Look at you, ambitious career chaser.‍ I see you clicking on this blog post, ready to make moves.

So, you want to be recognised as one of Australia’s top university students and see your name printed in the Australian Financial Review (AFR)? I like your vibe.

Arya, Anthony, Sai, and Marcus are UTS students who were involved in the Top100 Future Leaders Awards 2024, and they’re here to share their Top100 secrets (okay, maybe not secrets, but their totally honest, candid, and relatable reactions to the whole process). They’ll take us on the emotional rollercoaster that is the Top100.

Buckle up, you’re about to be informed and inspired. Maybe you’ll even realise that you’re not so different from these finalists and winners. And that maybe you should…perhaps…apply too.

Top 7 questions you have been asking: 

1. Students have voiced fears that they may not be good enough for Top100. Do you have any advice for someone doubting themselves big time? 

Whilst I was completing my online application, I had many doubts in my mind but I knew I would regret it if I did not try.   

Submitting my application was an experience that I initially did not take too seriously, because I questioned whether I was even good enough to even try out for something so prestigious. I was nervous about the thought of potentially completing a psychometric test as well because it had been a while since I had last completed one. However, there were many practice tests that were made available to us to ensure we did not feel underconfident. I am glad I applied because it taught me that self-doubt is just a challenge that you have to learn to overcome, regardless of where you are in life.   

– Arya Lohar 

I was unsure if it was worth my time applying as I was only in my 1st year of uni. 

It was worth giving every opportunity a shot. 

– Marcus Della Vedova 

 

2. Interviews can be scary. Tell us honestly, how were you feeling before your interview? We need the real tea and advice to calm the nerves.

It was quite nerve-racking right before the in-person interview stage, however it ended up being very chill – we even talked about where our favourite bar was.  

 I recommend just being yourself, and importantly choose the award that reflects your value. Whether that being community focused, leadership, or global changes, choose something that you can relate to and it will be much more enjoyable. 

– Anthony Cao  

I was nervous before taking the Saville and Holdsworth Limited (SHL) Video Interview Test, frantically making notes before every question. 

By remaining calm and knowing my key strengths, I was able to do well on the video interview test. The test showed me that employers value clear communication and interpersonal skills. 

– Sai Muthukumar 

 

3. What even is an SHL psychometric test, and how did you go about it? Give us a breakdown for the clueless peeps (aka me!). 

The SHL skill test was challenging, however I thought of it as a game and it was much more enjoyable. 

Before attempting the SHL Skill Test, make sure to do the practise questions, and put yourself in a comfortable environment so you can perform your best. 

– Anthony Cao 

I wasn’t sure if I was giving the right answers for the psychometric tests.

[I came to realise that] for psychometric tests it’s about giving the answers that seem most right to you.

– Marcus Della Vedova 

4. When your schedule is crazy busy as a student with a job and extracurriculars, how do you even juggle all the Top100 prep? Any tips for keeping your sanity? 

Balancing the assessment centre prep with my internship was a challenge, but I realised I thrived on being busy. 

 During the time of the assessment centre and awards night, I was also working as an intern and undertaking extracurriculars, which made for some hectic days. There were moments when I felt stretched thin and pressed for time, trying to ensure I performed well in the interviews while also keeping up with my internship responsibilities. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I loved the experience of juggling multiple things at once because it kept me motivated. Once the awards night was over, I was proud of myself for overcoming such busy days and it just built my confidence for the future. 

– Arya Lohar 

 

5. What was one of the most nerve-racking and difficult parts of the whole process? What should other students be mentally preparing for?  

I found the SHL skills tests challenging, particularly the General Ability Test, since I was not used to taking general ability tests. 

[That being said], I found completing the SHL skills test rewarding and practical. The tests have prepared me for future tests used by employers to recruit graduates in my industry. 

– Sai Muthukumar 

Walking into the assessment centre, I felt a mix of pride and nerves. Because I had made it this far and did not want to let myself down.   

The assessment centre was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my academic life. I was proud to be there, but at the same time, being in a room with so many talented people was humbling. Being an introvert, I remember sitting quietly in a corner alone, until a fellow finalist struck up a conversation with me, making me feel welcome and confident. That moment alone was a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t just about achievements but it is shown through actions that uplift others. As a bonus, some of us UTS students got to live our YouTube creator dream by doing a mini interview for the marketing team.   

– Arya Lohar 

I struggled with drafting responses to questions in the written application, given the strict word limits. 

I knew that writing concisely is greatly valued by employers recruiting new graduates. The application was a wonderful opportunity for me to practise my professional writing skills. 

– Sai Muthukumar 

 

 

6. Award ceremony moment! What was the coolest or most surreal part of the night? Spill all the feels!  

The award ceremony was extremely useful, and had so many opportunities, with all the top employers seeking out their candidates. 

Make sure to network as much as you can during the award ceremony, and make a meaningful network with the employers. 

– Anthony Cao 

The awards night was a culmination of all the hard work that we had put in. After a long and busy day at my internship, I rushed to catch the ferry to Doltone House, which is where the night began.  

While the awards night was a big deal, what I was really looking forward to was reconnecting with the amazing people I had met during this journey. The friendships I formed with fellow Top100 finalists became the highlight of the experience. We were all there to support each other, which made the night even more special, regardless of the results. 

– Arya Lohar 

 

7. Okay, we want to wrap this up with a total movie moment – the kind that leaves us all inspired and emotional. We. Want. To. Cry. So, what was your teary-eyed, heartwarming moment?

The train ride home after the awards night was a special moment for me. As I watched the city pass by, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.  

The recognition in the AFR, the connections I made and the opportunities I embraced all felt surreal. It was a quiet, peaceful time where I allowed myself to fully appreciate the journey. My heart was full, not just because of the award, but because of the friendships, the mentorship from the amazing women at Suncorp and memories that came with it. I found myself eagerly looking forward to seeing everyone again, knowing that this experience had brought us closer together. It was a ride filled with contentment and excitement for the future.  

– Arya Lohar 

All the friends you make from the Top100, I still keep in touch with till today. 

Make sure to be open about introducing yourself, and converse with other candidates. Most importantly, listen to what they are saying. 

– Anthony Cao 

Commonly asked questions about Top100 (a rapid fire section for your burning questions – because we don’t want excuses for not applying.💪) 

I’m a first-year student, can I still apply?

Yes, you can. Marcus did it as a first year student and made it to the Top100! As long as your studies continue into 2025, you can apply. Full application eligibility details here. 

I’m an international student, can I still apply?

Yes! International students are so very welcome to apply to the Top100 competition. We love that diversity. As long as you’re studying at an Australian university (UTS, hopefully 😉), and reside in Australia during those studies, you are good to go. Full application eligibility details here. 

What steps are in the Top100 process?

There are 6 steps: application, SHL skills testing, video interview, assessment centre, awards night, and Australian Financial Review publication. Find out more here. 

When is the closing date for the Top100 applications?

Applications for Top100 close Monday 9 September 2024. So be quick. Apply now. 

Closing

Be brave. Nerves are normal. Your fears and doubts? Totally relatable. But don’t let them stop you. Do it with fear. 

It’s going to be hard work, so get ready to sharpen those interview and job assessment skills. 

Okay but right now, *claps assertively*, the biggest thing to do is act FAST. Tackle the giants later. Applications close in 2 days, so apply now! 

Apply here  

Featured image courtesy of GradConnection (SmugMug).