Two Loughborough students have been announced as finalists for this year’s awards in the following categories:

• Black Heritage Undergraduate of the Year 2022 – Samuel Ola, BSc Business Analytics
• Future Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Undergraduate of the Year Award 2022 - Onabikoa Aliakai, BSc Accounting and Financial Management

The Black Heritage Undergraduate of the Year category was open to students who had driven positive change within their institution, breaking down barriers and inspiring others.

Samuel has the chance to win three weeks of work experience at Sky, collaborating with professionals across a variety of business areas in addition to receiving one-to-one coaching sessions.

Onabikoa was nominated for the CFO Undergraduate of the Year Award by demonstrating her commercial mind and entrepreneurial spirit as well as the personal qualities needed for a future business leader. If Onabikoa wins her category, she will be awarded a sponsored study package to qualify with CIMA, alongside being personally matched with a CFO mentor and gaining access to high-profile events throughout the year.

Speaking about his nomination, Samuel said: “It is a true honour to be recognised as one of the top 10 Black Heritage Undergraduates of the Year, it just goes to show that consistent hard work really pays off! A big thank you to targetjobs and Sky for organising and creating opportunities for black students to be celebrated for their achievements.”

Onabikoa added: “It feels refreshing to be able to make such strides as a young, African woman. Glory be to God.”

Now in its thirteenth year, this year’s awards are amongst the most diverse, with 12 awards partnered by leading employers and professional bodies including AECOM, CIMA, Clifford Chance, Clyde and Co, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, HSBC, Rolls-Royce, Sky and Skyscanner.

From almost 4,000 applications, reaching the final is a huge achievement for the 120 student finalists, including Samuel and Onabikoa. All entrants were required to complete an application, an online assessment with situational, numerical and inductive reasoning tests devised by SHL and a range of interview stages. This ensures the employers also have a pipeline of excellent potential candidates for future placements and graduate vacancies whilst also offering a perfect opportunity for students to enhance their employability skills.

The targetjobs team worked closely with universities across the UK including department heads and careers services, supporting them to promote the awards to their students.

More information about the awards can be found here.