Full name: Katharina Gammel
Age: 23
University attended: Aston University
Course studied: International Business and Management
Introduction
I entered the TARGETjobs National Student Challenge
following an e-mail about the competition from TARGETjobs. Initially I thought
it was great practice for numerical testing which obviously all employers use
as part of their recruitment process; I didn't really think that I was actually
going to make it to the big final! The final was an amazing day, we had to
complete different tasks as teams of 10 students which I am sure will be
extremely beneficial for future assessment centers I really enjoyed the activities
and getting to know the other participants who were from all kinds of
universities and courses from all over the UK. We also had the chance to talk
to the sponsors and ask them questions about their graduate programmes as well
as their recruitment processes. I thought the whole day was more fun than
competition, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the amazing Siemens
building where the final was held.
Top tips from the winner
For the first round I would say the most important thing
is to practice. It’s all about speed, and you get quicker at the different
tasks by practicing. This is not only valuable for this particular competition
but for any numerical testing you will have to do when applying for jobs! For the final, I think the most important
advice is to not take the whole experience too seriously. Of course, at the end
of the day it’s a competition, but the employers who rate you during the group
tasks will see if you’re cooperating with others and how you work in a team, so
trying to do everything on your own will not get you on to the podium with this
competition. It’s important to have fun throughout the day and to see the
activities as a learning experience. I really enjoyed myself throughout the day
and I think that’s a big reason why I won in the end!
The last year:
Since winning the competition I was busy completing my
final year at Aston University and applying for a place to do my Masters
degree. I used the money I won to apply to different universities all over
Europe, and I am going to start my MSc in a few weeks in Barcelona.
Unfortunately I haven’t had time to complete my internship with Siemens yet,
but I already know that I have to do another placement as part of my Masters
degree which I am planning to do with Siemens – it’s an amazing company to work
for so I’m excited for it!
Future
In the near future I obviously want to complete my MSc
which I will do in Barcelona and another exchange university outside Europe.
Afterwards I am obviously going to try and find employment; maybe I can stay
with Siemens after my internship next year; if not I am going to try and get a
job at the Rio Olympics in 2016 as I spent my placement working for the London
Olympics in 2012 and I’d love to do it again!
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