Rebecca Jackson (BSc Marketing) and Michaela Addai- Poku (BSc Business and Management) have won the KBS Stage 2 Employability Prizes Sponsored by the Bright Network for their employability pitch.
The Bright Network operates as a platform that brings together ambitious students, recent graduates, and young professionals from various fields of study and disciplines. It offers a range of services and benefits designed to help members enhance their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately secure rewarding career paths.
The students involved in the competition completed an application for a live job vacancy and created a five minute recorded PowerPoint presentation. Those who took part needed to evidence their motivation in applying for the role, their commercial awareness of the company and how they met the competencies asked for in the person specification using the STAR approach.
The two winning students received the prize of a £50 Amazon voucher and a coaching session from Bright Network Coach and Author Jake Schogger.
Winner, Michaela remarked: ‘I actually found the assignment incredibly useful! It really helps you to analyse potential jobs and see what job really matches with your interests. I loved Bright Network coaching session as it was so informal which made me feel like I was getting advice from a friend rather than a coach. The advice I got was valuable and it made me re-evaluate what I want to do now and when I graduate. A little tip that I got from the coaching session that I would like to share – Make sure your LinkedIn profile is top notch!’
Rebecca, who also scooped the voucher prize, added: ‘I enjoyed the assignment as it was a chance to practice preparing a personal pitch. The coaching session with Jake was super helpful, getting employability advice from someone so successful was invaluable.’
Nicola Urquhart, Lecturer in Careers and Employability said: ‘I was impressed with both students’ efforts. Rebecca choose to apply for a placement with Cummins, which was advertised on the Bright Network website and Michaela choose an internship with Universal Music.
‘I felt they structured their presentations really well and that they had a strong demonstration of commercial awareness and importantly, a clear articulation of how the candidate met the requirements of the person specification. They also had incredibly engaging presenting style and adherence timing.’
A huge congratulations to both students from all of us at KBS.