies a Bachelor of Business (Finance) and Bachelor of Medical Science, and secured a spot as finalist for the Westpac Banking, Insurance & Financial Services Award. She is passionate about corporate banking, investment and application of innovative technologies to finance.

Annie is the last finalist we’re speaking to today. She is a fellow Business student who made it to the finals of the EY Innovation Award, with a mission to empower, inspire, and innovate with others.

 

Thanks for chatting to us! Why don’t you tell us a bit about the Top100 process? What was it like to go through?

Sydney:

The Top100 competition is a multi-stage process that involves an online application form, psychometric tests, a video interview and an assessment centre.

 

I found this process to be extremely valuable for my professional development as it simulated an actual graduate recruitment process. It really helped me with preparation for my graduate applications. 

 

What made you decide to give Top100 a try?

Laura:

After receiving the initial email from UTS Careers which encouraged applications for Top100, I researched the GradConnection’s Top100 Future Leaders Competition.

 

I didn’t know anyone who had applied before, but I was enticed by the reputable companies that endorse this competition, such as the Australian Financial Review, Westpac and EY. 

 

What scared you the most about the Top100 process? How did it turn out?

Annie:

The rigour of the screen process was daunting, as I typically haven’t been strong in virtual assessment processes. Surprisingly, as I prepared for it, I did well.

 

The Assessment Centres were well-run and the staff, although experienced hiring managers from top firms, were fully supportive throughout the process, even providing qualitative feedback afterwards.

Sydney:

Within the Top100 competition, I was most nervous about the assessment centre stage as I had never done this before.

 

As I applied for the Jacobs Engineering Consulting Award, a panel of employers from Jacobs directly assessed me. Despite my initial feelings, I was able to remain composed and professional throughout the experience, as I had prepared responses to practice questions prior to the actual assessment centre.

 

Through this challenge, I was able to develop confidence for future assessment centres that I experienced after the Top100 competition. 

 

What have you enjoyed most about the Top100?

Laura:

I have enjoyed the exposure to reputable firms in a variety of industries where I have gained significant knowledge about the Graduate Programs and jobs available. The highlight for me was the event at the Ivy Ballroom with a 3-course meal, guest speakers, and award presentations. 

 

What did you learn about yourself, the recruitment process or your industry while going through Top100?

Sydney:

Through the Top100 competition, I learnt that I am capable of taking on any challenge and achieving successful outcomes, despite my initial doubts about myself.

 

I learnt valuable lessons throughout the recruitment process, particularly online video interview skills and how to stand out within a group assessment centre, which helped me in my subsequent search of graduate jobs.

 

Through meeting employers within my field of interest, I learnt about the key skills that graduate employers valued the most, as well as where my career could take me in the future.

Laura:

Through the Top100 process, I learned about the breadth of opportunities available and the different roles within the one industry. I also learned about the importance of my personal communication skills during the networking event and the benefit of continually being open to new opportunities!

 

Has being a Top100 finalist helped you in your job/internship/grad role search process? Have you been able to land an interview or even a paid gig?  

Annie:

The Top100 has allowed me to progress in my current role in an almost parallel process to the Top100 Award assessments: I went through an internal job promotion opportunity at Westpac.

 

I have since been able to obtain a job as a data scientist in the data science and innovation team at Westpac Group. The award has given me the confidence and helped support me in this process.

Laura:

Being a Top100 Finalist for the Westpac Banking, Insurance & Financial Services Award has definitely opened my eyes to the extensive Graduate Recruitment process of many well-known companies.

 

GradConnection provided me with a valuable insight into pre-interview tasks, individual interviews, group interviews and networking which have been a foundation for my Graduate applications.

 

I am studying a Bachelor of Medical Science/Bachelor of Business (Finance), and am currently employed as a Business Performance (Delivery Excellence) Intern with HealthShare NSW, where I have been provided further exposure to future jobs.

 

I am in my final year of university and now going through the process of applying for Graduate roles and permanent full-time positions. 

Sydney:

Being recognised as a Top100 Future Leader has boosted my professional image, which helped me secure a graduate role as a Structural Engineer at AECOM, a leading global engineering consulting firm.

 

Through leveraging my Top100 experience, I was able to emphasise the skills I have gained throughout the process, which showed employers my determination and willingness to challenge myself for my personal development. 

 

What do you think is the most important skill or ability Top100 candidates should have?

Laura:

I definitely believe that Top100 candidates should focus on resilience, adaptability to change and communication skills.

 

All stages of the process rely on candidates to communicate with fellow graduates, the recruitment staff, and business professionals. It is important to have an open mindset and embrace all opportunities!

Sydney:

I think that the most important skill/ability that Top100 candidates should have is perseverance. Being proactive to seek learning and development opportunities is key to achieve successful outcomes and a valuable experience during the Top100 competition. 

 

Going forward, has the Top100 inspired you? What new goals have you set? 

Annie:

Going forward and in the corporate setting in-particular, I am keen continue to make an impact in the innovation and social impact field in start-ups as well as continuing on in my current role at Westpac Group.

 

What advice would you give students thinking about giving Top100 a go?

Sydney:

Regardless of any personal doubts you may have about yourself, I would encourage everyone to be confident and persevere throughout the competition.

 

Top100 is a wonderful opportunity that not only maximises your employability skills, but also builds more connections within your industry, strengthening your career network.

 

Despite the challenge, it is a very rewarding experience that provides value to your career. 

 

So what are you waiting for? Apply today for GradConnection’s Top100 Awards for your chance to be like Sydney, Laura and Annie. Get direct access to top employers and practise a real-life graduate recruitment process.

Who knows, you could even see your face in the Australian Financial Review!

 

Featured image courtesy of Pexels