Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Economics student in the finals for the TargetJobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards

Header image for article

Economics student in the finals for the TargetJobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards

We are very pleased to announce that Jenny Guo, a second year undergraduate student (BSc Economics) has been named as a finalist for the First Generation Undergraduate of the Year 2021 Award.

The TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards is a competition open to students across the UK where they can win prizes such as placements, internships and trips abroad with internationally recognised organisations. This year there were 9 different awards that cover a range of academic subjects and skillsets with over 5,000 students applying with 200 making it to the second stage of the competition.

To make it to the final of the Undergraduate of the Year Awards students had to first complete an application, including essay style questions and online tests. Once passing that stage students were either invited to a telephone interview or take part in an assessment centre. HSBC, who sponsored the prize, have been extremely impressed with Jenny and she was invited to the grand final which took place on Friday 30 April. Although Jenny didn’t win the prize, we congratulate her on the fantastic achievement of making it to the top 10 in the country for this category.

We asked Jenny to reflect on the competition as well as her time at Warwick and here is what she said:

What made you enter this competition?

As the first person in my family to attend University, I thought this competition would be a great way to gain new opportunities, build my confidence and network. I found out about this competition through an email from TARGETjobs.

What did you have to do as part of the competition?

As part of the competition, I had to complete an online application with three questions specifically set by HSBC. Following that, I had to sit a couple of online tests and participated in a virtual assessment consisting of solving a business problem in a set time.

What was it like to attend the final ceremony which was a virtual event? The virtual ceremony was great - we got a lovely picnic hamper sent to us the day before with lots of treats and had the chance to network with fellow finalists, HSBC staff and Rachel Riley!

What was the top prize in your category?

The prize is a paid summer internship with HSBC, one-to-one mentoring sessions and a breakfast meeting with a senior manager.

What have been the highlights of your degree course at Warwick to date?

The Economics degree is intellectually rewarding, at times challenging, but I enjoy the module flexibility, which has enabled me to pick topics like Development Economics and Applied Economics. Another highlight is the diverse range of people at Warwick and the long-lasting friendships that I have built. I have learnt so much from chatting to fellow peers, be it about seminar problem sets or discussing recent market news.

What is your favourite module?

My favourite module this year has been Macroeconomics (EC201). Despite the virtual environment, our lecturers, Roberto and Federico were very engaging, and I enjoyed learning about the new macro concepts.

What student societies do you engage with and why?

Student societies have been a major part of my University life. One highlight was co-founding Warwick Women in Economics Society last year and I have been on the exec team for EconSoc and Warwick Women’s Careers Society. Last year, I was also a student consultant for Warwick Consulting Society working on a project for a FTSE 100 FMCG company. I try to get involved in many different societies as I think it is a great way to meet new people and gain the practical skills needed for the workforce.

What can you tell us about your role of Co-president of the Warwick Women’s Careers Society?

In a nutshell, my role is to ensure the society functions effectively and help expand WWCS to a greater level in line with our vision: unlocking female employment potential in all sectors. I am very excited to lead the society for the upcoming year and work with other incredible female students!

What are you planning to do after graduation?

I will be doing an investment banking internship this summer and hopefully, I can convert that into a graduate role. I am also exploring MSc/MBA routes following graduation.

What are your longer-term career plans?

I am currently interested in a career in investment banking or consulting, but ultimately, I’ve always wanted to set up my own business one day. I am also very passionate about volunteering, so I hope to also travel in the future to do charity work and give back to local communities across the world.

Related Links:

TargetJobs First Generation Undergraduate of the Year 2021

Warwick Women in Economics Society

Warwick Women's Careers Society

Warwick Economics Society

Warwick Consulting Society