National recognition

6 March 2018

Two students holding awards — Ryan Hale and Elizabeth Pescud at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards 2018.

Two Cardiff University students have been recognised for their work placement and internship success at the annual ceremony of the National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards in London.

Elizabeth Pescud, a final year undergraduate studying BSc Business Management, took home the Best Placement Student Award and her classmate Ryan Hale won the Best Intern Award.

The winners, both from Cardiff Business School, were singled out for the outstanding contributions they made to their host companies.

Elizabeth, who spent her integrated placement year with Deloitte as a Technology Consultant in Zurich, said: “After such an amazing placement experience, it's really great to have been recognised at a national level at the NUE Awards...”

“The event itself was very cool; I got to meet like-minded students and network with employers at an amazing venue. It highlighted the ever-growing importance of gaining experience alongside university studies.”

Elizabeth Pescud Final year BSc Business Management student

Ryan completed his internship with Arriva Trains Wales working on the UEFA Champions League Final while studying the BSc Business Management with Integrated Work Placement. This unique degree course offers students the opportunity to undertake a 20-week credit-bearing work placement within a three-year programme of study.

“I was always focused on getting as much from the six months as I possibly could, from both a self-development perspective but also in a way that allowed me to add as much value as possible back into the business.”

Ryan Hale BSc Business Management with Integrated Work Placement student

“But receiving national recognition for my achievements during my internship is something that I never expected. And so, winning the Best Intern award was an incredibly proud moment.”

Alongside Elizabeth and Ryan, Alex Stickler, a BSc Economics and Finance student and 2017 TARGETjobs’ One to Watch, was also shortlisted for the NUE Awards. Shortlisted under the Best Intern category, Alex took the School’s tally to three students - more than any other in the UK.

Professor Martin Kitchener, Dean of Cardiff Business School, said: “This is a significant achievement and I’d like to personally congratulate Elizabeth, Ryan and Alex on behalf of all at the School...”

Professor Martin Kitchener Professor of Public Sector Management and Policy

“Elizabeth and Ryan have gone one step further and found success on a national scale. They are ambassadors for the School’s careers and employability services and I wish them continued success as they enter the business world this summer.”

The awards ceremony saw 500 people celebrate the outstanding achievements of employers, universities and students in the field of undergraduate work experience.

Attendees were also treated to inspirational speeches from Team GB Paralympian Ade Adepitan MBE, Chief Executive of the Institute of Student Employers Stephen Isherwood (ISE), Mike Grey a Senior Consultant at Gradconsult and Cathy Hyde Client Partner at White Label.

Dr Sue Bartlett, Director of Employability and Skills at Cardiff Business School, added: “We work closely with the local, national and international business community to offer placement and work experience opportunities to all of our undergraduate students...”

Professor Sue Bartlett Head of Accounting and Finance, Professor of Accounting and Finance

For more information on the range of opportunities to gain work experience whilst studying for your undergraduate degree, contact Alex Hicks, Cardiff Business School’s Placement Manager.