Business and Law students steal the spotlight at UON’s inaugural placement awards ceremony

It was an evening of celebration and reflection at the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus earlier this week, as students on yearlong placements within the Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) were recognised for their achievements from the past year.

On Tuesday (6 June), second-year students – alongside friends, family and representatives from their workplaces – were cast in the spotlight to reflect on their first taste of industry work and the successes they have achieved.

Students at the University of Northampton are offered the opportunity to complete one year of work experience – also known as ‘placement’ – between their second and third years of study to equip them with valuable industry experience ahead of graduation.

Shortlisted students were nominated by their respective industry placement providers in recognition of their success across five award categories: FBL Undergraduate Student Placement of the Year 2023 (Public/Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises), FBL Undergraduate Student Placement of the Year 2023 (Large Companies), Professionalism in the Workplace Award, Change and Innovation Award, and High Achiever Award.

One placement provider was in return nominated by students for the Placement Provider of the Year 2023 in recognition of the valuable workplace opportunities they provide.

FBL Undergraduate Placement Coordinator, Laura Swallow said: “It was fantastic to see our placement students return for the awards ceremony.

“Many of the students have been away from campus for the past year, working within their chosen industries and developing themselves as professionals. It was wonderful to reconnect with them in person, hear all about their experience and celebrate their successes as recognised by our placement providers.

“This was the first placement awards ceremony hosted within the Faculty of Business and Law, and it will certainly not be the last!”

The students have now reached the end of their placement year and will return in September to complete their third year of studies with the University of Northampton – before launching into the world of graduate work in 2024.

The winners of each category were as follows:

FBL Undergraduate Student Placement of the Year 2023 (Public/Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises)

Awarded to Tsungai Mutyavaviri by UON’s Placement Team Senior Administrator, Dawn Davidson in recognition of overall outstanding success demonstrated in the student’s placement role.

Tsungai’s nominations recognised her “consistent demonstration of an unparalleled level of commitment, professionalism and willingness to push boundaries and strive for excellence.

“Tsungai had impressive time management skills, excellent communication with internal and external customers, and fostered a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the workplace to enhance the overall team dynamic.

“Her work showed a significant improvement in productivity levels and promotion of new growth within the company, and she served as an inspiration to colleagues with her positive and infectious nature.”

FBL Undergraduate Student Placement of the Year 2023 (Large Companies)

Awarded to Ben Hiden by UON’s Changemaker Hub Employer Relations Manager Sam McKay in recognition of overall outstanding success demonstrated in the student’s placement role.

Ben “had already spent a considerable amount of time within the industry before the placement began and consistently demonstrated enthusiasm, commitment, reliability and high employability skill.

“He was highly organised and hit the ground running on placement. He was respectfully challenging, leaving nothing to chance and took complete responsibility for his own workload, and can be thoroughly relied upon to complete all tasks under him.”

“Ben is a fantastic representation of our university within the workplace.”

Professionalism in the Workplace Award

Awarded to Drishtee Bhowaneesing by FBL Work Based Learning Lecturer Jen Cartwright in recognition of demonstrating the skills, knowledge and confidence to perform to the highest standard expected within their role.

Drishtee was attributed as “dedicated, professional and demonstrated an unwavering positivity throughout the placement year.

“She conducted herself with the utmost professionalism throughout their placement, consistently adhered to company policies, demonstrated a strong work ethic and consistently met deadlines with outstanding results.

“Her ability to maintain composure, even in high pressure situations, was truly commendable.”

Change and Innovation Award

Awarded to Chelsea Smart by FBL Career Development Consultant Danny Mirza in recognition of creating a positive or innovative change within their organisation.

Chelsea “used her personal experience to inspire change and innovation and advocate for inclusivity within her organisation.

“In doing so, she has harnessed the power of technology to help people with additional needs and actively sought to alter the culture of her workplace to ensure diversity isn’t just tolerated, it is celebrated.

“Chelsea is an exemplary student who has shown that personal growth, technological innovation and societal impact are not mutually exclusive, but highly intertwined.

“Her remarkable role encourages us all to look beyond our job roles and strive for impactful change wherever we are.”

High Achiever Award

Awarded to Jamila Ssail by FBL Work Based Learning Lecturer Marie Alty in recognition for going above and beyond within their role.

Jamila “was very proactive within her role, using her initiative – even in situations which were above and beyond their paygrade. She demonstrated an outstanding contribution towards her placement provider.

“She was able to raise the achievement of others within their workplace, which is a fantastic skill to take forward with her into her graduate career.”

Placement Provider of the Year 2023

Awarded to Alysia Caring by Tatianta, a representative from one of the leading UK Placement websites, RateMyPlacement in recognition of the outstanding contribution and support from our placement providers, which can be in the form of mentoring, training or opportunities created for our students.

Nominations were received from students currently on placement, and provides an opportunity for UON to say thank you for our employers and the opportunities their provide to our students.

Alysia came very highly commended for “providing a supportive and welcoming environment, friendly and approachable colleagues,

“She provided an emphasis on mentoring and provided many opportunities for professional development, encouraging new ideas and thinking outside the box.”