Loughborough University Civil Engineering graduate, Caleb Meakins, has been named “Graduate of the Year” for 2013 in a competition run by UK Job sites Adzuna & Milkround.

The competition set out to find Britain’s brightest and best academics, artists, entrepreneurs, sportspeople and social contributors. Caleb beat off thousands of entrants from over 100 UK universities to win the title following a public vote.

He was nominated for his “My 40 days” campaign. The idea behind was to undertake and document 40 challenges submitted by the public deemed ‘impossible to achieve’. The was to shape the way Caleb dealt with failure and to inspire optimism amongst graduates across the country, showing failing can be a valuable experience.

Caleb graduated from the University in 2012 and is currently employed as a Global Poverty Ambassador at the Global Poverty Project. During his time at Loughborough Caleb won one of the University’s Think Big awards which celebrate student enterprise.  

On hearing he had won Caleb said:

“I am delighted to have won. I never thought I'd be in with a chance of winning but one thing the 'My 40 Days' project has taught me is - if you don't try you don't get, hence my new motto - 'He Who Dares Wins'. It's paid off! I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received, especially through social media.”

Andrew Hunter, Co-founder of Adzuna said: “Competition among graduates is tougher than ever for university leavers, with over 50 graduates fighting it out for every job. It’s great to see exceptional talent like Caleb carving his own path, inspiring other graduates and thinking in an entrepreneurial way. It’s young talent like this who we are proud to be supporting straight out of the blocks. ”

Alex Sydney, Head of Marketing at Milkround said: “We were blown away by the talent this year and the whole initiative has been a real testament to the hard-work from all the finalists. Caleb’s entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm really shone out. I have no doubt this is the first of many achievements for him and he’ll continue to inspire the next generation of graduates.”

The University’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Enterprise, Professor Steve Rothberg commented: “I am delighted that Caleb’s entrepreneurial drive and enthusiasm has been recognised with this award. We also recognised Caleb’s talents in 2012 when he won the Social Enterprise award in our Business Ideas competition. I wish him all the success for the future.”

As winner Caleb will receive a cash prize as well as an internship with one of Britain’s top companies and a CV clinic with a top UK entrepreneur.

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