A few months have passed since the Top100 Future Leaders Event, and GradConnection caught up with some of the finalists and winners for their feedback on the competition process.
The competition process was designed to emulate the typical recruitment process that graduates or to-be graduates undergo when applying for a graduate program. It covers online applications, psychometric testing, video interviews and for the final Top100, an assessment centre.
Many enjoyed the application process and reflected that the online test, and interviews were a good way to practice.
Here are some students’ opinions on different steps in the Top100 process:
Online Interview:
“The online interview was a really great inclusion because so many graduate employers are starting to use online recorded interviews. I have completed three other Vieple interviews for vacation positions. It takes some getting used to so practice is valuable.”
Assessment Centre:
“The Assessment Centre was really a lot of fun. Everyone that I met was great to work with and it was well organised. The representatives from Orica at my table assessed us during the process without making it artificial or awkward.”
The Top100 Event:
“The closing event was an amazing experience, and it was obvious that GradConnection really went all out with it. It exceeded all of my expectations and was a great opportunity to make friends with other young and ambitious students, along with a range of company representatives.”
Post-Event Experience:
One student was offered a part-time undergraduate position with Jacobs Engineering, one of the Top100 sponsors, and is currently three weeks into the role. She is currently enjoying her work in the industry and the exposure to a professional environment.
"I really could not believe the opportunity... I am very grateful to both Jacobs and the GradConnection process."
"In my first week, I had to write a tender and use programs I have never used before. This is week 3 and the people are all lovely and professional. I am settling in and am pleased to see practical applications of the material I am learning at University. I now work part time and continue to study part time."
For her, winning the GradConnection Top100 has been a big leap forward. She states: "[It] has provided validation for all the commitment and effort I had put into a career change and it has changed my job, my career and my life."
It has also increased her understanding of the industry, and positivity towards the company. "I applied to do international exchange next semester and Jacobs are supprtive of that to still go ahead. They indiated that I can work remotely out of their Prague Office. Such a flexible company and an amazing opportunity that I am so grateful for."
