NUE Awards 2020

23 April 2020

Group of students at awards ceremony — Daniel, Will, Kate and Sioned’s successes in winning, being highly commended and being shortlisted marks bumper year at NUE Awards 2020

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

Daniel Hengstenberg, a third-year undergraduate studying BSc Business Management, took home the Best Intern Award, while his classmate William Partridge picked up the Best Student Contribution to a Small to Medium-sized Employer (SME) Award.

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

Man receiving award at ceremony — Daniel Hengstenberg, Best Intern at NUE 2020

Daniel, who completed his Integrated Work Placement as a Supplier Account Manager with e-procurement experts Mercateo UK, said: “The NUE Award gave me a great sense of achievement. Being recognised externally for the effort and the work I put in during my internship. It’s paid off and I’m proud of that...”

“What I enjoyed most about this experience is being part of a small team. I had a lot of responsibility and saw the positive impact my work had upon the company.”

Daniel Hengstenberg Third-year undergraduate studying BSc Business Management

Directly responsible for the growth of the business’s product offering, Daniel has accepted a year-long placement role to rejoin Mercateo this summer.

“I’d recommend any student to carry out an internship or placement as part of their degree. It allows you to put theoretical knowledge you’ve learned at university into practice and develop skills that’ll help your future career, ultimately preparing you for life after university,” he added.

William is the first ever winner of the Best Student Contribution to a SME Award, a category introduced this year by RMP Enterprise to reward students who have made an impact in a small business.

Reflecting on his Professional Placement Year at Europe’s fastest growing exhibition company Prysm Group, William said: “The NUE Awards was an amazing event with great food, drinks, speakers and networking opportunities. It meant a great deal to me to have the opportunity to celebrate my achievements and hard work together with Daniel, Katherine and Sioned and the Opportunities Zone Team.”

Man collects award at ceremony — William Partridge, Best Student Contribution to a Small to Medium-sized Employer at NUE 2020

Christian Yandell, Managing Director at Prysm Group, said: “Will continued his upward trajectory, hitting sales targets on a consistent enough basis to mark them out for promotions. This progression through the business has never been seen and should be recognised for the achievement that it is, outstanding!”

“I couldn't recommend pursuing a placement year or internship more. Not only is it a great opportunity to take time out of studying and ‘switching things up’ as it were, but the skills, knowledge and experiences I gained whilst working at Prysm Group will stay with me forever.”

William Partridge Third-year undergraduate studying BSc Business Management

Genuine and measurable impact

Katherine Kirkup, a final year BScEcon Economics student, was also recognised for her workplace achievements.

While she came up just short of the top prize in the Best Placement Student category, she was highly commended by RMP Enterprise, a testament to her genuine and measurable impact on placement.

Woman receiving award at ceremony — Katharine Kirkup was highly commended in the Best Placement Student category at NUE 2020

Katharine, who completed her Professional Placement Year as Student Economist in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “I gained a really hands-on experience which gave a lot of insight into the civil service as well as a career as an economist...”

“There were so many opportunities to improve my skills and the experience has massively increased my confidence. I did work I was proud of, and so it felt great to see that the impact I made in my placement recognised at the NUE awards event.”

Katharine Kirkup Final year BScEcon Economics student

“I definitely feel more confident applying to grad jobs with this experience on my CV.”

NUE Awards official film

In its eleventh year, the NUE Awards reward and celebrate the outstanding achievements of employers, students and universities in undergraduate work experience across the UK.

This year, four undergraduates from Cardiff Business School were shortlisted representing the School’s highest number of shortlisted students to date. With so many students shortlisted, Cardiff Business School accounted for four of the 15 hopefuls nominated for placement awards at the national event.

“Excellent work, and a major achievement”

Professor Rachel Ashworth, Dean of Cardiff Business School, said: “On behalf of all at the School, I’d like to offer many congratulations to our NUE Award winners and nominees...”

“To be highlighted on the national stage for the individual contributions you’ve made to your organisations is a brilliant achievement. To make such a big difference in a very short space of time is remarkable and testament to all your hard work and dedication. I hope this experience and sense of achievement will stay with you as you go from strength to strength in your future careers.”

Professor Rachel Ashworth Dean and Head of School

“My thanks also go to Alex Hicks, our Placement Manager, and his team for all their work and support of those on placement this year and every year. Without you all, these success stories would not be possible!”

Professor Damian Walford Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, added: “I was delighted and proud to hear of Daniel, Will, Kate and Sioned’s successes –– in winning, being highly commended and being shortlisted –– for the National Undergraduate Employability Awards. Excellent work, and a major achievement...”