Applying for the National Security Undergraduate of the Year Award

Ylldrit Miftari

In my second year at university, I was actively searching for placement opportunities when I came across the Undergraduate of the Year awards on the targetjobs website. Among the various categories, the AWE National Security Award stood out to me. It sounded like a prestigious and meaningful recognition, especially for students interested in national security and public service. That curiosity led me to explore the application process, understand what makes a successful candidate, and reflect on whether I could see myself in that position.

The Application Process

Each award listed on the targetjobs website has its own description and entry requirements, so reading carefully is essential. Since I picked AWE’s award, here’s how the process worked for me.

AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment) is a UK government contractor responsible for the design, manufacture, and support of nuclear warheads. Their mission and values align closely with national security, which made the award particularly relevant to my interests.

Initial Registration & Questions

The first step was completing a registration form and answering questions set by AWE. I took my time with these, saving my progress and only submitting when I felt confident. I made sure to highlight how my skills and experiences aligned with AWE’s values, which I had researched thoroughly on their official website.

Online Assessments

Next came three online assessments: a situational judgement test, a work-based personality questionnaire, and an interactive general ability test. To prepare, I used practice tests from Graduates First. These helped me identify and correct mistakes, boosting my confidence and performance.

Interview Stage

For the interview stage, I booked a mock interview with my university’s careers team. Their feedback helped me refine my answers and prepare for common questions. The actual interview was a Microsoft Teams meeting, which felt more personal than a phone call. I also used ChatGPT to generate practice questions and refine my application wording. Keeping notes handy gave me reassurance during preparation.

Finalist Stage & Awards Ceremony

When I received the email saying I had made it to the Top 10 Finalists, I was shocked — and over the moon. I was thrilled to make it, alongside these amazing finalists — a moment captured in one of my favourite photos from the day.

The awards ceremony in London was a memorable experience. There were so many people: other finalists, recruiters, and the AWE team. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but the networking opportunities were incredible. I had the chance to speak with professionals from different industries, learn about their career paths, and share my own journey. These conversations gave me valuable insights and helped me build connections that could support my future career.

After introductions and networking, we sat down at our designated tables to enjoy a three-course lunch and hear from guest speaker Jamie Laing, who spoke about his university experience and the journey of building his confectionery business Candy Kittens. One key lesson I took from him was: it’s better to give something a go, fail, and try again — rather than not attempt it at all.

Even though I didn’t win, I left feeling empowered. The most rewarding part was meeting new people and hearing their stories. Learning from others’ experiences gave me insights I could take forward into my own career.

Key Takeaways

What I learned from this experience is that anything is possible if you take action. You never know what doors might open for you. Here are some key points I took away from this entire process:

• Tailor your CV and cover letter carefully to match the application.

• Dress appropriately for interviews — both in-person and online.

• Do your research: it shows genuine interest and preparation.

• Seek help from others, whether that’s careers advisors, mentors, or peers.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

• Most importantly, don’t give up. Even getting partway through a process like this is an achievement, and every stage is a chance to learn.

• Ask yourself: what makes you stand out from other candidates? Highlight that, and own it.

Looking back, I’m grateful I took the leap and applied. I didn’t come away with the trophy, but I walked away with connections, experiences, and lessons that are far more valuable. And that’s something anyone can achieve — as long as you give yourself the chance.