The Shell Step Programme's Local Finals represent an opportunity to showcase the achievements of students who had been on placements in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.

The event was held at the University of Lincoln, which, for myself, turned out to be a arduous 2 hour journey through dozens of villages thanks to the fact that we left the A1 far too early.

In preparation for the event we each had to write a 1500 word report and prepare 7 minute presentation based on our placements. The general consensus around the atrium in the morning was “I really don't want to this!”, but I think as the saying goes “the anticipation of death is worse than death itself”.

We were then quickly briefed and dispersed, with half staying in one lecture theatre and the remainder going to another one. Me and Kirstie were allocated to separate rooms; thus, were unable to watch each others presentations. Although, speaking with people afterwards they noted that she gave a good presentation. I was pleased for her because I knew that she was, like many others, a bit nervous beforehand.

As the morning progressed, there were some interesting presentations...and some not so interesting ones. Some students, unfortunately, were unable to grasp the idea that we were suppose to be explaining how we had been enterprising, not giving a less than concise review of their company's history.

I delivered my presentation after a lunch break. Arriving at the lectern I was a little nervous, but when I got into the flow I felt more confident. I think planning what you're going to say can take you 90% of the way to a successful presentation, fortunately I had planned!

After the presentations had all taken place the judges deliberated and I got a chance to see how people did. The majority of people that I spoke to were happy with how their presentations went, and felt more confident because of the experience.

Then was the the announcement of the top 6 students who were required to re-present in order for the judges to choose a winner. To my surprise I was named as one of the top 6, which I am very proud of; with the drawback that I had to re-present...and I was first on. However, the second time around I was more confident and felt the presentation went very well.

Before the winner and runner-up were announced, we all received certificates and books for our efforts. I think that we all agreed on who the winner would be, and unsurprisingly we were right. Second place was closer though, but once again a very good candidate took the runners-up spot.

Meeting fellow Step Programme students it was very interesting to get an insight into what they had been doing in their placements. The standard in the competition was very high and although I didn't win, it was a great experience to take forward; with the added bonus that I got my picture in the Lincolnshire Echo for getting to the final 6.

 

Thursday September 4th saw the Shell Step finals event take place at the University of Lincoln. As you may already know, Uptonaway Media has taken on Adrian Di-iorio and myself, Kirstie Cove, over the summer as part of the Shell Step student summer training scheme. As our placements are now coming to an end we were invited to the finals event to give presentations on our experiences with Uptonaway.

We arrived in Lincoln early on Thursday morning and met with other students across the counties of Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire who had also undertaken placements over the summer. After a quick briefing, we were split into two groups and gave presentations in front of 3 judges and an audience consisting of the other students, their employers and some parents. After conquering my nerves I managed to give my presentation covering topics such as who Uptonaway are, what my project was, the successes and benefits of the project and what I will be leaving with the company.

After a lunch provided by the university, the judges made their final decisions as to which 6 would have to present again in the afternoon before two winners were picked overall to go through to the regional finals where they would compete for a place in the national final. I didn’t envy the judges their decision as the presentations I saw in the morning were all given to an extremely high standard, but eventually they came to an agreement and well done to Adrian who made it into the top 6.

The finalists presented again in the afternoon in front of an even bigger audience and before the winners were announced all the students were presented with their Shell Step certificates. Unfortunately, Adrian didn’t go through to the regional finals but gave a brilliant presentation. Although the day did drag on towards the end, it was nice to see what everyone else had been getting up to on their placements and to share my experience. Personally, I’ve had a fantastic summer and thanks must go to Chris for giving us the opportunity to work with Uptonaway and for all the help and support he has given us.